(1911) Smoky Nights Court

[Twist]

The fires were a double edged sword for the Nox. Individuals who had no time for partying in light of the emergencies surrounding them staying away countered (hopefully) by the individuals who felt that such times were perfect for drinking and living life.

And so it was that she lingered in the bar, watching the ebb and flow of the crowd until finally the draw of obligation pulled her away. Slipping through the entrance, she didn't pause or even glance to the coat check, but instead stepped with confidence into Court proper. There she did pause. She had delayed upstairs and the mass of Beasts that had her own thrashing against it's mental confines was not small. Alessandra stood out foremost and even as she strengthened her control, she sunk into a deep curtsey to the Prince.

And there, Mable Wood , another presence of note. A nod of respect for the Keeper.

The rest she simply took in, evaluating as she moved past the entryway and deeper into Court.

She was aiming toward Alice, thinking to say hello to the white Gangrel when snatches of words caught at her ear.

Live test of defenses
Weapons
Nearby

Smoothly her path changed until she approached Mable and Seth. Her smile was pleasant if empty of true joy. "Keeper," she greeted simply, granting the others around an acknowledging look. And then settling back into her pose it was clear she was not intending to leave. Her position to Mable oddly placed and potentially reminiscent of where another certain hound stood to his master.

[Alice Hart]

Alice regretted leaving Lyssa behind, but the thought of the kind of statement she would make without her ghoul kept the Doll's steps from retreating. Though the soft whisper against her ear, and the press of warm fingers on her spine would have been nice to notify her of just who and where each kindred was.

At least the gut-wrenching terror of Alessandra's arrival was something known, so the Doll, could take the time to form her own bow. Soothing the Wraith, as it pressing and writhes.

New names and voices curl up and carry through the air. Alice remembers, Mabel, yes. Acolyte now. And Twist, Hound. Always and ever, but it is towards neither that the Haunt moves towards. No, Alice ventures towards the one she knows, truly.

"Your Grace," She bows again, as she comes close enough to Alessandra to smell the leather, and feel the Wraith crying and hissing for her to flee. "How has the evening found you?"

[Alessandra]

It was hard to not hear what Seth said.

A live test of defenses? Who was he to dare enter her Elysia and pose such an idea? Her mind worked over how much fun it would be rip his head from his body and lob it across the room. Or to give Cain the chance to show what he was able to do. But for now, she watches, carefully. Finger tips itching.

Catching Lenoras bow, she offers a small smile and nod.

So the Carthian had enough brains to leave his weapons outside Elysia. But she was still pissed.

Thankfully, Twist entered at that moment and made her way over. A nod of respect was offered to her. This was her chance to work on what Jack had pointed out to her, letting those in positions do their thing. As Achron, Twist would do whatever needed to be done. The Daeva had her full trust. But she would be watching.

Then Alice approached. Which was a surprise, given that she was sure Alice had understood the Laws. But, Ale liked the blind doll, and if anyone could get away with it, it was probably the Haunt. At least now if people accused her of playing favorites it would be true.

Smiling, “Miss Hart, good evening.” The smile could be heard in her voice. “Well so far, though it may change. But, we’ll see.” She shrugs, though she knows Alice can’t see it. “And you?” she asks. “I have to say, that is a beautiful jacket. Is it new?”

Side thread? Saber Sloth

[Dirt Nap]

Dirt Nap offers a nod and a slight smile to Lenora in return for her acknowledgment and nods also to Seth Kind. He stays in the area, apparently willing to speak but having nothing specific to say and no gift for small talk. He goes still at Twist’s approach, though he does manage to nod respectfully in greeting before completely devoting himself to watching and listening to what is happening around him.

[Mable Wood]

Mable gave a Seth another glance up and down. and gave a grim smile... Then Twist arrived and stood near by. Mable gave her a nod of respect.

Then back to Seth. "Thank you for respecting the Prince and the court by leaving your weapons outside. I appreciate that. As I said, speak to the Reeve before conducting any tests. And preferably not during court. He will need to get the necessary permissions before any tests are conducted."

Mable glanced to Twist to see if that was an adequate response or if Twist wanted to add anything..

[Alice Hart]

An empty, hollow laugh, "We'll see indeed. The night after all is, young."

Continues here!

[Lenora]

Seth's question regarding whether she remained well fed received a simple nod.

"Indeed, Mr. Kind. Like you, I retain the good fortune of Her Majesty's generosity," she offers. She was tempted to leave it at that, but the allure of an opportunity to showcase her sensibilities proved too seductive. "I trust you are not so foolish to place such grace at risk."

The implication was subtle, but it was there. In stating the possibility of a live test, Seth was treading on thin ice.

Call it a friendly warning.

Then came the Archon. Though the woman's Beast was subdued, it was near impossible to ignore her arrival. That was her gift, after all.

As they had in the previous court, Lenora's eyes found purchase on the floor and her head dipped in respect as the Daeva passed and found her place at Mable's side. Hearing the Archon move directly to business, Lenora felt comfortable enough to lift it and return her gaze to the Kindred before her. Nonetheless, an brief, but obvious tension hit the Lord's body as her eyes flicked to the blind Kindred approaching the Prince directly despite the decree of the Laws. Yet... the Prince did not protest. Thus, Lenora relaxed and returned her attention to the immediate, burgeoning conflict.

Then came Mable's response and Lenora felt her mouth open. However, all the surrounding Kindred would hear was the woman take a breath, as if to speak, only to say nothing. The stolen air as quietly exhaled through her nose and Lenora returned to her usual stillness.

It is not your place.

[Seth Kind]

Several beasts flared. A grating of the teeth, the surest tell he had regarding his discomfort at the fact.

"The Reeve, then. Yes, I shall make an appointment- I would not wish to make anyone uncomfortable."

A simple nod towards the Daeva. "Alder." In truth the thief was somewhat uncertain as to how to address them in a way they might find appealing- he'd need to ask Mr. Boyle for more texts on customs, if such a thing existed.

My oh my. Was that merely something cheeky, from Lenora? A simple jab? Some deeper display? It wasn't entirely apparent. "Good to hear- And yes, we must all strive to perform within our expectations. For the good of this domain and it's laws." Perhaps the prospect of testing with such authenticity riled feathers. Or rather, the prospect of HIM performing such tests. Fair enough, in that case.

Unless there was more to say, the thief would find a nice space and simply remain there unless approached. Even if he wasn't to conduct tests tonight, he could always muse should the time come.

[Twist]

Seeing Lenora's nod of respect, Twist returned it politely, though her attention was clearly on Seth and Mable's interaction. From the attention that Lenora herself was granting the two, she was sure that the unaligned took no offense. There were more pressing matters at hand after all.

Uncomfortable

Twist's head tilted to study the slender man. Her beast, sensing a potential, coiled into a dangerous wait, hope and desire hanging on his words.

Words that even Twist knew were not doing him any favors.

"It is not a matter of comfort. It is a matter of what you will face for breaking the rules of Elysium."

As the man made to leave, Twist turned to Mable, the question of if she wanted him followed or not obvious, even without her quiet, "Keeper?".

[Mable Wood]

Mable watch Seth leave.

She turned to Twist, "Thank you for stepping over here. I believe everything is fine."

Mable was aware that she could be naive about people and their intentions. "He's trying to be helpful." She stated carefully because she wasn't making excuses just stating what she knew. "He's working with the Reeve."

Was she missing something important? "Do you have some concerns?" She asked directly, how else could she learn if she didn't ask.