(2012)Eternal Court

[Maeve]

Maeve arrives for another Elysium. Time to act pretty and pink. Or blue, she guesses. Blue hair and all. She arrives in a slightly unusual for December outfit, given its very Halloween looking vibe. All the same, it looked incredibly cute on her. The general air about her is very modern in a 'millennial/gen-z fashion' as she would call it. The fact of the matter is, she blends in with the regular human crowd. Well, aside from her hair, and even then.

She's starting to get more comfortable, her beast less raging than the first time she'd entered court. And yet, she still feels that exhausting pull to fight or flee. She preps herself as she enters.

The very first thing she does is make her proper bows, starting with the Prince. She's careful when she bows, given the length of her skirt, but that is likely a given. She doesn't flash anyone today, and even then, her opaque tights would assist with that. She bows then to the Seneschal and then to each Priscus that she could see, including her own.

She takes the time to gaze around, taking in the conversations. She slips into her own little nook, not hiding, but taking time before engaging in conversation. She needed to gage the atmosphere and the people first.

[Jacque]

Jacque made his way down into the court area, taking a moment to straighten the cuffs of his blazer before making his appearance. As with the usual decorum, he first bowed deeply to Alessandra. Once certain she had seen his show of respect he bowed his head to Alice, waiting for her pet to relay the gesture to the Seneschal.

He then offered a respectful nod to Jennifer Hazelton, his eyes lingering over her attire and all of its accents. Lastly, he returned nods to anyone else who would greet him. He found himself only torn between the presence of three beasts so far this evening. It was easier to quell his own of its pleas to ravage the silver-tongued shadow and her cousin when it knew the alpha would be right on its heels the moment it tried.

The Lord scoffed to himself as he contemplated the feeling. Animals, all of us.

[Seryna]

From the faceless masses of quiet Kindred or Kindred who don't press their luck, two Kindred who have not been to Court since the Formal Court step to the coat check. The press of a Predator rolls out to challenge the other Kindred within, for Mr. Kowalsic's Beast is formidible (BP 4). A ghoul dressed in an outdated but fine brown suit takes the lady's coat and checks it, then takes the gentleman's long coat. It is clear why the gentleman wears the coat as soon as he sheds it - he has obvious marks of his Curse, scared red skin on the back of his neck and hands. His face is unblemished. Mr. Kowalsic wears a everyday suit, the shirt the color of kelly green and the suit a deep grey.
As they step into the Court proper, all can now recognize Mr. Johnathan Randall Kowalsic and his Unreleased Childe, Miss Isabella Kowalsic, of the line Nosferatu. Mr. Kowalsic is a valued member of the city, having been here long enough to earn a reputation as a defender of the Masqeruade.

You know that Mr. Kowalsic is a valued member of the First Estate. The rumors you have heard about Mr. Kowalsic, of the line Nosferatu, had been passed about and occasionally in conflict with one another for some time. It is said that he has killed someone to protect the Masquerade. That he has an army of ghouls under his command. One Unaligned who passed through insisted that he heard Mr. Kowalsic was recognized for his good deeds. Yet the departed Mr. Kelly whispered that he’d heard the problem had been dealt with – brutally. What could be true? Certainly, one of these has to be an over exaggeration or outright lies. Regarding Miss Kowalsic, you know that she is the childe of an influential First Estate member, Mr. Kowalsic. Miss Isabella is young, still under the tutelage of her Sire. She is often sent as a proxy by Mr. Kowalsic to relay his regards or feel out a situation.

She is polite at Formal Court functions, but always seems to be on business for Mr. Kowalsic otherwise. There is a rumor that she has a sharp mind. Her Sire keeps her close to him to oversee her education.
Mr. Kowalsic offers his childe his arm and they proceed slowly towards the Prince. The ghoul goes to hover wherever ghouls hover, out of sight. The young woman with chocolate brown eyes and fair skin with warm brown freckles. Her hair is a dark shade of brown, so dark it is nearly black. It is swept up into a severe bun. She wears a simple but tasteful pant suit in light lavender with a white shell. She wears simple studs in her ears of precious stones in purple. A well-crafted silver necklace is tasteful, looking appropriate on someone older than her. She looks like a law intern who may have court. The suit is tailored, for her back is misshapen. Her left foot drags a bit as they move at her pace, stopping the respectable distance from the Prince.
"Your Grace," The Nosferatu gentleman drops to a perfect bow, held for several beats. The Nosferatu childe drops to a curtsy beside him, if holding for stability to her Sire, still. Her head remains bowed, her eyes lowered. Some do not like to hear the chatter of childer.
Both straighten at an appropriate time and smoothly step back: so that the Prince is not pressed to have to speak to them if she has no desire to. The Childe keeps her head turned that way, her peripheral vision all for watching the Prince.

"Seneschal." The gentleman bows again, although not as deep nor as long before Alice Hart. The woman curtsies carefully, the same punctual respect.

Status of Mr. Kowalsic is 3

Valued = Invictus Status 3, City Status 3

[Alice Hart]

"Thanks good to hear Priscus. I will be sure to stop by." She allows herself to smile, awkward and sharp in turns.

To Dirt Nap, she hums, empty and hollow, "Glad to hear that Dirt Nap." and offers the Gangrel a nod of her head. Strings pulled and jerking.

Dropping into a curtsy when she feels the inconsiderable threat of the Prince's Beast. Alice cannot help the way the Wraith rises, icicle shards of fear shooting through her dead unbeating heart. It takes her a moment, Ale's strength is no stranger to her, and she raises swiftly. "Good evening Your Majesty."

It is almost a relief when she feels the whelps enter shortly afterwards. It still doesn't stop her from wanting to bare fang, but Alice is long practiced in restraining that impulse. Offering only a jerking nod in the direction she feels the lesser creatures hovering.

Then a deeper one when Lyssa presses a hand and a whispered words indicates Jack.

"Mr. Kowalsic," and other greeting, bow of the head, strings pulled a jerking. A Cousin, yes, a storied one, who's Beast presses against hers and cases the same fear slicked ice to race through her blood.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

The Apex Predator arrives, with that Beast that makes Jennifer’s rattle her ribcage in fear. Jennifer takes several moments to quell the Beast within its’ cage, practicing her outward look of calm confidence. The Lady bends her body down into a respectful curtsy before the Prince. The deepest of the evening. She holds the position for several beats of a mortal’s heart, ensuring that all can see and observe the respect that Alessandra commands.

Jennifer speaks upon rising.
“Lady Prince. It is wonderful to see you this evening, your Grace.” Jennifer noted Dirt Nap’s lowered head and watches him for several moments. She follows Dirt Nap’s gaze, observing what he has. Jennifer gives a deeper nod to Madame Quinn, acknowledging her new status.
"Evening."

The blue haired Shadow, Maeve, earns a look of careful attention from the Nosferatu. Her brown eyes move down the Mekhet, observing her outfit and little accessories involved. The proper bows are noted and Jennifer gives her a shallow nod in turn.
The fellow Kindred of Quality, Mr. Jack, arrives and earns a deeper nod of greeting from the Nosferatu.
“Mr. Jack, I trust you have been well since we spoke?” She inquired with her serpentine way of speech.

Then the Beast of Mr. Kowalsic rolls out, and Jennifer needs to soothe her own Beast. It mutters, distressed at twice being so riled up by these powerful Beasts. Dark brown eyes move over Mr. Kowalsic and Miss Kowalsic as they pay their respects. They haven’t been out to socialize in a bit. Why are they here, now?
“Mr. Kowalsic.” He earns the same nod as Mr. Jack, per his dual tug as family and again for the respect he demands as someone of standing in her Covenant.
“It’s good to see the both of you this evening.”
Jennifer gives Alive an understanding nod to her cousin's awkward smile. "I look forward to it." She replies sincerely to her Cousin.

[Alessandra]

A nod was offered to Jacque as he entered, and before she could do anything out, her Beast took notice of a challenger. As it snarled in her ears, wanting the blood of the other, dark eyes look for the fool.

Well dressed or not, Cain watched him with hate. This one’s status meant nothing to the Hell Hound as his muscles tensed.

Ale knew who he was, or, at least, she had heard of him. Her concerns of the Invictus resided within the Domain and no beyond. Still, Ale knows Invictus protocol, and she is never one to be rude to another Kindred of Quality,

A hint of a smile appears on her red lips, a slight bow of her head, “Mr. Kowalsic, good evening.” Begins the Italian, “To what do we owe this pleasure?” and always one to get right to business. The Childe at his side was spared a glance, but that was all. The Savage had little patience for Childe, they were not useful to her, and usually, more of a headache than anything else.

Cain simply watches, in the way that only a Hell Hound can do, perhaps eager to have his master speak the words he so wanted to hear.

[Quinn Durant]

Quinn winked at Dirt Nap. "Such a charmer." She murmured in response to his compliment with a little smirk,and then her expression softened back to neutral lines. "Thank you, Dirt Nap. " A gentlemen's compliment should be met with an expression of gratitude.

Quinn nodded her chin to Priscus Hazelton, she nodded a bit deeper to her of course, her status demanded it, with a slightly shy smile upturning her lips. "Evening."

Quinn smiled at Maeve as she acknowledged her nod to her.

Quinn nodded to her fellow Priscus Jack, the nod a bit more pronounced due to his higher status in the domain. Her gaze lingering a moment over his features. Beauty had its power and even Quinn could be taken in by the sharp good looks of the Priscus of the Lords.

And last but certainly not least, Quinn gave a nod of respect to Mr. Kowalsic. Sparing a few seconds as she had with Mister Jack. SHe wondered at his presence here. Judging from what had happened to her, things were not as rosy as the others may think.

[Dirt Nap]

Dirt Nap notices Maeve's arrival with some interest. He had meant to speak with her before. He watches to see if there is anyone else seeking to engage her, as she seems to be planning on keeping to herself or else waiting on someone in particular.

Dirt Nap nods in Jack's direction, acknowledging his arrival with a respectful gesture.

Mr. Kowalsic arrives with his Miss Isabella and Dirt Nap nods respectfully in the direction of the esteemed Mister Kowalsic.

Dirt Nap acknowledges Seneschal Hart's acknowledgement of his words with a respectful nod in return, saying "Thank you, Ma'am, Seneschal Hart." in quiet reply.

"You're welcome Ma'am." Dirt Nap says to Quinn Durant, apparently choosing to treat her at Court as not the Slave she is in their mutual Covenant. He nods politely to her and then says, "I'm looking forward to our work at the Chapter House." His tone seems to suggest that even while he's bringing it up, he is not wanting to discuss Covenant business in open Court.

With that, Dirt Nap attempts to politely disengage, and take advantage of the attention most of the people he'd been talking to are now paying to either the officers of the Court or the arrival of Mister Kowalsic. "Please excuse me." He says, apparently to everyone in the area, though he might be looking most nearly at Lady Hazelton than anyone else.

Dirt Nap strolls over to approach Maeve. "Evening, Ma'am." He greets her softly. "Seems like you're getting along fine in the Domain. It's good to see you again."

[Maeve]

Maeve continues her attentions to the scenes unfolding, waiting to see what happens. People milling about, just beginning their polite gestures and small talk. She notices the way Jack's eyes linger on her cousin for a moment and she raises and eyebrow. Then again, her cousin would make for good prey were it not for her quick wit and ambition. Theoretically, Maeve should be the easy pickings and yet...

She takes a moment to adjust her skirt and try to twirl her messy curls back into their proper shape. Not really succeeding.

She watches with interest as Mr. Kowalsic enters and she almost recoils in a sense of need to run, but she grits her teeth a little trying to relax. He's as formidable in blood as the Prince. That was a little terrifying. Her eyes linger on the conversation, curious as to what was to come from his talk of the Prince.

That is when Dirt Nap interrupts her listening and she turns her gaze to him, "Dirt Nap," she greets him politely, "I'm getting along as best as I can." She pauses, "You look like I'm exactly the person you want to see for some reason. Is that true or did you just notice I was spending far too much time listening?" She asks with a bit of a grin. "It is good to see you again as well though. How are you getting along since we last spoke?"

[Jacque]

The Lord's attention tore to the Haunt as his beast demanded the focus to the danger. Another apex was not all so common and change could be terrifying. He steadied his beast and gave him the respect he deserved. He bowed his head, "Good evening, Mr. Kowalsic."

He turned and forced a smile at Jennifer's curse-toned inquiry, "I have nothing to complain about. I hope the same for you." He engaged with the usual small talk but it wasn't hard to tell he had an ear on the Kowalsics.

He nodded in kind to Quinn before his eyes traced Dirt Nap to his conversation with Maeve. He quietly smiled to himself wondering if there was anyone who could ever develop friction with the curious savage.