Court at the Sterling Hotel

Arnold reaches up and tips his hat when his title and name is announced.

He watches the news story and after it is done he calmly turns his gaze from the screen to watch the faces of the assembled Kindred.

Well, at least the literal court part is explained. Jack thought as he turned his head around to see everyones reaction. Last thing they needed after the last few nights was someone trying to rip the Masquerade to pieces.

Urrrrrrrrrgh, ponytails. The thought shot through his head before he could stop it and he couldn't help the little smile that played over his face whenever he looked at the woman. He had been about to answer Argent when the prince had entered.

Lord almighty. If Lonnie had still been alive, or had activated his blush, he'd be sporting a stiffy right now. Somebody in control was so fucking hot.

((ST Note: Everyone should state what their characters thought about and what emotions they are feeling as they watch the tape))

Konstantin wondered if the culprit would show himself and seek mercy. If not, it occurred to him a good blood hunt might be a means of establishing a reputation within the Domain. He also wonders if the Prince will indeed be merciful should the culprit step forward. His primary emotion is curiousity, with a bit of excitement at the idea of the hunt.

***********

Circe figured one or more of the court was probably using Auspex to scan the crowd in attempt to find the guilty party. She was glad to see the Prince being very firm about this sort of thing, and noted to herself that his behavior confirmed her choice to not wear her regalia Obfuscated to this event. Her primary emotional state is one of calm. She is also happy to note that the strength of her own blood is on par of that of the Prince, which she hopes will provide her some leeway in dealings with him, though it will no doubt also cause him some caution.

Infuriating, Benton thought as he clenched his teeth so hard he almost wondered why they didn't crack. The Traditions weren't just laws, they were commandments written by God in the souls of his sacred monsters. To violate the traditions was to violate one's own nature as Kindred.

An animal that goes against it's nature is rabid and a rabid animal should be put down. But...we are more than beasts. Perhaps the fool can be taught.

As he looked around to see the reactions, possibly guilty ones, of the others Benton hoped the Prince wouldn't be too lenient on the offender, even if he did give himself up.

O-Yama smiled at Heathcliff's comment and chuckle. Young, but he had potential. Hell, everyone had potential nowadays since the repeated atrocities that had been happenening recently. He merely nodded and sat next to him.

O-Yama watched the tape, face stoic, refusing to show his anger. He thought of this as either a blatant breach, or an idiots game that could end up outing his people. Either way it would have to be dealt with swiftly and without mercy.

Taylor watches the tape with a look of disgust. The masquerade breach wasn't so much the source of his disdain, but instead the idea of feeding on lowly animals who were just so...unattractive. Beautiful people were the ones with the good blood, not filthy animals. I wonder what the prince will do if someone fesses up...

Suddenly someone spoke up, someone Taylor didn't know. He/she watched silently to see the Prince's response.



From behind his expressionless mask, Dr. Lazarus watches the news report with contempt. Masquerade breaches were not allowed, it is that simple, common sense even. Whoever did this needs to be punished, if they should choose to reveal themselves. Perhaps Prince Asa would allow the culprit an extended stay in one of my special cells inside Amber Hill...

Then, all of a sudden, Heathcliff spoke up and confessed. Perhaps it was a blessing that this fool did not assist my studies... This would be interesting now, to see how this Prince Asa individual would react.

~What idiot....~

"I know, right." Mel watched the video, transfixed. Animals? Really? And making such a mess. How very...

....Sloppy.

"Some people are dumb."

It was all he could really say, as whispered as it was past slightly parted lips and dazed blue eyes. Coherency didn't say with Mel for very long, and in the face of all this, and in a room full of monsters, he knew it wouldn't be long before their dead started to filter in as well.

Most vampires were haunted.

Mel just happened to be one of the rare few who knew that, and his own aura showed signs of light blue (calm) with the mottled colors of confusion, tempered with the flickers and shifting colors of psychosis.

Otherwise, there is nothing but the subtle, nearly imperceptible whispers under his breath to things that aren't really there.

Arnold doesn't move, yet. He turns to look to the Prince for his orders. A look - and Heathcliff would be in custody. A gesture - the young Vampire would die.

He watches Prince Asa, and waits for his judgement.

Mariel watches the tape in horror. Animals slaughtered at a petting zoo? Including a pony?!? Although her morals are lax, she has firm rules for feeding: no children, no animals. They were the innocents of the world. While she would gladly rip out the throat of a true sinner and slake her bloodthirst for the sheer joy of it, some things were just wrong. A tear of bright red blood slips out, and Mariel has to ask the priest for a handkerchief.

When Heathcliff confesses, Mariel's jaw drops. Figures that the one vampire I meet since I got here is in Big Bad Trouble.

So much for learning to hide my true nature, she thinks sullenly. Time truly wasted.

Regina looks on with a look of pure disgust. How could someone violate the Traditions? And not even the hard ones. The easy as as straight line "don't break the masquerade." That tradition was older than her, older than her sire, her grandsire, going all the way back to the de Jumal it was still a tradition, and back on his sires and so on another dozen generations. The arrogance and beyond rude behavior gave her mouth a bitter taste.

And then the man stands up and admits his mistake. And Regina's disgust grows. For God's sake, be a little more assertive in your mistakes. You made it, you acknowledged you made it. But to do so in such a sad way...Truly disappointing.

At least the sinner was willing to admit his failure. But who was this vampire and what had possessed him to sin against his own kind?

Benton hands Mariel a black bandanna from his pocket. Is it compassion or disgust that moves her, he wonders.

Mariel was relieved that Heathcliff wasn't being killed before the gathered assembly, although maybe he wished he was. Three glasses of the prince's blood- WOW- a full level vinculum in one session. He'll be like a puppydog. She shivered.

Mariel carefully dabbed at her face, taking care not to disturb her makeup. Thanks, she whispered to Father Black.

If Dr. Lazarus' masked face was able to smile, it would be doing such now. Yes, The doctor thought, there are things worse than final death. Being someone's blood-bound bitch was a cruel fate, one suiting of someone who had no regard for the first tradition. Totally engrossed in the whole moment, Lazarus uses his heightened senses to closely watch Heathcliff's next move. The doctor loves watching those fearful moments right before the real horror happens -- and this whole situation satisfied his love entirely.

Arnold regards Heathcliff.

The words are firm but without rebuke. "Look at me."

Arnold's expression is blank. He nods once. "See me after Court. Go sit back down."

Hector watched Jayant interact with others barely known to Hector yet made no fuss over it as though expected and then was off finding an open seat next to one of the few beasts stronger than his residing in a gorgeously classical woman's body, Circe. He met anyone's gaze that chose to yet with a charming and infectious smile despite the chaos of clambering beasts. Thankfully he didn't have to wait long before the show was on, he really hated court but didn't show it.

Upon watching the news report his smile for a very short time reflected mirth but changed to one of entertaining thoughts, throughout it never dropped. While his thoughts were along other lines: Untrained, foolish or mocking, hmmm. This should prove interesting in the least if mocking and short if not. I’m going to need to really work on the media here with the occult, which should prove challenging. Children of Gaea, Elaine Hunter hmmm, at least there’s someone with half a head on their shoulders, going to need to meet this one. It’ll be interesting to see if the word of this Prince is solid or treacherous.

As Heathcliff stands and acknowledges his guilt Hectors reaction is the slight narrowing of his eyes while thinking: Now that’s interesting, is he an omen for me then considering the way we met with immediate after effects, something to consider. At least he was willing to test the fire with his mettle, I doubt more than a tenth of any kindred would stand to face this test, humiliation to all the city and servitude? Perhaps if he survives pariahdom there may be a future with him in the Circle. Is the Reeve new or is the Prince likely to choose death after stating that wouldn't happen? That'd be a show of arrogance amidst a crowd of unknowns.

Hector watches the scene play out and nods once at the Princes choice as though in agreement. Wise choice and you are going to be a challenge to test and perhaps even be strong enough for the gods.


Languages (Hector only)
Red= English
Yellow=Sanskrit
Dark Blue=Latin
Green=Greek



Stephen watches the proceeds with an avid interest wondering just what sort of place he'd gotten himself into while thinking: Most of this stuff is simply common sense that's apparently never so common. As he watched the news report he simply shooks his head thinking: I've done a lot of crazy things and plenty that would be considered stupid let alone brash, but damn. If that's not a statement I don't know what is.

As things proceed Stephen seems a bit uncomfortable and a pained expression crosses his face very briefly as the young kindred drinks of the Princes vitae, I'll be killed or kill before that no matter what.

Circe had mixed feelings about the way this Prince had chosen to handle things. On one level, it might have been better to have simply cast him out of the domain, especially given the risk this Heathcliff would eventually develop Vitae addiction and have to be put down. On another level, though, she knew this punishment would hit home with many of the more willful among the kindred, who would regard being a blood slave as a fate far worse than destrution.

Her choice of punishment would have been some horrid ordeal that would serve as a lesson while also creating the opportunity for the other vampire to learn and grow from his mistakes. In contrast, the vinculum tended to limit that potential.

********************

Konstantin shrugged at the Prince's choice of punishments and hoped things would move along now, hopefully toward him getting a chance to talk with Arnold and Jayant.

Sean pops right up.

He grins, looking around, winks at Taylor, then addresses the Prince. "Sean O'Neill." he nods "Gangrel." he nods "Cicle of the Crone." he nods "Happy to be here...." he's halfway back in his seat before he rises back up and adds "...your Majesty."

He pops Lori on the back of the head, expecting her to stand and introduce herself too. He plops back down in his seat, looking around to see who was next.

Lori quietly curses Sean and then stands, "Lori Meyers, your Majesty." She gives her little bow with the lacy hem of her drity, bride's maid dress in delicately held in her hand as though it were a beautiful gown. "Gangel, Circle of the Crone." She takes her seat again and when the Prince's eyes leave her, she elbows Sean again for making her go next.

Taylor, sitting next to Sean and Lori, decides it's about time he/she makes himself/herself known in this city. A moment after Sean goes silent, Taylor stands and takes a second to look upward at Prince Asa, then bows slightly as a sign of respect. As always, when Taylor begins to speak the voice is as perfectly androgynous as the rest of his/her body. "I am Taylor McCoy of the Carthian Movement." Taylor paused for a moment before adding, "Nosferatu." With one more slight bow to the Prince, Taylor sits back down.

Regina watchs Madam Nidra. So uncertain she seems. Thinking about her lessons about the maharajas and their courts, she was reminded of that strange word, caste. Perhaps Madam Nidra needed a job. Some purpose in her life. It had done wonders for Regina. The prince had said each of us, but neither Arnorld nor Hector had introduced themselves. She would wait and see.

Black was pleased and disturbed by Heathcliff's revelation and punishment. Disturbed by the fact that Heathcliff would have been Sanctified if his sire had cared for his childe as he should. That one of the Lancea Sanctum would embrace so wantonly and seemingly abandon his progeny leaving him weak and directionless. It was no wonder God's punishment had apparently consumed all the Sanctified in the city save himself.

But he was pleased that the Prince hadn't been too lenient. The idea of being bound to another Kindred so almost made his dead skin crawl but it was the least the offender deserved. Had he had his way he'd have ripped Heathcliff's fangs out as well for good measure.

When the Prince called for the Kindred to Introduce himself, Benton stood.

"My name is Father Benton Black, Majesty, Clan Gangrel of the Lancea Sanctum."

The congregation was most interesting indeed, as were the kindred this city. Deciding it wouldn't hurt to just watch this variety of beasts Aimée stayed silent at first. When asked to she took a seat and listened to the prince's speech.
The video amused her in a malicious way. It wasn't exactly gloating, but it came close - and it was a reminder of the difference of class and composure between her and others. The Vinculum was exciting to behold, if also a little bit frightening. Funny how little it took to make a perfectly willing toy out of someone, really.

When she felt it was her turn to speak, she raised and bowed her head a little. "My name is Aimée Noel, and I'm a Daeva - Toreador, to be specific - of the Invictus, your Majesty." After that she seated herself and paid attention to the others.

Jack grimaced as soon as Heathcliff drank down all that blood. Vinculum was always a bitch, its even worse when your only just got into your requiem. He did have to feel pity for him.
But then again, he was dumb enough to breech the Masquerade.

After that was all settled, Jack listened to all the acknowledgements. He looked at the Taylor McCoy with a puzzled expression. Shit, He's a haunt and a Carthian? He shook his head and made a mental note to find him once court was over along with other members if there were any.

Mariel stood after Father Black, giving him the respect due someone older than herself. She rose gracefully, looking directly at the Prince.

I'm Mariel Fitzgerald, novitiate of the Lancea Sanctum, clan Daeva. I offer myself to your service. She lowered her head in deference and respect, and sat down, maintaining her submissively bowed head.

After Mariel, Dr. Lazarus finally decided it was his turn to stand before the Prince. The doctor takes a second to set his briefcase down on the table in front of him, then stands. He took longer than the others to stand, but his posture while doing so just screamed Invictus, despite the unkempt appearance of his labcoat and other apparel. He looked directly toward the Prince, and he spoke this time with a more clear voice, yet it still had the raspy undertone. "Alder Lord Prince Clarke, I am Mister Lord Warden Ith Lazarus of the First Estate. I am of the Nosferatu clan."

Allowing himself to stand for another moment, Dr. Lazarus returns to his seated position.

Circe stands and states, in a clear, calm voice, her Greek accent evident "Your Majesty, I am Circe, Mother of Monsters, High Priestess and faithful servant of the Crone. I am of clan Mekhet." She bows her head to the Prince.

She makes note of all those who identify themselves as affiliated with the Circle, planning to talk with them afterward.

****************

Since he had already been acknowledged by the Prince, Konstantin said nothing. He did raise an eyebrow bit at Circe's introduction, though. The Crone had been powerful in parts of his homeland during the early part of his Requiem, and he had seen some of the horrifying blood magicks they could perform. To the extent he was religious at all, Konstantin identified himself as Christian, but he had respect for the power and knowledge of those who practiced the older, darker ways.

When called to sit, Arnoud tried his damnedest to be among those who sat first. He wasn't too comfortable around all these Beasts, almost all of which were new to him, and he didn't want to step on any toes.

When the Prince enters Arnoud is suitably impressed, when the video is displayed Arnoud is suitably enraged, when the culprit comes forward he is suitably confused and when the Prince doles out punishment Arnoud is more then suitably scared. Three sips and you were done...

With increased fervor Arnoud presents himself.

"Arnoud Giessen of the Carthian Movement, your Majesty. Clan Daeva."


*****************************************

Headstrong had remained standing for as long as she could without raising any hackles, noting who took longest to sit down, before taking the one remaining seat next to Gideon.

Once seated Headstrong reveals no tells when confronted with Prince Asa not even the video and it's "evidence" of crimes against the Masquerade engender interest. Headstrong was neither shocked, appalled or guilty nor the Sheriff or Hound which meant this needn't concern her. She was here only because the Prince had demanded everyone's attendance and because attendance might very well further her search for Dragons.

Even Headstrong though, raises an eyebrow when someone claims responsibility and gets subsequently blood-bound to the third degree. The stupid fledgling should have made a run for it, he obviously had few ties to this city -certainly after whatever plague had assailed Sacramento- and this punishment was either bullshit or exceedingly painful. Loss of free will. But whatever happened happened, especially to the stupid ones. If nothing else, it was a blow to the Lancea Sanctum. She didn't know if that was necessarily a good thing, though.

After the 'Mother of Monsters' had presented herself Headstrong felt the time was right.

She stood and looked the Prince in the eye -the odds of him trying anything now were virtually non-existent anyway- before speaking.

"I am Headstrong. Gangrel and Dragon. Sworn of the Axe and Transcendent Supplicant of the Dedicated Hunger."

Contend with the introduction and feeling she had complied with the Prince's request, Headstrong sat down once more.

Lonnie stands and bows his head. "Highness, My name is Lonnie Owen, clan Ventrue. I am also a Supplicant of the Dedicated Terror within the ranks of the Ordo Dracul."

Lonnie was extremely interested is observing the fallout from this punishment.

Lonnie was good at observing.

Stephen observes with interest as the introductions carry one, noting reactions and all. He idly wondered about the other Carthians then stopped and stood after the latest Dragon was done.

By his look and stance he was properly respectful to those in the room for not knowing them, minus his coterie mates, nothing more or less, "Stephen Archer of Clan Mekhet and the Carthian Movement." He didn't address anyone in particular but rather everyone with no inflection in his voice, he could have been reading from a technical manual.



Hector looks at each kindred to introduce themselves and even make eye contact if the other is inclined, while charming his gaze is a little unsettling as it would likely seem he's looking at more than the physical. His gaze lingers over slightly the other Circle of the Crone members with a nod to Circe after she sits down while his looks to Father Black and Mariel are far more noticeable in added time and thoughtful looks while remaining charming.

After sometime of thought he notices a good time to present and so stands smile gone as he comes to some business, he gives the Prince and his court a simple nod of respect, "Hector Hastipolis, member to the Circle of the Crone and Clan Daeva." He sits back down comfortably with his charming infectious smile back on as he watches the rest of the show.

O-Yama steps forward, taking in all of the new Nosferatu of the city.

"For those who do not know me, I am Priscus O-Yama, Nosferatu, of Burakumin blood."