Private Salon

[Jennifer Hazelton]

“Yes, it is a fair question to ask of any Bloodline.” Jennifer replied pleasantly to Ms. Silvers in her Cursed voice.
“I thank you for the praise. It took some time… yet I believe time to spend in conversation and genteel exchange of ideas is time well spent.”
“Mr. Schneider, good evening. It is good to see that you have arrived. Please, join us.”
“Ms. Grey, welcome. I am glad that you have chosen to attend a Salon for a second time.”
No mention of the events of the first, for the others likely have no idea unless a certain songbird had been singling. Or whispering deceitful words. Ms. Grey has a keen mind for questions and learning the truth, which I do appreciate.

“I had no doubt, Ms. Dawson.” The gracious smile to Ms. Dawson."You are an exquisitve conversationalist."
I did so enjoy our private talk. Jennifer thought.

“Mr. Roman.” A dark brow arched just slightly at him, and she remained pleasant. No mention of the time was made. I had enjoyed our walk, and he had not offered insult.
A gracious smile as she gave a nod to those acknowledged in the Domain.

Jennifer sobered a bit to a conversational expression. One of mild interest.
“I intend this to be a night of getting to know one another, as much as beings such as us can get to know one another. All of you are somewhat new to the Domain, some more than others. A moment to find a connection could be a boon.”

Jennifer walked to the seating area and took a seat. Her own thoughts were thinking on connections, and how these newcomers were likely searching for connections, for allies. Or Kindred to use for their own ends. The Beast needed allies, as much as it was jealous of what sharing and trust could risk.
“Take a seat. Are there any dreams you have for Sacramento that you might share?”

[Alicia Silvers]

Looking back to the Seneschal with an equally pleasant look and voice upon her.
"It is a wise question, especially for one who listens." Turning her eyes out over the place, back toward the entrance to the room and the corridor behind it. "What about the lotus flower draws you in, what makes it stand out for you amongst the countless ones in existence?"

Eyes quickly drawn to the priest upon his entrance, watching his movements and choices just like she would with each new arrival after him. A light step to the side, making sure to leave a gap easy for anyone to come into the little gathering without issues or at least having her block in any manner.
"A pleasure to see you here Mr.Schneider, I hope your nights are finding you well within this new domain?" Lightly nodding her head toward him.

Letting a soft look take her over as the shadow came to join them, happy for the reprieve she alone gave them here as she answers the little bow of the head just a smidge deeper in honor of the new title of the shadow.
"A pleasure, we were just discussing favorite flowers. Is there a particular one that speaks to you?" A bit saddened that they had been forced to part before she had gotten her chance for a reply last time she had attempted to speak with the woman.

Lightly shining up toward her cousins words.
"To work in such harmony is a rare thing indeed, to have you feel us already blended in such a manner does speak well for the coming nights." Especially with the loss of 40% of our family. "Is there any rose that speak to you more than others, their colors were bountiful in Victorian times but many more has since risen from the ground." Moving herself just an inkling closer toward her cousin as eyes wander upon the others.

Glancing upon the ripped man, not having missed the major difference in how they had all acted.
"Good evening Mr.Roman, and that makes us six." Looking out over the ballroom as she prepares to follow along toward the seating area to find herself a place to join in with the rest. "A perfectly even number, and such a grand room, does it ever get used for actual moments of dancing?"

[Otto Schneider]

Otto's smile faltered for a moment as Marcus approached, but the familiarity of his Beast meant that the nonverbal interaction was blessedly quick. To make it clear that no disrespect was meant, at least not intentionally, the Priest inclined his head to the Gangrel and made sure there was space for him in the small circle. "Mr. Roman, good evening to you."

He turned his attention towards Rebecca, not quite expecting the question but silently pleased by it despite himself. "Nostalgia. I have also long been fond of roses, believe it or not. There's a wealth of meaning to them, even if you're only counting the varieties of red roses. A gift of a flower could be a warm compliment or a taunt." He mused, briefly taking his own flower from his pocket and holding it up to examine it more closely. "And the Requiem has only added depth to their meaning." He placed the flower back and smiled a little more warmly. "Apologies for carrying on like that. And you? Why the jade?" He offered the Daeva the chance to reply, having gone on a little longer than intended. It only seemed fair.

Ms. Silvers caught his attention next. A polite, even greeting. "I feel that I have been integrating reasonably well. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but the Domain manages to pleasantly surprise nonetheless." The Priest's smile twitched at the mention of dancing, though it may have been lost amongst the myriad conversation topics occurring at once. Please, Lord above, have mercy and don't inflict such a torment on this night.

Glancing back at the rest of the Kindred, the Ventrue slowly followed after the hostess and took a seat for himself. He crossed a leg over the other and folded his hands casually before giving a thoughtful look to her prompt. "Well... there are certain obligatory answers you'd expect from any Priest..." His eyes wandered in Marcus's direction at that, expected a snarky comment or at least a dirty look. "But on a personal level, I'd be pleased to serve the Domain in a more formal capacity." He figured it was a relatively safe answer, if only for the fact that he was careful to not be so specific that he seemed like he was gunning for someone else's job.

[Benedikta Grey]

A cordial smile was offered as Dawson spoke of a desire to get to know Benedikta better. The Shadow was not unwilling, but every Rose had thorns, as they say.

"I'm certain we will, Ms. Dawson," she said, "The Lady Seneschal is a gracious host. I'm sure we will be afforded ample time for such things."

Following Marcus' bow, Benny affords hum a nod, recognizing his place in the Domain. "Good evening, Mr. Roman."

Then the Mekhet's eyes find purchase with the sibilant-tongued Haunt in their midst as Benny offers the pleasant Seneschal a gracious smile.

"Of course! I found our last conversation... illuminating with those present," she said as the Nosferatu affirmed this was her second time in the Salon.

Soon after, the other enticing Daeva in her presence. She considers Alicia's question for a moment and then, finally, answers.

"The bitterroot, Ms. Silvers," she said, "Saw some for the first time when I visited the Cascades while I was a little girl. Might be some around Sacramento even, but I'll admit I haven't looked. Its got a decent range though."

Schneider's answer to the Seneschal's question is met with a neutral expression. She wasn't a member of the Lance nor did she share their beliefs.

"Planning on opening a site for worship then?" she asked, mildly curious.

Turning to the greater group, Benny took her turn to answer.

"I don't have grand dreams. I'm more... practical, I guess? Short term goals are to be of use, collect some goodwill, and, down the line, get a little approval to expand my Haven. This last goal would also serve to increase my services to the Domain," she said, "I'm a bit of technophile, mostly computers, but I dabble in automobiles and have been eyeing up some gunsmithing courses on the low. In any case, I need a workshop to get that off the ground and my current digs aren't gonna cut it. So, gotta expand my homebase."

[Marcus Roman]

Marcus took a moment to be polite given the location and host. He didn't want to let the Seneschal down after all. "Mr. Schneider, good to see you. Apologies for the last time we interacted. I try very hard, but sometimes my temper gets the better of me and I can be...foolish. I hope we can get off on a better foot here." The Savage then followed into the seating area and took a seat nearer toward Jenna. He gave a smile toward Alicia as she welcomed him and listened intently as Benny gave a summary of her plans.


"I think short term, I've decided to try and throw a little Saturnalia festival since there was interest and support. I think it would be a good gathering, and I do agree with Mr. Schneider on the power of nostalgia. Long term, I'm just trying to serve the Domain. I'm making headway there, hopefully soon I'll have impressed Reeve Kingsley enough to earn a spot on the team as it were. Longer term...maybe open a dive bar with some fun to be had in the basement." The Roman didn't actually know he wanted to do that last bit till he said it out loud. A slight look of complexity crosses his face as he processes the idea of staying in a domain long enough to own some stakes in the game.

[Rebecca Dawson]

Seneschal Hazelton’s question made Rebecca look thoughtful for a moment as she too would take a seat amongst the gathered Kindred. She crossed one leg over the other and thought a moment before responding immediately. “I am of a like mind with,” she paused a moment to look over at Ms.Grey before continuing, “Whip Grey, I too would like to expand my haven and also set up a business here.” She nodded to Whip Grey then a moment.


Then to her cousin’s question she fluttered her lashes momentarily at the other Daeva and smiled. She sat back a moment to think about it. What was her favorite rose? “The beauty of the Juliette Rose is still unparalleled for me. It took 15 years for that rose varietal to be cultivated.” They were her favorite. She was completely in line with her Cousin on this one. “You have exquisite taste Cousin.” She remarked with a confident grin to her cousin.


She smiled gently to Mr. Schneider, and nodded, voicing her thoughts immediately, she didn’t need time to think on this one, “You and I share that same nostalgia.”
To answer his question she stated simply, “I chose the Jade rose because of the symbolism of beauty and abundance and the rejuvenation of spirit.” The last being of particular interest to the Dragons, the former to the Daeva.


Rebecca listened intently to Whip Grey giving her a nod of respect as she did so. “Gunsmithing you say?” She paused and looked thoughtful for a moment and quickly followed up with another question, this one with more enthusiasm behind it. “Does that mean that you shoot guns?” She asked her. “Do you collect firearms as well?"


Rebecca grinned to Mr. Roman on his announcement of Saturnalia. “Most excellent Mr. Roman!” She gave him a nod befitting his station seeing him join them.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer looks up from her comfortable seat, posed in lady - like grace.
"The language of flowers gives the Lotus flowers qualities. I have found these suitable to build a Salon around."

A pause to see if anyone knows the Language of Flowers. Jennifer notes that the Daeva avoids discussion of her dreams, or plans,as they were.

"The Domain manages to pleasantly surprise."
Jennifer mused.

His response was most interesting. What would that look like?

Jennifer inclined her head slightly to Whip Grey.
"It is good to shine the light on some topics, if to see what developments arise.
I find your goals to be worthwhile.

The bitter root is an interesting one. I have not heard that one named before.

Yes, the Beast can make fools of us all." Jennifer notes.
"I believe Salons where exchange of ideas and gentle conversations are a balm against what must be endured.
I would enjoy such a festival, Mr. Roman. Do let me know what support I could offer.

I can follow and agree with your beliefs on the Roses, Ms. Dawson. Roses are one of the flowers that give society so many avenues to say something of value."

[Alicia Silvers]

Making certain to stand before her seat without sitting down, not wishing to break social rules engraved since long ago. They had been invited to sit yes, the highest ranking and hostess seated but the whip still held a title, so to seat herself before her would not happen.
Eyes upon the Seneschal as she speaks. "Fascinating, it is one filled with meaning, spanning Millenia and cultures alike. Often used in certain cultures, but not one you traditionally see much in this part of the world." Turning her eyes back to the entrance. "It is refreshing to see you breaking that dullness and bringing forth such beauty." And wisely answered, give but never give enough.

Eyes over toward Otto.
"That is pleasant to hear Mr.Schneider, you do are one who brings forth curiosity." Letting herself internally smile at the little twitch, knowing the dangers, but to see how people reacted were half the fun. I do wonder if he will react to the obvious one day or just doesn´t care though.

Flashing an interested look over toward Mr.Roman
"So you shall go through with it then? How splendid." Looking toward her cousin and back. "If I can be of any aid, given how little time there is left so will I gladly lend my assistance as offered before. Albeit it is not one I am to well versed in, especially not given how to do it here. So my aid would need to be offered to work under your guidance."

Giving her cousin time to think, but unlike her still holding her standing position before her seat refusing to break the social etiquette.
"And more money than many see in a lifetime, a true marvel amongst roses. Still the middlemist's red with it´s rarity makes it somehow more special." Letting out a soft sigh. "Now imagine them side by side in a garden, such a sight to behold that would be."

Carefully listening to the whip, waiting for her to take a seat.
"That is a beautiful one, and rarer in tongue." She had mainly meant it to catch the shadow up but an answer was intriguing. "Would you be willing to meet to discuss lending those skills to a little issue of mine? Nothing that should prove a challenge for you I am certain." Refraining from letting her eyes wander, keep your curiosity in check Luna.

[Otto Schneider]

Otto offered a smile that he hoped came across as sincere as Marcus offered an apology. "These things happen. It would be dishonest if I said I hadn't done anything to provoke a reaction. I'm happy to move past it." The Gangrel's comment on the power of nostalgia draws a wry chuckle from the Priest. "The funny thing, Mr. Roman, is that you and I probably share a closer opinion on the matter than either of us would with most other priests. I'll spare you the details, though." Otto was tempted to go on a small diatribe about the apparent paradox of Hardliner Priests to admonish followers to reject their past lives while simultaneously being slaves to unchanging orthodoxy... but unless he was reading the room incorrectly, this wasn't the proper venue. "I don't find it very hard to imagine you running a bar, either." The Ventrue offers a friendly smile at that, hoping to keep the conversation on a lighter note.

To Whip Grey's statement he spread his hands slightly, palms up at about 45 degrees. "In short, yes. The Honorable Seneschal has given me permission to take over the stewardship of Moore House, a building with much history for my Covenant." He offers an appreciative nod to Jennifer. "Obviously, it's primary purpose will be to serve as a venue for the Sanctum and any who wish to follow the teachings of the Dark Prophet. But," His lips pursed as he paused a moment to make sure he was satisfied with his phrasing. "It may also serve as a place for spiritually-minded Kindred of other Covenants to discuss their views as well."

He found himself looking down at his rose again as he mulled over certain stray lines of thinking before the Lord's attention returned to the rest of the Kindred. "Perhaps this is an odd question, but the subject has become surprisingly relevant over the past few nights... have any of you encountered supernatural creatures aside from our kind? Either in person or in conversation?" It was a bit of a non-sequitur, but Otto's curiosity was greater than he had realize up to that point and it might actually draw some interest from anyone with more occult interests. He had been surprised by how many had knowledge of horticulture, perhaps he would be surprised again?

[Benedikta Grey]

Benny is intrigued by Marcus' goals, but lacking any real sort of religious inclinations she says little.

"A dive bar, hmm? I haven't been in one for a while myself," she quipped, "Frankly if I am to sacrifice the Vitae to imbibe, I'd rather it be a cocktail. Or wine. A consequence of the betterment of my fortunes, I think."

Wealth had its privileges and even a former street rat like Benedikta could be easily swayed by its offerings. She hadn't been to a dive in some time because she had no need to.

The Shadow granted Dawson a smile and a brief, bright chuckle.

"Neither actually," she said, "but I see an avenue for expanding my presence in the city by learning the trade. Beyond my conversations with the Lady Seneschal, I am not seen as a Kindred of particular quality in Sacramento, or at least that's what I've come to see. Given my recent refusal to assist in an investigation put forth to me by the Reeve, I'd say its within my interests to change that. To that end, I've heard rumors of Kindred here in Sacramento engaging in gunrunning, but I haven't heard of anyone making them. I'm not sure if doing so would be worthwhile, but I think it has the potential to lead to partnerships among our peers, so I'd say its worth the shot."

Turning to the Seneschal, the Mekhet's smile remained.

"Thank you, Lady Seneschal, I'm glad to hear I'm not shooting too high," she said before shrugging at her flower choice, "I've just always found 'em nice. Finding them when I was among the Kine is a fond memory against a backdrop I'd rather sooner forget."

As the other Rose, Alicia, spoke to her directly, Benny's eyebrows raised in some surprise. She hadn't expected cordial relations with the Roses among them, given her own cattiness with their Priscus, yet both were oddly... pleasant.

"Is there a reason you cannot state the problem here?" she asked, "I doubt the Lady Seneschal would gather less-than-reputable Kindred beneath her roof. What problems are you facing?"

Benny mulled over Otto's response for some moments before answering, her expression losing some of its mirth for a moment.

"Ah, well, you must forgive me if I decline to attend," she said, "The parallels between the Lancea Sanctum and... elements of my time among the Kine have left a bad taste for religious practice. Nonetheless, I wish you luck in your endeavor."