I call back Mr. Arturo and inform him I will be bringing a guest and ask if he minds, he assures me it will not pose a problem. With the work Jillian and I have done with Jessica she should be more then capable of handling this affair and I would like her eyes about. Her diminutive stature and youth often lead people to underestimate her, this serves our interests well. I assume the guest list is quite something for Arturo to have considered attending. I believe her first small jaunt should be a social setting with a fairly sizable variety of individuals. Court can be a bit tedious and with the keeper switching, I was reticent about her interactions there. This should be a bit less stressful and I can monitor her interactions without dividing my attention. I call to Jiles whom immediately opens the door, "Yes my Lord, what can I do for you?"

I answer without even turning around,"Please inform Jessica that she will be accompanying me this evening for a social event of some importance. She shall need to be ready within the hour and inform her she shall be wearing her colors. I want her noticeably within our fold, to brook any misconceptions. I shall expect her in the parlor shortly for my instructions and inspection," as I begin pulling out my clothing, freshly pressed and prepared. "and Jiles, I believe you are using a touch more starch than I find comfortable, do remedy that."

"Yes, sir, I do apologize for that, It shall not happen again and might I say that Ms. Ward should be very pleased to hear the news," in his formal manner.

"I do believe you are correct," with a sly smile at his manservent. He usually does not care for ghouls, but Jiles has served him faithfully for nearly three centuries after that time he can not imagine his days without him. Jiles bows as he shuts the door. The Regent begins putting on his clothing, paying meticulous attention to the details, it would never do to appear in public disheveled. His outfit of black and burgundy slowly being placed on in a very precise order.

Jiles immediately seeks out his smallest master, finding her in her study deep in concentration over a grimoire. He taps the door lightly, trying not to disturb her.

"Madame, the lord has informed me that you will be attending him at a social event this evening. He wants you dressed in colors and to be ready within the hour. He shall meet you in the parlor for his instruction and inspection and if I may be so bold, I hope you have a delightful evening miss," with a warm smile. He always felt so bad that she could not be as free as the others, but he understood his lord's reasoning. He still had the scars. He does hope she will behave, they have all worked so hard for this...

This evening had been much like every other.  She rose, dressed, fed her swarm of little pets some vitae and monitored their habits afterwards writing down any peculiarities in her notes.  The few dead ones she fished out of the glass tank, most having perished from the increased aggression of their bretheren.  The carcasses she kept in a seperate container.  They would be put to good use in the ritual she was working dilligently on.  

From there she hit the notes she had compiled so far.  She adapted them, rechecked her figures,  made the proper alterations, read a few choice passages  from the stack of books piled on her desk, and wrote more notes and figures.  This had been her life now for more years than she cared to count.  Her appetite for learning was tremendous and there was a part of her that revelled in this process.  The reward,  that breakthrough moment made the long tedious hours all worth it.  But she wanted more.

To that end the others were doing their part. Normally she'd have a few lessons today. The thaumaturgy lessons, quite frankly, were a bore.  She knew the rudimentary stuff already but the regent insisted that she needed to learn them the right and proper way so there would be no mishaps.  She had taught herself a lot on her own but there was no substitute for practice.  And practice she did...over and over and over. She was happy however that they were accelerating her other studies now.  She was learning things that she could really sink her teeth into.

It was her Etiquette studies she had most looked forward to now.  She knew what they meant.  She knew that if she proved herself in those studies she would some day be granted permission to leave the grounds.  As long as she behaved.  She longed for it like nothing else.  There was a world of warm fresh blood out there.  A world to shape and bend to her will.  And then her REAL education could begin.

But tonight there were no lessons.  Tonight the regent and Jillian were busy.  Snatches of conversations had lead her to believe they were going out tonight for something important.  Some nights she might have become inquisitive but this night she was jealous and hadn't bothered to ask.  She had avoided everyone today.  She wished she hadn't killed that rat yesterday.  It might have been fun tonight to slice it to ribbons after she fed it vitae just to see how long it would last.  Experiments always calmed her.  Instead she did the only other thing that calmed her.  She grabbed her violin and headed for the study.  She had played for about an hour until she was sufficiently calm again.  Then she grabbed one of her favorite tomes, settled back into a plush highbacked chair with her tiny legs dangling, and renewed her studies.

It was this she was doing when Jiles broke her concentration and informed her of the news.  She had come to like Jiles despite his obvious flaw of being a ghoul.  It was slightly better than being a mortal but not by much. He dilligently attended to her needs and she had only had to "correct" him a handful of times.  At first she stared at him blankly.  She had heard his words but they didn't make sense.  Then her face scrunched up, her eyes narrowing as a flare of rage welled up in her.  This had to be a joke. She was in no mood for jokes.  The heavy grimoire thudded to the floor as she pushed herself forcefully from the chair and landed on her feet.  Her diminutive ten year old frame stalked over to Jiles with her fists balled up at her sides.  Her nails dug into her palms she was clenching them so hard.

"I am not in the mood for this tonight Jiles.  SO HELP ME, i have half a mind to feed you your own fucking Liver!!" Her ice blue eyes were as cold as her rage was burning hot but when they met Jiles' she saw his expression. .  She stopped dead in her tracks, her face dropping.  "Wait.  You're serious?...You're serious?  Oh my god, you ARE serious." In an instant her demeanor changes.  Her face breaks out in a huge grin and almost assumes a cherubic radiance.  Her arms fly around Jile's waist and give him a hug in her exhuberance.  Then she rethinks it and re-coils a bit unable or unwilling to hide her disgust at the momentary sign of joyous affection, and she bounds away to her room.

She's a whirlwind as she tears through her closet, gets dressed and preens herself in the mirror.  It doesn't take nearly an hour but she doesn't go to the parlor immediately.  She paces her room until nearly 45 minutes have passed.  She repeats her lessons of etiquette in her head like a mantra.  She knows she must appear in the allotted time.  In this case a good 10-15 minutes early would suffice.  Any earlier and she would be displaying an over-eagerness that was unbecoming.  One never displayed such an overt measure of emotion before a meeting.  It gave away your leverage before you even start.  The regent likely knew she was overjoyed at this oppurtunity but he would expect her to remember her lessons and execute them.  Being late was also not acceptable, at least not in this instance.  Being late was only beneficial when it provided you with the upper hand.  Being late or early conveyed a message.  It was important to convey the proper one.

Jessica arrives in the parlor precisely 12 minutes early.  She is wearing a black pleated skirt with a matching black blazer.  underneath she is wearing a burgundy turtleneck with an elaborate pin shaped as a spider adorning the right side of her turtleneck.  Her straight black hair is held back by a matching burgundy horseshoe headband and she is wearing black stockings and black maryjane pumps with a high, thick heel.  

Containing her emotions she presents herself for the regents inspection.

 As you enter the parlor the Regent is seated in a plush lounge chair and smoking a cigar, the smoke rolling in his mouth. He is dressed nicely in an Italian black suit and tie with a burgundy shirt on underneath. Beside him rests an old cane, presumably an addition to the outfit. When you enter he glances at his pocketwatch before slipping it back into his trousers.

"Very nice, I am pleased you were able to join me. We shall be accompanying Mr. Arturo and Ms. Illuminata de Borbón-Sicilies to a party in the suburbs. It is being held by the Giovanni so you will certainly be pressed to act cordially. They do not particularly belong to our sect and have a non involvement treaty from some time ago. I assume this is some sort of event catering to all Hallow's Eve so am interested to witness some of their chicanery. With Thomas' appearance that suggests that most of the larger kindred will be present and should afford you proper introductions to the elite of the city. I want you to stay near to me, not encumbersome mind you, just so I can overlook your skills in practice. None have met you save our Prince so they will not know who you are, it should be blatantly obvious, but I do not enjoy relying on idiots, so stay close should something occur that is unforeseen.  Jillian will likely be there as well, but I am not certain, she was vague as to her engagements this evening. Do you understand the strictures I am placing upon you?" not belittling her, just striking home her acceptance of the rules.

Jessica stands ramrod straight as the regent inspects her.  Her expression is nuetral.  No trace of the bubbling excitement she feels inside is visible on her face.  She listens to the Regents words absorbing every detail.  

When he has finished she answers, "I understand perfectly, Regent Thaddeus.  I will be on my utmost behavior.  I know i have been impatient at times but i respect your judgement that it is only until now that i am ready for this opportunity. I will not waste it and will fulfill your highest expectations of me.  You are the only one who has ever given me a chance and i promise to make you....and Jillian proud.  Thank you, Regent." with that she tiltss her head in a slight bow.

She wants to add how shes been making progress on the ritual she's been constructing.  She believes she's really close to perfecting it but now isn't the time for that.  Her life was full of rituals and books and study.  Tonight would be about mingling and becoming a part of the society that forever seemed so elusive.  She knew all the players.  She had been well versed in their names and titles but it was one thing to know about them and it was another to meet them.  Tonight would be a night to remember.

 "It shall reside entirely upon you, but I believe you are more then capable. They should be arriving shortly, would you care to sit while we wait. I would offer a cigar, but I think it might appear less then appropriate, perhaps after we return we can share one and discuss your perception of the events."

Shortly the lights from a car appear driving up to the main estate. The limousine pulls up awaiting their guests.

Standing he picks up his cane and holds out his other hand to her, "Shall we my dear?"

She allows herself a smile now that the mood has relaxed a bit.  Inspections over she takes the offered seat.  For a few minutes they engage in light conversation.  There is no talk of work or studies, only anecdotes and funny occurences of the past few days.  Jessica relates a particularly amusing incident wheen one of her cockaroaches had managed to escape and scurry up Jiles pants leg.  He had shouted and danced around wildly trying to free the insect.  Whether the regent is amused by the story or hes polite enough to appear amused by it Jessica cannot tell, but truthfully she doesn't care.  She likes the story and enjoyed telling it.

When the car arrives she stands with the Regent.  Her tiny hand clasped in his they make their way to the limo.  She smiles at Jiles at the door.  "Sir...Madame, have a pleasant evening.  Your chambers will be ready upon your return."

The limo driver holds the door for them.  The Regent, ever the gentlemen helps Jessica into the limo first where she slides down the seat allowing room for Thaddeus to follow.  She looks to their acompaniment for the night with a bright smile and waits for the Regent to make the proper introductions.  

--Last edited by Jessica Ward on 2008-11-19 16:51:27 --

I sit taking in the company for the evening. The limousine was a nice touch though I assume Thomas has many more. I glance at the two individuals that are accompanying Illuminata, immediately assuming they are here under her invitation.

"Good evening Mr. Arturo, and to you Ms. Sicilies, I appreciate the invitation. It was most gracious and might I have the honor of introducing you to Ms. Jessica Ward. She was kind enough to accompany us this evening," with a look to her to personalize the encounter with her own introductions.

He sits back relaxing and allows his apprentice to converse with the other passengers as he sets his cane by his side. He enjoys these small trips away from the chantry on occasion and tonight will be memorable due to his diminutive companion at least.  

--Last edited by mnemenoi on 2008-11-19 20:12:44 --

Jessica will regard their escorts for the night with her peircing ice blue eyes but her face will be warm and affectionate.

"Mr. Arturo,' she inclines her head in a little bow.  "What a pleasure it is to finally meet you.  The Regent speaks highly of you and told me of your recent promotion to primogen at court.  I offer my congratulations.  I only wish i could have been there to see it myself."  She then turns to Illuminata and her two ghouls.  "And this must be your lovely new associate.  Welcome to our fair city Ms. Sicilies.  I do hope you are finding it a pleasant stay so far."

It's  a fairly typical exchange but for the fact that its coming from what appears to be a ten year old girl.  Her feet barely dangle off the edge of the seat she is perched on yet her eyes blaze with intelligence far beyond her apparent years.

Illuminata's eyes narrow as the small vampire child climbs into the limousine, the expression lightning quick and replaced with a sunny smile almost immediately. She's always found the embrace of children somewhat distasteful, but she has seen the Tremere do it more than most clans, for some reason.

"Regent, delightful seeing you again. It was Thomas's excellent suggestion that we invite you along, tongiht should be uite an entertaining evening, between the mercenaries' haunted house and the neonates' party."

"Why thank you, and a pleasure to meet you, miss Ward. Sanfield has been quite wonderful so far, dear."

Thomas seems fascinated by the pint sized kindred that enters the car with the regent. He has seen Toreador who have embraced children, usually their own. Its always a decision that ends in tragedy as the childs mind continues to mature but its body remains in stasis...

'Thaddeaus, youve been holding out on us. The pleasure is all mine Miss Ward, im glad you could join us this evening.'

Thomas will tap on the glass that seperates the kindred from the driver.

'Palace Theatre my good man.'

 I can just imagine what they are thinking as they meet our smallest clansmen, but they have certainly not witnesses her acumen with the arts. Though the Regent would have certainly waited, he can only control that which occurs within his Chantry's walls. His apprentices are never from here as are all the Chantries that have ever been, the only exception being the first. It was decided long ago that the bond between sire and progeny was strong and hindered the indoctrination into the clan proper and likely would lead to nepotism if allowed to continue. This was alleviated by sending all progeny to other chantries. They were very wise indeed.

My attention brought back to the situation at hand I glance toward Illuminata, "So my dear, who are your guests. They seem to have quite the amusing outfits on and it plays well off your own," he is amused as others view magicians with some humor, it is certainly far from the case, but it serves their purpose well.

Toward Thomas, nothing but a slight smile at his suggestion of holding out. "We are legion my friend."

Jessica's eyes drift to the window momentarily as they pass through the chantry gate.  Its as if invisible shackles have fallen away from her.  Deep inside a maddening giddy laughter starts and in the dark recesses a beast roars at its new freedom.  She turns back to their guests with a smile.

Illuminata smiles at the Regent, though she seems a bit jittery, perhaps because Thomas requested that she not smoke in the limousine, which she complied with politely.

"My dear Thaddeus, these are my faithful servants and companions, Conchita," she gestures to the lovely lady on her right, "and Juanita," she says, indicating the mirror image on the left. Both of the ghouls have an obvious adoration for their mistress, they've been in her service for years and she treats them like family.

"It is thanks to my wonderful girls that I made it out of Atlanta intact, and thus am able to join you all for this exciting evening!"

She pulls out a fan and swoops it open in one smooth gesture, sitting back in her seat and fanning herself.

"So, my dear Jessica, to what do we owe the pleasure of your company in Sanfield?"

Jessica's eyes flick to both ghouls as Illuminata introduces them to the Regent.  Her gaze is cold and hard as Illuminata relates her tale.  She would never confess to her displeasure at their presence but its hard for her not to regard them with icy indifference.  Ghouls had their uses.  The Tremere had their own of course, but to carry them around like accessories was absurd.  But as she understood it that wasn't unheard of from the Toreador.

When Illuminata turns her attentions back to Jessica she warms again.  "Oh i have been in Sanfield for some time but i've been dilligent in my studies and haven't been able to get out much.  There was a..." she mulls over her words carefully for a moment. "....unfortunate misunderstanding concerning my embrace.  It was felt a change of scenery was needed and the Regent was gracious enough to take me under his tutelage. "

She looks to the regent with a smile and a nod.  "But it seems i have toiled away in libraries and labs too long and it would do me some good to mingle amongst the cities Kindred.  Or so the Regent seems to think."

She cocks a brow at Thaddeus with a playful knowing grin.

"Well, my dear," Illy says, smiling, "studies are certainly important, especially for one of your august family."

She winks at the Regent. She is more comfortable with the Tremere than most other Kindred these days, finds their mysteries exciting rather than frightening, and they make deliciously useful allies.

"But it is also good to see the outside of the library sometimes. I hope this evening proves enjoyable to you. I do believe we'll be arriving at this haunted house shortly."

Thomas will shake his head to Illys assessment. They are pulling up outside the Palace Theatre which is in the heights.

'We are making a short stop at one of my younger clanmates masquerade ball. Then we can swing over to the suburbs for the Giovanni haunted house...'

Its very like Arturo to keep all the plans to himself until the last minute.

'Im told this is a kindred exclusive engagement... perhaps that explains the lack of vehicles...'

Thomas comments as the limousine stops and the driver exits to open the door for the occupants.

(And we can join the scene under the Elysium tab if ya'll are ready.)

"Oh, how wonderful. This way I get to go to the masquerade ball before my costume gets wrinkled," Illuminata says, smiling.

She looks around at the other occupants of the vehicle, and asks, "Shall we?"

((Ready to go into the scene when y'all are))