Quartermain's Swearing Ceremony

[Aiko Hamura]

Aiko brims with rage.

How dare Quartermain waste Priscus Hazelton's efforts. The Prince's time?? Despite being unable to back it up with her own power, Aiko experiences thoughts similar to the Prince... but she remains still, hands behind her back. The only thing that could make this night even more unseemly is violence without receiving a command for it.

Bristling like a cat, Jack's words barely register at first. When they do, Aiko experiences a pang of paranoia. Was he being... charitable? Setting her up for failure? It was difficult to tell, given past experience. It couldn't have a been a careless remark, surely. Nerves on edge, Aiko glances at the male Priscus. What were his intentions?

It isn't a difficult question for her. Aiko simply bows, halfway between the Prince and halfway between Priscus Hazelton - leaning a little more towards the Prince - and says simply, "I would be unworthy." It isn't a lie. Perpetual toady that she is, Aiko's sense of self-worth is born from work, not titles.

O'brien stakes his desire to swear his oaths. Torn between a desire to shunt all of the attention onto him, and fear of doing so should her majesty's displeasure be tied to O'brien, Aiko elects to saddle herself to a middle ground.


"Whatever might please Her Majesty the Prince Antinori the most, let it be done. What little I can to contribute to her pleasure, I will."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Irritation blooms across Jennifer’s face as Quartermain departs. This had been set up for him for some time. Invitations were sent out. And yet his affairs were in such disarray that he departed in this manner.
“Ah, too true, Speaker Jack.” Jennifer’s Cursed voice is low and menacing for a moment. Then Jennifer briskly moves on, for the chaff separating itself out is an occurrence that happens.
“You are welcome, Alder Lady Prince Alessandra.” Jennifer replies pleasantly, her Cursed voice still creeping.
Jennifer nods slightly to Jack as he responds, stating. “I did enjoy the wonderful mansion setting. You have excellent taste, Speaker Jack.”

With dignified composure, Jennifer bestows pins upon each member present. Jacque’s pin stone is an amethyst stone, while Aiko’s stone is a sapphire. Connor and Jennifer’s stones are emeralds. Jennifer affixes her own pin to the sash last, indicating that these pins are to indicate accomplishments – especially to Kindred who will come after this Ceremony.

Brown eyes study Madame Hamura for a moment. Thoughtful. Then Jennifer thought a moment, for the Duchess had not arrived in the time this all had taken place. Jennifer decided to determine Connor’s eligibility. After all, she had spoken for him. Although she was curious what the Alder Lady Prince would say in response to Connor.
Jennifer studies Connor openly for a moment. “Do join me at the podium, Mister O’Brien, whip of the Nosferatu.” She states, moving to the podium.

She did not expect him to follow immediately, if he hesitated to wait for the Prince’s reply. At the podium, the sheets that had been made ready for Quartermain are tucked underneath on a podium shelf. A few moments pass as Jennifer sets up a new blank parchment, leaving the same copy of an Oath on the Podium.
“You have not sought me out for counseling regarding the Oath. It is not a requirement to do so, although I do recommend it. I shall write my requirements to meet in order to convince me to function as Notary for your Blood tell Oath.” Jennifer takes up a fresh sheet of parchment and writes a new message for Connor.

Written Instructions for Connor to read alone

If you wish to take the Oath this evening, Mister O'Brien, Whip of the Nosferatu, I do require that you write out the proper formal addresses for every Invictus member currently present. From the Alder Lady Prince Alessandra to Madam Aiko Hamura. Hand me this completed sheet when you are ready to begin your Oath Ceremony.

Once I give my assent that you have shown your knowledge of the proper addresses, you will use the ceremonial knife to access your Well. The Oath that you are to copy word for word is upon the podium – read it carefully. Fill the reservoir provided with your Vitae, which you will use to write out the entire Oath on the blank parchment provided.
I have told you some of the mockery Edward attempted. I shall tolerate no more stunts in that vein. Change a single word of the Oath I have crafted, and I shall tear the Oath asunder and you will not be allowed to attend another Oath Ceremony for a year and a day. In addition, I shall not oversee any other Oaths involving you for the duration of this period.

Jennifer steps back and stands near to the podium, where she awaits the need to step in and perform her duties. She expected Connor to manage the task easily, and that the Ceremony would result in another Kindred of Quality oath sworn to the Invictus.

[Connor OBrien]

The Whip offers Jennifer a deep nod of respect as his pin is bestowed upon him. In his mind, it brings the entire ensemble even more together than before.

A quick look is cast in the direction of the Prince before he makes his way to the podium with purpose. He reads the note written for him, and with a nod he picks up the pen and begins to write.

For Jennifer

The Alder Lady Alessandra Antinori; Prince of Sacramento, and Priscus of Gangrel

The Lady Notary Jennifer Hazelton; Priscus of Nosferatu

Mister Speaker Jack; Seneschal of Sacramento, and Priscus of Ventrue

Mister Connor O'Brien; Whip of Nosferatu

Madame Aiko Hamura

After he has finished writing, the Haunt steps back away from the podium to allow Jennifer to make her assessment.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer remained observing Connor at the podium, her demeanor that of a lady who was calm and collected. As Connor indicated that he was complete, she stepped towards the podium to read what Mister O'Brien had written. Finding all in order, she gave Connor a look. It was intended as a 'now I know you know the proper way of things' and all that implied. It was likely that she would be able to speak with him on this later. They did share the same communal haven when Jennifer was not at her new Haven, after all. They could find one another easily for clarification.
As Connor had completed her two tasks - proving that he knew the information and that his pride was appropriate for completing what was asked of him when needed, Jennifer was comfortable with accepting his Oath.

"Very well, Mister O'Brien, Whip of the Nosferatu. You may write the Oath in your own Vitae. I shall oversee the Oath with the authority granted to me as Notary."

The Oath is detailed in the Invictus group

[Connor OBrien]

Connor nods at Jennifer's approval and picks up the ceremonial knife. With a look out over the gathered crowd, he draws the blade across his left palm and wills his vitae to flow forth from the wound. Drop by drop, he fills the provided reservoir with the precious ichor, being careful not to spill a single drop anywhere else.

With the pomp and circumstance of blood and blade out of the way, the haunt begins the task of writing the oath in his own Vitae; word for word.

[Jacque]

The Lord's head tilted ever so slightly at Aiko's declaration of unworthiness... though he paid it little mind as she submitted to the declaration of the Prince's Will. Connor having answered his earlier question seemed quite eager to move forward with his own oath. Jack watched the reading of the words and the distinct sound of a lack of critique.

He quietly wondered if anyone else was pleased with the quiet evening... aside from the one noticeable absence of course.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer waits for Mister O'Brien to complete the oath. As the pen stops writing, she stepped forward to read the oath. All was in order, there. She took a moment to scour her mind on the fellow Invictus member's intentions. She sensed no duplicity from him. After all, she spoke for him.

" Now my part.' She spoke to mister O'Brien, whip of the nosferatu. She took the oath into her hands. There was a moment of quiet as she focused. The supernatural power was harnessed as she oversaw the oath, causing the vitae on the parchment to remain glossy and liquid.

A moment as Jennifer studies the oath, satisfied.
" Mister O'Brien, whip of the nosferatu is sealed to the Invictus.". She spoke with finality.

A bit of a surprise there in the middle, yet the oath ceremony has proceeded smoothly. Connor O'Brien is now bound by the blood oath.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

The kindred make their goodbyes and head into the night