Lotus: Art of conversation

[Jennifer Hazelton]

When you move through the entranceway, a walk-in coat check where Liam waited to accept coats and accessories was to the left. The next door led to a small room with a few seats along the wall, yet mostly open space. This space was where ghouls and proxies were sent while business was conducted. A small hallway with two locked doors led to an upstairs area, reserved for a small office area for managing the salon.
Liam leads guests as they arrive down a hall.
You leave behind the hallway that leads to the small ballroom and the closed door of Jennifer’s private study. The door across the hall, where the First Estate have met at a boardroom table, is closed this evening. The second door stands open. Two large glass globes with small openings at the top were just before the hall. Within these globes, lotus flowers floated in clear water.
There are expansive brocades of gold silk draped over the one far wall. A low side table along the far wall was decorated with small vases bearing roses, alternating pattern of a red rose to a white rose. There is a half wall facing the doorway. Upon this wall and the east and west walls, paintings are on display.



If one knew art, they would recognize that the paintings were a part of classicism. Classicism was a separate trend in Baroque European painting, a style of art in which adherence to accepted aesthetic ideals takes precedence over the individuality of expression.

Jennifer stands in the room, looking over the painting Apollo and Daphne by Nicolas Poussin. Immediately across from the painting on the small half wall, Cephalus and Aurora by Nicolas Poussin was on display. On the east wall, The Muses Urania and Calliope by Simon Vouet was displayed.

Jennifer had described a business dress code and was dressed in the style with a green blouse and black dress pants. She wore the ring that had meaning to her, and the emerald ring that she thought of as symbolism for the Nosferatu.

[Alessandra]

One thing Ale would always do was support Jenn. And that included accepting the invitation to this art evening she had planned.

The Savage wasn’t sure what to expect as everyone had different tastes in what made art…art. Her own tastes were particular and she liked what liked. The collection she had built over the years was massive and worth more than most would make in their lifetimes.

But again, this was about supporting Jenn.

So, she had Gabriel drive her in the Aston, Blushing her skin along the way. Giving herself a warm flush, her skin naturally pale, but at least it looked alive now with stolen life. She had not covered the ink on her face, neck or hands. Hints of more ink on her torso peeked out here and there. Long dark hair was pulled back into a low pony and the only makeup she wore was a blood red lipstick.

Passing through the checks, she doesn’t carry her guns these nights unless it’s a special business meeting. This wasn’t one of those meetings.

Her Beast snarling as it senses Jenns Beast, weaker, and wanted to add the art of Jenns skin and bones to the walls. But that wasn’t going to happen, so Ale pulls the chains, putting back into its corner.

“I’m usually the last to arrive.” Humor in the Italians voice.

[Otto Schneider]

Otto was dressed in the same style of pin-striped Navy suit that had been popular in the 60s, though it was evidently a much newer piece based on its condition. The Priest also wore an accompanying hat, though he quickly surrendered it to Liam's custody upon arriving at the Lotus. "Good evening," he offered a rare greeting to the Ghoul before following the man to where his mistress would be.

The Ventrue wouldn't describe himself as an art afficionado, but he could appreciate its value. Both creatively and monetarily. And so, while he didn't know the names of the pieces on display, he did recognize that they had thematic consistencies. And they're all fanciful depictions of Pagan deities. At least there aren't any Crone here to rave about them... Still, they brought to mind a very specific piece that was hard for him to forget.

As he spotted Jennifer, Otto approached and gave a slight bow. Court or not, it was only polite. "Good evening, Seneschal. I am pleased that you invited me, you have a lovely collection on display." There was sincerity in the compliment. Even if he preferred different subjects, he could not deny the quality of any of the pieces. A slightly impish smile crossed his features as he decided to ask about the painting that was gnawing at him. "No painting of Kronos devouring his son?" Even if he had a passing knowledge of art, it wasn't enough for him to realize that the piece he had in mind didn't match the theme of Classicism... or that Peter Paul Rubens had done a piece on the same subject that was closer in style to the art on display.

The scared whimper of the Beast alerted him to a far more powerful presence, and the Priest whirled around to note the presence of the Prince. He had no idea how he had missed her... "Your Grace." He greeted quietly, bowing deeply.

[Jennifer Hazelton]

"Hello," Jennifer greeted Ale with a sincere smile. "- yes, you are." She agreed with the Gangrel Priscus.

Jennifer moves over towards the entrance to the gallery room to speak conversationally.
No matter how often the Gangrel was encountered, that mighty Beast still quelled Jennifer's own beast. Jennifer assuaged her own Beast back to its' rib cage.
"I am glad that you are able to attend. I know that you have been collecting." Jennifer states to Ale.

The Priscus of Lords arrived. As he did so, Jennifer responded with how she behaved in public and not the more relaxed behavior that she had been exhibiting with Alessandra while they were alone.
"Priscus Schneider." Jennifer responds in her serpentine voice. The Nosferatu Beast was less able to hide. The Priscus of the Nosferatu displayed this as her voice slithered and coiled as she spoke. The Priscus of the Nosferatu bowed her head in respect to one that she sees as recognized in the Domain, which required a deeper bend of her head.

"No. There are some things that I am glad to see as art. Yet that piece," She shook her head slightly. "- I find much too visceral and polarizing. I would hope that these," A half turn to look over the paintings on display.
"- are able to inspire conversation on art. And other matters."
Jennifer did hate to place limits on conversation.

"Thank you both for coming." A look to Alessandra with the sincere smile. A look to Priscus Schneider, pleased with his attendance.

[Alessandra]

There was another snarl at the weakness that once again entered the room. But once again, Ale placed her own Beast back in its corner. This was Jenns night and there would be no scene caused.

But she was very amused, and a bit offended, that her presence was such a surprise to the Lord.

An amused, and somewhat cold, smile, appeared on her lips, “I’m sorry that my presence seemed to have startled you.” Not really. “Not need to be formal, Ms De Luca will do for the evening.” He didn’t get to call her Sofia.

Turning to Jenn, “And I see you have been as well. Are they part of a permanent collection for you?” a genuine curiosity in her tone. “If so, I would love to know how long you have been collecting.”

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer observed quietly. She was content to see the interactions, for it could take time to accumulate knowledge of others and their preferences.
Jennifer nods slightly towards Alessandra.

"These two," A lady- like gesture towards The Muses and Apollo and Daphne
"- I own. I have the other on loan. I am not sure it speaks to me. What are your thoughts on it?"
She poses the question to Ale and Priscus Schneider. Jennifer turns to study the painting. Her expression is thoughtful.

" The subject does evoke emotions... Yet." Jennifer's expression is one of dissatisfaction.

[Otto Schneider]

Otto was surprised at the depth of Jennifer's bow, blinking in stunned silence for a few moments before managing to regain his composure. He chuckled slightly at her response, the fact that she knew what piece he was referring to was evident by her reaction. "An entirely fair response. To be clear, I am not at all saddened that you don't have it. While it's certainly striking, it is also quite... macabre." To the extent that art was intended to invoke a strong emotional reaction from the viewer, it was quite the piece. But, as the Nosferatu Priscus has made quite clear, most art collectors probably weren't keen on keeping pieces that upset them.

The Priest managed to keep a polite smile when he looked to the Prince, even as his Beast screamed at him in fear and revulsion. How it hadn't reacted sooner was beyond him, but he was struggling to maintain decorum when faced with the most powerful Kindred in the Domain. "Ms. De Luca." He repeated. The mode of address somehow felt wrong in his mouth, but he persevered. "I meant no offense. I was captivated by the pieces that were on display."

He gestured to Apollo and Daphne. "I honestly don't mean to dwell on the fact that the subjects are pagan deities, but in this instance, I think it is relevant. The scene being displayed showcases the rather... distasteful attitude of the Hellenic gods towards their lovers. And yet, I can't help but acknowledge the artist's skill at conveying such a wide range of emotion in a single scene. Even someone with limited knowledge of the arts, such as myself, can see the quality of the work." Of course, it helped that it was also a rather famous piece. Otto would have had a hard time conveying such thoughts about art he was seeing for the first time.

[Alessandra]

Walking over to the two indicated, the Savage observes them more closely. Then she moves to the one on loan.

“Not pieces I would personally add to my own collection, I tend to be drawn to Romanticism style art. But each has its draw for the art that is created and the conversation one can have.”

Now the one Jenn was unsure about. “What has you unsure about this one? There are many emotions in this one. Everything from love and longing and fidelity and jealousy, one could even make a case for Cephalus’s resisting temptation.” She wasn’t the Librettist of the Invictus for no reason, she knew her art. And very rarely did she get to show off her knowledge.

Turning her attention from the art back to the Lord, “Yes, they certainly are the most captivating things in the room.”

Then a chuckle, “That is one way of looking at it. The story goes that he blindly chased her due to an arrow from cupid. Because Apollo pissed off Cupid and you know how spiteful Gods can be. Proving that love can blind even the most powerful of the Greek Gods. He then adorns himself with the laurel branches, and called it his special symbol, hence the laurel tree becoming associated with the Greek God Apollo.” A shrug, “Or so the Myth goes. This,” looking to the piece of art in question, “is the power that is art, allowing everyone to see something different.”

[Jennifer Hazelton]

Jennifer studies the painting for a moment. The Nosferatu turned to Priscus Schneider and agreed.
"I can see the importance of the image. The idea of devouring and what children represent for Kine.
Yet it's a bit too visceral for my room. I feel that this is how I am able to nurture the Man.

What part of Romanticism speaks to you?
I have been considering expanding my knowledge on Romanticism.

It is the Cephalus and the longing. I am unsure about that emotionally. I suppose it is the one that I have the most difficulty with."

Jennifer turned to look at the picture that Priscus Schneider references.

[Otto Schneider]

Otto had to admit, even if his own view was skewed in a different direction, the Prince's thoughts were interesting to consider. It was hard for him to view anything that was inherently "pagan" through a charitable light, but the Gangrel Priscus made some fair points. "I'm not sure I've heard that particular story." He admitted. "But, even if I had, it is refreshing to hear such a perspective. While I might not personally believe that beings such as these are worthy of the title of 'god', labelling aside, it is an interesting interpretation of the piece. There's certainly a romantic quality to the idea that 'love' is a force strong enough to overpower the will of a god." Certainly, nothing could assert control over the true God, but for the sake of discussion it was interesting to ponder.

"I hadn't realized the laurel had such an origin." He admitted. As was probably the norm, Otto had learned of laurel wreaths as a vague badge of honor that Roman society had bestowed upon its heroes, blissfully ignorant as to why such a thing might be significant in their society.

The Prince's discussion of the themes presented by Cephalus and Aurora drew the Priest's attention again. He tried not to hold on to Clan stereotypes too much, but he was surprised to hear such an in-depth analysis from the Gangrel Prince. Otto was far from an expert on the arts, but he knew that the piece in question could hold multiple interpretations, based on how one perceived the background figures. He was actually rather fond of the idea of Cephalus trying to resist divine seduction. "Perhaps it wasn't viewed as virtuous at the time, but I find the idea of Cephalus as a symbol of fidelity to be a very intriguing interpretation." It helped that such a view was thematically consistent with his own faith. The Priest glanced at Jennifer to gauge her own reaction.