(1701) Eternal Court

[Yumyumcrow]

Eternal Court

The Nox Populi Nightclub.

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.

As Kindred arrive at Nox, they are discreetly met and led to the back of the club; some may recognize the area leading to rear stairs upward. The space downstairs is decorated in dark, rich woods and expensive furniture. There's a coat room that will also hold one's 'unmentionables'; namely, weapons, at the foot of the stairs. There are also private areas, dark, and furnished with soft couches, as well as meeting rooms with conference tables and chairs, and an area with several televisions. The Court area is decorated with long black and purple silken drapes cascading from floor to ceiling. The lighting is intentionally low, and the dull throb of music upstairs creates a low, rumbling pulse.

The common area circles the Court proper, and it becomes apparent that the decor has changed yet again. An antiseptic smell, mingled with the essence of mint, hangs in the air. Most of the furniture has been cleared away, an act that creates a much greater sense of isolating space; the only relief is found in the main chamber where a dark coffee table and some matching couches have been laid out, close together. Small symbols note areas for Kindred only that branch off of the Commons, which will be necessary once those Kine privileged enough to see behind the Masquerade filter in: ghouls, herd members, or even devotees.

Another evening; another Danse. For some it will their first, for some it shall be their last. After all, this is the Prince's Elysium, and subject to the Laws of the Domain.

New Court. Some existing threads are potentially going to get messy. Welcome, one and all

[Alice Hart]

This new system Alice had created for her clothing was working wonders. Braille tags easily read by seeking fingers told Alice just what article was before her, pencil skirt, kitten heels, and a cashmere turtle neck made up the outfit the Haunt would be wearing for this evening's Court.

Blacks, and grey the tag told her. Alice had to trust the system, lest she ruin herself with fears and anxieties.

The Wraith, coiled, twisting and tugging. Pulling her away when the frozen thing senses a more powerful predator, even as it's fangs descend at the press of others weaker then they, wanting to rip and tear and bite and terrorize.

Practice makes perfict and Alice slips the Wraith back behind cold iron bars, as she waits in Elysium proper to see if anyone had any business with her as Seneschal, or as the (Acting) Priscus of the Haunts.

While a small part of her wished they wanted to deal with Alice.

[Alessandra]

She had actually been in her office, figuring out the layout and all that good stuff. Having an office was new for her, and she kinda saw them as being useless. But giving her position, being in Nox made her available should someone need her, or should shit hit the fan.

The third time she moved the desk, she glanced at her phone, and realized what time it was. Time for another night of Court. Would this one prove exciting? Would there be any new faces? Or would it be like all the others thus far, just a night of smiling and passing the time with small talk?

Shrugging, she straightens her dress, which was just a simple gauzy dress. It was black, of course, and longer in the back than in the front. A belt cinched the waist and tall lased up boots kinda pulled things together. Or so she thought, fashion was not her thing. She grabs her leather coat and slips it on, pulling her long hair, which was a light reddish brown color this night. The black was getting old and she wanted to try something different, and didn’t feel like going blonde again.

Stepping out of the office and making her way into the common area, she pauses. A chance to observe those present, and a chance to sooth her Beast. Which stalked its steel cage, eager to be let out to show its power.

Her eyes find Alice, and she decides to start her night with the Haunt.

“Seneschal Hart, evening.” Greets the Savage with a respectful bow. She knew Alice couldn’t see the gesture, but you never know who was around. “Cute skirt, and that sweater looks soo soft!” She compliments. “Think it will be an exciting evening tonight?” there, small talk, or something like it.

[Twist]

Walking past the coat room, Twist is dressed for theater business as she descends the stairs to court proper. Though some more cold blooded individuals would find the low cut of her blouse alarming in the winter weather, plenty of other hot blooded ones would appreciate the view. Pausing at the bottom step to remove a black mask and tuck it carefully into her purse, she took in the Court.

First was the usual hand of control upon her beast - tonight it seemed a matter of quality over quantity.

Second was the new look of the place. She wondered if it was a statement about the current affairs of the city. A small number of chairs standing isolated in a sterilized environment even as the number of Sacramento Kindred dwindled and opportunities to expand in the voids left behind grew.

In all that emptiness the sound of her heels was sharp and clear as she moved toward the two women already socializing.

"Seneschal. Reeve." To one she greeted with an unseen dip of her upper body, to the other one of her head. "I hope the evening finds you both well."

[Alice Hart]

A greater threat has the Wraith thrashing, willing Alice to move to leave to-Alice turns in the direction of the familiar Italian accent. "Reeve Antinori, good evening." she ducks her head in greeting, "Thank you, and it is." she says with a plastic smile. "With how exciting other nights tend to be...maybe balance favors a calm evening at court. Or perhaps it will venture to show us that what we think is hectic and chaotic is anything but, and prove to us now that there is more craziness that can be done in one night." Even with her particular Curse, Alice's sarcasm is thick.

Another's steps is heard, though there is no press of a Beast from them, which doesn't narrow the option of who they might be. Sacramento's Kindred are few, but the majority knew how to mask their Beast. The voice on the other hand leaves nothing to guess work.

Alice slips into the curtsy, "Your Grace," Righting herself, "It has, Your Grace, I hope the same could be said for your evening?"

[White]

He entered lazily, he just wanted to get out! Could he be blamed? At least he dressed passably, although that was often a failure into itself with this crowd. Half of them super models I swear.

He saw a small closer of women, all familiar faces. He grimaced as he felt the Beast scream in fear. Ah, Deputy, a pleasure as always. He resisted chuckling to himself. By the time he had reached their little cluster he was all smiles. "Deputy," he gave a little bow, "Seneschal" and again, "your Grace," and once more but for half a beat longer. "Putting us all to shame as usual I see. Although I suppose just me tonight." His simper unconquerable. "I have to say the red looks fantastic on you Deputy." He turned to look at her.

[Alessandra]

Ale dips into a deep bow, “Your Grace, a pleasure.” Replies the Savage respectfully. “As well as one can hope, thank you. And you?” she was Reeve, had a small Herd, and unlife was good, nothing to complain about.

“That suit is quite striking on you.” Twist always managed to look stunning when she entered Court. Part of the Savage was a little envious, Twist seemed to look amazing no matter what.

Looking to Alice, “An interesting way to word it,” there was a smile in her tone, “I think a little hectic can make the night more fun and add a since of excitement. Well, granted it isn’t in a Court setting.” Though the same old smiles and greetings and fake smiles got old.

Ah, Jacob.

“Mr Maddox,” greets the Italian, “It’s actually Reeve, Madam Reeve if we were really getting technical." She corrects, not really wanting to get into a title thing right now. Though the error did need to fixed.

“And thank you, I find a simple change in hair color can have a greater effect than a new dress.” She says with an easy smile. “I hope you’ve been well.” See, she can play nice.

[Twist]

Twist smiled in thanks, clearly pleased with the compliments given her. "Thank you. There is always the concern that suits make one look shorter but I think that I have managed to counter such tonight."

"As for my evening- it has been enjoyable so far. This time of year is always good for me in regards to my theater. An evening out at the theater is not only a popular winter event due to being indoors but it makes for a lovely Christmas gift and way to bring in the New Year. I don't know how many marriages have been saved by a last minute run to our box office," Twist replied, her voice light and most assuredly amused at the end.

Pausing she greeted Jaccob with a polite glance and listened contentedly to what was clearly a continuation of the conversation she had interrupted.

Looking over Alessandra, Twist found that she couldn't necessarily disagree with her statement. And this wasn't the first time she had seen a change of hairstyle alter a person, in fact this wasn't even the most drastic change she had seen. "Was the change brought on by anything in particular or simply a routine style alteration?"

[Alice Hart]

Another set of footsteps comes closer, and with his voice, Alice's mood soured. Though, with effort Alice's neutral and polite mask was still in place.

"Priscus Maddox, evening." Instead of chiding the Default Shadow Priscus after his use of 'Deputy' for the 'Reeve'. She stayed silent and let Ale handle it. All the while wondering if he really was that idiotic? Or was his information that out of date.

A hollow sound of laugh escapes Alice, "True enough! And the last time something truly exciting happened at Court..." had to do with Josephine Sterling. Here at the Nox, though after Alice had left for the night, and the night when her Clan hosted Court where the Venture fled into the night. "Well, I'm sure you remember." Alice murmurs, with a shake of her head. Best not to dwell on those thoughts.

Alice falls silent when Twist and Maddox both chime on Ale hair, which the Savage apparently changed. Alice wondered what it looked like.