(2505)Formal Court

[Aletheia Thistle]

Aletheia arrived late, but still well within the time frame available to enter the Court. Her dress, while different, followed Aletheia's usual style. Modest and a bit dated, but it bore finer material and design choices than her usual dress. Also unsurprising, the Haunt once more opted to dress in black, given the official nature of Formals, she felt it appropriate to dress in the manner expected of her office... within the confines of the dress code at least.

Steeling her Beast, the Nosferatu ventured within, fighting the urge to slaughter most and flee from some, each of the Damned within serving as a palpable lesson in the Curse.

Walking to the greatest gathering, the Haunt made note of those present. A deep curtsy and bowed head leveled at the Prince, a shallower, but still significant curtsy to the Seneschal. Bowed heads for the Reeve and present Prisci. Then came the stranger. Aletheia did not know him, but he was conversing readily enough for her to surmise he was either a recognized resident or a permitted guest, thus, she granted him a nod of acknowledgement.

Seeing her Priscus engaged with Priest Schneider and the Daeva Priscus, Aletheia chooses to insert herself on their periphery, quietly present with no wish to intrude.

"Good evening," she offered.

[Alessandra]

It still amused her to an extent that some would always decide to try and address her even though she had not walked over to the gathered Kindred.

No pleasantries were returned, she wasn’t standing with them after all.

But a nod of respect was offered to Helen Kingsley . Pushing the time, but, here none the less.

Metal drags along the stairs as she makes her way to her usual seating area, curious to see where the topic of choice was going to go.

[Otto Schneider]

The Reeve's approach drew another bow from Otto before he nodded to Raul, fitting an Acknowledged Kindred. The Priest had nearly commented on the lack of proper address, but Alicia beat him to the punch. Still, he couldn't help but chime in at the Whip's expense. "It is customary to bow to Prisci, I believe." The Ventrue gave Raul a sideways glance but otherwise was content to see how he would respond.

Turning back to Alicia and Jennifer, Otto gave a slight shrug. "I won't lie, I'm not particularly fond of Ghouls. However, I have been rather interested in learning about Mandragora, ghoulified plants." He decided not to speak for Jennifer, it wasn't his place to announce her particular interests in public without being told to do so. "It's a fairly obscure topic, I've learned, so I was curious if you knew anything. Or if you had your own curiosities on the subject."

Aletheia's greeting, along with the bristling of his Beast against a less-familiar presence, drew the Priest's attention to the Inquisitor's presence. "Ah, Inquisitor Thistle." A polite nod towards the other Sanctified Kindred. "I am glad you're here. I was hoping to get your opinion on something relevant to both the spiritual wellbeing and physical security of the Domain. How well-acquainted are you with the Brood?" Though his expression was still warm, Otto's tone was chilled as he spoke about Belial's Brood. It was hard for him to hide his contempt, even in passing reference.

[Raul]

Raúl had indeed been out of the loop as of late. So he's not fully surprised when the Daeva comments as such, there's still a look of confusion that crosses his features though. What exactly have I missed? "So it would seem..."

His gaze flickers to Helen as she arrives, giving the Reeve a nod of greeting due to her station.

The cool look of silence from the Seneschal tells him, even with his lack of social nuances that something is up and he should probably fix it. One dilemma at a time though.

The arrival of the new Haunt gets a glance from him but his attention is elsewhere at the moment.

When the Lord speaks up and offers a suggested correction, it finally clicks. A soft blush enters his cheeks at the realization, stolen blood flushing his dead flesh. "Appologies. To both of you," he says, looking between the Daeva and Ventrue. He gives a bow to both, though not as deep as he had given to the Seneschal, one appropriate to their status amongst the gathered. "Priscus Silvers. Priscus Schneider. I had indeed not heard about your elevations amongst your respective clans. Forgive my rudeness."

[Alicia Silvers]

A look over towards the Seneschal.
"Unfortunately they are not, and there is reason for concern. But I believe I have raised that concern to the level it affects us all already." But they had a plan in motion at least. "I do am looking forward to see matters settled soon though and be able to see if my skills can be utilized elsewhere for the domains boon."

Turning her eyes towards the Reeve with a deep nod of respect, akin to her status, relieved to see that she had appeared before the hour grew to late, the change in the Seneschals greeting noticed but left unspoken.

Offering a nod appropriate to her status towards the late comer at her arrival.
"Good evening Ms.Thistle."

A shake of her head towards Otto.
"No although I do admit that I would be interested in some experimentation with them and their potential effects, there are many things that could be studied." Opting to leave the details out for now. "What raises your disinterest with ghouls, other than the hardship in finding someone worthy of the gift and that you want around?"

Eyes long since having softened
"How are things faring with you Whip Domínguez? I have hardly had a chance to see you since my cousin decided to leave the city." Not that they had spent any time together before it either but at least he had been seen a bit more. "Has the nights been treating you well?"

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer was thinking through her earlier reasoning. The reason why she has exhibited some displeasure at Priscus Silvers was for the Priscus of the Daeva's behavior. Was she aware of how Kindred were to conduct themselves in certain ways? It was minor that Jennifer did not speak any words that could be construed as negative, or rolled into a social situation that would be unfavorable. Or unfair. Jennifer did not like being unfair, or using her position to further bias.
Jennifer was largely displeased with Whip Dominguez's behavior regarding his absence from court. This was the reason behind the look, and Jennifer's earlier silence.
A certain Priscus would have mention my behavior. Would anyone here?

At the address, Jennifer spoke courteously.
“Whip Dominguez.”
The serpentine voice speaks.

Jennifer glances around the room. It was at this time that Jennifer notes the respectful greeting of her cousin, Inquisitor Aletheia Thistle.
“Ms. Thistle.” Jennifer greets with an appropriate nod for someone acknowledged within the Domain, and thus signaling to the others that Ms. Thistle had secured acknowledgement.
“Ghouls have their place, particularly useful in securing influence.” Or in a great many convenient ways to meet needs the Curse created.
Jennifer's eyes are riveted to the Priscus of Lords. He might as well had asked " how familiar are you with Napalm?" Or "how familiar are you with being dragged out from your Haven into the street, and having your protection against Kine seeing your disfigurements ripped away as spotlights shine upon you?'
The Priscus had Jennifer's attention. He had committed no sin against propriety, and there was no censure in Jennifer's gaze.

“Is there any evidence to suggest presence of the Brood, Priscus Schneider? Or is this a theoretical discussion? I know of some basic facts. Do you wish to share more in-depth knowledge?”
“Priscus Silvers, you are stating that you have reason for concern. Yet vague statements cannot be adequately addressed and solved. State a problem plainly and the need that is not being addressed, Priscus Silvers.”
With Priscus Silvers's concise reports, Jennifer has no doubt that the matter had been raised to the Reeve privately. If the Priscus felt the need to state dissatisfaction publicly, Jennifer would set the stage for the matter to be neatly closed. One way or another.
“Your skills can be utilized elsewhere for the Domain’s boon when current matters are solved. I feel that the current investigation should be nearly solved.”

Given the timeline that I have been told.