Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]
Locked Topic
Gathering: Beach Night
Topic Started: Jan 6 2013, 02:06 PM (1,943 Views)
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
(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.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Replies:
Holy
Member Avatar

Something Ariadne says forces a look to Killjoy's eyes.
Edited by Holy, Feb 13 2013, 12:30 AM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

There's another slight frown from Ariadne.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador shakes his head.

He then moves back to the main table, a lonesome figure now with everyone scrambled about. He opens the manila folder the Sheriff had given, and begins looking over the contents.
Edited by Holy, Feb 13 2013, 12:56 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne offers a slight nod, and starts to slink through the various assembled toward Nash. Once there, she glances up at him and mumbles, "Got a minute?"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Daniel
Member Avatar

Quote:
 
Course, it could get a bit wild for you well behaved Brides...

"You shut your mouth!" Dana exclaims in a conscious exaggeration of the Shaft theme song. "Nah, I'll be all over that, and I think Tasha 'n Whiskey 'll jump on getting out of the bullshit. Guess it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be, though. You see the guitar Sophie got me? Fuckin' sick."

She reflects for a second. "Still think we got a bit more talkin' to do before the night's over, though, Zoe wanted something. But saw you two talking earlier anyway," and her tone goes slightly colder, "so maybe you already know what's up."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
_______________
Ariadne

Nash looks sullen throughout the gathering, but as Ariadne approaches he perks up a bit. He gestures for her to join him at a table where a young woman is also seated. "What can I do for you, Miss Shaffer?"

_______________
Dana

Quote:
 
"You shut your mouth!" Dana exclaims in a conscious exaggeration of the Shaft theme song. "Nah, I'll be all over that, and I think Tasha 'n Whiskey 'll jump on getting out of the bullshit. Guess it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be, though. You see the guitar Sophie got me? Fuckin' sick."

She reflects for a second. "Still think we got a bit more talkin' to do before the night's over, though, Zoe wanted something. But saw you two talking earlier anyway," and her tone goes slightly colder, "so maybe you already know what's up."


Harper offers a broad smile, closing the distance a bit between the two of them. He starts to sway back and forth, pivoting on his legs. "Yeah, I saw the guitar. As far as Invictus goes, Sophie's probably one of the best. She ain't an icy bitch like Ashcroft. And she ain't a god-damn pest like Zoe." He offers a nod of his head in Zoe's direction, knowing where she is even without looking, and sure enough, she's watching Harper and Dana speak. "She just wants me on a leash, and everyone else too. So fuck'em. You and your gang want to hit some spiked juice with us, come up to my place, have a hell of a time, let's get the fuck out of here." He cocks his head. "Or we could cause a scene first. Piss a few people off, then head out into the night to where the real action is."

_______________
Edited by KosST, Feb 13 2013, 10:49 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

KosST
Feb 13 2013, 10:48 PM
Nash looks sullen throughout the gathering, but as Ariadne approaches he perks up a bit. He gestures for her to join him at a table where a young woman is also seated. "What can I do for you, Miss Shaffer?"
Ariadne follows Nash to the table, but doesn't sit - she stares at the young woman instead.

And drops her voice further.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash nods to his companion, who gets up and makes herself scarce, whispering a simple "Of course" as she departs. She leaves the chair open, and Ariadne and Nash are alone in the small cabana.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne in the chair closest to Nash, folding her hands in her lap, but she looks up at him before long.

Kos
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash flinches as if he's been shot. One of his hands moves to his chest, the other, gripping the edge of his seat as if he might fall. He frantically looks about the gathering, trying to locate Harper.

Ariadne
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne sits straighter now, looking visibly surprised. Her hands lift up and toward Nash in an apparent calming gesture.

Kos
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador flips through the opened folder, tucking the papers on his lap as he continues to peruse.

For Kos
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Daniel
Member Avatar

Quote:
 
She just wants me on a leash, and everyone else too. So fuck'em. You and your gang want to hit some spiked juice with us, come up to my place, have a hell of a time, let's get the fuck out of here.


Dana seems pleased by Harper's dismissal of the Carthian Primogen. "Hell yeah! I mean, Tasha had to go run and do something real fast, but she'll be back soon. In the meantime, just what you have in mind by 'cause a scene?' Because I ain't been in the pool yet, and those Staircase creeps are awful close to the diving board..."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
_________
Salvador

_________
Nash continues to shift in his seat nervously.

Ariadne

_________
Dana

_________
Edited by KosST, Feb 14 2013, 12:53 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne looks at him another long moment, and gets to her feet.

Kos

She takes a few steps back toward Killjoy, looking over her shoulder at Nash.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash reluctantly drags himself to his feet. He works his way with Ariadne over to where Salvador is seated, though he distinctly keeps his physical distance from the two of them.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne looks at Killjoy once Nash is sufficiently close.

Holy/Kos


(e: I have some shit to do for the next ~2 hours, so feel free to have Killjoy + Nash talk without me)
Edited by Kara, Feb 14 2013, 04:47 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador looks up at their approach, and noting Nash's distance, opts not to rise. "Mister Nash, I'm aware of the irony of offering you a position when only a week ago I had hoped to collaborate under you. Normally I would worry about the insult, how a Primogen might take being sought out by an Unaligned who never in the past seemed in control of his own Destiny."

"But the fates move. Cassandra has foretold that your death has a pivotal role in the Praxis. The Haunt will try and destroy the Succubus. Should he succeed, he will have the throne. Should you live, he will will take it."

Salvador watches the Dragon as he speaks. "The Winnowing right now seems an agent of Chaos, gifting men like Harper, striking down at men like you. I came out ahead, set free seemingly by whim. Though I profited, even I recognize the unfairness of it. But..." He tries to catch the Primogen's eyes. "Fate has spoken, and I fear unless you retreat, Harper will come after you."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash involuntarily takes a step back as he hears the prophecy spill from Salvador's lips. Ariadne hadn't gone into details, but the bloody truth was put before him by Killjoy, a man who loomed over Nash at this moment. Nash again rests a hand on the table as if to steady himself, each word an additional weight bearing down on his frame.

"I... I have to flee? But Harper will take the throne if I run? Once he has the throne, there is no safe haven for me...."

He glares at Salvador, clearly angry about something. "Did you do this to me, Killjoy? How else can I have been so fucked over by fate?" But as quickly as the anger arrives, it's gone, and he's looking imploringly at the two Kindred near him.

"Safety. Yes. Live to fight another day. The prophecy doesn't claim how long he'll be Prince. Maybe there is still a chance. And if he's coming after me tonight, then we can be prepared to fight him off."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Rather than the usual flinch at the moniker of Killjoy, Salvador only narrows his eyes. When Nash rides down from his anger he responds, "I'm building a new Elysium in the barrens. The Sheriff is helping me.." With a tap of his fingers he indicates the manila folder. "It is to be a garden in the wasteland where those who truly wish to flee the Danse may have sanctuary from the eternal struggle. But that means surrender, Primogen. That means giving up your position in the city, that means giving up the Dragons to Harper. I understand you have certain obligations to Ashcroft, to your Order, to others. And only you can choose whether you life is worth saving if you feel you must betray those debts of service."

"But I offer you an out. Harper was in my debt, and I called it in to give you the chance to back out of the game gracefully. If you leave the strip, truly leave the strip and its politics behind, you will be protected. You will be ignored. You will be meek." Salvador takes a breath after stressing the word. "Not every man has what it takes to suffer that. To suffer that loss of status and position. But I propose to you, Primogen, a longer look."

"We..." He motions to table, even though only he remains sitting now, "Have becomes the agents of fate. We want to understand the Winnowing, preventing it from happening any more, preventing it from continuing. We need research, investigation... I want you to head that research. Retire to the monastic life of the mysteries. Give up the Strip. Take the long look at what it might truly mean to understand the Winnowing itself. Join me in the garden for this search of knowledge."
Edited by Holy, Feb 15 2013, 08:00 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash seems contemplative, regaining his composure as Salvador speaks. For the first time in the evening, he starts to resemble a Primogen, a leader, thinking calmly and maintaining a sense of control. His eyes flash between Salvador and Ariadne as they speak. He lets out a few errant breaths and rubs his hands together, but holds himself a bit higher.

"My people don't want to operate under Harper. Would they be subjected to his Covenant just because I run away? And I have obligations, as you mentioned, obligations that must be fulfilled. I... I have to face this head on. Negotiate directly with Harper, let him know that I intend to leave the Danse for now, and to leave it peacefully. But... but I have to make sure considerations are paid."

He pauses. "Do you believe his plan is immune to reason? Do you think if we went and spoke to him, openly, he'd listen? If I leave without explanation, he could exact his revenge through my subordinates. I need to make sure that doesn't happen. And if he's open to your plan, maybe he'd listen. If I were to support his Praxis, he'd have me on my knees. Humiliated. Maybe... maybe it would be enough?"


Antoine has appeared, escaping conversation with Harper and other Primogen. He caught the end of the discussion, and seems to have put two and two together. "We can get you out of here. Can't say whether Harper will be open to negotiation, but we can get you out of the strip safely, even from Harper, if for one night."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
tpenrod
Member Avatar

The Magician has remained oddly quiet the entire night. He appeared in swimwear and a black button up shirt, but his trademark hat however remained firmly on his head. As the rest of the guests of honors made their way around the party, he remained uncharacteristically insular. It seemed that perhaps the fame was hitting him in unexpected ways. Or perhaps, there were other matters on his mind.

He made idle talk and participated as the gathering proceeded, taking his gifts with sincere thanks. He spent a great deal of time examining the cuffs, attempting to determine if they, as was hinted, once belonged to one so much greater than him. As he repeatedly made his way in and out of them, this act seemed to attract the attention of a few nearby. As attention swelled around him and his abilities, his demeanor began to return to what it once was. Whatever was on his mind before seemed to have been forgotten.

He had heard the words of The Prophet. While Dana seemed conflicted on whether she should stay or go, Sebastian felt no such conflict. It was clear those around him saw something in him, and he intended to meet their expectations. This was his chance to rise, and though he had saved a member of The Brides, he didn't feel so beholden to them to rush to their side at a moments notice.

As Sebastian continued to perform and chatter with those around him, he began to notice Antoine making his way over to Nash and Salvador. He was beginning to connect the dots, cursing himself slightly for becoming lost in the crowd's adoration and letting opportunities slip past him throughout the night. This would have to change immediately.

Sebastian is not so quick to understand what is occurring when he appears next to Antoine, but he attempts not to give himself away. "Is there...anything I can do to help?"
Edited by tpenrod, Feb 15 2013, 08:22 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

Salvador tips his head to the arriving Antoine and Sebastian. "I'm hoping to convince Primogen Nash to back away from the Strip. Harper has agreed to end hostilities if so. Unfortunately that means giving up what he's built, which is no easy request to consider for anyone."

He looks back to Nash, "I cannot force you to leave, and I understand your leadership to your faction of the Dragons won't transfer easily to Harper. If your people wish to follow you into Exile, I'll do my best to make a place for them. How many of your faction remain loyal against Harper?"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash frowns. "Only a handful. Me, Jonah, Irene, and Lin. Had a few more, but they abandoned us to join Harper a while back." It appears to be a sore subject.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne looks at Sebastian, offering a nod as he approaches before her eyes snap back to Nash. "Irene offered to help me with the Winnowing already. Asking her and others to come with, might not be that much a jump."
Edited by Kara, Feb 16 2013, 10:04 PM.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
tpenrod
Member Avatar

Sebastian considers this, counting off the names. "If Nash leaves, do we have any guarantees that these others will follow? He may be willing to leave what he has built, but the others..." Sebastian leaves the sentence hanging, indicating his uncertainty that this course of action won't merely escalate conflict.
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Holy
Member Avatar

"We have no guarantees that they will follow, nor any that Harper won't target them even if they do. My agreement was for Primogen Nash's safety only." Killjoy considers the best options, "Were I in Harper's shoes, I wouldn't want you in any sort of leadership position. As long as you were a symbol of the schism between the factions, I wouldn't let you have any sort of hierarchy that could be seen to challenge my supposed authority."

"Sue for peace. Come to the garden. Hope that the understanding of the Winnowing will give you currency, or that Harper's policies will burn himself out in the meantime. I suspect the fact that even your Coils are winnowed means few of your compatriots are willing to risk entering the city. That would mean you won't have reinforcements until something changes."
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
Nash peers over the Kindred arrayed to help him and his allies escape potential death. He seems emboldened. "I'll speak with Harper. Antoine, mind coming along? Hell, perhaps we just need to get the entire group together. That way, if Harper does want to step against me, my going peacefully will win out some support from the others."

Antoine tries to interrupt Nash. "Harper ain't in a mood for Council politics, just getting what he wants. Trying to gather the Council'll piss him off more. Gather your people, we'll head to safety tonight."

Nash seems to accept this. "I'll pass word along. We'll then head out in a group. As long as there is some place safe we can head to, we'll be ok for the time being. I'll get this moving."

Nash heads off in the direction of Ashcroft. Antoine looks to the rest of the coterie. "Well, that decision is made. Guess now we just got to make sure that he and his people survive. Keep him and Harper off one another. Good job." Antoine goes off to try and catch up to Nash.

As Nash he walks to meet his allies, his eyes never stray from the form of Harper, who on his part seems to be moving about a crowd of poolgoers without a care in the world. Inadvertently, Nash stumbles into Brandon Bell, one of Harper's second in command. The two eye each other with anger, and Bell whispers a word in Nash's ear. Nash looks angry, to the point where he even shoulders past Bell and continues on his way towards Ashcroft. But his path is diverted somewhat - instead of peeling away from the crowd and towards the Invictus, he steers himself towards his foe. A flare of tension immediately courses through those paying attention, and Antoine starts to bolt towards Nash while using the dagger given to him by Harper to pierce his skin.

It happens so quickly, that few are prepared for it.

Nash walks purposefully towards the pool, and as he nears the edge he snarls and hurls himself towards Harper. The crowd is stunned for a moment, and Harper himself seems incredulous and caught off guard. Nash is able to get a few good blows in, clawing and biting at Harper like a wild animal. The crowd in the pool seems ready to jump to quickly interfere, but Harper holds up a hand between defending from the flurry of blows the frenzied Nash throws at him. His people obey for now.

Harper easily wrests control of the situation from the angered Succubus, prying his arms into a full nelson and slowly bending Nash's face forward until his gnashing face is submerged under the water. Harper holds him there as he speaks. "Really, Nash? This is a great fucking idea. Real smart." A splashing of water, and Nash's right arm bends at a right angle the incorrect way. "Now, tell me Nolan, when this idea popped into your head, did you think "Hey, I'm giving up on this existence bullshit, might as well be tonight, right?" Nash's spine is stretched beyond normal limits. "Because that's the only goddamn way this makes any fucking sense."

Voices cry out for Harper to stop, he seems unable to hear them for the moment. The other Primogen rush to the edge of the pool, and despite pleading from both Ashcroft and Goodman, Harper continues to act as if only he and Nash exist.

(Members of the coterie are free to react as they see fit, either by attempting to calm the situation, to try and reach Harper and Nash to interfere, or to watch in stunned silence.)
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
Kara
Member Avatar

Ariadne keeps her eyes on Harper as he moves toward Ashcroft, but seems momentarily frozen when Nash leaps at Harper. She recovers quickly enough and starts dashing toward the pool, jumping in gracelessly. She doesn't head right into the fray, however - instead, she finds her footing in the water and says, "Harper."

And then she yells.

"STOP!"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
KosST
Member Avatar
Administrator
As Ariadne enters the pool and speaks, the crowd forming around parts to look at her. Harper looks up as the quiet shadow screams out to him. He cocks his head in confusion, then addresses her non-chalantly.

"Oh, it's the little shadow. Hey girl, what's up?"
Offline Profile Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
ZetaBoards - Free Forum Hosting
Create your own social network with a free forum.
Go to Next Page
« Previous Topic · In Character Scenes · Next Topic »
Locked Topic

Theme created by Xarina from Zathyus Networks Resources