Elysium After Party The Third (post June)

[Reginald Verity]

He couldn’t even do being bloodhunted properly, Reggie mulled to himself as he strolled across the cobbled streets towards the Quintessance, his patent leather shoes click-clacking against the stones beneath. Yes, as in all things, Jackdaw was an utter disappointment and sadly nowhere to be found within the city limits. Katherine had undoubtedly experienced a merciful release from a lifetime of drudgery with such an individual.

Constance on the other hand would need some careful consideration and plans had already been made in this regard. Reggie genuinely felt bad after the evenings events. He understood why she had done what she had of course, and part of him felt guilty that he had not taken firmer action himself towards Sisyphus which may have prevented the unfortunate events from occurring. Perhaps some chastisement was in order and so he started up the stairs to search for one of Valmont’s aides to administer such a beating.

Maybe others will be arriving shortly, he mused, including new arrivals such as the rakish Ashwin Major with his devilish whiskers, or Rafe Valentine, who has so upset the envoys from Bristol, and the rather delightful new Tremere who had shown some promise right up until the point she feinted. Yes, there was nothing like a Quintessance do to clear the palate.

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina arrives not long after Reggie. Divesting herself of her cloak, she hurries up the stairs. Oh Constance! Finally free of other responsibilities she allows herself to feel her anguish.

Seeing Reggie in there already she wordlessly heads to the drinks table, pouring him a large whisky and herself a gin.

Heading back across the room she hands him his glass, watching carefully how he responds before making any other move. She wants comfort, but knowing of Reggie and Constance's friendship she's aware he might not be in the mood to give comfort.

[Madam Zaragoza]

A couple, arm in arm, step out from the darkness of the streets and stop in front of The Quintessence.

“Oh is this the place? How delightful Monsieur Beauclair! . Thank you so much for agreeing to show me the way. I hope that I can continue to enjoy your company after we enter?” She gives the Master Harpy a coy smile.

Hermina was hoping that this little after party was everything that the multitude of Toreadors of Aquae Sulis had promised. The last month or so had been very dull and she need a release. Lying low and moving to a new Chantry never allow much time for the hedonism she so enjoyed.

As ever the Roses were the first port of call when looking for decadence. To honest there was little else to them apart from their precious art. How she wished that her fellow clan mates could learn to relax a little, too many nights are spent hunched over books. Jerome, though, he like her was an exception. He knew how to work and play hard. They had both spent many a happy time together in the past. She was glad to see him again, she hoped he would be attending at some point this evening.

Gently pulling the ancillae towards the entrance she implores, “Come Master Harpy, show me how to have a good time in this fair city. I long for God’s medicine, I hope that the host can provide.”

[Francis Beauclair]

Taking Madam Zargos by the arm Francis escorts up the stair's into Valmont's famed salon, he watches her out of the corner of his eye looking for any clues as to the nature and intentions of this elegant stranger. Entering the room he introduces her to all present, pausing for a moment as he introduces her to Valnetina. Finally with a nod to his host he offers her a drink form the impressive stand of decanters on the side or "perhaps a herbal remedy, Mr Valmont is quite famous for the range of delightful distractions".

[Lord Ashwin Major]

Arriving on horseback clapping along at walking pace, surrounded by a few attendants Lord Ashwin Major approaches the Quinressence. Along side him on a horse of her own Lady Leverson rides, the two following behind a weary looking retainer at their head.

As they dismount Ashwin offers a hand to the lady helping her alight, though it seems she needs no assistance.

Inside the gallery, Ashwin marvels at the amazing painting on show, visibly excited and keen to look at each one but as he senses that he may be beginning to linger too long for the lady by his side he forces him self away and heads up the stairs.

Entering the main party room with a flourish, and a bow to the host Mr Valmont and Reggie, his three retainers scuttle in and prepare a place for him to be comfortable, adjusting chairs, plumping cushions and setting out several glass bottles of varying sizes and a spectrum of colours in a pleasing arrangement. Several bowls also appear filled with cold bite size fancies and nibbles, clear for sharing with all. All this before two scuttle of am stand unobtrusively in at the edges of the room and the third waits attentively between the table and his master.

Ashwin with the fine lady linking his arm still nurses a bright green bottle or ginger wine with an orange ribbon and pink rose that he bore along to the Elysium, apparently still full.

“Thank you for the invitation Primogen Verity, and thank you for hosting Mr Valmont.

I have brought along an array of drinks and nibbles to add to the party. I hope you can find your favourite tipple.”

(The words are loud enough to be public and invite others to join the conversation.)

[Matthias]

Matthias cheerfully throws open the door and strides inside, casting a look about the place before smiling broadly and moving to join Major at the table. He casually discards his coat in the general direction of a servant, not caring if it is caught or not before helping himself to the nibbles and sorting himself a drink.

"So how did you find our delightful Elysium then my dear chap? Everything you expected and more?"

[Lord Ashwin Major]

As Matthias tastes the snacks he discovers they are exquisite as if perhaps a centuries-old chef with a specialism is cooking and a supernaturally toned sense of taste and smell had prepared them.

"Yes Old Boy, I had heard that Bath was quite the tumultuous place and I was not disappointed upon discovering the Keeper was murdered and Prince call a blood hunt of four of her fief. Bravo. Never a dull moment, hey.

"And if I'm not mistaken the Prince named the dazzling Senechal here Sanctioned to for the right of destruction, most irregular but also most thrilling"

[Reginald Verity]

After the flogging had reached its conclusion, Reggie was feeling much better. The wounds were beginning to seal, ‘nothing above the neck line dear’ he’d reminded the attendant, who had manfully obliged and was now returning the sticks and cat o nine tails to their teak box. He had replaced his garments, knocked back a glass of ‘Emerald Spice’ and, feeling the familiar rush to his mind, headed downstairs to great the guests. Time waits for no man and he had a role to portray.

His eyes immdiately found Valentina. He know she would be concerned both about her friend and also himself. he therefore paused to give a momentary glance of reassurance and spoke a brief telepathic message ‘It is done darling. She has good a chance as anyone could hope for although the chasing pack are both skilled and motivated. I should know more tomorrow.’

And then turning to the others, “On behalf of Evic Valmont, the owner of the Quintessance, whose work adorns these hallowed halls, welcome. I also extend the invitation on behalf of the Clan of Roses as their representative within the City. Eric is sadly otherwise engaged, otherwise he would greet you himself. It has been rumoured that he has taken a fascination in his latest childe and that this is keeping him occupied and unable to share with us his wit, artistic flair and forthright jawline.” A slight whistful sigh. “Our loss is her gain though and we do our best to entertain without his visionary company nor the need to resort to idle gossip, for this is a place of art where all manor of tastes are accomodated on site.

Master Elder Major, you honour us with your company. I can only apologise that I was kept from you due to affairs of Elysium, blood hunts and whatnot and will now endeavour to repair the damage. I do hope that you will be extending your stay in Bath. It may not be as cerebral as Oxford, but what the city lacks in academia it makes up for in terms of pure entertainment as you have alluded to yourself. I am delighted that you have arrived with Lady Leverson. Is it not thrilling to be around someone who is permitted to enact justice as she sees fit?

And Elder Zaragoza, I am enchanted to see that you have joined us tonight and hope that we are able to provide entertainment that will provide welcome distraction. I trust Francis has explained the facilities that are offered here?”

He took another glass of Emerald Spice from the attendants tray and awaited responses.

[Lord Ashwin Major]

“What is this drink then old boy,” he says taking a glass from the attendant

Smells the drink, tastes it and swills it, and breaths in as an experienced wine taster may, as done smoothly without exaduration, a slight winse is visibly repressed.

“I see, it’s like an absinthe with an edge about as subtle as a hatchet to the throat. It has quite a nice tang though”

If you are a fan of absinthe please try this one he says gesturing to the table as the bottle is born aloft by his serving man and placed within his outstretched hand.

“If one adds the sweet fennel is steaming hot it retains all its soft flavour without becoming tart. Well, I’ll let it do the talking for itself “

He pours a small measure into a fine crystal glass rimmed with sugar. The liquid surprisingly clear in comparison to the garish green that is its tradmark look. The glass supplied again by his man. Offering to each and everyone who wishes one, places one in Matthias’ hand without needing to ask.

((Anyone who drinks will discover the flavour a delight, it’s as strong as ever but feels smooth and the thickness of the liquid a touch more syrupy then straight spirit. It’s smell is rich and flowery without being too much ))

[Valentina Audley]

Reggie gets a small smile and the response 'You'll let me know, won't you?'

But his message does comfort her and so she turns her attention to the rest of the gathering. She smiles round the room at the new comers, murmuring greetings as appropriate.

Sipping at her gin gives her a good excuse to politely and smilingly decline Lord Ashwin Major's offer of a drink. She didn't think she could cope with anymore surprises this night and as this is not Elysium caution was necessary.

Standing close to Reggie, Valentina is content for now to stay quiet and watch the room.