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Eat The Rude; [SL Scene] Rudiger & Helena
Topic Started: Feb 17 2015, 04:23 AM (609 Views)
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~The Grandest of Gatherings~

The carriage ride to the home of William Elphinstone traveled through Swinton Park, which by day was the perfect location for a romantic rendez-vous, but in the dark hours of the evening, the glow from the gaslights created a dance of shadows that was both disconcerting and ghastly to behold. Perhaps the grim imagery was a play on the mind with the gossip that surrounded the parties held by the questionable host, or even worse a sign of what was to come.

They would not be the first, nor the last to arrive.

The structure itself was two stories, the stone walls embraced with rich green ivy. Windows on the lower floor were warmed with buttery light from the candles lit inside while the second story was basked in darkness. A middle aged man in black and white tails was awaiting the guests, a gloved hand guiding them into the parlor where the handful of those in attendance were already partaking in drink.

The room was drowning in wealth to where it was no longer elegant, but a gaudy display. Curtains were all of the finest velvet and tied with golden ropes and tassels that matched the trims on all of the embroidered pillows. The furniture were not antique, lacking the charm and care that came with more historical pieces.

New money.

It was hardly a surprise that so many would avoid this house and the host, those with inherited wealth and title find it all rather uncouth.

William was just as loud as the decor, his frame set in the center of it all to ensure that all eyes were cast upon him. His apparel for the evening was of rich orange and yellow as if to reflect the appearance of gold - a King Midas in the making. His waist was round, his features full and should he have displayed more modesty, he may have been considered jolly - especially when his beard was factored into the equation.

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Helena Serieux
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Helena had spared no expense in the brief time she had held for her preparations. She had, of course, her own carriage to ferry them to the meal. In addition to this, she had demanded some swift tailoring to adapt one of her new dresses, a gown of deep scarlet trimmed with pearls and a neckline low enough to cause scandal. For Rudigar, she had acquired a fine evening suit of rich fabric, it's coloration a clear complement to her own attire.

The Toreador tried to hold her tongue through the journey yet it seemed her and Rudiger were ever out to belittle the other. Some choice, cutting remarks had murmured both ways across the carriage. In truth, Helena had to admit she found the repartee thoroughly enjoyable.

They arrived at the venue, her servants hurrying to their tasks and passing their names to Elphinstone's attendants. As the pair were announced and eyes drawn, Helena murmured a final comment for Rudiger alone, her lips unmoving. "Do try to remember we're here on a mission, I know how excitable you are with new friends to insult."
Merits: Well Traveled, Refined, Natural Leader, Occult Library, Manor, True Love
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Flaws: Vengeance, Driving Goal, Infamous Sire, Sire's Resentment, Vengeful Childe/Jilted Paramour
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Rudiger Blumenthal
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Confusion marred Rudiger's features when--earlier in the evening--Lady Helena had presented him with an attire to wear. His memory did recall Lady Helena muttering something about arranging his choice of clothing for the evening, yet Rudiger had, at the time, simply believed her words to be the musings of a soured disposition attempting to fire off one last pitiful attempt at insult. He did not consider Lady Helena to actually commit to her words. He, of course, promptly refused her offer.

The Rose sported shined black Oxfords with white spats, black cotton trousers, a white shirt, maroon waistcoat and a midnight dark frock coat. He kept on his person a gold encased ruby ring and silver encased aquamarine ring. Hidden under his shirt and fastened by the belt lay an Apache revolver which he'd brought with him from the mainland many years prior. It was doubtful that it could serve any practical purpose, but at the very least it provided Rudiger with a blade and a means of incapacitating retainers, should that be necessary.

A bashful smile surfaced on his features as Lady Helena addressed him one last time. As the two were hand in hand, he needed only chuckle quietly and softly to assure her that her words were acknowledged. Whether or not he payed heed to them was another matter entirely. Speaking of new friends, Mister Elphinstone seemed entirely content on drawing attention to himself. Good.

For an instant that ran it's course and extinquished itself during the momentary flicker of a candle, the Rose's pupil dilated to explore the metaphysical within the room.* [AUSPEX: Aura Perception]
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The moment the pair entered their room, the conversation became a flurry of whispers. Eyes were cast towards them and the salacious neckline, but even of the two of them together. By now, they each had contacts within the domain among the higher echelon and unlikely they had ever expressed some romantic inclination towards the other in those exchanges. Yet, here they were holding hands.

Both men and women were highly disappointed by this possible union, but unsurprised that two such beautiful creatures would be drawn to together. With the color of her gown, Helena was clearly the flame and Rudiger her moth.

After the gossip lulled to a hushed whisper, the crowds broke and came to learn the news first hand. A few ladies swept Helena away to discuss the matter while Rudiger was approached by a couple of gentleman who offered him the finest cigar he would ever smoke - knowing that among the billowing cloud they might curry some secrets.

The host seemed interested in none of it.

The truth was that he was quietly enraged by their thievery. The spotlight had been stolen from him and his party because some immodest tart had chosen to bring a young fop as her companion? He practically sneered at the notion.

That plucking of his insecurities was directed then at his staff, a young woman who was making her rounds with wine was snapped at quite rudely causing her cheeks to turn a deep shade of red before she hurried off back into the kitchen.

ST NOTE: See PM for response to Aura Perception
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Helena Serieux
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Helena thrived on a scene such as this. The air was tense and her presence had turned the host surly. Excellent. This scene could have played out at any point within the last century, her love of drama coupled with natures gift to her looks had led her to play upon her entrance and command the attention of the room.

Women came over, drawing her to their circle but Helena was not meek enough to follow. She breathed a final comment to Rudiger, trusting his enhanced sense to hear her say "Indulge yourself" before she led the women back to the other ladies.

There were comments, gasps and laughter. A slight on one woman would be turned back by the Toreadors tongue. A lady on the outskirts, lacking confidence and seeming to drift slowly away was captured by a sly comment and knowing eyes. The conversation wandered, circling but not reaching their host himself and Helena was content with that. The evening was you and there was time enough for that yet.

Helena did not join the group, she took it and brought it to her will.
Merits: Well Traveled, Refined, Natural Leader, Occult Library, Manor, True Love
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Flaws: Vengeance, Driving Goal, Infamous Sire, Sire's Resentment, Vengeful Childe/Jilted Paramour
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Rudiger Blumenthal
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It would be wise to inform Lady Helena of his discoveries, if she hadn't, likewise, spent precious blood to draw them closer to the truth. Even if she did, perhaps she had a superior fortune to his. For once in his unlife, he wished to seek Lady Helena's momentary private company over the company of humans. Alas, it was not to be, for the masses accosted them both.

"Indulge yourself"

A wry smile formed on his features. This was surely caused by Lady Helena's natural predisposition to attract the attention of weak willed individuals. She would have to berate her for this - some other time.

There were a few men of intellect within their group, which was a welcome surprise, as not many men of great thinking still enjoyed the thoroughly restrictive and uncomfortable dinner parties of common... it occurred to him that he had omitted seeking knowledge of Mr. - or Sir. - or Lord - Elphinstone's achievements. Perhaps letting Lady Helena handle the invitation without him reading the title with which Elphinstone addressed himself was a faux pas. These issues were of great sensitivity, although, most often, it was only the most common of nobility - or of no nobility - that held gatherings such as these between the newly rich. A baronet, then, and he would be Lord Elphinstone. A knight, then, and he would be Sir. William. No nobility, and he would simply be Mr. Elphinstone.

Mr. Conway was a rotund and very well-spoken Englishman. Monsieur Margot was a Frenchman with aspirations of travel. What occurs when an Englishman, a Frenchman and a Prussian begin a conversation? A conversation, as it turns out. The three of them spoke of literature. Monsieur Margot argued that the literature popular in France - that which dealt with society and the connections between men and women - was more relevant to the present. Mr. Conway argued that literature which focused on personal introspection - as was popular in English philosphy - remained true for a lengthier time, and thus held relevance for a lengthier time. Society, he argued, was in constant change, and therefore writings of it would eventually cease being relevant. Self-assessment and stoicism, which was so popular in England, would remain true for future generations. 'Mr. Blumenthal', as he was called when in the company of a less predatory species, remarked that Hume himself attested that one moment of laughter served the body better than an hour of introspection.

After a time, in which the few cultured men conducted their conversations whilst the rest were marginalized aside, Rudiger inquired to hear of their "host". This would subtly inform him of how to address their host, and none would be wiser of his prior ignorance.

An errant gaze was spared towards Helena. The vampiress' hold over her company would be almost admirable, if Rudiger did not believe that her hold over her company wasn't entirely due to the prowess of her blood.
Edited by Rudiger Blumenthal, Mar 13 2015, 09:13 AM.
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The barking of the host had stirred some of the guests. The women in particular were rather uncomfortable with his outburst and the vanishing of the crying maid. While it wasn't uncommon to put a servant in their place when they acted appallingly, it was rare to do so with an audience. It lacked a certain grace.

With his actions, it was quite easy to turn the conversation to the man of the house and Rudiger's ears were soon assaulted with the tales of his parties. Many of the guests in his circle confessed to attending simply to see what all the fuss was about and others to uncover some hidden truth as if he were a wolf in sheep's clothing.. or perhaps something that would only be found in the pages of a Penny Dreadful.

They were talking of him, but even as he became the topic on everyone's tongue, the host still carried with him a surly air as if embarrassing his staff had not been satisfying enough. He stalked the room like a shark and did little more than offer a nod of his head as others greeted him. He only lingered enough to do one trip about the large sitting room before he disappeared from the room entirely, leaving his guests temporarily to fend for themselves.

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Helena Serieux
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"Well now, what do they say of a man who erupts so easily?" Helena's eyes sparkled with mischief amongst the gathered women. The Toreador was vibrant with life, the soul of the party and she was absolutely, utterly bored. The conversation turned to their host and Helena soaked up the women's comments, searching for insights.

This was the crème of York's elite? It had been a simple exercise to establish her authority over the group. Mere minutes had passed and Helena, had she chosen, felt she could make a pariah of nearly any one of their number. A choice remark, a subtle 'suggestion' would be all it took to she her disapproval, then a simple encouragement for those who followed her lead and...

Why should she bother? She cared not at all for these women, they lacked the spark of personality to rise out of the tides of humanity that were stored within Helena's memory. Still, there was the masquerade. Not for Helena, the use of her vitae and her presence of mind were more than enough to cover her activities here. No, it was their hosts potential breach that held her concern.

She turned her attention towards the menfolk. No punches had yet been hurled, perhaps Rudiger did have some tact after all. She waited for his attention to move, where she would catch his eye and raise a brow in question.
Merits: Well Traveled, Refined, Natural Leader, Occult Library, Manor, True Love
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Flaws: Vengeance, Driving Goal, Infamous Sire, Sire's Resentment, Vengeful Childe/Jilted Paramour
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Rudiger Blumenthal
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In truth, Rudiger held a modicum of appreciation for their host. Not all of them possessed the mental fortitude to behave so crassly in front of their own guests. Stereotypes were employed with popularity in their present day, and Rudiger had heard of numerous occasions when his country was accused of being barbaric by the stoic English, the latest of which was in the works of Bulwer-Lytton. Their host served an excellent example that stereotypes were a demagogue's weapon, and that each country held its Elphinstones.

Helena raised an eyebrow at him, and he merely blinked with a blank expression, then looked away...

... towards his present company, so that he may excuse himself.

He walked towards the women's side - noted to himself how pointless and moronic their social segregation was when both genders were located in the same bloody room - and spoke.

"If you'll excuse me, ladies, I'd like to steal away my lovely, betrothed, lily of the Nile, constellation of my mind, the sunrise of my morning - you may think I'm being unnecessarily saccharine, yet I do not lie when I say that she is the sun of my world."
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Some of the women were shocked by Helena's humour at the outburst, a few allowed for dainty giggle to emerge if only to obtain the Toreador's approval. The disappearance of the host seemed to change the air in the room, creating a near foreboding atmosphere. No doubt among the group, a few of the braver men were inquiring as whether or not to interfere.

However, they were not given the opportunity as Elphinstone returned, his hands smoothing first down the front of his jacket and then back through his hair. Lips curved into a smile as his guests turned towards him and from behind him came a butler who made a gesture towards the dining room. "Shall we move through?" the host spoke in a casual tone before he was turning and making his way through a recently opened set of double doors that revealed the long wooden table embraced by chairs. It was immaculately set with very fine china, the presentation almost as obscene as the wealth on display in his home.

He sat at the head of the table, and butlers and footmen were moving in to draw out chairs for the women who came unescorted and men were lowering themselves into their place. Everyone's name was scrawled on a crisp folded card and the Roses would note they were not set to sit together.
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