A Peaceful Housewarming Party

[annabelle]

"Dear, why are you frowing? I am fine, everything is fine. It’s been a while no? Doesn't hurt to have fun..." Helen says mockingly walking down the corridor with a tall and rigid ghoul who looked too posh to be just a servant. His gaze unacceptably judgemental for a ghoul but the young Ventrue doesn't seem to mind it. Quite the opposite, she seems highly amused as she inspects the blood he brought for her guests. There was an aura of trying to escape from something. Helen knew it, the walls knew, the carpets and the ceilings but she was not going to do anything about it except using her common method of copying. The ancient and overused method of distraction.

The Haven was located in the Ventrue territory and it was an enormous one. It almost looked like no one was living there. One would say it was abandoned but it was in great condition and who would have abandoned this place anyway. Who in their right mind….

"It's been quite foggy recently…" she murmurs and takes a glass in her pale hand, inspecting it vigorously for any flaws and then filling it with blood. Swirling the warm blood delicately and then sniffing it like a good old wine as she listens to her ghoul ranting about something and then murmuring three words hesitantly and taking a step back.

"Cylon is not dead DON'T YOU BLOODY SAY THAT AGAIN!" Helen's voice coming out almost like a growl "I would appreciate if you don't remind me of my friend today or anyone. Thank you." and with a gleam of anger and denial she gulps the content of the glass like it was nothing. A smile forms immediately after and like an aftermath of something lost, a vibration of emotions suppressed somewhere deep along with the others. A long and not lost method of hers as the years passed her by, along with the rest. The dead and the undead and all in between.

“Now go to the gate to greet my guests. Do not open the gates if they don’t have an invite. You might not have a choice though, in that case we have other securities in place for any lovely intruder.” And to that she smiles sweetly and with her fangs extended.

As William walks outside a loud hissing sounds from the corridor. A big shadow moves rapidly away and he seems unbothered, smiling fondly as he leaves the manor.

Whoever arrives will be guided inside an entrance and towards a big living room where Helen is sitting.

[Madam Zaragoza]

Hermina peered out of the carriage window at the dark streets, made so quiet by the lateness and atrocious weather. Why did it always seem to rain in this country? She missed the warm sultry nights of Barcelona. Her mind took her back to dancing barefooted and free in the cobbled streets... but sadly Spain is not somewhere she would be returning to soon.

She hoped that this evening would distract her... she awaited on an answer.. though whether the response was positive or negative didn’t matter.. either way it still scared her. What was she thinking? She should never have written that letter, it was exceptionally foolish. It opened her up to all kinds of attack.

The carriage jolted to a stop.

“Madam, we are here, “ calls out the cabbie.

She opens the door and alights, passing some coins to the driver. He thanks her and pulls away.

Hurriedly she puts up her umbrella and checks that her bag with cards and hip flask are still there. She strides to the gate and spots the ghoul. She holds out an invitation,

“Good evening, Miss Palaiologos is expecting me.”

Hermina takes in the building and decor as he leads her to a living room. She affects a smile and chooses to leave her worries behind. After all it is a party, and if she did not know how to enjoy one of those, then she knew nothing. She happily glides into the room.

“Helen! How wonderful is your new home. Thank you for inviting me!”

[annabelle]

Helen stands up slowly and smiles at the Tremere Elder but she doesn’t approach too much. Instead she walks towards the drinks and pours some more for her, looking around like she is trying to find something.

“Elder Zaragoza, thank you for accepting my invitation. I couldn’t possibly not invite you. My dear friend James speaks highly of you. Unfortunately, I didn’t had the chance but everyone comments on your ability to entertain. Must be your singing, I am sure. It was lovely. I greatly enjoyed it...”

The Ventrue licks her lips and raises her eyebrow “Would you like a drink?”

[Lady Grace]

Grace has been standing in the shadows watching the house for a short while, from a distance where she can see the road outside only when concentrating.
It seems like the right place but its good to be sure. Can't be too careful even after recieving such a welcome at Court, these are new nights, new alliances, first impressions.
The stolen coat is non descript and covers her dress well enough.
It's a excellent opportunity to meet more kindred and find out more than just the fleeting introductions that were possible at Court.
There, that was Hermia, correct house, correct party.
She moves confidently to the gate and produces a invitation from her pocket.
She fixed the ghoul with a blinding smile
'I have a invitation'
And waits to be recognised and taken in

[Madam Zaragoza]

If Hermina’s dead heart, could skip a beat then it would be doing so now. What *had* James be saying? So much for leaving concerns behind her.

“James? ... Oh Neonate James Monroe, how very kind of him. I am glad that you liked my song. I was quite surprised it was received so well. I expected some of the more stiff Victorian Neonates to find it quite shocking. Never mind, I can try harder next time ..” she giggles slightly, “I like to think that my company is of interest to most. It is my hope to never be too boring at least.”

She smiles, trying to look unwavered.

“A drink would be lovely Darling. What does it contain?”

[Andross Blint]

Andross paces along the streets, taking in the sights of this side of the city he rarely passes through. There was certainly a difference in the air compared to the city's southern streets, a difference to the etiquette too, less watching your pockets and more watching for those kine that can't see past their noses.
He walks along up to the entrance gate seeing an unfamiliar face there talking to someone who was assumedly a ghoul on guard. He flutters the invite as if there was little importance to it, long enough for it to be seen, but certainly too short for the unknown lady to view its owners name. "Perhaps you could direct us both in together sir? Assuming the lady here has arrived for the party also?"

[Lady Grace]

Grace turns slightly to acknowledge the new face to her side and clear a space.
She ensures she catches the eye with a smile then deliberately looks to floor with a inclination of the head in greeting as they follow the ghoul in.

[Andross Blint]

Andross greets the smile from the lady with one of his own. "If you can bare with the impoliteness milady, might we save introductions till we are within the building? You never know quite how far the wind may carry words spoken on a street edge, especially on a night as quiet as this...."

[annabelle]

The Ventrue smiles to herself as she is pouring a drink for the Tremere without even explaining what the drink contained.
“Not all of us, neonates, are Victorian. And not all non Victorian will find this song acceptable. In any case, it was delightful. We need some humour in this court, especially these days….”

She walks towards the woman and offers her the drink “Just the finest of bloods. Pure blood. A kindred offered to bring wine soon but for now we can settle with some simplicity. Simplicity is treasured by some. If you really desire some substance I have a jar with opium blood of course.”

Outside William will greet the two guests and lead them inside.

[Lady Grace]

Grace merely raises a quizzical eyebrow and swallows a laugh, wouldn't do to laugh.

'Ahh, Lady Helen. So kind of you to welcome us'
She turns to acknowledge Hermina, 'Elder', how lovely'