A Grand Entrance

[Trillian]

Invitations had been sent around the city to prominent leaders, to the ancients, to everyone with VIP status at Venture and those citizens that might not have held status but were still recognisable; like Kerr and also separate invitations to Ichabod and Ben, to Murphy, Jake and his entourage, Zohoret and her entourage, Domonik Lowe and his entourage, and so many more.

The invitations directed everyone to the Penbrook Estate, requested that everyone wear formal attire and if they would wish a car to pick them up on the night, please call the following number.

A large white marquee was set up behind the mansion with fairy lights strung about, looking more like a wedding tent than a catering tent, which was what it was - with extravagant foods lain out upon it. Many young mortal men and women sat or stood nearby - not there for the food, but to provide themselves fresh drinks for the vampires who would attend, should they prefer donors to the martini glasses of blood that were being brought around by the wait staff complete with cards to identify the blood type.

The gardens held many nooks and benches for private conversations between the guests and/or the hosts. There was no doubt that this party was for networking.

To get to the backyard, guests had to walk up the front steps, through the open double doors and into the marble foyer. It was a grand entrance to make a brilliant first impression, with marble flooring, pillars, mirrored staircases and a magnificent golden chandelier dripping with crystals - the centrepiece. A guest might go left or right into either of the sitting rooms, or continue ahead and out the back door into the gardens.

Charon had one of his clan at the door greeting everyone, and he was looking forward to talking with everyone before making his announcement.

[Black Philip]

Jake straightened out his black bow-tie, making sure it was even and straight looking. He knew Lisa-Joe Hampton, his loyal Keeper would give him a final inspection but he was determined to get out the door without her having to fix him. Tonight needed to go well, and he wouldn't let something silly like a bow-tie get in his way. In truth, Lisa would inspect everyone who represented the Central and Western Districts. It was part of her job, and she did it oh so well. She'd been tasked with dressing Luke and Sam, and a playlist of The Cranberries and Stevie Nicks told Jake it was currently Sam's turn. Earlier he'd heard a loud rendition of the Rocky theme song and some metal, and figured that was Luke's time under construction. He was in his room alone. Lazarus had not been available for the party tonight, something about being busy. Jake was happy he'd decided to bring Ben. He didn't like the idea of those two getting alone time.

Jake had about thirty minutes before they had to leave, and was going over who he was bringing. Lisa-Joe would be coming off course. Her southern tongue and good looks would be helpful Clan Brujah was a sizable demographic in it's own right, and for that purpose she should've been invited anyway. Lisa-Joe would be a good second for that little game called conversation, and also represented what effective leadership looked like in the Central and Western Districts. She was also a total bitch in case it was needed, and the Black Prince smirked at the thought of her and Zoheret getting into it.

Sam was tasked with showing supernaturals what the Central and Western District's futures could be like. She, Ben, and Scott represented the next generation of Kindred, supernatural leaders in training. Scott would be coming on his own, if at all. Jake knew he needed to seriously check on Scott soon, his depression over Conner getting worse. He couldn't think about that tonight. He turned his thoughts to his blood child instead. Sam had done good work running the White Rabbit, and teaching at the Academy. He was proud of her. She was also working hard to master the powers of the blood, and at that she was doing well too. Even tonight she had an assignment. She was expected to explore her romantic side, and he hoped to see his daughter on the arm of another by the end of the night.

Then there was Luke. Jake couldn't wait to see what the mystery man would like all dressed up. He had to admit there was something so attractive about him. It wasn't even his excellent looks. It was an energy, and when their eyes met he felt something inside him. It was an impulse telling him to look within, and he was finding it harder and harder to resist. It was early, and they still didn't know one another well, but he found he wanted him around and so he'd asked the man to come along as his bodyguard. He certainly looked the part, and Luke had recently proven that Jake needed to fill the role of Sheriff soon. He was vulnerable. However, for tonight the semi-supernatural would play the bodyguard part, and hopefully come as a friend. It would be good for him to be exposed to the wider world, even if it was a den of snakes.

He checked his watch again, and realized it was time to head down. He put on his Floral Jacquard dinner jacket, and checked himself in the mirror. He was ready. The silk, black flowers cut a floral figure, with a classic black tux pant and dress shoe making up the outfit's bottom half. All eyes should be on the jacket, white dress shirt, and bow-tie. Well, they would look at the jacket until they saw his face. He'd done a bit of a boy beat, with his eyes done dark and intense. Black eye shadow, eye liner and just a touch of mascara gave him his very own masquerade mask. A glowy shimmer gave it some softness, and he looked as pretty as he did handsome. To some he'd know they'd see it as silly or immature, but to Jake it was war pant. Networking were just a different battlefield. His hair was slicked back for black tie regulation. On his way out he grabbed a black cane with a silver serpent head. The Black Prince was ready to mingle.   
“Remember, two pair of shoes. We enter in heels, and switch to flats in the garden.”

Lisa-Joe Hampton smoked as she put the finishing touches on her nails, the cigarette coloring the way she sounded as she instructed Sam. They were drying slowly, and she was afraid the damn things would make them late. She still had to inspect Jake. He always forgot something. She freed a hand to ash her Red Apple, before returning to the matter at hand. One more, she thought as she dipped the nail brush in her favorite color. Her jungle red dried dark as blood, and that's why she liked it. Luke was ready and looked great. Sam had never looked better. And Ben, well.
 
Only Ben was allowed to dress himself. Lisa-Joe knew Ben wouldn't risk Charon seeing him look shabby, especially when the boy had his own private invitation. Jake did tell Lisa-Joe to fuss with his hair or something. Nobody got out the door without the Madame's approval, least of all the “spy.” Lisa-Joe had been no more pleased than Lazarus about Ben joining their little family. She'd called him a spy, an infiltrator and a trouble maker, and had kept a watchful eye on him, as well as on Lazarus. “You ready Shugah,” she asked the boy, taking a wet hand and slicking down his hair. He didn't really need it, but it was fun to do it to him.

She motioned for Sam to follow them and headed towards the front door of the Rabbit. Luke stood at attention. Lisa-Joe and Luke's time had been very professional, her harsh opinions of him lessened in the days since he'd been here. Still, she didn't like him, and gave him the same watchful eye she gave Ben.

Her own outfit was a masterpiece. The dress was latex, and she had sewed herself into it, giving her the tinniest waist and largest top she'd had in years. The long, classic silhouette hit the floor, making her strides on the smaller side, but the beauty was undeniable. Her hair was teased, teased and teased some more, flying high and voluminous. Her makeup was black and red, and her handbag was over sized and latex. The redhead looked good, and told Sam and Luke as much as they waited for Jake. She saw him coming, and quickly scanned him up and down. She was afraid he'd actually dressed himself like an adult, but then was relieved as she said, “cuff links.” She gave him a wink.
Jake scowled and headed back to his room to correct the error. Once he was back the full party got into the car and drove their way over to the East District. Lisa-Joe, Jake and Sam gabbed about current events, but the conversation was light as they made their way over. They all seemed to be thinking. Jake leaned over to Ben as they drove and whispered into his ear, “You'll enter holding my hand.”

He knew Ben would hate that, and he had to admit if he were Ben he would think it was humiliating. To be brought in by the hand to the home of your mentor, in front of your sire by the person you hated the most, well, currently at least. It was subtle and soul crushing and Jake knew it was the right move. To not read so harsh, he asked Sam to take his other hand, something he hoped his daughter would want to do. The car pulled up to the Sacrament's estate. He'd never been, and for the boy from the clan of kings it was like getting to visit a palace. As he stepped out of the car he took Ben's hand and started walking. Luke ended up taking the lead, and Lisa-Joe Hampton's limiting outfit forced her to bring up the rear.

When they reached the door Jake politely greeted the family member present and brought his party threw and into the main foyer. He looked at no one and held his head high. He was the leader of the Central and now Western Districts. People deserved to see him looking confident. He turned his head back and smiled at Ben like he was a lover, and gripped his hand tighter in case the look made him think about pulling away. He'd want Ben close, but it wasn't like he wanted to talk to him. This was babysitting pure and simple. Luke followed behind Jake and Ben, the details of his entrance unclear. Jake and Ben made their way across the room and out into the garden. Once outside, Jake kissed Ben's hand like a proper gentleman, and then released it, daring him to get smart.

“Thank you for your cooperation,” he said with a mock bow and headed deeper into the garden, motioning for Luke to follow. Ben would be allowed to mingle, as long as he stayed within Jake's vision. If he wandered off there would be consequences. Jake found a seat and took it. He'd let Luke decide if he wanted to sit or stand. Jake finally turned to face the party, scanning the crowd for people he wished to speak with.
Lisa-Joe had taken her entrance a step further. Opposite of Jake she looked at everyone, and gave such a harsh look that a few people stepped back and others whispered. She followed up her intimidating look with a demure one and pulled out a black fan from her latex handbag. A quick crack and the fan was out! Hopefully Sam had just cracked hers too. They'd practiced this. Lisa-Joe gave Sam a kiss on the check, and moved into one of the sitting rooms. She took off her heels and quickly changed into the flats, dropping the cruel but beautiful footwear into her purse. She too, was ready to mingle for any person brave enough to talk with her.   

[Idrial]

Sam triumphantly nodded her head at Lisa-Joe at the reminder of the shoes. Applying her mascara for the last time, her eye lashes long enough to clump and badly! Sam needed to wipe off the excess off before applying, looking like a clown if she did not. Lisa-Joe laughed at her incompetence, but warm and encouraging laugh. Lisa-Joe would have fixed it but Sam learned much better doing it herself. Lisa-Joe had done her eye shadow and liner, something called a smokey look and Sam loved it! The grey and brown eyeshadow made her eyes unnaturally pop! A confident and daring look almost rivaling Lisa-Joe's own.

Sam picked out a dramatic black laced applique, a mate black in color with beautiful  corset. Real diamonds laced within the corset, giving it just the right amount of shimmer in the moonlight. Her black skirt was somewhat sheer in texture and volume; appropriately showing off some leg. Sam wore a pair of tanned leggings underneath. A suggestion that came from Lisa-Joe, along with wearing the black seude boots that had three belts  with buckles, each belt adored with diamonds like the corset.

Her favorite piece however was the choker, bearing the Anarch symbol with pride. A smaller strap surrounded her neck wiyh the symbol ending at the collar bone; Lisa-Joe did a simple updo for Sam. A high ponytail and somehow in miracle managed to use her thick unruly wavy hair to work with the style. Simple black pearl styled earrings Sam had chosen; along with a black purse, in it her flats and fan. She was ready. She gave Lisa-Joe a smile as she ushered them out the door. Not before reminding Jake he forget his cuff links, stifling a small laugh.

Everyone looked exquisite in their outfits, even if tensions were high. The light chat between Jake and Sam made it bearable, Ben being a pet didn't sit well with Sam. It was a lesson to be learned don't piss off the wrong people, and she would not do that tonight. Besides Jake had given Sam a goal tonight, not one she looked forward too. She would try her hardest to open up to her more romantic side, however she still had doubts.

Taking Jake's hand at the door along with Ben's.  Making sure to curtsey at the family member before entering with Jake.

Remember your manners or I'll turn you to dust.

Jake was kidding, he just scold her intensely for her insolence. That would not happen her tonight, already grabbing her fan out of her bag. Sam could not help but notice eye's falling on Sam, everyone knew who Ben was but not Sam. They did not have a name to a face but tonight that would all change.

Snap! Her fan was out and in front of her stomach. It was almost if Lisa-Joe shared a blood bond with Sam, smiling like crazy as she planted a kiss on her cheek. Causing even more eye's to stare and whispers to already start; good old Lisa-Joe. It put a pep in Sam's step, the three making there way to the gardens. Changing into her flats remembering what Lisa-Joe said to the tee.

Eyes on Jake as he kissed Ben's hand, giving him permission to mingle. Not out of his sight of course, Sam knew Jake too well. Sam remained with Jake as he chose a place to sit, along with Luke hoping he was doing well with the situation. Only now letting go of Jakes hand, sitting like a proper lady. Her fan still on display as she admired the garden of the estate, such beautiful and bright colors! She felt honored to be here with Jake, this would have never happened in the past.

Thank you for bringing me. It is an honor to sit here with you Jake. Her message thrumming with humbleness as she waited with Jake for someone to approach the pair.

[Trillian]

Ben had brought no clothes other than what he'd worn at Venture, so he'd been raiding Jake's closet each night. This was the third night and he shouldn't have been surprised by the formal wear Jake owned. He'd dressed all in black - suit, vest, shirt, socks - except for a silvery blue tie, that went with the silken silvery blue edging on the handkerchief pocket. It matched his eyes well. Jake's spare dress shoes were a little tight, but Ben hadn't wanted to come wearing steel-capped boots. He'd wished he hadn't worn them to Venture that night. He took advantage of a cologne he found tucked away in the bathroom drawer. It smelled a bit spicy and nothing like Jake. One of his past lovers, then? That might screw with his head. Ben had splashed it on.

As instructed, he took hold of Jake's hand once they were out of the car and on the front stairs. When Sam reached for Ben's hand too, he angled away, denying her to create a weird posy circle with the three of them. Nope - being forced to hold Jake's hand was enough, he wasn't going to skip up the stairs and to the front door like a child. His gaze searched through the people walking up the stairs, then looked over his shoulder at the line of cars in the driveway, waiting to drive up to the main entrance, deposit their guests, and drive away.

When Jake moved, Ben outstretched his arm to keep looking but then had to catch up. Kerr wasn't here yet, but he could feel him! Their blood bond let Ben know he was close, if not exactly knowing where. Oh, he missed feeling that. It had been good just to focus on it in Jake's underground bunker - for even though the place was super secure, it couldn't stop the sire/fledgeling connection.

The house was grand but Ben had seen it before. He'd been shown through it a few times, his favourite place being the library within. He'd even gone through the tunnel that led to the church out in front of the estate, separately fenced. He knew about the pool beyond the gardens and the conservatory off to one side. He doubted anybody would be allowed to visit either of those places.

He said nothing, neither verbal or mental. Once they were inside, Ben felt his hand being raised. He looked just in time to see Jake's lips pressing on it.

Give me a break, he thought to himself, then felt a familiar presence weighing on his shoulders. When his hand was dropped, Ben made himself remain as he was, allowing Jake to move away first. Ugh, creep. His gaze searched the grounds. No Kerr. No Charon. He turned to check back inside, when a figure moved beside him.

"Hello, Ben. How has your time been with Jake?" Charon asked. The ancient vampire wrapped a hand about Ben's shoulders and led him away someplace more private, so that Ben could tell him everything.

[pinkroses]

More people were arriving at the party, trickling in now but there would soon be a flood that would fill the available spaces. It had been a while since Seb had been to a large party like this, but he did find them enjoyable.

Unfortunately this time he didn’t have a beautiful fire-demon on his arm, in fact he’d come alone. This wasn’t a ‘date night’ event, although he had considered calling Jenna and asking her to attend. It had been too many months for an invitation to something like this out of the blue though.

Seb was wearing a well fitted black suit, teamed with a dark blue waistcoat which was just visible when his jacket was shut. A matching pocket square peeked out, highlighting his blue eyes. His dark hair was fashionably tousled and he wore no make-up which would have hidden his pale skin, smooth as marble from his centuries of existence.

The ancient had watched with interest as Jake arrived, surrounded by his entourage and clasping the hand of a youngster Seb recognised as definitely not belonging to him. What a strange combination. Even with Kerr gone Seb didn’t thin Jake would be the one Ben would have gone to – not that he really knew much about him at all.

As Ben was left alone Seb began to move towards him, curious as to how circumstances had changed (and having another topic of the Academy to bring up as well), but before he got close Ben was swept away by a higher presence.  Seb wasn’t about to interrupt that discussion.

Without hesitation his direction shifted slightly and instead he headed towards Jake and his companions.

“Good evening, I understand congratulations are in order,” he said with a respectful nod of his head and a smile to Jake, referring to the doubling of the size of his district. His gaze flickered over his companions as well, smiling at the young blonde girl and his eyes took in her dress, without his gaze being a letcherous one.

“My lady, you look beautiful tonight, a shining diamond,” he said to Sam with a warm smile before turning his gaze back to Jake. He’d been to The White Rabbit enough and had enough years behind him that he expected Jake should know who he was, so didn’t think it was necessary to offer his own name up to the District Leader, despite then not having officially been introduced.

[Seragil]

Saraekiel straightened his white satin neck tie as he gave himself the once over and smiled with sharp satisfaction at what he saw. He wore white leather dress shoes, pale cream linen pants, a white leather belt and gold buckle, a classic white shirt (Gucci of course, everything was Gucci), a pale cream, suit vest (with the tie tucked neatly behind it) and a white tuxedo jacket. The look was finished off with gold cufflinks, a gold chained pocket watch and his gold earring. The colours practically blazed against his dark golden skin, his smoky grey eyes, dark eyebrows and his gleaming, dark brown, hair; which fell in shimmering waves around his shoulders. His lips curled upwards with wicked amusement as he lifted the pièce de résistance, a thin, beaten gold, circlet set with three shimmering black diamonds interspersed with two small blood red rubies. He smirked as he placed it on his head and rearranged his hair so that it covered most of the circlet leaving only the front band and gems exsposed against his forehead. The gems were a tribute to his wings, but the rest of his attire was all white, creams and golds. He looked like an Angel of Light fresh from the Heavenly Realm. It was all a joke of course, a parody of who and what he really was.

With one last look in the mirror he stepped to the balcony doors, threw them open, spread his wings and took to the skies. He didn’t have too far to go but he made sure if anyone did look up that he was high enough that they would think him only a very large bird, an eagle or some such.

After hovering in the sky for a moment to ascertain he was at the right place, he folded his wings behind him and plummeted straight down, banking only at the last moment so that when he landed in a graceful crouch, the force of his landing would cause only very minor shock-waves over the ground he landed on. He could have gotten a car and driven here but why drive when you could fly? Plus, he had no intention of waiting in line in the driveway.

After straightening and tidying himself up he approached the front staircase and climbed them, totally ignoring all the stares and wide eyes over his arrival. He stared nonchalantly at the guy on the door before flashing him his invitation. The invite had arrived a few days ago and yet he still had no clue as to why he was here or what this was all about. He knew where he was of course, some big wig vampires’ seat of power or so Shae had told him. She had been invited too but had declined to attend, politics bored her apparently.

He entered the foyer and stopped directly under the golden crystal bedecked chandelier, they were a match in their gloriousness. The room itself was stunning and deserved more than a quick glance, but he was more interested in the creatures around him then the décor. Was Zoheret here, was she coming, had she even been invited? Not seeing her or anyone else he might know or recognized he frowned slightly. What should he do now? Make his way to the open door at the back? Other people seemed to be making their way there but then others where just milling about too. Shit, he should have made Shae come.

Rolling his eyes slightly at the overwhelming bloody vampire presence, he strolled through the place like he owned it and everyone should worship him as he made his way to the back garden, where he stood at the top stair and looked around

[suneater]

Luke was silent for the ride to the estate, sitting all but motionless, leaned up against a window and watching the city go by. He'd respond to direct questions, of course, but otherwise, he would seem lost in thought.

He'd agreed to attend grudgingly, only after making it painstakingly clear that his role would be purely that of bodyguard. He had no intention of kibbitzing with the assembled creatures any more than was necessary to keep Jake and the rest of his happy little family safe. Well, mostly happy. The new one, Ben, didn't seem quite as thrilled. From his understanding of the situation of the young vampire (actually young, not just apparently, like Jake), he wouldn't have been either. Jake certainly seemed to be enjoying what he'd explained away as a cost of doing business within the city's power structure.

He tugged at the collar of his shirt as their car pulled onto the property. It was a standard white tuxedo shirt, and he wasn't used to having something riding against his neck. That was about as standard as his formal-wear got, though.

His relationship with Lisa-Joe seemed to have improved- actually, since Ben's arrival at the Rabbit Warren (as he'd taken to calling the subterranean complex beneath the bar), now that he thought on it- but this was unforgivable. He'd found the garment bag hanging on his doorknob with a post-it affixed: clean up, get dressed, will be there soon to help with the tie. He'd complied with the scribbled order, showering and going clean-shaven, and then set about climbing into the monkey suit.

"The jacket doesn't have shoulders," he'd complained the moment Lisa-Joe arrived. No amount of time in front of the mirror made it look any less ridiculous. He'd already resolved himself to wearing it; after all, what did he care what a bunch of blood-suckers and demons thought of his fashion sense. "And there isn't a tie. Or a cummerbund."

Lisa-Joe had grinned an evil grin and produced a small duffel, from which she drew what looked to be a bundle of black leather straps. "Take it off," she said. "You aren't finished yet."

And then she bundled him into a harness, letting out a gleeful cackle like the which she was as she tightened it so that it framed his chest perfectly. She even produced a black leather bow-tie, and seemed to take great joy in fixing it around his neck. "Don't you look handsome," she had imparted, giving him a slap on the back that would have sent a normal man stumbling. He glared at her, but had to admit, after a look in the mirror, that he sort of did. "I'm pretty sure I shouldn't be this conspicuous," he growled, straightening his jacket. It would be a cold day in Hell before he admitted he liked it.

"Can't forget about your nasty hand." She offered him a pristine white leather glove, obviously meant to conceal the gray flesh of his monstrous arm. "You've got five minutes to get upstairs." With that, she had swept out.

Luke flexed his leather-gloved hand into a fist. They had arrived. He eased out of the car, holding the door open for the others. His sharp eyes were already scanning the perimeter before moving on to the house itself. If he was at all impressed by the place, his stony features certainly didn't betray it. He fell into step behind Jake, and by proxy, Ben, since Jake had taken it upon himself to hold the boy's hand. Luke didn't manage to keep himself from rolling his eyes, but fortunately, he was taking up the rear.

As far as he knew, he'd never had training as a bodyguard. Considering the job hadn't rattled anything loose in his mind, anyway. It hardly mattered, though; his instincts and paranoia made him perfect for the job. His eyes never stopped moving, marking entrances and exits, spots that looked like they might be good for an ambush, defensible positions. He also marked the features of everyone they passed, and surreptitiously checked for weapons, hidden or otherwise. Aside from his ever-moving eyes, he didn't seem particularly on edge. His features remained impassive, and while he carried himself with the balance of a natural fighter, he didn't seem especially ready to do violence. Anyone with an eye for that sort of thing would likely mark him as Jake's security detail, though. It was unavoidable.

When Jake sat, he didn't. He instead found the best vantage point he could to scan what he could see of the backyard, evaluating it just like he had the front yard, and the interior. When he was satisfied, he quickly located Ben, Sam, and Lisa-Joe, then settled onto a solitary bench in the shadows. His body language didn't exactly invite company, though he did accept a flute of champagne from a passing waiter. He did drink it, albeit slowly, taking his time, with his arms folded across his chest while he continuously scanned the gathering.

[Trillian]

Ben returned from his stolen moment but Charon was nowhere to be seen. By the time he'd returned to the party, it was brimming at the seams with people. The young vampire was overwhelmed by the crowd on the property, and the wash of age that came with it. It was as though all of the ancients in the city and its surrounds had converged here. He felt like he was drowning, and could only imagine what his sire was going through. Kerr was here, or near here, maybe still lined up in a car on the driveway as it moved forward one carspace at a time, maybe upstairs and searching for him, or in one of the sitting rooms with Ichabod supplicating to this ancient or that one. He felt bad that Kerr's blood demanded that from him.

Ben thought of Ichabod and wouldn't even had minded seeing him here either. Had he arrived with Kerr? It would be better for their sire if he did, so he could at least give Kerr some support. He wondered how much Ichabod had been told about Ben's current situation. He was too nice to feel vindictive about it

maybe
you put him through the ringer after all

With a quick glance in Jake's direction, he saw another man speaking to him. Vaguely familiar though he didn't know why. He looked away, wanting to hide in a corner and just observe, or move through the throng of people milling around to search for Kerr, but he didn't dare leave Jake's sight. Not without Charon as his excuse anyway, and the ancient wasn't ready to let him leave Jake's sphere yet.

[Black Philip]

Jake looked at Seb as he approached, and smiled warmly in recognition. True, they had never met personally, but Jake had always thought well of the ancient. Whether Seb knew it or not, or cared, he was on the Central District's good list. He never broke laws, started fights, or put himself near the talons of the Harpy. He also had been spotted at the White Rabbit more than once, and with Venture scoring up a lot of the vampire crowd, knowing that his own watering hole attracted people like Seb filled the District Leader with pride. Seb was an excellent companion for this party. He even had a touch of the Anarch spirit about him, although Jake wouldn't tell him that.

"Sebastian, or do you prefer Seb?" He'd heard it as Seb in reports but also didn't want to risk not greeting him formally if that was his nature. "Please join us for a drink, and thank you for your congratulations." His tone was professional but warm, hinting that he'd like it get less formal as they spoke.

He motioned to a chair in front of them. Charon's staff was on top of things, for as Jake turned to grab one, a human servant came by to take drink orders. Jake ordered his normal type, and let the others do the same. Even if Seb didn't want to stay for the drink, he figured he'd at least let his good health be toasted. His compliment to Sam only furthered Jake's initial desire to like him, and he took it as a chance to introduce her. 

"This is my fledge, Sam." He sent her a quick mental message in case Sam had forgotten the protocol for ancients.

Remember, only Charon gets a curtsy. Ancients give a polite bow. He smiled warmly at her. He turned his head and saw a sulking Ben,  standing off by himself, desperately searching for Kerr, or so Jake assumed. He felt a nagging feeling that he should do more for the lad, despite him never earning it. He sent a mental message, keeping his eyes on Seb in case of response. I would be happy to have you at my table Ben. He assumed Ben would say something negative or assume Jake was just being an asshole, but he was glad he made the gesture. He saw Luke also sitting off by himself, and while he gave an approving nod to the soldier he didn't send any mental messages his way. He hoped Luke would relax and enjoy the party, and made plans to talk to the soldier when he was freer.

Their drinks came in Martini glasses - nice touch Charon - and placed on the table according to blood type and other preferences. Jake took his glass and raised it. "To a wonderful night, and your health." He gestured his glass towards Seb.

[pinkroses]

“Seb seems more fitting these days,” the ancient said with a gracious nod and smile at the question. He took the seat gestured to and placed his order to the server who appeared so efficiently.

He glanced to follow Jake’s gaze and spotted Ben and again wondered why the blonde had shown up with the District Leader. He’d last spoken to Ben over a year ago, maybe a year and a half, but remembered how Ben had been going through mourning then. Since then the youngster had set up his Academy, but Seb found it difficult to picture him becoming a part of Jake’s entourage. And now there were rumours of Kerr’s reappearance – considering how Ben had been dealing with mourning (not terribly well if Seb remembered correctly), shouldn’t they be together? Still he hardly knew the blonde, so what did he know?

Those thoughts flickered past in the blink of an eye before Seb’s blue eyes were back on Jake’s. He acknowledged the information about the fledgling’s name, Sam and he gave his own in return to her in a warm tone, despite Jake already referring to him.

He could feel the flickers of mental communication enough to know he didn’t have Jake’s full attention, but didn’t pry to find out where else it lay, since Jake was courteous enough to keep the majority of his attention on him.

“And to yours,” Seb responded, lifting his glass to toast and taking a sip of the warm blood.

“Leading definitely seems good for your health,” he added, cradling his glass as he crossed his legs in a relaxed fashion. “Do you have many plans for your new area? It’s not one I frequent often I must admit.” He had no interest in leading himself, not any more. Seb had dabbled in politics many centuries ago and enjoyed it at the time, but it was all so frustrating – trying to help improve lives when there was always something else which would crop up so it was a never-ending and mostly thankless task. Fortunately there were still those who wanted to take control and as long as they weren’t overly corrupt, Seb didn’t intend to disrupt.

“I don’t envy you if you crave more of the city, you’d be up against some strong contenders,” he added with a grin and sending a mental touch of warmth to the Leader to let him know for definite he was only joking with a rhetorical comment, not really prying into whatever plans Jake had, if any, for taking over more. Seb had been through enough battles to know he didn’t want to live in a city tearing itself apart, and with so many powerhouses here it would definitely be a big fight. He didn't know Jake at all, so was taking a gentle risk in seeing how he might react to such a comment.

That thought reminded him of one of the other District Leaders who he’d been decidedly rude to at their last meeting. He hadn’t seen the Dark Angel since, but vaguely wondered whether she would appear tonight.

[Idrial]

A vampire approached in a black suit, paired with a dark blue waistcoat. His beautiful blue eyes highlighted against the matching pocket square, gliding across the floor in an elegant stride. A telltale sign he was an Ancient, his flawless marbled skin another sign he was old; but how old she was unsure. Sam bowed her head deeply at the gracious comment from the ancient.  Taking Jakes mental note that only Charon gets a curtsey. Jake had instructed Sam to listen and observe unless she was asked a direct question. That was fine by Sam, she is happy to just sit quietly as such a huge event.

Polite pleasantries were exchanged between the two gentlemen as Sam silently studied the behaviour with one another. Sam was dead set on not embarrassing Jake, staying quiet and absorbing the interaction. Jake invited the ancient to sit with them. Sam ordered her usual as Jake waved down a human servant, man were they on the ball. Finding the martini glasses a cute little touch to this formal party. It was a nice change of pace to just sit and listen like a fly on the wall.

Or maybe not. Introducing Sam as his fledge and without missing a beat bowed her head deeply to the ancient. Sam knew the introductions would come sooner or later, wishing it was the former. Sam had little experience in a formal setting, even with all the help she was nervous but she hid it well with Jake at her side. Mimicking Jake and raising her glass towards the ancient along with a beaming smile. This night had to go well and Sam would do everything in her power to get it right.

Only after Seb has taken a sip, Sam took a sip from her glass and remembering to hold it the way Lisa-Joe discussed. Listening to Seb address Jake relieved she could remain quiet, his questions were not entirely odd. Sam herself was unsure of Jakes plan for his newly owned district, she wondered what Jake would say? Seb's comment about craving more of the city was more of a statement, perhaps a joking or teasing one. Figuring it out after she took a moment to think. No wonder Jake told her to listen and observe. If it was her, she would not have picked up on his rhetorical question and would have made a fool of herself. Damn Jake was good at this stuff!

[Trillian]

Ben's attention was caught by the golden skinned creature standing not too far away from him. He was a beautiful looking man but there was something dangerous to him as well. Ben didn't know why he would think that way about someone he'd never met. He wasn't game to reach out with his mental fingers and prod the other either, to find out what he was. Like a genie in a bottle, in a way. He doubted the other would answer anybody's wishes except his own. He would've been caught staring because he was really enchanted by the fellow's looks... except Jake's voice in his head made him blink and frown.

I would be happy to have you at my table Ben.

Happy, eh? Happy was too strong a word for what Ben expected. Maybe smug. He couldn't let the offer remain unanswered and on the heels of being told by Charon that he should behave, he gave a quick reply, stripping out his emotions from the message before it was sent.

I'll be there shortly.

He'd put it off as long as possible, in reality. When he looked back at the golden man, he saw the other looking his way. Not wanting to invite more trouble than he was already in, Ben slunk off to one side in the garden, still in Jake's line of sight but getting some distance between them. This was how he saw another familiar face, but this time it was one he knew well.

"Murphy!" he called, and hurried past groups of people talking in order to reach his friend (best and only) so he could throw his arms around him. The mortal had either been here early or come in when Ben had been off with Charon. Or maybe he lived in Penbrook now - they hadn't texted each other for a week, and Ben's own situation proved that a lot of shit could happen in a week.

[Black Philip]

Jake listened closely as Seb poured on the praise. Jake knew himself well enough to know he liked a bit of flattery, and the unasked compliments were always the most delicious. Leadership did look good on him, and all the better that Kindred like Seb spoke it. He provided a softer thank you as not to interrupt. The vampire’s next two questions Jake imagined he’d be getting a lot tonight. Everyone wanted to know what he would now that he led the west, and he knew several citizens thought this was just Jake’s opening act. Expecting these kinds of queries, Jake had prepared answers. It would be good to try them on a supportive audience, and the very least Seb didn’t seem to have an issue with the Anarchs owning the west.

“Other than laying the bedrocks of proper governance, I plan to open up a meeting spot for supernaturals. In my culture we call such places Elysium. Venture and The White Rabbit are two such places. However, unlike those two venues I want to open up a supernatural community center of sorts.”

He wanted to give the supernaturals of the west their own watering hole and also wanted to create a place that encouraged inter species mingiling. A community center would do all those things. The plans flashed before Jake’s eyes. It would also send a messsge of peace to the west.  After the aggressive push in, and the murders of a few demon gang leaders, Jake wanted the citizens of the west know their leader had a kind side.

“And I think I have my hands full with bringing the west into the fold. I’m sure the other districts can manage without me.”

It was a denial without a denial, which in laymen’s terms meant it was politics. Jake had no immediate plans for other districts but he never wanted a statement on record where he promised not to interfere. Words were binding in supernatural circles.

Luke was still sitting alone, but where was Ben. He hadn’t come to the table yet, and so Jake scanned the crowd and saw him running towards some mortal. Wait, this was no mere human or donor. This was the journalist Murphy! As Jake stared at the pair, something from within him compelled him towards the man. Some deep urge from the blood called out to him. He was attractive. There was no denying that and the confluence of those two things made Murphy where Jakes focused. Jake was so wrapped up in Murphy he didn’t see exactly how Ben greeted him.

A hug? People want hugs from Ben?

He assumed Kerr did, but Jake had long ago given up on Kerr’s romantic judgement. Then again, Jake was screwing Lazarus. No room to talk. He felt the need to talk to this interesting mortal and so he killed Ben’s buzz when he said, bring your friend Ben. He added a touch of mental force to let Ben know he meant now. While he waited he returned to his conversation with Seb and Sam.

[Harlequin]

To the best of anyone's knowledge, the Witch on Bellview had not left her house (for lack of a better term) in years. There were those that watched these things, and she was a difficult thing to miss. Most had heard of her, certainly --

She's 10 feet tall and can read minds
She'll tell your future, but only if you sell her your soul
I heard, she's got goat hooves and a forked tongue


-- but few save the desperate had need to call on her. And who heeded the words of the desperate? Those that weren't desperate, but moneyed, kept their experiences close to their chests. What was known beyond doubt was this:

If you needed help, she'd give it. That, and everything has a price.

Anyone who'd heard of her would know who she was the second she stepped foot in that marble foyer, and the precious few who'd met her could confirm. Sabrina, who some called "Saint", moved among the populi.

Her size alone commanded attention; she towered above the rest of the party even in her soft suede ballet flats, but she moved with a dancer's grace and confidence, meeting shocked stares with a warm half-smile and a flicker of long-nailed fingers. Her dress was a simple affair of draped velvet, in a soft blue that left one shoulder bare; vaguely grecian and entirely becoming. No room for a corset or stays beneath, however; the form it hung upon was, for once, entirely her own. The elaborate braids that knotted her white-blonde hair at the back of her neck matched in theme, but the silver and opal comb that held them in place was art nouvaeu.

She spotted Jake as she topped the garden stair, but he looked busy. He looked different, too, and smelled it. There would be time to address that later; he was holding court, now. 

Instead she turned her attention to the other watcher from the stair. A denizen of the Golden City -- check that, former denizen, by the brassy, bloody, slightly-singed smell of him. She took a place beside him,  a stair or two below so as not to impede the progress of other guests, and so she wouldn't have to bend to speak to him.

"Looking for someone?" She asked, scanning the crowd as he did.

[Saiketsu]

First, there had been the announcement in the newspaper of Jake McCloud's usurpation of the Western District disguised as business-as-usual. Then, within days, there was an envelope in the mail addressed to him and his lineage inviting him to the soiree which would be at Penbrook Estate. He had been in this city long enough to know that something was going on and the big parties were at play. At first Damien Evans scoffed at the idea of another political masturbation circle, and almost tossed the envelope in the trash. But then something continued to eat away at him as he began the laundry, fed Delilah, and woke up Rachel from their bed. He picked up the envelope again and studied it.

It was a power play, sent by the Sacramentum. Something big was about to happen in the city and it was more than just curiosity that pushed him into a decision to go. He had people to worry about, his lineage growing regularly now. They had just been able to finally invest in that window facility in the North District that Damien's people had been working on getting for the better part of two years. Now he had properties in the North End, the South End, and his own house in the Eastern District. He had no doubts that his lineage was well known amongst the elite and politicians of the city - he had even met with the human Mayor himself once the official paperwork had been signed on Aquillia Industries Inc. To not show up to such an event would not only invite rumors of non-participation in all matters political, it might also be taken as a slight if the topic were important enough.

He groaned to himself, flung the invitation onto the counter, and took out his phone to text his fledge. They would be going after all, and he informed Pierre that his presence would be necessary as well.

As he stepped out of the car for valet, he straightened and buttoned his jacket. He chose to keep tonight's outfit (https://i.ibb.co/dDztNww/Black-Suit.jpg) simple - a black double-vested three piece suit with a black and ivory pocket square, with trustworthy and tasteful black Italian leather shoes. His hair, usually a bit unruly, was gelled and tousled stylishly - at Pierre's suggestion. Rachel had snaked her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply before the vampire left the house for the night, so he assumed he looked as good as he could. If only the knowledge made him feel less apprehensive about the evening. He exchanged glances with his fledgling as Pierre climbed carefully from the car, his burned abdomen giving him a visible amount of difficulty as he bent.

"You know, you really should be treating that better," Damien said quietly in French to his companion, adjusting himself further in a nervous way he hated. The elder took a breath in through his nose and held it, letting out all his tension as best he could, building walls in his mind to keep prying telepaths out.

--

Pierre ignored his sire as he straightened his own self out. It was his habit, Pierre knew, and took no offense to it after so long under Damien's wing. It was also his - Pierre duSang's - habit to ignore the parenting of the elder. They had both existed this way for centuries. The burning in his abdomen would fade soon enough he knew, it only took time. It growled at him at every little movements, like a creaky joint, but it had become his normal. Adjusting to the pain and the freshness of it had cost him the most. Now, it was the new normal.

Pierre adjusted his sleeves in his red wine sportcoat (http://tinyurl.com/y5e4qtd6). Unlike Damien, he knew beyond a doubt that he looked good. Black fitted pants, black button-up. Hair freshly coiffed up and to the side with pomade, with a simple black and-gold watch on his wrist. He was looking to turn some heads, but not keep them too preoccupied with any garish display. Unlike his Sire, Pierre felt relatively relaxed and, in all honesty, a bit bored. He was fully expecting this to be just another repeat of the Masquerade Ball - only this time he hoped that someone wouldn't run into him and send him sprawling like Kerr had done. More mingling, more faked smiles, some networking, and maybe a fun night. Maybe.

"Have you heard from Jenella?" He asked Damien in English, playing with his gold cufflinks.

“She’s supposed to be here soon. Here give me those,” Damien said calmly, and took his sleeve. He sat adjusting them slowly, one by one with the concentration of someone working on a chess move. Pierre smiled, remarking on how adorable it was that Damien was doing this for him. He may have always looked like Pierre’s younger brother, but he always acted like a father.

“I told her we would wait for her at the door,” Pierre responded as Damien finished. “I don’t remember if she was bringing someone.”

“Ah, there she is now,” Damien said as her car came down the long drive. Both gentlemen turned and waited for the lady to approach, oblivious to any guest that may have passed them by unless proper greetings were given.