(2011) Formal Court

[Edward Heinrich]

Edward descends with effortless grace. The Prince's Beast dominated despite the familiarity, and Edward's grace became effortful; the strain evident if one looked closely. Interleaved with the fear was wrath, two fresh Beasts. Edward idly tugged at his sleeve to straighten it, grimacing as he gave the new face a once over. A sweater would never be Edward's choice, he favoured suits, such as the one he was wearing, but it fit the Kindred in question.

He was glad to see the maskless faces. It meant his choice to keep his own mask in the inner pocket of his suit was the correct one. He wondered how many of the Kindred here knew of the Black and White Ball.

He bowed deeply to Alessandra, shallowly to Alice, and gave nods to the Prisci -- his fellow Invictus, all. If those he knew turned his way, he gave them a respectful nod as well. And, after a moment, when the worst of the Beasts' press had passed, Edward approached Alice Hart . He made a point of brief eye contact with Lyssa.

Four paces away, he stopped and bowed again. "Seneschal Hart, would you permit me the pleasure of your company?"

[Alexander Moore]

Descending the steps into the dark rooms below Alexander ducked slightly, careful not to scrape his head along the ceiling as he removed his gigantic trench coat. Taking his time in the coat room he stowed away the coat, and spent a few moments fiddling with his suit to try and get it to fit properly. It was in vain, fine evening wear was not made for such a form, the black suit resolutely disagreeing with his hands as he attempted to stretch it just a little bit more. The suit was well made, but had clear indications of rushed alterations, another failed attempt at giving the inhuman creature a human garb. His feet were not much better, freakishly large leather shoes that had clearly seen better days, the work put in to restore them obvious in their shine.


Entering Court proper removed all frustration at his dress to replace it with raw fear, his Beast’s buzzing hysteria replacing the shudder his body would have normally felt. He gave a deep bow to the Prince, and very nearly gave one to the plain looking man in the completely black suit, quickly repositioning himself to give a small bow to Seneschal Hart and another to each of the Prisci. A powerful beast wasn't always indicative of political placement, especially when so many Masks were up.


He began to press through the Fear and Frenzy, taking small slow steps as he moved through the room, twisting the rage within so it wouldn’t break out into his countenance. Two Kindred he did not recognize, and both without a Mask, both so small he could probably just crush them in his hands—

He decided on a small nod to each of them as he passed. He pulled in front of the man from last Court with the strange name, letting their eyes find them before approaching.

“Good evening sir, I don’t mean to insult you but I am somewhat unsure with how to address you, could you perhaps tell me your name again?”

[Jacque]

Jacque offered a smile as the Shadow and the Haunt stroked his ego offered their compliments. Perhaps it was the better part of the last year spent studying the gifts of the Rose that influenced him, but he almost relished in the attention.

"I'm merely guilty of having a mind to give a voice to such truths," he nodded with a coy smile at the Lady Notary.

He studied Quinn closer as she laid the formalities on thicker than most. Certainly some of the crowd might observe and silently judge the Shadow's motives but none could argue in good faith that she executed extremely well despite her limited tenure. "Is there a story behind how you came to possess such a silvered tongue?" He flashed a casual grin, "Please feel free to address me as Mister Jack."

With other notable arrivals he remained focused on restraining the urges of his beast, bowing towards the Senechal as she got her bearings and acknowledging those with lesser status with a nod as they made their gestures. Once the Prince arrived he paused to bow once again, paying the respect she deserves.

As the faceless masses began to fill the room he began to drift back from the crowd, his body language suggesting those who wished to converse with him were welcome to follow.

Continued in (2011) Near the Chess table...

I made a side thread for anyone who wanted to continue conversing with Jack. If not, that's fine too!

[Jennifer Hazelton]

The Nosferatu turns as the Seneschal arrives. Jennifer bends into a respectful curtsy to her Family member, affording all courtesy to her in her role as Seneschal. Alice cannot see it, but a warm smile is given to Alice. Jennifer rises to a standing position and gives a nod of hello to Lyssa, her cousin’s Ghoul.
Jennifer evaluates Quinn as she greets Mr. Jack. Those dark eyes watch closely, but she keeps her face smooth and composed. Most Honorable, she considers. Jennifer glances to Jack, to see exactly what this relationship between Quinn and Jack was.
"I am comfortable being addressed as Lady Hazelton in these settings. A Nosferatu who is not of the Invictus could choose to call me Priscus Hazelton instead at this City function. I don't want to cause any one undue distress picking and choosing."
Ah, a pity you have not enjoyed formal Court where you resided before. I find myself looking forward to them. Do you enjoy chess, Madame Durrant?"
She teases out the term she uses to refer to women she sees as well released of Manumission, but those outside of Invictus.... She is curious if Quinn Durrant would pick up on it.
Jennifer sees Dirt nap’s deep nod to her. The Nosferatu gives him a nod of greeting, a smile between friends.

The apex predator arrives and Jennifer sinks to the most respectful bow she would give tonight, holding it for beats of a mortal’s heart so that it could not be missed or overlooked. She straightens gracefully and gives the Prince a nod of respect, and a bit of greeting, for she liked the Prince Alessandra.
Edward was given a nod of greeting, impressed that he had dressed well for the Court.
Jennifer gives Alexander a nod, her face smoothing to give him a more friendly look. Good, he was here.

JC approaches.

“Good eve to you, Mr. Smith. “
Jennifer studies him, trying to figure out what his angle was. He had used his skill to apply influence with her standing in the Clan, Jennifer rather liked it, she was always wanting to climb higher. Yet why had he done so? The Nosferatu is comfortable looking at JC, trying to find clues in the way he stood, the way he spoke to her. Even his greeting, was it to highlight how he had injected himself into Nosferatu Clan politics? Jennifer mused on what she had done if the review had not been a favorable one. But from what she had heard, he had been favorable.
“I trust that you have been well? I admit, I would like to hear of how you are finding Sacramento.”

The coy smile from Jack teased an answering smile, one between allies or even possibly friends. Perhaps others would speculate. The Lady moves gracefully after the Lord.

[Twist]

It wasn't that finding an outfit was difficult. It was more that there was such an abundance to choose from. As Judex, her color palate for court had been set for some time now. Those few occasions where it wasn't, the theme had been driving. But black and white, that had options.

In the end she opted for an extravagant gown. Capturing the theme it still conveyed her clan in the Invictus manner.

And if she felt any ill ease at maneuvering down the stairs and toward Court proper, it showed not at all on her face. What she did feel though was the press of beasts. Not as many as bodies, she was thankfully not the only one to keep her Beast hidden, but enough to spark hers into a frenzy. Black and white? it hissed, black and red would be so much better...

But as she had done countless times, she ignored the whispers and held back the wants behind the bars of her will.

Instead she spotted Alessandra and smoothly offered the Prince a deep curtsy holding it for a long minute of respect. Next was Alice, and oh my was she there indeed. Twist couldn't help but give the Seneschal's stunning look an approving once over before she dipped into her second curtsy of the night. Deep but not nearly as long as the one offered the Prince, she then straightened making a note to swing by at some point to give her compliments to the pale doll.

Both Jennifer and Jacque received nods of respectful greeting, their two-fold status as Invictus and Priscus of their clans warranting such. Edward was her final nod, the shallowest and yet a nod nonetheless. He was hers twofold even if he held no title to his name.

Formal greetings satisfied, she let her path wander deeper into court. Content for the moment to wait before approaching any directly.

[Mable Wood]

Mable parked the old truck near the building she opened the door and slid her bare feet out the door. She struggled into her silver heels. Silver crescent moons hung on her ears a silver woven anklet on her left ankle. Her hair was in a simple updo. Her makeup fresh with a light smokey eye. She slid out of the truck and tugged the white dress into place. She felt sparkly and sexy with a slit that showed her left leg off.

Once she entered court several unmasked beasts washed over her. She wobbled briefly on her heels as thoughts of blood and destruction filled her mind. She quickly sent beast to a corner of her mind. After all these were her family. Mable continued down the stairs. Once at the bottom she gave a deep curtsey to the Prince, A bow to Twist. A slightly lesser bow to Alice, Jennifer, and Jack. Then a nod to others as she see them.

The chess board caught her eye. She wondered over to it and examined the pieces.

[Quinn Durant]

Quinn acknowledged those coming into court in order of appearance.

Firslty, was Dirt Nap. Her smile bestowed upon him was genuinely pleased to see him. He was after all her fellow Dragon and superior in the Order. She respectfully gave an up nod to acknowledge their shared tie and her respect of that tie, and yet not like she recognized those officiated by the Court however.

Secondly, was JC Smith. Her beast lurched on its leash, desperately wondering if he was hard candy coated and gooey on the inside. Her jaw stiffened ever so slightly. Her gaze practically glowing with interest for a moment as she fantasized about dancing with his beast and stomping his ass all over the pretty floor. Of course, Quinn was well fed, and did nothing with these urges. Though boy was it difficult when she passed him on her way to speak more quietly with Lady Hazelton and Mister Jack not to deliberately brush him or bump him or hiss. She gave him a slight inclination of her head and a knowing smile. Did they not both suffer in these little moments?

Thirdly, was The Prince Alessandra Antinori. She was a vision in her gown. Quinn admired her taste greatly. It must have cost her a fortune, but money well spent in Quinn's mind. The way it moved with her like a cloud of black and white, giving the illusion of nearly floating over the floor, if not for the clack of heels underneath. Of course the sheer fear and dread that the Prince's beast inspired in her was nothing short of choking. She resisted the urge to look for exits, and instead made a deep and respectful bow, which Quinn held longer than others she had seen. She was the least of them by ANY account. So new some didn't know who she was even! Maybe she overdid the niceties, but she was determined to show she knew her damn place. Especially after all the disappointment with Horatio, Quinn did not wish to be remiss in any way. So she made a show of bowing like her life depended on it. It did, when you think about it. When she finally straightened she continued on her journey to speak more in depth with Lady Hazelton and Mister Jack.

Fourthly, was Edward Heinrich. He looked quite dashing in that midnight black suit. Deep and Dark as the abyss. Quinn could dig it indeed. She gave him a little smile, and nod of acknowledgment. Appreciating his presence here at court. A few online games to challenge him was forthcoming. She made a mental note to email him about it. Nothing more intriguing than passing some emails back and forth between the technologically savvy. Who knows what kind of mental chess they could get up to?

Fifthly, was Alexander Moore. Her first impression of him was 'Whoa damn that's a HUGE haunt.' She refused to stare however and felt the beast lay still and coiled inside of her. Not stirred by the Masked Haunt. Who needs to feel his beast though, when you could almost imagine him grinding your bones to make his bread? Eeek. Of course if he was a genteel giant perhaps she could hide behind him, eh? All five foot nothing of her.

Six, was Archon Twist. What a dress. Goddamn. Rivaling even the Prince's dress, this dress said 'Look at me!' Quinn obliged looking fairly stunned at the perfection of the roses in the back. As large as they were, they were well done, and wore well too. A sure sign at the sheer expense of the dress. Man she wore that well. Quinn stopped in her tracks and gave her a deep bow, not as impressive as the one she had given to the Prince, but deep nonetheless. She held that bow longer than many may believe required, but again, she felt she had everything to prove here.

Last, but certainly not least was Mable Wood. She was a vision in White. Goddess-like even in that dress. With her wholesome beauty, a benevolent Goddess. With the cut of the dress whispering of Aphrodite. Of course her admiration was always cut short with the threat of her beast. She felt like she was shrinking under the light so to speak. Like an ant under a magnifying glass, she quickly averted her gaze. In case she roused that greater beast to stride on over and rip her little off.

[Maeve]

Maeve enters the court wearing an actually rather decent looking suit. It wasn't expensive in quality, but it had a nice kind of androgyny to it that she just easily managed to pull off. Her blue hair has been slightly styled to the best of her ability, taming its natural frizz with a straight iron, though the curls always manage to try and fight back. She'd put a temporary silverish gray kind of wax into her hair, giving her cool looking streaks to counter how bright her hair generally was.

She is nervous at the idea of entering, just considering how awkward the previous Elysium had been. Okay, girly. We've got this. Maybe. She could feel her Beast already becoming riled up. She'd always felt more of an instinct to run than an instinct to fight, even when she could feel that she was more powerful. Then again, the idea of a chase was always fun. Nope. Focus.

When she enters, she gazes around the room, quietly giving proper bows to every person of importance, particularly Prince Antinori who looked just... beyond stunning in a rather terrifying, dangerous manner. She could rip me apart and I might be okay with that. She made sure to bow to Archon Twist as well as the Priscus' she could definitively see. She gives a small smile to everyone else.

Slowly, Maeve walks toward Mable, the only one she'd really talked to in the previous Elysium aside from Priscus Quiltz, Lady Hazelton, and Prince Antinori for a brief second. All of that talk had been about the rules and didn't quite feel like true conversation. As she passes the Chess table, she takes note of all who was around there. I should take time to speak to Lady Hazelton again as well. She seems nice, though very strict with decorum. At the same time, that would be beneficial to find myself around.

"Good evening, Miss Wood." She begins politely, her eyes gazing around at those around the chess table. She supposed she would engage in conversation with them as well very shortly. Still, it made her wary. New faces meant a more riled up beast and that was never enjoyable.

[Alice Hart]

Lyssa doesn't need to press a warm finger against her shoulder when the Prince arrives, Alice feels it in her bones. the rising freezing burn of fear. She grits her teeth, and falls into a deep curtsy, her limbs falling awkwardly as she is confined by her tight dress.

When Twist arrives, Lyssa does need to press her warm, living fingers against her shoulder, once against the Senechal greets the Archon with something between a bow and a deep nod. It wouldn't due to show a greater respect to her then she had for the Prince.

When a mewling beast presses closer the voice proving to be Heinrich, she nods her strings pulled nod.

"You may," she intones, waiting. Not quite wondering what he wanted to bend her ear about.

Side thread?

[Dirt Nap]

Dirt Nap nods deeply respectfully towards the Prince when she enters and again towards the Duchess when she comes in.

He acknowledges Quinn Durant's nod amiably.

Dirt Nap does not seem put off when Alexander Moore approaches him. "Well. I go by 'Dirt Nap's." He says slowly and softly. "But I can accommodate 'Clay Jordan' or just'Clay' if it suits you better."