(1411) Eternal Court XXXIII

[West]

The Nox Populi Nightclub.

A Latin motto is inscribed over the doorway as one descends The Stairs. It reads in delicate silver lettering:

"Per Ardua Ad Astra" ~ through struggle, to the Stars.

In the heart of downtown Sacramento there is a place of intrigue, excitement and entertainment. The modern flare of this venue is host to exclusive parties. The seduction of this establishment may take you away as you drink, dance and socialize. There are private services available upon request. The best DJ’s in town are in line to play a wide variety of music. Some of you may dine…as long as you have your VIP pass.

A notice is affixed to the wall near the bottom of The Stairs and in the Elevator:

Welcome, Kindred of Sacramento.

Our lower Elysian Field the chambers of our Court Officials, a small dancing area and discrete Feeding Rooms, should you require either. The bathrooms are upstairs, so please inform your Herd and/or Ghouls of its whereabouts. As a reminder, no weapons are allowed which also applies to most Disciplines (This does not apply to city Officials or Deputies) ~ an excepts the use of the useful Mask of Tranquility.

You are able to speak freely in the lower level without worry of any sort of breach. This is a place to socialize, meet and welcome new Kindred to our Domain. Remember, the Principles of the Elysian Fields apply at all Court functions whether Official Court or during times of normal Elysian Fields.

So it was another evening. Another Court. For some it will their first, for some it shall be their last.The Court area is decorated with long black and purple silken drapes cascading from floor to ceiling. Draped in elegant bunches and gathered into valances across door frames and between supporting pillars; the lighting is intentionally low, and the dull throb of music upstairs creates a low, rumbling pulse.

Court is open once more...

Welcome one and all, to the next Court. Anyone may attend! Thank you and good luck
Please remember that Predator's Taint is in effect and role-play is expected, or rolls will be asked for!

[Asa]

Another evening.

He didn't keep count; some nights, he visited Elysium, some nights, he did not. It was an evening that the NFL had left him to his own devices, so he descended the stairs rather than left his office. Dressed in a tailored suit and black tie, he had eschewed his family colors. A rarity for him, but he left that opportunity open for the newly minted Priscus. An opportunity he doubted she'd take, but, there nonetheless.

A faint smile appeared as his eyes swept the room, pausing on the bar, then continuing.

[Chris Wooding]

It wouldn't be the first time that Chris is early to arrive for Court, but he's actually looking forward to the night. Last Court was quiet and strange, for him. But time goes on, and his Requiem has new sensations every night. Maybe because of last Court, the Hierophant is hoping for some positive things more than usual.

Which in this case means that only Vivian has to show up - without a crowd surrounding her.

Oh and another good reason to come early, he did remember that it's the 5th of November. Traditions are different everywhere, but wherever you are, the chance that someone randomly walks around with a torch is just a bit bigger this night. Thus the Shadow is rather safely underground Nox as soon as possible.

He is wearing a dark suit for the evening. People might recognize it, because he's not the kind of person to wear such expensive clothing only one time.

Once he descended the stairs he's surprised to see the Prince already. 'Prince Clarke.' He offers the man a respectful bow, but only as a way of greeting him. He had a lengthy conversation with the Lord of the Domain not too long ago, he shouldn't push his luck again. So he starts to casually wander around...

[Asa]

Asa turned at the voice.

Of course. A Mekhet. The voice had been nothing more than a voice. "Hierophant."

He smiled, mouth still slightly open to continue, when the new arrival entered. As always, the Beast responded first. The red haze of hate washed away any consideration of physical beauty. Here, alone... and he could make Wooding forget the gibbets and crimson stains that would fade to ash.

Slowly the Beast subsided, and he returned a polite nod. They'd yet to be introduced, even if he did remember her -- but he also saw what caught her eyes this evening.

That's awfully convenient.

After all, he'd noticed years ago what caught Wooding's eyes.

His attention turned back to the Shadow. "Do you have a moment?"

[Josephine Sterling]

Superficial. Frivolous. Vapid. For many years, those words had served Josephine as apt descriptors for gatherings such as the one taking place beneath the Nox on this very evening. However, unlike her visage, time did have a remarkable effect upon her mind, and her perspective had shifted rather radically as of late. Most notably, due to her appointment as Priscus. Without such a change in fortune, she would doubtlessly not have come this evening to grace the bowels of this club, and would have instead turned her attention to those mysteries which could be bound in ink, but such was no longer her lot. No, now there was another duty to serve, and it demanded her presence upon nights such as this. In truth, she was glad. After many decades, the leaves of literature and academia had grown much duller under her eyes and her irises and pupils now longed for other horizons. Certainly, a subterranean chamber filled with the damned was not what might normally be described as vast, but when compared to the confines of a books bindings, it seemed far less limiting. A book, after all, was like a machine, and though machines could be gloriously complex, they were not infinite. Eventually, their secrets would be exhausted. The thoughts which dwelt in the minds of the Damned, however, were she to count them, would outnumber of grain of sand upon every coast of the world.

Such was the realm she now stepped into.

Her form was shrouded in her -- now -- oft seen suit specifically dedicated for courtly functions. A black velvet jacket, with satin lapels and silver embroidery, sat over a silver-grey blouse with silver chain clasps, much like her namesake, and black slacks and flats completed her ensemble. A tad severe, some might say, but she thought it produced an elegant statement of refinement without overt decadence, and thus it was favored. Her shoes were not loud upon the floor, but neither was her step silent as she descended the stairs and entered the Elysian Fields beneath the earth.

Yes, it was a fitting name for heathens, she thought idly, noticing the Hierophant engaged with the Prince. A slight bow was offered to both, and then she swept on, deciding to fix her attention upon the giant and the only other shell of a woman present. As they appeared to not quite yet begun talking, it afforded her an opportunity to be more efficient in her socialization.

"Good evening," she said in greeting, becoming a nearly motionless fixture near the two damned. She paused after the greeting, allowing time for her jaw to relax and her infernal hatred of the hell-bound to ease so that her jaw might be turned towards conversation rather than violence.

"I am Josephine Sterling. Priscus of Lords and Ladies. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making either of your acquaintances before."

Vivian York Notaku

[Orianna]

Take Two of get yourself introduced thinks Ale as she prepares herself for Court. Goals for this evening were to arrive on time and meet her Priscus. Learning the local Laws would be helpful as well. A white lacey dress was picked along with her favorite pair of boots, and a black belt was added to show off her waist. She bleached out a chunk of her hair, yet again. Being Kindred had its perks, but having to bleach her hair night after night got old. And regretfully, her guns were left in her hotel room.

Back into Nox she walks, down the stairs and into the den of Kindred. Her Beast rears its ugly head, and pleas with her to flee. Fighting that urge, she continues into the room, eyes scanning for the red hair of Tracy. She frowns slightly as she doesn’t see her yet and hopes to see her Cousin soon.

But for now, she is content observing those present. One Kindred stood out among the others, his charismatic Asa presence strong. Her eyes move on to the giant with the towering presence, seems he was talking with a very enticing woman.

[Chris Wooding]

Within seconds many feelings start to rage through the Mekhet's body. Anger, he feels particularly strong as the need to destroy those who arrive at Court rises. For as far as his Beast is concerned he is the strongest one here. But there's also an immediate feeling of desire as he sees the beauty of Vivian York.

So just before Chris' complete attention is directed at the Prince, he greets the stunning Daeva with a smile, 'Good evening, Vivian.'

Then curiosity becomes dominant, as it so often does with Chris. What could the Prince want?

Asa and Chris continue here