(2007) Formal Court

[Alice Hart]

Returning from her aside with Quilz, gives a low curtsy to Ale, and a shallower one for Twist. Gritting her teeth, rageterrorfearandfight! Gnaws at the Wraith bubbling away at her bones.

"Good evening," she says in greeting after she rises, wrecking control away from those base instincts."I hope I am not interrupting."

[Horatio Quilz]

Horatio watches as Seneschal Hart moves away, he looks to the crowd and takes a minute to center himself. He heads for Dirt Nap to speak with him for a moment.
"Good evening. I hope I am not intruding?" Horatio bows to the crowd around Dirt Nap in order of station. He gives only a general greeting, not addressing anyone in particular for obvious reasons. Horatio waits to be addressed by the Prince before continuing.

[Alessandra]

“Always good to keep busy.” Keeping busy usually meant out of trouble. Usually. “The same. Business is picking up, so it’s required more attention. But I’ll be taking a few nights off to get out.” It’d be good.

Her smile was quickly gone as she heard Mable. Dark eyes slowly, painfully slowly, look to her Cousin and rest there for a few moments.

My

It rang in her head. And not in a good way.

“My?” she asks, her tone with an edge. Then she nods, “Perhaps the way Mister Davis,” nothing but disgust in her voice saying his name, “received an education in Court when he first arrived was not heard by all.” Her eyes not leaving the Savage, “You’re not of the Invictus, but you will still get an education on this. Using that word is not only one of belittlement, but one in exerting your superiority over me. An issue of a challenge. Kindred have met Final Death over uttering such a word. So tell me Miss Wood, which group do you fall into? Issuing a challenge or believing you exert superiority over me?” words had power. And people would remember this.

Her eyes remain on Mable for a few moments before they look to Jennifer. While the look softens, it wasn’t by much. “Lady Notary Hazleton,” a nod of her head and then she looks to giant, “Mr Moore, good evening and welcome to Sacramento.” Greets the Italian.

It was hard not to notice Twist as she entered. Between her seductive presence and her dress, she stood out. But in a good way. A bow of her head in respect to the Daeva. Catching the look, there was a slight nod.

When the giant spoke, Ale’s face softens, “I hope you have been well and your travels uneventful.”

Then her Cousin spoke again. But she remains silent.

“Seneschal Hart, only an educational discussion over the use of specific word choices.”

[Edward Heinrich]

He had no great desire to speak tonight, nothing was pressing on his mind, and he was happy enough just to listen. None the less, it would not do to be a glorified furnishing.

With that in mind, he was preparing to interject, when Mable spoke. Wide eyes flashed between Mable and Alessandra. If his read of the Prince was correct, that would not be taken lying down; but Mable could expect to keep her head.

No chance of small talk now.

But neither could he flee, there was nothing to do but watch as events played out. Jennifer and the other Nightmare entered, seemingly unaware of what had just happened.

It was an act of will that kept Edward from cringing back in the presence of the Prince's wrath. Then, her attention seemed to shift onto other things, like a wave crashing only to receive. Edward took this chance to turn and bow to Twist.

[Lenora]

Standing well aside from the greater group, Lenora still hears the slip on Mable's in. The Lord goes still, her wide eyes and stunned expression evidencing her surprise at the development as slender fingers rise to touch her lips.

Lenora lacked the care for the wholesome Savage that the other Kindred of Sacramento seemed to bear. She and the former Keeper were not close, but Mable seemed a valued ally to the Prince. She even seemed well regarded by the Inner Circle. Thus, it was hard not to be taken aback by the matter as a whole.

In truth, it almost caused the Lord to miss the entrance of the Duchess. Almost. Twist's very nature made her impossible to ignore or miss.

Despite the tensions of the night, the Duchess of Sacramento does receive a reverent bow from the silent Lord from her place, removed as it was from the greater group. The pale eyes remain on the Duchess for a moment, but other events were quick to draw Lenora's eyes back to where they had been.

The Lady Notary and her giant had returned, with his introduction it could mean only one thing. Thus, Lenora finally spared Alexander Moore more than just a passing glance. Her usual cordial smile alighting her lips as she granted the man a nod. He had been acknowledged and thus worthy of notice. Horatio and Alice as well had rejoined the group, prompting a slight glance to the Shadow. He had been successful, but restricted to the Barrens. The placement was more than appropriate and Alice, as ever, appeared to be a model of her position.

Returning her attention to the greater group, Lenora's features speak of hesitance. It was within her desire to correct the Gangrel, but it was not her place. She was merely a Page in the Invictus and to have such a low figure defend the honor of the Prince would reflect poorly on the covenant. Thus, Lenora said and did nothing other than grant the issue her full attention.

Naturally, the Prince did not require her aid - or anyone else's. Alessandra was possessive of a more hands on approach. Her reprimand was swift, albeit quite merciful. It was an aspect of their sovereign that the Kindred of Sacramento rarely discussed or considered, but the Savage Prince had shown remarkable restraint on more than one occasion.

As Mable spoke again, Lenora's eyes were drawn to the Prince once more as she listened for the Prince's response. Her decision to place Alice as Mable's educator was not surprising. The Domain lacked an Au Pair and, while Alice was not of the First Estate, the Haunt was a competent Seneschal. Alessandra's trust in the woman was quite clear and Lenora saw no reason to doubt the Prince's intuition.

[Jacque]

Jacque smiled at the humble Dirt Nap, "Of course. When we cease to learn, we cease to grow. I'm happy to contribute in some small manner."

"Yes, the same to you as well," it was a short but amicable response to Mable. He figured she was busy with hosting so he didn't want to weigh her down with incessant small talk.

He bowed his head respectfully to Twist as she made her entrance, navigating through the crowds.

Then if there was ever a record scratch moment, it was when the word 'my' found its way past Mable's tongue. The Lord knew what it meant and the seriousness of the offense, and to Mable's credit she promptly walked back the mistake the best she could. There was no easy out for that particular offense though, only mitigation. The challenge, whether intentional or not could not be left ignored. The Prince's response was firm and fair to someone outside of the unconquered that had apparently witnessed this faux pas before. Truly Mable was fortunate Sacramento was not an Invictus domain.

He gave the Lady his attention as she walked with purpose, first nodding at him which was returned in kind. Steel eyes followed as she introduced the giant of a haunt to the Domain. He waited for the Prince to receive Mr. Moore's introduction before offering him a nod of greeting himself.

Likewise, he also reciprocated Horatio's gesture of greeting.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"Thank you, Your Grace."
Jennifer speaks in the diminutive to indicate she acknowledges the Princes' power.

"Your Grace." The Lady dips into an appropriate curtsy at seeing the Archon. It is a shade shallower than the one given to the Prime Predator, the Prince.

As a courtesy, she tries to catch her new cousin, Mr. Moore’s eye. She is patient as she realizes his Curse affects his mobility and ability to line up his gaze as she saw in their private acknowledgement. When the timing seems right, she makes a formal introduction. A small hand gesture to each of the women as she mentions them, so he knows whom is who.
She keeps her voice quiet to those in immediate attendance, an introduction to her new cousin and not an attempt to gain attention.

“May I present Her Grace, Prince Alessandra Antinori, Priscus of the Gangrel.
May I present Her Grace, Alder Twist, Duchess of Sacramento, Judex, Archon and Priscus of Daeva.”
Her voice dips and writhes, a snake crawling through crumbling and dead leaves.

The Lady turns to stare at Mabel for a moment, her mind turning over half heard things when she had been focused on reading Mr. Moore’s sincerity in his Oath. Oh.
She redirects her attention back to Prince, Archon and Mr. Moore.

[Twist]

Twist's focus was on Ale but that did not mean she was unaware of the other actions of the court.

A curtsy and greeting from Alice was seen. A smile offered in return along with a murmured, "Seneschal, good evening. And I am unsure..."

A step taken closer to Ale.

Words from the one who was hoping the third time would be the charm were noted but not returned.

A bow from Edward and Lenora each. The two cut an impression and her approval was clear in her offered smile.

Another step to the Prince.

A nod from Jacque received the same. Her steps confident as she walked through a crowd liberally sprinkled with hers.

A verbalized greeting and curtsy from Lenora. "Lady Hazelton," she offered, noting that on the heels of a greeting came an introduction. She knew she ought to offer Jennifer's introduction in return, but other duties called at the moment. And from the way that Jennifer's gaze shifted to Mable and then Ale, she was aware of such. "If you will give me a moment," she askedstated.

Her final step bringing her to stand to the side and slightly behind the Prince of the City.

[Dirt Nap]

Dirt Nap can't help himself, noticing the twisted giant that is Alexander Moore. He makes a real effort not to show any disgust or revulsion at the man's physical oddities, and since he's staring, he makes himself nod as amiably as he can in effort to show that his stare is one of interest instead of taking any kind of offense. "Evening. I am 'Dirt Nap'." Dirt Nap says softly after a long pause. "Nice to meet you."


He does his best not to look at Mable or the Prince when Mable tries to make it right, apologizing. He does hope this doesn't ruin her night or worse. He believes her apology is sincere and that she really is nervous about hosting the Court at the Farm, to show everything in the best way.


Dirt Nap would have sighed in relief if he'd been a natural breather instead of only having air in his lungs when he made the plan to. He watches the Seneschal return with Horatio, both of them seeming to be focused on what comes next after his acknowledgment, instead of finally any lingering business to get it done.


Dirt Nap nods in turn, slightly but welcoming towards the Seneschal first with a very soft, nearly inaudible "Evening, Seneschal Hart." the aural equivalent of his nod for her ears if not her eyes. He nods next to Horatio in the most general of greetings possible, acknowledging that his superior has spoken, and he has heard.


He goes completely still and focused, only managing to stare at empty space to the left of the Prince rather than at the Prince herself as she speaks. The challenge is strong and harsh, but maybe not requiring an answer, since there is no right answer to the question that she asks Mable, but it sure puts everything clear why you don't say 'my' to her. Then she tells Seneshal Hart to teach Mable some manners. Dirt Nap is envious at that, since he wishes he could be in that instruction himself. He wonders why it often seems like a thing that should be a shameful punishment turns out to be a thing he wants, like living out in the Barrens or getting remedial classes in how to behave at Court.


Dirt Nap notices Edward Heinrich. Mister Heinrich he said once to call him. Kind enough of the man to tell him what he should call him. Dirt Nap appreciated it. Now he's there, showing by his expression how shocked he is at Mable's mistake. Seems like his ability to see things from the perspective of a body not knowing or remembering all the rules for titles has its limits.


Dirt Nap finally takes the cue when Lenora bows to Twist, that everyone is noticing and acknowledging Twist's arriving, approaching. He nods low and deep towards Twist, pretty sure that Twist herself is paying attention to other things, but that nearly everyone else would be the ones to notice if he didn't. Still, Twist has a right, deserves the respect whether she has any need or notice of it or not. And you can't go wrong taking tips from watching how Priscus Black handles a social thing. He shows respect to Twist.


Dirt Nap manages a small smile and nod towards Jack. He is a wonder, as composed and mannerly as anyone else, but somehow seeming to be a breath of fresh air. The mention he makes of growing is like it's just going to happen, like breathing, when neither is natural or really common for their kind. Takes focus and concentration and sacrifice to learn, at least for him. It's a right valuable and rare thing, and Jack tends to give out the opportunity like its free. Not for the first time, Dirt Nap thinks he should make a point of spending more time around Jack than he has.


He listens intensely, watching as Lady Hazelton makes the introductions, with all the titles he could never imagine. Well, it's her job her calling he guesses, to remember. She sure is good at it. He's pretty sure a lot of sacrifice is involved in that.


He is noticing Twist approaching, like death, not in a bad way, but inevitable, unstoppable, but not quite pushy about it. He already nodded, so he tries to do what he does with death, kind of remembers it's there without making it awkward.

[Mable Wood]

Mable felt like all eyes were focused on her. The eyes of the goddess were for sure. Tribulation leads to empowerment. Perhaps she had forgotten that and the goddess was reminding her? All she could do is take the punishment about to be handed out and keep her mouth shut as much as possible. She would go to her alter later and pray for guidance on how to stop the wrong words from tumbling out of her.

Hopefully, the Prince would weigh in the fact that Mable caught the error and corrected it the best she could. She had made a mistake and did not mean it as a disrespect. OMG, why was she cursed with such a careless mouth? This is why she had lived with animals and nature for most of her undead life.

With a bowed head she said, “It’s neither, Your Grace. It is my own carelessness with words. Again, I apologize for my foolishness. I do understand the enormity of my mistake.”

If she survived this, perhaps she should just go back to living in the woods? Whatever was to be her fate she knew the Goddess would guide her future whether in this world or the next.