The Culture Tour

[L .]

“Please don’t presume what I want to hear,” Aurelia says automatically, smoothing a lock of hair back from her temple. “But a pleasure, Elder Dukes, and likewise Ancilla Stoker.”

To Laurence she raises her eyebrow. “You predate the tragedy of this place? What was it like before? I heard Uriah’s Grandchilde had praxis.”

[Laurence]

The cogs of Laurence’s mind turn for the briefest instant as he processes who has just spoken to him, ranking the three in order of who to respond to first.

Taking the time to blink his eyes once, Laurence nods in acknowledgement of Aurelia’s question. “I was indeed Lady Raven, both as a fledgling and as a Neonate before I departed for distant shores. I found the city to be a centre of art and culture, it was a pleasant place to adapt to my new life and learn the history of my clan.”

Smiling lightly, he continues. “I confess I never really had much interaction with the Prince of the time, apart from when I was formally released. The city seemed to run smoothly and without much in the way of major troubles. In the time I was here at least.”

Inclining his head once more, Laurence turns his head to regard Dukes. The smile on his face less wide and just for a moment there is a hint of narrowed eyes. “Indeed Lord Dukes, I attended the service to pay my respects to the dead. I should be interested to discuss anything you believe we need to, I of course assisted my Sire in the early days of my life at court and so would be happy to lend whatever assistance you need.”

Twisting his head to Valentina, the smile fractionally widens. “Ancilla Audley, the pleasure is mine. I have heard tale of the exquisite clothing that you craft in The Silver Thimble. Might I one day trouble you for a discussion as to how to best update my Wardrobe to the changes that have taken place over the past century?”

[Valentina Audley]

She raises an eyebrow, clearly amused.

"I'm distraught you do not remember the Thimble as part of the art and culture in your younger days Mr Stoker, given that I too, predate those terrible nights. You are of course, welcome to call in at the Thimble, though, as I no longer reside in Aquae Sulis, if you wish my attention, perhaps let me know ahead of time when you wish to call?" She dimples another pretty smile at him.

[L .]

“You’re full of surprises, Envoy,” Aurelia says. “Happily surprised am I to have two of you predating those grim affairs. If even one of you is at this party later, do you mind if I pick your knowledge a bit? Something I could ask now, though, if you have desire: What is your favourite thing about the city? Both kindred and kine, for scene.”

“Wait - what was your favourite thing, and has it changed?”

[alanwrotethis]

Dukes nods at Laurence. If he has tallied his place on the field based on the ancillae's order of address, he does not show it.
"Not a Lord... not by any stretch, but thank you."
He inclines towards Aurelia, ponders saying something, but doesn't. He attempts a relaxed smile, but it is clearly an attempt. He turns back to Valentina.
"Your work does you credit. I mean, I've heard it does. I don't... clothes aren't my forte. Which I've been told is a problem. There was a time when I had a keen eye for fashion, but that time seems a little out of date now. Still, I get by with whatever garments my staff leave for me. Happy that tight trousers aren't the fashion apex they were a century ago, the men looked like an offering to Demeter in that getup, smuggling entire fruit baskets."

[Laurence]

“I confess myself pleased to say I did not know of the Silver Thimble in my younger days Miss Audley, I fear I would have ruined far too many of your fine garments with the wildness of my youth. But now that age has given me the experience to appreciate fine clothing, I very much look forward to accenting my wardrobe.”

Smiling widely, Laurence dips his head in acknowledgement.

“Of course Miss Audley, I shall ensure I follow proper etiquette so as to ensure I can receive the benefits of your wisdom.”

Pausing a moment, Laurence thinks.

“I see no reason as to why I could not make an appearance at this party later Lady Raven, and I would be more than willing to tell you of my experiences of the city. As to your question now, I am greatly pleased that the streets are not choked with dust as they are some cities of the New World, and the Kine here are by and large generally upstanding citizens.”

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina smiles at Laurence, nodding in aquiesence, then turns her attentions to Aurelia and her questions.

"I am at your disposal Elder, for any questions you may have. " She promises. "As for my favourite things... In Kindred society, I miss the parties my Sire used to host. I could not hope to emulate his excellent hosting skills. For the city itself though, I adore all the little hidden nooks and crannies, the archways and steps leading from one hidden corner to another, in amongst the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors to the city admire the Abbey's ladders of angels though, have you seen them?" She points in the direction of the front of the Abbey, her enthusiasm waxing at the thought of a chance to show of Bath. It's clear, if Aurelia willpermit it, she'd be happy to lead the way.

At Dukes words, she dimples a smile in his direction, clearly pleased by his flattery. "Thank-you Sheriff, for such kind words. I remember the fashion of which you speak, it was.... an interesting era for clothing all round I feel! I much prefer skirts these days, to the high waisted ensembles back then. Whilst your servants do you credit in their choices, should you wish it, I could have my ghoul drop a selection of the most current garments round for you to study at your convience and make selection from?"

[L .]

“You know I think I miss some of the peacocking prevalent in earlier years, at least for the men’s fashion. Everything is so strict and black now, which I realise is a bit hypocritical since most of the time I’m in travelling blacks, but I did appreciate the ridiculousness back then when other people wore it. The tights...” she made an ‘o’ with her mouth. “Now they left nothing to the imagination. No surprises, just good advertisement. There was a time when trousers were so tight that you could even tell when somebody was stuffing with a sock or a banana.”

Whether she’s joking or not, Aurelia doesn’t say. But she links her arm with Valentina and murmurs an ascent, “I’d like that - please.” To Laurence she says, “Then we will have ample time to talk. Let’s go poke at the abbey, if you handsome menfolk would not mind?”

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina smiles wickedly, at Dukes, Laurence and the wider group.

"The handsome men folk could always accompany us, lest we find a cobble out to turn our ankles and need strong arms to cling to?"

Then she leads Aurelia round to the front of the Abbey and points up above the door, to the stonework ladders, adorned with angels.

"I believe these are unique to the Abbey, certainly I've not heard any tourists say it's just like the one we've got at home." She smiles and falls silent, to give the Elders chance to admire the view.

[Lady Grace]

'It is unique.'
Says Grace catching up,
'At least as far as I know and I don't have knowledge extensive outside these isles'
She has a fleeting moment of dislocation, almost haunted look,
'The last time I was here my Sister's wedding day'

'The labour of ages has made this place beautiful'