A Grand Entrance

[pinkroses]

 Ichabod let his gaze wander as Ben’s did and he waited for the response. He knew Ben had to be pretty stressed right now and could see from the look on Ben’s face he was holding something back. It was frustrating. Ichabod wanted to help, to have Kerr be happy again, to have Ben safe, but no one wanted to include him or tell him everything so what was he supposed to do?

He gave a small nod at Ben’s short reply. Time. That must be infuriating as there was nothing could be done to change the march of time, but it meant there wasn’t some impossible task Ben or Kerr had to carry out before it would be over. So… that had to be good, right?

He glanced sideways at Ben at the question about James, feeling a wave of guilt.

“James isn’t a pet. It’s not anything overly serious though, I mean, we haven’t talked about living together or anything. It’ll probably fizzle out when he finishes studying,” Ichabod said with a small shrug. Or before then if Ichabod kept cancelling because Kerr needed him. James said he understood, his sire had come back from the dead, of course Ichabod wanted to be with him. But no doubt there would be a limit. Maybe if they’d met when Kerr had been “alive” their relationship would have moved on faster, but that couldn’t be changed.

“He’s probably pissed at me. I’ve been kind of neglecting him since…” Ichabod gestured vaguely towards Kerr.

Seb accepted the card which was slid across the table to him with a nod and deposited it into an inside pocket of his jacket.

“I’ll make sure I do,” he said with a smile at the District Leader, who then turned his attentions to Murphy, who was listening to Sam.

She looked so young to have done so much, but with vampires that meant nothing. Look at Jake, he looked like he was only just an adult, but he was obviously much older and that age showed behind his eyes. Until he gave that endearing youthful grin that Murphy couldn’t help but return. Ben may not like Jake a huge amount, but he wouldn’t have left him in danger, so what could be the harm in going for a walk alone with him?

“Sure, that sounds good,” Murphy said, giving Sam an apologetic touch on the arm before he stood up to let Jake lead him away.

Well, I couldn’t turn down a lady in distress,” Seb agreed to Lisa-Joe’s request, maybe he wasn’t mingling as much as he should do, but she would definitely be an entertaining companion from what he knew of her. He could imagine her holding her own in any situation, be that in the bar she worked at, in political circles by Jake’s side, or in the bedroom.

He knew it would be polite to invite Sam as well, rather than leave her alone, but he wasn’t sure whether Lisa-Joe would be put out by that or not, so he would let her offer the invitation if it were to come.

As he stood however, his mind was drawn to the announcement and he’s gaze moved from Lisa-Joe to the source of the declaration. So, that was why they had all been brought here. Seb knew little of Sabrina, but as he took in her great stature and twinkling eyes he found himself deciding her would probably like her. That was a little to do with her close proximity to Kerr, whose judgement he trusted from previous encounters. She definitely was an imposing figure, but looked like a warm one, and Seb joined in the applause which filled the room. After their previous discussion he found himself wondering what Jake would think of this, but resisted the urge to glace towards the other District Leader.

Ichabod’s eyes also turned to the group where Sabrina stood and gave a small smile as saw how relaxed Kerr looked around the witch. After all then tension of the past few weeks, it was nice to see him actually enjoying himself – despite his sudden departure from their sides.

“Maybe I need to look at the homes in the South if I move,” he said quietly to Ben. It was the other side of the city to his sire and brother, but it would probably be for the best not to be too close to Ben, although they were getting along a bit better than they had been for quite some time.

[Harlequin]

"I'm so sorry," the giant's voice dropped to a low tone, "About your sire, you fledglings. I didn't know. It's been much too long." Her brows knit and her lips pressed together. From the tangle of their fingers, she ran one large thumb over his cheekbone, as if to wipe away tears. If she was aware that Kerr was trading barbs with Charon, she gave no indication of such, though she did reach out a steadying hand when he wobbled.

"Jake...worries me." She clearly had other thoughts, but she kept them to herself for now, as they were pressed and chased out of her head by Charon's warning and then announcement. To avoid others catching Kerr in a potentially embarrassing state as heads swivelled their way, Sabrina withdrew her hand from his and placed her arm around his shoulders, turning so they were standing side by side. She beamed out at the party and waved, reminiscent of a princess on a parade float, before giving a deep, deferential nod in Charon's direction. She was the very picture of delight and humble gratitude.

 "I don't believe I've met Ichabod," she murmured then to Kerr, leaning down slightly. She spoke as if their conversation had not been interrupted by momentous news, "Would you introduce us?"

[suneater]

Luke watched as Jake cozied up to yet another unfamiliar young man and only extreme discipline kept him from shaking his head outright. He was going to need a flow chart or a spread sheet to keep them all straight. It seemed like the two of them might be taking a little walk, if he'd overheard Jake's schoolboy request correctly, which meant that he'd likely end up following discreetly. He hadn't come to the party to socialize, after all, and between his obscurity and the inscrutable aura of indifference he had been projecting, nobody seemed to have taken much note of him.

He was in the process of lifting his champagne glass to his lips when Charon's announcement invaded his skull. He more than flinched - he looked stricken, and the flute fell from his hands. Fortunately it landed in the soft grass, sparing him the dramatic sound of shattering glass. The altered human's mind, ravaged and then hollowed out as it was, proved a little too receptive to the intrusive communication. A hiss escaped his gritted teeth, and he actually staggered slightly as a headache blossomed like fire in his skull. He allowed himself to squeeze his eyes closed for a bare second before opening them again and reaching for the back of a nearby chair to steady himself.

It was over quickly, and the pain subsided to a minor throbbing in his temples. He glanced around rapidly, hazel eyes betraying his sudden discomfort, and then stooped to scoop up his fallen glass and offer it to a perceptive waiter who was already en route. He cast his gaze around for the source of the message that was still echoing through his mind to no avail. Nobody else seemed to reacting like he had, so he had to assume it was his condition that was responsible for the effect, rather than some intention of whoever had blasted the announcement. The contents didn't mean much to him. Jake had given him a crash course in city politics, and Sabrina's name didn't ring any bells.

He straightened his jacket and asked the waiter for some water. The sooner this night was over, the better.

[Black Philip]

Jake felt things had gone well with Seb, and that he'd be seeing him again soon. Lisa-Joe seemed to be flirting with him and after the game of pool he'd heard about the other day he wondered if men were having a comeback for her. He kept that opinion to himself, knowing it meant a gut punch from her in private. As Murphy accepted, Jake couldn't help but grin wider, and even showed a bit of teeth. "Thank you," he said politely. "This is the only thing I want to do right now."

He gave Seb a parting nod, and stood up to begin moving towards the gardens. He leaned down and kissed Sam on the check. "You look beautiful tonight," he whispered to her, before planting one more annoyingly fat check kiss on her. He laughed and would've turned to leave if not for the mental hijack that took place next.

Jake became visibly tense, and he gripped the table, eyes wide. It's not the form of communication that bothered him. He was not used to having his mental defenses cut threw like butter, and as everyone turned to clap for Sabrina - including Jake enthusiastically, his eyes landed on the ancient one who'd just shown a great amount of power. As the applause continued the Black Prince raised a glass and boomed his voice as loud as he could.

"Long live Saint Sabrina," Jake yelled in cheers. The blueblood wasn't sure how many people would respond but a fair amount of people cheered, and said, "Long live Sabrina!" He was happy with the decision, and much preferred Sabrina in the south over Ben. As Jake thought about it, Lazarus thinking that Charon would give Ben the south felt even more silly when the perfect and correct choice had been made. He knew his duty was to walk up to the new District Leader, and congratulate her in person, as well as use it as an excuse to sneak away with Charon. However, he'd promised Murphy a walk, and honestly taking this cute and interesting mortal for some one on one time was the only thing Jake wanted to do at the moment. Sabrina would be overwhelmed with people for a while, and the night was still early all things considered. There would be time.

He had just turned to tell Luke to follow at a distance, when he saw the man steadying himself with a chair. His eyes fell to a dropped glass that Luke was now sweeping up. Jake moved to him and whispered softly to his bodyguard.

"Are you alright," he asked, tone showing actual concern. Charon's little party trick must've not mixed well with Luke's mind. His kept his eyes away from Luke's afraid what would happen if they directly linked again.
Lisa-Joe looked like she might eat Seb, as he answered in good sport of her little farce. She liked a man who could play along. She stood when Jake did, not before of course, and would wait for Seb to lead the way. She thought it might be too gosh to slide her arm under his, but if he allowed her, she'd do it anyway. She could see Pierre and Damien coming towards her as she and Seb were about to head back to the house and was conflicted. Before meeting Seb properly all she'd wanted to do was talk to Pierre. Now, she had another with her, and honestly he'd lit her smoke, let her win at arm wrestling and agreed to walk her to the house. Seb had a touch of a gentleman. She'd have to see where the night had her end up, but for now she'd pass by the French delegation and give her attention to the dashing ancient.

Then the damn message came through, and while she didn't visibly tense like Jake, she was sure though a good sound system and a mike, or little note cards would've been just as effective. She looked at the South's new leader and liked what she saw. Tall, female, and not an asshole. Lisa-Joe considered these all good leadership qualities and when Jake asked for long life for the new leader, Lisa-Joe answered the call. "Long live Sabrina," she yelled and clapped along with the others.
Ari grumbled internally at his foolishness for not mentally pinging Charon first. His act had cost the party the company of this interesting creature. Well, life was about lessons and making lemonade. Was that the saying human used these days? The wolf was looking at Charon expectantly and when Charon said Ari could do as he pleased Flick turned his snout and looked happily at the tall blonde. Ari, thanked Charon and began leading Flick back to the edge of the property. Flick realized that he was being sent away when he wasn't brought into the party proper and looked up at Ari as if he was sorry for wetting the carpet.

Ari gave the beast-man an apologetic look but said nothing as they walked. He often found saying nothing was better than babbling on for hours at a time, and knew when he did speak most people paid attention. It was an an event to hear the Scandinavian man go on and on, and only other family members had ever witnessed it. When they reached the pool, Ari saw the huge whole Flick had made in the fence, and looked at him with disapproval. He'd fix it once the party was over, and added it to his list of things to do.

"I'm afraid now is not the time for us to make a new friend," Ari said in apology, voice serious and calm. It was factual and held little visible emotion, but Flick could sense on some level Ari didn't want him to go. The wolf boy rubbed his body on Ari's legs and the ancient vampire gave him another scratch behind the ears. Ari loved animals, and a creature like Flick was truly fascinating to him. His over excitement had caused him to be careless though, and the wolf had to pay the price. "Come see me again sometime," he told Flick, pointing towards the Meddowcrest woods. "I'll tell your friend you dropped by." He nodded his head and began moving back towards the party. Charon's warning and subsequent message came though, but Ari didn't heed either greatly at the moment. He'd congratulate the new District Leader when he could, but for now his attention was still on the wolf-vampire. He would've left him entirely if he didn't feel a transformation taking place. He turned back to witness.
Flick stood there with Ari for a moment, and knew he better not try his luck and run back in. Instead he transformed. Bones cracked, organs shifted, and muscles stretched. White fur was replaced by pink skin and within a few moments the white wolf was a naked man. Flick was tall and thin, and has deposits of baby fat in his checks and bum. He seemed unashamed of his nudity, and despite how dirty he was, Ari had to admit he liked the look of the man as much as the wolf. "Oh yes. I haven't seen the last of you."

Flick turned and walked back to the Meddowcrest woods, Pinky, the rat, was now on his shoulder. He wouldn't go back to Academy. He'd hide in the woods. If Digital wanted to find him he'd have to seek. Flick was disappointed and thought it was a mistake to have gone around other vampires. He turned back and saw Ari still staring. Flick smiled back and disappeared.

[Saiketsu]

"Lord Charon," she turned and greeted the vampire as pleasantly as possible, posturing a bow in respectful form while maintaining the delicate balance of the placement of her clothing. "A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.

"And of course you are right, my dear one," Zoheret responded to Saraekiel's obvious flaw in thinking, especially so obtusely standing next to the oldest vampire in the city and a District Leader. "But we must also remember that our different peoples have different needs to be fulfilled. Surely, the needs of the vampires of the East vary from the needs of the Angels in the North. It is our understanding of our own natures that will provide us the resources necessary to cross the aisles into helping one another."

--

"What do you mean? What was said?" Pierre asked lowly in Basque as the rest of the party clapped. He was shaky in the language, not having spoken it in a very long time. It was something he had had to pick up in order to speak to Damien without Lucretia knowing what they were saying. Damien himself had taught it to him for this specific purpose and after more than six hundred years, he still remembered some things.

The pause that the both of them had taken while Charon's apparent announcement blared in the ears of those with the ability to receive it had ended and Damien began to lead that towards the table where Lisa-Joe was just rising from, walking off with a vampire who was far older than Damien and Pierre combined. This, he found highly amusing, and forgot his Sire's anxious state for the pleasure of watching her pass by. Lisa-Joe's gaze had finally caught Pierre's and without thinking, he pursed his lips at her, blowing a flirtatious kiss behind Damien's back. Whether the ancient with her had seen it, he couldn't tell. And neither did he care. It brought a temporary smile to his lips and the Frenchman took another sip of the blood in the martini glass.

"Essentially that the possession of the South District has now been given to 'Saint Sabrina', with the full support of the Sacramentum," his words were low and in Provencal, through tight lips. Pierre could only catch only important words enough to get the point, the language sounded too similar to French and Spanish to register quickly.

"Who the hell is 'Saint Sabrina'?" Pierre asked in his most comfortable French, miffed at Damien switching tongues with every sentence.

Damien nodded in the general direction of the giantess that they both had noticed earlier, spinning around a crazed lunatic. "Oh." He wasn't quite sure how to feel about that. At least it wasn't yet another District for Jake McCloud.

---

"District Leader McCloud," Damien called, only a few meters from the table. He was smirking now, pleasant and gentlemanly, though not outright friendly. This was business and the elder vampire intended to keep it that way. The younger was standing at the table and seemed to be turning to leave. He had hoped to have a conversation with the man before the night went much further.

"Pleased to finally meet you. Damien Evans, owner of Aquillia Industries," he extended his hand, fully expecting the younger vampire to do likewise and shake it. The same offer was made to the human who stood at his side. Pleasant. Gentlemanly. Whether or not Jake did so was of no concern of his, but would affect how the young one was viewed from here on out. "This is my fledge, Pierre DuSang." He waited until the pleasantries were exchanged if any before launching into a new topic of conquest.

[pinkroses]

Murphy didn’t flinch at the sound of Charon’s voice inside his head – he was used to the odd bit of conversation from Ben via his mind, but hearing a different voice was a little disconcerting. He joined in the applause with the others, but cast a sly glace towards Jake, as he knew the District Leader had just taken over a new area – how would he feel about someone being just given one?

He opened his mouth to speak to Jake, but Jake was distracted by his… bodyguard? Murphy had spotted the blonde earlier, but wasn’t sure if he was a vampire or a human or… something else.

Murphy followed Jake like an obedient puppy as Jake queried whether his companion was alright. It didn’t feel right to ask his question until they were alone again, but then they were interrupted again.

He took a small step backwards as Damien and Pierre approached, aware that Jake held status in this city so obviously people would want to talk to him. When he was offered a handshake Murphy reciprocate with a polite smile and offering up his name to the newcomer, before taking his place (which felt oddly right) again slightly behind Jake. Even though he was used to being around vampires, it still felt odd looking like the oldest in the group when he was really surrounded by those who had decades, centuries longer on this earth than him. Plus, they had that whole ‘gorgeous vampire’ look about them which was always intimidating.

Why am I here? What do you want? Why did you ask to meet me? Murphy ran the questions over in his mind, not knowing if Jake was paying attention to his thoughts or not, but planning what he would ask when he got the chance – if he did before the party was over.

Seb took Lisa-Joe’s arm in his and once they had both reacted to the announcement he began to guide her towards the house. He spotted another vampire giving her a playful gesture or sticking his tongue out and gave a grin at the sight. “You’re making friends all over the place,” he said with a grin, nodding in the direction of Pierre.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had someone intrude on my thoughts without any warning like that. I don’t know much about this Saint Sabrina, do you?” he asked Lisa-Joe, resting a hand over hers which was linked in his arm. 

[Trillian]

JENELLA

When Damien reminded her about the woman, she felt momentarily foolish but forgave herself quickly for she'd never directly met the dark angel, only ever seeing her from behind, or just her profile, or in glimpses. Given the creature she was, it explained her ethereal beauty which entranced Jenella as surely as if the Mona Lisa herself had stood before her. Mild conversation was made and then Zohoret excused herself, touched her arm and turned away. Jenella also half-turned, only to watch her bloodline abandon her on the garden stairs. She was incensed by everyone's disappearing act. People rarely turned their backs on her or left her to her own devices. The Italians had been much more polite.

As if summoned, Ricardo returned with a glass of white wine for himself and a martini glass of freshly poured hot blood for her. She took it and sipped, eyeing the party and wondering if anyone here was worth talking to. The announcement made her flinch and Ricardo openly exclaimed in surprise at her side, instinctively reaching for her. She noticed that Charon's voice in her head was different to what she'd heard when he'd been speaking nearby using his voicebox. He had a rich baritone that would sound wonderful in song. She'd never thought to change her mental voice, and considered what other tricks he might have learnt in his long time on the earth. He was certainly powerful.

There was another vampire nearby, older than her but not stiflingly so. She recognised him as the ex-Luminary, Kerr Galvin, and thought to pay her respects. She approached him, Ricardo trailing after her, standing at her side and smiling politely, unable to participate in any conversations due to his lack of English language skill.

"Mr Galvin, I don't believe I have had the pleasure," she said in Russian-accented English once she drew close enough. The applause and cheers had died down. "I am Jenella Vadim," she said, offering her hand to either be shaken, held or kissed, whatever the gentleman preferred. "I heard you have only just returned to the city after an absence. I have as well, but not quite so dramatically." She smiled.

BEN

Ben's interest plummeted once he discovered Ichabod's relationship with James was a normal one. He heard Ichabod out until the end, following the gesture to Kerr with his eyes. His sire looked just about ready to propose. With impeccably bad timing, the announcement sounded in his head. Ben's reaction was a couple of rapid blinks but as the commentary continued, he accustomed to it. He'd never heard Charon speak so loudly before, though.

He didn't miss his sire's adoring gaze and growing awareness of everyone staring at both him and Sabrina. She faced the crowd in an elegant pose, her stature making it easy for everyone to see her. Ben clapped for Sabrina while chuckling at Kerr's awkward stance; too funny to be embarrassed over (or perhaps it was because Ben was separate from it, who know?). Nobody else was laughing - just applauding. Jake screaming cheers from behind him had Ben's eyes rolling skyward. Jake McCloud might put on airs and call himself royalty but he behaved too much like a peasant for the appearance to properly stick. Actions spoke louder than words.

Unless you're Charon, in which case the words were so loud they became an action unto themselves. He looked towards the ancient now, standing not too far away from Sabrina herself, touching shoulders with the golden godlike being and a gorgeous blonde woman Ben recognised as Zohoret. He looked back at Ichabod but his brother still looked like he was recovering from the mental shout. Even though he didn't want to, Ben glanced quickly over his shoulder to see what was happening with Murphy. Standing close to but slightly apart from Jake, looking at the soldier-guy that Jake now had in his presence. Ben mostly ignored him, for his girth and attitude were intimidating and neither of them had anything to discuss with one another. Only speaking when necessary.

If he didn't have to go back to Jake's home, Ben would wish this party over and done with.

"I think Kerr and I might be moving south as well, at this news," Ben commented. He noticed Kerr speaking with a fashionably dressed couple, now. Guess he wasn't coming back anytime soon.

CHARON

After his announcement and the emptying of the blood glass, he ensured it was taken away as promptly as possible, to not offend these pretty yet corrupt souls. He had not learnt the secret behind what turned a fallen angel into a dark one, and knowing these two improved his success at finding out. What manner of ritual needed to be performed to return their powers to them? Still, he would not insult them by asking. He needed them on side and he didn't know either of them well enough to count them as allies.

He would test their resolve tomorrow, he thought, with a few potent comments thrown their way. Since they were friends, he thought it would be better to talk to both at once, rather than have one potentially twist his words to the other. There was no guarantee they wouldn't band together against him, but he saw no motive or reward for them in doing so, and their goal was the same.

"Saraekiel and I have just arranged a meeting tomorrow about the future of the West District. If you would like to join us, consider the invitation extended."

He'd only heard rumours of the lofty Zohoret; his spies informed him that she'd been ill-respected when she'd been Oligarch and had often been spoken over or disregarded. He would treat her much better; he would listen to whatever she had to say, would fulfill her desires if they were in his power and of no consequence to him, and make himself of use to her. He didn't know if she disliked all vampires or just those she'd been forced to work with at the Oligarchy. He doubted her bias was so widely extended, she didn't seem disturbed by his visage (which he would've forgiven her for, as he did everyone), and had no trouble speaking to him. Either she could hide her true feelings very well or she judged people individually rather than as a group. Either way, he could work with her, he thought.

Mentally he reached out to Ben: Find out more about the large man Jake has in his circle.
And then he extended mental fingers to Ari: Include yourself in the conversation with these two.

To Ari he sent a vision of Damien and Pierre, so that Ari would be able to identify them once he returned to the party. Charon wondered if his grandchilde had actually sent the wolf away or hidden him away somewhere to visit later. He was taking his time.

[suneater]

Luke nodded simply to Jake, erasing the last evidence of pain from his features. The headache was already subsiding; whatever had just happened wasn't nearly as damaging as what Jake had triggered the night they met. They were going to have to double down on their efforts to repair his mind if something as simple as a psychic P.A. could nearly lay him low.

He accepted the requested glass of water with his gloved hand and moved it to his mouth for a tentative sip, then a deeper draught. Apparently having gathered himself sufficiently, he cast a wary glance at the gathering guests. He wondered if any of them had noticed what happened. If his presence was at all a deterrence from anyone harming Jake, that would likely be what provoked someone to make their move.

It seemed Jake's little garden stroll would be delayed as Damien and Pierre drew up to engage the District Leader and the boy, whose name by now he had gathered was Murphy. Detecting no immediate threat, he simply lingered nearby. His gloved hand crept up to lightly massage his own neck as he continued his largely silent vigil.

[Black Philip]

When Luke nodded at Jake, he nodded back. He needed to fix Luke's mind soon if he was going to be around supernaturals. He squeezed Luke's shoulder and was about to take Murphy into the gardens when a new voice called out to him. He recognized the voice before it's owner said it's name. His thoughts were tightly held, but should the Frenchman be intruding he'd hear. 

Damien. Great. Another opinion to console.

Luke alone would see Jake roll his eyes and his face turn into a tight little sneer before he relaxed it back into his neutral mask of pleasant. He turned in time for Damien to introduce Pierre and as he looked at the man he couldn't suppress a smirk. He almost asked how Pierre's balls were feeling, but thought that might not start things on the right foot. All he wanted to do was take that walk in the gardens, and that's what he was going to do. He couldn't sense Murphy's thoughts as he still thought it unkind to look, but he liked the way the mortal both greeted Damien, and where he chose to stand afterwords. Jake thought Damien's extended hand looked like it was dead fish, and made a face to match before slowly accepting the shake.

"Awe, so you're Damien. We met once you know, when Kerr fell to the floor at the Masquerade ball. It was but a moment." The reply was in a slick French. Damien would recognize it as the way members of the British Peerage spoke French; polished, crisp, and undeniably English. To Pierre, he simply gave a nod and looked from him to Lisa-Joe who was gaining distance from the group. To both men he gestured at Sam, who hadn't left yet. "This is my fledge Samantha." And then without missing a beat. "Now if you'll excuse me Mr. Hilton agreed to take me for a walk in the gardens and I could use a quick reprieve from such formal greetings and business. I'll come to you when I have finished." With that Jake began to move away swiftly, daring Damien to try and stop him.
Lisa-Joe caught Pierre's little tease, and added it to the list of reason she liked him. He knew how to have fun. She didn't physically react though, and kept her attention on Seb as they walked. She'd see Pierre again, if not tonight than maybe at the pool hall. Seb's arm was nice, and she gave him a bump with her shoulder at his line about her making friends, a wry smile to accompany it.

"I don't think it's right to just pop into our heads like that," she admitted. "It's intrusive. Get a good mic or pass around notes."

She laced her fingers with his when she felt his hand, and looked at the Giantess in question as she answered. "Oh, Sabrina. I know she's a witch of some kind, and she gave Jake two tattoos which were made with some kind of magic. Oh, and her house talks, or dances, or does it's own chores or something else funny. You think she'll work out?"

After she remembered all she could, she turned her face towards Seb for his reaction. She ended up just staring at his mouth and wondered if he was any good with it.
Ari had just reached the main group when Charon's new instructions pierced his mind. He sent back a quick, in route, and made his way in that general direction. He'd never met the two he'd been sent to converse with. He figured Charon had good reason for dispatching him but boy did he hate small talk. He went through his list of "casual conversation starters" he'd found online in anticipation of tonight's festivities. He'd needed to modify but ended up with these three.

So do you like the house?
Recycling, should vampires do it?
No, please tell me again about your mortal years.

With himself prepared to mingle, Ari glided over to Damien, Pierre, Sam, Murphy and Jake, and made sure to stand closer to Pierre and Damien than the District Leader. He looked at the supposed Black Prince and wasn't impressed. He was like five and acted two. He did have a loyal following though. Those inside his ranks really seemed to buy the whole package even if the rest of the city didn't. He knew Murphy of course, although they'd never met. Seemed like he was on Jake's team at the moment. He made a note to let Charon know of the mortal's standing.

As Jake finished his rebuttal, Ari stuck out a hand to Damien, his eyes focused and his voice even deeper than normal. "Good Evening Mr. Evans, Mr. DuSang, Ms. Reede. My name is Ari, and I am one of your hosts tonight. What do you think of our humble home?" His tone was polite but devoid of a lot of feeling. He'd meant to adress Jake as well, but he'd begun to walk away, and Charon had sent him to join these two. He had long ago stopped guessing the ancient one's motivations, but again put his faith that his progenitor knew best. He waited for Damien to either address him or call after Jake.

[pinkroses]

“A move would probably be good for all of us. Like a re-set. It might make Kerr feel less disjointed,” Ichabod said, although he hoped Ben and Kerr wouldn’t live too close. They worked better not on top of each other. And speaking of working together…

“I had a look through the Academy paperwork you sent over, and went along to check everything was ok. It looks like it is, but if you’ve got anything you want me to look in on whilst you’re… away, let me know.” He’d asked a few teachers how things were going and no one seemed to have any issues, but he’d never run anything like this before so was a bit concerned he might miss something important.

“It was definitely impressive though, a show of strength which definitely had an effect,” Seb said with a small shrug. He had been surprised by the voice, but not offended or upset by it. After all, Charon had been delivering a message, not prying into their thoughts to find out information.

“She sounds like something out of a movie,” Seb said with a chuckle as Lisa-Joe described the witch’s house. No doubt a little magic had turned into more with rumours, but it was an entertaining picture.

“I don’t know enough about her and her dancing house to be able to comment, but being friends with the ex-Luminary can’t be a bad recommendation,” he said, referring to Kerr’s attachment to the witch.

“Have you got any magical tattoos I might have the opportunity to hunt out at some point?” he asked, letting his fingers drift over her smooth skin as they walked.

Murphy met Ari’s gaze and gave him a slight nod, recognising him as a member of the Sacramentum, even though they hadn’t talked before. He suddenly felt very awkward about where he was stood, and about being whisked away by Jake. That didn’t make him stop it from happening though and he let Jake steer him away.

[Idrial]

Jakes compliment and kiss were expected before he left. However, his big fat embarrassing kiss sent shock waves throughout her body. Oh... God... Who all seen that little display?! Lips going bright red from Jakes fatherly embarrassment, not mad at all as it came from a good place. Sam acknowledge Murphy with a sincere nod, it was not his fault he had to leave. The decision to wander the grounds was short-lived, glued to her place by mental communication.

Charon's voice loud and clear, his baritone voice was soothing to Sam's young mind. She did not flinch, politely putting her hands together for Sabrina. So this was why Charon invited everyone? Suddenly, her attention was caught to Jakes and Lisa-Joe's cheering, should she had cheered instead of just applauding? Even after the confidence boost from Jake, embarrassing her with his display nonetheless. This event still made her feel like a small fish in a large pond.

Her attention was turned towards Luke, oh no! Charon's mental communication! Immediately Sam reached in her purse, she had taken precautions for Luke in case things had gone haywire. Palming a bottle of Advil in her hand she went to go give it to Luke. However, more people had approached the group, leaving Luke for a moment. Damn sure she was the only one who thought of medication, he didn't need to suffer. Plus he could hide it on his person and take more if needed. Her aura warm and inviting due to her kind gesture.

Damien and Pierre were their names, taking advantage of Jake addressing the men. Leaning back towards Luke forcing the bottle in his hand, sure to be discreet as to not showed his mind ailed him. Without missing a step she bowed her head towards the two as she was introduced. Suppressing her shock at Jake's decision to leave now! Another man approached named Ari and poor little Sam was left all alone with the three.

Praying to remember her manners and etiquette taught by Lisa-Joe; nothing pissed off an ancient faster than forgetting how to act properly. Waiting for Damien and Pierre to answer first, her eyes gazing at each one briefly as they spoke. Addressing Ari with a deep bow of her head. Her tone a mixture of awe, sincerity and gratefulness.

"I thank you for inviting me, you have an exquisite home. Your garden is enchanting my compliments to the knowledgable gardener." Bowing again at Ari keeping her answer short, sweet and to the point.

[Seragil]

“Worrying and being responsible for so many people sounds like a serious and fulltime job but knowing most of the districts are led by such wise, strong and stable leaders gives me peace of mind and makes me doubly glad I am not one. Leadership sounds like such a drag.” He said with honest sincerity before smiling at Charon. “What would be the most opportune time tomorrow evening Charon? I assume you would prefer something not too early?” He was done politicking for the night, he had won a meeting with the District Leader of the East and hopefully started the ball rolling to de-fanging an upstart tyrant wannabe and had introduced Zoheret and Charon one to the other. No doubt Zoheret would take over at playing politics and she was welcome to it.

He would wait politely for a response from Charon before saying, ”Perfect. Now if you don’t mind, I am going to leave you two to chat together whilst I go play with your guests.” He would say before correcting himself. “Mingle, I meant mingle with your guests” he would then grin devilishly, fooling no one to his intentions before giving a short bow to both and leaving their company.

As he strutted down the stair once more he would wink cheekily at Kerr as he passed him (Not having a clue as to who he was) then he would barely brush his fingers on Sabrina’s arm to gain her attention and congratulate her on her new social standing. He remembered the flash of her eyes when he had summoned fire earlier and thought about stopping for a chat but he would simply give her a friendly smile before moving further onto the garden grounds. The air was a tingle with chaos, and he wanted to play.

[Existentially Odd]

Kerr's buoyant emotions from being close to Sabrina were quelled by Charon's sharp reminder that he owed him a favour. A thanks-for-fucking-my-boyfriend-when-he-was-sad-and-thought-I-was-dead favour that he should be grateful to be paying back, no less. The price of some allies was much higher than he'd have voluntarily paid, if he'd had the choice, but it wouldn't do to complain.

He pressed his lips together, the physical embodiment of his mental suppression; he merely sent back a wave of acquiescent gratitude... moments before his mind was invaded with a welcome announcement. His eyes widened as he realised his position relative to the woman that everyone was about to be looking at. Luckily for him, she was as fast-thinking as she was gracious and loving - he swiftly found himself by her side, her strong arm around his shoulders as the after-effects of a deliberately-potent ancient voice turned his body into rippling pond-wake.

"Me too," he agreed with her assessment of Jake being worrying, before she requested he introduce her to Ichabod (and, really, she hadn't properly met Ben, either). "It would be my pleasure, District Leader. Congratulations, by the way," Kerr grinned, clapping as Sabrina waved regally at the crowd.

Unfortunately, before he could leave to collect his fledglings, admirers and congratulaters closed in. Kerr tried to sidle away inconspicuously to no avail. When Jenella addressed him directly, he was both surprised and resigned to remaining at Sabrina's side.

Darlings, please come over so you can speak with Sabrina, she wants to meet you, Kerr pressed into Ben's and Ichabod's minds, unable to linger and gauge their reactions to his request when he had a conversation to attend to.

"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Vadim," Kerr responded, grasping her extended hand and kissing the back of it before releasing it gently. He spared her companion a smile and a nod, noting that he was mortal and scanning his surface thoughts reflexively, before he looked back at the gorgeous woman who'd approached him. She was breathtaking... and she'd heard he'd just returned? From the 'dead'? He couldn't decide how he felt about that. "Unusual news obviously travels fast, if you've only just returned to the city and already heard about my, er, absence. Where did your travels take you?" he enquired politely.

He quirked an eyebrow and smiled uncertainly as he was winked at by a passing being that made him feel...awed in the most fearful way, before he refocussed his gaze on Jenella and her handsome companion.

[Black Philip]

Jake moved before Damien had a chance to reply. He knew he'd come off rude, but hopefully using French had covered it for Sam and Murphy. The human was behind him now, and he slowed his own pace so that they could walk alongside one another. Once out of the main party's ear, he turned his his head towards Murphy. He undid his bow tie finally, and even unbuttoned the top two buttons of his dress shirt.

"I apologize for all the confusion this evening," he began, looking like he'd been caught smoking behind the gym on Prom night."I realize you must be confused as to why I had Ben bring you over. At first I just thought you an attractive man, but then I remembered who you were. I've always wanted to meet you if you can believe it."

"And also, you don't have to be with me if you don't wish it. I know vampires tend to throw their weight around, and I have already done so in how I summoned you over, but that was wrong of me. So if you want to return to the party I will not hold it against you."

He waited just a tad before adding. "But I'd still like to take that walk with you, you know, if you want to." Jake never felt younger than when he talked to boys, and something about Murphy looking older than him only made him more nervous. His nerves were visible, and the slick man who'd just insulted an ancient was replaced by a teenager.
Lisa-Joe couldn't suppress a giggle, as the romantic before her cast his spell. She didn't mind his touch. There was something rough about it she enjoyed, and she suddenly realized Seb would have the strength needed to tame her for once. It's not the only kind of touch that excited her. The idea of beating the shit out of Pierre while they screwed was equally appetizing. She stole another glance at Jenella, and thought she wouldn't mind being the butch for her. She had options was the point, and Seb had singled what kind of night they might have if she went home with him and that was good information to know.

"Sounds like Bewitched," she added, now only catching Kerr in her sights. "Jake loves Kerr. I've never met him. He said when this city was in peril it was Kerr alone who took him seriously. It was Kerr who made him an Oligarch. He's one of the few people at this party Jake wouldn't give sass to."

"And I don't got any magic tattoos, but you can check yourself if you play your cards right," she teased, sliding her free hand along Seb's chest and giving him a touch of bedroom eyes.

[Saiketsu]

Damien passed his introductions around to those who had offered theirs to him and just as he had finished, the Black Prince - wasn't that the name of The Vampire Lestat? he mused to himself. He would have to thank Rachel for that bit of information later - turned rudely away from him. His eyes narrowed on Jake as he departed from the rest of the group with the human named Murphy. He knew he should have expected his naivety, his impropriety, but this move was bad business for the District Leader. The vampire kept his mouth shut and his face still but he didn't prevent a glimmer of a glare entering his gaze at the other's back.

Damien let him go with the same polite smirk on his face that had been there when he greeted the younger vampire initially. "Certainly," he replied in clean, sharp American English without hint of his accent. He was tempted briefly to follow the young one with his mind and press into him, but was instead brought to distraction by the newest personality at the table.

"Good evening, Ari," Damien responded to the newcomer at once, moving his attention away from the Brat Prince and onto new fare. His polite smile had returned but his conviction in it was shaken. "The house is exceptional, the service marvelous, and the hosting family gracious. Please extend my appreciation to the rest of your family and Masters."

--

Zoheret had received the vampires message all too clearly. The vampire's voice was clear in her head, an experience that she was not accustomed to having anymore. It made her smile falter and her nostrils flare for a brief moment, anger pumping blood into her cheeks before she regained her composure. Surely, the ancient hadn't seen it, too focused on his own message and listening to his own voice?

"I would consider it an honor. With all the recent shuffling, I'm sure there is much to discuss in terms of keeping our peoples safe." She eyed Saraekiel as he parted his ways with them, leaving the two district leaders to discuss trivial matters further, a move which made Zoheret uneasy. She hated being in the presence of such ugliness and was trying not to let herself get distracted by it. "But - you must forgive my ignorance - why this Sabrina? What manner of leader is she to garner your unwavering support?"