[Paris July 15th 1251, 10:00 PM] [It is the 20th anniversary of Mithras/Court of Love alliance. And you have all been invited back to Paris as guests of honor for the celebration. You are all (save Ysabeau) currently seated at the head table where you were before. Refreshments in the form of human food and also freshly drained (from willing victims that come to your table) blood, as was the case last time. Matriarch Salianna and Prince Mithras are seated on twin thrones on the front stage at the front of the elaborately decorated great hall. Currently on the side stage some ghoul jugglers are performing, and people are making idle chatter. There is still time before any official announcements are made.] [Ysabeau is seated at one of the side tables with some other Toreador, as well as a few lower ranking Ventrue visiting from Prince Jurgen's court in the Holy Roman Empire.] [Begin.] #06* Moriel leans over to Eliana and murmurs, "I had thought we were done with this business." #06* Rolf had to act as if he could be presentable again, and it doesn't really sit well on him, as he scratches at his collar uncomfortably. #06* Cosimo takes a sip out of his freshly "poured" cup as he looks at the various party goers with mild interest. After setting down the goblet, he absentmindedly runs his fingers across the pattern etched into its surface. #06* Eliana murmurs back to Moriel, "They have long memories." A servant comes over to present his wrist to her, and she slaps his hand away and glares. Apparently she's gotten tired of actually saying anything to them. #06* Eliana is a woman - late twenties/early thirtiesish - with dark eyes and curly dark hair. She's on the tall side, thin, Italian, and cross dressing in scholarly robes (as all scholars are male, of course). She's wearing a dark heavy cloak with the hood up and heavy leather gloves, and she's usually either glaring or smirking, depending on the situation. #06* Eliana has probably been sitting next to Moriel for the majority of the celebration. #06* Rolf is an enormous man, a bit scruffy, although he's found a decent enough looking set of basic formal clothes for the moment, but although they fit, they don't really suit. One offered drink gets him to take it and growl lowly, like an animal, at the offerer. #06* Moriel is a short, slight, faintly androgynous man, clean-cut without being remarkable. The faint lines around his eyes suggest he's about thirty, despite his silvered hair. He's conservatively dressed in clothing of a grey so dark it's nearly black, though the quality is good. He narrows grey-blue eyes, but can't find a reason he shouldn't be here, aside from that he doesn't want to be. He settles for grimacing instead. #06* Rolf is also young! Teen wolf-vamp. And loving it. Or not. Who knows. Not you. * Ysabeau is maybe 18, blue eyes, golden blonde curls the are pulled away from her face but fall down her back. She is where a bright yellow/golden gown with gold embroidery. She has blue eyes, long lashes, perfect skin. She stands out, but not because she doesn’t belong. She laughs and flirts with everyone at the table. #06* Ysabeau she is also wearing gloves that go passed her elbows. white silk. Everything about her says money, style, class. #06* Cosimo is a man of average height and average looks. Aside from his piercing, almost predatory grey eyes, he would be almost completely unremarkable. His dark clothes are fairly plain and though of proper weight and material for the local climate, they have an arabic cut to them. The only true color he is wearing is a wide, dark crimson sash tied at his side. His skin, unlike most kindred, is #06* Cosimo starting to darken, though it does little to change his apparent age of 24. His black hair is tied back with a dark ribbon. #06* Cosimo appears comfortable in the present setting, though he seems to be very deliberate with his movements. Almost as if he was trying to make every attempt to ensure that there are no sudden or quick actions which might be misconstrued. [Thalaba is also in attendance. She is sitting at the table and enjoying her refreshments. She has long red hair that is pulled back into a braid that is wrapped above her head and has blue eyes. She is short, just a little over 5 feet and has a slight build. Her clothing is good quality, dressed in an elegant gown of red and gold.] #06* Ysabeau glances across her table and looks uncomfortable for a moment #06* Ysabeau gets up and walks up to the table of... rougher folk #06* Eliana is currently stirring a goblet of blood (that she managed to procure after the servants realized that NO, she is NOT going to drink directly for them EVER, it doesn't matter if it's fresher or not) with an ungloved index finger. Her glove lies on the table next to her, and she seems intent on the blood. #06* Ysabeau is obviously uncomfortable #06* Cosimo 's eyes fall on the rather remarkable woman who is suddenly approaching the table. He smiles warmly at her and raises his glass in acknowledgment. uh, so, how are you enjoying the party? I am afraid I don't seem to recognize any of you fine... people. #06* Ysabeau small nods at Cosimo ah, m'lady... there is no reason to be anxious. relax. may i offer you a drink? #06* Rolf looks across and possibly down at Ysabeau, then says, lowly, "Nice to not get recognized for once." #06* Ysabeau discretely inches herself next to ROLF, to hide from her table. #06* Eliana glances up and comments, "We've been recognized all evening, Rolf." She pulls her finger out of her goblet, glances at it, and then licks the blood off. No point in wasting that. #06* Moriel glances at Eliana. "I believe that is what Master Rolf is referring to. Frankly, I agree." #06* Cosimo edits the above to include: smiles, " #06* Ysabeau smiles at cosimo I'd love a drink Oh, oh you are the heroes?! obligations being what they are, there is no getting out of it... we must simply deal with the situation. I, I guess I expected you ALL to be... taller. except maybe him #06* Ysabeau points at rolf #06* Cosimo gestures for a servant to bring a drink for Ysabeau. #06* Eliana shrugs with one shoulder. "I exist to disappoint others." #06* Cosimo takes the drink from the servant and hands it to Ysabeau. "i prefer not being taller... it makes you stand out in a crowd, and that's not really my preference" #06* Moriel hears that and mentally facepalms. With an equally invisible sigh, however, he sits up straighter and decides to be polite. "I am no hero, my lady...pardon. I am Moriel MacRae. Yourself?" I am Ysabeau... uh, just Ysabeau. #06* Rolf looks down at her and then scratches his neck again. "Yeah, wouldn't know nothin' bout standin' out." I maybe famous in, in my own way. #06* Moriel cocks his head to one side, curious now. "Oh?" #06* Ysabeau oops, takes drink Thank you again #01 It's your court's party. Uh, yes, I am, uh, good friends with the matriarch. i have found that there is not anyone who is 'JUST' somebody. do not sell yourself short. I am Cosimo Castelletti Yes, my court, well, you live here long enough you grow tired of such things. and there you go... friends with the matriarch. that hardly makes you 'just' Ysabeau... you are Ysabeau, Friend of the Matriarch Well... #06* Ysabeau smiles from you accent I will assume you don't know a lot about court customs. #06* Moriel shifts in his chair, ever so slightly away from the flirting. i try my best to blend in, though if you have pointers... Oh, I can blend! No one here is being his or herself. That is the key. [At this point, almost as if to purposefully interrupt your conversation, Mithras stands up, and everyone, including yourselves suddenly feel compelled to stop talking.] #06* Eliana raises an eyebrow as if to say 'really'. And then Mithras stands up and she looks over there. #06* Moriel is perfectly okay with this conversation being interrupted. #06* Cosimo nods and raises his glass, clinking it softly against Ysabeau's before turning to look at Mithras [He then motions towards the crowd and Matriarch Salianna steps forward. She is dressed in a gorgeous red dress that is made of some strange material that most of you have never seen before. It is like silk, except it shimmers and it is a bright red. She smiles at the crowd and then clears her throat. "Honored guests. Today we celebrate twenty short years of this wonderful and fruitful alliance." She holds for applause, which she receives, and then continues. "As a continuation of this great friendship, Prince Mithras and I have decided to present tokens of faith to each other. I will offer him one of my prized courtiers, and he will offer me one of his. These courtiers will, for all purposes, be members of their new court. They will live... and die for their new lord." She looks around the room. "For any one of my courtiers this would be a great honor. To represent this court in another land is an opportunity I do not extend lightly. After much deliberation, I have decided that Ysabeau shall be the courtier that we exchange. Congratulations, Ysabeau, please serve Mithras well and honor this court." There is much clapping as a path is cleared to Ysabeau.] #06* Eliana claps. A little dubiously, but sure, she's clapping, one hand gloved and the other not. #06* Ysabeau smiles widely and bows, maybe even blushes a bit with pride #06* Ysabeau's smile is a little too wide #06* Cosimo smiles, and says softly, "JUST nobody? hardly." #06* Moriel claps politely and ignores Cosimo. #06* Ysabeau walks up to the steps and bows low, and then walks over to Mithras and drops to one knee before him. #06* Cosimo claps and grins. #06* Eliana murmurs lowly in English, "" #06* Eliana adds after a pause, "" #06* Moriel glances sideways at Eliana and murmurs back, "" #06* Eliana makes a face. "" #06* Moriel smothers a laugh. [Mithras motions for Ysabeau to rise and smiles before stepping forward once again. "I am honored to accept Matriarch Salianna's generous gift, and I offer in exchange one of my best courtiers, who has served me for countless years in some of the best of the kindred courts, Gregory, please step forward." One of the more well-dressed Ventrue who were seated at the table of honor with the 'heroes' steps forward, bows to Mithras and then goes and kneels before Matriarch Salianna before she gives the motion for him to rise and stand beside her. Mithras continues "With this exchange, we hope that our alliance will continue for another twenty, or perhaps hundred years, and that we will have an expanded understanding of each other's cultures." Matriarch Salianna nods and smiles.] #06* Rolf eyes Eliana and Moriel's discussion with a bit of disbelief. Because talking about casual murder of random frenchies when you just got cleared that one up 20 years ago is probably still too early. [Mithras and Salianna both dismiss their new courtiers and Matriarch Salianna steps forward. "There is one more thing... Mith- Prince Mithras has kindly agreed to assist me in another endeavor. I have been perplexed by some recent events, and am in need of outside assistance." Mithras nods and speaks up again "Yes, and I believe the perfect kindred to assist you would be the group that so miraculously captured Gerard and brought him to me to be executed for the murder of poor Renier. And also, perhaps, my new courtier, her knowledge of this city and its whereabouts would be useful to them, don't you agree, Matriarch?" Matriarch Salianna nods. "Quite. It is settled then. If the six of you would please meet with me in my quarters once the festivities have concluded. For now, please enjoy the refreshments and entertainment, and perhaps Ysabeau should become acquainted with her new companions." Matriarch Salianna nods and has a seat again, as does Mithras.] #06* Eliana watches dubiously. THEY SO DID NOT PLAN THAT OUT TOGETHER EARLIER. REALLY. #06* Ysabeau tightly smiles, bows, and walks back to the table. So it looks like our meeting was fate. #06* Moriel looks up at that, but he's been a wampyr long enough to have a very good poker face, when he chooses. So he just turns to Ysabeau and gives her a shallow bow. "Welcome to Prince Mithras' court, my lady." I am honored to represent peace. Mm. #01 You have a path ahead of you. #06* Moriel says dryly, "I believe we all do." I have a path behind me, so I may as well go forward. #06* Eliana sighs, but she stands and curtseys to Ysabeau - very properly, especially given the robes. "A pleasure," she says, though it doesn't sound like she quite means it. "I am Eliana Casale." You sound french, mi'lady i can't place a provence #06* Eliana smiles slightly. "I spent some time in France, before I died." #01 Do you know what the matriarch was referring to? #06* Cosimo shakes his head at Eliana. "always business" #06* Eliana rolls her eyes and resists the urge to set Cosimo's hair on fire. Check out her restraint. Not really. We spend more, quality time together. I am sure we will be well informed later. #06* Eliana deadpans, "Certainly." #06* Rolf looks down at the woman and says, "Well, they'll tell us 'bout when we get to 'em." You know, you look a little tense lady Eliana. I am well versed in massage that can loosen your shoulders if you are interested. #06* Eliana picks her glove up off the table. "Touch me and you won't enjoy it." She turns and walks out, pulling her glove on as she does so. "I'm going to pretend I'm breathing." I've been taught to enjoy more than you may expect. [After a few hours, the festivities have wound down and you find yourselves waiting outside of the large double doors that lead to Matriarch Salianna's room.] #06* Rolf is totally waiting, on his feet. He's whittling. Whittling is classy. [A servant opens one of the doors, allowing you to enter as he, himself, leaves. Giving you privacy with the Matriarch. Matriarch Salianna's room is just as elaborately decorated as the great hall. Her bed is an enormous canopy bed with silk sheets, and she even has several comfortable chairs for sitting and talking, and several tables that seem to have no purpose other than to hold decorations. There are several elaborately embroidered tapestry's hanging around her room. She motions for you to enter and sit down.] #06* Cosimo bows respectfully, his hands outstretched with his palms face up, showing that they are empty. He then crosses to the chairs, and sits down. #06* Eliana glances around as she walks in. She curtseys to the matriarch, then sits, because that seems to be what she wants (instead of prostration, okay). #06* Moriel chooses a not-too-luxurious chair and sits with every appearance of ease. He folds his hands on his knee and looks up at the Matriarch with an expression of polite expectation. #06* Ysabeau bows and glides in to take her seat. #06* Rolf makes a passable bow once he gets in there, and then tries to find the seat he best fits in and sits, hands on his lap. [She sits down in one of the chairs. "I have been searching for something for quite some time. A traveler came to my court with an urgent message. He was a human, but he clearly knew of our kind. He, unfortunately, died before he could deliver said message. He has been poisoned. But... he was carrying this." She goes to one of the tables and presses a panel on the side before sliding forward the until-now-hidden drawer and retrieving a broken piece of stone. It looks extremely old and has writing on it that none of you recognize, though Cosimo and Eliana can make out some of what it says with extreme difficulty. "My historians have been translating it for years. What they have determined is that it speaks of a powerful creature who was sealed away... clearly, though, someone is trying to unseal him or her... Which is when you come in. We need to find this tomb and find out what we are dealing with."] #06* Moriel 's eyebrows rise. #06* Eliana frowns. "May I?" she asks, holding her hand out for the stone. [Salianna clears her throat. "What we know is that the traveler came from Britain, and that he decided to come here, rather than to Prince Mithras for some reason. Clearly, something was chasing him and he thought he could escape it by crossing the water." She hands the stone to... Eliana, and then she awaits any questions.] #06* Eliana looks the stone over, making out what she can. #06* Cosimo raises an eyebrow. "Where did this mysterious traveller come from?" originally? [Salianna shrugs. "Other than from Britain? We don't know... For tonight, though, I must bid you good night... if you have further questions, we can speak tomorrow night. Please enjoy your quarters. My servant will show you to them."] More to the point, where do you want us to go with this? [Salianna nods to Ysabeau. "I am unsure, Ysabeau. I have done all the investigating that I am able to do. You may want to start by asking around here or in London. Or perhaps calling on some contacts with information."] yes m'lady #06* Moriel rises and bows deeply. "We are pleased to serve you, Matriarch." [Session End]