(1801) Empty Court II

[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.


However the Kindred arrive they are discreetly met and led to the back of the club. 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 red 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 even with the gentle pulse of music from above, the place has the feel of a sepulchre.


The common area circles the Court proper, and it becomes apparent that this is not decorated for a single evening. 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.


Tonight the Court is almost empty. No themed rugs or accoutrements, no circle of chairs or layout of settles to create an intimate space for conversation. There is chair carved from dark stained wood, placed exactly as it was a month before.

Eternal Court is open once more...

Please remember that Predator's Taint is in effect and role-play is expected, or rolls will be asked for!


This is a great place to get Acknowledged

[Lawrence Taft]

Taft finds the Nox on his own, this time. And this time, he's possessed of a singular purpose; one he'd been patiently considering. On this night, the Shadow is freshly shaven - from the top of his head to his chin - and sports another simple, black jacket. He doesn't see a point in trying to peacock around in some fancy suit. It just wouldn't suit him.

Noting the empty throne chair once more, and few others to convene with, he picks a quiet spot to settle into. He makes all the mental preparations for being assaulted by the stronger Beasts. Well, the few that belonged to those unable to hide them. He'd considered learning the trick, himself. If only to be civil.

He prepares for eventuality, as well. For the presence of an old vice, and the uncomfortable memories they would bring. But also for opportunity. If luck would see fit, he'd actually grab management's attention tonight, too.

[Alessandra]

Court.

Once again.

And while it would feel like a unexciting evening for her, there was the promise of two new faces that had made an appearance previous. Which was always exciting, especially giving how low their numbers had been lately.

Closing the laptop on her desk, she stands, and runs a hand down the front of her dress, smoothing any wrinkles that might be there.

It was a white dress with a fitted top and flowing mesh skirt. The skirt hit just above her knee, which didn’t hide the fact that her tattoos stretched above her knees. Yeah, she was covered. And the mesh material of the fitted top gave hints of other tattoos around her stomach, sides and back. Her hair was back to black and flowing around her shoulders.

Black stilettos carried the Reeve into Court, pausing at the entrance, dark eyes scanning the room. Before she saw faces, she felt the press of the Beasts. One that challenged her own for strength, the other weaker, but not by much.

Vivian and the new guy. It no longer surprised her to walk into an almost empty Court.

Walking over, she wrestles with her Beast, not so gently putting it back in its cage, in no mood to deal with it.

A smile appears, as she nods her head, “Madame York, good evening.” Her Coterie mate was looking stunning once again. Even if it was a simple black dress, she still managed to up the sexy factor.

Looking to the intense Shadow, “A good evening to you as well Mr. Taft.” Him coming back was a good sign. Or at least she hoped.

“I do hope you’re both well.” Dark eyes find the chair, once again empty. But her attention focuses once again on the two Kindred in front of her.

[Mable Wood]

Mable went to court knowing she probably wouldn't need to acknowledge anyone, yet she was still hopeful that they would gain some new Gangrel family. Her sense of whimsy and fun was in full force as she dressed in black from head to toe. Her gown was high on her neck in a Victorian fashion. It was lace and velvet to her waist. The skirt was made of raven feathers which fluttered slightly when she walked. Last court she had dressed as a Disney queen, this court she felt more like the Raven Queen.

She walked into court and paused at the door as the small wave of beasts taunted and threatened and shrank away from her own. She ran her tongue over her lips as she calmed her own beast. She wanted to bite and claw everyone here. Instead she pasted on a sweet smile and moved into the room. Briefly she stumbled as her heel caught on a feather. 'Damn', she thought, 'I really hate high heels.'

"Hi, Reeve, Madame York, and ...umm...Mr. Taft" she said in a cheery voice hoping she had gotten the names right. "I see we have an empty chair again. Have we figured out the meaning yet?"

[Lawrence Taft]

The Spider cringes and shrinks back as the first Beast arrives. It barely registers as a blink from the Shadow who houses it. "Ms. York. A pleasure. I see black is catching on, this evening." One brow strays from its fixed position to give just an inkling of curiosity. "Why is that?"

The next arrival begs much of the same of his Beast. At least, so far, all of them had been familiar. Though her revealing dress shows more skin than he remembered seeing. The tattoos paint quite a picture - one Taft had always imagined belonging to foreigners - and reveal a much more modern Kindred than himself. Life had left its imprint on the Shadow... and the man he once was would likely never be completely gone.

"Madam Reeve. It is a good evening." he says with a polite incline of his head. "Made all the better by your arrival." His mouth stretches into a thin-lipped smile. "The evening drew on so long that I missed the chance to speak to Her Grace." A beat. "Will I be chased off the Domain for sticking around without permission?" He hadn't gotten that impression, of course, but he can't help but give a subtle grin. His only indication that it might have been a joke.

A third, unhidden Beast makes its presence known. The Man in Taft, once properly in control of the Beast within, cannot help but feel outclassed. A child invited to sit at the full-sized table with the adults. And all of them so beautiful. On this evening, the Savage's dress is much more to his liking. It reminds him of the style of dresses his mother had worn when he was young. Though the Raven feather certainly gave it a more gothic look. "Just so, Priscus Wood." he says with a smile. Without the smile reaching his eyes, its an almost uncomfortable smile. Certainly one to frighten small children.

The Gangrel Priscus' next remark catches Taft flat-footed. This time, his curiosity manifests as a stare. At the chair, of course. Eyes returning to the speaker, he asks "This was a riddle? What fun! I'll take the first guess, then." he says, eyeing the others in turn. This would be a perfect spot for one of the... 'newly initiated' to speak out of turn. A deliciously grim fate awaited one who would. Taft smiles, at his own dark humor rather than his answer to the riddle. "The chair wants to be filled." he deadpans. All that workup for the plainest of answers. This earns a light chuckle from the Shadow.

[Alessandra]

Her Beast takes notice as an equal makes itself known. Dark eyes look and see Mable making her way over. This was a familiar Beast, yes, but her own still hated to have its dominance threatened. It purred in the Reeves ear to extend her claws and show its strength.

But that wasn’t going to happen. She shoves it back to its place, and bows her head, “Priscus Wood, good evening.” Now the dress? That was, well, different. Were those real feathers? This was one Savage that was unlike others she had met.

Turning back to Lawrence, she smiles, “We will have to remedy that this evening.” She says, before chuckling softly, “No worries about being chased off, the night got late and we understand that.” With a shake of her head, “Should Her Grace be too busy with Domain business to attend this evening, then I’ll take care of your Acknowledgement.” Twist hadn’t entered yet, and she was sure she would descend into Court soon. But, she also knew the Daeva was busy.

Shrugging, “I wasn’t aware it was a riddle. I figured it was His Graces Ghoul going with something unexpected for décor.” And she really didn’t pay it any mind. “But your logic seems reasonable to me.” Riddles were never her thing. She was more of a get to the point type of girl.

Another strong Beast is felt, this time, it was the Carthian Lord. Her Beast once again was angered at someone challenging it, and urged her to paint the walls with his blood.

Again, no.

A smile instead, “Mr Löwenstein, good evening. I hope you're well.” Something was, off, about him this evening. Was he weird about how the Brood had gone down? Or was something bothering him. “Of course not, please, join us.” If she wanted a private conversation with someone she’d take them to her office.

Looking to Mable and then back to Josef, “I wanted to thank you both for the help with the Brood. I’m thankful for the aid and that you both stepped up.” It was true, she was thankful. They didn’t have to help, but they did.

[Mable Wood]

Mable cocked her head at Lawrence in an inquisitive manner when he spoke to her. His lips smiled but not his eyes. How sad he must be. Her forehead wrinkled briefly. Then another beast entered. She shifted her mind as her beast pulled to escape. Her lip twitched slightly as she settled herself again.

"Mr Lowenstein, hello." Mable gave him a warm smile.

Ale thanked them for their help, "You're welcome, but this is my domain also, why wouldn't I step up?" Mable almost sounded hurt that anyone would expect less of her.

[Twist]

Pausing at the coat check to divest herself of her bladed weapons, Twist also used the time to control the reaction of her Beast. She could see figures gathered in the center of Court and her Beast was already reacting to the strength of some of them.

Ignoring how easy it would be to clean the blood from the walls of an un-decorated room, she stepped forward, the fabric of her gown making soft swish sounds as she approached the group.

"Good evening, I hope that everyone's night is finding them well?" she greeted generally as she scanned the faces. Noting who was there. Alessandra herself got a small nod of acknowledgement as did Vivian York.

This city hadn't fallen so far that those deserving didn't yet get their respect from Twist.