(2102)Formal Court

[Twist]

At the pressure of her hands the doors slid open. Ah well, not that late it seemed.

If her beast was riled before, it was nothing to the rage it threw as she stepped into court proper. Some, like her, were masked but not enough. Not enough even if Alessandra was removed from the room.

But she wasn't and even as her beast howled for final deaths to be granted slowlyquicklybloodysomany Twist let herself sink into a deep curtsy to the Prince of the Sacramento Alessandra . Standing, she let herself move deeper into court, spotting the officials as she did so.

A curtsy for Alice Hart . A deep nod for fellow Priscus - Jacque , Jennifer Hazelton , and Quinn Durant .

Genial smiles of greeting for the remainder that she knew even as she avoided joining the crowd around the Piano. A new element of decoration for the room. She did not understand the significance of its presence. Where was the bench? But it seemed to be generating conversation. Which was purpose enough for her. Too often court felt stagnant and all together too quiet.

Got word that Twist isn't too late so adding on to original post for full entrance.

[Milton]

Milton seldom feels overwhelmed. This is not the result of a superior constitution, but rather a smug awareness of his own intelligence. He trusts that his finely-honed mental faculties will see him through. In moments like this, though, the Man and his mind are thoroughly outclassed by the Monster within. Dimly, he is thankful for the fair number of present Kindred who have availed themselves of Obfuscate’s ability to hide the Beast. Though that itself says something significant about the conduct of the Danse in Sacramento, something that will need to be analyzed at a later date. If he survives this perilous outing.

And it’s that thought, that moment of rationality, that pulls Milton back from the brink, silences (for now) the hissing of the asp in his chest. Into that lucid moment steps an aspiring savior. Milton should be thankful, but he finds that he resents this fellow for impinging on his sudden clarity with the taint of an unfamiliar Beast. Nonetheless he follows the Kindred’s lead, automatically falling into the routine of supplication. After all, he’d been embraced and blooded in a domain that prizes such forms of conduct.

Milton does his best to match the duration and depth of Edward’s bows, noting each name and title. When the process is complete, he replies to his interlocutor in a stiff but measured and respectful tone—one meant for the broader court, not just the Daeva: “No need to apologize, Mr. Heinrich.” Edward's hand is briefly taken and quickly released. “It’s my place to apologize if I’ve offended—I didn’t want to intrude where I am an unknown. I came here tonight to present myself to the Prince and Her court, and I appreciate your intervention.” Again, he turns to the Prince, offering another bow. “My name is Milton Northbridge, lately of Boston, Ventrue and childe of Elias Northbridge, of the Watertown Northbridges.” The whole thing rolls off the tongue. He’s said it enough. “I have only just arrived in the city and wanted to pay proper homage.”

From the press of the Prince’s lips, Milton gets the feeling that maybe she’d rather have done with the whole thing. He finds himself agreeing with her. He glances back to Edward with a watery smile of thanks (which could be counterfeit, or just milquetoast) and then falls silent, seeming to run out of steam. Luckily the steady stream of arrivals, a parade of powerful Beasts, is reason enough to keep his mouth shut and his eyes open. Tempus Loquendi, Tempus Tacendi.

[Dirt Nap]

Dirt Nap does little to clarify the relationship or context of the smile he receives from Priscus Hazelton. He returns it, muted, perhaps, but genuinely all the same.

"As well as can be, Ma'am. As well as can be." He says with a nod. He doesn't try to engage her, to keep her from her social duties and aspirations, responsibilities and such.

He notices the newcomer, humming his way into court, formal court at that. Interesting. Worse ways to handle being the new guy, Dirt Nap supposes. Notes the defensive positioning, and the interest in the chess board as well.

Alexander's entrance is characteristically straight and to the point. Might as well be, if you stand out anyway. Still there's an air of honesty about it that Dirt Nap heartily approves of, and Alexander, at least seems to know what he's about showing the right respect to the right people.
Dirt Nap is quite content with Alexander's honest nod to him, and nods back with a hint of a smile.

Edward comes in then, quick like spotting the new guy and lending a helping hand to him. Good for him. All he asks for it is a name, or giving the opportunity for some titles to boot.

Then Dirt Nap is being paid some attention to by the Seneschal, so he gives full attention.

"Yes, Ma'am, Seneschal Hart. All's well that ends well, I suppose." Dirt Nap response slowly and respectfully.

Priscus Durant, Slave Durant to him, in another place from here, gives him his second smile of the night. He nods. "Good to see you, Priscus Durant." He says slowly, sincerely without encouraging anything to be taken the wrong way. He ignores her lingering eyes. It's not a new suit. Nothing new to see there at all, matter of fact.

Then she seems to settle down a little, as Jennifer Hazelton's question brings up the social responsibilities. The Mekhet Clan does seem to be a bit of a job. Like herding cats, the phrase comes to mind. Curiosity and cats does too. He wonders a moment what Maeve might have got up to. He catches her looking over to Edward and his manners. She really ought to be among some high society group, instead of the Dragons. Well, the Crysalis will tell.

The Prince is unmistakable in her watching, seeing every little thing and one. Dirt Nap wonders for a minute about her hell hound, and then puts it out of mind. Best to keep his wits about him in court and not get distracted. It looks like Jennifer Hazelton is going to be talking with the Prince about something. He hopes it goes well for her, though he's got confidence she knows what she's doing.

Simone comes in. Always looks like she's ready for a fight, even is she isn't here to start one. Heads right on up to the Prince to show her respects, too. Like she's making a point of it. Interesting. And then she works her way around, strictly in rank order. And then she gets to her point. Covenant business. Crone.

Mister Kowalsics is making his splash. His ward is masked, which is interesting.

Dirt Nap gives a nod in the general direction of Mister Kowalsics, of genuinely seeming respect that nobody should have any complaint about, if they're keeping track of such things, as Dirt Nap is for sure and for certain Mister Kowalsics is like to do.

Then when Miss Kowalsics shows of her dress, and her hump, Dirt Nap nods to her, less than to Mister Kowalsics, but with respect nonetheless.

Dirt Nap isn't expecting their attention or company, but he watches where they're going and what they're up to all the same.

"It is a pretty thing." Dirt Nap nods and responds to Mable talking about the piano, and music in general. "I guess I'd go for a bird song or even a good chorus of howls under the open sky myself, but each to his own, I'd say." He says with a soft chuckle. The thing with animal songs was, they told you a thing or two about what was going on, if you paid attention. Especially if there weren't any all of a sudden.

Speaking of shy creatures that can sense danger a mile off, Dirt Nap sees J.C. enter court, and decides to head over there, if no one more important doesn't beat him to it. His cousin is still finding his footing, it seems to him. Along with some new clothes, is some new pepper in his outlook, unless Dirt Nap misses his guess. He well recalls the feeling of anger and wanting to fight when it'd be sure suicide. It can wear on a fella.

And then Jack enters. Dirt Nap considers himself better at reading signs on the ground than on a face, but he fancies that the look on Jack's face is of a man who has everything he could want, and is just a touch bored with it all. He could be wrong, but in its own way, that would seem alike it could get as dangerous or more than a man who has a new, unreasonable anger at every greater beast around....

Twist makes her entrance. Dirt Nap nods immediately and low in her direction; not as low as to the Prince, but just as sincerely. That woman has no right to look as delicate as she does, like a river crossing that looks shallow and slow that can take your horse and you off your feet and over the falls before you know what hit you.

And now the new guy speaks, and not too badly, just not patient or respectful enough to wait for permission to speak, directly to the Prince. Well. The footing can get tricky when you're new. Just have to watch and see if he's the type to be able to stop digging when he's put his foot in a hole.

Dirt Nap makes some solid eye contact with J.C. and says, "Good to see you. How are you holding out, with all that practical fear turned to being mad?" He asks softly. "You look like you're handling it okay."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Small nods of acknowledgement went out to those who acknowledged her, ever polite to those who showed respect. Mr. Moore received a smile of greeting, for he was Family and she was glad he had arrived. “Mr. Moore, thank you. It is good to see you out and about.”
Dark eyes watch Mr. Heinrich closely, her expression devoid of overly friendly or curious expression. Simply neutral. She watched as he intercepted the newcomer and instructed him. A nod of acknowledgement to Mr. Heinrich – much shallower than the one she had given him at the last Court that Heinrich had deemed worth attending. The lady gave a glance of acknowledgement to the newcomer.
Jennifer's dark eyes gave attention to the Seneschal, listening closely to her.
“That is good.” She spoke to Alice Hart. “I am glad to hear it. I have started experimenting with going out for socializing among the people. It has been an interesting experience, if you would like to accompany me one evening?”

Priscus Durant made quite a firm statement and Jennifer nodded approvingly. Keeping one’s Family in line was important, especially around edicts about attending Formal Court. “That is good to hear. ”
Jennifer accepted the Prince’s motion for Jennifer to approach, moving closer to the Prince to stand at a speaking distance from her.
“Lady Prince, it’s good to see you. I have made a little progress at setting up a more private place for us to meet for our next sampling of local brews.”

She sank gracefully into a deep curtsy to the Archon, her head bowed respectfully. She held the pose for a few beats of a mortal’s heart before rising. Her eyes drink in Twist’s appearance appreciatively, seeing why the apex Daeva was a bit on the late side. When one was Archon and Judex, one could set their own clock a bit, couldn’t they?
A nod befitting Mr. Kowalsic’s standing in the city was given, mindful of how close they were and how he could influence perception of her if she offended him. The childe was given a mere glance, noting her jewelry with some interest. The new Crone was given a glance.

“Yes, it is breath taking, if we breathed.” She smiled in a friendly manner to Miss Wood.
“Mr. Smith, good evening.” She replied with a polite inclination of her head. She watched some interest as he approached Seneschal Hart and Simone Perez. Mr. Jack was given a deep nod befitting his standing and his city position.
Dark brown eyes turn to Mr. Northbridge with curiosity. A slight expression of surprise fluttered across her face as he spoke to the Prince directly. No doubt had he waited a few moments; Mr. Heinrich would have had a chance to inform the newcomer of the Prince’s edict about approaching her Majesty. A moment of consideration of how best to smooth this situation so the Prince did not have to do every bit of correction and she stepped a bit to the side, in perfect place to make introductions as well as creating space between the Prince and Mr. Northbridge.

“Mr. Northbridge, may I introduce you to the Lady Prince Alessandra Antinori, Priscus of the Gangrel and Lady of the First Estate. One may refer to her as ‘Your Grace’.”
She paid special attention to the pronunciation of the Italian Prince’s name, and emphasized the proper address. She spoke carefully and a touch slower, knowing her Nosferatu Curse that made her words slither like a serpent over dying leaves might take Mr. Northbridge aback, and he would need a moment to follow her words.

"Your Grace, Mr. Northbridge, of the line Ventrue."
He had done so as much himself, but tradition were traditions. This was not an Invictus city, but some proper interjection seemed right to her.
A moment of hesitation as she looked for a member of First Estate on par with her own standing with them that could introduce herself to Mr. Northbridge properly. She decided to wait to see if one would approach to make the introduction. When she was looking about, she acknowledged Dirt Nap’s greeting to her, but did not respond to draw him into the obligation to respond in the middle of this to do. There would be time later.

[Alexander Moore]

The newcomer had said his piece to the Prince and hopefully he wouldn’t be rebuffed, but Alexander stared hard down at him from across the room.Why are there two of them? Alexander had remembered Edward Heinrich as a blank spot in his memory, the man who wasn’t quite there until you found him with your eyes, but now another Kindred, Milton Northbridge, seemed to be pulling the same trick, leaving Alexander to try and memorize some part of their appearance so he wouldn’t lose track of them. His eyes would slide over one, as if his silhouette was greased, and then he would grow bored from the dull looks of the other.


Thankfully he was pulled away from his musings over the faceless men with the small polite words of his Cousins and the other gathered Prisci. Twist entered Court, pulling his eyes and mind to her form as she strode in, Alexander bowed low to her, out of respect and to tear his eyes away from her. A quick searching glare was sent at Mr. Kowalsic and his ghoul, before swiveling around to another voice speaking his name. JC Smith had spoken so Alexander returned in kind, schooling his face into a more welcoming expression.


“Ah, I am doing quite well this evening thank you, I hope you enjoy your evening as well.” Alexander said, following it with a small nod. Awkwardly he tries to extricate himself from bodies around him, suddenly feeling claustrophobic despite the large amount of space open in the Court. Slowly sidling away until his back was facing away from any visible predators, Alexander tried to calm himself and his Beast as he looked out over the gathered Court.

[Edward Heinrich]

Alessandra's expression came as a relief to Edward. It was a single note of sensibility in all of the strangeness. Of course she would think little of him; that was only natural.

He felt the attention of others but assumed it was meant for the newcomer, the more interesting person. He watched Milton turn towards the Prince and fantasized about grabbing him by the shoulder, stop him from blundering again. Instead, Edward took a half step back while Milton addressed the Prince without being invited to. Edward held a shallow bow towards Alessandra, eyes on the floor before her. The waves of bows visible in Edward's periphery indicated Twist's arrival. While he felt trapped in his current deference posture, the idea of not bowing to Twist was so abhorrent that Edward turned to give her a deep bow.

And then, Jennifer. Was it surprise he felt? She was no more a court official than him; her interruption felt even less warranted than his own. She was no Keeper to maintain the peace, no Herald to speak the Prince's displeasure. Her use of Covenant titles to introduce Alessedra came as a shock. This could only mean the domain was to become officially Invictus. If that was the case, then it was not the untitled citizen's intercession, it was the Lady Notary's intercession. The latter made perfect sense. A chilling thought for the recent excommunicate.

Still, Edward was grateful for anything that drew attention off him. He gave a deep bow to the Prince and retreated. Praying he wouldn't be called on.

Edward wanted to be far away. Jacque was alone, but that would not be for long, and it would be too awkward to speak with Twist, at least until they had some other chance to semi-privately clear the air.

There was one, easily noticed, and away from the crowd — the newest Haunt. Edward, unless called upon or in some other way stopped, approached the giant.

"Good evening." Edward extended a hand, preparing to have it engulfed, "I am Edward Heinrich, of clan Daeva, I do not believe I have had the pleasure yet, Mr...?" Take two.

[Alessandra]

Her Beast stirs once again, the hatred and desire for the blood of the weak strong. But she reigns it in, back into its place in the back of her mind, to offer a nod to Mr Kowalsic and his Childe. Acknowledging she had seen them.

Dark eyes see JC, and she offers a nod, more shallow than the one offered to Mr Kowalsic.

As Jacque entered, there was a since of relief, no demands of her Beast for his head. There was a nod of respect to her fellow Kindred of Quality.

Twist gets a deep nod of respect and a smile. That was a stunning dress on her, but she had come to expect nothing less from the Daeva.

But the smile was quickly removed as the new Kindred in the room forgoes her Laws and etiquette. Logic tells her she cannot place sole blame on him, he wasn’t made away of the Laws.
This is why people who don’t know how to greet new faces should not do it.

She notes his name and Clan, and no mention of a Covenant. But remains silent for a moment.

And then Jennifer speaks. She understood the use and need of their Titles. But she understood their place as well.

“Prince Antinori and the fact that I am the Priscus for the Gangrel are the only titles you need concern yourself with.” He did not say he was a Kindred of Quality. This was mixed company, and Invictus titles were not needed.

“I would recommend you speak with your Priscus,” a nod towards Jacque , “to learn my Laws and be Acknowledged. You will find Priscus Jacque quite enjoyable company.” The Italian says before turning and finding herself a seat. While she notices Edward skittering back into his corner, she didn’t acknowledge it.

Posting to get the new guy to Jacque

[Alice Hart]

To be seen and not heard, one find all manner of entertainment. Listening to the Kindred move and weave throughout the night is a joy Alice never thought she'd find within the bounds of the political moving.

She plays her part, bowing to the Archon, the Prince, nodding to Priscii, and offering her Cousin a too-=wide-too-fake smile, "An experiment in socialization? I would love to join you Priscus Hazelton," she had promised Ale that she'd get out more.

[Jacque]

Jacque's eyes tracked as the new Lord made his minor error. The buzzing this created amused him greatly, ranging from distancing themselves to softening the offense through what he perceived to be an excess of formality. His gaze followed Heinrich as he moved on to the next Kindred. A curve of his lip revealed a disappointment in the retreat, but Jack had already done enough to that one- he wasn't the type to pile on with misfortune. He couldn't help but remember Ellis' insufferable attitude and the way he once unnecessarily interjected with a proclamation of being 'tainted goods'.

No, Jack would have some damn class.

He watched as Jennifer waited for her own introduction, but he did not leap at the chance. Instead he silently observed as the Prince did what should have been done to start with: send the whelp to his Priscus. He rose and signaled for Milton to come over as soon as he turned towards him.

Continued in (2102) Jacque's Orbit...

Sorry to jump here, but trying to give the new guy a place to go to get acknowledged.

[Quinn Durant]

Quinn’s politely neutral expression broke briefly as she watched Simone introduce herself to Seneschal Hart. One corner of her full lips upturned in a smile watching this unfold. Truth be told, Quinn had been too busy with the investigation of the mysterious Jackal and in meetings with a fellow Priscus to get a one on one privately with her new Mehket. Simone made it obvious to Quinn who was not there. Quinn did not halt her smile though her thoughts were a bit dampened at the absence of Maeve. Harsh lessons were necessary at times. She moved then to the side of her Cousin. Family had to stick together. No better time to help her bend the Seneschal’s ear about a Deputy position for one Simone. At least one of her Mehket would be settled in. “Good evening Simone, I’m pleased to see at least the majority of our clan see’s the value of Court.”

The Kowalsics joined the court, and Quinn gave a nod of respect to Mr. Kowalsic befitting a Kindred of quality and prestige. She noted the interest in the glance and tilted her face to the side just slightly meeting his gaze directly for a second before politely glancing down again. Quinn shifted her gaze to Miss Kowalsic, his childe and gave her a smile of encouragement. She was doing well in her public appearances, whether it was acknowledged or not. “Good evening Mr. Kowalsic.”

To Mable’s comment, Quinn chuckled softly nodding in appreciation for her cheeky response. Quinn enjoyed some tit for tat and Mable definitely provided it. Moments of levity definitely appreciated right now when things had been heating up on the Domain issues front. “If that dress doesn’t get you any attention, we are all doomed. You look beautiful.” She complimented her sincerely.

Quinn arched a brow in surprise at JC thanking her. It was a gift given in private. She sought no accolades for such and if she thought JC knew any better, she might have been offended by him publicly thanking her. Quinn of course did not fail to say softly “You wear it well, Mr. Smith.” Quinn’s gaze cut to Dirt Nap. He was worried about JC. His protean experiment he told her about, she hoped it worked out for him.

As Priscus Jack entered, she of course gave him a bit deeper nod of respect befitting his station as a Kindred of Quality, and a fellow Priscus. She appreciated the colors he chose for the evening. Violet in the aura meant something very different than the color in clothing. The color itself had all the energy and strength associated with red, but with the spirituality and deep integrity of blue. Did Jack believe in those ideals? Or did he just like the color to offset his eyes or something? It was easy to attribute onto others qualities when in reality it was mere personal taste.

Twist's arrival led to Quinn giving a curtsy. Less than she gave the Prince and the Seneschal of course, but still more than a nod for an Archon. The heels actually helped the curtsy in the short and sheer outfit. She admired her dress greatly. It was quite stunning. It wasn’t just the dress of course, but the Daeva herself. She was more curious about Twist and Alice than perhaps any of the court officials. Quinn guessed it was because of the conversation she had on that bright moonlit night. Early impressions formed were always lasting.

Milton earned another look, it wasn’t unfriendly, but more as if she wondered something. Like did they forget to teach patience in Lord school? Though Quinn was more fair minded than most Kindred, and understood this faux pas was a minor one. It would be over and done with and not given another thought, and Priscus Jack could guide him from there.

Then along comes Jennifer with the formal introduction conga line. Why Jennifer felt the need to do anything at all, was beyond her. Mr. Northbridge was clearly unaligned. Alessandra took care of it of course. Quick, no muss, no fuss. Quinn appreciated that. It was the only thing she found to appreciate with that whole ball of wax.