1st Forum - Barony of Santa Monica

Participants: Christian Vy Kaden Karner Bartok Aspen Chess Colton Trent Savage Chanel Becky Sveta Rabbit Hall Rosalia Shawna Zebastian Los Perdidos

Storyteller: Christian

Location: VIP Room - Drop the Mic - The Westside

Date and Time: November 15th, 2020, 10:00pm

Summary: The first Forum of the new Barony of Santa Monica takes place with unexpected announcements made.

============ VIP Room - Drop the Mic - The Westside =============

The VIP room is a private lounge made for local Anarchs and their guests to come and hang out. It's an ample space with an open feel. It flows with clusters of furniture or other focal items to separate its various areas along with a small stage and dance floor. Plush, overstuffed couches and chairs with tables in some sections form seating areas scattered throughout the room. A wooden bar is newly stained and sealed with stools lined up before it along the longest wall.

A lovingly restored classic jukebox is near the bar that pipes music into the lounge when on. Just to the side of it is a raised stage with a subwoofer built into the floor and speakers on either side. The speakers are hidden within dark wooden boxes set into the wall and pointed towards the dance floor area left open between the seating area and the stage. A hand-engraved pool table, felted in deep crimson, sits in an alcove to the left of the stage.

=================================================================

---<Christian>---------------

The VIP Room has been meticulously prepared for this evening. Sure, the bar remains stocked, but the TV has been removed, just in case, and red carpet has been laid from the stairwell to the center of the room, where the event will take place. Filler music is nearly audible as it pipes out of the speakers. Of note is that the decoration seems to be typical for a club's night to night, but some small touches here and there indicate gravitas for the meeting. For one, there are a dozen wireless microphones in a rack, overseen by ghouls.

And there are many chairs, expensive chairs, at that, which have been set in a wide circle around the VIP Room. The Barony is not one for ostentatious display of herds during parties, but a few enthralled blood donors can be seen at the bar. A circular platform decorated with red carpet sits at the center, its elevation barely higher than the floor; there to simply allow a prospective speaker to regard others in the room.

Aspen stands a few steps from the entrance, flanked by a ghoul named Noah. She's writing down the names of prospective speakers.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen murmurs something to Noah, tapping at a tablet with a stylus as people filter into the VIP room. At some length she hands the tablet to the other ghoul, points to a few places on the screen, and then turns to get herself a water at the bar. She returns quickly, taking a sip as she does so, and then peers over Noah's shoulder with curiosity.

---<Christian>---------------

For his part, the Baron of Santa Monica is fancy casual, tonight. Not unexpected, but he has a jacket over a brown v-collared shirt, black denims and leather shoes. He stands near Aybel, Vy's ghoul, talking about the audio setup, no doubt. Christian seems to be relaxed, and at ease, smiling at those that arrive and nodding respectfully as they make their way into the VIP Room.

---<Karner>---------------

Hollywood is here in full force tonight! Apart from any other Hollywood types who have come on their own, Karner, Bartok, Rosalia, and Chess all enter in together. Karner wears a blue leather jacket over a turtleneck whose black-and-white pattern resembles a blown-up diagram of the structure of hundreds of bone cells. A silver eye charm hangs from a thin chain around his neck. He has black trousers, black boots, and black sunglasses on, too. (https://ibb.co/vvyszf4)

The Malkavian film director grins his big grin at the various members of Los Perdidos that he spots. He's moving in Christian's direction, in fact, apparently to say something brief, after which he will join the circle of chairs, presumably with the folks who have come in with him.

---<Vy>---------------

Standing near Aspen, with her back to the stage, facing the door, are Kaden and Vy. Vy's dressed in a crimson red sheath dress that is sleeveless, knee length, and tailored. There are black pumps on her feet, and her hair is swept back from her face in a low chignon. As individuals arrive in the VIP room, she glances up with a ready, welcoming smile. Her gaze otherwise moves about, checking the details one final time - is the rug straight? Are those chairs neatly in line? Turning toward Kaden, she looks him over, then adjusts his shirt, even though it doesn't need adjusting at all. When Karner arrives with his entourage, she smiles their way, but she doesn't interrupt Karner otherwise on his approach toward Christian.

---<Savage>---------------

Monster Hunter Couture is the flavor de jour. Knee high, high heeled boots with the tops folded down pair to black skin tight cat suit with a white pvc corset that cinches Savage's dainty waist into something approaching 'waspish'. Over this is a long coat that brushes the ground and hangs open. From waist to throat there are latches that might fasten shut should the urge hit, and it has a large, soft hood that is pushed back upon entry into the private space. The longcoat is pure white, glossy pvc. Perched atop her head is a black top hat with the eye of an albino peacock feather tucked into the band. As always the woman carries a slender black lacquer cane in her left hand and moves with the air of royalty.

---<Trent>---------------

That circle of chairs looks like a trap. A trap that ensnares people and makes them talk about feelings. Hell no. Trent doesn't go to sit in the circle. He's over by the bar. Or anywhere he can not be a part of the circle but outside of it. He's paying attention, of course, watching with a casual sort of interest as people start making their way into the club for the forum. He's just keeping to himself. Until he sees Bartok move in with the Hollywood contingent. All that Hollywood. "Hey!! Dude!" he calls, waving his arm just in case it's not clear who's shouting. Then Trent kicks a foot up to show a pair of orange crocs. "They're awersome, bro! Good recommendation!" there was no recommendation, but still. Fortunately, that's as far as Trent goes, distracted by something else right afterwards.

---<Sveta>---------------

The distinctive rumble of an American V8 announces the arrival of a chop-shop special. A 1980-something Dodge Charger rolls up outside of Drop the Mic. Its driver's side door locks have been punched out, dust coats the entire thing, save for a spot on the hood that's been wiped clean to reveal rough patina, and the ignition is a couple of bare wires, plainly visible through the cracked passenger window. The entire chassis rattles with the reverberations of bass-heavy Berlin techno before the exhaust splutters and dies, leaving Chanel Duvall and Svetlana Serova peering at the establishment that only one of them got a proper invitation for.

The other one? Sveta? She's wearing a black Texas Tuxedo, the jacket of which has a large band patch on the back and studs adorning the collar. Accessorizing: baby blue nail polish, a spiked collar, a cutoff T and a mean looking scowl.

Somehow, they make it through security, fumbling only briefly as Serova hands over some weapons of minor destruction, then move into the VIP area proper.

"-... And then the viking dude was like 'on the battlefield, brother' or whatever and it was just, like... brat. That is NOT how you do a funeral. Anyway, I forgot my punch card. So... maybe this'll be better."

She takes a glance around and puts out her cigarette in the nearest glass that has yet to be policed by wait staff.

"Or at least more entertaining."

---<Rabbit>---------------

Not long after Karner and the Hollywood crew arrive, coming on up the stairs are a pair of gray hoodies on very different women. Well, sort of. One with dark brown hair and a ponytail, motorcycle goggles resting on her forehead. The other, blueish hair and tattoos that slide up her neck and throat. Eyes appear similar, with Becky's more golden while Rabbit's amber. There's no indication that either or the pair have issues to discuss and quietly move past Noah and Aspen with faint nods of recognition before they move to find a seat.

Rabbit pauses for a moment, glancing over to Becky before shrugging. "Yeah, over here." That blue haired girl leads the way as the pair take seats on the side of the circle that'd let them see the stairs coming up. Dropping down into the expensive chair, Rabbit tugs up her hood partially before tucking her hands into pockets.

---<Kaden>---------------

Standing with Vy in a black dress shirt with the sleeves rolled to his elbows and with the top button undone, Kaden wears all black. His shirt is tucked into black slacks with black leather shoes on his feet. Smiling to Vy he nods to those that enter while keeping a keen eye on the room and those within.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen, clad in a loose black blouse, jeans and boots, turns and glances over her shoulder long enough to throw a supportive smile to Vy. That same smile moves over to Kaden next, and then she flutters her fingers before settling her hand over her waist while she leans towards Noah again. "Nope, over there," she tells him, index finger pointed towards the tablet he holds while the others curl around her water.

Her eyes wander over to Karner as he enters and moves to Christian, who she watches carefully for a moment. A glance to Savage and her unique clothing is given once the woman enters, and Aspen nods a greeting before catching Sveta dropping her cigarette into an unattended drink. Her face goes glasslike.

---<Hall>---------------

Hall comes in and walks around a little bit, taking a look around at how Drop the Mic has been made over for the evening, before he sits down near some of the faces that he recognizes. He has a black denim jacket, white T-shirt, gray jeans, and black sneakers on. Now and then, he pushes his sleeve back to look at his watch.

---<Rosalia>---------------

Rosalia arrives, trailing close behind Karner with the rest of the Hollywood contingent. A fine dress of black and gold-threaded lace wraps her diminutive form. it falls to just above her knees in a serrated hem, and gathers into a twist at her waist that's held tight by a pearl-laden brooch. Peep-toe black stilletos with gold threading encase her feet. Her feather-strewn hair is held back from her face by a pair of tiered braids that trail down to the middle of her back.

She'll levy her warm smile on all who meet her gaze, as she slinks towards Christian in Karner's wake.

---<Vy>---------------

The waitstaff are quick to sweep up the cigarette laden drink. When Chanel and Sveta arrive together, Vy studies them for a beat, then inclines her head, politely greeting them both. Her gaze moves about the room, taking in the arrivals one by one. Her expression is pleasant, although there's an air of anticipation, the sort any hostess might have, that desire that things go just right. Rosalia gets a particularly delighted wave, a smile to clearly indicate admiration of the outfit she's chosen. Then, turning back to look at Aspen, Vy speaks her name, quietly: "Aspen" to get her attention, then leans over to murmur something.

---<Chanel>---------------

So there's Sveta, and then there's Chanel. The two of them make for quite the juxtaposition. Sveta: not /short/, but also not incredibly tall; moon-pale; crust-punk with the crusts cut off, like how Mom used to make. Chanel: six feet tall; dark of skin and platinum of tresses; dressed like a personal trainer who will beat your fuckin' ass because you paid them the boot camp fees to do it (and because that's how you were hoping to get off, anyway).

Many of those present will likely be aware of Chanel, to some extent or another. Banu Haqim. Assamite. Murderer. For hire. A representative of a Clan that kneels to no Prince, is cowed by no Priscus. The tall woman is wearing a vivid red sweatsuit, whose top is cropped to end just below her breasts and reveal all of her sculpted abdominals and narrow waist. She's smoothing her hair with her hands as she and Sveta walk in.

"...Viking?" Chanel asks Sveta, having picked only that details of the story to find confusing. "Lord have mercy." She shakes her head to put the thought out of her mind.

The contract killer doesn't go for the chairs. Instead, she finds a wall she likes, to stand against -- pointedly keeping herself outside of any circles. There are a few people she offers nods toward, or big, fangy, sabre-toothed grins: Karner, Rosalia, and their crew, for starters.

---<Karner>---------------

Once he's settled into his seat -- somewhere he can keep an eye on things, and not with his back to anyone -- Karner waggles his fingers at Vy, Kaden and Aspen. The arrival of Chanel and Sveta get an eyebrow raise, but mostly the former. He lifts his chin into a nod for Chanel, and maybe for Sveta? Hard to tell. When Rabbit and Becky arrive, however, he raises a hand to them, whether or not they're looking his way.

Then he settles back in his seat, crossing his legs and watching Rosalia with some curiosity as she apparently goes to speak with Christian as well.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen's brown-red head turns in Vy's direction, caught on the utterance of her name. She nods Vy's way, brows drawn down, and leans towards her. There is a short exchange, and then Aspen meets the other woman's gaze for a moment before slipping into a small smile. A wink, and then she weaves through those assembled to find Christian. Once at his side, she bumps him and leans in close for a beat.

---<Kaden>---------------

Kaden makes sure to nod and wave to those he knows, Karner gets a wave in response as the tattooed man moves to check in with Noah. Looking out the VIP door he lets his piercing blue eyes study the entrance and the security process there. Currently after hours, the club is closed down making it possible to increase the security posture for the event. Satisfied it would seem he gives a smile as he moves into position once more to watch the room.

---<Christian>---------------

Nodding to Karner, Christian murmurs something in reply to the man, his look one of appreciation, it seems, before he turns to Rosalia as she approaches. With a friendly smile, he bows his head to the Gangrel. "Buenas noches, Rosalia." He greets in fluent Spanish. As Aybel has made sure that the microphone is not going to feedback all over the place, he turns to him. It's briefly paused as Aspen comes to bump against him, and he leans in to listen, nodding to her, thoughtful for a moment. Murmuring something back, he squeezes his wife and ghoul's shoulder before he's offered the microphone again by the ghoul overseeing the mics.

The Baron of Santa Monica takes the aforementioned microphone from Aybel with a nod to him, before he clears his throat, and steps up to the platform.

"Santa Monica has always stood at the edge."

Christian opens with that statement, making his way to the center of the VIP Room as he speaks to the audience. He allows for a pause, looking at those assembled to see their reaction before continuing:

"It stands at the border with South Bay, it has stood as the crown jewel of despot Louis Fortier's domain before his betrayal and defection to the Cathayan Threat; it stood despite Therese Voerman's defection to the Camarilla and her attempt to dismember this wonderful city by the sea from the Anarch States. And it stood when Farid Bekhti reclaimed it in the name of the Movement and after his successor, the late Baron Cheyenne Spare, died fighting against our common enemies in the Sabbat."

He smiles at this, the expression slight, as if trying to convey that the past cannot be changed but the future can and should. He circles around, elucidating his points, before once again taking a look at all of the people assembled.

"Santa Monica is now, as it has always been, the crucible of change. Not just to the greater Westside, but also to the Anarch States as a whole. We represent a safe harbor for the Thinblooded, we represent one who understands their needs, one who can voice their concerns, even as the Tower and the Sword would rather see them under heel and slain, respectively. We represent shelter for our society's most disenfranchised."

---<Rosalia>---------------

"Buenas noches, Baron." Rosalia offers Christian a bow of her feather-strewn head in return. She'll step in to share a few friendly words with him quietly, then offer Aspen a warm smile and a nod of acknowledgement, before stepping back, and settling herself into a seat next to Karner.

---<Chanel>---------------

Before Christian speaks, Chanel asides to Sveta: "Keep our seats." Their places standing against a wall. She then walks over to Aspen and leans in to get her name on the Petitions list -- 'Chanel, of the Banu Haqim,' and she even spells out her Clan's name if Aspen needs it. But after that, she's right back to her spot against the wall, to listen to the address.

---<Sveta>---------------

Sveta gives Aspen a little grin that doesn't reach her eyes. It carries over to Vy. The welcoming committee is out in full effect, but Serova doesn't seem entirely sure which of the two to really sink her attention into. She cuts the difference and finds herself peering over at Karner. A familiar face, in the sea of current unknowns. With the nod, Serova gives Chanel's side a little nudge, if she hasn't already clocked the director, and starts to move in his direction for what's undoubtedly going to be a Very Friendly Interaction, before Christian begins addressing the assembled bunch. She slows, then stops, at an awkward lean as she listens silently. Her arms fold under her chest. While she keeps her eyes on the Baron for as long as she can, she finds her gaze wandering - taking stock, counting heads. Her census draws to a momentary lull as she finds herself looking at Becky. She waggles her eyebrows.

A nod to Chanel, then. She keeps their space as she moves to petition.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky sits in the chair next to Rabbit, arms crossed and hands tucked under her arms as she listens.

---<Bartok>---------------

Following unmistakably behind Karner and Chess and Rosalia is indeed is Robbie Bartok. He looks just as abivalent to being here as he looks being anywhere. He stands behind the Hollywood Anarchs with his hands in his pockets, looking very much like a monster movie depiction of something that once crawled out of Burbank Half-Pipe. He does not sit because there are no seats present that can survive such an encounter and the brutality would likely be frowned upon.

---<Karner>---------------

Karner tilts his head as Christian speaks, his expression quite neutral: neither smiling nor frowning. He does, however, lean over and murmur something briefly to Rosalia. After he's finished with whatever he's saying, he stares at Sveta as she comes his way, one eyebrow slowly arching upwards.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky frees a hand and lifts it in silent greeting, as eyebrows are waggled in her direction. A faint smirk, then she returns her attention to the Baron.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen drops back, out of the immediate circle of chairs and into the dimmer, more unseen areas of the room. She catches a look from Rosalia, pauses, and then returns the smile before falling into further shadow as Chanel approaches her. Her face ah-hah's, and she beckons Noah over to add the item to the tablet there along with Chanel's other details.

"Thank you," she says, voice low but dulcet. As Chanel returns to the wall, Aspen herself takes the tablet from Noah and flips it off. Feeling the weight of - something - she catches Sveta's smile and can only return that, too, before her attention returns to Christian.

---<Vy>---------------

After returning Karner's wave, Vy looks back to Kaden. Smiling as he moves into position to watch the room, she finds her seat in the circle of chairs, presumably among her coterie mates, with her back to the stage, facing the door. When Christian begins to speak, she listens with about 95 percent of her attention, the other 5 percent still watching the room. Glancing toward Aspen, she arches an eyebrow, then pats the chair next to her.

---<Hall>---------------

Hall stops checking his watch, looks up, and listens when the speech gets started. Once the petition line starts to form, he glances that way, then back at Christian for the rest of his speech.

---<Colton>---------------

It may have looked to be the same suit worn at Court the night before, but it was a different black Italian suit that Cole simply wore the hell out of. He smiles at familiar faces and greets those he knows with pleasant enough winks. He takes up a place near those of Santa Monica and leans casually against a wall with arms folded over the breadth of his chest.

---<Savage>---------------

Savage disdains the seating, finding a spot to stand out o the way and take a light lean upon her cane. No one is particularly greeting, though the faces she knows get a slight nod from the fancifully dressed Ventrue fence.

---<Trent>---------------

Trent is keeping way out on the fringes still, eventually turning his attention toward Christian as he begins to speak. He leans back on his bar stool until he can feel the edge of the bartop against his back and then leans there, rocking precariously back and forth from the front two to the back two legs of the stool. Fortunately, he hasn't toppled over yet. Yet.

---<Christian>---------------

With a serious look, then, Christian forges on, straightening.

"Santa Monica is a bulwark of the purest essence of libertas. And it is through it that systemic change will happen in Kindred society. Greater people than myself have reminded me of the importance of the Status Perfectus. But many have forgotten the most important edict of them all: 'We declare our kinship with oppressed Kindred everywhere and offer a home to all Kindred of all generations and clans who will agree to dwell in harmony with us.'"

Pausing, he lifts a finger, as if to punctuate something in a non-verbal fashion: "The operative phrases here are: 'all Kindred of all generations and clans' and 'who will agree to dwell in harmony with us'."

Here, he smiles, sly. "Which is why Santa Monica will pursue a path of diplomacy and of enrichment rather than one that would ultimately destroy the dreams and the ideals of our predecessors. Some have, even now, in uncertain times for all of the Westside, spoken about conspiring with rogue elements; with those who wish for nothing but the destruction of any interpretation of an ideal society that deviates from their own, to move against Santa Monica. Where we see opportunities for partnership, they see only strife and bloodshed. I censure them as Baron of Santa Monica and promise my comrades: I will always hear your concerns. I will stand by you as you stand by Santa Monica." At the end of this promise, his expression has turned into one of sheer determination. "Because one drop of effort does not make a Movement. The sum of all our works?" He muses, rubbing his jaw for theatrical effect, before nodding, resolute. "Yes; that, indeed, does."

Spreading his arms, he draws in a breath, and segues into the final leg of his speech: "And as such, I call upon any and all of you who are friends to Santa Monica, who live in Santa Monica, who believe in what we believe, that we join hands and forge ahead for a brighter, new future. Not just for Santa Monica, but for all Kindred. To show the 'Sects' that we are able to create our very own ideal society, as much as we can do so. I am no protagonist in this; you are. I am simply one guide for Santa Monica's road to progress."

---<Chanel>---------------

In walking back to her spot, Chanel passes very close by Bartok. She sees Rabbit and Becky, and gives them both a grin, once more revealing her big, bright, white fangs. She also offers Savage a more dignified and reserved upnod. Chanel lingers just close enough to make sure she doesn't have to break anything up between Sveta and Karner -- if she plans to break anything up, that is. Her hands rest on her hips while the majority of her attention is on Christian's words.

---<Rabbit>---------------

It's rather obvious that Rabbit watches those that come in, though the woman is rather subdued in her demeanor that typically doesn't mean much. Drawing a hand out of her pocket, she lifts it as her hand balls into a fist and presses the knuckle of her thumb to her temple for a moment as her eyes close ever so briefly. As her amber eyes open again, she wets her lips finally pulling her gaze over to Christian as he addresses the crowd. Her expression remains neutral, though now and then there is a glance over towards Chanel and Sveta. Eventually, she leans over and whispers to Becky.

Yet as Christian continues and she hears these promises and these statements made Rabbit cannot help but laugh quietly to herself shaking her head in obvious amusement.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen beelines for Colton, passing Trent on her way over. She pauses at the blonde man, looks the brohemian up and down, and seems to find him in a mildly satisfactory state. "Trent," she greets, laughter in her eyes. She then moves onward past the gargoyle, glances his way, but down - maybe looking for purple Crocs - and then shrugs as she eventually ends up near Colton. Elbowing her brother with the hand holding the tablet, she leans in and murmurs something.

---<Kaden>---------------

From where he stands, Kaden keeps an eye on the space while still splitting some of his attention to watch the Baron speak. Nodding his head to those words he smiles in agreement, looking to the crowd to see the reaction there.

---<Chanel>---------------

Chanel's reaction is fairly straightforward. The Banu Haqim is listening to every word of the speech, but showing precisely zero signs of any of its aims resonating with or mattering to her. Her expression is flat and neutral.

---<Sveta>---------------

Sveta finishes her shadowy-slink over toward Karner and Friends. Since Bartok and chairs don't get along, Sveta takes his as if she were a proper Hollywood star, crossing her legs and clasping her hands in her lap. Just in time, too, as Christian's opening statement has drawn to a close. She lightly applauds, even if she's the only one doing so. And if she is? She makes a special point of it, breaking into an ear-gobbling smile and letting her attention list over toward her friends from the North, as though to share her appreciation for the Baron's words with them.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky herms and leans in closer to Rabbit, listening to what she has to say and whispering in return. Straightening back up, she rubs her her palms against her jeans, before offering Chanel a smile and Bartok a wave.

---<Trent>---------------

Trent lifts his chin in an upnod to Aspen as she comes close, murmuring quietly to her before she can leave, "Tell Bartok we're Crocs twinsies." before he leans back with a grin. It's not long before he drops back into his natural state of apparent boredom. He's terrible at hiding it. Fidgeting around like a kid, looking very obviously like he'd rather be somewhere else. It's rough. Poor guy. Eventually he gets a hold of himself and moves away from the bar to head to where Aspen used to be, back in her own section of extracircular space, taking her chair when she's gone.

---<Colton>---------------

Colton winks down at Aspen and shrugs, keeping his voice low so as not to be distracting to the proceedings.

---<Bartok>---------------

Bartok turns his head subtly to Chanel as she passes. It's almost imperceptible. He then resumes looming over Karner, occasionally he sends a stony glance in Sveta's way. He folds his wings in around his shoulders like a cloak. The monster seems to treat all other proceedings with stony impassivity.

---<Savage>---------------

Savage watches, but reveals nothing. Pink glossed lips turned upwards in a warm smile, posture perfect, not bothering to put on affectations of humanity - no swaying or shifting, just still as a statue as she absorbs what is said.

---<Christian>---------------

The Baron steps off the center, offering a bow of his head to the gathered Kindred. "Thus, I open the First Forum of Santa Monica, that we may exchange ideas as equal members of the Movement. As believers and as those need and want the Movement to succeed for the centuries that follow."

But he straightens, to make his first few announcements as Baron: "The first order of business is: I hereby announce all positions given by my predecessor, with my due thanks to them for their tireless and dutiful service, to be null and void; I nominate Vy Jones and Kaden Strong to be Santa Monica's Warlords of the East and West, respectively. I also nominate Trent Brody to be Santa Monica's Reeve and Baptiste Villeneuve to be her Warden. I also would like to express our gratitude to Karner Blue of Hollywood for enabling a path towards diplomacy and extend my appreciation to the fine folks in Pico District, the Lost Skate Crew, for giving peace a chance. They have Santa Monica's friendship and Los Perdidos pledges to help them against any outside threats."

He pauses in quiet consideration, before moving on to the next topic: "As for the matter in Oakwood, I do have this announcement to make: Santa Monica has settled the dispute with the coterie known as Ghost Town, in Oakwood. They will have Venice while Venice Beach, also known as the Boardwalk, and the southern half of the airport in Sunset Park are considered neutral zones of mutual access, as borderlands."

Pausing, he settles down onto a seat, any seat, really, and asks of Aspen: "Are there any petitioners?"

---<Karner>---------------

Karner appears to be listening to Christian's speech, though with his usual neutral facial expression. He glances sidelong at Sveta as she appears to join them, though he doesn't say anything to her. Just that raised eyebrow. As he takes another look around the room, he appears to notice Hall sitting near them for the first time, and gives him a little smirk.

When Christian then mentions him by name, the Hollywood Malkavian gives him a wry little incline of his head, but the small smile he's wearing shows that what he has to say pleases him well enough.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen clears her throat, creeping closer to the group of assembled vampires in order to allow her voice to carry. She steps up behind the closest chair, the glow from the tablet filling her face. "Chanel, of the Banu Haqim, please step forward and address those gathered."

---<Rosalia>---------------

Rosalia listens with studious intent to what Christian has to say. Her expression remains thoughtful, perhaps even critical as she listens-- but remains utterly removed from any sign of how she feels about it. When the Baron makes the announcement about Oakwood, she can't help but glance about the room to gather reactions. Becky and Rabbit, sitting there together, will receive a smile and a polite lift of a hand, as the WeHo mouser scans the gathering, but once Chanel is called up, the focus of her darkly glimmering gaze is all on the Assamite.

---<Vy>---------------

Leaning back in her chair, Vy folds her hands in her lap and listens to Christian, attentive, smiling at points, nodding in agreement at others. When Christian announces the positions, there's a delicate shake of her head, as if she's not taking special pride in titles, but accepting what's been asked of her. When applause is appropriate, she applauds. And, as Chanel's petition is announced, she looks back toward the Banu Haqim, waiting to hear what might be petitioned.

---<Rabbit>---------------

A nod from Rabbit to Becky at her understanding of the answer is given along with another glance towards Chanel and Sveta. Then her gaze returns to Christian and the speech given. Unlike some of the others, what is said seems to draw a faint bit of disdain from the blue haired creature as her hood is tugged forward more fully and the Hoodie Monster appears. She slouches a bit more in her seat as her face is shadowed and her arms cross over her chest as the grimacing frown that rests on her lips persists. She does take the time to give a brief nod to Rosalia, one hand lifting along with a pair of fingers to give her own subtle greeting to the woman.

---<Zebastian>---------------

Who's that kid? Zebastian!

In he glides, dressed in an oversized monochrome psychedelic swirl fluffy cardigan about three sizes too big, over an absolutely tattered black shirt with a distressed print of hands bound by rope beneath the words 'Enfants Riches Deprimes'. Sunglasses? Of course; huge ones with rose tinted lenses. The only thing Zebastian is missing to complete the 'effete recording-artiste wastrel showing up forty-five minutes late to the function' look is an venti iced oat milk latte -- but that'd be silly. He's dead. Instead of Starbucks in hand, Zeb's got Mae: she is stylish as always, trialing alongside - snapping at her cherry menthol gum. Must've lost her Juul.

There's no huge deal made, beyond Zebastian moving across the red carpet - spotting Aspen at her tablet, giving her a little wink and a wave of his hand -- and gliding over to share a quiet word, a crooked albeit apologetic smile on his face.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky reaches out a hand and absently rubs at Rabbit's hunched back, before giving it a pat and returning her palm to its previous location.

---<Bartok>---------------

Bartok's impassivity diminishes somewhat as Chanel is called to speak. He's watch the Banu Haqim all the way up to the stage.

---<Chanel>---------------

Chanel is still standing in the rough vicinity of Sveta Goes Hollywood. When she's announced, she steps around them, patting Karner on the shoulder without his expressly issued consent as she does so.

"My name is Chanel Duvall. I'm not an Anarch. My Clan is the Banu Haqim. Some of y'all might have heard our other, less formal name -- the Assamites. And if you don't know either of those names? I'll give you the short version right now. We're the Clan that kills all the rest of you."

Chanel has a distinctly pre-gentrification New York City accent. Late 80s, maybe, if one wanted to play a guessing game with it. "Baron Cruce, you're a lucky man. I do what's in the best interests of my Clan. And I've had numerous Kindred attempting to make contracts with me lately -- to murder you. To murder your kine wife." Chanel pauses for half a beat, then lifts her brows as she says, "But."

"/But/ you have yourself a powerful sponsor. Killing you? Killing her? That would be bad for my long-term business. So you and her and your little kid can sleep easy. You don't get to know who's asked -- but none of them have been your Beverly Hills 'buddies.' So. If you ever need to tidy up your house a bit..."

Chanel flashes a big grin. Her fangs are prominent, and never retract. "I'm for hire."

Chanel nods once, and then turns away without waiting for a response, to go take her spot at the wall once more and lurk there.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen's head swerves in Zeb's direction. Green eyes widen, spotlighted by the lambent glow from the iPad she carries. When Zebastian murmurs something to her, she hesitantly leans in, listens, and then fairly perks up. Waving the man over with a burgeoning smile, she finds him a vacant seat in the circle and pulls it out. With her free hand, she waves him in. The seat is located near the Hollywood contingent, notably Karner. "All for you, Zeb."

---<Hall>--------------- Hall's just been sitting there with his arms folded over his chest and his RBF glued on. When Karner smirks at him, he raises an eyebrow back and mouths, /What?/ His green gaze flashes back to Chanel when she takes the floor and starts speaking.

---<Karner>--------------- Karner can't help but notice the late arrival of one Zebastian Oygard. Once again, an eyebrow raises, but is that a smile on his face? Yes, he might be a little pleased to see him there. Or if not pleased, than at least amused. And apparently all the Malkavians are getting seated near each other, because Sveta is already near him, and now Aspen is encouraging Zeb to be there, too...what do you call a group of Lunatics? A Lunacy, perhaps?

Meanwhile, when Chanel pats him on the shoulder as she goes by, that gets an irritated look from Karner. That irritated expression levels out into his more neutral one as she starts talking, very blatantly, about who's getting killed and who isn't, and he lets out a small sigh.

---<Aspen>---------------

Something Chanel says, perhaps with an 'm' word tacked onto it, snaps Aspen's attention away from Zebastian. She stares open-mouthed at Chanel like a stunned fish.

---<Sveta>---------------

Sveta doesn't look at Karner now that she's properly assimilated into the it crowd, practically Abrams' right hand gal. She does catch Bartok's gaze, though, and gives him a little shrug. She makes herself comfortable, kicking her legs out in front of her, lighting up a fresh cigarette, and watching the Gangrel game of telephone with table-tennis eyes while listening to the Banu Haqim's coupled allegations and advertisement. She leans over toward her newfound friend, Chess, and wonders:

"Now, what kind of fucking psycho just goes and asks to off someone like that?" Her voice is low, as though this really were just idle musing.

---<Christian>---------------

Listening to Chanel, Christian considers her words, tapping the arm of his seat as he nods to what she says, leaning forward, thoughtful.

"Thank you, Ms. Duvall. We will speak during the Rant, if you are amenable," he mentions, to the Assamite. His expression is serious, his eyes are focused. There is a lot of food for thought, here.

---<Chanel>---------------

Chanel's only response is to lift her hand in a 'you're the boss' kind of way toward Christian.

---<Savage>---------------

Savage's smile goes a little smug when information previously relayed is publicly confirmed. That's all the motion she makes, that little shift in expression before it slips back to the friendly smile.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky looks over at Sveta, expression bemused, before snorting loudly and turning her gaze towards Chanel.

---<Zebastian>---------------

Zebastian smiles, head tipping to the side where he's stooped to listen to Aspen - fingers pushing hair back to expose the pale shell of his ear. Nod, nod, nod -- a glance over to where that seat over by the Hollywood Contingent are located, and that smile broadens - properly amused! In sotto voice: "Darling, you're a star for saving the seat -- you spoil me /rotten/. " Air kiss is given, then Zeb leaves her -- apparently oblivious to whatever's being said that's gotten feathers ruffled, in exchange for wiggling his fingers in Karner's direction - then Sveta's - before he moves to go and sit on the chair. Mae perches on the side.

Zeb seems a touched lost in the conversation, speaking in a hushed tone to his fellow Lunatics: "What's shaking? How are you? What I miss?" Oh god. Someone's gonna have to shift that motormouth back into neutral.

---<Kaden>---------------

Kaden applauds along with the ghouls when Christian completes his speech. As Chanel takes centerstage he studies her then looks to the crowd to judge their reactions to both speakers. Hearing what she has to say he shakes his head then finally breaks his silence to ask Chanel, "Wow, is one or more of those people that tried to hire you in this room now?" He laughs, and waves it off, knowing she won't answer.

---<Chanel>---------------

"You sure are," Chanel deadpans to Kaden.

---<Bartok>---------------

The Gargoyle watches as Chanel makes her statement. He tilts his head contemplatively, and then returns to the picture image of impassivity. He looks down at Sveta and, after a moment's thought, he just shrugs adding a visual punch to her commentary. This wasn't the first time he'd seen Sveta come to an Anarch to-do.

---<Vy>---------------

At Chanel's words, Vy's eyebrows shoot up. Numerous contracts to kill her friends? The nerve of some people, really! She looks a bit shocked and agitated - not at Chanel, but at what she reports. Considering Christian and his expression of gratitude, she nods in agreement toward Chanel, echoing that thank you. Then, her gaze searches the room, looking for Aspen. Spotting her and her expression, Vy flashes a sympathetic look her way, only distracted by Kaden's inquiry and Chanel's joke.

---<Christian>---------------

"Is there anyone else who would like to announce or petition something to Santa Monica?" Christian offers, as a last call for petitioners, looking at those assembled. "If not, we will move to the traditional Anarch debate: the Rant. If you have anything to say, please, take one of the mics, let's shoot the breeze, Anarch style."

---<Colton>---------------

If Chanel's words stir anything in Colton, it's certainly not something that the rest of those around are able to determine yet. He shifts his gaze from her to Christian, then Kaden and Zebastian. He's a sponge, soaking all of this in.

---<Rosalia>---------------

A lone Gangrel ensconsced amidst an asylum of Malkavians, Rosalia cannot help but kind've reflexively lean off towards Bartok, once Zebastian has seated him self across Sr. Blue from her. She'll offer the Westsider a nod of acknowledgment at least, before she goes back to watching Chanel. Nothing about what the Banu Haqim seems to surprise her, but it does render her brow flat, and straightens the kittenish crescent of her lips.

---<Karner>---------------

Karner watches Sveta talking to Chess and interjects: "Well, Serova, you brought her. Why don't you tell us?" Of course he already knows Chanel; she's not a mystery to him at all, at least in that regard. Then Zeb takes his seat and finger-waggles, and Karner grins and finger-waggles right back! "Ah, Oygard, what a pleasant surprise. You missed Cruce's philosophical declarations, I'm afraid."

His gaze moves from Zeb over to Vy, a briefly sympathetic cast to his features before Christian and the idea of 'the Rant' gets his attention once again.

---<Christian>---------------

Christian also nods a greeting to Zebastian. He seems to be waiting, after the last call.

---<Chess>---------------

Chess gives Chanel a hard-eyed look when the woman touches Karner--but she doesn't say anything, or do anything. Unless one notices the fist curling at her side.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen steps back, a tight-lipped smile as her mouth comes together with an audible 'click' of teeth. Still somewhat dismayed by Chanel's petition, she nods and steps away so Zeb can pull the seat out without issue. She catches Vy's expression, a little too late to save hers, which is stymied. She ends up back near the wall, near Trent, gazing at the circle blankly with that shell-shocked expression in place. "Later on the crocs, Trent," she tells him, all falsetto.

---<Rabbit>---------------

For some reason, Rabbit's expression as Chanel speaks lightens and grows a touch less grim. Yet she only seems slightly amused at this point. Her eyes flit past, noting the people that respond to Chanel primarily, dismissing nearly everything or everyone else. A glance is given over to Becky and Rabbit leans over sideways just enough to lightly bump the woman's shoulder before rocking back into her seat fully.

---<Chess>---------------

Chess slants Sveta a look, and then gives her a remarkably sweet, eerily not at all fake smile. "Well, presumably someone who wants someone else *dead*," she says, very quietly. "I like the collar."

---<Zebastian>---------------

"Oh? What a shame -- you'll have to catch me up later; I've been taking classes - preoccupied, ja? On the body without organs - it's like an egg, ja? Crisscrossed with axes and thresholds, with latitudes and longitudes and geodesic lines, traversed by gradients marking the transitions and the becomings, the destinations of the subject developing along these particular vectors -- in a way, what is more political than the egg, it's yolk so heavy - subject developing..."

Zeb may have had a snack on some adderall addled UCLA student, for all the animated chatter and, uh, philosophy he's spouting - but hands cover his mouth, eyes widening in apology at sudden acknowledgement of his chatter. There's a glance around the room --- like he were... trying to triangulate the Kindred present - giving a passing nod to Rosalia and Vy and Rabbit and Chanel and-and-and- and whatever is supposed to be happening - because obvs, Zebastian has no clue. So many faces!

---<Sveta>---------------

"She brought me, Blue. Didn't even tell me where we were going, let alone who she's doing business with." Sveta extends a hand toward Zebastian without turning to face him, an instinctual greeting for a shake, ring-kiss, or a celerity-smack as he may.

She seems unsatisfied by Chess' literal take on her rhetorical question, but the compliment softens her distaste.

"You should see some of my other ones - is, uh..." She lowers her voice some, seguing with Chess.

"Is this Rosalia?" She points over at the Gangrel unsubtlely.

"The ~Mouser~? Could you, like, introduce us?"

---<Chanel>---------------

Chanel only gives Zeb the most subtle of upnods. Considering her petition to the Baron just now, it might not be prudent for either of them for Chanel to greet Zebastian with anything more.

---<Karner>---------------

Karner gives Chess a rather tight-lipped look, then leans over to Sveta to say: "Talk to me rather than Chess, Serova. This is, indeed, Rosalia. Rosalia, do you want to be introduced?" His tone is rather blase. Zeb, on the other hand, gets a brief titter out of Karner, who waves to the front of the room. "Why don't you go up there and pontificate about how Anarch politics are like an egg, Zebastian? You have a captive audience."

---<Vy>---------------

Vy considers Zebastian's nod, then returns said nod with one of her own. Seeing him seems to remind her of something, and it causes her brow to furrow, deep lines appearing on her early-twenty something face. For a moment, she looks - hurt, offended? Then she does her best to smooth it away.

---<Christian>---------------

Rising to his feet, Christian nods to Chanel, approaching her before offering his arm. "Ms. Duvall, shall we speak at the bar?" He asks, with a smile.

---<Chanel>---------------

"Lead the way," Chanel says. She links her arm in Christian's, saying through a grin: "I won't tell your wife if you don't~." She curls her arm around his, and through the baggy sleeve of her sweatsuit, the /insane/ definition of her arm can be felt. Especially when her bicep, like...

g r i n d s

...against Christian's.

---<Rosalia>---------------

The mention of her name very nearly brings Rosalia's ears to twitching. Her head swivels to levy her curious, glimmering gaze on Sveta. She gives the woman a searching once-over, before passing her attention to Karner when he addresses her in turn. "It seems that I already have been, Sr. Blue." She intones, sounding perhaps, at least a tiny bit non-plussed with him. The flash of a playful grin that follows her statement should sweep away any concern of displeasure, however.

The kittenish curl of her lips spreads into something warm and inviting, as she shifts in her seat, to bring into a better position to meet Sveta's gaze. "Ese soy yo, si." She offers in a dulcet purr, before letting her feather-strewn head kilt off to one side, as she wonders with a curious, feline chirrup, "I there something I can do something for you, Sra. Serova?"

---<Shawna>---------------

Shawna Weber ducks into the VIP Room and almost immediately seems to regret it when she spots the size of the crowd that has gathered. Her expression fills with a mixture of shyness and social anxiety as she takes in the sight of those gathered before she moves along the edge of the room in search of an empty space of wall.

---<Christian>---------------

Clearing his throat, Christian flashes Chanel a bright, almost megawatt smile. He can pull one off, promise. And he'd be blushing if he wasn't a dead man when the charming and muscular Assamite's arm curls around his, but he focuses soon after, nodding as he intends to lead them towards the bar. Speaking in a quiet tone to her, he considers the Banu Haqim with all of his focus.

---<Aspen>---------------

It's as subtle as taking a walk through a construction zone, or purple Crocs, that pass. Aspen's eyes land on Chanel and Christian's linked arms as they walk towards the bar, her upper lip flipping under her front teeth as she turns away to examine her tablet with extreme fascination.

---<Chess>---------------

Chess looks away, away, away from the Russian woman to scan the room. Her expression tightens just a little, and that hand clenches and unclenches at her side, a restless movement.

---<Hall>---------------

"Weird," says Hall, frowning, to no one in particular. Under his breath.

---<Savage>---------------

Savage sliiiides a look to Karner Blue, then begins to move from her perfectly static posture to sway over towards where he is with his retinue.

---<Zebastian>---------------

Zebastian smiles back at Vy -- but the kid doesn't seem to clock in on that complicated expression of hers; he's not exactly known for having a stellar attention span, after all - and Karner's question has Zeb's pale peepers peering at the fellow Malk over the rims of his spex. Oblivious too, to Sveta and Rosalia and Chess, Zebastian chatters on to Karner with a laugh and wave of his hand; "Oh but that'd be /rude/, to steal the show from the designated MC..."

Brief glance, as if to check ... who is running this show? Christian seems to be ground against with Chanel - not his business! Attention insufficient! Zebastian looks back to Karner; "But do you disagree, Blue? The egg - the body without organs - is a drop in intensity, blocking all investments of reality: it is the the unproductive, the sterile, the unengendered, the unconsumable. Is that not the body-politic? Unlike other social machines such as the body of the earth, the body of the despot or the body of capital -- the //full// body without organs cannot inscribe other bodies. It is not an original primordial entity - proof of nothingness - it proves something, ja? Neither is it the remains of a lost totality - but /is/ the ultimate residue of a deterritorialised socius. To make oneself a body without organs then, ja? Is to actively experiment with oneself to draw out and activate these virtual potentials."

Zeb laughs, holding his hands out as if Karner will have no problem following this philosophical tangent; "What is the essence of Anarch, more than devotion to accessing - actualising - activating virtual potentials, ja?"

---<Rabbit>---------------

Sitting across from the stairs in the circle of seats Rabbit's expression has turned into a passive, neutral expression that seems more forced now than earlier. The arms crossed over her abdomen barely move, but fingers tap in little patterns against her sides as she lets her gaze roam about the room slowly. Conversations and discussion don't seem to reach her while her hood is up. A glance is given to the woman beside her, Becky, then back towards the stairs where her eyes rest for some time.

---<Karner>---------------

"It's not too late to say 'no,' my dear," Karner says to Rosa, and not without a bit of something wry and dry in his tone. He notes Savage as she begins to move, giving her a small but curious nod, and then looks past her to see Shawna enter in. There's an unexpected face, in a gathering of this size.

Karner then swivels his lanky body back to take in Zebastian. "Well, actually, Oyg...Zebastian, this is the portion of the program where anyone is allowed to get up and say what they want. So you could, indeed, make your pronouncements to the room. Oh, speaking of eggs!" Karner's whole face suddenly lights up, and that dazzlingly huge, ultimately unnerving grin spreads across his face as he claps his hands together, once. "Remind me to show you something darling, later."

---<Kaden>---------------

Watching the room and smiling as the floor opens for the rant, Kaden looks to Karner and Zebastian then waves off Zebastian's fear of being rude. "Nothing rude. Now is the rant as the Baron said. We're all able to talk and interact and speak on whatever? I'd ask why we west siders were barred from the west side meeting we heard about? Seemed less than stellar anarch to anarch behavior, but we're all good about it..." As Karner speaks up on the rant he quiets down and looks to Vy, smiling before looking to the rest of the room.

---<Sveta>---------------

"Oh - speak to..." Sveta diverts her attention from Chess and back to Karner, waggling an index finger between them.

"You? Okay -" A barely orated mouthing comes next, in Chess' direction:

"I can't talk to you." She nods sidelong, like a prisoner might to a guard on night watch, in Blue's direction. Rosalia gets Sveta's focus next, though. The Malkavian whip offers her a sincere impression of a charmed grin and it's clear that she's never really going to make it that far in showbiz, with acting chops like those.

"I just thought we should meet. You know, there's always, like, two degrees of separation between licks in this city, da? I'm trying to bring it down some. I keep hearing your name too! Rosalia, Rosalia. Everyone knows you. Everyone. Weird!"

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen keeps her attention trained on the tablet for a moment longer. She eventually looks up across the room to find her brother; there she remains for a minute, the man taking her full regard before she closes her eyes and maneuvers towards Shawna. Edging closer, she taps the blonde on the shoulder to get her attention and forces a flickering smile on her face that she does not feel. "Nice to see you here," she tells her.

While waiting for Shawna's response, Aspen watches the room carefully, distracted only by something that sticks out with Karner.

---<Savage>---------------

"Fascinating, isn't it Mister Blue?" Savvy says, heels clicking until she stops within the orbit of the popular lad. "What do you think the odds are of success when so many are already gunning for your boy's head? Not just his, it seems, but his lady friend and their... child?" That last is more curious than anything, but the woman speaks with her cultivated velvety tones as she takes up a lean. "I'd say your friend Isaac is betting on a bad horse. He'll be dead before his chair seat gets warm."

---<Vy>---------------

Considering Karner and Zebastian's discussion, Vy tilts her head, lips parting, as if something's finally crossed her mind. Then, she hears Kaden speaks. Head lifts, attention turning toward him. Brows lofting in agreement, she lets out a quiet: "Mmm. Yes. We /are/ all good about it. We have bigger problems. Perhaps, Zebastian, you'd like a second emissary role?" She smiles, genuine in her attempt to mend.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky roses from her seat and starts to walk towards Shawna, offering up a bit of a smile as she does so. "Hey. Lot of people here. Want to sit with me and Rabbit?"

---<Karner>---------------

Karner stares at Kaden, opens his mouth, and then abruptly closes it again, smiling without showing his teeth. Then he shakes his head at Sveta, with the obvious expression of someone who is clearly rolling his eyes behind his sunglasses. Although Rosalia gets something of a look, harder to surmise, after something Sveta says.

When Savage addresses him, Karner clucks his tongue. "He's hardly 'my' boy, Rusty. Cruce is his own man." He leans over and murmurs something more quietly to her after that, though he then breaks off to listen to what Vy is saying, and then he smirks, shaking his head.

---<Shawna>---------------

Shawna glances to the side as she feels Aspen tap her on the shoulder and she returns the woman's smile with a shy one of her own. "Hey, girl. Quite the turn out, huh? Was gonna hang back and play with my birds but figured since Robbie..." a nod toward Bartok, "...is coming, may as well help him make sure Karner's behaving."

The Gangrel turns to face Aspen fully and notices Becky's approach. She returns the nod but shakes her head, "Nah. Gonna stand. Feel packed in like a sardine as it is."

---<Aspen>---------------

"Excuse me," Aspen tells Shawna, apologetically. She elbows the Gangrel gently, offers her a supportive smile, and then makes her way grimly over to Karner, Savage, Sveta, Zebastian and Rosalia. "He isn't a bad horse," Aspen interjects, pulling up in close proximity, but standing. The tablet is dead at her side, pulled under the curve of an elbow.

"Hey. I'm Aspen," she tells Sveta directly, unafraid to address the Kindred. She even pulls out her hand, offering it out for a shake. "I don't think we've met."

---<Savage>---------------

Savage turns her head to listen to Karner, then nods before straightening to look to Aspen. "Oh, do tell, darling. Of course, I certain you speak as someone completely free of bias." She says, beckoning with her right hand for Aspen to enlighten her.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky looks around the room, then nods. "Tell me about it," she grumps, mildly, as her lips press together in a thin line. Leaning in closer to the other Gangrel, she murmurs something.

---<Zebastian>---------------

"Oh I'd never subject an uninterested audience to something like that, ja? If they know, they know -- or they spend time seeking me out, for a private show." Zeb chimes at Karner, wiggling his fingers at him in a playful albeit rather conspiratorial fashion. A brief laugh, then Zebastian waves a hand dismissively, like he knows it's foolish -- then he gives Kaden a little wave, and puzzled look -- before laughing again; "Are we not talking now? It's practically a salon, no?"

So much chatter -- not just from Zeb, but everyone! The kid looks like his brain might be going a million Malkavian miles an hour - which is almost half a kine light-year! Something about Karner's offer to show him something has his interest Piqued -- but it's Vy's address that has the kid looking back over to her, smiling fondly. "I've always got time to talk about real problems, with real weight and real solutions on the horizon -- what's weighing on you, darling? Is the yolk too heavy - or burden light?"

---<Chanel>---------------

Chanel leans with her weight on one elbow, propping herself up against the bar while she talks quietly with Christian. Chanel seems to be doing quite a bit of talking. Quietly. With Christian.

---<Rosalia>---------------

The curiosity in Rosalia's eyes gives way to a twinkling delight, as she pays her attention to Sveta. The whip's statement will be answered to with a bell-like peal of laughter that erupts out of the WeHo mouser, bountiful with appreciation, as she rolls on her hips to bring her onto her knees on her seat, perched over the back of her chair to pour the sparkling of her dark eyes all over Sveta.

"Que precioso." She intones in a purr weighted with an unconcealed edge. Her lips press, and she practically flows over her seat, drawn towards the Malkavian as though by some magnetic force. "A poor, wretched thing like me can't really be the talk of the town, can I?" She wonders in a dusky rasp.

---<Kaden>---------------

"Right, but I'm asking you Zebastian. Why have a meeting where all Westsiders are invited and their allies, but hold out westsiders like most in this room. Along with Hollywooders, but allow some in, along with Southsiders. We were all there..." Kaden looks to the Malk then around the room. "Did I misread the intentions of Deja at the door telling us we're not welcome? While watching others walk past?" Smiling a bit he presses. "I mean if you don't want to speak on it, its cool too. I get it."

---<Shawna>---------------

Shawna listens to something Becky murmurs to her while watching Aspen depart. Her gaze lingers on the Lady Cruce for a lingering moment before she leans back and studies Becky's face. "Okay." She replies quietly before searching the crowd and finding Rabbit. Shawna lifts her hand up and waves in an attempt to catch the blue-haired woman's attention.

---<Vy>---------------

"I was echoing Kaden's concern," Vy nods to Kaden, to clarify, then returns her attention to Zebastian, as Kaden speaks. "Yes. If you don't want to speak, we understand. But your presence here is a promising thing thing, yes?"

---<Christian>---------------

Christian continues to speak with Chanel, his face serene, despite the heaviness in his eyes. There is a focus on the Assamite, even as he reaches for one of the fine folks at the bar, waving them away to give room for the two to speak in peace.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen smiles lightly, turning to Savage with a kind tilt of her head, "He's doing his best with what he has. As for bias, that goes both ways, does it not?" She returns a look to Sveta after a stern pass alights on Christian and Chanel at the bar. "At any rate, it's nice to meet you." Aspen's fingers curl over her stomach for a moment, and then she meets Shawna's eyes over Sveta's head. There is a moment for introspection, and then the woman shakes her head.

---<Karner>---------------

"Now, now, Rusty, don't be impolite," Karner says drolly. Turning to Zebastian again, he looks like he wants to say more, but the other Malkavian is addressing Vy now, and Kaden is also addressing Zeb. Whatever else he was going to say, he lets it go. He sighs, again, and leans back in his seat, hands behind his head like he's lying on a lounge chair poolside at Der Blaue Engel and not sitting in a circle full of disagreeing Anarchs. For the time being, Karner Blue appears to have nothing else to say.

---<Sveta>---------------

"I know, it blew my mind too," says Sveta, flatly. Dismissively. Finitely.

"But here we are." That is a solid period at the end of the Russian's sentence, left in dripping black ink. She holds Rosalia's gaze until being mercifully interrupted in short order by Aspen's surprise flank.

Sveta puts very little effort into feigning signs of life, Aspen finds, as she reorients her focus and threads her frigid mitt into Aspen's.

"Aspen? Sveta. What's your deal?"

---<Savage>---------------

"Mmm. You came to educate me on how he is not a bad horse, and yet... I find your explanation lacking." Savage says, making a dismissive motion to the ghoul. "A bad horse is a bad bet. One that is almost surely lost. If there are numerous attempts to take off the Baron's head before he's even sat his stately rear upon the pauper's throne, that, /darling/, is a bad bet. A losing wager. An investment that will pay dividends in debt, not profit." Karner gets a glance and laugh. He, too, receives a dismissive motion of her hand. "You and yours are welcome to pretend to be Anarchs while building your little Tower. I'm not impressed." she says, moving away from the group.

---<Chanel>---------------

When Aspen looks over at the bar with her stern pass, it's just in time for Chanel to be grinning brightly and leaning in to murmur something to Christian.

---<Rabbit>---------------

Rabbit's expression grows slowly more dower as she sits there experiencing the room rather than taking part. One hand lifts to slowly rub that knuckle against her temple again slowly, longer than before. It's mostly hidden in her hood at the moment, but as her hand starts to drop she looks back towards the stairs. She stares there for a long few moments, then pushes herself up out of her seat. Weaving her way through the people and chairs, she draws nearer to Becky and Shawna, not hesitating to walk up between them, back to the rest of the room as she tilts her head up to glance between them. "This was a bad idea. It grows here. Festers and growls. It's aching to be released." A shake of that head in the hoodie, but she remains there like not facing all of the others keeps whatever it is away from her.

---<Zebastian>---------------

Zebastian's eyebrows raise a fraction at Kaden's commentary, his head tipping to the side -- no rush to interrupt, the kid listens; looking over to Vy as she shares her peace as well -- though by the end of it he looks softly perplexed; "Darlings, it sounds like you had a rough time of it with Deja, ja? You should ask her or her boss -- I wasn't there, so I can't speak to it, personally. Was there something you wanted to share that you felt was silenced, unfairly?"

Attention finally fixed, though Zebastian may be inadvertently ignoring all others beyond Vy and Kaden in this moment, even if Karner is kept in his peripherals. A smile replaces that perplexed look, and Zeb tips his head to the other side - brushing hair out his eyes with an idle swoop of his fingers. "Things have been so extreme: either frost-bitten chill or scorching hot -- we're all in need of some tempering, nei? But time marches on -- what's the vision for tomorrow? What do you want to see?"

---<Hall>---------------

Hall squints at Savage for a second after she dismisses the event's hosts and walks away. Then he seems to shrug and go back to listening to the snatches of conversation going on all around now that the Rant has begun, face right back in its usual pensive, possibly somewhat disgruntled expression.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen is not the sort to be put off by a frozen paw - she is married to a vampire - so she shakes Sveta's hand in that efficient way a city hall councilman might before moving on to the next potential voter. "No deal. I just work here." Flashing a grin, Aspen adds, "Thanks for coming."

Watching Savage depart, Aspen hooks an eyebrows and heaves a sigh. "Can't please everyone." Feeling a bit rude after leaving Shawna so suddenly, the woman returns an expectant gaze back on Karner, Zebastian, Hall, Rosalia, Vy and Kaden. She falls silent and merely listens.

---<Christian>---------------

Christian smiles back to Chanel, but it's a thoughtful, distracted smile. He's thinking hard on the words exchanged.

---<Karner>---------------

Karner lifts himself back up, sitting properly again. "As I've explained before, Rusty, darling, nothing about this is anything like what the Tower do. Not even remotely. I can only assume you've been to court by now. Perhaps Serova here would be happy to explain how the Camarilla actually work?" He gestures to the Whip, whether or not she's listening or looking his way. "If there /weren't/ attempts on the Baron's head, I would be surprised. For that /is/ how Anarchs often act: by showing their displeasure, sometimes violently. At least, that's how it's always been in Anarch realms /I've/ resided in. I don't know what it's been like for you. I'm still waiting for you to tell me about the peaceful land you're from." But she's already moving away again, so in the end, he merely shrugs.

Something Zebastian says seems to get his attention, though. "I don't disagree with you, Zebastian. I would like to see some tempering myself. Sadly, you missed Cruce's vision for the future at the beginning of the meeting, but perhaps someone here can sum it up for you." That someone is not Karner, apparently.

---<Chanel>---------------

At the bar, Chanel and Christian continue their conversation, which for some reason includes Chanel catching Christian by the chin with her thumb and forefinger, and then releasing him and wagging her finger like 'no no no' at the Baron. While seeming quite pleased and amiable the whole time.

Aspen, don't look, for the love of God.

---<Shawna>---------------

Shawna reaches out and gives Rabbit's arm a squeeze. "You're catching all that? I just walked in. Still fucking hate crowds, though, so think I'm feeling your energy." The tall blonde is dressed for the clubs tonight and left her battered leather jacket and Kevlar best at 'home'.

She stands close to Rabbit and Becky along that spot of wall while turning her attention out toward the crowd. Chanel and Christian are noted at the bar before she looks toward the small grouping of Karner, Aspen, Kaden, Vy, and Zebastian.

---<Kaden>---------------

Kaden laughs at Zebastian's response. Not a light, soft laugh, but a full throated, amused laugh. Shaking his head he replies, "Ok dude. You see the courtesy all are offered here. We would just expect the same from our peers." Waving the malk off he drops that topic and moves over to sit with Vy. Seeing what she'll say while waiting to see if any other topics will come up.

---<Savage>---------------

Savage slows and glances back at Karner, "I attended court last night. Looks about the same." she flourishes a deep, curtsy, then turns to head for the door.

---<Chess>---------------

Chess stays close to Karner's side, her posture far from relaxed. More than once, her expression goes a little tense.

---<Vy>---------------

Listening to Zebastian, Vy mirrors his smile back to him. Is she relieved that he wasn't there to exclude her? Likely. A rose left out in the cold could quickly becomes nothing but thorns, after all. She even seems a bit abashed at herself, now, for thinking he might have been. "Community. Strength. Mutual exchange of information and knowledge for the greater good. What would you like to see, Zebastian?" she inquires, curious for his thoughts. Then, considering Karner's, she nods, grateful that he's mentioned as much. "Yes, Zebastian. You could hear from Cruce, directly. I'm sure he'd be happy to chat wiht you privately and repeat his words. Let's have some tempering....yes?"

---<Colton>---------------

Cole seems to have enough of that particular wall just then and makes his way over to Aspen, settling himself between her and Chanel. He pulls out his phone and punches in a few keys to send a text before dropping his voice again.

---<Bartok>---------------

Bartok looks over his shoulder to Shawna. He now notes Rabbit and Becky. That close to a proper Gangrel pack.

---<Vy>---------------

And, when Kaden approaches, Vy rests her hand on his leg, gently, and favors him with a smile, leaning in quickly to murmur something.

---<Christian>---------------

With a faint smile to Chanel, Christian nods once to the Assamite, considering her for a moment longer. He replies in kind, the smile brightening a smidge, but his expression remains thoughtful before he looks to the gathering of large. "If you want to grab a bite or anything, feel free to," he says, to the Banu emissary.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen must have no love of God, none at all, when she happens to play into another cosmic joke and land her eyes on Chanel grasping Christian's chin. She grimaces, steps back in what might be abject horror, but then Colton slides into view and blocks all further witness to Aspen's designs on featuring in an episode of Jerry Springer.

Colton mutters something her way, switching gears, and she seems nearly thankful for the distraction. "Yeah," is all she answers, resigned. Eyes downcast, she glumly looks at her brother's shoes.

---<Zebastian>---------------

"Alas, vision missed -- but Blue, that's just one man; I'm asking Vy and Kaden about //their// vision, =their= passion, ja? Since it's so ignited by facets of this little kerfuffle -- I'd hate to dilute their individual view, or get it twisted. It's important to know, ja?" Zebastian says softly and speedily to Karner, with a crooked crescent smile - then back to looking at the other two, nodding as Kaden speaks.

Considering for a moment, before Zeb replies; eyebrows raised and expression playful; "How much time do you have, ja? To talk about power dynamics, etiquette and optics?" A wink - then he adds in sotto voice; "A crowd can be very intimidating, Kaden - especially when trust has been so bruised. It is best, ja? To keep things intimate and direct, between equals on equal ground - to build rapport together, ja? To be /sensitive/, to the unique psyche - soul? We're all so delicate, really, in a way..." Zebastian nods, then looks over to Vy - smiling, brushing his hair back behind an ear. "I'm sure there'll be time to explore all this and more, but I'd hate to interrupt - it'd be rude, nei? But you asked me a question! What would I like to see, ja? Mmm..."

Zebastian pauses for a moment, fingers tapping against his lips before he nods, and says plainly: "Decorum." Cue laughter!

---<Sveta>---------------

"Spasibo for having," Sveta mirrors Aspen's delivery and handshake until they're rightly parted.

Karner's delegation has her responding in turn, to the departing Rusty, by making a circle with her index finger and thumb and snaking her opposite pointer into the produced orifice with an high-low paired whistle. Camarilla politics in action.

---<Chanel>---------------

Chanel pushes herself up from leaning on the bar, her business with Christian apparently included. She keeps her happy expression in place as the Baron offers her a meal. "You buy me dinner, this is officially a date, Baron," she warns, and laughs -- a cold, unfriendly cackle. Then she walks over toward Sveta & co. and claps a hand on the Russian's shoulder. "You hungry, Serova?"

---<Becky>---------------

Becky bumps her shoulder against Rabbit's, while offer up a faint smile to her grey hooded twinsy. Only the grey hoodies are similar between the two. Close enough, right? "It is too many people in one place," she agrees, as she looks out over the crowd.

---<Bartok>---------------

Bartok looks to Sveta's display of that rare Malkavian Wisdom he'd heard of only in legends.

---<Rosalia>---------------

A vein of brakish frost clings deep to the underbelly of Rosalia's rasping voice, as she rises to her feet, and intones. "Indeed we are." The black ink dripping from Sveta's last statement won't even have a chance to dry, before crystallizing. Something of a kittenish grin spreads back over the mouser's lips, as she watches the woman turn to greet Aspen. She'll continue to watch too, as the interaction proceeds, and fill her ashen lungs with a slow, deep breath.

Something sparkles obviously on the tip of her tongue, but she releases her useless breath only as a sigh, then resets her shoulders, and turns to Chanel with a smile. "Sra. Duvall. I have business for you. Can we make a date for some evening this coming week?"

---<Shawna>---------------

Shawna meets Bartok's gaze from a short distance away and offers him a nod of her chin before she returns her gaze to Rabbit, curious for any response to her earlier words.

---<Zebastian>---------------

Was Zebastian's laughter after the call for decorum for what he said -- or was it for Sveta's political commentary? Because the kid is /laughing/, perhaps in spite of himself - hand half-covering his mouth, head tipped back as he cranes his neck to look at her, hand cupped by his mouth as he's whistling back: whee-whoo-wheee-whoo; sounds like a tornado warning.

So many Malks.

---<Rabbit>---------------

At the grip to her arm, Rabbit glances up at Shawna more fully, giving a nod. "It never changes. Three times in a row now. This is the legacy here." She shakes her head and turns slightly, inserting herself between Becky and Shawna, but in reality she doesn't push them apart much at all. Instead, just slides through them to stand more behind them and look over their shoulders. "I wish it was different." She nods to Becky, "Too many egos."

---<Kaden>---------------

Speaking softly back to Vy there is a smile for her before Kaden turns his attention back on Zebastian and listens to his words. One dark brow lofts thoughtfully then he grins back at the malk. "Isn't this more the way of our political body? Of our Anarch ways? The rant? Everyone equal. Everyone speaking, clearly, openly. Unafraid of their peers because we're all the same, all equal. We don't plot in dark corners and hidden in meeting rooms like other sects. Right? What do we have to hide in these discussions?" Looking to Karner, then Vy, then to Aspen and Colton and the rest of the room he looks back to Zebastian. "We're Anarch's right? We're Westsiders, we're Hollywood... I would say we're more but that's all I see here save for our Independent and her friend from the tower."

---<Christian>---------------

With a smile to Chanel, Christian goes to rejoin the revelers, spending a moment listening to the conversation. For now, he stops by Aybel, and takes a mic, but it's off, for now. He turns the microphone on, then, and says: "I'd like to thank you all for coming, and sharing your insights, and your opinions. The next Forum will be held next month. I'll be drawing the official business of the Forum to a close, but feel free to linger. Dance! Have fun. That's what this room is envisioned for."

---<Chanel>---------------

When Rosalia makes her request, Chanel puts the whole of her attention on the woman. A tall, fearsome Assamite looming in as she takes a step toward a smaller, mousy Gangrel? Why, it looks like /bullying/. Or it would, if Chanel wasn't so pleasant in her smile.

"Of course, Rosalia. Of course." Chanel dips her head in a nod. "Give my regards to Mal, will you? Haven't seen him boundin' around lately. And no matter what he said, yes, he does bound."

---<Sveta>---------------

Sveta is assailed by a heavy Banu hand, grunts, glances up, and nods with a surly:

"Da."

She pushes herself to her feet, glances between Duvall and Rosalia, and leaves them to it with an aside in her native tongue to the assassin that sounds utilitarian in purpose. Then, she leaves the pair, and the Hollywood delegation she interloped upon, to drift across the room to the cluster of Gangrel.

"Glad to see you didn't break a wing," she says to Becky, before glancing Shawna head to toe, saying nothing, and summarily address Rabbit.

"Do you fly too? Or swim? Or something?" A bold estimation, that the three share blood - but then, it's also not very.

---<Shawna>---------------

Shawna offers Rabbit another pat on the arm before she turns to face Sveta. A quick glance toward Becky before the Gangrel is mirroring the Malkavian's head-to-toe stare. The blonde says nothing for now and just watches Sveta while listening for Rabbit's reply.

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen squeezes Colton's bicep. "Give me a second and we can go." As Christian closes the forum, Aspen moves to return the iPad to Noah with little ceremony. From there she moves to Christian's side, expression schooled into neutral lines; her hand comes to rest on the Baron's bicep. "I'm going to head out with C for a bit." A squeeze, and then the addled looking Aspen moves away to say her goodbyes. "Glad you stopped by Shawna.. and Bartok." She nods to the two, smiling next to Becky and Rabbit, even if she says little after.

Next, Aspen moves on to Karner, Vy, Kaden and Zebastian. For this group she is hesitant to interrupt, so she merely waves their way and even gives a nod of acknowledgment to Hall. With a smile for Sveta and Rosalia, she eventually rejoins her brother and motions him forward. Chanel gets a long look, but soon it's on her brother's face again. "Ready."

---<Rabbit>---------------

Rabbit watches the goings-on over the wall of Gangrel shoulder, observing more than anything else. As Sveta draws up to the three and addresses her, Rabbit stares back at the woman with intense amber eyes for a long moment, though her expression subtly changes. "I am everything I need to be." She states, tone solid and firm. Less quiet than before. "I will never be any less."

---<Chanel>---------------

Chanel looks right back at Aspen with a perfectly appropriate thank-you-for-having-me smile.

---<Chanel>---------------

It's somewhat convincing!

---<Vy>---------------

"I don't think you'd be interrupting - " Vy begins, then blinks as Zebastian starts laughing. She looks to Kaden, confusion on her features, and then smiles at what he says. "Yes, well said, Kaden." She smiles a goodbye at Aspen, then takes a quick, assessing glance around the room, checking on things.

---<Becky>---------------

"Probably will at some point," Becky says with a bit of a smirk, in response to Sveta's words. "But, as they say, practice makes perfect."

---<Aspen>---------------

Aspen looks somewhere between vaguely unsettled and perfectly accepting of Chanel's expression. She returns it, but it's a bit off-kilter, lopsided. She looks away.

---<Christian>---------------

"Alright," Christian replies to Aspen, his hand slipping to her hip as he squeezes there, flashing her a brief smile. He seems very sober and thoughtful, right now; grey eyes taking on a distracted cast as he observes his wife for a longer moment, then nods a greeting to Shawna, another to Bartok.

For now, the Baron has decided to hang back.

---<Rosalia>---------------

Rosalia's poor neck cranes up and up as Chanel steps in close to her. Her grin only grows larger, too, and with the shadow of the child of Haqim over her, her pupils take on a soft, crimson sparkle. Her eyes flash playfully. She takes a step back, then purrs, "Bueno," in a tone that might suggest she is quite amused with herself. "He's been quite busy with a bit of personal business, recently. I'll be sure to tell him you miss him." She teases.

Aspen receives another smile and a nod of acknowledgment from the mouser, before she begins tracking her eyes about the room. It might be to Sveta's chargin, that Rosa ends up padding right up beside her, apparently interested in addressing Becky. She'll wait politely as the two interact, however, and cast her smile on Shawna instead. "Mija." She chirrups as she comes up onto the toes of her heels, then clicks them down onto the floor. "Lovely to see you. Its been too long, si?"

---<Kaden>---------------

It's the rant so there is no interruptions. Smiling Kaden stands and then makes sure to give Aspen a proper goodbye along with one for Colton. Both get smiles and softly spoken words before he waves to anyone else departing before he sits once more. Looking to Vy at her kind words he winks then replies, "Thanks." A look is given back to the remainder of the group, seeing if the discussion is at an end or if there is more to be said. Looking to Zeb he smiles and waits.

---<Shawna>---------------

Shawna offers Aspen a polite nod in return to her goodbye, then refocuses on Sveta as Rabbit answers the Malkavian's question. The blonde reaches slightly behind her and drapes an arm around Rabbit's shoulders, which she squeezes lightly. "She's too civil to be a Gangrel. Flies in her own way."

The blonde's gaze leaves Sveta for the crowd again, pausing again on Bartok before moving on. Shawna catches Christian's nod and returns it politely. Rosalia's arrival beside Sveta draws her attention closer and Shawna greets her clan-mate with a casual, "Hey, girl. Yeah, been a spell."

---<Chanel>---------------

"Oh, I do miss him," Chanel says to Rosalia, regarding Mal. "That boy's blood under his skin always smells so nice -- like a cigar after you've spent months around nothin' but cigarette smoke." She winks, even though she may well just be making this all up. But sure, Mal is a cigar. Somehow.

Speaking of spending time around nothing but cigarette smoke, though, Chanel ends up following Rosalia to stand on the other side of Sveta. "Rab," she says, with a nod toward Rabbit. "Becky." No nod. "Weber." Upnod.

---<Zebastian>---------------

"Kaden, you know Anarchs are like diamonds; so many facets, nei? What passes for cool here is not going to be cool /everywhere/ -- be flexible, ja? One doesn't march into a person's house with muddy shoes tracking dirt in all over the place and say their own rules apply - that's rude - they check the vibe and ask what the host what their preference is -- or if they're real sharp? They intuit, before they even make the journey." Zebastian laughs, then turns and looks to Vy -- biting back a smile, just studying her for a moment before he chatters on in that soft melodic voice of his; "I know you understand, Vy."

Wasn't Zeb laughing like a, uh, laughter just a moment ago? Sure - but now he's a paradoxical vision of totally serious and amused; looking at Vy and Kaden in turn with an easy, relaxed smile - hands gesturing as he chatters on; "Just keep it in mind to be cool, ja?" His voice drops to sotto-whisper, as if sharing a secret: "You guys can come on hard and rough; it's gauche and it's frightening the giii-iirls, ja? Just... Be cool, ja?" A brief spell of laughter and Zebastian sits upright, waving his hands - properly amused with himself. "What else is there to say?"

---<Karner>---------------

Karner has been silent for awhile now. The conversation moves around him, and eventually past him, and he doesn't seem to care. He leans over and zeroes in on Zebastian for a moment, although something Zebastian says makes him snort, and derisively so. Whatever it was, he doesn't comment on it. "Perhaps you and I can continue the dialogue, Zebastian, in a more intimate setting? Now or later, I'm really in no hurry. Though I have no plans after this." He makes it sound as casual as if they're talking about where to grab dinner.

---<Sveta>---------------

"And woe be upon the fool who request it of you," says Sveta in response to Rabbit. A pivot to Becky:

"If I had to imagine a piece of advice for it? Unsubstantiated? As someone who's only been airborne on metal wings? I'd say, look where you want to go, not where you're headed."

Finally, Shawna. Sveta cocks her head to the side, blinks slowly, expectantly, then nods pleasantly enough as she comes to the defense of the Hoodie Monster.

Soon, the odds are evened, with a lick on either side of her, three v. three in Undead City and Sveta says simply:

"You look nice," to Shawna.

She turns and makes for the exit.

"Zeb. ZEB!" She screams to get the Norwegian's attention. If he gives it? She flips him off on her way out of the door. Practically friendly.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky looks over at the other Gangrel in the room as she pads closer, offering up a toothy grin as she nears. "Hey."

---<Chanel>---------------

Chanel watches Sveta's exit. She looks at the Shawna-Rabbit-Becky Axis of Outdoors for a moment and then says, with a mild shrug of her shoulders, "She's my ride. Weber, need to talk to you sometime soon. Important-ish, but more important than -ish. You got my number." Chanel lingers for a moment, holding eye contact with Rabbit, but exchanging no words. Then she turns and leaves, following after Serova.

---<Rosalia>---------------

"Don't be a stranger, Sra. Serova." Rosalia offers in a dulcet purr, as she watches the woman slink off. She'll cast her smile upon Becky, then, and offer, "I have a task for you. I'll be in touch soon with the details. But it is good to see you as well, Becky."

She'll be silent for a few moments after that, as her playful expression melts into something softer, more contemplative.

---<Shawna>---------------

"Me?" Shawna offers Chanel a look that is 'almost' playful before her expression turns shy and serious again. "Sure. Call me whenever, yeah? We'll talk." Rabbit is squeezed and then Shawna looks from Chanel to Rosalia again. "See you met Becky... but if ya'll excuse me. Becky, hold my stuff." Rabbit is ever-so-gently nudged in Becky's direction before Shawna slips away.

The tall Gangrel moves through the crowd with as much patience as she can muster. Sorry for the forceful nudges, folks. She emerges near Vy, Kaden, and Zebastian and gives the first two a curt nod before settling her clear-blue gaze on the latter. "Zeb. Hey.

---<Kaden>---------------

"Hard and rough? By just being open and honest in communication?" Kaden doesn't seem to be buying what Zebastian is trying to sell. "Why wouldn't I understand what you're trying to say Zebastion? I'm sitting right here in a discussion with you? But you don't think I understand how politics work? Interpersonal relationships or do you mean I don't seem like I put up with someone not being honest with me?" Lofting a brow again Kaden chuckles, "If being open and honest is scary to you Zeb that sounds like a you problem right? Not a me problem? I think this conversation was very telling though Zeb, thanks for taking the time." Waving to the malk he gives Karner a wink then nods to Vy, standing he gives a polite nod then moves to catch up with Christian.

---<Rabbit>---------------

Those amber eyes watch Sveta for a long moment even after her attention is gone away from Rabbit. Then there's a shake of her head as if she were trying to rid herself of a thought before glancing up to Shawna, leaning in close to tell her something before she goes. Moving towards Becky slightly, she touches the woman on the shoulder lightly to let her know that she's there before saying simply, "Hey Becky. See you later." But then Rabbit is slipping away towards the stairs, hoodie up, face deep and hands tucked into sleeves. Full Hoodie Monster exiting the scene.

---<Becky>---------------

Becky tilts her head to one side and blink once, before she gives voice to a faint 'hrumph.' "Alright. You guys know where I usually and I have a phone now, so you can get ahold of me when you need me."

---<Chess>---------------

Chess chews on one side of her lower lip, as she listens to Zebastian. She's tense enough that the sudden yell of Sveta's leaving makes her turn, a snap of readiness in her posture. Unsettled, she stays close to Karner's side.

---<Vy>---------------

"Of course, Zebastian," Vy's gaze slides to Karner, acknowledging his re-entry into the conversation witih a pleasant smile. "I have hope that your presence here signals a path forward, beyond the gauche. I can give you two your privacy now?" she suggests to Karner and Zebastian, rising as if she means to do so. Then, as Shawna approaches, she pauses, greeting the woman. "Hello, Shawna. It's nice to see you."

---<Becky>---------------

Becky turns her head to watch Rabbit go and lifts a hand in farewell, before returning her attention to Rosa.

---<Zebastian>---------------

With Zeb's name being screamed? The kid directs his attention Sveta's way -- long enough to grab that gesture, which gets the kid sending her three little smooch-smooch-smooches, like air-kisses were rings to be tossed against that finger. Thus ends their interaction for the night.

Without looking, Zebastian's head tilts almost in the same moment that Karner's does - leaning in to listen to his fellow Malkavian snort at something mysterious, then start addressing him direct. The Norwegian kid smiles, then turns to look at Mr. Blue; "Oh, well I've got a slice of time now before my next. Let's take the air, before Fate steals the moment that Chance has given us, nei?"

Moving as if to stand, like the moment is Now. As Kaden speaks, Zebastian laughs again - holding up his hands; "Darling, I'm just giving you the vibe check -- it's nothing personal, nei? I've no problem -- or any interest in..." There is a pause as Zebastian stands to his full height, brushing off his clothes in three little compulsive swoops and looking Kaden over with a casual smile. "...escalation, ja? It's all cool."

A laugh, then Zebastian turns to Vy -- nodding and nodding, smile broadening at what she has to say. "You are, as always? A diamond delight -- thank you, ja? For spending time with me - I've missed your voice." His smile compresses for a moment as he studies her - something bittersweet there... Then a little bounce on his feet, and that fractured attention snags back on Karner; "Blue! Let's go look at the //stars//, ja? Lead on, Columbus!"

---<Christian>---------------

"Well, this was a productive event," Christian remarks to Kaden as he approaches, flashing his Warlord a smile. He reaches out to the man's shoulder, clasping it briefly, before murmuring a few words. Whatever concerns were on his face have for the most part melted away, now. "Have a good night, Blue, Oygard."

---<Shawna>---------------

Shawna shrugs more to herself when Zebastian doesn't respond to her greeting. She gives the man one last glance before looking toward Vy. "Hey, Vy. Seemed a thing not to miss, yeah? Got folks from all over out here... Robbie, too."

---<Kaden>---------------

"Yeah I think it worked out well." Smiling to Christian there is a nod as Kaden gives him a nod. "I think the flow worked well too. In the future events it should be a good way to keep it going." Looking back to the room and those that linger he gives Karner a nod then Zeb a peace sign as they look to be leaving. Shawna gets a smile too as he catches sight of her now that his attention is back on the room as a whole.

---<Karner>---------------

"Good enough, then." Karner gets to his feet as well, then smirks at Kaden. "Don't you know, Strong? Zebastian here is the keeper of 'the vibe,' whatever that means." He's clearly poking fun a little. Possibly. He raises a hand to the assorted Los Perdidos. "Good evening, all. Good work." And then he turns to look at Bartok. "Thank you for coming, Robbie. I know I appreciated your presence here." Then he'll turn to head out himself, hands clasped behind his back, nodding to those he knows along the way. Chess would probably know to follow him.

---<Vy>---------------

"You're welcome," Vy remarks to Zebastian. "Thank you for spending time with me as well." Her words are pleasant, but brief, not wanting to keep him from Karner. Looking back to Shawna, she smiles. "It's nice to gather and have a dedicated time and space for discussion, sharing information. Sometimes I worry people feel slighted if they learn something later than they think they should. I think Cruce would like to make this a regular event." She tilts her head, curious for Shawna's thoughts on that.

---<Shawna>---------------

"Whatever works for Westside. Shame some of the others didn't come." Shawna offers Vy a timid shrug of her shoulders before she looks around the room again. Kaden's smile is answered with another of her chin-nods, then she's looking back toward Becky, Rosalia, and Chanel and noting Rabbit's absence. "So, it all went good? I miss any key announcements?" Shawna asks Vy curiously.

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2020-11-15 1st Forum - Barony of Santa Monica

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