A meeting of the Invictus held at the Behest of Judex Twist. The meeting was held at Ballo Della Notte on the 25th of January 2011.[1]
- "Amongst us there are those though who do not belong." Twist glanced pointedly at those who were calling tonight their first night, save Asa. "Who brings them to this meeting and why?" - Twist
- "Good Judex, I speak for Ms Ariana Donovan, and Mr Conner Greyson. They seek admittance to the First Estate." - Victoria Stamford
- "They seek admittance, do you stand as their sponsor or shall they seek another?" - Twist
- "I do stand as their sponsor Good Judex." - Victoria Stamford
- "I step forward as Patron for Mr. Thomas O'Conner." - Twist
- All three of the applicants explain why they feel they wish to be accepted into the First Estate.
- "I would like to offer this service to the Invictus. In New York, I consulted with the Herald and Harpy who were also of the First Estate, they advised on what should be published. I believe I would be able to assist with media influence in Sacramento as well." - Ariana Donovan[8]
- “I stand before you by the grace and kindness of Lady Seneschal Stamford. It is my hope and my wish to join the First Estate because this Covenant represents the best of Kindred Society. The Invictus embody excellence and are truly unconquerable." - Conner Greyson[9]
- "I wish to be counted among those who uphold the virtues of Duty and Honor, those who have the will and ambition to guide and protect Kindred society. I have come to the realization that these are the values I want to base my Requiem on and that these ideals are only taken seriously by the First Estate." - Thomas O'Connor[10]
- "With no objections then I welcome you to the First Estate Mister O'Conner, Madam Donovan and Mister Greyson. At this time, I would also like to welcome back to the First Estate Alder Prince Clark. It is good to have you back amongst our number." - Twist
- "Kipling once wrote of sixty seconds in the unforgiving minute," Asa said, moving back to his seat. "Likewise, the Unconquered's standard of excellence is equally unforgiving. Please accept these tokens of my regard to honor your excellence, and as small reminders that our eternal Requiems are made of unforgiving minutes." - Asa Clarke
- "It seems most of the Inner Council of the First Estate is missing. Since we are all gathered here with the matter of this Covenant in mind and at the forefront. I think I must now humbly ask just how we are going to address this issue." - Cassandra Dawes[13]
- "I was going to propose we speak to those we just welcomed. Perhaps determine if any title of function would be appropriate. But please Lady Dawes, if you feel I am not moving on to pressing business fast enough...?" - Twist[14]
- "I think you mistake civility and protocol as an end, rather than a means," Asa replied coolly. "They are tools to express and wield power, rather than power unto themselves. You think that because you wield the tools, you wield the power. You do not. Now apologize and shut the fuck up while your betters speak, you worthless piece of ass. You must be the only Kindred in this room who is too stupid to figure out the leadership of this Covenant." - Asa Clarke
- With that issue resolved, title of function are given to two of the three new arrivals.[17]
- "A Soldier is a professional warrior. One who is skilled in weapons and combat. Do any here deny the title of Soldier to Mister O'Conner or Mister Greyson. Madam Donovan has potential for many titles, as her sponsor - when you feel she has earned the appropriate one, you shall grant it to her." - Twist
- Asa Clarke recommends that the three new members for a coterie together. They agree.[18]
- "I'd like to suggest the three form a coterie," Asa said, gesturing to the new members. "I daresay Mr. O'Conner and Mr. Greyson could benefit from Madam Donovan's etiquette training and knowledge of Invictus protocol, as she could from their presence. It would give them the opportunities to focus on their strengths." - Asa Clarke
