(1004) Court at the Sterling

[Frost]

Rosuto waits until she sees the Carthian woman move off to be alone. She follows her quietly, not wishing to draw attention to herself. Akthough her 5'2 frame helps to keep her unnoticed, she didn't want any attention at all. She has very little interest in these other kindred and doesn't want them to stop to speak to her. She is a nobody, she'd like it to stay that way.

"Ms. Maskerlyn." Rosuto says softly, catching up to the woman. "I heard you speaking with the Prince and thought you might like to meet a fellow Carthian. I am Rosuto Kento."

She holds out a small hand to the woman with an empty smile.

[Victoria Stamford]

Argent

"I am sure you will," Argent replied, arching a painted brow at the invitation. If there was any fear that he'd found another psychotic woman who'd turn on him, it didn't show. Or perhaps it didn't even register. "Tell me, what games are your favorites?"

"Games? Oh I have an eclectic mix, but my favorites would have to be the whip or cane. There is just something immensely satisfying about it." She finished with a grin. "So, what manner of games do you prefer?"

[Ciara Maskelyne]

*The voice is so soft, Ciara almost misses it. Her head turns towards the other woman, the smile on the Ventrue's lips honestly genuine. She takes Resuto's hand, shaking it gently.* Pleased to meet you, Ms Kento. You must be the other Carthian in the domain that Ms Stamford told me of. I'm glad you found me.

*She takes a moment to study the woman's posture and mood, her voice dropping a little to match the soft tones of the other Carthian.* You seem a little uncomfortable, Ms Kento. Perhaps we should find someone more private to talk? Or perhaps at another time?

[Frost]

Rosuto shrugs, not realizing she was giving off an air of being uncomfortable. "No, this is fine. It really matters little if you think about it. What could two Carthians possibly have to speak of that would be interesting enough to eavesdrop on?"

Her smile this time is sardonic. "So what brings you to Sacramento, if I may ask? Although I doubt I was the Carthian Ms. Stamford spoke of. Most of the kindred that have arrived in the last year or so don't know me or have forgotten I am here. I keep to myself mostly and I do not advertise my loyalties. She was probably speaking of our former Prefect. He has not been seen in some time now though, but since I was the only one left I did not see a point in stepping up to take the position. It seemed silly with just one, you know?"

[Shadow]

Shadow gives the Prince a smile but seems unconcerned by the situation. "It takes a great deal of discipline and effort to be a Dragon as you well know, Prince Clarke. It is a rare kindred who can put forth such time and dedication. Most Dragons come from other covenents. I find the reason is that it takes time for some to realize there must be more to our condition then what simply meets the eye. After all, something immortal must strive toward a tangable goal after a while. Political power and personal gain can only get one so far."

[Mykel]

Ciara

*Ciara frowns a little as the other Carthian tells her of the disappearance of the Prefect. She can only shake her head* I can certainly understand your reasoning, especially given the low membership . A large group of one is not much of a political force. I am afraid rapid growth and loss is par for the course with the Movement. But, I have a plan to begin swelling the ranks again, if slowly..

As for what brings me to Sacramento, I most recently resided in London. I felt it was time to make a home with a little more room to grow. And perhaps a more diverse population as well.

Max

*Max watches as the new Kindred gets a dressing down by Asa, unable to avoid a small schadenfreude smile. He looks around the Court; it seems the other Dragons were busy amongst themselves, as well as the other Mekhet. Even the new arrivals seemed to have paired off into small social groups.

He contemplates taking one of the gathered Kine for a small feeding, but his own inner caution forbids it. It wasn't that Max disliked feeding; it was as pleasurable to Max as any other Kindred. But he had put too much care and effort into selecting his own herd; he wouldn't risk the diseases and complications that might come from an unknown stock.

Instead he fades towards the back of the gathering. Anyone that needed to find him would know the reserved Mekhet tended to shun the center stage; and anyone curious enough to find him might just be interesting enough to talk to.*

[West]

Argent

"Well then, maybe we can teach each other a thing or two," Argent replied with a grin and wink. "I'll wager you might find the icy slide of a blade's kiss interesting."

He began to say more, but...

Asa Clarke

"That is true, Oracle," Asa said, "Although there's certainly a discussion to be had there, perhaps in a less public setting. Please enjoy your evening."

Asa excused himself as he saw conversations winding down, and also ready to see if anyone had risen to the challenge. Just as importantly, there was a small amount of business to take care of before anyone left for the night.

"In a few moments the Seneschal will call for the contest to begin," Asa said loudly to recapture the attention of those occupied. "Before that, and before anyone departs, I would like to make a few appointments and changes in my Court known to all."

Asa smiled slightly, and it wasn't an entirely pleasant one, as his eyes scanned faces to find the one he sought.

"I have found Regina Pia's ability lacking, and she will no longer serve as Deputy to the Reeve," he announced, looking at the Daeva as he spoke.

Silly woman. You overstepped yourself before, and were only chided for it; apparently you lack the wit to have learned from it. Do not take what you cannot defend, including liberties.

Asa waited a moment for that to sink in, then continued. He had thought long and hard about the phrasing, and what might be read into what was or was not said about the next, so he would make it clear.

"My consort, Ishani Naetesh, will be relinquishing her position as Harpy to assist Twist as another Royal Archon." A moment, and his eyes roamed the room once again, to settle on a face. "Victoria Stamford will assume the duties of Royal Harpy."

Asa is using a Status point to reduce Regina's City Status by 1

[Heathcliff Staley]

Heathcliff's answer to Dirge is delayed as the Prince takes the floor again. Both announcements are equally surprising, but Regina's public demotion takes precedence in his thoughts. He wondered if it was because she failed to dissuade Michael from blowing up McCoy's while they were still inside, or if she had done something else. Coming back to the present with a clogged-throat chuckle, he tells the blind Haunt, "I'm always busy, Dirge, but well, nonetheless. Thank you for asking." He then tries to clear his throat, and we all know how that turns out. With a voice like the confluence of sewers, he announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Prince's Tournament will commence. All challengers, please present yourselves now." He turns the mic off and says to Dirge, "Good luck to you, miss." There is a hint of playfulness in that horrible voice that could be construed as flirting. He winks at her, then chides himself. She can't see, don't be a git. He stands ready to meet the participants.