The After Party (Event Continued...)

Rupert directed the rest of the staff around the lower patio, arranging various vintages and glasses on crisp white table clothes with red trim. He had brought out what his son would likely call 'the good stuff' and his oh so charming ex wife would call the 'ninety dollar ass kissing', this being a special occasion, and idly examined a slightly tinted glass for spots while the patio was set.

The ceremony should be over soon and the Anantya would begin filtering in, barring any misfortunes, the nature of which Rupert did not care to contemplate. He wondered vaguely just how rowdy of a crowd they were going to have, especially considering certain new arrivals, and mentally planned ways of getting the fine glassware rotated out and the newer, less valuable glasses in their stead as the group's intoxication increased.

With such small arrangements floating through the back of his mind, he looked to the Cathedral, watching expectantly for people to begin making their way up the hill.

Fallon 17 years ago
Everything Amberelle said made sense to Fallon, and she could only hope she wouldn't be picking up any of Panos' traits. The thought nearly made her shudder.

"There is beauty in the little house cat as well." She returned, with a smile and a direct glance at the little cat, wandering around their feet.

Looking around at the rest of the clan milling about, Fallon shook her head.


"You're not monopolizing my time...I'm sure I will meet more of the family soon. For now it would appear they are all enjoying the party."

Coincidentally, another woman walked towards them then, and Fallon watched Amberelle welcome her, noting she did not know this new woman either. Was the clan that big, or maybe some were just not as social as others...then too, maybe some were new to Nachton too. Fallon smiled at the new woman, and held her hand out as well, but made sure Cyrus' hand was in her other.

"And I am Fallon Tierney...who formerly didn't really exist, but who is now deliriously happy here in Nachton." She laughed softly, and looked to Cyrus to see if he knew this lady.
Claire 17 years ago
There was a cat in the middle of the party and Claire watched it for a time. Was it a vampire who had forgotten what social graces were or was he someone's pet? He seemed interested in the group that Fallon was a part of but that could mean either thing. She was just resolving to watch him more closely when one of the group introduced herself and the cat, answering her question.

Claire turned and smiled at the blonde woman who had spoken.


"Claire Tremaine. It is a pleasure to meet you."Â?

New Orleans was a lovely city. She wondered what would coax a native of it to leave. Everyone wanted a change of scenery from time to time. The recent events there might be to blame. It was a terrible tragedy but the memory of it would wash away in time especially in this age of readily available information. Something new would quickly take its place in the concerns of the public.

She smiled at Fallon.


"We are all from somewhere. Even if its here. Are you a native of Nachton then?"Â?

Looking down that the object in her hands, Claire held it out to Fallon with a shy grin.

"I am afraid it is not much but here is a little something to decorate your room."Â?

/ooc It is a pillow with an embroidered design of the Anantya symbol entwined with white roses. The back and the edging are burgundy. I apologize for no picture.
Fallon 17 years ago
The 'not existing' was a hold over from her earlier life, as Fallon's self esteem had improved tremendously since meeting Cyrus. She had to remember though that unless she explained things, it was difficult to get away with remarks like that.

"I apologize, I obviously did exist, and recently I'm from North Carolina. It's a rather long, boring story though...until the part where I met Cyrus here in Nachton."

She beamed at him before continuing.

"And it was then that my life 'turned' for the better." Again she found innuendo seemed to fit, but really didn't think anyone else would be interested in hearing it all.

Taking the pillow from Claire, Fallon was immediately overcome by emotions. On one hand it reminded her of the pillow she had made for Cyrus, and had yet to give him. A lot of love and care had gone into her work in that pillow, and she could see Claire had done the same. On the other hand, she had only met Claire, and still she was bringing Fallon a gift. It was probably not that unusual, being that there was the whole initiation event, but to Fallon it was very special. She hugged Claire warmly, the pillow between them, and then showed it to Cyrus and Amberelle.


"It is very definitely something special...and I will cherish it. Thank you Claire, for helping to make me feel even more a part of Anantya."

Fallon hugged the pillow to her, and wondered where she might find a good place to display it.

"And are you a native of Nachton?"

Though she would have loved to sit with each person she met, and talk to them for hours, she knew this party would only serve to introduce her to those who had chosen to celebrate her entrance into the clan. Her desire to get to know them better would be fulfilled over time, and it was that knowledge that comforted her. It was her new family...she hoped to be seeing a lot of them more in the future.
Sorin 17 years ago
Sorin turned just after handing over his lyre to find a stranger coming towards him. Had he been lax in learning of someone new? That was very unlike him but this whole situation with the Dynamic Blonde Duo had been a large distraction and he still had not heard from Ellis to tell him that the Wolf was safely dispatched. Thaddeus was alive and well and no mention of Lykaios had been given so Sorin reasoned that Ellis must have killed the beast of a man before Thaddeus and Alfarinn could be confronted but it was damned inconvenient not to know what happened. Rumor had it that the Orphans were being led by Simon now and indeed at the last social event he had not seen Ellis. One event was not sure proof but it was not like Ellis to miss a party and with the other rumors it seemed as though the fierce vixen had finally met her end.

That was a tragedy to vampire kind. He wondered if that pitiful puppy of her's finally got up enough nerve to kill his leader or if the Wolf had done the job. It still left him with the question of where was Lykaios? Was he alive or dead?

His vague smile of friendly greeting broadened at the introduction. This was not someone he should already know about and yet he did. This was Thaddeus's friend and Blaine's prodigy. Sorin wondered if Palmer ever heard the praise that came his way from his creator but somehow doubted that Blaine would be so forth coming.

Neither had Thaddeus been but Sorin was adept at reading people and he had centuries of acquaintance with Thaddeus to know that the bare praise in his matter of fact correspondence indicated high regard for Palmer Calhoun.

Excellent.


"Absolutely. It is a pleasure to meet Blaine's prodigal son at last. I hear our Order lost a true talent when you chose the Hunt"Â?

He waved a hand in a friendly gesture of dismissal over the event to belay his words. Moving back towards the door, Sorin paused to pick up a glass of wine before looking around at Palmer.

"Shall we take this outside?"Â?
Chryseis Angelique 17 years ago
Chryseis had watched the events unfolding from the shadows as the song bird. Unnoticed she had listened in with and spied on the new Anantya. She wasn't very impressed with what she saw and had no idea what Panos had seen in this waife.

Sorin, the perpetual thorn in the Rose's side had attended the little party and Chryseis decided that maybe it was time to speak to him about the new member's possible threat. She watched as he picked his glass up and spoke to a young man.
Ysabel 17 years ago
The crowd was growing, mostly focused around the new clan member, as was appropriate. Ysabel decided she had better greet the young woman now, before she was borne away on a crowd of admirers and well-wishers.

Seeing her friend Claire encouraged her, and Ysabel stood from the seat she'd claimed, and made her way carefully to the group. She dropped a little curtsey as she approached and waited for a break in the conversation to greet the newest Anantya member.

In the meantime she offered a smile to Claire but didn't say anything that might interrupt the obvious flow of conversation around them.
Claire 17 years ago
Claire smiled at Fallon and noted the modesty of her answer. What she had meant had seemed easy to understand forClaire but she had only wanted to point out that Fallon's beginning were very important to the clan. Her history made Fallon who she was and that influence rarely seemed to depart fully from people. Even Mai who was the oldest vampire Claire knew seemed to keep her origins as a big part of her.

"North Carolina. I have been then only once before I'm afraid but it was quite lovely."Â?

She grinned and nodded her slightly and smiled over at Cyrus. It was good to know that Fallon believed her turning was a good occurrence and embraced it from the start. There were many for whom the change was difficult and those in denial had the potential for doing themselves and others great harm.

Blushing slightly at the hug and the praise, she returned the embrace and replied.


"We are a family. I hope that you will quickly feel at home here in the Manor. That is if this is where you wish to reside. There are some of us who prefer to live elsewhere and simply visit.

Shaking her head slightly to the negative in answer, Claire explained. [/i]

"No, I am from a place they now call Lampaul. It is a city on a little island off the coast of France. Many of us are European immigrants."Â?

Eyeing Ysabel nearby, Claire nodded her head towards the other woman.

"Like one of our escapees from Britain right here. Ysabel Yolgrave."Â?

She knew that the English woman had newly arrived and perhaps had not had a chance to meet many of the newer faces of the Nachton branch of Anantya.

"Have you had a chance to meet Fallon?"Â?
Ysabel 17 years ago
Ysabel's smile grew at Claire's introduction, and she turned to offer the same cheerful expression to Fallon. "I hadn't yet had the pleasure," she admitted, "a situation I had thought to rectify before our newest sister here becomes impossible to find in the crowd of well-wishers."

She turned more fully to the new clan member, offering another small curtsey. "Welcome to Anantya, Fallon. Or perhaps, 'welcome home' would be more appropriate."

With that sentiment, she summed up exactly how she felt about her clan in general and her clanmates in particular.

Regarding Claire again she laughed softly. "Escapee, indeed. It's good to be in Nachton again. I had forgotten how much more lively the city is than what I'm used to nowadays."
Cyrus 17 years ago
Women had a way of socializing that he would never master. Instead he simply bowed respectfully as their fellow clanwomen came up and spoke to Fallon. Most introducing themselves before he had a chance to. Which was good, as some he had not seen for hundreds of years and may not have their full names quick at hand.

Smiling at Claire, whom he had met in Europe hundreds of years ago, he watched the other women flock to their newest member. Standing quietly he gave Fallon his support and strength, silently so as not to interfere with the female thing happening.
Fallon 17 years ago
Objectively Fallon could agree, North Carolina was a beautiful state; however, if she never went back it would be too soon. Ugliness was all she could associate with the place. She did nod in agreement with Claire's description though, and felt no need to mar the evening with details of her prior life or actual turning.

Thinking of living at the manor was not even a consideration. On the other hand, it did give Fallon a further sense of belonging, and comfort, to know it would always be an option for her. From Claire's words, it seemed she did not live at the manor either, but hearing of her roots being from France superseded that topic with Fallon.


"I know many of you all do seem to come from outside the United States. I've never traveled away from home, but hearing about all your homelands has piqued my interest. I'm hoping if Cyrus ever needs to travel for business, he might consider having me tag along with him."

Turning a smile full of love and tenderness onto her lover, she hoped he didn't mind her personal comment. For Fallon it was beginning to be more and more difficult to think of the two of them as anything but together.

Directing her attention back to Claire she looked to the woman being introduced, and smiled again. Being the center of attention was nothing Fallon had ever experience before coming to Nachton, and while she was enjoying it, it concerned her a little for Cyrus. He didn't seem to impress her as one who liked crowds. But he was showing no signs of discomfort, so she allowed herself to be carried along in the moment.

When Ysabel curtsied to Fallon, Fallon quickly moved to embrace her. The expressions of affection were not yet as easy and effortless for her as she would have liked, but she didn't think she was coming across as stiff or fake. She did want to feel something for these people...as they were now her people. And by making herself a more welcoming person, with hugs, and touches, it did seem to allow her to be more open to their getting to know, and accept her better.


"I am honored by you all for joining me here tonight, and making me feel so welcome."

Though the crowd of people around her was as yet still relatively small, being out of her element, and slightly weary from the earlier adventure, Fallon felt a little anxious. Looking briefly to Cyrus, she stepped towards him and took his hand in her's as she smiled at all the lovely women around her.
Palmer 17 years ago
Palmer gave a hearty chuckle at Sorin's response, pleased that he was already known to the Elder of the Night if his words could be trusted as an indication.

"The pleasure is all mine. And it seems my reputation precedes me!"Â? He shook a finger before tapping it to his chin. "Now I wonder what -else- you might have heard about me. All true, no doubt."Â? With a light wink, he picked up a fresh wine glass of his own and nodded in agreement with Sorin's proposal. "An excellent plan! Enjoy this fine weather while we can; I take full credit by the way, I brought it with me from the south."Â?

Inwardly Palmer was relieved to have not simply received the old brush off from such an important individual; while a healthy dose of confidence and bravado helped in such situations, his attitude didn't always save the day. Most of the time it was enough to 'fake it 'til he made it' but with Sorin he felt it was something of a toss up. He wondered what it was like for the people who lived in the Manor, or even just in Nachton, all the time, having to interact with the rulers of the entire clan on a daily basis.

Palmer generally felt that people were people. Still, he would be a fool not to appreciate the novelty.


/ooc Palmer and Sorin out
Amberelle DeEspionne 17 years ago
Curious, Amberelle had watched Claire hand a small gift to Fallon and as she admired her present, the simple beauty of it reminded the Creole girl of countless nights she'd spent watching her grandmother nimbly sew and stitch. It was an art form she had never been able to master, but she'd been consoled by Elise that it was something of a lost art. Amberelle studied it closely for a moment as Fallon showed it to her.

It is beautiful, very fine work Claire. Amby gave the brunette a nod and a smile, appreciating her talent.

Out of the corner of her eye she spied a tall blonde head and she was distracted, trying to discreetly get a look at who it was. She was more dissapointed than she thought she would be when the fact it was just one of the waiters became apparent. Sighing a little, she took a sip of wine and subtly scanned the crowd while listening to the other women talking. Somehow she doubted the person she was looking for was here. There hadn't been anyone in the initiation chamber nearly tall enough that she could tell.

When Ysabel was introduced Amby turned her full attention back and gave her a beautiful smile. Social pleasantries were a nice distraction for her wandering thoughts, she decided. Watching the exchange between the three other women brought home how nice it was to finally be a part of a caring family. It was ironic how she had to get away from her own family to find that.
Claire 17 years ago
Claire smiled at Fallon and Cyrus and replied.

"Perhaps he can be convinced. I enjoy travelling but I must say that it is nice to be home."Â?

After so many many years she found that home had become an unfamiliar place. It would take some time for her to feel as though she were a part of it again. It was still nice to know that she had a family and a place in which she belonged.

Giving a smile to Amberelle, she thanked her for the compliment.


"It is small but something."

Claire had caught sight of her sire but now he seemed lost in the crowd, turning to Fallon, she said.

"I am afraid that I there is someone that I need to find this evening while he is still about. I do hope you all enjoy your evening. I wish you welcome once more."Â?

Having said that, Claire nodded to the group and turned in search of Sorin. Scanning the crowd proved fruitless. He had entered just a moment ago, she had caught sight of him holding his lyre. Perhaps he had gone upstairs for somewhere better to set up and play.

/ooc Claire out
Ysabel 17 years ago
Ysabel returned Fallon's hug warmly, beaming a smile at the other woman and shaking her head slightly at her words. "Nonsense," she said. "We aren't going out of our way to welcome you. You're Anantya now."

It was a simple matter to Ysabel. The ritual was complete; Fallon was a member of the family and therefore every word of welcome should be heartfelt and not at all contrived.

Ysabel bid Claire farewell and turned to the other two people standing nearby - the blonde woman and the man with the asian features who stood close to Fallon. They had not introduced themselves, and she didn't recall ever having met either one on her previous visits to Nachton.

"Forgive me, I don't recognize your faces," she said, her smile encompassing them both. "It has been a long time since I was here in America, however. Have you both come to the clan recently as well?"
Cyrus 17 years ago
Cyrus bowed to Claire and nodded his head respectfully as she made her goodbyes. "A pleasure to see you here Claire, I hope we can renew acquaintences soon."

It had been so long since he had seen many of these clanmates that it took quite a while to place them all. Claire was a nice enough woman who always seemed to go out of her way for the newcommers. He hoped she would be just as welcoming to his Fallon, and perhaps offered assistance where he knew he lacked knowledge in ceremonies and ritiuals.

Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew it was not quite honorable of him to leave her to the fellow clanswomen, but he knew she was in good hands. As he had hoped Amberelle expressed her friendship which was a good thing as they were both so young, they perhaps had more in common than any of the others here. Maybe they would do that female bonding thing and shop or something in the future. Though he hoped Amberelle would not put his kitten in dangerous situations like he had stumbled across with her and that Tacharan Ginnie.

Smiling at Ysabel Yolgrave he tried to place her. Even with the knowledge that she was from their England chapter did not help him overmuch as he had not spent time there in the last several centuries. Bowing politely to her while he pet the small of Fallon's back.


"Cyrus, Member of the Hunt and Anantya for over a millennia. I have only been in Nachton for a short time as I have spent numerable centuries on my estate in China." He knew he sounded arrogant but perhaps she would take the hint that he did not mingle much and grant him some leway. While he knew it was difficult for him, it must be doubly so for Fallon, so he stayed. Now if she were to perhaps shoo him away, he would not question his good luck.

"Amberelle De'Espionne is originally a member of our New Orleans chapter." Somewhere he had manners and he vaguely remembered to introduce his clanswoman like a gentleman. Something about her last name spoke of familiarity in the back of his mind. Cocking his head to the side he looked closely at Ysabel.


"I do not mingle overmuch with others, though Yolgrave is familiar. Would you be a relation of Richard Yolgrave by any chance?" Trying to remember if the man had bought a sword from Cyrus or if he had been the seller, Cyrus looked politely at Ysabel.
Fallon 17 years ago
Fallon had to agree with Claire - it was good to be home, when one had a home and family as good as Fallon now had. But she still thought a short trip with Cyrus might be exciting too.

She frowned slightly when Claire somewhat dismissed her gift by saying it was small.


"Believe me Claire...this pillow means more to me than you can begin to imagine."

Surprised to have had so much of the woman's time as it was, Fallon totally understood when Claire had to leave. She smiled at the woman, and returned her nod.

Blushing a little, when she heard she had forgotten to introduce Cyrus, she saw that Ysabel was quite adept in rectifying the matter. Though glancing at Cyrus, Fallon remembered he wasn't one for socializing much, and his comment to Ysabel reaffirmed that. She wondered if he would be happier going off and meeting up with some of the more masculine Anantya. She enjoyed having him close, but with the Anantya women in her company, she was doing alright too. Everyone had been so terribly kind and friendly, how could she be otherwise.

Releasing his hand, she rubbed a hand up his back in affection, and hoping to impart a little of the confidence she felt. It was so nice to feel comfortable in her surroundings, and knew because of all these experiences she was growing stronger all the time. Nodding to Ysabel's additional welcoming remark, Fallon listened as Cyrus and the two other women established new ties, or re-established old ones. It was good that more than Fallon's initiation into Anantya was taking place tonight. If these types of events could help serve in strengthening the clan ties, it was even better, in Fallon's humble opinion anyway.
Ysabel 17 years ago
Nodding as Cyrus introduced Amberelle, Ysabel then beamed at the man when he mentioned Richard. "Richard is my father," she confirmed gladly. The four of them, Richard, Elsa, Dayle, and Ysabel, had been a "family" for so long it never occurred to her that the terminology might be confusing to others. "He's still in England, of course."

She lifted her shoulders slightly, uncertain of how familiar Cyrus was with her father. From the way he spoke, it was obvious that he wasn't a big socializer... not after spending centuries at his own estate, at any rate. However, there was nothing odd in that. Ysabel herself would have been content to remain in England if it hadn't been for Dayle's coming to America. There was no place like home, after all.

Mindful of dominating the conversation, Ysabel did not say any more than that; this was Fallon's welcome party after all, and she didn't wish to draw any attention away from the somewhat shy but pretty and friendly woman.
Cyrus 17 years ago
The comforting hand at his back and details clicking into place had Cyrus much more at ease. Yolgave, crusader sword, good purchase. "Richard sold me a well maintained Crusader Sword from 1097. Good detail work on the hilt and excellent blade. I was honored he chose me to purchase it."

Since he did not recall Richard having children, Ysabel must have been created later, which by her dress dated her several centeries later if he recalled anything of European fashion. Which he normally would not have.

"How is he doing these days? And his lovely wife, Elsie?" He ended the comment with a question in his voice. Guessing was always a bad idea, he knew he was close but did not know her name. Having never met the woman made it difficult for him to try to place her anyways. Damn these social niceties. He just was not any good at them.

The best recourse was to change the topic, he felt. Deftly pouncing upon the fact she was new to Nachton he could ask her several questions regarding her stay here which would be socially acceptable.


"Do you plan on staying in Nachton long? There is quite a large portion of the clan here, its a good city."
Ysabel 17 years ago
Ysabel nodded her understanding when Cyrus told her how he knew Richard.

"He and Elsa are well," she said, subtly correcting Cyrus' small mistake with her mother's name. It was actually a common one, albeit one Elsa had often lamented made her sound like a milk cow. As if anyone would have been able to mistake the beauty for one.

"I came here with my sister just a short while ago. I am enjoying it though. I imagine I should be here for some time, It has been wonderful so far to meet more Anantya, old and new."

She took in all three of her fellows as she said that last, adding a little curtsey to acknowledge them each.
Cyrus 17 years ago
Bowing his head respectfully at his error he quickly apologiesed. "Elsa, forgive me. I had not had the chance to meet her in person, though Richard expounded on her wonderfullness the entire evening. I should have remembered her name."

She was a polite little thing. A bit too outdated in his eyes but polite. How she covered that flaw he could only guess. Perhaps she portrayed one of those reenactors that seemed to pop up just about anywhere. Deciding he could small talk for a bit longer he felt comfortable telling Ysabel of his and Fallon's new home. It could inspire their English cousin to put down roots of her own here.

"Its a lovely city with clanmates aplenty to make one consider settling down. Fallon and I just purchased a large property not too far from here. We only have the preserve and one other neighbor. While not as homey as Asia, it will be a good place to live for a few centuries."