(1802) Empty Court III

[Lawrence Taft]

Such a boiling intensity off this one. Lawrence smiles. By the look on the Asian Haunt's face, he'd interrupted indeed. He tips his head politely, despite the smile.

The Shadow silently thanks his Maker for lacking the need to inhale - the Haunt Priscus in close proximity might singe the inside of his nostrils. Her intuition is on the nose, though. The Reeve has arrived. Even as Taft reigns back on his Beast's desire to hide, she does something unexpected. If the empty chair was a statement, her move is a proclamation.

Whatever family matters his initial targets had to settle, the former Reeve is a far more interesting. He takes a few steps back as Takeda breaks away, and waits his turn as Cynthia offers her respects. Only when an opening appears does he make his own move.

Stepping to a respectable distance from the chair, Taft bows down with both hands open and upturned. Rising, his heavy gaze falls on the Savage Prince. Her posture suggests a disinterested confidence. There could be far worse attitudes to project.

"Your Highness. It would seem you've increased in stature since last we spoke. I wish you well." A takeover without violence. Or, at least, without any violence Taft had seen. However, his interest on the matter would have to wait. Here he is in front of the Domain's new ruler. Respect is far more important than intrigue. "My knowledge is yours to use as you see fit." He then backs away to make room for the next. He's brief, but his desire to know hasn't abated. No doubt he'd relish the chance to speak with the new Prince. Just not tonight.

[Mable Wood]

Mable decided on a deep red velvet dress that went about mid-thigh. it was a simple cut but fun and flirty. She flounced into court, pausing at the door as the rush of beasts collided with her own. Step one accomplished she moved forward. As she did so she noted Ale seated on the throne. A sly smile crossed her face. So it was true. That was all she could think of. Asa must be gone. Ale is taking a stand. Good for her. She felt Ale was a good leader, and she had been instrumental in the domain for a while. But... what had happened to Asa? Her smile slipped a bit. She held back for a little bit as she thought about the implications.

[Alessandra]

And so it begins.

The reactions to her move. A political move, one not many would have dared make. And maybe one she would not have taken if it were not for Twist. Having the Daeva’s support propelled her forward.

Weather it was for the better or not, well, that would remain to be seen. She’d never ascended this far, this was new terrority. And she would be lying if she didn’t admit it terrified her.

The target on her back had increased significantly, and she had to trust those around her now more than ever. Or risk being a paranoid Prince who is driven into madness before she has a chance to do any good.

A delicate rope to walk.

Dark eyes find Niamh, though she may try and not get close, she was still a new face to watch. Her Beast, a challenge to Ale’s own, helped her stand out.

The bowing. This was new to her, something to get used to. But how do you get used to it? It was weird. A couple weeks ago she had been like them, bowing to a Prince because etiquette required it. But Asa had earned her respect, she had to earn it now herself.

Then Twist enters, and Ale feels a mental sigh of relief. She didn’t want to do this without Twist by her side. She needed the strength and confidence she would provide.

And looking stunning, while badass, was there anything Twist couldn’t do.

The smile was returned, “Good evening Archon, a stunning dress.” She saw no reason not to compliment her, “I cannot complain this far. I do hope the same can be said for you.” With a nod of her head.

Another new face, one she had Acknowledged at last Court steps forward.

Ale was going to have to look into this womans heritage, it was most interesting to her. Though her weak Beast still stirred an anger in her own.

A nod of her head, “Thank you Miss Katsumi.” It was a generous offer. Would this be a Kindred to step up and fill the role of Reeve? Only time would tell. But she seemed to have the makings of one.

Another Haunt, this one more familiar, a smile, “Guten Abend Miss Weiss, and thank you.” She could have answered in Italian, but felt ok using the German. She didn’t understand a whole lot, but basic phrases she had heard the Haunt use before.

The Shadow had a unique bow, not one she had seen. And having a Beast that could be felt wasn’t like most Shadows she had come across.

Smiling, “It would seem I have.” This was a wild card to her. His name not known. Not a Kindred she had really talked with, but one to watch non-the less. What would his role be within the Domain? “Thank you.”

Another offer of service. Was this what Asa had to deal with anytime a new Kindred appeared in the Domain? Was that why he didn’t interreact a whole lot?

Another Beast, another challenge. Eyes find her Cousin, holding back. Did she not approve? Did she feel she would serve better as Prince?

The giant Haunt stepped forward.

She wasn’t sure who or what Tyche was, but assumed it was something to do with his Covenant.
Another smile and nod, “Thank you.” She replies.

Suddenly feeling uncomfortable with all the praise and well wishes. Were they sincere? She didn’t know, auroras weren’t her thing.

Standing, “I’m sure this is a little unsettling this evening.” She didn’t think anyone expected a new Prince. “But I assure you nothing will change. Our previous Prince had set fair and just rules, ones I don’t see a need to alter.” If it’s not broke, why fix it? Smiling, “And there are still some of you I haven’t really had the chance to talk with, I hope we can work on that.” Just cause she was Prince did not mean she was going to hide away and not be social.

[Niamh Sionnaigh]

Relief bubbles forth, so bowing had been the right move.

From Sherif to Prince in a handful of nights at least to Niamh's eyes.

Years of maneuvers, political, social and otherwise, their new Prince had made inwhich tonight's bold action was their zenith proclaiming herself Prince and demanding, and reviving immediate fealty.

No bad by anyone's estimate, and awe inspiring to watch the Domian's power shift from the very traditional and expected Lords to the Savages in the dirt.

Hackles rise, and hate grows. Mable Wood has arrived, far more inspiring then she - Niamh suddenly feels embarrassed by her stolen cloths. Tonight she should have done better.

"What a sight to see eh, Priscus Wood," Niamh says, even as she's trying to catch every word from the Prince.

[Takeda Katsumi]

Having fallen back to observe the others as they presented themselves to their new monarch, Takeda realized that this was going to be a very challenging part of her journey. This Domain was in flux, no matter that the laws were, apparently, going to be unchanging. The Monarch was new, the population was small, and there still many unknowns. This wouldn't be like Seattle, where the political struggle seemed as old and as slow as the migration of the tectonic plates beneath them.

But that was the Path she walked, and she had not come here because she expected it to be the same as Seattle. Still, this hadn't been what she was expecting and she was wary. What did the Prince mean, after all, by using her given name? Was it simply the mistake of a westerner confusing her names, or had Antinori assumed that Takeda's offer of service extended to, well, everything?

If so, that could be a problem, but she wouldn't dwell upon that now. Instead, Takeda turned to the man whose hair had fled his scalp, the same man that had joined in the interruption of her conversation earlier, and stepped closer.

"So, you claim to offer knowledge as your service? I'm curious, what price do ask? To those of us who are not the Prince, of course."

Lawrence Taft Side discussion thread?

[Lawrence Taft]

Being met with receptiveness from the new ruler pleases Taft. Immensely so. Smiling, he watches the rest in earnest as they react to the ascension. In particular, Vivian York seems not to be concerned in the least. Intrigue compiles as he tries to gauge just what that might mean. Confidence? Familiarity? Or even prior knowledge of the former Reeve's plans.

Time isn't on his side for contemplation however. Temptation knocks as the Asian Haunt acknowledges his presence.

"Interesting question. Perhaps we can discuss terms? Privately." His head shifts to survey the room, looking for an opening that would supply him with the needed level of intimacy.

Takeda Katsumi and Taft continue here.

[Twist]

Twist bowed her head, the triumphant smile visible for only a moment as a result, "Thank you. You cut a striking figure yourself." By the time she lifted her head again, the smile was merely polite, "It can indeed."

As Alessandra turned her attention to the others who were making the intelligent move, Twist rose from her curtsy. Stepping forward and turning, she placed herself within whispering distance from Alessandra. Her position a clear sign to all of her support of the new Prince. After all, the night was young, arrivals where still trickling in.

And speaking of such ... Even with the gathering they had, Twist felt the entrance of Vivian. Her beast testing the bonds she held it in as the other woman approached closer. The bowed head was, for a first, ignored. Instead, Twist turned to look to Alessandra. Watching to see her reaction or perhaps, waiting for a command.