Posts from the Rollback
Originally posted by Alessandra:
The warehouse sat on the out skirts of town, mixed among others in an industrial section. What was once a bustling center of life and activity, was now a barren wasteland. The parking lot littered with broken glass and empty cans from nights long since gone.
The windows on various levels were blackened out, some panes broken, all showing age. There was nothing to distinguish this
warehouse from the others except the building number, letting Kindred know this was where Court was. The dilapidated warehouse encases the Kindred as they walk in. Dirt and glass crunch under foot as the smells of age, dust and various rodents rise the deeper they go. Moonlight makes elongated shadows play across the floor from various long forgotten
crates placed about the rooms. Mice and rats can be heard skittering across the floor as they seek a place to hide from the intrusion of footsteps.
Towards the middle of the building, they enter a room with no windows, and the soft glow of various lamps placed around. The floor had been swept clean, a few chairs were placed around, and the haunting sounds of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonta came from unseen speakers.
Most noteworthy? A small stage like structure at the front of the room, only about a foot off the floor. The need for this structure was unclear. But a door stood closed behind it, perhaps the Prince lay beyond it.
The Laws of Elysium are in effect and Prince Antinori's first Formal Court was now open.Mable wanted to show full support for her Clan mates first formal court. So she pulled the most formal dress she had bought from the thrift store and put it on. It was light pink and lacy, and a little see through. Hopefully Rebecca would approve. For some reason she had come to appreciate her thoughts on things like manners and fashion. Her hair was left wavy with the bangs pulled back.
Once in the warehouse district she parked her truck and wandered around looking for the correct place. She had to list her skirt so it wouldn't drag. Glass crackled under foot threatening to make her twist an ankle. She found the door and looked around hoping to see someone else. Seeing no one she stepped inside. A faint light in the distance. Moonlight shown through windows. Boxes forgotten and scattered around. She tried to sense any beasts hidden with in. finding none she walked forward towards the light, after all she was all about the light. Beautiful music played from everywhere. Mable smiled and swayed to the music quietly. And waited.Cold. Dark. Shadowy.
There was nothing about this shattered-glass street warehouse that led Lina Moretti to think she was entering a place of joy or celebration. The outfits called for? Sure. Those were standard Invictus fare, and the private eye wore a sharp pantsuit with black flats to match, but as she peered upon this building, it was clear that this was the hall of the Mafia's queen. The Priscus of Succubi entered warily, a look of idle concern on her face as she came.
Lamps. Swept floors.
A small stage.
Mable Wood, and her Beast, beating down the doors of Lina's inflamed Vitae and driving a spike into her heart.
"I, uh... like your dress," she said in greeting to her Savage colleague, putting on a smile, even as the ominous, steady rhythm of the Sonata made her wonder even more why they weren't at Nox.Having finally found a tailor who could work with a man as tall as he was, Krieg arrived dressed to the nines for this first formal Court. The familiar presence of his apprentice, Mable Wood, his Beast quivered for a moment. No longer was it the near endless flight reaction. It was nagging anxiety that was easily dealt with.
"Seems the Circle is first to arrive," he commented to her.The Prince tells you to dress your best, you show up in your best. And Theo looks good in a tux, even though you have to be pretty fucked up to not look good in a tux.
Theo thinks he looks good in everything, and even nothing. Though he won't be sporting that style in Court. After all, there were rules.
And it offered such limited ways to conceal a knife, nudity.
The press of the other dead felt like drowning in a black sea. Choking, suffocating pressure and cold and the taste of salt and forgotten things. It was a strange sensation for someone who no longer needed to breathe.
He approaches Kindred already arrived, nodding respectfully. "Priscus Wood, Priscus Moretti," Theo says, greeting the Prisci as a weathered shard of glass cracks like a gunshot underfoot. "Hierophant."Mable smiled as she controlled her beast after all she didn't want to have to through out the gown because of getting blood on it, "Thank you, Priscus Moretti. You look amazing. I wish I had your talents in that department." Mable's complements sounded very sincere. "And, may I say, you run a very well organized meeting. Thank you for all the work that went into that meeting."
Krieg entered a beast she was beginning to know well, "Wow, you clean up real good." She gave him a nose wrinkle and smile.Davis hated formal court. When the invitation came, he had his uniform overnighted from the Order's Meister in St. Louis. It was cleaned and pressed and ready to wear. Except that Davis didn't want to. Some times were best forgotten. For some unknown reason, that thought made him click his tongue.
He repeatedly had to explain to the cab driver that he was attending a private costume party at some exclusive underground venue, hence the destination in the warehouse district. Davis deliberately has the driver drop him off at the wrong address. He will walk, double back, criss-cross, every trick in the book to prevent being followed and giving away the location of tonight's gathering.
Upon arrival, he cringes at the look of the place, the sound of every crunch under his polished boots. He double checked all the additions he made to the uniform, the Crimson and Gold sash denoting clan, his polished Invictus signet ring, the assortment of medals on his left breast, the fleur dis lis badge of his cell of the Knights of the Thorned Wreath on his right breast. Every detail mattered, every piece communicating position and/or achievement. The only thing missing was his sword and his guns. However tucked securely beneath his frock coat and wrapped secretly around his waist behind the layers of both the thick wool frock coat and leather belt with large buckle, Davis carried a whip. It would not protect him from the assembled Kindred, but if caught and asked, it helped keep his pants up. But, it too carried the symbolism of both slavery and mastery.
I doubt any of this matters to the Invictus of Sacramento. He thought. They are the Neo-Invictus.
Making his way to court proper, Davis stops. Where is the herald to announce the arrival of each Kindred? Neo-Invictus! Unbelievable, I have to announce myself! He wouldn't though. Something deep in his core, perhaps his beast, his honor, or something more close to pride, prevented him from sinking to self-pronouncement, at least at formal court. Instead, he stood waiting to be seen at the entrance. Standing guard.Entering these meetings with greater Beasts always made Blackbird feel like a pup in a den of wolves, her inner whelp shivering with intense fear. So it was tonight as she entered the warehouse and lay her eyes upon the Kindred already gathered... but the feeling was pushed back, swallowed down to the depths by the neonate's ego and instinct to thrive.
Among them, Blackbird spotted Lina and, due to her familiarity with the Priscus over the others, the neonate chose to station herself near the bitter Daeva. Approaching Blackbird would offer a gentle smile before bowing her head in respect and dropping to a brief curtsy, "Good evening, Priscus Moretti." Erecting herself and folding her hands in front of her, Blackbird then turned to the greater collective, "And also to you, Kindred of Sacramento."
Blackbird would allow her eyes to play on the features of the Kindred assembled, pausing on each as a gesture of respect. On Theo's face, the neonate's gaze lasted a little longer, her smile tugging wider just for a moment before returning to Lina proper.
In abiding by the dress code, Blackbird had selected a midnight blue number, pairing it with silver open-toed heels. Her make up was conservative enough and her hair done up in a formal bun. The neonate had aimed to exude the epitome of Court etiquette and, considering her ego, felt she was achieving the aim quite well.Moretti smiled politely. "Thanks so much!" Not a huge accomplishment, running a decent meeting - after all, she was an investigator and had been in plenty of those sorts of information dump meetings - but still, she was pleased it had made an impact. She nodded to Blackbird, to Krieg - but within the growing press was one silent devil she did not know.
Her brown eyes found the handsome rakish fellow in the tuxedo. Mable's greeting provided a name, and it seemed that he knew hers...
Lina's orbit continues here."Mr. Davis, you look quite dashing in your uniform. Would you care to come and join us?" Mable invited.Formal Court required appropriate battledress.
Clara donned a black Louis Vuitton dress that draped onto the floor around her and covered the slip on sneakers underneath the flowing skirts. She was armed with a purse and no weapons. Nothing to expect at this unusual occurrence but Blood or Ash. Possibly both.
Clara checked the number outside the warehouse only once. Tonight wasn't a night for indecision. She entered the warehouse and took immediate note of those in attendance. Each Kindred received a cursory glance, though Davis earned a quirk of the Daeva Whip's eyebrow. That attire's an odd choice. Immediately following Davis Clara noted Lina and Blackbird. Clan Daeva was almost all in attendance. The fact that the Seneschal of the Domain and the Invictus Judex weren't present was mildly disturbing to Clara.
Clara steeled herself against the press of Beasts and kept her features pleasantly neutral. She hiked up her designer dress lightly and made her way towards the Priscus of Clan Daeva.
Clara moves over here.A formal court being hosted in a warehouse far away from the prying eyes of mortal society. A place she had seen the Prince more at ease and in her element in some ways.
Something was up, Cynthia could feel it.
She did her best to try and obey the dress code. She did not feel that the few dresses she did own would work for this evening. Instead she opted for the best leather and PVC ensemble she did have, along with some spike tipped boots. Her hair was also lighter shade of blue and white tonight in contrast to its usual midnight black. It would blend in with the seemingly empty district, illegal parties and raves were a fact of life in some cities, something that helped with the taxi ride over.
The dizzying scent of Chlorine announcer the Nosferatu Priscus's arrival, along with the heavy footfalls on hard concrete. Her beast was already rattling and screaming on exposure to the assembled Kindred, but she had been ready for it. Control was still hers and the monster within was held at bay. "Good evening everyone." She announced. Most of the faces she saw were familiar to her, though she could already spy two she did not immediately recall seeing.
The stage in the centre along with the funeral march that was the Midnight Sonata got her attention and brought a slight frown to her face, teeth scrapping against one of her lip piercings. Might be right about tonight being interesting...Mable had half heard the discussion of the missing shirts and stole a glance over to Theo. MMmm, might be interesting. She just gave a mischievous smile. Then she saw Cynthia arrive.
"Priscus Weiss, Good evening. Oh my, you look so kick ass awesome." The words fell out of her mouth before she could stop herself. "Would you like to come join us and we can catch up?"Well, well. Just what would the night hold? Why hold the 'festivities' here, in this land of the scampering rodents, when there was an established club already in the Prince's control?
Odd. Most odd.
There was, of course, a reason, or perhaps several. Floki was most interested in seeing just which ones had swayed the unbeating heart of Sacramento's Prince.
The Voyager stopped by the coat check to offer up her axe, with its blood runes freshly dried, and then strode into the warehouse, hands in her pockets, gait languorous and slow, eyes roving over the assembled Kindred. It seemed Taft was not in attendance yet. Yes, there was a bald man in attendance, and yet Taft had not been described as a giant. Surely, that detail would not have been omitted. Still, perhaps it would be best to find out. Besides, he was standing near a man who wore a uniform that provoked a profound sense of morbid curiosity in the undead wanderer. The same morbid curiosity she'd felt when going to public stonings. Yes, she'd definitely have to see what that was about.
Floki will join Mable's OrbitTonight would be her first court as Harpy, and it didn't even take place in Elysium. To the outside her appearance made absolutely no sense. A sketchy warehouse was not the place for a woman dressed in an elegant red dress with an exposed floral design and marvelous earrings. Before getting to the location Rebecca had called upon her blood to guard her face; a mask of friendliness concealing her true emotions.
As she carefully made her way across the gravel and uneven ground she finally entered and was immediately assaulted with the thrashing of her Catalyst. Desires of fight or flight fought within her as she struggled to remain firm. But she was Harpy now. She could not cower beneath her desires. She was in control. As such she remained in control, her friendly smile the only thing the gathering could see.
From what she could see everyone appeared to be dressed in their best. Even Davis, though his was just as out-of-date as she had expected. Her eyes then rested on the stage. What could that be for? she wondered
As she made her way from the entrance to the group her smile held firm before she noticed two conversations forming. One around Lina Moretti and one around Mable Wood . Should Lina look towards Rebecca she would of course offer the Priscus a respectful nod. She then offered Mable and Cynthia respectful nods as well. So many faces, so little time. But instead of invading either space she just waited a watched.
ST noted 1 success on Tatamae.The Lord entered the room that had been set up, steeling herself from the murderous rampage she wanted to unleash on these would-be usurpers. Those piercing blue eyes held a predatory gleam to them, as they moved over all the figures dressed to impress. Ashley held these impulses of her darker half in check, though they would never diminish. They laid in wait, just below the surface, biding their time for their chance to escape.
Ashley knew it was the same struggle for the rest of the fuckers.
Following through the motions, after restraining emotions, came the actions of respect. A curtsy was given to the officials present, while a nod of acknowledgement was given to those who did not hold any political standing. Ashley would pay respect all the same.
After the turmoil of emption, after the procedural respect, came a deeper study of the environment. She found it all rather...curious. Ashley still knew very little when it came to the upper echelon of the domain and she could only hazard a guess. Hopefully, it wasn't gathering in a small structure within a structure for a bonfire set by someone that was hopeful for a quick rise to the top.
Ashley bit her lip for a moment, but realized dry wall was easy enough to get through to ensure that tomorrow night comes. In the end, all she could do was watch, listen, and wait. Ashley had much to learn about Sacramento.Mable gave Rebecca a warm smile and a respectful nod when she entered. She looked so beautiful in the red dress, glamorous was the word she wanted. Old style Hollywood. She would have to make sure to let her know before the night was over.
Next one through the door Mable had seen but hadn't met yet. It was very difficult to not notice her and her intoxicating eyes that looked right through everyone as she scanned the room. She also gave her a smile of greeting.The night she had been waiting for and carefully planning for had arrived.
Formal Court.
Extra time had been taken to securely bind Goto’s hands behind her back with zip ties and heavy chains. No care was giving to if they were too tight, it wouldn’t matter. Wrapped in a sheet, the torpored body was laid in the trunk of the Torino. A smaller container of gray ash was sealed and placed by the body, the larger jar still sat on a shelf in her office.
It was then time to get herself ready. With this being her first Formal Court as Prince, Ale wanted to make a bold, powerful statement. And what better way to do that then to step out of her comfort zone of blacks and leathers.
A gold beaded lace dress was picked out. There wasn’t much to the dress, yet what was there hugged the curves of her inked body perfectly. Not much was left to the imagination except where mesh was sewn in to hide delicate areas. But every inch of skin that was visible was covered in tattoos, from her feet, up her thighs, across her stomach and sides, tracing a path up each arm onto her neck and even face. Her long dark hair was done up in an elegant French twist, a few face framing pieces left out, gently grazing her collar bone and back. Her lips were a blood red, a sudden pop of color on her pale face.
She doubled checked the wrapped body, making sure the improvised stake hadn’t moved, the zip ties and chains were doubled checked and then she wrapped the body back up. The right time for the execution was not right now.
A hand smooth nonexistent wrinkles in the dress before she approaches the door.
The door swings open, and she was met with a rush of Beasts. All weaker. Her own knew this, yet still wanted off its leash to extend its claws and rend the flesh from every Kindred in that room. But it wouldn’t happen. The violence would come, but not yet.
Dark eyes survey the room, taking note of those present, a nod given to those in positions. She sees some new faces, and it was noted who they were speaking with. The door was closed behind her.
Spotting Rebecca Rebecca Simmons standing alone, she makes her way over.
“Madam Harpy Simmons, good evening. I must say, that is a stunning dress on you. And that color? Very daring.” Says the Italian.Monstrous beasts continued to enter the formal court, all concealed within friendly exteriors. As Ashley entered Rebecca offered a nod of her head. "Good evening Ms. Cohen. A pleasure to see you again. What a beautiful dress. Absolutely beautiful."
But the one who truly caught Rebecca's eyes was the sight of the tattooed Prince. "Your Majesty, Prince Antinori," her head bowing very deeply as she spoke. "Sometimes daring is the only way to go. Of course no one is more stunning than you, Your Majesty. Your dress is absolutely wonderful." Rebecca knew, no matter how wonderful she herself looked, she paled in comparison to Ale.
"How are you doing this evening? I hope you've been well." The question was genuine and the mask, as her emotion, was friendly. It said much to Rebecca that out of all the Kindred currently in court, she was the immediate focus of the Prince. Pride swelled within her, and a desire to not disappoint.
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Presence
Striking Looks
Presence
Status
Blood Potency(+1)
-2 Vitae for Blush of Life and Drink
