(1409) Ballo Della Notte Gathering

[Seryna]

The members of the First Estate had been invited to Ballo Della Notte for the official meeting. Several Kindred had been in meetings in the weeks leading up to this evening in preparation for the events to come. The evening had arrived.


The proper seating would once again be played on a grander scale. Presiding the entrance to the private room where the meeting was to take place reigned a delicately appointed table at hip level, where five crystal vases were set. They were filled with sparkling marbles, each vase was devoted to two colors to represent the Family. Visual representations of the Florentine Code. At the right side of the table were small hooks revealing fine sashes - narrow ones of satin for women, of colors in red and gold, indigo and silver or green and black. At the left side of the table was a wooden shelf where bolder and slightly wider sashes for the men were arranged in an aesthetically pleasing way, set with a few sprays of cloves. Here the colors purple and gold were represented as well as red and gold, indigo and silver or green and black. A glistening glass container holds several fine pens; it is presumed that you are free to take one. A stack of fine high quality stationary is tied with a white organza ribbon, lightly loosened to suggest that you could take a piece of stationary and not disturb a thing at all. A square glass container is on the left center of the table and displays a stalk of bamboo. Encircling the glass container is a bay wreath set with rosemary.

Looking forward, the doorway to the meeting room is draped with blue Convolvulus flowers amid-st white organza ribbon. Reflecting on the meeting and the floral code, one may safely presume that in this context the flowers symbolize dignified calmness, as of manner; composure. Stepping into the room reveals a long table set with the precise number of members plus one. There is a head chair that is slightly taller than the rest of chairs present. Beside the table is a moderate side table in a dark wood. A card is set upon the table, colored in vanilla and stamped in elegant calligraphy that reads Gifts. Upon the table sits several boxes about six inches tall, wrapped in green brocade fabric with a bow tied in a black satin ribbon. Behind the boxes sits a crystal vase, several roses bloom within. The decor here is understated elegance, chair wraps in white.

Tag

@Daniella Sage Walker Cross Asa Clarke Velma Star Yuki Saito Rina Yui Juan Carlos @Zachary Griffiths

[Cabochard]

Rina arrives as early as possible, as befitting her adopted station in the First Estate. She enters quietly, once again wearing her black tunic and pants, although those who had seen it before would note that the pin is conspicuously absent. Her thin indigo and silver sash is set so that it doesn't clash with the tunic, although she can only do so much.

She moves to take a spot at the end of the table furthest from the head, as is her norm, and stands calmly behind her chair, waiting for the rest of the Unconquered to arrive.

[Asa]

Asa had arrived at the theater long before the appointed hour. The extra time was spent sitting in a very particular box, reminiscing. The renewed interest in the theater had come as a surprise. First Court, now this.

To some extent, it bothered him. Offended him. Angered him. The Ballo Della Notte was incomplete without Twist. That would never change, and no one could ever replace her. And yet, it was also an homage. Twist had built something nearly as nonpareil as herself, and it endured.

You're angry that she can't be here, and you're angry that you're being reminded of it.

He stood at the appointed time. Practiced hands straightened the jacket of his black suit, pulled cuffs out of sleeves and adjusted his purple tie. Angry or not, he would not do her the disservice of spoiling her creation with his petulance.

Long, easy strides took him to the room. He paused at the entrance, noting the symbols. An eyebrow quirked as he discovered the omission. Credit where credit was due -- it was a subtle thing, and somewhat surprised him.

Hazelton? Or Sage?

Entering, he paused as he saw the Asp. The anger he'd so recently pushed back swelled and threatened to burst out of his finger tips. The silent pause was several moments longer than simple surprise or politeness as he drew the hate and rage back inward.

"Good evening."

The polite, charming smile was draped over the inner Beast like a missing sash.

[AlphaStrike]

Zachary arrived at the Ballo early, although it seemed a few had arrived before. The black suit and tie, with a white shirt, spoke of professionalism and precision.
As he approached the table and saw the sashes and flowers laid out, the five vases representing the clans were present, but the lack of the red and brown of Clan Gangrel among the sashes couldn't have been more obvious with neons sings. It was like the host or hostess was acknowledging clan Gangrel existed, but not admitting that any were worthy of the name Invictus.

No Gangrel would sully the table tonight? My, my, my.... Looks like someone needs to be rolled around in the dirt.

Zach takes three sheets of the stationary, a pen, and proceeds into the room proper, sash-less. The polite and proper genuflection to the Price of the Domain, and a respectful nod to the new woman Zachary did not recognize. Seeing the boxes wrapped so delicately and labelled gifts, Zachary took one as well. Taking his pen, his paper, and his gift, Zachary steps up to the table and examines the chair layout for a moment, then places the new possessions at the second left hand of the head chair, one chair down from the top of the table. He does not sit, though. Instead, he takes one piece of stationary and the pen, and stands a few feet from the position, and examines the parchment thoughtfully. His mood seems far from brooding though. He examines the parchment playfully, a small smile on his face, like he is enjoying the mental exercise that composing a message to a fellow Invictus brings. His manner seems warm, inviting others to come and speak to him if they wish.

[Cabochard]

Rina grips the chair before her tightly as the Prince enters, her hands threatening to force a decision between its back and her hands as to which will break first as she struggles to not flee before the much more powerful, and angry, Kindred. She focuses on centering herself, trying to simply regain enough control to make the proper genuflections. After far too long, for her, she finally manages to free her hands and move. She bows deeply before Asa.

"Good evening, your Excellency."

As the other man enters, she nods at him as well, trying to stay polite and calm and not let on that anything had just happened.

[Daniella Sage]

The night of the meeting had finally arrived, and it was time for her and Jennifer to step up and show their leadership skills. While she was nervous, as this was undoubtedly a test, she felt confident in her and Jennifers abilities.

One last look was made of her dress and hair before she picked up a nondescript white bag and walked towards the meeting room. Daniella wore an elegant indigo gown with black beading overlay. There was a thin layer of black lace that hung over the bottom half of the dress. Her hair was in a French braided crown, thin strands of hair hung down framing her face, and her makeup was at a minimum.

She looks to Jennifer and Peter with a nod and a smile, her confidence growing with each step. They would enter the room together, showing a united front.

Jennifer wore a shimmering green gown with a full bustle. The skirt was designed to fall in overlaying layers to create depth. The bodice was fitted close to Jennifer's slim frame. The attached red faux stole was arranged artfully over her neck and shoulder to present a modest appearance and prevent the look from seeming too forward. Her medium dark brown hair was curled and pinned atop of her head in a coiled bun, the tails pinned over to create falling tight spirals at her crown. A sprig of blue convolvulus is worked into the sides of the bun.



Jennifer carries a fine leather attache case; within is her Notary Journal. The coterie had been going over the details of the meeting in the Lady Au Pair's office and Jennifer had picked up her journal from this office before they departed. At the decorated table Jennifer pauses to take the satin green and black sash and don it with pride, arranging it carefully to fall just right. Jennifer selects the indigo and silver sash for Lady Au Pair Sage and makes a kind gesture with it for the Lady to prepare so that Jennifer could place the sash without disturbing the Lady's hair or ensemble.

The faithful Whip of Clan Nosferatu held the door as the trio entered, following the ladies in, a silent sentinel defending the First Estate. Sir Baldwin wore his black suit with the dark green shirt and tie of his Clan, along with jade cufflinks and the veridian gold ring that bore the sigil of the Thorned Wreath. He'd shaved, and looked sharp. As Hazelton selected and donned her sash, he did the same, the men's sash settling into place easily. He looked to Hazelton, and silently nodded to her, letting her know that her sash was precisely where it ought to be like a scary, scary mirror.

Another night, another meeting. Who knew what tonight would hold?

After they had entered the room, a deep bow from each is offered to His Grace. There was then nods of the head in acknowledgement of the others present.

[Vampire ST]

@AlphaStrike -- This makes the second (and every) Scene in which Zachary Griffiths has completely ignored the existence of Predator's Taint.

Roll for Frenzy (vs Rina Yui)

[Velma]

As if gently carried by a calm and soft breeze Velma Star entered the room in the Ballo Della Notte where the meeting of Sacramento’s Unconquered would take place.

Appropriately to the place they were meeting at and as a silent and evocative homage to her family’s previous Priscus, Twist, Velma was wearing a petite snug dress reminiscing those commonly used in ballet. It was black and there was a pattern of lace and other embroidery in the form of leaves and flowers intertwined together which added to the motion of Velma’s light and graceful footsteps.

To match the dress the lithe Daeva’s hair was tied up, instead of the usual cascade of blond there was just a simple black strip holding her hair in place. The Harpy was also wearing a touch of make-up, a dab of pink lipstick and a little color over her gorgeous cheek bones which made her grey blue eyes come out even more. On her delicate feet there was none of the usual heels, instead black shoes, once again reminiscing those used in the practice of ballet with a black strip around each of her ankles.

Velma was carrying a black miniature clutch but no other accessories seemed to be visible.

She wasn’t wearing her clan colors tonight as well. But hopefully by the end of the ceremony the sashes would mean much more when combined with the darkest of her ensemble.

Amazingly there was only one beast in the room unwrapped by the veil of shadows… and one which belonged to a shadow. Velma’s mettle allowed her to proceed with no visual clues to her internal struggle. Her eyes moved to the other side though and she noticed one more. A Savage she had seen before. Once again the feeling of trespass upon

As the songstress approached the Prince she produced a graceful curtsy, her hand rolling to the side, unfolding lightly with all the expression a century of singing and performing could lend to her body language.

”Good evening your Grace, a pleasure to see you tonight.” She bade with all the calm and control of someone playing at home. There was a quiet smile across her face as well – she knew.

Blue eyes turned in the Knight’s direction, the trio was still assembled so it made sense for Velma to start picking it apart by addressing one at a time.

”Sir Baldwin, your colors favor you.” There was a respectful nod.

Velma then turned to Daniella and produced a nod of recognition. ”Lady Priscus Sage.” the last of the trio, Jennifer was also greeted with a respectful nod. ”Madame Priscus Hazelton, a lovely dress.” She finally complimented the Haunt’s choice of attire.

After the trio being addressed one by one Velma turned to the other lone shadow. ”Madame Yui.” and nodded in recognition as well.

Finally Velma turned to the Savage and nodded respectfully “Mister Griffiths, how unexpected.”