(1001) January Court

[Twist]

Following the lights and paving stones, and making your way just north of the tennis courts and through the tree line a large structure takes up the clearing before you. From the structure a small protrustion- the entrance, awaits. It holds no door, but rather has a large strip of heavy black material covering the hole. A single slit splits down the center and pushing through you enter a short hallway. The hallway is dark, the only light coming from four rope lights that run along the floor and ceiling. At the end of the hallway another fabric door awaits. You can hear the faint sounds of music coming from that way.

Pushing through the second 'door' you enter the Court room proper.

At first impression it seems you have walked into the night sky. Stars surround you. As your eyes adjust you realize that reality has not broken, and to your left you can see the stars break as a large dance floor takes up the space. Just behind the dance floor there is a band playing. It hits you that the sound of classical music softly fills the space. Their reflection is slightly distorted though and the further detail that there is a clear wall seperating the room the band is in from the main room proper becomes apparant.

To your left faint movement and tables are scattered in a loose grouping. Behind them along the wall, figures stand. Clothed in all grey, you get no sense of the beast and as you take in the tables holding clear glass flutes behind them you realize that they are kine, that they are refreshements. One of the figures has a deeper gray fabric and his posture is less submissive. He is the 'bartender'.

Looking straight ahead, past the dance floor and the tables area are rows of seats. They are hard to make out though- the black fabric that drapes them is sewn with tiny crystals and sequins that refract the light- making them appear part of the night vista that surrounds you. Coming to the front of the chairs you can see that the first two rows of chairs have small labels attached to the seat backs. Reading the labels they are titles of Kindred in the city. The first row's tags are filled with the official titles of those holding positions in the city. They are guaranteed a spot up front. The second row of seats is also likewise tagged. The names on these tags hold no city titles though but rather Invictus titles. Any one with allegience to the Invictus but no city title has a chair reserved in the second row. The remaining rows behind have no tags.

What isn't hard to see is what sits past the chairs. Upon a raised platform was a throne. Unlike the chairs that blend into the starscape, the throne stands out. Made of golden oak the padding on the chair seat and main back is made of rich gold velvet material. An elaborate sun motif expands from the backing- set so that it would perfectly frame the person who sat there.

Lighting is faint but still clear, and looking up you see not the hazy night view of sacramento but still the starscape. These stars above you seem the main source of light, filling the room with faint white light. Other lights are scattered that add though. Such as the tables. Ringing the glass edge of each table are rope lights, dimmed by the gauzy material that drapes them which is also sewn in with crystals to mirror the star vista. The dance floor is marginally more lit, it's edges bound by more led rope lights. The starred ceiling more clustered with lights to add more that way as well.

The platform with the throne was also lit more so, making it clearly visible to all.

Rough blueprint

[Joseph Hartman]

Wearing a dark blue suit with a black long sleeve shirt underneath Joseph walks into Court proper and stops.

"It's beautiful" he murmurs to himself seeing the ceiling.

It would appear even the Invictus believe that beauty can still be appreciated among the kindred or it was a display designed to impress. The intent doesn't matter to Joseph. He makes his way over to one of the tables and takes a seat. His head swivels slowly as he enjoys the view. Having sated himself already the kine aren't a distraction and being full meant that he would be unencumbered by his blood's unique attribute.

[Madison Wells]

Madison enters the area for court with a measured stride. She'd decided to go for elegant rather then revealing this evening and as she steps through the fabric door she is glad for that decision. She wlks around the area, giving a nod to Joseph as she passes him. She decides to admire the room before taking her seat and wait to see who else arrives.

Madison's attire

[Yawgmoth]

Dr. Lazarus arrived early, driven to the court by his ghoul Harold Smith. This evening the Doctor came dressed in attire that would cause most to not immediately recognize him. Lady Pia had most graciously provided the First Estate's attire for the evening and, unlike the Carthians, did an excellent job of it.

A comfortable fit, and one that displays the power of the First Estate.

Ith did not conclude his wardrobe change at his suit alone. A new mask sat over his face this evening; it was still expressionless however it was no longer white. The new mask was solid black except for silver lining around the eye sockets. The Warden had special ordered it not long after the Invictus meeting.

The First Estate prided itself on pristine members, and because it was their court, the Doctor found it appropriate to actually wash, comb, and straighten his long black hair. No longer the greasy tangled mess that had always sat on his head, Lazarus' hair looked presentable for once.

Most would not immediately recognize him as Ith Lazarus until they smelled his strong scent of medicine or heard his raspy voice. Entering into the main hall, he stood and forced himself to admire the Judex's handiwork. Looking over he noticed the band that he had paid for.

It was better to pay for them rather than locate and hire them.

Mister Warden Ith Lazarus approached the first person his yellowed bloodshot eyes landed on: a man in a dark blue suit sitting at a table. He did not want to talk to this man at all, but the road to social progress was not an easy one.

"Hello," Lazarus' raspy voice hissed, "I do not believe we have met."

[Fractured]

The Seneschal arrives, looking dapper in well-shined black shoes, perfectly creased slate grey slacks, and a light gray jacket over a white collared shirt. On his left wrist, a decent, silver watch ticks quietly, an impassive sentry to the march of eternity.

He was not looking forward to another Court. Every time, he was forced to reveal his weak Beast to stronger predators. He shuddered ever so slightly. Maybe Heathcliff would get a chance to talk with Arnoud today, though, perhaps some signal, some wink would be given to let him know that Beth and Rachel had made it safely away. It was wishful thinking, given Arnoud's paranoia, but Heathcliff indulged himself in it, nonetheless.

Making his way through the tastefully decorated hall, the Seneschal spots the pretty young Sanctified known as Madison Wells. He sidles up next to her and smiles. "Miss Wells, a pleasure to see you again," he says brightly. He tries to keep his dead eyes from wandering too long along the lines and curves of her frame. A pleasure, indeed, but Court is business, he reminds himself.

[Joseph Hartman]

Joseph stands as the masked figure approaches him. When the smell of the man hits him Joseph stomps down on the impulse to frown. Insulting another person before learning who they were wasn't something smart to do. As the figure greets him, Joseph extends a hand a light smile on his face.

"I don't believe so. I'm Joseph Hartman of the Ordo Dracul."

[Yawgmoth]

A dragon? Interesting. I wonder how Prince Clarke is fairing under their covenant's banner.

Lazarus also extends his hand and returns the handshake. "A pleasure, and I am Mister Warden Ith Lazarus of the First Estate."

It suddenly struck the Doctor that he had nothing left to say. This was why he loathed social contact; most people were dreadfully boring and had nothing to say. He preferred to talk at people rather than to them. Still, the Morothropian forced himself to go deeper into small talk.

"Do you enjoy classical music, Mr. Hartman?"

[Lesingnon]

Wilhelm suppressed a slight scowl as he entered Court. Not because he was displeased with the decor. Far from it, the Invictus had undoubtedly outdone themselves. But because he never liked entering an Elysium. And he always missed the weight of his weapons and vest. He disliked revealing his beast to all in attendance. And he could not even utilize his Auspex to see clearly in the dim lighting. But concessions had to be made in Kindred society.

He takes his time observing the decor. It was a shame to glance over such painstaking work after all, and he certainly did appreciate the obvious effort that had gone into the night's preparations. When he moves to the chairs he takes care to note which one is marked for the Priscus of Shadows. When it came time to take his seat he would rather be able to find it quickly, as opposed to bumbling around in the dim light attempting to locate it.

Suit

[Joseph Hartman]

"..I haven't thought about enjoying music in a while. Sure at the clubs its nice but I can't not say that I really enjoy any sort of music. Do you enjoy it?"

Another Invictus, Joseph hasn't met many in town but hasn't really tried either. Don't fall into any games Joseph

[Madison Wells]

Madison looks over at Heathcliff and smiles. "Seneschal, it is indeed a pleasure to see you again. I trust you are faring well?"

She continues to roam as she speaks, not done with her inspection of the room yet. In truth, she is nervous. She dislikes being around so many kindred at one time and with the development of VII suspected in the city, it bothers her to put so many kindred in one place. Her Blood keeps any of this from showing however, and she appears unruffled and relaxed.