(2504)Eternal Court

[Alessandra]

There was a tick in her jaw, as she didn’t give him permission to approach, a tick and a tension felt by Cain. Who, for his part, moved to stand even more in front of his Master, his hateful gaze locked solely on the Lord, his muscles tense. Perhaps he was waiting for Otto to continue his movements? Or maybe simply a word from Alessandra? There was no way to know for sure, but did anyone really want to test the Hell Hound?

“In the future, I suggest you wait for permission, as stated in the Laws before you approach.” What was with this one?

But, seemed he was going to fulfill her request, so she lets him continue.

Blessed? Now that raises an eyebrow in amusement. No one was blessed by her presence, but she lets him do him and finish.

Well, he did get some of her Domain Titles correct. Forgot she was the Priscus of Gangrel, or he simply did not know. She wasn’t sure which, and quite frankly, she wasn’t in the mood to nitpick about it. He owned up to what she asked him to do, and it was not often that the Court heard all her titles, so leaving out the Priscus title could be forgiven, and she was in a forgiving mood.

Which was rare these nights. Would anyone ever thank her for it? No. But the next misstep would have all the Invictus titles thrown in, because sometimes you liked to watch them squirm.

“You also seem to have forgotten the lesson that got you in this predicament in the first place.” A hint of disappointment. It wasn't a difficult thing, yet for some, it seemed to be the most complicated thing in the world. But it would be remedied, one way or another.

Now the clapping wasn’t needed.

“Thank you Priscus Schneider, you have fulfilled what I have asked of you.” A nod of her head. “Please, enjoy the rest of your evening, and perhaps you and I will have a chance to sit down and talk one of these nights. Maybe about etiquette.” Says the Italian with a hint of a smile that did not reach her eyes. Cain, for his part, appears, slightly, to relax, at the tone from his Master. But he remains in his place, firmly between Ventrue and Gangrel.

Reeve Kingsley was spotted, and a nod of respect was given to her, befitting of her station within the Domain.

[Otto Schneider]

Otto Schneider swore that he had nearly felt the cold breath of the angel of death upon his neck as he realized that in his zeal to perform his assigned act of penitence, he had committed yet more breaches of etiquette. He bowed deeply, though hastily, as soon as the Prince began to thank him. He was still unsure whether he'd remembered all of her Titles correctly. However, he figured that if she was letting him off the hook rather than dressing him down in front of the Domain, then he couldn't have completely botched the attempt. "Thank you for your forgiveness, Alder Prince." He murmured before straightening his back. He nodded affirmatively at her comment about etiquette with a pained expression, saying nothing.

Only once he was sure that the Prince and her hellhound were no longer focused on him did the Priscus dare turn away, turning towards the familiar faces he had deliberately passed. He gave an appropriately deep bow to Helen along with a respectfully quiet, "Reeve Kingsley, good evening." He managed to quell his Beast well enough not to manifest any physical aggression as he approached the newest arrival. Otto gave a respectfully deep bow to Priscus Alicia. Then a shallower, but still deferential, bow to Legate Vincenzo. Finally, he gave an appropriately deep nod to Aletheia as an Acknowledged Kindred. "Good evening, to all of you." He said to the group.

Then, his gaze focused on Aletheia in particular. "What parish has blessed our Domain with your presence, sister?" The Lord's tone was even and he wore a thin smile.

[Aletheia Thistle]

Aletheia nodded subtly to the Legate as he spoke.

"Indeed, such is the call of duty," she offered, "I appreciate your sacrifice in that regard. I imagine it must be... taxing. That said, should you require the services of my office, I invite you to inquire at your leisure. The importance of knowing one's congregation well was impressed on me early in my training as an Inquisitor and I have no wish to disappoint my mentors by failing in this regard."

Then a polite smile as Vincenzo questioned whether or not she was acknowledged.

"Ah, no, our elders in New York ensured I was well prepared for the journey," she explained, "In addition to descriptions of yourself and Priest Schneider, they also provided me with the contact details of Seneschal Jennifer Hazelton, the Priscus of my clan in Sacramento. Thus, I endeavored first to seek her Acknowledgement and secured it on March 27th. I've spent the last few nights acquainting myself with the hunting grounds and establishing my Haven."

The coming of Alicia is noted, with the dead-eyed gaze of Aletheia falling to the enrapturing Daeva, below which hung a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I'd say the Legate and I would be hard pressed to have a private conversation here among the throng," Aletheia noted, "The pleasure is mine. To whom do I have the honor of addressing?"

The subtle clue that the woman had not shared her own name given, Aletheia's eyes shifted to Helen Kingsley before dipping her head in respect for one of Helen's station.

"Good evening, Reeve Kingsley," she offered, "It is my good fortune to meet with you. My name is Aletheia Thistle, I am a cousin and recent arrival. In the coming nights, it is my hope to speak with you to afford my talents in your endeavors of security."

Finally, came the Priest, Aletheia's head turning to meet him with still, dead eyes.

"Blessed? Oh, no, sir. I am merely a servant of the Testament, just as you and Legate Vincenzo," she offered, "And a good evening to you, Priscus Schneider. I am Aletheia Thistle, an Inquisitor originally of the congregation of our brethren in New York City. It is from there that I come to you all know, as word of the Moore House's re-establishment has reached the elders there. It is their wish that I assist the efforts in rebuilding the Lancea et Sanctum here in Sacramento and remain to guard it against heresy among the Faithful."

[Seryna]

One would note that Jennifer is not present to be given any nods of respect.
The Legate bowed into a deep bow of respect as the Prince arrives. He notes the words spoken to Otto Schneider. The Legate gives a nod expected of a Kindred who is recognized within a Domain to Priscus Schneider at his approach. As Otto moves to join the group, he states simply.
"Recalling to bow to the Alder Prince and to a lesser degree, those who are Respected in the Domain, is a basic tenant of giving respect."

"Reeve." Vincenzo gives a respectful nod to the Reeve at her arrival. "Indeed, there is no privacy to be expected in Court."
Legate Vincenzo states simply, looking at Ms. Thistle and a glance to Priscus Silvers. A nod expected to an acknowledged member of the domain is afforded to the Priscus of the Daeva, who of yet, has not made proper introductions for herself.

"It is good that you have met with the Seneschal Hazelton." He responds to Aletheia, somewhat drily. He looks briefly around the room and then back to the group that has begun to gather.
"There have been some departures from the Domain as late. May I congratulate you on your new position, Priscus Schneider."

[Helen Kingsley]

"Yeah, that's true. Apart from those things I can't really complain too much. Thank you."

Yet, that is. Knowing how shit and gravity tend to work together, there's always something going down after all.

"I see. Welcome, then. I got amailbox here at Elysium, it's a pretty safe way to reach me. Apart from that..." She produces a scrap of paper and a small butt of a pencil and scribbles something down. "... Give me a call or swing by my office." She holds the paper out for the new arrival to take.

[Alessandra]

Dark eyes watch the Ventrue depart to the gathered small mass of Kindred. Then an amused smile as he was educated once again about the basics of showing respect, seems he cannot escape getting lessons. Well, the education will continue until the lessons take hold, and they can be nice or they can be difficult. And difficult can be fun, at least for her.

Descending the stairs, she walks to one of the couches and sits, content to simply observe the evening for now. Cain, follows and places himself in front of her, also watching, but for a different reason.

[Otto Schneider]

A barely imperceptible twitch crossed Otto's face as he heard Aletheia's response. So, it was true. He searched her eyes for some sort of underlying emotion but thought better of it after a few seconds. "Ah, dear New York... Of course, the city is a big place. Which parish did you come from? Staten Island?" From the fact that she referred to the Covenant as the 'Lancea et Sanctum', he doubted it. He knew full well that every parish had its harmless eccentricities, it was part of why a Covenant that ruthlessly persecuted heretics also permitted so many variant creeds. Not every difference in opinion merited censure... depending on who you asked. But if someone from my old home has sent a hunter after my scent, I'd very much like to know whom. At least she wasn't Invictus.

"And, if I may ask, how long have you served the Covenant in your current capacity?"

If Otto was perturbed by Vincenzo's comment on etiquette, he didn't show it before lightly nodding to the Legate to acknowledge his point. "Thank you, Legate. I admit that I am disappointed by my predecessor's departure, but I shall do my utmost to honor the position." The Priest was still unsure of the circumstances surrounding Priscus Jacque's disappearance, but he had neither the time nor the resources to delve into the matter at the moment.

The Lord cast a sideways glance at Alicia but said nothing to her for the moment.

[Aletheia Thistle]

Aletheia said nothing as the Legate spoke with the Priest. The Inquisitor was new here and lacked significant context, but she had been told Schneider had struggles as of late.


"Of course," she affirmed as Helen encouraged she seek her out another date, "I shall endeavor to speak with you in the coming nights as I establish myself further."


The silent Daeva Priscus is afforded a brief look, but soon the willowy Haunt looks back to the Lord of Lords as he speaks to her directly.


"Manhattan, Priscus Schneider," Aletheia answered, "However, my tenure in the city led me throughout the metropolis in accordance to the needs of the priesthood for my service. Such flexibility is required for my duty."

The dead eyes gave a slow blink at the second question.


"I have served the Lancea et Sanctum for over a century," she stated bluntly, "I have served as an Inquisitor for nearly as long."

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer arrived dressed in a green gown, a silk wrap around her neck. She checked the shawl and items at the coat check.
Upon arrival, she gave a deep curtsy to show respect to the Alder Prince.
Helen was given a deep nod towards Helen.

Priscus Schneider and Priscus Silvers were given slight nods. She notes the quiet of the Daeva.
Expecting from where the Alder Prince was oriented that she was not speaking with the group, Jennifer walked closer to the group.
A slight nod was given to Ms. Thistle and Vincenzo.

"Good evening." Her Curse asserts itself with a serpent like tone.

[Seryna]

"Yes, Former Priscus Jack has been a pillar of dignity and decorum for some time." The Legate states, his rough hands brushing one another in front of him.

"I have no doubt that your arrival shall be fortuitous." He states to Aletheia.
He gives a bow as the Seneschal arrived.