(0911) November Court

[Victoria Stamford]

Wade Masters, as he lazily meanders through the artwork, taking in each in turn, finds himself approaching a now unoccupied Victoria Stamford.

"Good evening, Madam Stamford," he begins politely. "A shame an event like earlier had to mar the evening's gathering. Beyond an obvious error in someone else's judgment, I trust you have been well?"

Victoria turned to Wade and smiled. She noted that he used her Invictus title, a slight against her perhaps? "Good evening Mister Masters. I am quite well all things considering, thank you for asking. The event earlier, however, was unfortunate."

She looked like she was about to say more, but their conversation was interrupted by the Prince's announcement. After the announcements were finished she spoke, "I suppose I should let you attend to business with the Seneschal so that you can finalize your status if you have not done so."

[Majunior]

Wade smiles. "I will do that, thank you. A moment, though... considering a great deal of the earlier tiff seemed to be around titles and how one addresses another, is there a title or manner of address you would prefer I use? You are one of the only Kindred in the city I know, and I do not wish to ruffle feathers. I don't expect everyone to like everyone else -- personalities, goals, personal proclivities, they can all put people at odds to be sure -- but I wouldn't wish to cause a rift due to not showing respects in the proper or preferred manner."

Wade's words sound genuine, and one would have to wonder if it's a combination of professional conduct and self-preservation at work.

[Madison Wells]

Madison looks up from her perusal of the artwork in time to see Mariel fall to a knee in front of the Prince. Her eyes widen in alarm and she makes her way over to the two kindred. She is sure not to get too close, for fear of looking like she is going to interrupt. She does get close enough to hear what is going on however.

What the hell is the problem? God dammit. This is why we need a Bishop.

[Victoria Stamford]

Victoria listens to the man as he poses his question. She thought for a moment and appeared to reached a decision before answering. "Well, at the Prince's Court city offices and position titles are primary. If one holds a city title like Reeve, Deputy, or Seneschal, for example, at court that would preceed other titles they may hold. After that if they don't hold one of the pevious you can move to unofficial titles and Covenant titles, as an aside the title Priscus falls here. So take me for example. You may address me using my Invictus title and last name, Madam Stamford. However, I do hold a position of Priscus so if one wants to avoid possibly offending they could use Priscus Stamford. Furthermore if one wanted to formally address me in conversation using Invictus titles as well you could go with something like Madam Priscus. In short omitting a title could possible lead to offending depending on what that title is. Oh, and never use someone's first name unless they state that you may. There is alot more but that should be some basics to get you going."

After she was finished she looked at Wade judging his reaction and seeing if there was anything further he required.

[Majunior]

Wade obviously considers what is said.

"Thank you. Different courts have very different levels of formality, all depending on which covenant is in power and the views of the Prince. I briefly spent time back East in a smaller realm that was under the rule of a Prince who was very potent, but also quite possibly completely insane. Suffice to say, my personal belief is that whim should not be the basis for all things. I didn't stay long, as you could imagine. Thank you kindly for the information, Madam Priscus."

With a polite bow of his head, Wade excuses himself to approach the seneschal.

Waiting his turn, he speaks. "Seneschal Staley, a pleasure Sir. Wade Masters, of clan Mekhet. I claim no covenant. Priscus Stamford was gracious enough to inform me of the rules and policies of the realm the night of my arrival, and Madison Wells -- all apologies if she has a title I am unaware of, as I mean no disrespect -- was kind enough to actually take me to Priscus Stamford. If I may, both performed their duties in exemplary fashion and are a credit to the city. At this time, I submit myself and humbly request to be allowed to take my place as a member of the city of Sacramento, if it pleases the Prince."

[Asa]

Asa considered the young Sanctified legate for a few moments, thinking back to the Daeva party at the Asylum.

"Power comes with responsibility and consequence, Miss Fitzerald," he finally said. "Too easily attained, it can be taken for granted, both in flippant usage and ignorance of repercussions. You find yourself near the top of the institution of this domain, through unorthodox means. Perhaps some time spent at the bottom will give you some clarity."

Asa gestured at the room they were in. "Elysia are the physical representations of the institution; thus, you will clean each Elysia of the Domain once every week until the next Court, alone, by hand, using your finest clothing as the rags. The Masters of Elysia will keep me inform the eve of the next Court if you have discharged your punishment satisfactorily. Do you understand?"

[Bo Albion]

I'M NOT DEAD! (YET)! THANK YOU, GOD!

I understand and accept your verdict, said Mariel, rising and thinking sadly of her original Coco Chanel suit in particular. Maybe if I start with the ball gowns, I won't have time to get to the suit, she mused. Wait! What am I thinking? I only was able to take one suitcase full of clothing from the church before it exploded...Bye-Bye Coco. Bye-bye EVERYTHING. And by God, if I'm at the top of the Lancea et Sanctum, somebody forgot to tell them about it. She would have liked to have mentioned both these facts to the Prince, but after Michael and Dicky's treatment at the last court, knew better than to say another word.

If dismissed, she will step back and try to fade into the crowd.

[DaevaDude]

Konstantin

The Prince having pronounced Mariel's punishment, Konstantin says to the Prince "I will find Edel and bring him to you as ordered."

"My next whittling projects will be stakes," he thinks to himself. "I should get a holster, like the one Arnold has."

Seneschal Heathcliff Staley

Heath writes down the name, clan and covenant information for each vampire that introduces him- or herself and asks each a variety of questions in his phlegmy voice. There is one question he asks to every vampire seeking acknowledgement: "What brings you to Sacramento?" He jots down these answers as well.

[QuicksilverFox85]

"I am looking for a new place to continue my studies for the Order." Karen answers the other questions as well as completely as she can.

[Asa]

Asa nodded, but had one more thing to say before dismissing Mariel, "The next time it happens, you'll be doing the same, Miss Fitzgerald."

"Without hands."