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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 4:16 pm
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 8:42 pm
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From the depths of the Great Wood came the Lhiannan Disciple. She was dressed in an uncharacteristic gown, centuries out of fashion, though who would have the guts to tell her as much? It was another Toreador party, but this time Narcise had chosen to attend. For the time being the woods would have to go unwatched. Usually it was Lilith who drew her out or one of Grendel's gatherings on the rare occasion that she was invited to one. The last time she had left her forest was for a tea party for Vadoma. That was some time ago.
Ready or not, she arrived at the mansion, padding along the grounds until she reached the doorstep. She could have made a grander entrance, but Narcise chose to remain unnoticed for the time being. Letting the beautiful surroundings welcome her in, she stepped forward into the growing throng. Her eyes stopped first on the Toreador Antediluvian co-hosting the party. Then, she took note of Ravnos's familiar figure. Grendel was in attendance as well. Perhaps it was fitting that she had chosen to come this time.
Finding a quiet corner, the Crone watched as the guests arrived, a seemingly common pastime. The green gown she wore contrasted beautifully with the spill of auburn hair that fell loosely down her back, but she had not dressed for attention. No, her garb was chosen out of respect for the hosts. It was the finest thing that Narcise owned. As a Lhiannan, most of her clothing was wilder than this. Something of the forest itself. It was something of a miracle that she owned this at all. Somehow she seemed out of place, as if a piece of the forest itself had joined the gathering throng.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 9:10 pm
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Ertéan walked in with his lady on his arm, and his children, and one of his sons' partners, accompanying the group as well. He glanced around, checking to see who all was present and if he knew anyone (or had dressed anyone) present. He was wearing his most recent Men's wear creation, an elegant work in velvets and silks with embroidery, and he had gifted his companions all the clothing from his collections that they could ever want... He did love to spoil those that mattered to him, after all.
He turned towards their host, considering greeting their clan leader, but decided to leave that for later in the night, when perhaps he might be less mobbed. "Darling, would you care to dance?" He murmured into Miyako's ear.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:16 pm
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The last time one of these events had been put on, Mithras had been away on business and sadly missed it. Word and rumour from the little soiree had spread like wildfire afterward, leaving the Ventrue Methuselah feeling more than a little envious. Disciples, disputes, and Deities? Ah, what an experience that would have been. No matter how important his ventures may be, he decided that next time, he would be sure to keep his calendar clear.
That was, perhaps, easier this year than last. Part of what made Mithras so successful was his ability to hide in plain sight exactly what it was he did. At times, however, hiding it wasn't quite enough. Sometimes, his empire was scrutinized a little too closely for comfort and a full shift in enterprise needed to occur. Whispers of the Justicar Armistice returning had reached his keen ears, and Mithras knew that the time for the shift had come. Books needed to be burned, ledgers adjusted with fine penmanship, his headquarters meticulously scrubbed so that no amount of searching would turn up anything considered illegal or even suspicious. He knew the other Ventrue to be relentless in his endeavours, and Mithras also knew he needed to be several steps ahead of the ancient vampire so as not to be caught within his own intricate web of lies.
With his business gone "clean" for the moment, Mithras found himself with a lot less to keep a close eye on. Well, save for the Justicar himself, though the Methuselah had yet to actually run into him or have the other Ventrue pay him a visit.
Soon enough, he was sure.
Arriving at the party, Mithras was dressed to impress as always. His lavish attire practically screamed of wealth, and the dark suit he wore was decorated with ornate golden embroidery. His hair was swept back from his face in a style that was roguishly dishevelled, yet closer inspection would show just how carefully each strand was placed to perfectly frame a strikingly handsome face. He came alone, leaving those he trusted most to look after things back at the office. Dark, hazelnut eyes roamed the room behind a beautifully painted, half-lidded gaze while a small smirk adorned his lips. Moving further inside, those he recognized were offered a friendly gesture, either by a nod of the head and a smile, a little wink, or a two-fingered salute. Always so charming, on the surface.
More lies. He wasn't even sure if he was capable of anything else, anymore.
A glass of deep red wine was procured from one of the passing waiters just before Mithras reached the bar, and spinning around, he leaned back with one elbow against it, taking in the slowly growing crowd. His gaze flicked across so many familiar faces and finally landed on the one whose presence in Hemlock had been weighing on the Methuslah's thoughts.
Armistice. The ever-present smirk spread a little wider, and when the Justicar looked his way, Mithras raised the glass in his direction.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:36 pm
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There was nothing better than a party, except perhaps, a Toreador party -- and given this party would be hosted by Kitrye, there was no doubt Caius would make an appearance. It was an opportunity he couldn't pass up, and he would certainly take note of who made an appearance, and who did not. He was eager to bump into some of his fellow Disciples, as well as to show off the splendor of his great Clan -- for surely, Kitrye knew how to entertain.
Caius was eager to see how the night might progress-- what gossip he might catch wind of, what drama might be put on full display. One never quite knew how the Clans would behave when they were all in the same space, but he was eager to take note. Perhaps he'd find something inspiring to paint later, or a hidden gem among all the rabble; perhaps there'd be some gossip to chew on, or even some gossip to spread.
Regardless, he intended to enjoy himself, and expected his Clan to put their best foot forward. He certainly would, with his hair pulled up and styled, his clothing fashionable for the season, with thigh high leather boots, tight pants, and an open, button down shirt. He sported some gold and black jewelry, had made sure not a hair was out of place, and had finished up his accessorizing with the tall, dark, and handsome Asana. A perfect compliment to all his color.
So the Disciple entered the party with his usual grand flourish, letting his eyes drink in the ambiance. The party could really begin now that he'd arrived, and while he usually preferred a more grandiose entrance, this was Kitrye's affair, after all. He wouldn't steal the limelight from the Antediluvian...for now. "Shall we make this a night to remember?" He asked his companion, drawing him further into the main room. To the ball room or the club room or a drink first? Then again, he had every intention of rubbing elbows with plenty while he was here. Tonight was a night of socializing, of enjoying oneself -- and while rivalries were meant to be left firmly at the door, that didn't mean the game of politics had to be... especially for the Toreador.
He'd need to seek out Kitrye later, give his compliments to the host -- but for now, he'd simply enjoy the revelry like the rest of them. Never mind he'd keep his ears and eyes open for any delicious scandal or gossip. Of course, his gaze did fall upon Narcise, tucked away in the corner--tut, he'd remedy that soon enough-- as well as Ravnos and Grendel... Ah, Grendel. The muse of all vampire muses had come -- a true treasure. A pity he hadn't brought his paints, but he'd already spent much of his time painting an ode to the great vampire god -- and if Asana hadn't stepped into his unlife, perhaps he'd be there still, trying to capture his essence on canvas. No. He was here to enjoy himself -- and he planned to do exactly that. Socializing could come later, once everyone was a bit more relaxed, or had something to drink.
"A drink? A dance?" He asked Asana, turning his attention back to the larger vampire. "Or shall we linger in the great room to see who might next arrive?" God knew he already had some opinions about who was there, and who was not... but it was early yet. The night was, after all, very young.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 10:37 pm
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Somewhere in the rush of the crowd, Belladonna had made her way into the mansion. She discreetly snatched a drink from a platter and sashayed her way into the center of the great room. Although she did enjoy dancing, for the time being she wanted to enjoy a drink and perhaps look for some company. Her eyes glided over those in the already crowded room, not really seeing any familiar faces. Her sister had shacked up with two Toreadors, so it would not be surprising to see Bedazzle at the gathering, but so far she could detect no sign of her.
She sipped from the fluted glass, admiring the quality of the vintage as she let it roll over her tongue. Toreadors certainly knew how to throw a party. Bella raised her glass briefly to acknowledge the host of the party, who seemed to be settled on a chaise lounge. Anyone who was anyone knew of Kitrye Orbdrin... and although she was not anyone, Belladonna was not entirely in the dark.
Glancing away, she started to move toward the ballroom and then paused when she thought she saw a familiar face. After a moment she realized she'd been mistaken, but nevertheless found herself somewhat awkwardly already with her hand raised. Lowering it a bit self-consciously, the clanless vampire acted as though she'd never raised it in the first place. Nothing to see here.
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:04 pm
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Truly, Caius was the most beautiful being that had ever walked Faetasia's earth. If Asana was Caius's new muse, the same could be said in the reverse. The sculptor was so captivated by his Disciple that it was a wonder he ever managed to get anything done. Antediluvian or not, he was as inclined as any Toreador to becoming enraptured by a muse and losing himself to art. But Caius was worth losing oneself to. As his lovely Disciple dressed for the party, Asana finally managed to get dressed himself, though he left off a top. It seemed to delight him companion, and so he continued to remain shirtless. Ah, but that did not stop him from going to the party in splendor.
One need only look beside him to see it. At last they made it to the mansion, where he would enjoy the opportunity to show off his bounty. Although one might make the argument that it was he who was there to be shown off. The candy on Caius's arm. "But of course, my dearest heart," he said, taking the other's hand and kissing the back of it. He took the Disciple's arm as they made their way into the main room, taking note of all who were already present.
With a nod for Kitrye, he kept pace with his Disciple, enjoying the music and ambiance of the party. "Which would you prefer? I would enjoy dancing with you, but if you'd like to have a drink and linger for the time being, I can see no harm in it." More to the point, he would enjoy the opportunity to spend time with his muse. He noticed where Caius's gaze seemed to have been tending, seeing at last that Grendel and Ravnos had arrived. Had arrived before them, in point of fact. Ah, was it any wonder that Caius was distracted?
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Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2023 11:08 pm
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Rapture had been invited to the party by none other than his beloved Issey, and it was safe to say it was the fanciest party he'd ever attended. Of course, he'd never have said no, as parties were something the young Kindred absolutely adored.... But the sorts of parties he was used to were those found in the Sin Bin and other questionable clubs. He was used to dark rooms, flashing lights, liquor, and outfits that revealed more than they concealed...
But since meeting Issey, the wild Clanless had calmed down considerably. When he partied, he wanted Issey there with him, and if that meant going to places that required fancier dress, and had a more dignified air, then so be it. Even now, Rapture had tamed his usual look of mesh and straps into a black suit, a white undershirt, a deep purple tie, and gold accessories, mostly chains, to match. He'd looped his braids back, and had made sure he complimented Issey, as opposed to draw the eye from him. No, when Rapture went out, it was always to show off the gorgeous red-haired vampire by his side.
How he'd been so lucky to catch the others eye, he didn't know...but tonight, with the vampire on his arm, he couldn't help but be stupidly smitten. He had the prettiest vampire in the room with him tonight, and he wanted nothing more than to ensure Issey had a good time. Lifting his hand, he place a kiss on the back of it, before pulling him just a little closer. "Where to first?" He asked, glancing around a bit self-consciously.
He knew not a soul, save Issey and some of his family -- but he'd follow the red-heads lead. Maybe he was used to this sort of party -- unfortunately, Rapture was not.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 12:39 am
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While Ashrad might not go unnoticed among the vibrant cast of characters within the Toreador party, there was one vampire whose presence would likely go completely overlooked -- Benedict Giovanni. The dark haired Puttanesca had been sent on behalf of Ambrogino to meet with Ashrad, and the dark haired vampire did so without complaint. This was the story of his unlife, after all -- to stick as close to the Giovanni Ante as he could and keep tabs on whatever it was he was up by assisting him as a fellow necromancy researcher. Neither task was particularly easy, but Benny did the best he could, and over the course of his unlife, he found himself serving Ambrogino faithfully.... too faithfully.
Perhaps it was the fact that his unlife quite literally revolved around the older vampire, but the younger found himself ever eager to assist the Ante, and return to him successfully. Not that it mattered. In fact, it wouldn't ever matter. He did as he was told without question. Any feelings or opinions he had regarding the dark haired Antediluvian were his and his alone, and something he kept buried deep within. His entire unlife was built around doing others bidding, but at least his secrets were his to keep. Luckier still, they were of little worth or interest to anyone but himself.
Picking his way up the steps and moving into the mansion, Benny grimaced as his pink eyes fell over the growing crowds. These were not his sort of people, and he felt like he stuck out like a sore thumb. He'd combed back his hair, and even brushed off a few wrinkles from his garb -- but he wasn't dressed to the nines like everyone else, nor had he any intention of lingering. Still, he doubted anyone would give him much notice -- no one ever did, after all. He was completely and utterly a nobody -- and it's what made him useful when it came to running errands.
Pulling up the collar of his jacket, the ancilla shoved his hands in his pockets, and let his eyes flick over each guest in turn. There were plenty here he wanted to avoid, so the sooner he found this Al-Ashrad the better. It wasn't easy though, and it would have taken longer had he arrived later with larger crowds. Benny was certain if the Banu Haqim didn't want to be found, he wouldn't be, even if the ancilla knew what to look for: one arm, pale skin, and a glowing eye.
Stepping through the crowds, moving through the shadows when he could, Benny might well have passed him over completely in that shadowed corner had he not caught sight of the smallest ethereal glow which stopped him in his tracks. A shady figure in the shadows wasn't unusual in the company of vampires, but as he approached, there was something else that caused Benny discomfort -- that feel of power radiating from that corner. Sure, the feeling was all around the room, especially among the Disciples and the very God of Vampires himself... but he could feel it from this corner as well, and it put his Beast on edge.
Benny's own hands fidgeted with the knives and blades he kept tucked within his jacket pockets as he bridged the distance between them. There might have been rules of conduct in place, but all it took was one vampire to break them to really ruin his night. Brows knit, frown on his features, Benny approached the cloaked figure, striding over with a confidence he didn't feel. If this was, indeed, who he was looking for, he could only hope to steal enough time alone with him to get the information Ambrogino sought. He didn't dare ******** up this encounter.
Slipping into the seat across from the stranger, as if they were nothing but old friends, he quietly spoke. "If you're waiting for someone in particular, they won't be coming." Benny's words were casual, playing the conversation off like they were nothing but good friends. If he was mistaken, there'd be no harm, and he could pretend he'd had nothing more than too much to drink and was at the wrong table, with no information compromised. Additionally, the ancilla wouldn't dare drop Ambrogino's name if he could help it. Not with so many vampires around, and many of them looking for some sort of gossip or juicy rumor to start.
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Posted: Wed Dec 27, 2023 6:10 am
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He had been so fixated on watching all the guests arriving. Picking out those he knew, those who needed investigating. The Ravnos Disciple. A true criminal who, by all rights, he should have been able to persue. But the Deity of all Vampires was another issue. An issue he preferred not to endure the wrath of if he wanted to exist further this night. The Lihannon Disciple. Her only true crime was the outdated dress she was wearing. But he couldn’t fault the forest witch her inability to select a more in fashion style. The Toreador Disciple, the man of the hour. Surely there was some crime…..there. Somewhere. Ashrad. He was surprised to see the ancient Assamite here of all places. It didn’t seem like a place fitting to the weirdly pale vampire and his action of moving to a dark corner seemed in line with his feelings about this whole affair. There was an Elder and a few minor level vampires milling about.
But none were truly his top priority. No. There was really only one who the Camarilla deemed high enough on the list of suspicion to have sent him here for. And he almost missed him as he slipped through the door like a serpent entering a hen house.
Mithras.
Oh, he had to give the Methuselah credit. He did look quite fetching in his attire. The way his hair frame his face gave it an almost roguish yet elegant way added to his charm. But Armistice was no fool. Not like the rest of them who would all be so easily charmed by his fellow Ventrue. Armistice watched as the man crossed the room to the bar. Making note of every person he made greeting to. They would all need investigating as well.
When he leaned against the bar and glanced his way, lifting his glass Armistice didn’t hesitate to slip from his own seat. He wasn’t shy or trying to obfuscate within the crowd. No. He wanted people to know he was there. A cold smile reached his lips as he began to cross the room, champagne glass in hand. His movements were purposeful, poised, elegant. Almost ethereal in nature. But that was just how the Justicar was. For all his brutality. His true nature as a Ventrue still shone like a beacon in the storm. His shoulders were squared and his chin lifted in a confidence that came so natural to him. His red gaze sparkled dangerously upon his approach. He was a hunter in the prowl afterall.
“Mithras.” His voice was smooth like silk. Dripping with refinement, a testament to his breeding. “I see you’ve crawled out of your hole long enough to make an appearance. Good. I was hoping to see you tonight.” Settling his glass on the bar he simply leaned an arm against the dark wood fixture. Even though he was leaning he still was poised. With a mild smirk of his own he leaned in so that his lips were close to the other’s ear. So that his words could only be heard by him. “After this party expect a visit from me. It should be rather enlightening I think. Hopefully you’ve scoured your books clean I would hate to find anything that might indicate that you were dirty.” That was a lie.
Armistice leaned back. Taking his glass by the stem and taking a long sip of the slightly red tinted liquid within. Normally the Justicar wouldn’t drink while he was working but it would seem an odd thing being at this party if he wasn’t. So what harm was there if he didn’t enjoy a little light libation.
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