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t h e . w a y w a r d - e v e n t
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On the surface,
an Elysium of unsurpassed splendor. Beneath, something sinister lurks...
Neuromortis The distinct perfumes of incense and myrrh beckon from within the increasing gap--but over and above, the common denominator tickling the fancies of the collective brood outside brings not a few to the edge of restraint: Vitae. The chill night air holds little appeal in comparison to the melody this new siren proffers; the revelry of freedom becomes a slave once more to the wanton sense of need. All movement ceases. The newborn frame reveals a great hall of oaken flooring, dark and smooth with ageless tread of the varicultured. Great tapestries adorn the walls, woven in rich tales of old, celebrating the triumphs and tragedies of history--some who take this in will recognize the Fall of Carthage, the Slaughter of Amnes, the Ordaining at Capris--and countless others occupy those prone to nostalgia and sentimentality. A linen of deepest burgundy shows through between these masterworks of art, graced occasionally by the presence of candelabrae here and there. The glow from within caressing the cheeks of the stunned newcomers emanates from these, and the massive wheels hung impossibly from above on iron chains, each link of which the breadth of two splayed hands. Upon these wheels ivory candles perpetually forfeit themselves in the giving of their light... The room is not devoid of life--or, rather, unlife. Myraid booths pepper the voluminous space like bison in a fertile landscape--impressive in number, subsisting on the surroundings--and attractive of parasites. A plethora of status, the division between the classes of kindred by kind is uncountable. Impossibly...."peace." Wary, uneasy, cautious and insecure, on-edge and barely restrained peace. As the party takes this in, the more attuned to secret life beneath the seen feel the gentle caress of a nearby presence--there. Above the doorway, upon the wrought-iron cage of a defunct fire-escape--there. Even the learned elders will acknowledge the mastery exhibited in the dissolution of her form, the exquisite obfuscation of her presence--which, upon relfection, a few had previously sensed, but quickly dismissed with the appearance of so many new, and apparent, kindred. Her voice, a stringed instrument played to perfection in a melancholy key, soothes the bloodlust invoked by the scent so dear... "For you." Eyes from within regard you all, sizing you up, tearing you down, categorizing and filing you away as ally or enemy, predator or prey. Though chests swell, not a hand raises. Though some shy away furtively, not a one approaches. "Please--come in. Unburden yourselves for a time--the war continues, but even Sysyphus had his moments of respite as the rock... rollllled back down the hill..." The doorway awaits. ------------------ The sleep of reason breeds
monsters. Elijah Robert Marks Obviously uncomfortable, he avoids the rest of his kin, preferring instead to drift into a corner, sit upon a velvet colored chair, and watch. ------------------ GothicHeresy "Nice place. Hm." The figure pauses as it realizes it's not alone. To Elijah: "Uh, hi. This your place?" >>Szandor, Clan Nosferatu Elijah Robert Marks "No," he says, "Although, I suppose in a way the Lady of the Hall has indicated that in some way it is everyone's, so long as no one starts any, um, 'overt trouble.' I think she might have the power to make sure that doesn't happen... though... I really can't say as I know for certain." ------------------ Larson I won't start any "overt trouble" if you won't. *He then strides confidently accross the room and pulls himself up a chair at one of the tables. He leans back in his chair and puts his feet up on the table.* Nice place you got here. *Looking at a tall blonde man in the picture depicting the fall of Carthage.* I still don't think they got my eyes right in that picture. ------------------ Jules De'Floren Lady of the house, I come in peace, and bring with me the regards of Clan Ventrue... *His eye dart towards the hunter* ...I suspect that we can all act civilized? *he walks over to the black leather couch in the corner, he surveys the room, feeling satisfied, he sits back, relaxing yet keeping a watchfull eye. ------------------ Vash *Waves to the mysterious benefactor and begins to wander around the room, taking his surroundings in* Jules De'Floren Hail Vash, have a seat and speak a bit *he slides over to make room on the couch as he pulls a black leather case of sorts out of his suit jacket* Cigar? *pulls a silver lighter out of his pants pocket and lights his cigar* The lady of the house minds not if I smoke? Good. ------------------ Elijah Robert Marks ------------------ Vash No thanks, I don't smoke. It's not a habbit I've picked up over the years. *Vash continues to gaze about the room from his seat. He scratches his head and ponders why the rest of the crowd remains in the alleyway, but chalks the reason up to the fact they don't like the smell of incense and myrrh* Jules De'Floren Calm dear Mr. Marks, for is this not the same flame you used to kill my brothers and sisters? Yet all if forgiven, Fear not this little flame, come sit with me and chat, have yourself a cigar, my treat. *a smile crosses Jules face, not one of wickedness but of sincere kindness* You are one of us now and need to be shown the way, come speak with me. *Looks over to Vash* Are you sure Mr. Vash, even after the embrace I find myself unable to resist a good cigar. ------------------ GothicHeresy My apologies, Oh Great Antideluvian-Eater. *laughs heartily* >>Szandor, Clan Nosferatu Nikodemus Nearing the table with Vash, Marks & De'Floren, Nikodemus stops, listening to the conversation. He begins narrating again, "Now, this...one must wonder if Monsieur De'Floren smokes because he enjoys it, or if he does so to prove his mastery over the fear of flame, or worse yet...to scare the bejesus out of the kids. I must admit though, it is entertaining." He pulls a silver hip flask, uncorks it, and drinks from in a manner that could only be describes as a nip. He continues to watch the conversation. Elijah Robert Marks "I used to smoke, before... before. It was a two pack a day habit. Not healthy, I know, but I didn't expect to die an old man anyway. I thought nothing of it, the simple act of lighting a cigarette was a meaningless act..." He closes his eyes briefly, and when he opens them again he is able to look at the flame without any outward sign of discomfort. "This is going to take time to get used to." ------------------ Vash *Vash takes the cigar from Jules. He stares at and then places it in his mouth. He tries to talk, the cigar clenched in between his lips* 's a very nice cigar I'm sure... of course, I'm not an expert. But thank you for it, Mr. De'Floren. Florindo Florindo smiles at everyone as they pass by the table, an obvious twinkle in eyes that betray age (and something of a joke that is only shared by none, save the silent mirthful owner of that observant gaze) where the rest of the masterpiece of flesh speaks of youthful vigor. Jules De'Floren Mr. Vash, I smoke only the finest cigars, I do hope you enjoy it. Mr. Marks, are you sure that I could not tempt you with one? I'll even light if for you. *hearing nikodemus speak he look in his direction* I wish not to scare the children, do you believe that they truly mind? A pleasure to meet you though sir, sit, speak with us, would you like a cigar as well, I insure you, they are only of the finest quality. Handrolled cuban, dipped in vitae then dried, trust me you will enjoy. ------------------ Nikodemus "No thanks, I brought my own." In flash of movement, a Zippo appears. Another flash and fire appears. Closing his eyes, Nikodemus takes a draw. "Hmmm...not my usual brand, but very nice nonetheless." "So, what is the topic of the night? Gehenna? The Apocalypse of the Lupines? Or something more profound...like where is there around here to get a bite to drink?" Vash Just "Vash" would be fine. *He removes the cigar from between his lips and holds it between his thumb and forefinger, so he can talk easier. He glances around as if looking for somebody* I wonder if our hostess will join us inside? Her hospitality is welcome and I wish to thank her properly.
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