(2108) Formal Court

[Seryna]

Eternal Court

The Nox Populi is an upscale experience that will take Sacramento nightlife to a whole new level.

In the heart of downtown Sacramento there is a place of intrigue, excitement and entertainment. The modern flare of this venue is host to exclusive parties. The seduction of this establishment may take you away as you drink, dance and socialize. There are private services available upon request. The best DJ’s in town are in line to play a wide variety of music. Some of you may dine…as long as you have your VIP pass.

However the Kindred arrive they are discreetly met and led to the back of the club. The space downstairs is decorated in dark, rich woods and expensive furniture. There's a coat room that will also hold one's 'unmentionables'; namely, weapons, at the foot of the stairs. There are also private areas, dark, and furnished with soft couches, as well as meeting rooms with conference tables and chairs, and an area with several televisions. The Court area is decorated with long black and brown silken drapes cascading from floor to ceiling. Draped in elegant bunches and gathered into valances across door frames and between supporting pillars; the lighting is intentionally low, but without the pulse of the music from above, the place has the feel of a sepulchre.

The common area circles the Court proper, and it becomes apparent that this is not decorated for a single evening. Small symbols note areas for Kindred only that branch off of the Commons, which will be necessary once those Kine privileged enough to see behind the Masquerade filter in: ghouls, herd members, or even devotees. The furniture setting is familiar now: a set of elegant chairs, all dark wood and red leather, arranged in a circle. The baroque lighting leaves the corners of the Elysium commons in deep shadow.

With the permanent fixture that the chess table had become, there was yet another new item. A Steinway concert piano, its cover in an upright position, revealing stunning inner strings strings. The lid was closed on the keyboard, the bench not with it.

Another evening; another Danse. For some it will their first, for some it shall be their last. After all, this is the Prince's Elysium, and subject to the Laws of the Domain.

Formal Court has now begun...

Please remember that Predator's Taint is in effect and role-play is expected, or rolls will be asked for!

This is a great place to get Acknowledged


You now have 1 Week to enter Court before the Doors Close.

Formal Court a specific event. Announced to the Domain, you are expected to attend or you will find your Acknowledgement revoked. After 1 Week, the doors to Court close (no new entries into the thread). Once you have left Court, you are not permitted to return. Court is never truly empty: this can include 'faceless masses' of Kindred beneath notice, ghouls, herd members, devotees, or even officials in their offices.

[Quinn Durant]

Quinn descended the stairs for another Danse in the Nox. This time hopefully a nice quiet night with her fellow Kindred. Quinn had had her fill of spectacles to last for awhile. Quinn's long hair was up in a simple bun, she wore only a pair of solitaire diamond stud earrings for jewelry because her body was the jewel in this dress.

Quinn had this dress specially made. The materials were simple, but it was the pattern in it that was amazing. Meant to mimic the butterfly, and all that entails, with its incredibly vivid detail Quinn brought the colors and warmth of summer embodied in a dress, into the Nox. Thank you double sided tape. She wore a pair of clear heels this evening, not that anyone could really see them with the dresses train.

Quinn noted that no one of prominence was here yet, so she spoke to a few of the faceless masses. After all, you never knew when one of them would rise to be a mover and a shaker the next night....

[Seryna]

Simone walked in and passed a hardsided firearms case to the coat check. She walked in carrying a small silver clutch and a modest black dress, sweetheart neckline, and knee length. She lowered herself into a deep nod to Quinn.

" Priscus." Simone bid respectfully. "Mr. Edison Jake." She nods the Kindred who was pleased to speak to the Mekhet Priscus. Jake smiled and nodded respectfully.
"Priscus Durant. Madam Simone. I trust you have been well?"
His deep brown eyes look towards where the rack had been last month for a moment, before back to Quinn and Simone.
Simone looks to Quinn.
" You look lovely, Priscus."

[Conner Wells]

Passing off a weathered leather jacket and a scuffed tonfa to the coat check, Conner Wells enters Elysium. The Shadow looks more worse for wear than most that enter that night; his outfit, blue button-down with green tie, black pants and vest, contrasted with his muted grayish skin that betrayed his hunger and the triple-pronged claw scar on his face. The Barrens had clearly not been kind.

He takes a moment before walking down the steps to twist the Lancea Sanctum ring on his finger, releasing a silent prayer even as a hungry growl rumbled in his throat. Thy will be done, Lord. But let's make this cup a little less bitter. He strides down the stairs, noticing with a mixture of relief and apprehension that his Priscus was the only notable figure in Court. There were two others: an unfamiliar Kindred of unknown Clan, and Simone. Crone and outsider. Conner straightens his stance; he may be withered but he wasn't broken.

He approaches the group, bowing low first to Quinn. ​"Good evening, Priscus Durant." He takes his place at her side, offering a measured nod to Simone. "Madame Simone, a pleasure to see you again. How goes your business in the Domain?" He may have made a show of placing his hands so that the Lancea logo ring was clearly visible, and his smile may have been a bit more tense, but there was still a polite veneer to his tone. He nods as well to Mr. Jake. "Greetings, Mr. Jake. I'm Conner Wells, of the Second Estate, Clan Mekhet". Hopefully this new stranger would bring more pleasant events than the Kowalsics.

[Maeve]

Maeve makes it to court a little early and as soon as she gets there, it feels like a meeting of the Mekhets. Lovely.

Tonight, her blue hair is done in curls, the color quite vibrant under the lighting. It is, of course, the only thing truly vibrant about her, perhaps aside from her azure eyes to match. Her gown she had to rent from a friend. While she could certainly afford such a gown, she certainly didn't want to own it, or she might wear it everywhere. She feels like a witchy goddess in it. It is a beautiful, gothic gown in a mermaid cut, corseted with what looks near like armor filigree upon the top, creating an off the shoulder neckline.

She approaches the group and gives a slight nod to each, a curtsy to her Priscus. There is a low whine grumbling inside of her to attack as she does approach, but she reminds herself that it would ruin the dress. "Good evening. Beautiful dress, Priscus Durant. Yours is as well, Madam Simone." Yes. She will use proper names and titles tonight as a giant fuck you to the system... also because it would make Jennifer proud of her and maybe it would be nice to do that. "Have I missed anything?" She asks, looking to the bunch, trying not to let her eyes settle on Conner for too long. She can't help but feel bad for him, given his hungry state and having to deal with formal court. Fucking bitch of a Prince.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer and Connor O'Brien arrived together in her vehicle. Liam, Jennifer's ghoul, pulled up to Elysium and respectfully opened the door for Jennifer and Connor. As the two Nosferatu walk into the building, the car pulls away.

Jennifer strides to the coat check and drops off a soft sided zip up case that contain her knives. She paused for Connor to be ready. Once they are prepared, she strides confidently into court beside Connor.

Dark brown eyes survey Court quietly. She gives Priscus Quinn a deep nod befitting her role in the Mekhet Family. She studied Conner - and his ring- a moment. Jennifer turned to Maeve, evaluating the other kindred's body language. It seems she was learning. Perhaps there was hope. Jennifer gives Maeve a nod. Yet her mind churned over the new information she had been told, viewing it with a grain of salt.

"Priscus Durant." Jennifer greets her new ally, signaling this with a smile.
Calmly, she glanced around and noted that Dirt Nap, Seneschal Jack and the other Nosferatu had not arrived. Nor had the other domain officials.

Quietly and likely not attracting attention, Liam slips into Court and moves to where the ghouls await orders.

[Milton]

Milton takes the steps into Court at a measured pace. He is wearing a grey suit and waistcoat with a purple tie. On his lapel is fixed a small, golden pin representing a sprig of Mountain Ash, touched here and there with green and red enamel.

By all rights, he should be in high spirits. On many fronts, the Lord is making substantial progress. Every night, his influence grows in the financial and governmental edifices of Sacramento. This is matched only by his insinuation of himself into the nightly churn of Kindred politics. Yes, there is cause for contentment.

But Milton is not quite content. And for that, he blames his memories of the recent...demonstration in this hallowed place. It's as if he can still smell the thick, dark vitae of the elder Kowalsic. As if the sounds of flesh being stripped from its underlying armature still echo through these halls. It adds an uncomfortable edge and Milton finds himself wishing that he could wholly repress any recollection of that night. The Man wishes to forget, but the Beast wants only to remember.

Luckily, there's plenty to distract Man and Beast on this occasion. The Shadows have already arrived with a new addition standing beside Ms. Perez. Only Maeve's Beast gives the Lord any trouble, which, while still uncomfortable, is a small blessing. He approaches the gathered Kindred with that unassuming, bland smile of his on full display.

"Good evening Priscus Hazelton, Priscus Durant," he says, offering both a nod of respect. The others constellated around the two Priscii are acknowledged with a sweep of his unremarkable, brown eyes. His gaze lingers for a moment on the unknown party. "I trust the night finds everyone well..."

[Connor OBrien]

The Haunt accepts the open door from Liam, giving him a small nod as he does. He was cattle, but he was his Priscus' cattle so he deserved an iota of respect.

He listens to the hum of Nox as they're guided through to the VIP area, watching the kine dance and enjoy their life. The smell of alcohol and blood mingling, calling to him. Their heartbeats racing from the physical activity and the meaningless attractions they find in a place like this. The privilege of feeding at the rack is enticing to him, and he's reminded every time he steps foot into court.

Finally they arrive at the coat check, and Connor hands in a pistol and a knife from behind his back.

Now is the time for the Kindred of Sacramento to wonder, to make their assumptions and either be wrong or right. Connor and his Priscus are arriving together, and the thought must surely run through everyone's minds. He scans the faceless masses as he follows Jennifer's lead; Right to Quinn and her group of Mekhet.

He's dressed in his usual black suit with a matching vest, tie, and pocket square. On his lapel he wears a boutonničre composed of Bells-of-Ireland, secured by a Black Rooster pin. He gives a nod to Conner and Milton. "Good evening, gentlemen." Then a nod to Maeve. "And a good evening to you as well. I don't believe we've had a chance to meet. Mister Connor O'Brien, Nosferatu of the First Estate. May I be so bold as to ask your name?" He knows her name, of course; There's only one Mekhet with such vibrant hair. Then finally a nod to Simone. "And I believe we are in the same predicament as well. I have heard talk of you at the court a few month's back though, Good Evening Madam Perez."

After receiving an answer from Maeve, he turns to Quinn, giving her a small bow of respect. "Priscus Durant, stunning as always. Ní scoirfidh tú d'iontas riamh."

[Seryna]

Mr. Eddison Jake was a skinny, unobtrusive man who held his Beast Cloaked. He is African American, around 5'11'' with a closely cropped hairstyle. He has an unobtrusive air. You likely would look right past him, unless searching for him, specifically. He wears a grey off the rack suit with a violet pocket square. The tie is grey, not flashy.
“Priscus,” He gives a deep respectful nod as Priscus Hazelton spoke to Priscus Durant. His warm brown eyes move around, marking those who are speaking.
“Mr. Eddison Jake, of the line Ventrue, sir.” He gives first Mr. Wells, then Maeve a nod of greeting. He extends the same nod of respect to Milton Northbridge and then Connor O’Brien. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Priscus Hazelton.” Simone makes a polite deep nod, if punctual and not held for long.
"Madam Maeve, its great to see you." A brief, sincere smile to the Shadow, then a slightly deeper nod to Maeve. Someone was paying attention to the respect Maeve had earned among the Mekhet Family where she was from.
"Mr. Wells." An eyeful of his ring, made obvious. "You are the leader of your Covenant?" She inquired of Mr. Wells.
“Mr. Jake.” Simone gives him a nod, but a slight one. One befitting someone who hadn’t risen to attention of the Court.

“Mr. Northbridge.” Simone gave Milton a deeper look and a friendly smile, which became a professional and polite look when she addressed the next person. “Mr. O’Brien. I am Simone Perez, of the line Mekhet. Maiden of the Crone.”

Her speech is not accented, clear and crisp. Her eyes return to Mr. Wells and Maeve.
“I had been hoping to speak to you, yet hadn’t found the right moment.”
Last Court certainly had not had a proper time with the sentencing. Her eyes start to go where the rack had been, yet Simone forcibly looks back to the small group forming. She looks to Priscus Durant, including her and clearly watching the Priscus for her facial expressions.

[Quinn Durant]

As Simone made her way into Elysium, Quinn felt her beast lurch reproachfully, but she shoved it all the way down and put on that gentle smile of hers, eyes as alert as a baby owl in the light of a full moon. Quinn nodded back, acknowledging Simone, the fellow Mehket seeming happy to interact with her. At least there is one.
To Mr. Jake Quinn nodded and said quietly, “I am Mr. Jake, thank you for your concern." Her smile widened at the compliment from Simone, “Thank you Ms. Perez. I had it specially made. The last hurrah of Summer before fall comes to usher in the longer nights!”
Quinn seemed to look forward to that immensely, but was still trying to be in the moment as it were.


Connor Wells is another familiar face, and she beamed up at her closest Kin in the Domain as he came to her side. Yes, she noted he looked like hell, and that was good. Let the court witness his struggle and punishment, as a wise Prince once told her. The crucible would make him stronger or break him. “Good evening, Mr. Wells.” She didn’t ask him how he was, I mean, wasn’t that obvious? She also wouldn’t show gentleness in court either while he weathered his punishment. He had earned it. He needed this to grow. Just like plants need thrashing winds for their stalks to grow stronger.


Then Maeve joined them and her smile remained, a little nod to acknowledge her fellow Shadow, happy for her attending court promptly. “Thank you Ms. O’Ryan, and you know I love that style of fashion on you!” She blended into the décor, Quinn noted, glancing around. If it wasn’t for the blue hair she could hold up a wall and go completely unnoticed. Quinn’s only outfit like that was the lace top and pants she had worn at an informal court, and at that court she had wished she could disappear. Quinn was a little bemused by the memory.


Quinn watched as her Ladyship, Lady Notary Hazelton, and Mister Connor O’Brien arrived at court together. Interest flickered in her eyes, and she commended her Ladyship for showing fortitude and a united front with her clan. Perhaps even a little envious, but based on two backstabs from her own clan, Quinn didn’t hold out much hope for unity. She would do what she could, and anything she could to further the personal goals of her two shadows, but trust was as rare as finding the star pop in a box of tootsie pops. “Good evening, Lady Notary Hazelton.” Quinn bowed her head deeply to her Ladyship, showing respect for not just a fellow Priscus, but a Kindred of Quality, and a personal Ally in the domain. She looked over Mr. O’Brien and a slight softening came into the Shadow Priscus’s eyes. It was fleeting, but it was there for anyone paying especially close attention to Quinn’s mannerisms. She chuckled a little at his address in Gaelic. She knew of the language, but not a damn word of it. It was not a romance language either, so no words were similar to grab onto as it is in others. She had to trust that it was something complimentary. “Mr. O’Brien, you are looking well this evening, and I trust that is true beneath the surface?” She inquired as to his well being.


Quinn nodded her head in recognition of Mr. Northbridge, and looked over his attire with interest. Yes. Purple was his power color. She found it pleasing to the Lord’s look. She was glad he was sticking with it. “Good evening Mr. Northbridge, you are looking nice this evening.” She complimented him on wearing some color and a pin. A little personality coming through. Some style that was all his own. Quinn was here for it, and pointed it out so others could admire the Lord as well.