(1505) Heaven & Hell Court

[Josephine Sterling]

Another figure appeared within the crimson sphere of the Nox, looking most comfortable in a suit who's appearance was, some would say, rather detestable. That, of course, was the point. The Priscus of Ventrue's appearance this eve was precisely a comment upon appearances, and it was with keen amusement that Josephine apprehended what reaction, if any, the other Kindred would direct her way. She was most curious what others would project upon the riot of color and pattern which adorned her form, far more than she cherished her own analysis of the outfit. Such musings were, of course momentarily broken as she neared those other Damned who accepted their lot in the universe. Tidal waves of roiling intestines, seething with eviscerating teeth, churning flaps of organ, great nets of tendon, and cracked bone all suffused her imagination for those split seconds of surging hatred which arose from the sight of despicable damnation, but such were quickly filtered away and it was with a taught smile that she approached her coterie mate and the unashamed killer known as Yui. Though the Knight gave her pause, she did admire the woman's ability to accept the truth of her nature without flinching.

"Good evening Vivian. Madame Yui. I'm pleased to see you in hell tonight," Josephine offered the two demons in the form of women as she closed the last few feet.

the outfit

[Cabochard]

"Miss...York?" Rina acknowledged the woman with a nod. It was about the same nod she'd afforded the other women as they'd come down the stairs - enough to note that she was aware of her presence, nothing more. Still, it was better than what she'd afforded the Carthian. Miles better. "I do not believe we have. Thank you. I was only doing my duty."

Her eyes jump to the other woman approaching, and then close for a second. Of course she'd decided to wear that much color and get this close. Rina takes a second of staring through half-lidded eyes, letting her senses absorb the mass of information on the bright clothing, before opening all the way again, blinking. "Priestess." Bishop? She was the leader, as far as Rina could tell. Unless the creepy little man was a lot more important than he seemed. No acknowledgment is given to Josephine's full greeting. Rina was in hell by choice. Her approval wasn't relevant.

[Kenneth Gilroy]

Kenneth Gilroy arrived at the official court and took the left path without hesitation. It was an easy an obvious choice. First and foremost in his mind was his covenant affiliation. To be Sanctified was to be Damned. No ifs, ands, or buts. To take the white path bordered on blasphemy. His secondary considerations were far less philosophical, though.

He’d tried to up the standard of his wardrobe this time. The shoes he was wearing were much better than last court. However, fashion was not a strong point for Gilroy. The suit he had purchased was too short in the sleeves. He’d also gotten some expensive rings and a fancy watch. On someone else they might have helped add some dignity. With Gilroy, they just looked tacked on and tacky. Especially with the head cover he’d gone with. Luckily he’d been asked to leave his hat at the coat check upon entry. More than anything, as much as Gilroy had little experience with fashion, he had even less with laundry. The white shirt he had bought for the event had come out of the machine a nice rosy color, much to Kenneth’s dismay. It had been put through the wash twice more with bleach. Now it was only a light uniform pink. It almost looked like it had been intended to be that way in fact. Kenneth wasn’t going to risk anyone noticing though. So it was the side with reddish tint that he walked.

Upon reaching the end of the stairway Kenneth hesitates briefly. There aren’t too many Kndred but they were all more powerful than him and his instincts screamed at him to run. Instead he forced himself to push the fear to the back of his mind. One foot in front of the other he made his way to one of the large groups of Kindred that contained at least some individuals he knew.

Kenneth’s suit

continued here

[Hildegarde Bingen]

White is the colour of purity and as such the colour was often associated with the bride at a wedding feast. Hildegarde, Castellan of the Ordo Dracul, does not necessarily consider herself pure, but she does consider herself to be a bride. A bride of Dracula, no less, wedded to the Order to which she belongs. Upon hearing news of the upcoming Formal Court, the choice had been clear.

At the appointed hour, Hildegarde, Castellan of the Ordo Dracul, flows sedately into the Avalon dressed in white wedding finery. A serpent-like train follows her wherever she goes and her pale face is shrouded in the mystery of the veil. Her movements are slow and paced, hands placed before her - a pose only broken once she reaches the stairs and has to elegantly gather her train before ascending.

With purpose she alights the upper gallery, drifting into posed position where she can see and be seen by those below. Only once she is poised and positioned does the mannikin swivel slightly to silently regard the only other figure in Heaven Gerald Baker Travisc06489

[Konrad Roth]

The Gangrel Priscus slides casually into the scene, the press of Beasts about him. His anger boils inside, a slow cooking pressure that builds in his stomach. He wants to devour them, these simple prey, these pretenders of power. But that would take a lot of effort, and probably wouldn't go the way his Beast has planned. No, better to stay out of sight and not draw attention. There would be time to wait and pick off the weak ones that stroll too far from the group.

Bloodlust. But that is to be expected. Konrad knows most of these folks now, have been exposed to their Beasts before. But it's not any less reason to stay on edge. Stay loose, keep watch, play the game and don't let them know what cards you're holding. Easier said than done.

The theme of the party causes Konrad to pause at the threshold. What's with these stairways? A choice? Damn, I need to talk to the Prince tonight, frets the Savage with a twist of his mouth. Would he choose Heaven or Hell? Invictus Lords like to be on top, don't they? Maybe it doesn't matter. Reluctantly, Konrad chooses the right stair and ascends.

Konrad enters Heaven

The result leads him to the upper gallery where Gerald and the Haunt Priscus, Angel, presides. Fitting.

Konrad approaches her while he has a chance. He can just hear Gerald's smug dialogue in his head and hopes he can do without it for a brief moment longer. He's also grateful for the woman's concealed Beast that he isn't predisposed to want to kill her outright. "Priscus Ducard, how's every little thing?" he asks the Unaligned Nosferatu with a pleasant smirk.

[Gerald Baker]

Anticipation laced with the threat of impending boredom hangs over the Ventrue's head. For him, any time at all spent idle and without entertainment is torture, so his short wait for the next to arrive feels like an eternity. A smile lights his face with the recognition of his own clan's Whip - despite his Beast's unwelcome urging to seek shelter elsewhere.

Given any opportunity, the old rogue will choose flattery over formality. In rare cases, though, he shows a little of both. They are 'family', after all. "Esteemed cousin . You look picturesque." He gives a nod of his head that could almost pass for a bow. Gerald isn't sure what Hildegarde's motivations are for being on the 'right hand path', but a little banter may reveal that in time.

The next entrance is equally pleasing. And either extremely cliche or unavoidable. Ah, l'Ange monte. The Haunt Priscus is also given a nod and smile. Before he can spare a moment to go over and talk to her, Mr. Casual himself arrives and snares her attention. Perhaps when she isn't so busy.

He walks leisurely over to Hildegarde, figuring it would be good to catch up with her first. Small matters of business that would best be addressed before the Prince's announcement come to mind. "Do you have a moment?"

[Asa]

Twist
Mask of Tranquility
Presence ●●● (Seductive), Striking Looks ●● (Delicate)

Asa Clarke
Mask of Tranquility
Presence ●●●●● (Charismatic/Commanding), Striking Looks ●● (Dignified)

Asa and Twist arrive together, dressed for the occasion -- and no question as to which theme they've chosen.

The petite Daeva is striking, appearing nude at first glance, but closer inspection revealing it to be a body suit covered in red and crimson sparkles. Nude shoes decorated in sparkling flames and the signature Louboutin splash of red on the heel complete the look. Like a proper escort, Asa's crimson tuxedo is more subdued, complementing rather than distracting from Twist . As attention demanding as her outfit is, he almost seems a shadow, or long lick of dark flames beside her.

Without pause, they ascend they ascend the crimson stairs on the left. They pause, whether to take in the upper gallery and those below, or to give their inner predators a moment to adjust, unknown. Although none of the bared Beasts present inspire fear, they are all a source of constant inner rage.

Finally, they descend into Court proper.