(1001) January Court

[Yawgmoth]

Just as Ith Lazarus was about to relax his jaw, the man of the evening walk into the room. And wow, was Prince Asa Clarke a sight to see. The Warden could hardly believe that it was the same man that left the Invictus; he must have been doing well with the Dragons.

"I present to the court, His Royal Highness, Asa Clarke, Prince of Sacramento." The awe-inspired admiration and respect is evident in the Doctor's voice. He gives far longer than anyone else for the audience to react appropriately.

"Second, I present to the court His Majesty's Harpy. Ishani Naetesh." Another long pause for appropriate recognition.

"Next I present His Majesty's First Archon, The Good Judex Twist, Priscus of the Succubi and Incubi, Viscount of the Invictus." That was truly a mouthful, but Ith managed it.

[Writer]

Obsidian stopped where she was and stared wide-eyed at Prince Clarke. When her brain was able to process again, she thought to herself, There is power, and then, there is POWER.

[Regina Pia]

Regina rises when the Prince arrives, and bows as he walks past her up to the throne. Standing there, looking out over his subjects, his clothes contrasting against the dark of the room, he was truly regal. His overawing command drove the slight irritation that she had to the doctor for his minor mistake out of her mind. Instead, she focused her entire attention on the prince.

Some small part of her wondered if it was truly possible to leave the Invictus. Here was a dragon standing before her, and yet, he seemed to fit in so well to the court he could be nothing less than an Invictus. A man of many talents indeed.

[Max Heinz]

*By now Max has made his way to the back row of chairs, waiting quietly in the darkness for the pleasantries of the evening to end and official business to begin. The only communications he had were better expressed in private, and he was in no mood for social niceties tonight.

He stands as the Prince and his companion enter Court, respectfully waiting for the two to set. It was unlikely anyone would notice the motion; but a smart man didn't take chances. His look is one of mild indifference; he showed Clark the respect due to his position, rather than any true personal admiration. That all changed when Clark unleashed the power of his blood.

Max's eyes go wide, his tight-clenched mouth relaxing as he stood transfixed by the Prince. If any part of his brain was still capable of rational thought, Maximilien would have been quite upset at the lose of self-awareness and self-control. Instead, all of the Mekhet's attention was focused on the Prince, waiting for Clark's next words*

[Frost]

Nadison

Her attention had been on Victoria when the Prince walked into the room. She watches him make his way to the dais and he already had her attention before he spoke. After his words, however, he seemed to be the only other person in the room. She stares at him, giving him her undivided attention.

Rosuto

She sits at her table looking thoroughly bored, being thoroughly bored. Another Court, another month gone by, another night of useless prattle with a bunch of kindred who felt they were more important then everyone else in the room.

She watches Asa enter, her eyes glinting with interest. And there is the most self important of all.

She looks away, glancing around to see the reactions of his devoted lackeys. She is not surprised to see them all staring at him. She watches Ishani move across the room with him. The dislike for the woman is almost as strong as the dislike for the man.

Her attention suddenly snaps back to the Prince as he stands before his throne and the thoughts of boredom are gone.

[skarecrow36]

Charlie


Speeding, and cursing while driving, Charlie ran through yellow lights and one red light trying to get to the location of Court.

How the fuck do I end up late to these all the time?

Finally after getting stuck behind a car making a left turn, Charlie arrived and sort of powerwalked to the building that Court was being held at. When he got to the doors he knocked on them...and nothing. He knocked again...and nothing again.

Ohh fuck me.

He tried knocking one more time and knew no one would answer this time.

Well that's awesome Charlie. You go from making a decent impression with the Prince and Priscus of your clan as soon as you arrive to now doing what's interpreted as a huge insult in the kindred population. Well, better split now before anyone notices me not-attending this thing. Well the night is young, I have all this time now to make up an explanation.


Michael

In all of his time getting settled in, finding the Priscus, finding the Prefect, getting Daniel settled in and then spending time trying to get his business endeavors set up, Michael forgot entirely about checking the Elysium boards. When he finally did, the day of Court, that it was happening right now.

A Carthian Member not attending Court hosted by the Invictus...yes this will look well. Ah kindred politics and power.

Michael sped to the building, already knowing that he probably wasn't going to make it but still it was better to try. He walked right up to the doors and knocked, laughing to himself as no one answered. He tried knocking again one more time and didn't bother to wait for an answer. He walked back to his car and drove away, unsure if the rise he felt inside was from anger or fear.

[West]

"I am well pleased with the Invictus for the effort put into this evening," Asa said, looking around. From where he stood, the sea of faces looked like the denser flat edge of the Milky Way. From the rapt gazes, his Blood had compelled them all; he resisted the urge to sway back and forth and watch all the eyes follow him.

"Let it be noted that Taylor McCoy has forfeited his Acknowledgment; he is to be considered a poacher until he he Presents himself, and he and his holdings are no longer under the protection of my Law," Asa continued, finding the Reeve's eyes, then glancing at Arnoud... then returning to look at Arnold again.

And what is our once Myrmidon up to? At least the Sanctified will have their day with McCoy, now. So the Blood thickens.

"If any have a grievance, present it now; otherwise, we will enjoy the festivity provided by our hosts. Those who wish, may restore their Masks," he finished.

He hoped they all wished to. As always, the compression of predators set him on edge; the need to assert his right and power drew his eyes to the weaker neonates, and the Man could almost feel the slick dampness of bloody slaver running down the Beast's chin. At least that Sanctified Jabberwocky had skipped this.

[Lesingnon]

Wilhelm's gaze, and indeed the gaze of the entire court, was drawn to Asa as he ascended to his throne. A man dressed in brilliant golden colors against the dull background. A shining example amongst the kindred of the domain, something evident by the sheer force of his personality as he stood on stage. And a slight smile of relief spread across his face as the Prince gave the assembled Kindred permission to raise their masks. Not as much because it would lessen the press of other beasts on his own, but more because he'd be able to hide his own once more. At least one of his supernatural capabilities could yet be used. And now, to wait to see if anyone did have any official business before the social niceties began.

[Premsyl]

As Arnold moves around Court he notices something was different this time compared to the other Courts. The urge to rush out amongst the lesser Kindred, breaking them and destroying them into his teeth and hands were covered in gore and the room ran with blood, was stronger than ever tonight. The difference was that, looking around, he felt no urge to flee. No desire to cower before a Greater Beast. Even when Asa and Ishani arrive he feels no compulsion to escape or submit, instead his Beast growls in grudging acknowledgment of those equal to its own.

It was a unique feeling, and Arnold was careful to savor the sensation, though he was also careful to note that the Mother Superior of the Lancea Sanctum wasn't in attendance tonight.

He simply nods to Regina as she approaches him and apologizes for being tardy, saying only "It is not a problem, Councilor."

He notices Jessi come in and puts up a hand, smiling as well. His wave turns into a gesture, beckoning her to come over to him.

Arnold turns and gives his full attention when the Prince arrives and takes center stage, his presence shining like the sun, just as Twist had intended no doubt. The combined effect of Asa's contrasting attire, prominent position in the room, and the unfettered might of his Discipline all added up to quite an impressive effect.