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Gathering: Beach Night
Topic Started: Jan 6 2013, 02:06 PM (1,945 Views)
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(Starting next public scene – private scenes may of course continue)

Invitations had been hand sent to each member of the coterie, rather than waiting for the word of mouth to spread to them. Invitations consisted of a small package, which had the following enclosed:

-A hand-written message from Sophie indicating how delighted she would be to have each recipient arrive, as they would be guests of honor, and they should arrive approximately an hour or so after the gathering officially begins
-A small business card bearing an image of logo for a company called "Celebration Enterprises," which you are instructed to present at the door
-A clearly well made, clearly expensive, clearly tailored swimsuit.

The next main gathering had been finally announced. Sophie Labeaux had been busy negotiating with the operators of the Mandalay Bay to arrange for an exclusive night-time concert at the Moorea Beach club.
(http://www.mandalaybay.com/beach/moorea-beach-club/http://www.mandalaybay.com/beach/moorea-beach-club/ )

With a DJ spinning a mix and a maybe a dozen blood-dolls lounging around the beach and cooking smores, it's a decidedly different tone from the reserved previous gathering held at the art gallery. Some of the more formal Kindred would likely appear out of place.
It would be absurd to think that everyone would be wearing swim-wear, right? Right?

Posted Image

At the entrance to the beach area, there are two large men blocking access. A large sign indicates "PRIVATE PARTY" but some added muscle couldn't hurt. They stand in front of the most accessible entrance, though there are ways in and out for enterprising individuals and those who can turn invisible. As coterie members arrive, they ask to see an invitation. Upon being shown the business card, they bow and open the door to allow access. As you proceed through, you see that the guards then get on a radio and say "Notable guest near entrance."

The party already appears to be in full swing. Though it is dark and mysterious out, pockets of light thrown by lamps and fire-pits show Kindred huddled in conversation. Some individuals are also clearly enjoying the pools as well. Topless blood-dolls wander the pool area carrying drinks, though mostly only the other Kine seem interested in partaking. It is clear that some Kindred are not accustomed to this environment, wearing fine clothes and sitting near the fires rather than embracing the pool party atmosphere.

Posted Image

Before the coterie gets too far, the Mistress of Elysium herself makes an appearance near the entrance. She wears a cover-up, though clearly has occasionally been in the pool given her dripping hair. She greets incoming Kindred.

"So good to see you! So glad you came! Please, feel free to mingle for a while. Also, enjoy and please partake of any of the refreshments you see before you - the night is yours, after all. At some point, I know a few of the Primogen wanted to talk to the group as a whole, and I've tried to... encourage people to ask about your experiences. So.. some Kindred may come up and gossip. Anyway, have a great time! Next part of the event is in ninety or so, so relax before then!"

Sophie then leaves the coterie to mingle.
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Holy
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Fire Pit.
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Ariadne

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Fire Pit

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Holy
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[Fire Pit]

"I doubt any of us are getting out of here early." He returns the handshake, watching Henry go, even more curious as to the man's connections now. Still, one mystery at a time. "So it seems you folks are a little more organized than I assumed." He returns his attention to the others, focusing on Christina with the question.
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Ariadne


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Salvador

Cristina offers a rueful chuckle at Salvador's question. "Organized? Eh, I suppose so. Wouldn't call it that. Maybe well directed. We're able to follow orders, do our part. Can't survive here without some organization. Like what happened with that guy Roache and his crew..."

Ian rests his hands near the fire, testing them against the heat "Even the Unaligned gotta stick together. Gotta have contacts, otherwise you might just go missing some time, you know?"

Their continued chatter ends when Andy returns with another individual by his side. Salvador is quickly able to put a name to the appearance of the man. It is Andres Arregi, the Sheriff. The man establishes a calm but still imposing demeanor, a bearing more similar to the reserved Cristina rather than the bouncy energy of Andrew and Ian. He does not sit, preferring to stand. He speaks slowly.

"Salvador Ruiz. The preacher in the barrens. Andy here told me that you gave quite the speech. Full of passion. And that thing down there in the sewers?" He extends his hand. "Most impressive to hear. Fitting that they chose to make a big deal out of you." He gestures to the whole gathering. "How do you and your friends find yourselves this evening?"
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Dana/Sebastian

The fervor of the crowd continues to grow a bit. Though there are still whispers of Praxis, the mass of Kindred have also ventured away from political topics into personal ones. There is bitterness still on the wind, but the tone of includes "fuck it, let's party" in addition to the simple line of "take the throne." Antoine looks visibly shaken a bit, but does not leave the table. Instead he turns to the group.

"A bit annoying to be upstaged, right?" He gestures for Sophie to come over and speak to him. "Sophie, shouldn't we be moving on soon?" Sophie offers an apologetic smile. "We will. Soon. I promise." She then scurries away.

Harper appears in front of Dana. He responds to Antoine, but keeps his eyes locked on the Bride. "Only some of you are being upstaged, Antoine. Others are still the talk of the town. Dana, would you and your friends care to join me? Away from all this political bullshit and back into something a bit more... exciting?"

Antoine runs his hands through his hair, allowing himself a look at the Bastard. "Harper, we're not done yet. Sophie is getting ready to move on."

Harper merely grins at Dana. "Fuck Sophie. This gathering ain't about propping you up no more. I'll give my gifts in private."
__________
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Salvador returns the handshake. "Beset," he replies to the question. "A pleasure to meet you Sheriff. I think that's the word for it, beset. Not that we don't have ourselves to blame for the attention, and at least my friends have been a bit smarter in how they air old laundry." He remains standing with the Primogen, old etiquette of the Estate still a subconscious effort.
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Daniel
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Only some of you are being upstaged, Antoine. Others are still the talk of the town. Dana, would you and your friends care to join me? Away from all this political bullshit and back into something a bit more... exciting?


Dana seems sorely tempted by the Bastard's offer and looks wistfully away toward the pool. "Don't get me wrong, I'd love to. But I guess Sophie's got something else planned, and she's had enough shit go wrong past few nights. 'Sides, no such thing as a free lunch, am I right?" she adds, flashing her fangs and clearing a faint trace of blood from her lips. Catch up with you later?"
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Salvador

The grip of the man's hand is firm and calloused. Even in death his hands bear the marks of work. Cristina, Ian, and Andrew remain silent as Arregi converses with Salvador.

"Beset, eh? Well, the story that Antoine told started to spread like wildfire. People wanted to meet you all in person. Sophie wanted to throw a party. And the rivals wanted to woo you to their sides. No surprises here." He presses a finger to his lips as he continues. "I....wonder. My people tell me there was no love lost between you and the First Estate. That you sound like an Iconoclast. Tell me, what is your goal, Salvador? You are beset on all sides, as you say. So what is it you seek? What are you in this for, eh? They say you want to shake things up, but to what end?" He takes a step back, getting a fuller view of his new acquaintance.

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Dana and Sebastian

The Bastard lets out a loud scoff of frustration. "Sophie's just gonna have us do a presentation. I guess we can tell her to hurry it the fuck up and then go to the fun part of the night. Just noticed you ain't been for a dip yet. Wouldn't want the whole night to go by without you getting a chance to get a little rough and wet."

The Bastard's leer is obvious and intent. His gaze is only broken when Zoe crosses between the two of them to speak to Dana. She extends a hand.

"Oh, don't mind him, dear. He's always like that. How has you evening been thus far? Can I get you anything?"

___________
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After the grasp, he crosses his arms, contemplative. "Shaking things up is the result of still being saddled to old debt. Making clear of that is my short-term political agenda. Long term? I want to get my ministry up and running. I have an ambition to see it as a new style of Elysium. Not the Elysium of the Danse, where politics replace pistols. Where everything is still a struggle, just by different rules. A sanctuary. A safe haven, where people can come, re-center themselves, attune themselves away from the banes and curses that the Winnowing brought. A place where aggression of all forms is curtailed." He shrugs, "I don't know if it's possible, but that's the idea. Beyond that, I have some concerns with the Winnowing, which I would like to explore."
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Daniel
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Wouldn't want the whole night to go by without you getting a chance to get a little rough and wet.


"Seems like you were getting plenty moist with your boys over there," Dana scoffs, toying with Harper's advance without shutting it down. "Gotta look presentable-like for the next few minutes, but I'll get wet with you pretty soon."

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Oh, don't mind him, dear. He's always like that. How has you evening been thus far? Can I get you anything?


Dana looks mildly annoyed as Zoe breaks up the interchange she and Harper were having, and smirks, "I don't mind him at all. Do you?" Slightly more composed, she continues, "Nah, things are going good. Lot of Kindred shook themselves out of the woodwork for this thing, meeting a lot of new people. I guess..." she hesitates, asks, "I dunno what kind of a leash you got on your crew, but they're gettin' awful antsy around this table. Makin' it hard for things to move on, you know?"
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Salvador

Andres folds his hands together and rests them in front of him. He seems comfortable remaining standing.

"One cannot fully escape the Danse. I've learned that in my own time. Still, an alternative to the constant political battles is useful. A touchstone. Would those who come to your sanctuary need to adhere to your religion?"

"There are those who have similar goals. To create a place where we can gauge our actions in our new city, who hope to maintain balance. Those individuals would be happy to support your actions."

He grimaces for a moment. He then scans around the area, looking for prying eyes. He then begins to speak in Spanish.
En Espanol


He returns to speaking more openly, squatting near the fire and where Salvador used to be sitting.

"The event is still somewhat unknown. Consequences - these we have research on. But cause is more difficult. I have... a meeting. With some unique figures. This meeting may prove fruitful. However, this meeting can be dangerous, and may require some... payment. Payment I cannot meet solely on my own. If you and your friends are still interested in learning more, this could be a ripe opportunity."
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Dana/Table

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"Seems like you were getting plenty moist with your boys over there," Dana scoffs, toying with Harper's advance without shutting it down. "Gotta look presentable-like for the next few minutes, but I'll get wet with you pretty soon."


Harper offers a broad grin. "I'll hold you to that, then. And I'll get Sophie to hurry the fuck up."

Quote:
 
Dana looks mildly annoyed as Zoe breaks up the interchange she and Harper were having, and smirks, "I don't mind him at all. Do you?" Slightly more composed, she continues, "Nah, things are going good. Lot of Kindred shook themselves out of the woodwork for this thing, meeting a lot of new people. I guess..." she hesitates, asks, "I dunno what kind of a leash you got on your crew, but they're gettin' awful antsy around this table. Makin' it hard for things to move on, you know?"


Zoe offers a laugh at Dana's comments. She seems to have missed the slight annoyance displayed by the Bride. "Oh, I don't mind Harper too much. Still, one must at least feign disinterest sometimes. Leaves them wanting more." She offers a casual glance over her shoulder back at Harper, who is equally annoyed with being interrupted.

"You are a star of the show tonight. And lots of people wanted to meet the Brides of Dracula. See who they are and where they stand." She cocks her head towards Whiskey and Tasha, now having a boisterous conversation with a few members of Zoe's retinue. They seem to be having a good time, as Whiskey's arm is wrapped around the shoulder of a male Kindred, and the man doesn't seem too upset about it.

She looks taken aback for a moment. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that you wanted Sophie to move on with the gathering? I wasn't really paying attention to whether everybody had finished making their introductions. I guess I can corral my people if you'd like. They just.. they just got so excited after the previous display. They do so love a good fight, particularly in public. But I can... calm them down if you'd prefer to get to the gift-giving stage of the evening..." She raises an eyebrow, gauging Dana's reaction.

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En Espanol

He continues in English, "But no, my particular brand of religion would not be mandated. Though it will certainly influence how I might implement the place. For example, I don't believe Kine should be abused, so Sanctified rites or Crone sacrifices which exploited humans, I would see no place for."

Salvador clearly grows more interested as the Sheriff talks about the Winnowing, though there's the hint of a frown at the mention of a price. "I would be interested in finding out more, assuming it's a price I can help pay. Ariadne remains curious as well, and the Brides would not be put out if they could put a face to what happened in the tunnels." He doesn't mention Trina's name, not being sure how much Antoine told of the specifics.
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She cocks her head towards Whiskey and Tasha, now having a boisterous conversation with a few members of Zoe's retinue. They seem to be having a good time, as Whiskey's arm is wrapped around the shoulder of a male Kindred, and the man doesn't seem too upset about it.


"Yeah, I guess, though you guys had a leg up on the other covenants. Got a few Movement people at Trina's wake, been seeing 'em round some of the bars. Knew us before we got big, right?" she says sarcastically.

Quote:
 
But I can... calm them down if you'd prefer to get to the gift-giving stage of the evening.


"Don't get me wrong, I like most of them, and seeing Killjoy hand Rose's ass to him on a platter was great. But, like, this is a party, and some of them are talking serious politics. If that kinda stuff is gonna happen, I wanna get our stuff out of they way so we can get out of it."
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Ariadne

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Salvador

En Espanol


The Sheriff offers a simple nod regarding religion. "If it's your house, you run it as you desire. As long as it's open doors until someone proves otherwise."

As Salvador seems to balk at the notion of price, Arregi does offer a similar slight frown. "I do not know how much knowledge will come of the exchange. But I do expect honesty and fair dealings. Price is not paid in money, have no fear of that. And the more that help pay, the easier it will be to bear. Bring it up to your friends, see what they are willing to offer to help find out more." He doesn't seem to push the issue more at this time.

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Dana

Quote:
 

"Don't get me wrong, I like most of them, and seeing Killjoy hand Rose's ass to him on a platter was great. But, like, this is a party, and some of them are talking serious politics. If that kinda stuff is gonna happen, I wanna get our stuff out of they way so we can get out of it."


Zoe offers a knowing smile. "As much as I find politics delightful, I understand it's not for everyone. Even if it does impact everyone. Still...one must oblige a honored guest. And Sophie is scrambling to move forward, or so I hear." She cocks her head to the side again, indicating that Sophie is talking with Antoine at this point.

"I'll move things along. And if you have some time when you are available to talk, I'd love to pick your brain about a number of things. But perhaps after the fun stuff."

Zoe leaves to go speak with Sophie.
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Ongoing conversations are interrupted by Sophie once again returning to the front of the table and making an announcement. The boisterous gaggle of Kindred has been suppressed by the efforts of the Mistress and the Harpy, and the city tends to quiet enough for Sophie to continue with the next phase of the gathering. She makes her announcement.

"Guests, citizens, honored Primogen, and special friends." (she gestures to the coterie at the table) "Once again, we are so glad that all of you could attend on this fine evening. While I am eager to let you get back to your previous affairs, two matters still remain. First, two individuals wished to speak. Harpy Goodman and Lady Diana Ashcroft. Once they are done, we will move on. We will begin with Harpy Goodman."

Sophie steps aside, winding her way around the table. The table has been adorned with crystal glasses now, and Sophie has made sure those glasses are filled with dark red blood. As Zoe approaches the front of the table, she raises a glass that she also has in her hands, and begins to speak. Throughout the process she focuses primarily on the coterie itself, though occasionally glances to other Primogen, and lays her eyes on Ashcroft no few times. Zoe speaks well in public, with charisma in spades, and coming off as refined yet approachable.
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"Ladies and gentleman, citizens and guests, members of the Primogen Council, and honored guests. We have come here tonight to celebrate these Kindred. They are Kindred from many walks of life. They represent a number of different covenants, different beliefs. Their ranks include an honored primogen, but also a fantastic magician, a shadow coming into her own, a man beginning a new phase of his life, and a group of nomads who may have found a home. These individuals encountered something dangerous, something that could pose a clear and present threat to this domain. And did they shirk from this danger? Did they let their disparate backgrounds overcome their mutual safety?"

"No. These individuals, many whom previously weren't well known, did everything in their power to protect this city. They threw themselves into harm's way. They risked their very lives for one another, even though they were not allies or friends. They did this because... because when you go through something like they did, when it is you and your peers versus a malevolent threat, you put aside the bullshit and the politics and your differences and you have each other's backs."

"Because when the chips are down, you have to look out for each other. You have to have something beyond just yourself to fight for. And these Kindred fought for each other."

"Our city could learn from their example. For too long we've been divided. We've been letting stupid, petty grudges come between us. And we've been blind to the real threats that lurk in our city. They've seen it. They've fought it. And they survived because they knew they were in it together. Our city is not safe. Our city is not stable. And we won't be if we don't focus on the real issues."

"Let us honor their actions, their sacrifice, by emulating them. Find a Kindred you don't know, and introduce yourself. Find a rival, and see if you can put aside your differences, even if only for one night. If we can do as they did, if we can risk ourselves for one another, then we will overcome any threat."
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Ariadne stares at Zoe for the length of her speech, but does not move any closer to the center of things. Indeed, she takes a step closer to Nash. There's a slight frown on her face, though it may just be her default expression.
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Salvador nods to the Sheriff, excusing himself as it's clear Sophie is moving on to the next section of the night. "Nice to meet you all." As Goodman begins to speak, he lifts the crystal glass in emulation of her toast, though mostly his gaze lingers on Antoine, watching his reaction to the Harpy's words.
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Antoine seems vaguely annoyed at Zoe throughout her speech. He remains silent and intent, but it is apparent there is some simmering anger brewing behind his bangs. That anger is somewhat dimmed when she brings her speech to a close and talks about putting aside your differences. At least that seemed to get through to him.

By contrast, the crowd seems to eat up the Harpy's words. Though they remain respectful, the energy that was buzzing before has not dissipated, despite talk of overcoming grudges. As Zoe steps away and Ashcroft takes the floor, it's easy to tell that at least numerically, many members of the domain seem annoyed by her presence. The city hushed as Zoe spoke, but there remain murmurs and eye-rolls as Ashcroft begins. Her voice is more restrained than Zoe, more even. She seems to have less passion, and while her words may be better crafted, it's clear that the Carthian has more charisma than the Invictus. The crowd senses this as well, and only those who actually care to listen to Ashcroft's words get the real meaning behind them.

"I'd like to offer my profound gratitude to Harpy Goodman for her comments. She has the right of it when she states that we could learn from the sterling example of these fine Kindred. When she states that our city is not safe. We must come together."

She pauses, glancing over the assembled coterie before returning her attention to the city as a whole.

"When the Winnowing came, this city was nearly destroyed. We fell into chaos. The ties that bound us together were shattered. Friends were lost. The past erased in one fell swoop. And so quickly we fell to our instincts - take, consume, fear - for that was all that we had left. We lost a covenant. The Lancea Sanctum, a stalwart force in cities across the globe, fell upon themselves. We were lucky that the Crone and the Dragonbs did not vanish as well."

"Our city, once a shining beacon of hope, became a battleground. Some of you hid, hoping for things to tide over. Others moved to the outskirts, where freedom offered opportunity as long as you could protect yourself. But none of you can say that you felt that the city did not quiver with the threat of collapse."

She hesitates again, making a choice about how to proceed.

"A few of us stepped forward. We met to discuss how we could function in a city where the past was lost to us. Some preached complete change - remove our typical society even down to the Traditions themselves. Others clung too hard to the past, demanding holdings that were owed in the past that were no longer relevant. Eventually, we reached compromise."

She removes her glasses and rubs at her nose, a human gesture of frustration that apparently carried over.

"The eleven members of the Primogen Council worked tirelessly to bring you peace and stability. And though we do not always agree with each other, without their contributions, this city would have fallen. And through them, you all have rejoined our city, found ways to feel whole again, to forge new bonds to replace those that were lost. I only pray that in the coming nights we all remember what it took for us to have a city again. And what the cost of our ambitions may be."

"But most of all, I'd like to offer my thanks to our honored guests. You've all had the opportunity to speak with them, to learn their names and faces. As Harpy Goodman said, look to their example. For with them goes the future."

"Primogen Labeaux contacted each of the other members of the Primogen Council to ensure that our proper thanks was offered to these Kindred. Though this night has already seen much of that thanks, more remains. Gathered Primogen, please prepare and present your gifts in the next half-hour. Afterwards, the formal portion of this evening will close."
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As Ashcroft leaves the small platform, she walks directly to Whiskey. She flicks a hand into the inside of her jacket, and delivers a small parcel to the large man. "I'm told this will suit your tastes. Simply contact the number and offer a location for delivery. Residential, ideally, so that you and your friends may enjoy it." She offers a hand for a shake. Whiskey reviews the packet placed before him, and seeing the logo of Jack Daniels, then enthusiastically takes Ashcroft's hand. As he does so, Ashcroft offers a firm shake. "Again, the city offers their thanks to you and your club. We look forward to your unique perspective."

A few moments pass of mingling. Whiskey shows the rest of the group a handwritten letter from the Jack Daniel's distillery, offering a private delivery of a hand-crafted barrel along with the company of a master distiller to discuss the process.

Whiskey's excitement is palpable, and infectious. The man wears his emotions on his sleeve, and despite the bearer of the gift, it seemed to hit home.

Next is the Harpy, Zoe Goodman. Still wearing only a bikini, it is disorienting for a moment when a pair of old and chipped handcuffs appear before her. It's as if she generated them out of thin air. She approaches Sebastian, and places the cuffs before him. "A trick for you. Perhaps you'll have some luck, as Mister Houdini did." She offers a glowing smile at the magician.

Right behind Zoe comes Harper. The Bastard doesn't offer much in the way of pomp and circumstance. Instead, one of his lackeys hands him something. It's hard to tell what it is before Harper thrusts it in the table before Antoine, a dagger landing into the polished wooden table with a thunk. It's a shocking gesture, as the atmosphere had been genial and friendly just a moment before. All except Antoine seem to be taken aback for a moment. The Savage Priscus' eyes land on the dagger, and as the moment grows tense, Harper simply turns his back and walks away. Antoine eyes the dagger before grabbing a nearby pool towel and wrapping the item carefully in the soft cloth. Something clearly had just occurred.

Sophie attempts to defuse the situation. She carries a guitar case, and places it before Dana. "Well, Dana, I figured maybe if you were going to jam with Ash sometime, you'd need something to commemorate the occasion." She offers a fond smile. "Hope you love it!" How the Invictus and the Bride seem to be on such pleasant terms remains unusual. As Dana opens the case, she sees a shiny polished electric guitar signed be the Ramones.

Nash takes the opportunity to deliver the final gift to the Brides. He does so without much pomp or circumstance. He places a wooden box before Natasha. "The Dragons tend to have some unique objects. But some of them we aren't sure we have use for anymore. May this help you find the truth." Natasha is perplexed and confused, even more so when some of Harper's nearby lackeys seem to grunt in frustration as they see her open the box. Inside is a brass spyglass wrapped in velvet. Nash offers a feeble smile before leaving the table, walking past the stares of some who clearly want him dead. Natasha remains perplexed, but offers a simple "Thanks? I guess?" before shrugging and returning the object to the box.

Andres Arregi, Sheriff of the Domain, follows a few minutes later. He walks up to Salvador Ruiz, sliding a manila envelope to him across the table. "Just a building out near your part of town. I hope it meets your needs. We'll talk more later. But should offer you something."

He turns to Cristina, who hands him an object. He then plants it on the table. It appears to be an onyx candle-holder with a deep red candle fixed upon the base. He then looks to the group on the whole. "This was also put into my care to deliver to you all. It was not specified whom it was meant for, but that it should provide serenity to whoever desires it." He waits for a moment near the table, as more gifts arrive.


The Primogen for the Alabaster Staircase is not wearing a swimming suit, preferring his traditional suit. He is flanked by an African American man who also wears formal attire, though sports a fedora. He nods to his companion, who places a metal suitcase onto the table in front of Ariadne. The Primogen then speaks, delivering a curt nod to Ariadne as he does so. "Cutting edge. We're sure you'll enjoy it." Both men then leave with just as little socializing. The suitcase is locked by a three digit rotating lock.

Seeing that the other Primogen have delivered their gifts, Zoe takes the opportunity to step forward once more. She delivers a cellular phone, placing it in front of Antoine. She looks grim, perhaps the only time she has looked so all evening. "They wanted to make themselves available, Primogen. Available... to any of you. Take caution." Again, Antoine does not look pleased with this delivery.

The final gift arrives in the form of a man who is not a Primogen. Another African-American man walks up to the table, offers a nod of recognition to Ariadne and Salvador, and then places himself in front of Natasha. He speaks so that the table can hear him, glancing around at those gathered, but lingering upon Natasha. As the man arrives at the table, it becomes clear that a great many individuals are interested in what the man has to say. Antoine notes this, standing for a moment and waving Sophie nearby. "A bit of privacy, please?" Sophie nods, and offers a whistle. The DJ starts spinning tunes once more, and she works to clear the crowd nearby. The man continues to stand before the table, and waits until he thinks most casual Kindred nearby cannot hear.

Posted Image

"I am Henry Washington, herald to my lady Cassandra, Priscus of the Shadows, Primogen of the Council, the Eye Into Darkness. I am here to deliver a message."

Antoine, who has multiple disconcerting gifts, leans forward onto the table with his elbows. He is not pleased. "A message? Or a series of riddles again?"

Henry responds calmly. "An option, to be precise. My lady has indicated that two events are poised to occur. Your involvement in one will remove your involvement in another."

Whiskey speaks up, annoyed. "What the fuck is this guy on about?"

Antoine raises a hand. "Just... just spit it the hell out, Henry."

Henry pauses, again making sure there are not nearby individuals listening in. He seems satisfied, then takes a deep breath, and closes his eyes. His body stiffens and his voice deepens. "My lady advises the following. The Haunt does not know it yet, but he will attempt to end the Succubus. If he succeeds, he will not sit on the throne. If he fails, he will sit upon it."

"A broken man shall commit suicide, plunging from the top of a great tower. You cannot save this man. But you can speak with him before he dies, but only if you go to where you left him asleep first."

Henry opens his eyes, which are again locked on Natasha. It's as if he was in a trance for a moment. He shifts his body weight a bit, easing back into the conversation. "I'm sorry, that's all I can offer at this time." He wears a deep frown as he continues to peer at Natasha.
Edited by KosST, Feb 4 2013, 04:06 PM.
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Kara
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Ariadne skulks back toward the main table after the speeches but before the gifts, plopping back down in her seat. Her gaze latches onto each recipient in turn - until Harper makes his small scene with Antoine, at which point her attention remains on Antoine.

The approach of the Staircase Primogen and his compatriot does draw her eye, as does the gift presented to her. Odds are she would have paid more attention to the case than anything else, if another less-than-welcome didn't show up for Antoine a moment later and Henry Washington right after that.

Washington's messages don't seem to improve her mood. She blinks once, very slowly. "Any particular way your lady knows these things?"
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KosST
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Henry directs his attention to Ariadne.

"Miss Shaffer...she knows these things because she sees them. She pieces them together from that which she witnesses. Some things are more clear than others. There is more art than science in what she does. But it's been reliable in the past." Henry cocks his head slightly to the Shadow.
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Daniel
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Whiskey shows the rest of the group a handwritten letter from the Jack Daniel's distillery, offering a private delivery of a hand-crafted barrel along with the company of a master distiller to discuss the process.


"Damn, don't take much to make you happy, does it?" Dana grins at the club's President. "I know you can drink that whole thing by yourself, but hey, save some for the rest of us, will ya?"

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The Savage Priscus' eyes land on the dagger, and as the moment grows tense, Harper simply turns his back and walks away.


"Bastard knows how to stand out, gotta give him that," Dana says under her breath as Antoine wraps the dagger.

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As Dana opens the case, she sees a shiny polished electric guitar signed by the Ramones.

"No way. No fuckin' way!" She rips the guitar out of its case and starts pounding on the strings, strumming the first few phrases of "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker" with a look of genuine joy. "I have no idea how you got your hands on this, but wow. It's amazing; thanks!"

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Inside is a brass spyglass wrapped in velvet. Nash offers a feeble smile before leaving the table, walking past the stares of some who clearly want him dead.


"Huh... I mean, Dragons can have weird shit lying around, Tasha. Betting that's more than a fancy telescope, but hell if I know what."
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After Henry finishes his proclamations, Dana snarks to Antoine, "Yeah, sounds like a series of riddles again." The way he stares at Tasha makes her a bit uncomfortable, and she tries to break it with aggression. "So if you're actually trying to help her, mind telling us what Haunt or what Succubus you're talking about? Or where this tower is? Anything that's not like fuckin' Rush lyrics?" she says with obvious distaste.

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"No way. No fuckin' way!" She rips the guitar out of its case and starts pounding on the strings, strumming the first few phrases of "Sheena Is A Punk Rocker" with a look of genuine joy. "I have no idea how you got your hands on this, but wow. It's amazing; thanks!"


Sophie is beaming as Dana is pleased and excited. "Lots of collectors in this town. They like memorabilia, but occasionally you get a good find. Just, you know, call me when you and and Ash are gonna play somewhere, kay?"

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After Henry finishes his proclamations, Dana snarks to Antoine, "Yeah, sounds like a series of riddles again." The way he stares at Tasha makes her a bit uncomfortable, and she tries to break it with aggression. "So if you're actually trying to help her, mind telling us what Haunt or what Succubus you're talking about? Or where this tower is? Anything that's not like fuckin' Rush lyrics?" she says with obvious distaste.


Antoine offers a chuckle of agreement at Dana's frustration. "This is how they work."

Henry looks towards Dana, offering an apologetic look. "I know you'd prefer more than that, but I'm just the messenger. I only pass it along. That said, I've delivered enough of these to get at least a bit used to it. I'm guessing one of you knows the man. And you probably know where he's sleeping, or drugged, or stashed, or whatever. As for the Haunt and Succubus....well, I imagine she's meaning the Bastard."
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Daniel
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"Alright alright, they say don't shoot the messenger, guess I won't. Why you put up with it, that's your own business."

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I'm guessing one of you knows the man. And you probably know where he's sleeping, or drugged, or stashed, or whatever.


At "stashed," Dana seems to become worried. "Ah shit... uh, Tasha, you checked up on Jacky-boy lately?"

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As for the Haunt and Succubus....well, I imagine she's meaning the Bastard.


She looks confused at this. "So wait, Harper's like schizo or something? Like one half against the oth.." she trails off. She seems to withdraw a bit from the conversation, exchanging glances with the other Brides at the table.
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Kara
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Henry:
 
Henry looks towards Dana, offering an apologetic look. "I know you'd prefer more than that, but I'm just the messenger. I only pass it along. That said, I've delivered enough of these to get at least a bit used to it. I'm guessing one of you knows the man. And you probably know where he's sleeping, or drugged, or stashed, or whatever. As for the Haunt and Succubus....well, I imagine she's meaning the Bastard."


Ariadne continues to look nonplussed. "Seems easy enough to make those predictions. Nash is already scared to death of Harper." Her head tilts slightly. "And trauma can make people do all sorts of things."
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KosST
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At "stashed," Dana seems to become worried. "Ah shit... uh, Tasha, you checked up on Jacky-boy lately?"


Natasha also gets agitated at this possibility. "Uh, shit, maybe like... a couple days, a week tops? He was still out like a light then. No changes in appearance or wounds. Nothing different. But we should maybe..."

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Ariadne continues to look nonplussed. "Seems easy enough to make those predictions. Nash is already scared to death of Harper." Her head tilts slightly. "And trauma can make people do all sorts of things."


Henry offers a frustrated sigh, and massages his right temple with his fingers while locking eyes with Ariadne. "Predictions are easy. Sifting through countless variables and possibilities to pick out real, clear messages? That's different. Nash being scared of Harper? A known. Harper making his play, tonight, with defined outcomes based on success?"

He shrugs. "The gift I was authorized to present was the message. You want to ignore it? That's up to you."
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Holy
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Salvador slowly rises back to his feet. "Your Mistress has our thanks, Mister Washington." He reaches for the folder, hands going briefly to the candlestick, exploring it. "But that doesn't mean we have to accept them totally. Someone should indeed check on Jacky." Taking only the folder with him, he begins to walk toward the area where Nash and Ashcroft have congregated. A single glance to Ariadne is the only reminder that she may join in the discussion, but that she is not required per their deal.

For Kos.
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