On the rural fringe north of Sacramento, out where North Natomas and Rio Linda fade into the rural countryside, there was a little hobby farm. Not a big acreage but well situated away from the main roads and screened by a combination of deliberate landscaping and orchards - orchards now ripe with the scent of fruit ready to be picked. The neighbours were not particularly close, and given the properties habit of running through owners briskly, no one really cared much about what went on there. Thanks to the clever landscaping, the adage "out of mind, out of sight," was very much the local mindset.
That was why it was so perfect.
And that was why a certain Mister Marvyn Stax, Librettist of the Invictus, had sought to obtain the property. After all, he had a Formal Court and Tournament to organise.
A line of lanterns cast a warm glow into the rich blue-black of the night: glittering breadcrumbs that lead from the entrance up to the house proper. The house is lit up within and without, a cozy brightness of low wattage bulbs to create a homely glow. Inside it is all fashionable wickerwork and cushions, setting off the red brick of the walls. The courtyard has been prepared for the tournament: a circle for melee and hand-to-hand combat; a line of mannikins for gunplay. There is even a long trestle table filled with expensive food. It is a waste, of course, but Stax has cunningly ensured the food is also serves a decorative purpose for it surely will not get eaten.
The real food stands at attention or else sits with artificial ease. Some of them have even been given leave to go off and play in the pool that Stax had recently added for just this occasion. Some have gravitated to observe the disturbing and strange artistry of the small Carnival troupe. A few brave souls have snuck off into the orchard and are doing what comes naturally.
Marvyn Stax, dressed snappily in up-to-date formal fashion with spats on his black shoes, makes one last round before he waits for the Kindred of Sacramento to appear.
There are other guests of course. The price he must pay for his allegiance. The cost of transacting his business.
This is a Formal Court. All Kindred in the Domain are expected to turn up. Whether or not they join in the festivities is up to them.
Selena Saber Sloth @unlimited_sink Orianna Parable Deltaomega Psychangel Woland deltadream
And yes, if anyone needs to ask:
There is a small, but discreet, security detail on the perimeter; and the herd has been sufficiently to not remember / not speak of the night's events.