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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 2:48 pm
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As luck would have it, no sooner had Ravnos been bemoaning the lack of clan members at the party than did Vano arrive. He sauntered through the door, a certain jingle from his coined belt, letting the atmosphere of the party wash over him. Although among members of his own clan and Kumpania Vano could be said to be something of a social butterfly he was somewhat out of place in the rush and fervor of the Toreador scene. Still, he made his way through the crowd to give a deep bow to Grendel, and to Ravnos as well. With a wink, he slid back into the crowd, not quite certain as yet what he was looking for.
But looking Vano was. When he found what he was searching for, he surely would know it. Until then he would have to wander. He snagged a glass of champagne laced with vitae from a server, taking a long sip of the beverage. Champagne was not really his thing, but one had to admit that for what it was it was excellent. He spotted a young Ravnos in the crowd, grinning when he did so. She stuck out like a sore thumb. Rather like himself, he supposed.
Ah, but was it another young face he wished to see? If so Vano had not yet admitted it to himself. Idly tossing a coin in the air, he made it 'disappear', as if the little trick might catch the eye of the one he sought. But where was he? Still not certain who he thought he was looking for, the Antediluvian roamed through the crowd, aware that Ravnos and Grendel's presences foretold the possibility that... ah, well. That was little more than a memory, really. Why get hung up on it? But judging from his restlessness, that might very well be his mental state.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 2:52 pm
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Caius might have been a Disciple, but he was by no means here to simply stand around like a wallflower, or look stoic and grim with a drink in his hand watching the onlookers have fun. He might have had responsibilities, he might have had politics to play, but this was a night for his clan...and, he supposed, all the clans... to let their hair down and really enjoy their unlife. The music was superb, the lighting exquisite, the food and drink sublime -- and he had a handsome vampire spinning him out on the dance floor.
Caius couldn't be happier.
"Enjoying yourself?" He asked, as if he didn't already know the answer. Still, as he gazed up at his colorful consort, he couldn't help but desire to hear such an affirmation. "I hope you've a strong constitution for dancing, handsome, for I intend to have my fill." And when Caius wanted something, the Toreador would stop at nothing to get it.
So far, everything was going smoothly. There was always a risk when the Clans got together, not to mention with mortals and Clanless among them--but so far there was no drama. Perhaps having the vampire god himself present was one way to keep things in line, but surely, if trouble did stir, that was what security was for. "Any hopes for the new year, darling?" He asked, slipping his arms about the others neck as the pace of the dance changed to something a bit slower.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 3:17 pm
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No one could ever have mistaken Caius for a wallflower. Not in this lifetime or any other. As they twirled together on the dancefloor, Asana had eyes for no one but the Disciple. They might as well have been alone in the room for how little he took note of anyone else. He couldn't help himself. It was, after all, in the nature of a Toreador to get wrapped up by a muse. And this was no mere muse, but the Muse. The most beautiful, wonderful being that Asana had ever had the good fortune to know. That his lips had graced the back of that perfect had was a wonder unto itself.
"But of course, my beauty. How could I not enjoy myself with you in my arms?" As the dance changed and Caius slipped his arms around his neck, Asana glided them along the dancefloor. So enraptured was he by the beautiful Disciple that he could gaze nowhere else but into his eyes. "You know very well that I have a strong constitution for many things," he said with a low chuckle. That was reserved for Caius and Caius alone.
As he guided him across the dancefloor, Asana kept his arms well around the other's waist. "My only hope is to spend it with you. What of you, my muse? Do you have any hopes for the New Year?" he inquired, distantly aware of a crackle of power in a far corner. No doubt some important guest had arrived, but he could not tear his gaze away from his current companion long enough to see who it was. Or at all, really. To do so would be tantamount to torture.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 3:40 pm
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Xenoza had been to plenty of parties in his short unlife, but he'd never been to the sort of party that required him to wear layers. The entire process of finding an outfit for this event, much less figuring out how to wear all the pieces, had left him rather confused -- but as Belial wished him to be so fitted, so the large vampire would oblige. Never mind that the cloth felt constricting, and itchy, and all things different than his usual t-shirts and mesh clothing. But, he was a compliant beast, and he wanted nothing more than to please the red-head at his side...
So he did as he was told, and with much assistance, managed to cut quite a resplendent figure. There as no denying that Xenoza could clean up very well when he wished to do so -- and tonight was one of those nights. There wasn't a tear to be found on his outfit, and he'd removed some of his more garish accessories to something Belial assured him was complimentary. But of course, Xenoza wasn't here to be shown off but to show off Belial instead -- it still amazing the vampire that someone so damn clever, someone so magnificent, someone so damn sexy was on his arm...and better still, happily in his bed.
So, with Belial on his arm, he guided him through the door of the mansion, giving a small, impressed whistle at the sight. This was as fancy a place as he'd ever been, and, with a quick glance around at those in attendance, he realized he didn't recognize a single face. The one thing he recognized was power, and there was a lot of that to be found. He tightened his grip around Belial's waist, pulling him just a bit closer, as if he, a Clanless vampire, could somehow keep Belial safe from the Ante's and Disciples surrounding them.
... but of course he could, or so he mistakenly believed, and he would, if things got hairy. Not a hair would be touched upon Belial's head, not with Xenoza there, power dynamics be damned. Love conquered all, after all -- and that was something the sensitive brute did believe in.
"Sure will be," he agreed, giving him a little squeeze. "So what'd you like to do? Get a drink? Dance? .... stand awkwardly around like everyone else?" Honestly, Xenoza didn't really know what he was supposed to do at this sort of affair, but most people seemed to be standing around talking to one another. Maybe that was just the expectation -- surely, if anyone knew what to do, it would be Belial. He was the smartest person in this room, as far as Xeno was concerned. The smartest and the hottest... and he was all his.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 4:14 pm
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Aureliano might not have been as formally dressed Ignatius, but he still was as handsome as any of them ... and Iggy had taken an appreciative note of his appearance while they were together. He kept it to himself, of course -- complimenting him would probably irritate Aureliano, or would somehow get him in trouble for going off course. They weren't here for one another, they weren't even here to celebrate -- they were here to work.
Maybe he shouldn't have cleaned up so well for it, but pride wouldn't have had him go out in any other way. Who knew what other Giovanni might appear? To shame the family's reputation by appearing in such company dressed less than his best would be humiliating. No. He had to look like he'd gone to this party with every intention to have fun and show off -- a Giovanni looking like the rabble would spread like wildfire, he was sure. Besides, he felt like he fit into the crowd dressed as he was -- just another pretty face among a crowd of pretty faces.
Settling himself at the bar, he ordered himself a negroni, before letting his eyes drift back to the crowd. The power in the room, especially the crackle of the red-haired god of vampires himself, had Iggy feeling just a little uncomfortable. There were vampires here who could crush them without a second thought. While he was used to feeling the power which radiated off his father, his uncle, and even his grandfather -- these were all strangers. Who among them might have the information they needed? It was entirely possible they were all far too important to bother. He didn't need any upper up to get into their business. No, they probably needed a vampire a little lower than the upper crust...
But who?
"Not sure," he spoke quietly, tapping a claw idly on the table. "Not seeing anyone worthwhile yet," he stated, nose wrinkling ever so slightly. So far he saw vampires that must have fallen in different clans... but not a Baali among them. He supposed he'd be more surprised if one came at all, much less one of appropriate rank and position. Maybe this hadn't been a good idea and a waste of time. He unconsciously rubbed at his neck, a small frown settling upon his features.
"Hope this isn't a bust." No, it couldn't be. They'd just have to wait. The party had only just begun... who knew who might still trickle in?
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 4:16 pm
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Mid second coin toss, Vano's eyes fell on a familiar figure at the bar. Everything crystallized. Ah. So, that was who he was looking for. It didn't make sense, not really, but he still found himself walking over to the bar in spite of that. In spite of himself, even. All of his big talk with Ravnos, and what should he do but get distracted by Ravnos's grandson. If that wasn't ironic, Vano didn't know what was. Though why he had not yet figured out. Still, he was already over at the bar before he could think that far ahead. "Copper for your thoughts?" he asked, pulling a copper piece out from behind Llewellyn's ear. It was cheesy, but maybe it would get a few laughs from the young vampire.
He'd been on a serious mission when he'd found - met, he told himself - Llewellyn covered in dirt. That mission had since concluded, but his focus on the night had not. Slowly, the Antediluvian was beginning to work out why, but the process was glacial. Whatever Llewellyn was thinking, Vano had simply decided to seek him out of his own volition. He ordered a drink at the bar himself, deciding that he might as well follow suit. Though it had been a long time since he'd last enjoyed this particular pastime.
Vano usually was too busy with Clan business to indulge in the luxury of a drink, that was unless it was something a bit more plain that a mixed drink. He did enjoy them from time to time, but it certainly wasn't frequent. Interested to see what drink the bartender brought Llewellyn, he settled into the seat next to him. "You clean up well," he complimented, though in truth he took note that the look Llewellyn was sporting was rather similar to the one he'd seen the other night. Still, he wasn't covered in dirt this time.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 4:36 pm
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It was easy to hide any reaction the Methuselah had to the approaching Justicar with a languid sip of his red wine. His eyes half-lidded as they followed the other Ventrue from where he rose smoothly from his seat, glimmering with cold amusement from just behind his raised glass. The deep hue of his drink tinted his lips slightly darker as he lowered the glass, and a warm smile quickly spread the nearer Armistice came. He knew that this moment was coming. A meet-up between two old adversaries that would renew the Justicar's vested interest in Mithras's endeavours. Thus, the old cycle of deceit would begin anew. Ah, to stretch those legs again! Mentally, the ancient vampire who was once a King prepared himself.
Their first battle was about to begin.
"Armistice~" He greeted the other vampire with warmth to match the smile, his eyes crinkling at their corners with a facade of mirth. At that moment, he was content to just hold the Ventrue's gaze. No matter how dangerously those red eyes glimmered, no matter how poised to strike the other vampire seemed, Mithras would never show just how uncomfortable Armistice actually made him feel. Clicking his tongue to the roof of his mouth, he gave his head a small shake. "A hole? Come now. Surely you jest! My luxurious home could hardly be considered a mere hole. But I am overjoyed to hear that you've been thinking about me, perhaps even dreaming of the moment you would see me again?" He gave a slight rise of his eyebrows at this, the words steeped in false joviality.
As Armistice moved in closer, Mithras forced himself to stay relaxed, not flinching back against the movement, though it was impossible to deny the way those whispered words raised the hair along his skin, or the little tingle at the base of his skull that shivered down along his spine. He was sure the other vampire knew just what he was doing, but instead of taking the bait, he simply let out a hearty laugh, as if the Justicar had only told him a very amusing joke.
"Fine then, good sir." Mithras reached out to clap him on the shoulder. "A visit we shall have. I'll make sure my people have stocked the cellar with the good wine. I get the feeling we'll be needing a lot of it, over the next few weeks. You always seem to find excuses to stay for far longer than you're welcome." That last part held a lot more bite to it than what the Methuselah allowed to show in his features. He squeezed the other vampire's shoulder before letting go and turning away to take another long sip of his wine. Inside, a tumultuous darkness stirred around a cold, dead heart that no amount of liquor would warm.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:00 pm
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Are you lost, darling?
The tap upon his shoulder and the words caused Gideon to turn, and immediately freeze at the sight before him. He sucked in a breath, drinking in the vision that was the dark haired Capulet, and gods help him, he was all that and then some. He had looks to kill, and Gideon was certain he'd meet Final Death for this man. For a long moment he just stared, absolutely struck dumb by the beauty standing before him. While he'd expected the other to be dressed to the nines, he hadn't expected to find him in such a lovely dress; his perfumed scent was utterly intoxicating; and his laughter simply heavenly, or as heavenly as a vampire could be. <******** was he supposed to think? For a vampire who prided himself upon knowledge and erudite society, he felt like he'd been struck dumb. "I'm afraid I might well be," he finally replied, blue eyes still utterly drinking in his form. He felt just like he had upon catching sight of him on the street, and it was the strangest feeling in the world. Finally remembering himself, he reached up to grasp a pale hand, before bringing it up to his lips. Bussing the back of it with his lips, he gave a small bow, before releasing those precious fingers, and offering an arm. "Perhaps you might accompany me this evening, in case I get lost in your beauty?"
Perhaps he was coming off too strong, but it couldn't be helped. His words were low, meant only for Capulet to hear. The feeling buried deep within him felt foreign, something he'd never encountered. It was akin to stumbling upon a favored book, or a riveting passage in a new tome; it was like having a long conversation with the brightest minds, and it was all here, in a fine dress, with beautiful blue eyes.
....strange. He'd need to think about that, but perhaps later.
"Thank you for coming, tonight. I trust you and yours are in good health?" He asked cordially, formally -- because letting his hair down and relaxing wasn't something which came naturally to the silver haired vampire. It had been some time since they'd last met, and he was eager to reacquaint himself with Capulet. This party might make more an ideal place to get to know him than the bar where they'd first met.
Yayoi He's a bit of a smitten kitten, I think.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:06 pm
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The whispers were what brought her here. Their sweet cacophony swelled inside her mind, persistent and demanding. They were, at times, quite relentless and forward in their instruction, which was at least a welcome respite from their usual cryptic musings. She knew where they wanted her to be, and when, though the why remained obscured from her, as was so often the case. What was also quite common was her willingness to blindly follow where those whispers led her, with very little thought or concern.
She was dressed in her usual priestess garb, perhaps seeing no reason to change into anything else. The bones that adorned her clicked and clacked together with every light step she took, her movements hauntingly whimsical, a light humming song coming from beneath her breath as she approached the mansion and made her way inside. She was a slight thing, with skin stretched tight across protruding ribs and gaunt cheeks set beneath razor-sharp cheekbones. However, her dark red lips appeared luscious and full, pulled up at their edges in a smile, the only part of her face that was visible beneath the lace of her hood pulled low to veil eyes that shone pale as freshly fallen snow.
Her humming stopped as she traipsed inside the mansion doors, her arms spread wide as she spun herself around while letting out an unnerving giggle, one that echoed with many voices. It was as if she were presenting herself as alive and well for the first time to her vampire brethren, and those of Giovanni would know her for who she was.
The Cappadocian Antedeluvian, Constancia.
Quote: Open for interaction~ Only slightly unstable.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 5:34 pm
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She drank in Shamhat's attention, delighting in the spectacle they were creating as she lead Shamhat around the room, deftly spinning the two of them around the clumps of guests talking without bumping into anyone. She was far too old, too fast, too strong, and too happy to allow herself a blunder. One hand rested comfortably on Shamhat's hip while the other held her hand, leading her in the dance. She liked watching the way their dresses fluttered around them with a life all their own. She liked watching the way Shamhat's dress hugged her curves and the teasing way it was cut, tasteful but playful, giving Ishtar many ideas. She pulled her mate close, dipped her, and pulled her back up for a kiss. "I love you Shamhat," she said sweetly, almost purring the words into her mate's ear, punctuating it with a kiss on her ear, then cheek, then neck. She pulled herself away just enough to look her Antediluvian in the eyes, gazing at them with devotion as she reached up and caressed her cheek. "Would you like a drink my love?"
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