A Grand Entrance

[Harlequin]

Sabrina gladly relinquished Digital into Jeanne's all-too capable hands. As he followed the vampire, appropriately doe-eyed, the palm of Sabrina's hand met the roundest parts of his chiseled ass with a satisfying (but not too loud) 'SMACK'. There was a certain practiced economy of motion behind the gentle blow.

"I have not had the pleasure," Sabrina admitted, and turned her attention where it was directed, trusting that Digital would be handled as gently as he pleased.

She'd heard the rumors, though, and the woman's haughty bearing did nothing to dispel those impressions. Dark Angels' then, both the golden creature at her side, and the silk-draped creature she now regarded benignly above the crowd. A faint flare of her nostrils. She was getting rusty; needed to get out more.

Unsure if Saraekiel's invitation extended to her, she remained silent when it was made, but the cant of her head and quirked eyebrow indicated at least a passing interest.

[Existentially Odd]

“Another week?” Kerr muttered in disgust, releasing Ben and turning his body to include Ichabod into the conversation. He reached out for his younger fledge’s hand while his other arm remained around Ben, feeling guilty about the anger he’d directed at Cub (now that he’d been reunited with Ben and was more stable). Kerr followed Ben’s gaze instinctively and when he saw Sabrina, all thoughts of ill-will towards Charon and Jake ceased.

“Sabrina!” he exclaimed excitedly, noting that she was with Charon and another beautiful being but they seemed to be turning away from her. She was watching them, like she was debating remaining in their company and Kerr sensed the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the witch he owed his relationship - and Ben’s life - to. “Excuse me, darlings, I’ll be right back,” he told his fledglings distractedly and gave each a negligent squeeze before he raced away, tapping into his celerity to appear at Sabrina’s feet before her attention was snatched by someone else.

“My lady!” he declared rather too boisterously to sound truly worshipful, grinning at her as he bowed low over a comically thrust out leg and then straightened, leaning back to gaze adoringly up at the giantess. “How the hell are you, lass?!” He wondered how long it would take her to notice his increased level of magical potency, thanks to the planar acces rune his demon friend had buried in his chest.

[Seragil]

He assumed Sabrina was coming with them and catching the feeling of her curiosity and interest he started to offer his arm to her as well. The thought of having both the veritable ancient and the towering beauty on his arms as he escorted them across the garden was amusing indeed. He turned to verbally extend his escort invitation when he saw this new and unknown vampire rush towards them. He moved like a shadow, he was so fast he was almost impossible to follow even with his angelic eyesight.

Was he under attack? Was this the reason he was here, to be killed before he became a threat? To remove any hiccup to the obviously vampiric plan to take complete control of the city for themselves. A plan made obvious by the recent and uncalled for sacking, slaughter and unsanctioned claiming of the Western district. The West had been happy being leaderless and everyone there had lived in harmony for the last eighteen months that was until these carrion crows, these graveyard maggots crawled back out of the wood works.

He narrowed his eyes and had barely enough time to summon the tiniest flicker of elemental flame to the hand that was closest to the approaching vampire, the one he was offering Sabrina before the vampire was before him;  and genuflecting all over the demoness beside him. Luckily the flame was of the palest of colour and minuscule, barely flickering over his skin and fingertips before disappearing. Feeling slightly foolish and annoyed for being even remotely unsettled he dropped his hand and arm to his side and hoped neither of his companions noticed his little slip. Vampires apparently could move almost as fast as plane shifting. Interesting, it gave him something to think about as he continued to hold his arm up for Charon whilst continuing to watch this new arrival.

[Trillian]

BEN

Ben remained with Ichabod as Kerr surprised them both by whisking himself away at impossible speed. What was going on, now? Left with his fledge-brother, he regarded Ichabod with some curiosity before speaking. Giving him a warning would be completely out of line with what Charon wanted and also potentially causing himself trouble with Jake, if he was overheard.

Turning his back more obviously to Jake and his entourage, Ben dropped his voice, figuring speaking softly out loud would attract less attention than a mental buzz. Jake was more likely to be suspicious and listen-in, if he felt Ben trying to hide something.

"Kerr told me you got strong-armed by Lazarus. He's cosied up with Jake now, and for the three of us -" he glanced at Kerr, so Ichabod knew he meant their nuclear family, "- it's not great. Jake suggested I keep a portion of the Academy central, in his jurisdiction. I wasn't planning on it but he might ask Lazarus to go heavy on you to convince me. He's making moves, Ichabod," Ben said as if his brother had argued already. "Maybe do some house-hunting?"

The beach house where Kerr waited for Ben to come home was in Zohoret's district. East or South were safest, under the Sacramentum's watchful eye.

CHARON

Charon accepted Saraekiel's offer and moved with him towards the statuesque blonde, dressed in a fashion that Charon approved, and he wondered if she would care or be respectful of his attention and approval. He heard Ben's sire call out to Sabrina before he displayed a masterful touch of celerity. Charon didn't see Kerr's greeting to Sabrina - but he was intrigued at the amount of contacts the giantess had. She was friends with everyone. How marvellous! He didn't miss how Kerr's speed caused tension in Charon's golden companion. The flicker in his palm was so quick that Charon wasn't sure if he'd seen it - but he gave Saraekiel the benefit of doubt when it came to a display of strength. He wasn't a showy one, this one, and Charon liked that about him. There were too many peacocks at this party.

"And what do you do to pass the time?" Charon asked Saraekiel. "I'm always keen for ideas," he said dryly.

[Seragil]

He relaxed as he slowly escorted Charon towards their target, the glorious and unparalleled beauty that was Zoheret. and leaving behind Sabrina and her new paramour. When she had mentioned she was looking for her friends she hadn't been joking and apparently she had many of them.

At Charon’s seemingly innocent question though he stopped a second in consideration before continuing. Obviously Charon asked simply to pass the time it would take them to get from the stairs to where Zoheret held her mini court of vampiric admirers; and who could blame them for said admiration, and no doubt Charon was participation in polite conversation in an attempt to get to know him better as a host would with an unknown but valued and interesting guest, which naturally he was. He considered answering in the same vein, light, easy, maybe a little playful and frivolous but decided to opt for truth instead. He kind of liked this timeless but ancient vampire and anyone who had not only survived the eons this creature had deserved a certain level of respect and honesty.

“Lately I have been making plans to wage war of a biblical scale on the vampires of this city” he said quietly enough that only Charon would hear. His words were simple, there was no ego, or malice, no smugness, or threat in his tone or his touch and if Charon were to look at him in surprise at his revelation, he would see Sarakiel spoke with no hint of madness, zeal or fervor on his face or in his eyes. He simply spoke with truth, a cool, sharp conviction and with iron resolve. The grass was green, the sky blue, Zoheret was perfection personified and he was planning to wage war on the vampires.

[pinkroses]

Murphy felt the flirting tingle of Jake’s thoughts, but able to identify whether it was a feeling pressed his way or his own inklings. As much as those flutterings were making themselves known, Murphy was still wary of why Jake had summoned him over though, and Ben’s dislike of him, so he was quite relieved when Lisa-Joe slid up to them as it gave a distraction from Jake.

For a couple of seconds at least.

He gaze flickered to Sam, feeling her sympathetic eyes on him and his cheeks flushed slightly, as he straightened his shoulders, even though it made him want to curl up in a ball. He and Ben had caused so much damage, so much change, but obviously that had to have been good for some people. He recognised that she was teasing him though and tried not to take it personally. He didn’t want to embarrass himself in front of this crowd by sulking.

“Thanks,” he said sarcastically, raising an eyebrow at her and giving a small smile. “Don’t think I’ll be making it a habit though,” he added with a shrug. He was relieved when Sam offered up a different topic of conversation.

“Well, I just kind of picked it up at college and enjoyed it. I was pretty lucky when I got home and manage to fall into it. Reviewing Risk when it was still Risk, opened up a few doors, then I managed to get them slammed shut again with my… anarchy,” Murphy added with a sideways glance at Lisa-Joe at the use of her word.

“How are you enjoying working at the Academy, I saw you were teaching a few classes. Did you teach before that?” Murphy asked Sam with interest.

“I have only heard of those over a thousand doing it before, but I suppose it depends on the strength and resilience of the specific being,” Seb said with a small shrug. He didn’t know exactly how old Jake was, but he was still a child really. “I’ve heard it referred to a few ways, but torpor isn’t one I would usually use.” Seb had interacted with different clans, but never really joined any properly. It was interesting to witness, but sometimes they went a little… extreme in their methods and desires.

A thoughtful look same over Seb’s face at the question of his future. To be honest, in the past he’d made plans, followed them through, or moved around trying to find new missions in life. But since rising he’d been floating along, enjoying his life and not really going out of his way to carry out any of the fleeting plans he’d made.

“I was considering offering my services at the Academy. It’s been a while since I’ve given back to society, maybe teaching a class or two will ease me into it. I’ve definitely been slacking on my good deeds recently.”

Ichabod stood nearby awkwardly as his sire and brother reunited, casting his gaze around the room, wary in case Jake or Charon headed their way – or Lazarus appearing. He was listening to Ben as well though; another week? Kerr was going to go mental.

Or… perhaps not. Ichabod had been about to reciprocate and take the hand his sire offered, when suddenly Kerr disappeared from their sides. He pressed his lips tightly together as he watched Kerr greet Sabrina, then shook his head slightly as he turned back to Ben, letting his eyes drift over his brother, looking for any sign of injury or mistreatment but seeing none.

“You’re probably right,” Ichabod said quietly, giving a sideways glance towards Jake and frowning slightly at the sight of Murphy sitting there. “I told you Lazarus was asking about Murphy too. Why did you take him over there? You’re my brother, but we’re… he’s… you’re closer to Murphy, he could use him too.” Ichabod struggled to get the words out – but it was true. Ben and he may be blood and they would protect each other, but Ichabod thought the loss of Murphy would hit Ben harder.

“Kerr needs you to come home. Is there something you need to do before they’ll let you go, or is it just time?” he asked softly.

[Harlequin]

As soon as she moved to take the offered arm, Kerr inserted himself into the open space in Sabrina's attention as surely as a key into a lock. Her shoulders twitched upward in surprise, but her gentle gasp turned into another gale of laughter as she dipped her tall frame into an impossibly deep curtsy.

The way her pale eyes jerked sidelong toward Saraekiel even as she bowed told him his summoning hadn't gone unnoticed. The sharp, bright burning scent of elemental fire was unmistakable; its presence even for a moment worrying. But it was gone as soon as there, and the momentary tension vanished from her smile.  "It was lovely meeting you," she offered to the Dark Angel as he and Charon moved on to their next target.

Rising, Sabrina took both of Kerr's hands in hers to bring him up with her, though she didn't let go once he'd straightened. "I'm doing well, darling, and even better for seeing you. It's been much too long! And much has changed, it seems." She let one of his hands go to tap his chest with one stiletto-nailed finger, above where the key lay buried. Not long, apparently. The magic encircled her fingers, tugging and warm as she rested her palm again the fabric of his jacket, the teal a lovely counterpoint to the bright periwinkle of her fingernails. "How are you, love? How's your family?"

[Black Philip]

He'd been sitting too long, and Jake realized if he didn't move he'd be stuck here all night. He wanted to talk to with Murphy, alone if possible. He didn't fully understand what he wanted from him, but he knew sitting at this table wasn't it. Seb mentioning the Academy was a whole separate topic of conversation and it was a conversation Jake wanted to have, as Ben had agreed to accept his money to keep the Central Academy campus going. It was the one moment he felt like he and Ben had a positive connection, and he didn't dare mention it now, not with Murphy and Seb here. What it Ben suddenly pulled out? He did like that Seb wanted to teach. In all honesty, before all the mess of the last few days, Jake was figuring out a way to ask Ben if he could too.

That time had passed, and meant Jake was unlikely to ever get the opportunity as long as Ben was in charge and the Academy was Ben's. However, Jake's thoughts quickly returned to the table and how to rotate things without ruffling feathers. He responded to Seb, however, as he did the prince reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a business card. He crossed out one number and wrote his personal cell, and slid it towards Seb, all without breaking eye contact.

"A thousand? Well I have some time then and I think teaching at the Academy sounds lovely. Sam tells me about her classes and it makes me want to teach." The card with his personal contact information was now in front of Seb.

"It was lovely to get to meet you Seb. I'd like to talk more with you when I'm not acting as a district leader. Come to the Rabbit or tell me where to meet. It would be an honor." He meant Seb no disrespect, but he knew conversations with Charon, Kerr, and if he was salty enough about the west Damien were still to come. If he had any chance of getting to know Murphy it had to be now. Otherwise he'd think Jake just brought him over to look at, and for Lisa-Joe to mock. He was glad Sam stepped in and relieved the pressure, and shot Lisa-Joe a nasty look for playing with the kids' feelings.

"I have never seen the gardens here and I think I'd like to take a walk in them." He turned towards Murphy, and waited until he and Sam were done speaking before asking, "Would you come with me Murphy?" His tone was polite and respectful, and perhaps even a bit nervous. He was not faking his nerves, as he thought Murphy might say no. He was Ben's friend after all. But Jake was going to walk through the gardens and he'd been waiting for an opportunity to get some one on one time with this handsome and interesting person.  He gave Murphy a hopeful, boyish grin. His aura turned pink, and to those who can see such things it felt like Jake blushed a tad.
Lisa-Joe wanted more Seb, and so leaned away from the kids and placed her elbows on the table, and her head in her hands. She wondered if he was another man for man. Is that what they called it now? In addition to ancients, this city had a lot of LGBT people, and based on the city's profile the odds on old Seb here was fifty-fifty. She stared at him, and as Jake began to shuffle the table, she decided to help.

"Seb, since Jake is leaving us to go mingle with this one," she dismissively pointed to Murphy, "would you walk me back up to the house? I would go alone, but with my new dress slit I don't want to be taken advantage of." She was obviously kidding about the last part. She actually pitted the person who tried to take advantage of her, but she did want Seb to walk and talk with her, and she often found playing on her feminine charms greased the wheel. She looked and saw Pierre's group again, and locked eyes for a moment with the beautiful woman. Who was she? She'd find out later, and waited for Seb to reply.  She would bring Sam too if she liked, or let the girl be free to go mingle wherever she wanted.
The young vampire ran away screaming as Flick just tried to have a conversation. Well how rude, Flick thought. He was no monster like the fledge had exclaimed. His white fur was handsome and his belly was most certainly fit for scratches.

[[OOC: btw meet Ari.]]

An ancient, beautiful and calming vampire approached. He was very tall, and his skin was white as marble. The man's hair was platinum blonde and slicked back, and he wore a proper tuxedo. It didn't have the bells and whistles of some of the other outfits, but Ari liked it that way. Let the little rascal dark lord wear his flower jacket. Ari had a serious expression as he examined the wolf in front of him. It looked and talked like a shifter but it smelt like a vampire. It didn't have a heartbeat and it's breathing was faked. It was an odd being. Ari looked with eyes beyond the physical and the beasts aura looked almost radiant and silver. It seemed like mortality and true life was trying to crawl past the vampire and restart his heart. The Scandinavian did the only sensible thing you do when a dog, or wolf, approaches and gave the creature a good scratch behind the ears. Flick then repeated his question about Digital in wolf.

"Well, like most people who know wolf these days, I understand it better than I speak it. Is English alright?" His voice was deep, a ripple of sound reverberating the air around him. Flick nodded that English was a okay. "Was he in the nude and wearing goggles," Ari asked. Flick nodded again. Ari smiled playfully, seeing this pup was rather fond of his friend. He felt warm feelings creep into his eyes and it almost invited Flick into a trance. Digital was forgotten for the moment, and all the beast wanted to do was please the nice tall, good looking man. Flick actually forgot what made him come here, and simply started walking back towards the larger party with him.

"Does the dogo have a nameo," Ari said, remembering that he'd been trying to inject humor into his day. Working for the family was never a bother for Ari. He simply wanted to do his part when it was needed, and have a nice life outside of it. He'd managed to do both here in the city, and so when the family needed him tonight, he'd simply cancelled his plans and placed himself here. The pair came up to Charon's group, Ari needing to confirm the beast-man could stay. He didn't like the look of the golden haired man that spoke to his paternal figure currently. He sensed only trouble would come from that one. Still, Charon didn't seemed concerned, and Ari hated showstoppers always making scenes.

"Please excuse my interruption," he said graciously to the family head. "The forest gave us a gift. May he stay?" He moved so that Charon could see Flick properly. He'd seen something deep within him, but Ari knew Charon would see more if he decided to look. Flick meanwhile was staring at Ari, although did give everyone else a polite bow. He dared not look at the dark angels. The last one had almost tricked him and now he hated jazz music as a result! He looked at Charon with curiosity and cocked his head to the side. He smelt very old, and so much like the earth. His smell was purer than most vampires and he found he couldn't stop sniffing in that direction.

You smell nice, the wolf mentally communicated, hoping his friendly message would get through. Ari heard it, and was unsure how Charon would receive such a compliment.

[Trillian]

BEN

When Kerr left him so suddenly after finding out that Ben was still lost to him for a week (and likely more), he was devastated. Perhaps Kerr was running to Sabrina to ask for her help, for she'd helped Ben once before, with the ritual that had given him his existence back. If not for her, he would not be here now. But still, could Kerr not discuss things with him first?

Then Ichabod spoke and Ben, without thinking about the deeper reasons why, turned his rejection into aggression and aimed it at his brother.

At first Ichabod confirmed that Ben was right. Good, at least Ichabod had managed to understand that Ben's current position in the middle of the shit meant he could hear and see things that were currently happening. Point in his favour.

Ichabod pointing out the obvious danger Ben had been forced to put Murphy in, brought up feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Thanks for that Ichabod, like I couldn't fucking work that out myself. The thought was neatly locked away and only sent a spike of irritation through him. He kept it pressed down though, because at least Ichabod was looking out for Ben's friend. That was another point in his favour, even if it came with the accusation: 'why did you put him in danger'.

And then the clincher, the reveal of how obtuse he was. Why did he have to question things that he didn't know anything about? How did he think he would understand the answer? He didn't really want to stand here for an hour listening to how everything had unfolded in order to fully grasp what was happening. There were multiple players and multiple pieces and Ichabod was a pawn and Ben was a rook... or rookie, perhaps. Slightly useful because of the Academy, but still a piece that would be sacrificed in order to win the battle. Murphy... he wasn't sure about his friend, who had been tight-lipped about his relationships with the Sacramentum. The only thing Ben knew was that the whole family adored Murphy but only Charon liked Ben. (He didn't know about Jeanne's indirect gratitude). Ben couldn't save Murphy from Jake, but the ancient family could... if they wanted to.

He averted his gaze from Ichabod and pressed his lips firmly together, lest any foul words escape that he couldn't take back. He shoved his fists into his pants pockets and mentally counted to ten. When he laid eyes on Kerr bowing and grinning at Sabrina, he found he needed to count much higher. He needed more than a hug and a passionate kiss. Even though Kerr might be asking for Sabrina's help, he still felt lost. And he'd been left behind with, of all people, his brother to talk to.

"Just time," he finally managed to say after too long a pause. His silvery-blue eyes flicked back to Ichabod. "Are you in a relationship or is that guy in your apartment a pet?"

He was, in spite of himself, interested in the pet/vampire relationship. He'd considered it for half a second around the time of the masquerade party, but then everything had gone pear-shaped and Cain dropped off the map.

CHARON

Rather than interrupt Zohoret's conversation with those she was with, Charon came to a stop nearby and plied Saraekiel with more questions once his first one was answered; mostly questions about his opinion of the city, how long he'd been here, which district he lived in, and other not-so-personal questions that would help Charon learn about him without being too intrusive.

In the middle of his conversation with Saraekiel, Ari surprised him by bringing the wolf-creature over to him. What had possessed him to interrupt? Or to bring an uninvited guest directly to Charon himself? The Malkavian had made an amusing entrance, but this was something else. He flashed anger and irritation into Ari's mind to go along with his mental words.

Why did you not ask my permission with your mind? Are you trying to force my hand by bringing this creature physically to my face? How dare you take any option away from me! Get rid of it!

But in front of his guests, Charon politely replied: "Do as you please, Ari." Then he turned his back to his grandchilde and listened to Saraekiel's responses.

[Idrial]

Sam listened intently as Murphy spoke about his career, they had both similarities. While Murphy worked alongside reviewing Risk Sam had worked as a bartender; a job that was short lived. When the Oligarchy fell the owners of Risk thought it be best to let her go, the risk of political interference being Jakes fledge was too high. It was a blow that had shaken her confidence at the time, she understood how Murphy felt with his little run of anarchy.

"I am enjoying it thank you for asking, " she grinned at him. " No, I didn't teach before in my life. I was a little lost at first when I started." Giggling at herself as she continued speaking to him.

"However I did attend the University here, I have my Masters in dance, music and literature. So I had an idea of how to engage the students. And, how to pique their interest due to the wonderful teachers there, " some days she did miss University life, stressful but simple.

Just then Jake asked Murphy to take a walk with him in the garden, knowing Jake would want alone time with Murphy. Lisa-Joe seemed preoccupied with Seb, falling all over the ancient. Looks like Sam was going to be wandering the garden alone for a bit, that was fine she needed to stand and stretch her legs. Perhaps a warm glass of blood, as hers had gone cold on the table.

[Seragil]

He stopped when Charon did and understanding that the ancient was using Zoherets current conversation with her companions as an excuse to take precious time away from his duties as host to converse privately with him, he intended to quickly and efficiently as possable answer Charons questions when they were interrupted by a stunning blonde vampire, and; he assumed by his and Charons quick discussion, the wolf he had heard howling moments ago. This new vampire was another that managed to register as been old, he lacked the accumulated weight Charons age pressed upon him but it was enough for Saraekiel to regard him with some interest and slight curiosity.

After the pair had left he returned to their conversation and explained how he had lived in the city on and off for many years, that he and Charon were basically neighbors, and his general joy and appreciation of the city he lived in. He then quite eloquently expressed his sorrow and disappointment at the recent actions of one Jake McCload and how he found his murderous and tyrannical grasp at power disquieting to say the least and that his obviously contemptuous regard of other species was both alarming and totally unacceptable.

As Zoherets conversation was apparently coming to a close he once again offered his arm to Charon.

“I have been counseled that my solution to the current unpleasantness, although totally understandable, may not be the best solution and that I should try and find a more amicable and peaceful way to bring peace, stability and equality amongst the different races back to the city. Hence why I have decided to confide in you. I know this is not the right time and that I have quite rudely monopolized your time this evening, but I can see you are a respected Elder and Leader of your people and so I was hoping that I may call upon you, if not next evening then some time very soon and that mayhap between us we can find a mutually amicable and peaceful solution to this unpleasantness.” He said as he restarted their approach to Zoheret and her group

“Because, and I hope you can understand and empathize with me here Charon. Although I am more than open to finding a peaceful resolution, I have been forced to serve time beneath the heel of a tyrant before and I have absolutely no intentions of ever doing so again”

[Existentially Odd]

Kerr's lips twisted coyly as Sabrina pressed against his chest and referenced the change in him (instantly! He should have known - she probably smelt it on him as he raced across the grass towards her) but that twist became bitter as she asked about his family. Did she know? She might've meant just Ben and Ichabod but he credited this particular sulfur-infused being with a softer heart than even his own; she was nothing if not kind. She meant all of them, because she cared about everyone. Then again, perhaps she didn't know, otherwise she wouldn't have asked and risked dredging up his pain.

He curled his hands around her hand now and brought it up to his cheek, tilting his head to rest upon the cluster of digits and smile sadly at her. When his knees threatened to buckle suddenly, he knew an ancient must have walked close by and Kerr performed an odd little dip, gripping Sabrina's hands involuntarily tighter, before he straightened. Thankfully, his response to her was largely unaffected.

"I only have Ben and Ichabod now, since Digital killed my sire and our fledges. And Ben is currently under some ridiculous punishment-house arrest, spending his nights with Jake McCloud and Lazarus, of all people! You know better than anyone that things have been worse - apparently Ben will be back in a week - but the family thing's not great for me right now - hopefully it's better for you?" he asked with a wry laugh.

Charon had moved away but Kerr cast a sly glance in his direction, rather hoping his pointed words would indirectly register his disgust with the situation. He was very disappointed to see Charon's attention held by an ancient with a wolf. Oh well, it was probably for the best. He gazed up into Sabrina's dichotomously soulless eyes once more.

[Trillian]

CHARON

Charon, even whilst listening to Saraekiel's responses, also didn't miss the slightly-louder-than-normal comment from Kerr nearby. He was barely two metres away. He didn't flinch or turn his head, instead focussing on the inane responses from the dark angel to the inane questions he'd asked, and threw a mental retort Kerr's way.

As you recall, you agreed that a favour is owed me, and this is what Ben is paying back. I believe he is capable of handling himself and the situation he is in. Once he completes his task, neither of you will be beholden to me, yet I will consider you allies. Is this not worth a few weeks?

Unfortunately Charon hadn't paid heed to 'a week' and had used the same phrase he'd used with Ben.

His attention shifted back and his eyes sparked interest when Saraekiel made the most confronting and delicious statement.

"I completely agree it was in poor form. We had only recently made a fresh alliance and I only learnt of his plans when everyone else did, in the newspaper and after his people had judged and executed Ward-protected beings. If this is what an alliance with Jake McCloud is like, I wonder what differences, if any, are extended to his enemies?" Charon knew it was a risk to speak aloud, when word might reach the District Leader from some of his lackeys if they were close enough to overhear, but he wasn't interested in keeping his opinion to himself. Jake should have come looking for him the moment he stepped foot in Charon's house, considering he'd snatched up the West like a greedy little boy. "I would be honoured to meet with you tomorrow night to discuss this matter and to review options. In fact... I believe I've wasted enough time waiting to speak with others. Everyone is here."

He mentally touched each of his family's minds, letting them know the announcement was coming. He included Sabrina with an advanced notice prickling so she could brace herself for the intrusion.

And, like a foghorn that emitted sound to everyone within a certain range of hearing, so did Charon send his message into every mind at the party, whether they were closed off or not. He could draw on some of the mental touch from his family, but didn't bother, for nobody was locked up that tightly - everyone was rather receptive, in fact. But there were three minds that he left alone because there was something incomplete about them; the Malkavian upstairs, and in the garden, a human and a fellow vampire. Whther they heard or not would depend on how receptive they were to telepathic noise.

"THE REASON YOU ARE ALL HERE AT THIS PARTY," he boomed (but not so loudly that they would flinch - perhaps only startling a few from the suddenness of his voice in their minds), "IS TO EXTEND A SPECIAL WELCOME TO THE NEWEST DISTRICT LEADER OF THE CITY. PLEASE BRING YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR SAINT SABRINA, WHO WILL BE TAKING OVER THE SOUTH DISTRICT WITH MY BLESSING AND FULL SUPPORT."

Charon gestured at the giantess nearby and, as applause began to sound, he took one of the martini glasses off the tray as one of the wait-staff hurried over to him. Replenishment.

[Saiketsu]

"You're too kind, Ms. Vadim," Zoheret said with a rehearsed yet dazzling smile to her undead companion. "I found it in a little boutique in Naxos, tucked away from the main streets. Hand sewn, imported silks with Turkish silver. I knew I had to have it." She touched the fabric lightly, admiring it, noticing in her peripheral vision that the blond vampire was watching the exchange with interest. The Dark Angel refused to acknowledge his glance just now. He may have been undead, but the boy was a pleasure to look upon.

She continued the small talk with the vampire, never actually giving her the pleasure of her name, though hardly thinking it was necessary. Her eyes stayed focused and engaged with the conversation with the vampire who, while still remained an undead savage, at the very least had good taste. Briefly, she looked around at the little fete and noticed her companion, Saraekiel, heading towards her with the most hideous undead she had ever seen. It became immediately clear who was at Saraekiel's side - no, on his arm.

So this old, deformed thing was Charon. She had heard rumor of his deformity, but never expected such monstrosity in immortal beings. As far as she knew, vampires and the undead were supposed to be uncommonly attractive, were they not? Charon must not have been a subscriber of that mindset. His appearance repelled her entirely, causing her to forget her interest in the dress, the other woman, and the immortal man who stood next to her. Her smile stiffened as she noticed Saraekiel make eye contact with her, the two men heading towards her. "Ms. Vadim, would you excuse me for a moment?" She reached out and gently touched the other woman, her cool skin like death beneath the soft pads of her fingers. There was nothing to fear from the Angel, but wouldn't be surprised if the vampire had felt uncomfortable with the action. Zoheret released Jenella's forearm and descended the stairs towards the old undead.

She steeled herself thoroughly against the beast in front of her, using Saraekiel's beauty to give her Grace instead of horror. She was a District Leader, after all. She would be cordial, polite, and respectful to the undead savage that had invited her into his house to play politics.

"A tyrant?" Zoheret said grandly as she descended the stairs with grace known to her kind - and heels to echo the response. "Dear Saraekiel, I had hoped I wasn't being too terrible to you now." She smiled coyly at her subject, enjoying her little jest.

"Gentlemen, good evening." She addressed both Charon and Saraekiel. "How generous that you would both take time away from your peoples to greet and talk with me."

---
Be careful, Damien sent to Jenella quickly just as Zoheret began to engage in her frivolous conversation. Just in case she had forgotten. This is Zoheret, the ex-oligarch for Dark Angels. Remember her forked tongue. Damien refused to look in her direction, preferring to remain as if distracted by the participants he stood over-looking.

He had indeed found a curious sight now that he was properly able to deconstruct the makeup of the party. To his left, about twenty or so paces and down the stairs stood an oddly tall woman who had taken initial control of the wild vampire who raved nakedly. With the wild one gone, the tall woman - whom made Damien mildly nervous, despite giving him no reason - took up much of his mental space. There was something strange there and he couldn't put his finger on it immediately - nor did he want to. And so he watched, refusing a waitress who had offered to take his order for a drink. Best not to get too comfortable, he decided.

---

Pierre blew out his lips in boredom and shoved his hands in his pockets well before Zoheret had left the stairs. He was no fool and had played this game with women many a time. The Dark Angel was posturing for his attention, speaking to his fledge and not acknowledging his presence in the slightest - all too conveniently without eye contact. It was boring. Damien remained stiff as a board at the top of the stairs observing, well, everything.

"You need to relax," Pierre murmured to the elder under his breath in Old French. From his tone, any passerby would think that he were asking him a question. It was a fun little trick that he liked to play on Damien, who would frantically search his mind for other languages and meanings, just to realize he'd been duped. The flicker of a scowl crossed the elder's face as Damien proved himself reliable. Pierre smirked and nodded towards the table with Jake McCloud, Sebastian, and of course, Lisa-Joe.

"Come," he said to his sire and placed a hand firmly on the middle of his back, a friendly guide towards doing something other than brooding. The elder acquiesced and walked first down the steps, leaving Jenella to her own devices. Pierre scooped a glass of blood from a nearby waiter's platter and attempted to hand it to his Sire. Damien, of course, refused with a shake of his head, so Pierre took it as his own. "Suit yourself, you old goat!"

Pierre strolled comfortably besides Damien sipping at his blood cocktail - lukewarm, unfortunately - as he made his way over to the table where Jake McCloud was holding court. Before he could say anything, however, the party stopped all at once, as if some big button had been pressed for everyone else but Pierre. He looked around as the party fell mostly silent. The faces of the party-goers froze in unison and bewilderment. There was looking around, mostly back towards the steps that they had both descended from - even Damien seemed struck somehow.

"What is it?" Pierre the Unhearing asked.

Damien didn't respond but moved his eyes over to the giantess. As did many others.

"The Sacramentum no longer openly control the South," Damien whispered in Basque. His Sire's lips hardened into a line.

[Seragil]

Saraekiels eyes glittered with interest as Charon expressed his displeasure at his undead compatriots actions. Dissent amongst the ranks was always a fun toy to play with. His lips curled upwards in a warm smile at the extended invitation to visit the next night. he was intrigued by what the old schemer might have to say.

When Charon mentally blared his announcement he winced, although the only physical sign was a slight flicker of an eye. He turned towards Sabrina and politely clapped along with everyone else. At least she wasn't another upstart coffin crawler.

At Zoherets approach and greeting he smiled honestly for the first time that evening. After having to pretend to play nice with all these lesser beings she was like a Herald of the Divine and a balm to his soul.

“Zoheret love, Perfection can never be tyranny” he admonished playfully, his tone light and respectful as it had been to everybody he had conversed with so far. However, he had no doubt she would know it for the bullshit it was and would play along. “Please, allow me to introduce to you my companion, our most esteemed, charming, genteel and generous host. Charon.”

He suspected the effect the misshapen ancient would have on her and how repulsed she must be by him but the only outward or mental sign that he understood and shared her opinion was a little darkening of his eyes “And we don’t have a peoples remember. After all, I thought the purpose of this District Leadership stuff was so that we can all come together as one people with understanding and equality for all” he stated, spouting practically the same ridiculous bullshit he had just said to Charon a moment ago as he looked at Zoheret with glittering eyes. Angels were the only race of import, everything else was but muck beneath their feet.