JCmMZx0A

1Court 1/26/18
2
3
4
5Madeline pauses and looks over her shoulder with a smile as Mikaël arrives, laying her hand upon his arm so they can enter together "Bon Soir
6
7Amelie turns and sees Madeline and enter with Mikaël. "Bon Soir, mes amies." She stands not too far from Alejandro.
8
9Alejandro looks over at Madeline and Mikaël as they enter, a nod tossed their way before he turns and makes his way over towards the bar. Hopefully his honey mead is still kept in stock here.
10
11Silvana steps into the room pausing for a moment before she steps aside to lean against the wall near the door. She scans to see what familiar faces are about.
12
13Mikaël gives Madeline a little bow, "Bonsoir, Mademoiselle Primogen," bending his arm a bit under her hand, to escort her the rest of the way. He glances around as they enter, and he gives a little bow to Amelie, Mademoiselle Renoir." Noticing Alejandro he gives the man a nod of his head. "And to you, Monsieur Sotolongo. A pleasure to see you again."
14
15Madeline smiles gently at Mikaël as he escorts her and they step over towards Amelie, the lady kissing the Keeper's cheek "You look lovely mademoiselle" she says and nods to Alejandro before he departs.
16
17Amelie returns Madeline's greetings with a kiss to her cheek as well. She sees Silvana come in and nods to her as well.
18
19Silvana crosses her arms as she leans against the wall near the door. She takes her phone out and glances at it a moment.
20
21Alejandro sits at the bar, turned towards the room to watch those present. His expression is....blank.
22
23Madeline stands with her hand delicately placed upon Mikael's arm as they chat with Amelie "Everything alright thus far tonight Keeper?"
24
25Arya walks through the ballroom area from outside. Her bag is over her shoulder and she smiles at everyone. She stops to offer Madeline and Amelie a kiss on the cheek and stops to touch Heathen's fingers before she heads up to the balcony loveseat that she usually shares with Vegard. "Hello everyone."
26Arya climbs the stairs to the second floor balcony and takes a seat at a black loveseat.
27
28Madeline tips her cheek to Arya's kiss and returns it with a smile "Bon Soir Cheri" she murmurs quietly
29
30Amelie watches Alejandro go to the bar and she then nods to Madeline, "Oui, everything is just fine. Although I still have to leave early, sadly." She bows her head to Arya as she arrives, "Bon Soir, Seneschal."
31
32Stepping into the Elysium, Azrael pauses to give the place a once over, then starts towards the wall next to the Toreador's couch and settles into his usual place. He shifts his back on the wall a little and then settles once more.
33Azrael takes a seat at the Toreador couch.
34
35Heathen slips in with Arya, giving her a warm smile at the touch, before moving toward the gathering of Roses.
36
37Silvana politely returns Amelie's nod of greeting and gives Alejandro a little smile. If anyone nods she will nod to them otherwise she seems to hold up the wall by the door.
38
39Violet steps into the ballroom, her heels clicking on the floor. No doubt she was dressed in something proper and stylish but expensive. She glances at Azrael as he passes by her before moving for an empty chair but she doesn't sit yet. She nods in greeting to a few people here and there..
40
41"Who is the city's Scourge?" Alejandro says, taking a sip from his honey mead, to no one in particular but loud enough that his voice carries to all in the room.
42
43Madeline nods to Amelie "if you require anything Keeper do let me know" and smiles at Mikaël "please do come and sit with me if you wish."
44Madeline takes a seat at the Toreador couch.
45
46Making her way inside, Sybil would slip in and to the side. Her one eye peering around she would just tilt her head a bit as she looked around. Exhaling softly she would slowly find herself a seat as she put her hands in her lap.
47
48Shiori arrives quietly, and glances around. When she spots Azrael she crosses toward him and touches his arm, motioning for him to lean down so she can whisper something. When she does, she whispers in his ear briefly and gives his arm a squeeze before moving to sit down.
49
50Mikaël gives a nod of his head and a smile to Silvana, a deep nod of his head to Heathen and Azrael, "Monsieur Taylor, Monsieur Boudreaux," and then a deep bow to Vegard and Arya as they enter, "Bonsoir, Your Grace, Madame Seneschal".
51
52Amelie makes her way to the couch to begin tonight. She smiles and nods to those that have just arrived.
53Amelie takes a seat at the Toreador couch.
54
55Vegard walks in a bit late after Arya. He heads to the balcony with a distracted wave to everyone present. "Good evening everyone, nice to see all of you in attendance." he pauses a moment and looks over to Alejandro, "Well, if the Scourge wished that readily known, they would have signed documents by name and not as, 'The Scourge.', make sense?"
56Vegard climbs the stairs to the second floor balcony and takes a seat at a black loveseat.
57
58Silvana pushes away from the wall so that she can formally curtsy towards the Prince before retaking her leaning position against said wall.
59
60Madeline settles upon the Toreador sofa, crossing lovely legs and brushing her skirt across her knees as she listens to the conversations begin for the evening, greeting those who join her
61
62Shiori takes a seat at the Toreador couch.
63
64Arya rises to offer Vegard a kiss on the cheek as he climbs up to join her and she smiles at him before settling down next to him. "I'm glad you made it, darling."
65
66Heathen takes a seat at the Toreador couch.
67
68Mikaël nods his head then to Madeline, and moves with her toward the Rose couch. When she sits down comfortably, he steps around, to rest his fingers on it, his back to the wall.
69Mikaël takes a seat at the Toreador couch.
70
71Alejandro pulls out a piece of paper, looking over it. "That is unfortunate, Vegard. Though, I suppose if I really want to find it out, I can. The who doesn't actually matter though. It's your representative, is it not?"
72
73Amelie bows her head at the couch and greets Vegard, "Bon Soir, Your Grace." She sends off a few text messages and then turns to Azrael and smiles at him as well.
74
75Silvana glances towards Alejandro a moment before she looks around then looks towards Vegard.
76
77Azrael nods to Mikaël as he arrives, "Good evening my friend." he offers the man and leans down to listen to what Shiori has to say. He smiles about something and nods to her. He glances to Madeline and shrugs slightly, whatever she said not getting much concern as he turns and looks back towards the gathering of Kindred and looks to Vegard and the exchange between he and Alejandro for the moment.
78
79Caerus takes a step into the room and goes to take a step to the right but sees Silvana standing a few feet away and walks over to stand by her. He offers her a smile as he turns to look over the room. He bows to the prince when he looks his way.
80
81Vegard slips an arm around Arya and he focuses on Alejandro as he settles back, "How about you get to the point of your inquiry, Alejandro? The purpose behind the veil is not to confound the likes of you, moreso to send a message to kindred that believe I am not serious about enforcing my rights in my Domain. I am more than happy to indulge your curiosity and I will be glad to explain why the appointment was made. So by all means, go on and explain to everyone your intent and let's not beat around the bush, shall we?"
82
83Seeing the Prince, she'd stand up then as she saw him. Curtseying she would nod her head to him but stayed quiet. He was talking so Sybil would stay quiet. 
84
85Jolene takes a seat at the Toreador couch.
86
87"The Crossroads is neutral ground. For all, even those supernaturals which are not of the blood. In my absence over the past month, it seems that has been forgotten. I am here to remind everyone of the Tower of this fact." Alejandro says clearly, rising from his seat and setting down the glass of mead. "The Crossroads does not favor the Tower or the Sword. It does not favor Kindred or Wolf or Fairy. It is neutral, presided over by the Giovanni. That is a neutrality that I prize greatly, and will enforce." The wanted notice posted there earlier this month by the Scourge is dropped on the ground. "It is not a place for the tower to post their wanted posters at. If the scourge has to stoop to that level to accomplish his job, then you have failed in your choice of naming a Scourge, Vegard. The Independents won't do the Scourge's job for him; and if you want me to find someone for you, you know how to find me to ask me to do so. Any further such notices posted at the Crossroads will be removed out of principle."
88
89Madeline accepts a glass of wine from a passing tray and smiles, reaching over to touch Jolene's hand as she joins the Roses. Sipping the wine she listens to Vegard and Alejandro's conversation
90
91Jolene walks in slowly looking around offers a respectful nod of her head and a warm smile to those present, and moves to join Madeline on the Toreador couch, and gently squeezes her hand, taking her place beside her quietly.
92
93Azrael offers a hint of a smirk as Jolene walks past. Once she settles she turns his attention back towards Alejandro and Vegard, waiting and watching. He raises a brow and looks towards the Toreador couch, a nod to something spoken, then back to the business at hand.
94
95Silvana smiles at Caerus and polite smiles at him as he comes to join her, she would lean to say something softly to him before her attention is back to Alejandro and Vegard.
96
97Amelie sighs, as she listens. It is not her place to get in the middle of this one.
98
99Madeline nods to a question Amelie asked quietly and files it away for later
100
101Sybil just raised her brow then as she listening. Moving back near her seat, she would just stand then as she watched the exchange.
102
103Guivre slips in a little later and he goes to flop on his usual plush sofa.
104Guivre takes a seat at a large plush sofa.
105
106Mikaël leans forward for a moment, then his eyes go back to those speaking, listening intently.
107
108Arya watches Alejandro, an unusual look in her eye. There is no smile on her face, but she doesn't interfere. There's no telling what she's thinking, really.
109
110Caerus purses his lips slightly as he listens to Alejandro. He shakes his head softly and then leans to Silvana and whispers something softly. He then waits to see what Vegard's response will be.
111
112Heathen leans back a little, raising an eyebrow at Alejandro's statement.
113
114Vegard narrows his eyes and he shakes his head in disgust, "And here, I gave you more credit up until this point. You will enforce? Your reminding us?" his visage slowly darkens and he lifts an arm and he points to Alejandro, "I am here to remind you, that every inch of this city is mine. The Crossroads... the public toilets... your havens.... the very air your ghouls breathe... it's all mine. The Crossroads is exactly what I say it is, and you are so utterly misinformed as to the purpose of that establishment, I will be more than happy to educate you. The Crossroads is not neutral territory. That was placed there by Jax when he gave half of his Domain away in a fruitless bit for peace. The Crossroads is a Giovanni domain, granted by me... overseen by me.... and they will enforce their own version of the Traditions there, under my supervision, or they will lose it.... like you can so easily lose any right I have given you to plod yourself into this ballroom or the city itself. You do NOT tell us, what we can, and cannot do. Ever. You will enforce... nothing. And if you make the slightest move or argument otherwise, I will bear the full force of this Praxis on you.. your kind.. and anyone else that looks at you with a longing eye. Do I make myself clear?"
115
116Violet remains by the chair she had chosen, giving a curtsy when the Prince and Seneschal pass by. She shifts her eyes to Alejandro as he speaks
117
118Shiori watches the current exchange intently, her expression serious.
119
120Madeline listens to Vegard and a smile plays about the corners of her lovely mouth before she leans back into her seat and looks to Alejandro for his response.
121
122Silvana tilts her head a moment and slightly raises a brow. She looks towards Alejandro as she leans in to hear what Caerus has to say to her. She gives him a nod looking thoughtful for a moment.
123
124Mikaël listens intently, his eyes moving to the two but seeming to linger upon Alejandro and his response.
125
126Still watching things, slouched against the wall and interested in what it going on, but currently not overly concerned about it a whole lot. He frowns as the Prince speaks, not anger, more interest in what Alejandro will say in rebuttal.
127
128Caerus nods in agreement with the Prince and taps his cane against the ground three times to show his support and approval.
129
130Alejandro lets a little smirk cross his lips then. "You make your intent clear, Vegard. Mages have failed. Sabbat have failed. Your predecessors failed. I have said what I have come to say, and my words yet linger in the ears of this court." A slight bow is offered to Vegard. "All that is left, it seems, is what happens next. May you and the rest of the tower have an interesting evening." And with that, Alejandro heads towards the door, his body already fading into nothing but shadows.
131
132Guivre is rolled up into the corner of his sofa with his legs crossed and he's watching the exchange carefully from the corner of his attention. Otherwise, his gaze seems to be averted to the floor.
133
134Madeline smiles to herself and sips from her glass of wine
135
136Silvana looks after Alejandro a moment as he turns to leave. Her face shows well no emotions, it's back to that poker face.
137
138Amelie watches Alejandro leave and turns back to see what is next.
139
140Vegard puts a hand up to the rest gathered, "Give him time to realize his mistake. If the Giovanni had an issue in their domain, they would come to me directly and they wouldn't send a Setite to do it."
141
142Shiori smiles a little bit at Vegard's comment, and inclines her head a little bit.
143
144Madeline lifts her glass to Vegard with a smile, in silent salute
145
146Arya watches Alejandro leave and then her eyes find Silvana and her lips curve. "We haven't heard much from the owner herself. She is here, while she does not speak for her domitor. She can surely give us her take on the situation."
147
148Violet shifts her eyes to Vegard, her gaze filled with admiration
149
150Amelie states, "Alejandro spoke to me before others came in here tonight, and said that the Giovanni could not speak of it because of their agreement with the Tower. Knowing Aubrey, I doubt that she would not speak with you about it, if she felt it was an issue. I do believe Alejandro took up this flag on his own."
151
152Azrael shakes his head as Alejandro leaves, watching until he is out of sight. He looks towards the Prince and with his same expressionless face that has won and lost many fortunes over the last century and a half nods his head. He settles himself against the wall a little more and waits to see what else will happen.
153
154Mikaël watches Alejandro leave, or at least seem to, then his eyes return to the Prince.
155
156Jolene looks after Alejandro leaving with clear concern, at part of his statement, settles over here, clearly not lost on her, the veiled threat.
157
158Caerus offers, "Ghouls do not speak for their dominators. Ghouls deliver messages."
159
160Finally sitting in a seat, Sybil would just stay quiet then. She had never felt so....off in a place before. Taking a deep breath she would just shake her head a bit. Well the night wasn't boring.
161
162Arianna enters with a quick step, remembering to slow down to look more proper. That, or a bit distracted by walking in on a comment about Setites and Giovanni. And seeing Alejandro headed out. After a brief pause she gets moving again, heading directly over toward the Toreador couch to slide in with...hey, mostly some Toreador.
163
164Heathen looks over at Mikaël and gives him a playful shoulder shove.
165
166Madeline smiles and greets Arianna as she joins the Roses "And people wonder why I won't go to Crossroads."
167
168Silvana turns to look at Arya as she looks around for a moment then looks back at her "Oh I thought Don Giovanni had stepped in and I had missed her. I am sorry ma'am but you are mistaken. I am not the owner of the establishment that is Don Giovanni" she looks around then gives a little shrug as she still looks thoughtful as Caerus speaks she raises a brow and looks at him a moment.
169
170Vegard looks to Silvana, "I have the utmost faith that Miss Giovanni is handling the domain I entrusted her with to my specifications and I have no complaints on how she has conducted her business, please ensure she gets that message, would you Miss Vega?"
171
172Mikaël gives a little bow to Arianna as she approaches the couch he stands behind, saying quietly, "Bonsoir" before his eyes return to Vegard after a quick glimpse over to Silvana.
173
174Silvana bows her head to Vegard "Of course I will deliver the message to her My Prince"
175
176Jolene watches quiet and just smiles a nod of her head, to Arianna.
177
178Caerus nods at Vegard's word in agreement. He looks over to Silvana and nods to her, "Well spoken."
179
180Watching intently she would just look back to her lip then. Clearing her throat, she would procure a phone from her bosom, staring at it intently there. Sybil would frown then as she slowly tapped on the screen.
181
182Vegard inclines his head to Silvana, then he turns to those assembled. "Alejandro will be given time to consider what he did tonight, and hopefully realize that my threat is geared toward any that challenge my claim to this city. Not to him for speaking his opinion. He broke no traditions and he isn't deserving of a blood hunt for that. However, he seems to imply that I intend to do just that, and offered his own veiled threat in return. To this I say, what is one Setite elder to the combined might of the Tower? It's sad really. Because what Alejandro did not mention in his list, is that I've overcome everyone IN that list and all recognize my claim. If /anyone/ challenges me for this city, I will crush them like a bug. I have the tactics on hand to decimate any enemy I choose to, and I stay my hand in the name of civility and peace. I could have wiped their clan out on arrival and instead I gave them a haven to call home. If I find out there is a hint that he is taking action, I will burn them all to ashes."
183
184Caerus taps his cane on the ground with a bit of force, "Hear, hear!"
185
186Arya curls her hand onto Vegard's thigh, her nails digging in just a little and her eyes scan that room. "Mmm, I'll help, if it should come to that." A little smile curves her lips.
187
188Silvana watches quietly, not speaking further as she looks between Vegard and Arya.
189
190Madeline sets her wine aside and applauds.
191
192Violet watches the Prince, cheering deep down. Instead she applauds, but not loud enough to draw attention to herself
193
194Mikaël lip curves upward abit as he listens, his fingers tapping on the back of the couch, a pleasant enough expression on his face until the others react, and he breaks out into a smile.
195
196Putting that phone down, she would clap softly at the Prince's declaration. Sybil would then pick her phone back, focusing intently as she tried to figure some stuff out on it.
197
198Jolene smiles at Vegard proudly for taking the steps a prince should to protect the Family, even if she doesn't like the idea of fighting and people getting hurt, this eases her mind a great deal and she offers him a smile of pride and respect. "Thank you Your Grace for standing your ground and for doing so for all of us to witness. I am proud to call you My Prince."
199
200Amelie nods her head with Vegard's words. She agrees with the strength he is showing.
201
202Mikaël leans over to Azrael and whispers something to him.
203
204Madeline retakes her glass and sips "Such strength is not always popular but it is what we need, Thank You, Your Grace."
205
206Azrael lets his gaze rise a little and places his right fist within his left palm. He bows his head slightly in reverence to the words of the Prince, and then settles once more, hands back at his sides. Anybody wondering what that meant will have to ask later, but for now he remains the silent guardian.
207
208Heathen checks his phone and fires a quick text back.
209
210Vegard scowls, "Now that court has been derailed, back onto track." he says tersely. "I am sure by now, most of you have seen the new list of domains I posted? Some have lost domains, but not the spirit of what they were intended to have. Are there any questions or concerns about this announcement? Miss Vega should report to Aubrey that I have finalized my outline for Giovanni territory and named The Crossroads, The Boardwalk and Angel's Pillar as Giovanni domains, the rest are under my jurisdiction but their properties are still theirs. If she has complaints or concerns, she can bring them directly to me."
211Vegard adds, "The Oasis Casino is not a domain, and it does not exist within my own claimed territory, so that is why it's not on the list."
212
213Silvana slowly watches as she looks from one person then to the next. Her phone comes out and she tilts her head a little bit letting out a soft sigh. She leans as she is about to say something to Caerus but then Vegard is talking to her and she turns to look at him "I will report to her Sir. Is there anything else, I'm afraid that I need to deal with some office work and must take my leave"
214
215Vegard shakes his head at Silvana, "No, just making it clear that your casino exists right outside of the border of my claimed territory and no one will harass you there for any reason whatsoever. Thank you for attending and I appreciate you delivering my messages. Have a good evening Miss Vega."
216
217Arya tugs her phone over and starts to tap something out with one hand while she watches the room. She knows Amelie is here taking notes, so she's stopped ages ago.
218
219Silvana pushes away from the wall and bows her head "Thank you for allowing me too. " with that she turns to leave.
220
221Madeline watches Silvana leave then looks to Vegard "Forgive me Your Grace, where were we?"
222
223Jolene closes her eyes relaxing back into the comfy Toreador couch, as she watches Silvana leave, careful to keep her expression neutral.
224
225Mikaël glances to Madeline after Silvana leaves, and slips a small, thin tablet from his inside jacket pocket, removing its stylus, and propping it up on the table beside the couch. His attention then returns to Vegard, and the room.
226
227Heathen shakes his head a bit as the pair leaves. "Certainly an interesting start to the evening,"
228
229Letting out a soft exhale, she would tuck her phone back into her bosom then as she let her attention go back to Vegard and the other in the room. Sybil would just keep listening.
230
231Vegard growls quietly, "We were on the topic of domains. Still. I've heard no comments or questions, so I will continue. As we are /still/ on the topic of domains when I bring up the next item. The emergency Primogen meeting last night, in regards to a call to put sanctions on me and how it was unanimously shut down for being ... how to put this... a dumb idea. In retaliation, for the other Primogen not agreeing with her, the Tremere Primogen has now claimed that Clan Tremere will boycott us, and no longer participate as one of the pillar clans in this city on my Council." he gives that news time to sink in, "This is ALSO a dumb idea. To those Tremere present, I understand your clan is insular, and that in theory you all stick together. I am now going to ask you to speak reason to your addled Primogen and inform her, that boycotting my Council will undermine everything your clan has built in this city. To defy me, as she has... tells me that she does not understand my rights in this city. You are in dire need of representation and a voice, and she is slitting your throats before us all and laughing as she does it." he scowls darkly.
232
233Azrael changes his stand a little and leans on the couch for a time, rather than the wall. He watches how things start to transpire and waits to see what the Prince has to say next.
234
235Madeline lifts a hand "Sire.. Brittney threatened to boycott the /next/ meeting only. It was Nino of Nosferatu who put for the vote that if she did so, the council vote to ban freeze the Tremere seat entirely. It is hoped.. she will come to her senses and attend the meeting, a shameful thing for a Pillar clan to refuse to be represented in my opinion."
236
237Shiori's eyes widen a little bit at that news. She purses her lips.
238
239Mikaël listens intently, twirling the stylus in his fingers.
240
241Caerus looks to Sybil for her to speak, since she is Whip. He does seem ready to say something if she doesn't.
242
243Vegard shrugs at Madeline, "That is not how I interpreted it Madeline. I suppose that may have been her actual intent, but it's still insane, no matter the intent. The proposal she put up, was that the Council declare the Primogen meeting room their personal domain, without consulting me.. the one who.....you know... hands out domains. She is clearly misinformed and in severe need of an education."
244
245"If I may....." That thick English accent would finally speak up as she looked from her lap. Sybil would finally raise her hand then.
246
247Vegard looks to Sybil, "This is an open forum every week Sybil, you have the right to speak as much as anyone present, in fact I encourage it. Do not ask my permission to speak at court." he motions for her to continue.
248
249Madeline nods "I'm sorry you weren't present last night Sybil but I do hope you received my report" she says, then quiets for the whip to speak.
250
251Caerus gives Vegard a single nod, "It will be done, my prince. I do believe Primogen Blanchard is correct, but as your Grace so wisely states that any absence of a council member is not justified."
252
253Vegard nods once to Caerus but he focuses on Sybil, giving her time to collect her thoughts.
254
255Looking to Madeline. "Quite." She'd stand slowly then. "Forgive me, your grace....I am used to much different protocol." Clearing her throat she would nod. "I do plan to talk to my Primogen. I personally will not stand to be not represented. Even though I keep to myself for the most part...I would like to feel....as if I am welcome even if I am not....spoken to most of the time by some." Pointing to the eye patch she would chuckle. "Perhaps it is the missing eye...." Sybil would nod. "However I will at least....push the issue of this decrees that she made."
256
257Madeline nods to Caerus and Sybil "As head of the Primogen council I thank you both, well said"
258
259Arianna sits on the Toreador couch, listening intently with a thoughtful frown. But rather than speaking up, she just jots some notes on notepad in her lap. The reporter looking for a juicy story that will destroy all of your reputations, probably.
260
261Vegard furrows his brow in thought as Sybil speaks, "I afraid you are mistaken Sybil, I welcomed you to my city and that gives you as much right to be here as anyone else. You are accepted. I understand that it takes time to adjust and I understand that my methods are not of the old world, but this is a frontier. We are not safe in a European Elysium, we are on the front lines and we have to adapt to our surroundings on a nightly basis. I have the utmost respect for Clan Tremere, some of you have been great contributors to this Praxis. We /want/ your opinions. We /want/ you to stand next to us. You are not alone. The Tower is comprised of clans that stand together, and in that .. Primogen Brittney was not incorrect. The Council /can/ be strong, but ..." he points to everyone in the room with a sweep of his arm. "It will NEVER be at my expense. I will not abdicate power to petulant children who demand it. Yet again, we come to this impasse where kindred do not understand the rules by which we abide. This city, is mine. It's not going to change unless someone kills me." he gives Arya's hand a squeeze, then he rises from his seat. "Your clans supported my bid to become Prince of this city, and I'll be damned if I do a half assed job. You want to set policy, bring it on.. I am right here." he makes a come at me motion.
262
263Madeline smiles and rises smoothly from her seat "Sire.. you received my report also. When Brittney tried.. three times to declare the council chamber domain of the council, every voice in the room shouted her down. When sanctions were suggested they were refused. The council /is/ strong and you /have/ our support." she looks to those gathered "are there any here who wish to disagree? Speak."
264
265Sybil nodded then as she curtsey. "Yes...your grace...." That one hazel eye was cast down before she would slowly stand back up straight. "As my clan's whip here in this city....which is....new to me....I do wish that meeting was not such short notice but perhaps being....rushed is the way of this country. I personally....would have liked to have discussed things at length with you, sir to get to the root of things." Glancing to Caerus but she'd slowly look back over to look to Madeline then back to Vegard. "But this is your city....and I'm honored to be allowed here. Perhaps sooner than later....I will feel more warmth here and not feel hesitant to speak my mind."
266
267Madeline looks about the room for any response to her words then back up to Vegard where he sits
268
269Caerus takes a step forward from the back wall, "I would speak Primogen Blanchard. I do see the council as weak. I do not see that the Primogen are weak leaders or individuals, especially not the Toreador, but rather there are no decisive actions from the council. Nothing to challenge the Camarilla to become more unified and stronger. The Toreador clan has done so much in this last year to bring us together socially. I would like to see the council take that same approach to make the Camarilla stronger."
270
271Vegard is still standing there and he regards Sybil quietly, thoughtfully. "My office door is open to you and I will be glad to schedule appointments to speak when I am able. Thank you Sybil, I'm afraid the emergency meeting is not a common occurrence, but was necessary, due to the tumult created at the official meeting prior." he then offers Madeline a solemn nod, and Caerus is also given a brief nod at his words. He then settles back down next to his wife, yes the Prince has been aggressive tonight. But it started off like one of those kinds of nights.
272
273Mikaël leans down for a moment to the couch, then rises back up against the wall, the stylus still moving deftly between his fingers. His eyes are on the room, but settle on each as they speak.
274
275Madeline nods to Caerus, affixing the man with her sapphire gaze "I do hope you realize mon ami, that Toreador, while all of the fine things you mentioned and more, cannot remake the council alone overnight. There is a great deal to be done and you may trust in me" she nods also to Vegard "That I intend to do all of it. Assistance would however, be much appreciated."
276
277Azrael continues to lean against the couch, watching the goings on. If he was tense before, the ease replaces tension. Still, he doesn't stop the silent, watchful vigil over the room. He lets his gaze stray to Madeline a moment and then back to those gathered.
278
279Caerus shadows his approval of Madeline's words with three strong taps of his cane against the floor and a, "Well said."
280
281Darrius makes his way into Elysium, a bit late at this point thanks to his work, and makes his way to the Toreador couch quietly, working to join his wife there.
282
283Shiori looks up at Darrius' approach, and her smile is soft and gentle. When he sits, she offers her hand to him as her attention shifts back to the meeting.
284
285"Thank you..." Looking to Caerus she would smile softly before looking to Madeline. Her hazel eye stayed upon her as she spoke. "Hm." Looking back to Caerus she would smile. "Perhaps less...flowery events and more that actually promote....such strength in the council?" Slowly she would sit back down as she crossed her legs. "I personally do not know everyone that I should. But I am sure it is because everyone is so busy. And it is so hard....to speak to people that seem enthralled in games and....loud music. But....I could be old fashioned..." Sybil cut her eye over to Caerus then.
286
287Vegard looks around the room, "Are there any announcements, topics, questions or concerns? Now I open the floor to any and all. I've bellowed quite enough this week and my... tirades... " he lets that word hang in the air for a moment before continuing, "...will cease for the time being and we can all get back to work, knowing that I know all of you have it in you to help me make this city the greatest Praxis in existence."
288
289Madeline nods to Caerus and as Vegard does not respond to her words she nods, turning to Sybil "The flowery events mademoiselle are not about the council. But believe me.. the council will come to know one another much better very soon" and returns to her seat amid the flowers of her clan.
290
291Heathen stands up and leaves the Toreador couch.
292
293Darrius takes the hand offered to him with a smile to Shiori, before focusing on the meeting at hand.
294
295Azrael rises from where he is leaning on the couch and tells those gathered, "I was spoken to last night by one who wished me to deliver a message. The one known as Cross has left the city, but St. Benedicts is still watched over by those of his kind." He doesn't seem too concerned one way or another, just delivering a message.
296
297Jolene offers a warm squeeze to Madeline's hand, reassuring to her. She is actually learning more being here listening this evening than ranting, and seems quite content as she is, to many times she tries to stand where she doesn't need to be, maybe something has changed for the Rose?
298
299"I'm sure....." Sybil would pull her phone from her bosom then as she looked to Madeline. "Please let me know when there are events with a bit more.....networking? I would love to be able talk and have people speak to me....." A pause. "Or perhaps I can help. I am quite experienced in such things. But I am old...and perhaps such things aren't appreciated anymore." Nodding she would then look to her phone.
300
301Arya looks around the room. "There must be some topic to bring up. Are you all so content or safe that you don't feel that we have any work that needs doing?"
302
303Madeline's brow goes up as Sybil speaks of her age but nods from among the roses "it is hard for we Elders to stay connected to the younger generations, I am grateful to have such a vibrant clan about me to aid with this, but yes.. a quieter time might be better suited now and then."
304
305Vegard arches a brow as he looks to Azrael, "So the great vampire hunter, Father Cross has moved on... interesting. To that I said, good riddance. Thank you Azrael, your message is heard and we appreciate it. Good work." then his attention shifts to Sybil;, "Wednesday nights are social gatherings, intended to be a night to relax instead of us hammering out our agendas and going at each other's throats socially. Friday court is all business and you can expect that it will remain so, unless a special event is announced well in advance. Even we need a break and social night is a welcome respite from the tireless hours that many of us put in. You are not the only elder present Sybil, and maybe.. in regards to being in a new country and within a frontier Praxis, you are having to start over, is almost like you're back to square one socially. You can bet that many things are happening behind the scenes during the week, and making those contacts takes a bit of time and effort.. but I assure you that work will pay off with rewards. Just because I let loose my aggressions with some of the most violent and dark music you will ever hear, does not mean I do not enjoy a philosophical debate or a discussion about the Dark Ages. I am personally interested in many topics. So I encourage you to sit down with our Keeper and create your own salon, a night to use this facility for what it is intended. I promise you that your efforts are not in vain, there are others of like mind."
306
307Arianna looks up and straightens a little to offer toward Arya, "I suspect, Seneschal, that some things like the announced changes to granted domains will take a little time to digest, as it were. I might mention what I think has come up before, there's some shifting in the power structures of gangs on the streets. But that I think is going to take some time to work out what is going on and what the implications are, with few of us directly involved in that part of the city's pulse."
308
309"Thank you, your grace....." Nodding her head she would then look to Caerus with a smile before looking back to her phone. Now...Sybil would listen intently. She had other business but...it could wait.
310
311Azrael nods and then leans against the wall once more. He's said his peace for the time being at least. Watching the others he lets them digest the information how they see fit. He crosses his right arm over his left, not locking them, and settles into observation mode once more.
312
313Jolene offers softly, "Maybe a saloon would be a replacement for Crossroads? Since it is rare to see any of us go there anyway and it would be nice to have a place a little less formal and a bit more country as a change of pace. Imagine the Elysium in there line dancing!"
314
315Madeline nods to Arianna's comment on Domain's then smiles at Jolene's suggestion with a soft chuckle.
316
317Mikaël 's eyes shift to Azrael for a moment, and then to the Prince and others as they speak, giving a little nod to Arianna's words. He glances around the room, waiting to see if others have anything to say before he states, "If I might just make an announcement... I wish to let everyone know that the private VIP lounge at Bourbon and Bedlam should reopen very soon. We wait on parquet from overseas. But should anyone need it for anything, and will overlook a bit of the floor missing, and the slight disarray, they are welcome to use it for the eve. My hopes are reopening it completely within the week."
318
319Arya rubs at her nose. "We have many such places, Jolene. From my club, to Mikael's, to Secrets. There is even a VIP room in the basement to talk freely where you can stretch your muscles a little bit."
320
321Violet took that seat and crossed her legs, clasping her hands and placing them on her knees. Her gaze would shift to each person that spoke
322
323Vegard squints and he peers over at Jolene, "I... am certain that JD would be accommodating that at his establishment. We do have..." he still needs to process line dancing, "..upscale establishments for relaxation. Ashes to Ashes.. Mikael's B&B .. and Azrael's Review."
324
325Arianna glances at Madeline like listening to something she said, then looks back up at Azrael, and then starts snickering. Long enough that she has to put a hand over her mouth to get her composure back to try to listen to the prince.
326
327Madeline looks up at Mikaël behind her and smiles warmly that he spoke up and at his announcement, nodding.
328
329Vegard adds, "While Secrets theme, may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's terribly easy for kindred to fit in there, and hunting.. is almost effortless there. It is the Rack after all."
330
331Jolene shakes her head, "You are hopeless Your Grace, it is not the same as having a dedicated place for such to happen on a regular basis. Honestly, not every place has to be stuffy and dark. And a hunting ground."
332
333Azrael snorts at something softly and shakes his head, leaning forward to gently pat Madeline on her head. Then he settles back against the wall again, arms crossed. He mutters something towards Arianna, seemingly in good fun as a smirk touches his features briefly.
334
335Madeline laughs and playfully brushes Azrael's hand from her hair then smiles and shakes her head. "I think it was more a comment on replacing Crossroads with something useful Sire, but yes as the Toreador Whip commented, the domain topic will need to be digested before it can fully be discussed."
336
337Mikaël smiles at something, then glances to Arya at the mention of Secrets' basement with what appears like anticipation, He glances to Jolene, and murmurs, "I once saw a line dance started during festival in a crowded street in New Orleans that ended up almost stretching the full block. Sometimes it is not the place, but the moment." His smile grows at Azrael's snort, though he tries to maintain dignity.
338
339Vegard rises from his seat and he offers a hand to Arya, "So this brings us to the end of a more eventful night at court. As always, it's wonderful to spend an evening in such excellent company. The Crossroads serves a purpose, it's a place that Anarchs and independents can have the illusion they have a bastion away from us, right in the midst of all of us. But sometimes... that illusion becomes too powerful and they forget who granted them the right to exist here. They need reminders. No one gets to dictate to us, anything. There are no negotiations because no one has a leg to stand on, they bow before the throne or they are shown the door. It's that simple. This is why I do not suffer Autarkis, and it's why the Sabbat are so deathly afraid of me. Good night everyone. Stay safe, Alejandro's threat was real, so increase your awareness when you are out, and report... anything... unusual, immediately to a deputy, or an officer. Thank you all."
340
341Arianna has to keep fighting back some bursts of snickers for a while longer, especially the interaction between Madeline and Azrael. That's making attempts at engaging with the rest of the court with reasonable discussion rather difficult. It takes a bit of effort to get out a proper nod and, "Good night," to the Prince and Seneschal.
342
343Arya takes Vegard's hand, picks up her bag and then she slides to her feet. She smiles at the room. "Good night everyone. I do love a lively discussion. It's good for us all."
344
345Vegard stands up and walks down the stairs and leaves a black loveseat.
346
347Mikaël gives a deep bow to the couple, "Bonsoir, may the rest of your eve find you both well," and comes up with that smile still.
348
349Madeline smiles and inclines her recently patted head to the royal couple "Walk safely in the night Your Grace, Seneschal" then turns in her seat and affixes Azrael with a sharp glance, and a playful smile.
350
351Jolene stands up and offers a graceful bow to the Prince, "Good Night Your Grace! And don't forget your boots next time!" She giggles.
352
353Arya stands up and walks down the stairs and leaves a black loveseat.
354
355Violet stands and curtsies as Arya and Vegard pass by, bowing her head in respect. "Your Majesty...Seneschal"