The Culture Tour

[Valentina Audley]

Valentina inwardly curses the lack of a handy younger Ventrue, her extreme dislike of drawing attention to herself suddenly making itself felt in her chest. Still, manners dictated that she answer Grace's plea, so that the Elder did not have to. And she does want to show that Bristollian Kindred are elegant in all ways, for Dyo's sake, if for no other reason.

So, she waits politely until she is able to catch Aldrich's eye, after he is done with the driver before saying to him.

"Elder Beaufort, please may I present Ancilla Grace Granville, Primogen of Clan Brujah, here in Aquae Sulis. Lady Grace, this is Elder Aldrich Beaufort, Paragon of Clan Ventrue, Architect of the Camarilla. Of Mithras' line." She carefully recites all his titles, thankful that she's long been in the habit of remembering such things to aid others.

Out of nowhere, a memory of Francis' smiling face thanking her for just such an aide memoire pops into her head and it's all she can do to catch herself under it's crushing weight of pain. She goes blank for a second (better to look blank than cry she always felt) but her aura stutters with grief for a moment, before she steadies herself and pastes a smile she doesn't quite feel back on her face.

[alanwrotethis]

Dukes turns to face the group.
"Elder Hermina is a temporary guest at my residence... I suspect one of my future chores will be... burning her room."
Dukes shudders, full of nervous energy.
"No offence elder, live your best life."
He tries to smile.
"I am returning to my residence, to prepare it for all you fine kindred, arrive when you will, you will be welcome."
He removes his glasses.
"Arrive early if you want, I wouldn't mind. Comedy of Errors isn't for everyone."
He pauses, blinking, then turns and leaves

[Posh-Tim]

Keane appreciates the introduction with the same mild boredom of all court decorum that don't involve him directly. But he is struck when Valentina's aura stutters, much as his had done earlier, and feels a pang of sympathy.
"Is everything alright ancill- Miss Audley?"
The informality is a little forced and he squeezes her hand as he speaks but only very gently.

[Manacledairman]

Aldrich returns to the group and catches Valentina's eye. He listens intently to the introduction even showing genuine surprise and a nod of recognition as Valentina perfectly mimics his list of titles. He extends his hand to lady grace

"A pleasure to meet you Ancilla Granville."

He looks to Valentina

"Very impressive lady Valentina, the young one who rides my coat tails struggles with that" he smiles "thank you, you are a credit to your domain"

[Lady Grace]

Grace takes the honour of a profered hand from Architect.
"A pleasure to meet one in person I have heard much about,"
"Elder," She lowers her eyes down in a gentle curtsey of respect. Also neatly covering her concern for Valetina which is growing. She glances sideways to note Elder Keane's action with approval.

[Manacledairman]

Aldrichs grins

"Well lady Granville, I'm certain most of what you've heard is a fabrication."

He places a kiss across her knuckles in an obviously practiced motion.

[Valentina Audley]

There's a flare of gratitude in Valentina's aura as Keane squeezes her hand and she returns the gesture, giving him a small, shaky smile as she does so.

To Aldrich she replies "Thank-you Elder for your kind words. It is a habit I started to develop when the Consul Maximus claimed Praxis and.... and I honed it when Francis was Prince. He used to rely on me to help him with such things and it was a small service I was happy to provide for him in the interest of friendship between domains."

Another little stutter of aura, but as this time she seems to have been expecting it and regains her composure much more swiftly. She looks to Jerome, clearly searching for a way to change the sunject.

"Elder Price, could you please tell us a little about tonight's performance? I don't believe I have seen a Comedy of Errors, so I fear I shall be quite ignorant, if you do not take pity on me and enlighten me."

[Lady Grace]

"Aren't all the best reputations?"
Lady Grace says with a half smile.
"Otherwise society would be so dull"

Grace listens to Valentina and her face tightens slightly at the mention of Francis then her gaze follows Valentina as she turns to address Jerome.

Grace smiles to Aldrich.
"I would be fascinated to hear your version. If you are inclined to tell it to me on the way to the theatre,"

[Posh-Tim]

Keane takes Valentina's stabilising of aura as a good sign but continues to hold her hand regardless. He turns to Price and offers a shy smile. He follows up Valentina's request with:
"Yes, I must say I am not familiar with this 'Shakespeare' is it well known?"

[Manacledairman]

"dull, yet simple to navigate" Aldrich retorts "for that I believe I'd need to hear what you've already learned. That way I can perfectly edit my reputation so I appear in the best light."

He winks at Lady Grace as his face contorts into a wide grin.