(2007) Formal Court

[Alice Hart]

Alice acknowledges those who greet her with a easy bow of her head, loosening invisible strings even, as they draw taut.

Ah. She thinks as she's brought into the stalled conversation. Understanding without hearing just what Mabel had said.

"Of course You Majesty." Alice bows her head, "Shall I take over this conversation of the appropriateness of specific words and when to use them, or shall Miss Wood remain in your expert care?" She asks, even as Mabel offers more apologies, but Alice has known people to have found their final death for such carelessness.

[Horatio Quilz]

The two women made a formidable pair noted Horatio as he watches the scene unfold before him.
Trying not to make a face as the scene plays out, Horatio's face makes a slight twitch as it does not form into frown followed by aWell damn, I liked her.

This will be bad, but hopefully not so bad as it could be. Horatio is not sure if he should bow again or not with the Prince and Twist standing together, So he just contends with watching.

[Alessandra]

The Savage hears Mable’s words, but remains quite for a moment. Weighing the actions and options.

She hears Twist, and knowing how close she was brought comfort.

“It will be known here and now, that this is the final courtesy I will extend to you. The next time you disrespect my position, or disrespect my Elysia, I will take it from your skin and you will join your friend Mr Davis. Or worse.” Her eyes hard, her voice unforgiving and cold. “Do not mistake my kindness in this matter as weakness, because it will be the last mistake you make.” Her eyes never leaving Mable’s.

“You will owe me a Blood Boon for this. And you will speak with Her Grace, Judex Twist, about seeking a member of the Invictus to educate you on etiquette. I would suggest listening closely to your teacher and not forget again.” Her eyes don’t leave her Cousin for a few moments, making sure it sunk in.

Finally, she looks to Alice, her tone softens slightly, “Thank you Seneschal Hart, but please enjoy the rest of your evening.” This was an Invictus etiquette issue, and the Invictus would handle it.

[Edward Heinrich]

The moments felt like eons. What? had it been 30 seconds? less than a minute surely, and yet it already felt half the night was over. Watching this kind of thing was just too damn stressful. Edward almost wished he was the one making a mistake, he knew how to apologize, he didn't know how to watch someone else apologize.
Especially, someone who helped him, someone was so kind when they helped him.

Alice took the opportunity of being directly addressed to attempt a rescue. His respect rose a notch. Loyal.

Edward wished he could do the same, but he had not been addressed. So there was nothing to do but watch, choking on second-hand embarrassment and sympathy.

[Lenora]

Jacque was observed with a slight admiration from the Silent Lord's roost, her usual smile was softer when she looked to the Lord.

The man continued to hold himself with tact and a quiet, regal pride. His consistency in the Court was more than welcome and the confidence of his quiet presence was more than noteworthy. Lenora was all too happy to boast his company as family.

Soon the pale eyes of the Priscus of Kings turned to the ever dutiful Lady Hazelton, eternally adherent to the decorum of the First Estate. If their aspirations had conflicted, Lenora would have easily considered the Haunt a dangerous rival. However, by delightful happenstance, they did not and Lenora's observations of the woman's demeanors proved ever more that the woman could be a valued ally once Lenora achieved her permanent place in the Invictus.

A pursuit for another night.

It was only then that Lenora's mind turned to more troubling things. The shunning of the Prince towards Lenora and her sponsor finally came to the front of the Lord's mind. The Savage Prince of Sacramento had seen fit to engage just about every established Kindred and even greeted a newcomer at the height of the night's troubles. A light look of worry cracked the Lord's mask for a moment, but the expression soon melted away as her gaze landed upon the approving smile of the Duchess.

She would not offer such things if we were in the wrong.

Twist's smile was thus taken as a comfort and Lenora grants the Duchess a reverent bow of her head in thanks for her brief attentions. Rejuvenated, Lenora's own attentions returned to the remaining crowd as Twist sought to take Jennifer aside. She dared not approach, however. Offering unsolicited words or greetings to a Prince was tantamount to social suicide, but offering them to an angered Prince of Clan Gangrel could be far worse.

Seneschal Hart's loyalty to her fellow among the Circle was noteworthy, but Lenora silently approved of Alessandra's approach. This matter dealt with the details of Invictus etiquette. Lenora suspected the Duchess would request the Lady Notary or perhaps Mister Jack to handle the education in the absence of an Au Pair. Edward was currently a sponsor, after all, and she was merely a page.

Nonetheless, from her place on the outer edges, Priscus Lenora Black continued to watch with interest.

[Jacque]

That certainly could have been far worse, the Lord thought to himself as he continued to soak in the shock, awe and interest of the crowd. So many spectators in this insufferable tradition. The Kindred's version of NASCAR, where everyone attends in hopes to see the spectacular crashes. He wondered how many of the crowd might be disappointed it only ended in severe boons and an education.

Wait, he paused in thought. Who's going to teach her?

His eyes narrowed as he worked out the limited pool of teachers. Edward is already teaching and Lenora is too new. It would likely fall to Jennifer as a senior member, but there was a slight chance he could be called to do it. He'd just have to cross that bridge if it came to it. He glanced around once more, regretting they weren't at the Nox. At least there he could swing upstairs for a drink. Oh well...

A prideful grin flashed towards Lenora before his eyes made his way to one of the newer spectators, "Mister Quilz was it?" he asked as he began wandering from the main entertainment. The Mekhet could follow... or not. "What brings you to Sacramento?" Or at least its barrens.

[Alexander Moore]

He’d felt the approach of the powerful Kindred, and had been nearly stunned speechless by their attractiveness, but now he was gripped with the overwhelming urge to turn and run for the treeline. His Beast was trying to dig out the back of his skull while he was busy trying to get a handle on the situation. Someone had said ‘my grace’ to the Prince, something he had not even thought of, but thankfully someone else had made the mistake before he’d had a chance to make it himself.


The Prince greets him and offers some kind words, ending the small war with his Beast, with Lady Hazelton taking the chance to draw his gaze towards the Prince and the Duchess while providing their names and titles.

“Your Grace” Spoken carefully, with a deep bow to the Prince, slow enough to not put himself off balance again.


“Duchess” Spoken softly as she seemingly brushes his introduction off, his hurry to greet her making him use the first and loftiest sounding title, his bow is equally hurried and goes deeper than he intended.


Standing straight he can see the entirety of the gathering, his eyes catching several nods from the other Kindred as they hear Lady Hazelton introduce him. He takes the time to return the ones he sees, bending his upper body slightly to make the motion less condescending, as any action seems to be from such a height.


He can feel several stares, the familiar weight of having eyes bore into him, something he's grown used to over time. One set of eyes feels decidedly more… Pointed, and as he catches the nod from the owner he is relieved to see that they seem fairly amicable.

“Nice to meet you too, sir” He gives the oddly named Kindred a nod in return, before turning his attention back to the Prince who seems to have handled the insult and the poor Kindred who'd made it. Letting himself step back from the gathering he takes the time to watch the other guests, giving himself a small rest from the anxiety that's been eating at him all night.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"Excellent." Jennifer stated as the Prince passed judgement, her posture kept erect and dignified.
She believed the Prince had foresight to recognize that education was the best route to go for Miss Mable Wood. Mabel was a former Keeper and was clearly well thought of. Education was an opportunity for Mabel, Jennifer believed. Mabel would return next month better for it and could likely impress some Kindred with her grace in accepting restitution and willingness to learn.
Dark eyes follow Jacque for a moment, affording him a nod if he saw her watching. Jennifer had accepted that he may be chosen as the teacher. Or perhaps herself. It simply seemed the best course.

Her head turns momentarily as she follows Mr. Moore's progress. She could understand not wanting to remain so close to such powerful predators. She was glad that he was receptive to the introductions. The Lady returns her attention to the Prince and Duchess.

[Twist]

"...I will take it from your skin...

Well. If she was called upon to extract the punishment, should the error be made again, at least she would know what do to. She would have to look into purchasing a skinning knife. As much as she loved her throwing daggers, they simply weren't meant for such tasks.

At the task to herself, she merely bent at the waist. As she straightened she glanced out at the gathering around them. She had just been thinking how nice it was to have so many Invictus in the city. None were Au Pair but would any step forward to claim the responsibility before she assigned it out?

Around them the soft sounds of conversation resuming rose. She noted that Jennifer and the giant had parted, presumably some one had covered for her. She would double check in a moment, first she wanted to insure that her presence was no longer needed at Ale's side.

That Mable accepted the generosity offered.

[Mable Wood]

Mable met the Prince's gaze. "I understand, your Grace. And I accept the Blood Boon and the lessons. I look forward to learning some of the etiquette I never had the opportunity to learn before. Thank you." Mable's voice held a note of sincerity.

She turned to Twist, "Your grace, I would also like to apologize to you and all the Invictus. I meant no disrespect towards the Prince nor the Invictus. Would you like to discuss this now? Or should we set-up a meeting?" Her voice was all business and respect.

She would speak with Alice later, the Seneschal also deserved an apology.