2021-11-21 Sad Song Soiree
Sad Song Soiree
Participants: Cheree Becky Judith Jason Newberry Beatrix Hall Dante Claire Karner Harper Rach Zebastian Khadijah Lunette Pris Nero John Edith Calla Harper
Location: The Sunset Noir
Date and Time: Nov 21, 2021 12:00am
Summary: Vampires pretend to feel sad about things for a few hours. They don't fool anyone.
---<Cheree>---------------
The Sunset Noir space has been rearranged somewhat. The fountain hasn't been moved, because it's a fountain, and what can you even do with that. On the other hand, many of the 'grid' panels that comprise the floor have now been set up to hold small tables, each supporting no more than three or four Kindred (or ghouls). They've been done up with fine tablecloths and crystal, looking like something out of a ritzy gala, though the only thing actually being served are carafes of vitae (and small, easily prepared finger foods and a selection of wines, for ghouls). Everything has been arranged and framed to point toward the central fountain, around which six ghouled jazz musicians (alto sax, tenor sax, drums, bass, trumpet, piano) have been arranged in a semi-circle, atop a small riser that demarcates the 'stage.' Slightly ahead of them is a microphone stand, for contestants to sing into. The emcee of the evening, the ghoul Rachel Buck, has a perch next to the fountain so she can step out of the way and then step right back in to introduce contestants and hype the crowd. The ostensible hostess of the evening, Cheree Crowley, is present to greet guests as they enter, but for most of the night will be scurrying around in the background, dealing with various party administrivia. The table nearest to the performers has been reserved for the three judges of the evening, with seats marked via hand-calligraphed placards for 'PRIMOGEN NEWBERRY,' 'WHIP KHALID,' and 'MS. DELSARTO.' Whether or not the judges are already present is a choice each of them needs to make deep within their hearts.
---<Becky>---------------
Becky has been lingering in Sunset Noir as preparations for the sad song Soiree are underway. Having parked herself fairly near to the band, the Gangrel is been doing her best to stay out of the way. A large Mastiff Bat is clinging to the front of the woman's oversized band T-shirt and is partially supported by the woman's crossed arms.
Once the other guests start to arrive, Becky pushes off the wall and goes in search of a table to sit at.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's been here for a while now. Having kept mostly to herself and her own cryptic agenda, social circle and desires for the fall season, regularly seen at Zavarka, she's back in the social scene. Lingering near one particular ghoul -- not a musician tonight, since there's no /strings/ on the roster -- but something a little muscle-y with brown hair and brown eyes always catches her attention.
But she settles down precisely two minutes before she's on duty -- military precision, always -- behind the MS. DELSARTO placard with Jason Newberry to her right, and no one at all to her left. Yep, Judith is a judge tonight.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
And behind that brilliantly written placard 'PRIMOGEN NEWBERRY' - there sits Jason. He's leaned back in his chair, the tilt of it practically dangerously angled at an imprecise forty-five-ish degrees. His feet are up on the judge's table, slacks loose around his ankles, shiny oxfords on display. He seems to be taking this -very- seriously, angled as he is toward Judith Delsarto, seated next to him.
"So -anyway- you can just call me 'Son, /everyone/ does." he purrs with a broad smile stretched across his expressive mouth. "And it is /so/ good to meet you, Ms. Delsarto, I imagine I'll be a bit.. in and out of downtown, but for an event like this? Put on by the Herald's childe?" He shakes his head as he chuckles, "Well, I'd be a -fool- not to have accepted the invitation."
The angle of him causes his tie to dangle to the side, curled loosely around his arm as he tilts his head toward Judith. "So I imagine, as a Rose, you're going to be -the- judge to impress at this event. Do these sorts of contests happen often?"
---<Beatrix>---------------
Beatrix made it here early. She has amused herself, since she's not in a rush what with being immortal and stuff, by first, adjusting her little black dress (it's not THAT little - but it does seem like she's been wearing it for a little while, given how it's gotten a bit rumpled) and then working on some kind of obscurely abstract drawing of a snake, evidently from studies and memory. When the judges come in, she glances up, though she does not call out in greeting.
---<Hall>---------------
Hall arrives on time, dressed in a skinny black suit and tie with a white shirt. He takes a minute to scan the room before looking for a seat.
---<Dante>---------------
Dante arrives, dressed in all black; black leather trenchcoat, black turtleneck, black leather pants, black boots. Black mirror-shaded sunglasses hide his eyes from view, and, without even an attempt to socalize, he maneuvers towards a far wall to watch lines of conversation and be entertained, as per the cause of the congregation this evening.
---<Claire>---------------
"Harpy Crowley," Claire Cohen says gently to tonight's emcee, a small smile on her face. "It looks lovely in here tonight. And I absolutely adore your dress," she says. Claire doesn't stand to exchange pleasantries, however. There are enough people filtering in that Claire feels it's best to simply find a (wink wonk) bite to 'eat' and a place to sit. She sets herself down on a loveseat with a nice line-of-sight to the stage. Claire Cohen's come alone, and it seems, as she sticks her nose into the wine glass of... blood... that she might prefer to stay that way. A delicate sip is given, and then she crosses her legs -- right over left -- while her attention turns towards those also in attendance.
---<Karner>---------------
Primogen Karner Blue is actually on the phone as he arrives, like this is any other Hollywood soiree he's attending and not an event in Camarilla Elysium. He lingers near the doorway for several moments, talking animatedly away. It would be hard to miss him, though, given what he's wearing tonight: a Dolce & Gabbana suit, double-breasted with wide lapels, entirely covered in shimmering sequins of a vivid shade of blue. Even the blue turtleneck he wears beneath is besequined! His shoes are the same color of blue, shiny with pointed toes. His nails are painted a darker shade of blue, he wears two small dark blue hoops in each earlobe, and for the finishing touch, a pair of oversized rectangular-shaped sunglasses fashioned from one continuous piece of shiny, dark blue acetate. (Similar to: https://tinyurl.com/3nhsfcyf)
---<Harper>---------------
Harper steps out of her office, shutting the door behind her before she moves to find herself a seat. She parks in the back, settling into a comfy seat to cross her legs and rest her hands in her lap. The position lets her observe the room, while remaining out of the the rush of the gathering.
---<John>---------------
John looks a little anxious.
Like most men of his apparent age, he covers up his anxiety with a scowl. It is not a scowl of anger, but one of discomfort. Perhaps the restrooms in the lobby weren't working right: no one likes it when the one stall is out of order. So, from the elevator, he makes a bee-line for a seat somewhere in the center of the tables, where he sits with his hands in balled up in his lap.
Maybe he's terrified to perform?
---<Rach>---------------
Rachel Irmgard Buck is centrally located as the members of vampiric society filter into the salon. Surrounded by the little ensemble of fellow ghouls, she's swaying back and forth as they play a slow, jazzy rendition of something that might be difficult to recognize to those in the Camarilla's general social strata.
Every so often, Rach joins in to the musical accompaniment with a few bars of vocalization, low and full of mourning. She's holding a microphone, but she doesn't use it. Her voice carries in the intimate space:
"When she's there, my head is. Not. Worth sweat. Too swell and did see my embalming..."
Every so often, the platinum-purple haired ghoul finger-snap-points to a familiar member in attendance. This is facilitated by the lurching, morose lethargy of the number she's filling in before the main acts, providing plenty of musical cushion between her deliveries.
"Chancellor Tanner, alright. Looking fly as hell, girl."
"Circles, drawn outline. Drawn outline. Written. In. Chalk - Emissary Albret! Glad you could make it. Traffic wasn't too bad, was it? Or did you take the whirlybird uptown? Deputy -" Rach salutes rigidly, then drops back into that loping, swaying croon, coupled with a wicked grin as she continues her number.
"What to do if I/Would you break/Would you... Broken promise. Did a sin. Hole for something."
The ensemble winds the number down with a trilling flare that ends with the soft spill of a ride cymbal. It's only here that Rach finally raises the microphone, leaving no time for applause.
"Good evening."
---<Khadijah>---------------
Khadijah has agreed to serve as the 'style' judge for tonight's festivities, and is sat at the judges table with her very cool, hand-calligraphed 'WHIP KHALID' sign in front of her. She is to the nines tonight in Versace ( https://tinyurl.com/2p92efer ) -- a slinky, maxi number in black with killer platform heels. She probably stands close to 6' tall in those bad boys. "Good evening Ms. Delsarto, and good evening Primogen Newberry -- nice to meet you." Khadijah smiles and offers her icy hand if he's game. "I hope you've been well, Ms. Delsarto. I haven't seen you in forever." She quiets down quickly when Rach begins with 'Good Evening'.
---<Zebastian>---------------
Who swanned in here at some point and has situated themselves over yonder? Zaint Zebastian! The dark haired androgynous wastrel is currently in the proximity of the Harpy's Roost door, dressed in various shades of black but not quite melting into the background or anything -- just sharing a quiet word with Edith, hands gesturing abstractly as he tries to explain something;
"---'it's /art/', but they didn't listen - they don't understand - they haven't the /vision/, yes? To look beyond the brutality of the moment and =into= the moment; it is like tar pits---"
This has been happening for a short while, and likely will continue. Zebastian is serving up scattered, dreamy abstraction to the max this evening. Groundbreaking.
---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree greets everyone who comes through the doors, and if they linger for even a second too long, they get one of those oh-so-L.A. half-hugs and air kisses to either cheek. The Harpy is in fine form, all too-bright ultra-white smiles and friendly tones. Upon spying the arrival of Harper, Cheree looks over and flashes a grin and a little waggle of her fingers. The granchilde of the sitting Prince is wearing vintage 1998 Gucci by Tom Ford, covering her body from the neck down, but in an elegant couture way -- it /is/ Gucci by Tom Ford, after all. Her black hair is done up in a low beehive. No tiara, though. Cheree occasionally throws a glance over to Rach, either encouraging or the eye-contact equivalent of a mic-cutting gesture, depending on which direction Rach needs a little shove in.
---<Lunette>---------------
Stepping out of the lift and moving into the salon, Lunette has one arm stretched out behind her, palm up and fingers curling in that 'come here' way until she is able to feel Elizabeth's hand in her own. She gives a little smile to the woman and waits for her to be closer before she greets Cheree and quickly moves along. No need to linger when it's starting! She heads over towards a nearby table, catching sight of Karner along the way, and she smiles to him, tilting her head towards the table she's heading towards before she is using her free hand to brush her dark dress beneath her bottom so she can easily take her seat. Once seated, she glances about, looking a mixture of.. Nervous? Excited? Something like that.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's posture is never careless, but tonight it's remarkably relaxed considering her towering reputation for self-containment and slightly antique manners. She's only just meeting a few new faces for the first time tonight but Jason Newberry currently has her full attention and a curved half-smile. "Likewise, Primogen. But I will not call you son, or sun, or any of the sort. Even in private. And I am not everyone." She's keeping an eye on that backward-tilt angle of Jason's chair. The look is somewhere between slightly concerned and terribly amused. To those that know her? It's far more in favor of the latter.
But she answers placidly. "Not at all. I'm the bait, the obvious. All eyes on me while the dark horses and the surprise team does its work." She lifts one shoulder in a slim, strong shrug. "'Often' depends entirely on longevity, non? Every day is a contest. Cheree Crowley's events are worth showing up for. Others? Not so much." She'd perhaps have made a magnificent Harpy. She's turned it down in two Courts now.
But she offers the respect. "Harpy Khalid. Always a pleasure."
---<Pris>---------------
Pris greets Cheree, air kisses, the consequence of a lingering hug. She is lovely in a Valentino black and red tulle, blonde hair in gentle layers. She takes a moment to appreciate the decor. "It looks amazing in here." She doesn't want to take up the hostesses time, however, and she quickly moves on, with one last smile. Walking quietly inward.
---<Rach>---------------
"When Cheree asked me to host this little show, I was like... Che-REE Crowley (childe of Bastion Fox, Childe of Prince Lightbourne, et cetera et cetera, all the way back into the early days of Vlad the Imp-Layer or whoever you all call daddy) what does a ghoul like me know about sad songs?"
Rach sets her hand on her hip, feigning indignance.
"I mean, my life is freakin' perfect! I'm immortal. I get in all the coolest gat-damn VIP sections in the most glamorous city in the world, and - AND - I get to go on nice, long beach days." She pauses here, casting a glance toward Harper Campbell.
"Jealous, Keeper?" A wink, a giggle, and then Rach sobers, a somber twinkle in her eye. The veracity of any element of this tale is dubious, at best, but she's selling it as she continues:
"You know what she said to me? She said, Rach, you ain't been alive long enough to know it, but the more you hide behind the good things, the more weathered they get, 'til they fall apart in your hands. She said you gotta' embrace the macabre, the blues, the pits, to ever have any hopes of truly being complete."
A sigh here. Dramatic, overwrought, but slowly heralding that persistently cheeky grin back across Rachel's face.
"So, tonight, let's gatherround. Let's sing some sad songs. Let's play some melancholic music. Let's shed some tears and bond over what truly binds us all together:"
"Having a real bad time."
Rach then gestures over to the judges.
"Judging tonight, we have Ms. Judith Delsarto, of Clan Toreador, Whip Khadijah Khalid, of Clan Ventrue, and Primogen Jason Newberry, of Clan Malkavian! Really, what a killer spread. Don't leave any gas in the tank, y'all. These suckers are SHARKS."
"Speaking of sharks, our first act for the night allegedly put the idea for JAWS in Spielberg's head. I've often thought of him as the lovechild of two of my two favorite Davids, Bowie and Lynch, and he's put out more films than Ron Jeremy! Continually subverting expectation and summoning DEUS EX MACHINA, it's Primogen Karner Blue!"
Rach spearheads the applause as she vacates the stage and grabs a tall drink from her perch just off to her side.
---<Nero>---------------
Hands in his pockets, Nero casually strolls through the crowd. Avoiding most the available social options, looking for the pillar of solitude, while wearing mirrored aviators and a white suit. A blood red carnation sticking out of his breast pocket, and looking quite dapper. Planting himself not far from Dante and watching the endangered butterfly get ready to shoot his shot.
Calla has disconnected. ---<John>---------------
John keeps his hat brim nice and low for now.
When Karner's name is called, he claps his hands steadily and firmly. Neither excited nor unenthused. Eyes flit from side to side for a moment before they turn to the stage.
Being by himself seems to fit him nicely.
---<Becky>---------------
Becky seems somewhat at a loss of where to go, head turning this way and that. Then. Ha! A destination is location and the Gangrel makes her way towards Chancellor Tanner and her Childe. "Hey," she greets, perhaps a little abruptly. "Mind if I join you two?" And yes, that oversized bat is still clinging to the front of her shirt.
---<Edith>---------------
Edith is standing by Zebastian, hands held in front of her stomach and posture immaculate as she lifts her head to listen to the Malkavian's quiet words. She's dressed in a black velvet minidress, and is sporting some black shoes with a slightly higher heel than usual -- like maybe three inches, which means she doesn't have to crane her neck too much to reply to her domitor.
"Hmmm," she says, with a slow, considering nod. She seems absorbed, eyes wide, very attentive, and the general vibe she's giving off is one of interest rather than confusion. "Tar pits? How so?"
She's also looking around now and then, with her gaze focusing on Rach when the ghoul announces the start of the event. "Oh, here we go," she says quietly to Zebastian, looking to him briefly and giving a side nod towards the stage, which subsequently gets her renewed focus. "That was a nice introduction."
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
"And a pleasure to meet you, Whip." Jason says, reaching back behind Judith to shake the other woman's hand before his attention resets back to Judith, that broad grin back in place. "Oh come on now." he says coyly, "Even if it's a special request? Primogen /so stuff/ - anyone demanding you call them that, well.." he chuckles wryly, "They're compensating." said with a wink. "Still it is a -pleasure- to meet you. And, mm. Fair enough, I suppose we'll see what surprises we have in store for us tonight."
His attention drift to the stage as Cheree starts the proceedings. It's unclear if Jason even noticed Rach's attempts to get the crowd in order, but when Cheree speaks he looks up. His lean remains, dramatic and casual all at once, like a schoolboy testing the limit's of a teacher's patience. When his name is called, he lifts his hand up to wave to the (no doubt) adoring crowd, flashing a bright smile like he's the biggest celebrity in the room. And then its back to the stage, his smile fainter - no longer a thousand watts. Merely somewhere around the five-hundred watt or so mark.
---<Claire>---------------
Claire Cohen watches Rachel Buck's little stand up emcee routine with an amused smile. She laughs when she ought to, and, at the end of it all, claps for Primogen Karner Blue when he's announced. Claire takes another slow sweep around the crowd while the Primogen transitions up towards the stage, as well as a long drink from her wine glass. Filled with -blood-. She gives a few taps of her fingertip to her bottom lip. If any blood's dribbled out, it'll just blend in with her lip tints. Fear not.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner ends his call by literally saying: "I'll have your people call my people." Then he turns to smile at everyone here, catching Lunette's and waggling his fingers her way. He breezes over to the table she's at and sits. Pretty much the moment after he places his bony tuchus on the seat, Rach begins her introductions...which he doesn't seem to be particularly paying attention to, as he turns to Lunette and begins to speak. "Looking lovely, darling. Will you be performing tonight? You know, I --" He then hears his name, and turns around with a look of mild wonder. A hand is placed to his chest -- surely they don't mean /him/? But he rises, the light catching his sequined suit, and begins to move towards the stage. Since he is apparently breaking the ice here tonight.
---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth steps out of the lift behind Lunette and is quick to slip her small, boney hand into the other woman's. There's a curve of a smile on the small waif's lips and a swagger to her hips as she saunters along just behind Lunette, lead onward by the other Rose's hand-hold.
The Toreador's hazel eyes sweep the judge's table and she'll favor Judith with a wide smile before looking passed Khadijah and toward Jason Newberry. Lunette gets the slightest tug as Elizabeth leans in from behind as the pair walk and she purrs in that enchanting New Orleans drawl, "As if -ONE- Malkavian Primogen were enough, Lulu. Whatever will we do with two?"
Elizabeth is dressed in a bright white blouse and skirt pairing, decorated with flowery embroidery. She smooths her skirt as she settles in to a seat where Lunette had lead her, then glances up at Becky. "Of course, Deputy. Come nestle in close. There's plenty of us to go around." <English>
---<Beatrix>---------------
Beatrix looks towards the main entrance as others emerge from the lifts. Lunette, Judith. She can hear Zebastian. She nods at Khadijah and raises her hand, holding the drawing pen as if it were a cigarette, complete with letting it dangle as she crosses her arms and looks up towards Rach's presentation. Good, she thinks, she's not too drunk tonight.
At the declaration, though, she begins to join in the polite applause. Complete with a little something of her own: a vaguely watery trill of "KaAaAAAArRrner~~" of uncertain origin.
---<Dante>---------------
Dante's attention cants towards Nero, and gives him a nod. Other than that, he maintains silence, as well as his position against a far wall -- holding it up. He makes no attempt to socialize.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris finds her way to Claire's table and, noting that the show is about to start (!), she smiles to her and vaguely motions to a chair at her table. "Mind if I join you, Ms. Cohen?" Hopefully the answer is yes, because Karner is about to start.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar looks the same as he always does, t-shirt, shabby trousers, shabby overcoat. He has got his violin case slung over his shoulder on its thin strap, and he's also got a short stack of folded papers. He offers one to Karner, "---- -- ----?" he suggests. <Unknown Language>
---<Khadijah>---------------
Khadijah smiles back at Chancellor Tanner, and then waves little finger waves here and there to people who are acknowledging her, including Beatrix who seems to be drawing! She also smiles and waves to Pris before turning around and concentrating the stage, waiting for Karner to start.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar looks the same as he always does, t-shirt, shabby trousers, shabby overcoat. He has got his violin case slung over his shoulder on its thin strap, and he's also got a short stack of folded papers. He offers one to Karner, "Will yo sing?" he suggests.
---<Becky>---------------
Becky settles into a chair, right after Karner Blue vacates the table. "Thanks," she mumbles, absently stroking the bat's back, as her eyes track the Primogen's progress towards the stage. "Still not a big fan of crowds in enclosed spaces," she admits, while continuing to watch the stage. "But this isn't as bad as Sinister can be."
+ROLL/+DICE> Karner: Charisma + Performance vs. 4 -> 4 successes. +LOSE/+BURN> Karner burns 1 Willpower. ---<Claire>---------------
Claire has found herself a nice little love seat with a rather good sight line to the stage and ghoul ensemble. When Pris motions to the spot beside her, Claire flashes her a smile, reaches out, and lightly pats on that cushion to her left. "What a pleasant surprise, Miss Albret. And of course, please please. Sit sit. Did you happen to sample the vintage?" Claire asks, and swirls that blood in her wine glass again. Dork that she is, this never gets old for her.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's attention lands firmly, respectfully, focusedly on tonight's emcee, Rach. She licks her teeth once, emphasizing and echoing the 'shark,' a stage effect for a performative evening, white teeth even whiter against her preferred shade of red lipstick. But it's only playful. She catches sight of one -- no, /three/ of the presumed sharkbait contestants tonight and throws a naturally thick-lashed wink over to wherever they're congregated. Delsarto is in a mood, tonight. But the respectful incline of her head to Elizabeth Tanner says she hasn't so spirited as to neglect a ritual gesture of respect. She also blinks at something. Just how many deputies is the Los Angeles praxis actually up to these days?
---<Hall>---------------
Hall finds a quiet place to sit and turns his attention to the stage.
+ROLL/+DICE> Karner: Appearance + Style vs. 6 -> 1 success. +ROLL/+DICE> Karner: 8 vs. 6 -> 6 successes. (10 9 9 8 8 8 8 1) ---<Calla>---------------
Calla arrives at the event while adorned in patches and mushrooms. She moves with the easy grace of a trained dancer. Once inside the salon, she drops into a curtsy.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette smiles to Karner and Becky as they join the table, and she gives a short laugh when Karner is getting up not a moment after. She sends a little grin his way and playfully swishes her hands at him as if to shoo him on and off to the stage, and then she's glancing to Becky, saying, "Evening, Becky." She quiets then, settling in to watch.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris grins at the swirling of the glass. She shakes her head to Claire. "I haven't had the pleasure. Perhaps later." She waves warmly back to Khadijah, and smiles quietly to the other judges, before looking back to Claire, and offering, "Will you be performing?"
---<Claire>---------------
"You know, I'd thought about it. Put my name forward with the stipulation that I will not, under any circumstances, be singing," Claire says, sort of hiding her lips behind the rim of her crystal wine glass. She turns to follow Pris' wave towards the judge's table and her eyes do linger on Jason for a moment or two. A long, idle sort of consideration. And then it's back to Pris. "But if they'll let me play the piano, I think I've got the perfect song for the occasion. I suppose it's in God's hands now." "Sit, sit. You're going to make me nervous if you keep standing."
---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth crosses her legs under that white skirt and leans back in her chair between Lunette and Becky (and Becky's large mastiff bat). She watches Karner depart for the stage with curved little smile before she glances sidelong toward Becky and her bat. "I don't know why Cheree didn't choose the Concert Hall for this. The acoustics are -so-... much... better."
The waif rests one hand on Lunette's leg and turns her focus back to the stage in anticipation of Karner's performance. Her smile shifts into a coy little grin as she begins to whisper to herself, "Eyes... upon eyes... upon eyes. Upon. Eyes." <English>
---<Karner>---------------
Karner gives Jack a big grin as he goes by. "Yes, Jack, I'm going up right now, didn't you hear the lady?" As mentioned previuosly, Karner is particularly eye-catching tonight in Dolce & Gabbana: a double-breasted suit with wide lapels, entirely covered in shimmering sequins of a vivid shade of blue. Even the blue turtleneck he wears beneath is besequined! His shoes are the same color of blue, shiny with pointed toes. His nails are painted a darker shade of blue, he wears two small dark blue hoops in each earlobe, and for the finishing touch, a pair of oversized rectangular-shaped sunglasses fashioned from one continuous piece of shiny, dark blue acetate. (Similar to: https://tinyurl.com/3nhsfcyf)
He steps to the microphone, though not before turning and telling the ghouled jazz musicians what he's looking to sing. And they must know what he means, because they start up a suitably slow, lilting tempo for him. His pale hands wrap around the microphone as he stares out at the audience, beginning to croon in French:
Aucun Boeing sur mon transit Aucun bateau sur mon transat Je cherche en vain la porte exacte Je cherche en vain le mot exit
The song is "L'anamour," a ye-ye classic made most famous by Francoise Hardy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQxPnLE4TLk). His accent is very good. Perhaps some people may even understand what he's going on about... (https://ctxt.io/2/AACQQP1GFQ)
---<Summer>---------------
The elevators slide open, allowing another Kindred to join the party. Summer Hastings is dressed to suit the 'crisp' autumn weather -- if one can consider California /ever/ crisp -- wearing a sweater dress shrugged off her pale shoulders, its long sleeves pushed up to her elbows. A pair of tan suede boots encase the entirety of her legs, their thigh-high tops disappearing beneath her dress unless the hem slides /just so/ ( https://i.imgur.com/WBuf3zN.jpg ).
Rather than interrupt, she offers a quick smile to those present, her auburn brows amicably rising as she flutters a wave here and there, and then moves toward the designated seating area.
---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree returns Calla's curtsey, of course. What kind of hostess would be be otherwise? Cheree is just about to go and find a place to linger and watch when Summer arrives. She gives the Rose Primogen a tiny wave, and then moves to linger at the perimeter and watch the party -- she's watching the crowd as much as the performers, making sure everything is going well. Or as well as it can. She's nervous!
---<Pris>---------------
Pris sits already, and gets comfortable next to Claire on the little couch, listening intently to the Primogen Karner's completely engaging and surprisingly... something... performance.
---<Zebastian>---------------
"...Exactly - how so?..." Zebastian replies to Edith. Never mind that this is incredibly out of sync with the statement she made earlier, and the Malkavian has spent the last several moments simply looking off into the middle distance. A hand flutters, combing through the ends of his hair -- a slow blink, as an attempt to refocus in on the night's antics at Sunset Noir.
It is very possible Zebastian has only a tangental understanding of what the hell is going on -- however, his fractured attention gets snagged on Elizabeth for a moment, his head tipped to the side; expression that of simple incomprehension wrapped up in dreamy curiosity.
Music. There is music - and Zebastian is turning to look at Karner on stage as he sings through Francoise Hardy's classic L'anamour. There is a slow blink, as Zebastian's head tips in the direction of the judges - looking, in a word? Dissociated. Not in entirely! But just enough... He turns to Edith, and says softly; "...Was there a reason?..."
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette's gaze flicks to Liz when the hand rests upon thigh, and the tiniest grin appears until she looks away, watching Karner.. sing in French. Lovely. She smiles something light as she listens.
---<Harper>---------------
Harper sits quietly in the back as the performances begin, head tilting as Karner steps up to go. Her eyebrow arches slightly, but other than that the Keeper remains fairly still and observant from her seat.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner is currently up on stage, singing a song in French. Probably the best thing about his sequined outfit is that every time he moves, it catches the light. It's the same reason they wear sequins in Vegas. One probably couldn't accuse his performance of being at home in Vegas, though. It's a surprisingly subtle one. Or maybe it just seems that way because it's in French.
Karner's really pretty good. He's not a professional vocalist, but he must have had some training at some point in his life. He caresses the mic and the mic stand like a lover, his hand slowly moving up the metal. Karner doesn't appear to be looking at anyone in particular -- more like he's staring out at some distant point -- although something or someone seems to distract him briefly. It doesn't take away from him finishing the song: Je t'aime et je crains De m'?garer Et je s?me des grains De pavot sur les pav?s De l'anamour...
Karner finishes up and gives a subtle incline of his head. "Merci," he murmurs into the mic before making his way off the stage.
---<Calla>---------------
Calla continues further into the gathering, moving with her quiet ghoul grace and not drawing too much attention. She dose smile, this dimpled smile as Cheree notices her. She then turns to listen to Karner perform.
---<John>---------------
John remains sitting by himself.
Yes, he's wearing a suit. It's not Sunday clothes: no, these are clothes you wear when you go out at night. D&G? Nope. Tom Ford? Nah. Ralph Lauren is good enough for him, apparently, and anyone who knows something of him might find it *very* appropriate for the man. Especially with that old school hat on.
He remains watching Karner intently.
---<Claire>---------------
Claire smiles over to Pris and holds her wine glass a little closer to her chest now. The Malkavian is still leaned forward on her couch, shoulders up and back in a pretty little arch. She watches Primogen Blue's performance with a smile on her face. "Ahhh, Paris, je t'aime," Claire says, and sets her glass down so that she can clap with both hands as Karner exits the stage.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar stands, pocketing his papers, and listens to Karner attentively.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
And there's Karner on stage, singing in French. Whatever it is, Jason seems to enjoy it, wiggling his shoulders in time to the music. He's only distracted briefly by Summer's late entrance, eyes shifting aside to track her as she moves through to find her seat, a subtle frown appearing on his expression before he looks back to Karner's performance.
As it winds down, Jason leans forward to lazily snatch his mic off the table, where it rests beside his feet, pulling it up and *tap-tap-tapping* it, sending a careening, frustrating echo through the hallway, followed by the distant sound of a chuckle in the sudden silence of the auditorium.
"Well." Jason's voice rolls in slowly, followed by the soft sound of him wetting his lips with his mouth a bit too close to the mic. "Like Liberache without the piano - the showmanship, the *sequins*, all so /over the top/. I loved it." He's breathy, too close to the mic still, drawing as much attention to himself as he can as he grins up at the stage, "Did you design the outfit yourself, Primogen?" a beat, "Tres magnifique." His pronunciation sucks, especially after Karner's performance and near perfect inflection.
"Anyway, I'll give that mm.. a solid eight. Best score so far!" another soft chuckle rumbling through the auditorium before he leans forward and sets it down, glancing sidelong at Judith and Khadijah.
---<Beatrix>---------------
Beatrix lets her eyes half lid as Karner begins to sing. It's solid work. She can feel it, or she thinks she can feel it. This means she misses Summer, especially when she flips to the last couple of pages in her sketch pad (already somewhat torn up) and starts scribbling something cryptic down.
---<Karner>---------------
"It's Dolce & Gabbana, Primogen Newberry, and I may have had a say or two in its design..." Karner pauses as the judges judge him. Was he supposed to stay on stage? He lingers nearby, anyway, looking faintly amused, his fingertips pressed together as he waits.
---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth's boney fingertips stroke idly at Lunette's leg as she listens to the closing of Karner's performance and Jason Newberry's feedback. The waif's hazel gaze drifts as a flash of coppery-red flutters in her field of vision and she turns her head to regard Summer with a wicked little smile. Lips purse before she blows a kiss to her Primogen, gaze lingering for a second or two longer before returning to the judge's stage. "Deputy Cromwell. Will -you- be singing this evening, too? Lulu will be happy to hold your bat while you have a go at the microphone." <English>
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's listening-and-judging posture isn't noticeably different than her every other night of the week posture. Which is likely a tell that she is likely always listening, always judging. But she does prop elbows on the table and rests her chin on the backs of her interlaced fingers. She flicks a look over to Cheree at some brief point in between Karner's 'je t'aime' and his final 'de l'anamour' and her smile says: You got this, Crowley.
She doesn't even blink at the electronic cacophany from Jason's mic, just waits it out and cants an attentive ear to her fellow judge's judgement while keeping eyes on Karner. She waits precisely two beats -- even her social timing is military-precise -- before delivering hers.
"While le francais est trop facile, it was delivered .. faithfully. I am not a fan of either glitter or sequins myself. Or flashing labels. But the voice and the choice .. refreshingly unexpected."
Her score? "Seven five."
---<Edith>---------------
Was there a reason? Edith's just tilting her head to Zebastian, eyes widening as if she understands his words. Maybe she does understand what he means. Maybe she's pretending to. Or maybe she's simply nodding along for the sake of keeping things moving? Who knows! It is all very much a mystery, but one thing is certain: she doesn't seem at all phased or confused by Zebastian's words.
The ghoul hooks dark hair behind her ear as she turns her attention back to Karner. She folds her hands at her stomach again -- so very neatly -- and watches and listens in silence, demure and polite right through the performance. After she's applauded with the appropriately socially-acceptable measure of speed, enthusiasm and duration, she turns her head and pivots her body so that she can hook a finger at Zebastian to beckon him closer for a quick whisper.
---<Becky>---------------
Becky looks over at Elizabeth, expression one of vague confusion. "Eyes upon eyes upon eyes?" This is followed by a rather violent shaking of her head, as she leans forward and picks up the fluted glass of blood in front of her. "No. I'm not much of a singer.
The Mastiff Bat on her chest starts to moves as the glass is brought closer, one claw-tipped wing reaching out and attempting to snag the rim. The winged rat is very interested in the contents of the glass.
---<Nero>---------------
Nero leans against the wall next to Dante, watching the performances. He begins to crack his knuckles meticulously in a slow and likely painful manner. Mainly looking around to see if anyone else was smoking here tonight. His mirrored aviators looking at the judges ever so briefly, counting the scores and thumbing his pierced bottom lip.
---<Khadijah>---------------
"Primogen Blue; what a fabulous suit. Unlike Ms. Delsarto I do like some D&G. The glitter and sequence were over the top, but I highly approve. I'm going to give you a 5. Well done Primogen!" Khadijah nods. "Beautiful song too."
---<Summer>---------------
Summer watches the Malkavian Primogen as he croons and caresses the microphone stand, her eyebrows eyebrows delicately arching. At its conclusion, she lifts her hands and offers polite applause, a pleasant smile poised upon her lips. "The Malkavian Primogen even nailed the accent," she remarks, "Tr?s fabuleux."
The redhead gives her bare shoulders a little wiggle before turning to slip between the row of seats, eventually settling nearby Zebastian and Edith. She offers the former a wide smile before leaning forward and offering the ghoul a playful wink. And then? She settles in, her hands folding in her lap as one ankle crosses over the other, as well as her thigh-high boots allow.
As the judges rattle off their scores, she watches, each one offered a dimpled smile -- except for Primogen Newberry. She looks at him before glancing away, preferring to murmur something to Zebastian and Edith as the next individual is called to the front. One hand comes up to absently fondle the side of her throat, fingertips circling.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris nods quietly in appreciation of Karner's well-deserved scores, smiling pleasantly to Claire. "I take it you're a fan of Paris?"
---<Dante>---------------
Dante leans against the wall next to Nero, watching the performance. He doesn't say or do anything else otherwise. Mirror-shaded sunglasses reflect Primogen Blue throughout his number, then watch people as they converse -- not staying on any one line of conversation.
---<Rach>---------------
"I'm sorry, I have to. No really - I'm saying it. I'm /saying/ it -" This is an aside with Cheree, caught by a hot mic, just as Karner finishes. Rach jets onto the stage before her domitor can raise any more protest.
"Talk about giving us the blues! Primogen Karner Blue, everybody!"
"Now, I /hate/ to make you all sit through /two/ Malkavians, back to back, but we have too much talent to pack together tonight to really keep the glycerin from meetin' the nitro. So here's who put the Boys in Town, the Z in Sebastian, and the h-y-p-e-r in POP! It's Zebastian ?ygard!"
One again, Rachel prompts applause, although this time she does it beatnik style, double-finger snaps, all the way back to her roost.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner 'hmphs!' quietly at some of the things the judges say, but he gives them a respectful bow of his head, nonetheless. "I appreciate the opportunity to dazzle you." Delivered rather drily, although he glances Summer's way and gives her something of a genuine smile. A nod to Rach, and then he returns to sit next to Lunette. He does not applaud for Zebastian, though he does lean over and say something to Lu.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris claps for Rach's introduction as much as in anticipation of Zebastian's act, while being attentive to her companion on the loveseat.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette is clapping politely for Karner when he finishes, though something distracts her and leaves her glancing back to Liz. Her lips purse and she clears her throat, trying not to laugh, and then she glances to Becky and her bat. So cute. She watches it and it's wing.. Daw.
When Karner returns she is smiling and looking his way, and she leans over to listen.. She nods. For a moment, she moves a hand to rest it over one of his for a little squeeze, and then she is lifting both hands to clap for Zebastian.
---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth glances back toward Becky, though the Gangrel's bat draws most of her attention. "You should ask the Primogen, yourself, Deputy. I'm sure you've seen that big, dashing hologram in his private quarters?"
Turning back to look at the stage, Elizabeth squeezes Lunette's thigh before leaning in against her side. "What a -lovely- performance, mmm, Lulu? Who knew Primogen Blue could perform for an audience -oh-... so... well."
The waif suddenly SQUEEZES Lunette's thigh and hisses at her before she can even reply, "Shhhh, Lulu! Zebastian is about to go on." And so Elizabeth leans forward in her seat, gaze smitten and eyes eager. <English>
---<Calla>---------------
Calla continues further into the room. she peeks to Edith, giving her a smile and a little wave. She then smiles over to Khadijah as well. She finds a place along a way out of the way and leans ther efor a moemnt. She does claps when Zebastian is introduced and well gets ready to listen.
---<Claire>---------------
"Ahhhh, no. Well, maybe, Miss Albret. I've never been. I think 'Paris, je t'aime' is just something you say when people are singing in French. It just sort of feels right," Claire responds with a small smile. She takes another sip of her BLOOD and swallows it with an appreciate hum at the back of her throat. It's lacking the certain... panache... that comes when it's from the source, but she's not complaining. Not when there's -music- and -people- and red stuff in -crystal glassware-. She can almost let her forget who she is for a moment or two and soak it all in. "I'd always wanted to go, though. Maybe some day I will. What about you?" And now it's time to clap for Zebastian! Clap clap clap! "Ohhhh, he's that adorable ghoul's domitor. Ahh, Edith, I believe. Such a darling."
---<Beatrix>---------------
Beatrix finishes making her note and straightens up a little, smoothing her skirt out and looking at the other tables. She sits, so far, alone, but that's alright. She has one leg crossed over the other. When Zebastian is introduced, she applauds and he too gets a trilling "zebAAaaaAAstiaaaaAAAANnnn," to encourage him; hey, it helped Karner, apparently.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner turns to look at Elizabeth and grins. "Chancellor Tanner, it is /not/ a hologram. It is projected footage that /I/ shot, my dear." His gaze takes him over to Beatrix and he waves merrily at her, having possibly missed her before. Then he leans over to say something to Lunette, despite Liz's earlier chiding.
---<Zebastian>---------------
Zebastian's pale peepers ping back to Elizabeth - squinting ever so, with gentle curiosity as his head as if here were trying to remember something important and--- oh! The applause for Karner's ballad has the Norwegian Malk bouncing on his stack soled boots, looking alert! in a frazzled sort of way, which immediately melts into nothing as leans in to listen to something Edith shares.
A dreamy smile blooms over Zebastian's features, as Summer approaches -- rocking his head back-and-forth in her direction, hand lifted to fuss with his hair and listen and---
Midway through listening, Zebastian blinks - turns to look at Rach, as she calls out his name. The look on his face: surprise. The second look: brief sharp glance to the side. The third: a return to something of a dreamy smile as he rolls a shoulder and steps away from his hermitage; giving Summer an apologetic kind of wry smile, before drifting...
"...Rach, you have such a way with words..." Zebastian chimes, then takes his sweet time getting sorted on stage; smile shy and face downcast as there is applause he seems to sheepish or dreamily zoinked to acknowledge head-on. Where's the piano? Oh there's the piano. The Ghoul at aforementioned piano may be gently encouraged to no longer be there, so Zt. Zebastian can get himself situated.
Why rush these things? They've like, forever or something.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lu sends a little grin to Liz, and she oh so slowly leans over to quietly whisper something back to Karner. There! Quiet now.
---<Pris>---------------
"Very adorable. Some kind of master of cosplay." Pris agrees with Claire on the topic of Edith. While Zeb gets situated, she adds, "I've never been either. I'd love to take in Fashion Week among the court there --- if I can manage to make arrangements, I'll let you know. If you like?"
---<Becky>---------------
Becky looks as if she is about to answer the Chancellor, before realizing that her glass is being tugged on and she looks down at the bat in annoyance. "You. Wait your turn," she tells the animal ghoul, before lifting the claw free from the glass rim. "Hello Primogen Blue," the Gangrel says, sounding distracted as she extracts her drink from her pets grasp.
---<Claire>---------------
Claire's slowly combing her fingers through her hair, worn over her right shoulder, when Pris agrees with her on the topic of Miss Lee-Prescott. There's a cat-like curling of the corners of her lips while her eyes trace through the crowd on their way to find the ghoul and, on the off chance their eyes should meet, Claire will offer Edith the tiniest bit of a wave. And then her attention will draw away, surprised at Pris' comment. Claire tips her head, and that smile peels back further to show a bit of teeth now. "I think I'd like that quite a bit. Though you might have to suffer me dragging you to the Eiffel Tower at night. Idiot tourist that I am."
+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: 5 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (8 6 5 5 2)
<This is part of a group roll>
+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Appearance + Style + 2 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. +ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Charisma + Performance vs. 6 -> 1 success. (7 7 4 4 2 2 1) +ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: 8 vs. 6 -> 1 success. (10 7 6 6 2 1 1 1) ---<Karner>---------------
Karner leans over and flashes his overly toothy grin at Becky. "Hello, Deputy Cromwell. Are you and your creature going to get up there and sing?" He turns to look over the judges, glancing at each one down the line.
+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Willpower vs. 6 -> 4 successes. +D10> Zebastian rolls 1 D10's: 1 ---<Edith>---------------
Edith perks up at Summer's arrival, lips curving in a small but genuine smile. She lifts one hand from her stomach in a flittery wave, placing it back on her velvet-clad abdomen a second later. When the Toreador Primogen leans in to share a word, Edith listens with an arch of eyebrows. Then? She suppresses a tiny laugh behind pursed lips.
Calla, of course, gets a little smile and a wave, even if it's a tad distracted -- because Zebastian's leaving for the stage, after he murmurs something to her and Summer. Her mouth crescents up in a sweet smile to him; she's watching him attentively.
She does notice Claire's wave, returning it briefly but pleasantly. After that... eyes back on the stage.
---<John>---------------
The man with the black hat ocntinues to watch and listen.
Comfortably. It's important to point out that John seems very comfortable where he is: by himself; listening to the music; and no doubt looking about to see who's here and what they are doing.
Happily observing, it seems.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar is motionless, unblinking, listening intently.
---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth merely smiles up at Karner before she offers him a shrug of her scrawny shoulders before she watches his whispered exchange with Lunette. When the Malkavian Primogen asks Becky about whether she will perform, the small Toreador interjects, "I -already- asked her, Primogen Blue. It seems she and I are both sitting this one out. We wouldn't want to upstage Clan Malkavian. Oh no. Not... at... all."
The waif lets go of Lunette's leg and reaches up to fix her hair before she adds, "I thought your song was provoking. So sad. Quite fitting for Cheree's event." Elizabeth will incline her head respectfully after, then turn to focus on Zebastian as he gets ready to perform. <English>
---<Pris>---------------
"I will accompany you without hesitation. The Eiffel Tower was constructed as part of a celebration of the centenary of the French Revolution --- an event that initiated the Golden Age of Paris, really." Pris replies with passionate warmth to Claire. "I'll also trouble you to join me for an evening at the Opera Garnier?"
---<Becky>---------------
"Fu...," Becky begins, before correcting herself and replying to the Primogen in a more polite manner. "No. Not intending to get up there and sing, Primogen Blue. I'm not very good at it," the Gangrel claims, before bring the glass to her lips and draining the contents in a decidedly unlady-like manner.
Bringing the glass back down, Becky tilts it on to its side and holds it up to her pet's face. Allowing the large bat to lap up the remaining blood as it slowly drains towards the rim.
---<Karner>---------------
"And here I thought you were an honorary Malkavian, Chancellor," Karner drawls. "Isn't that what people are always saying?" He flashes his grin at her again. "Do you speak French? How lovely. I figured enough here did as to make the song a reasonable choice. And even if they didn't?" He flicks his hand, then clucks his tongue at Becky. "Pity, darling. That is a sight I would like to see."
---<Zebastian>---------------
Zebastian situates himself at aforementioned piano -- there is not a lot of that vavaciousness tonight, no indeed there seems to be a rather subdued air around the Malkavian, even as his hands start brushing over the ivories and a song is started.
Ah, beautiful: it's Schubert, those in the know might recognise it as Gute Nacht (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULqCWw6mB_s) and yes, there is a sung portion; delivered in a soft, mournful albeit rather warbled counter tenor;
"Fremd bin ich eingezogen, Fremd zieh' ich wieder aus. Der Mai war mir gewogen Mit manchem Blumenstrauss. Das Madchen sprach von Liebe---"
There is an abrupt stop -- a cacophony if you will, of those notes as Zebastian's hands scuttle over the piano keys in an order that would not doubt offend poor Schubert. Don't worry -- he's got this, he's got this, he's got----
Zebastian does not have this--- the clamouring of keys results in a rapid key shift into another simplistic tangle of minor keys -- doon da doon da -- and his voice picking up again; very soft and very, very, very sad. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYoxHskCnSo)
"Once, I was lost; to the point of disgust - I had in my sight, lack of vision, lack of---"
Too sad? Like a skipping record, there is a the sweet maudlin tunes are interrupted by another key shift --- is this, supposed to be a medley or? The sound is, uhm, a touch chaotic--- Zebastian knows he's supposed to be like, performing for an audience or something, right?
+ROLL/+DICE> Judith: Perception + Empathy vs. 6 -> 1 success. ---<Calla>---------------
Calla listens to Zeb thoughtful and she smiles as the man starts to sing, one of her dimpled smiles. It doesn't go well with all those pimples, but her brown eyes are bright and she seems happy to be here and to hear Zeb perform.
---<Claire>---------------
Claire's fingertips continue to comb through her hair, that toothy smile still glued to her face. Her ocean blue eyes are on Pris now, flicking over the woman's features while she speaks. Talk of visiting Paris has her attention understandably turned away from the stage. Instead of responding right away, the young kindred just laughs into the bowl of her wine glass. Filled with blood. She takes a sip from it and collects a tiny bead of blood that had collected on her bottom lip with her teeth. "It's a date," Claire says, eyes turning finally back towards the stage as Zebastian sings. In German. Her nose wrinkles and she nips her bottom lip. She bops a little back and forth to the music, hand resuming its slow pull of fingertips through her hair.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
- Tap-tap-tap* Is he going to do that every time? At least this time its just the sound of Jason dragging the mic up as he leans forward, almost toppling to snatch it off the table. He lifts it up and sighs, loud and breathy. It rustles like a newscaster's mic on a windy day.
"You didn't dress up. You didn't really move. You just... sort of sat there and played a piano. However skillfully, where's the panache? The pizzaz? The -performance-?" he asks. "Three." a beat, "Out of ten." As if to drive home just how disappointed the visiting Primogen is with Zebastian's performance. "At least stand up next time, belt it out, don't just murmur into the mic. This isn't The National. We want a -good- performance." *calunk* the mic set back down.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner snorts softly and folds his arms, looking on downright offended. "How dare he even /attempt/ Gute Nacht," he scoffs, though while it matters to him at all is a mystery. It's just a song, dude. This is just entertainment! Although a slow smile curves onto his lips as 'Son' gives his feedback on said performance.
---<Dante>---------------
Dante, does what he had been doing, and listens to Zebastian's performance with rapt interest. He makes no attempt to critique it, inwardly or outwardly, via any means. He continues to lean against the wall, crossing arm over arm about his midsection.
---<Summer>---------------
Summer perks up when Zebastian approaches the piano, her smile naturally widening. While he gets settled, she scoot-scoot-scoots over, taking Zebastian's old seat so that she can sit next to Edith. Her hand goes over, amicably linking with the ghoul's as the Malkavian's performance begins. Her head tilts, following along and -- *clank! clank!* -- the jarring strike of the keys makes one side of her face tense up, briefly wincing.
Summer's expression eventually softens again, the Toreador looking almost...reflective? Hrm. Nonetheless, when the performance is (blessedly?) over, she will still clap wholeheartedly for him. "How...erm...avant-garde!" Yes. Right. She flashes the Malkavian a smile before glancing at the judges, doing her best not to wince.
---<Claire>---------------
Claire gives a little wince at Jason Newberry's feedback, and she seems to consider him a little longer while he moves to sit down. "Hmmmmh, well I liked it. A bit chaotic and eclectic, but, you know," she trails off. "Malkavians, though. What are you gonna do?"
---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree, with an expression that lingers between annoyance and concern, moves to attempt to separate Zebastian from the piano, as gently and delicately as she can, even if it means lying to him and saying that there's a second piano hidden somewhere in the Harpy's Roost.
+ROLL/+DICE> Cheree: Manipulation + Subterfuge vs. 6 -> 3 successes. (10 8 8 6 5 3 1) ---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette is mostly quiet this evening, paying attention to whoever is on stage.. for better or worse, though now and then she glances to her tablemates as if to say 'Yes, I'm here and listening!' and then it's back to the performances.
---<Beatrix>---------------
Beatrix raises a hand and waves it towards Cheree as if indicating 'bring him over here if you want.' Maybe she's cool with sitting with a guy in reverie. She also seems to write some more things down on her little piece of paper. It isn't being hidden; it seems to be notes on instrument equivalencies.
---<John>---------------
John tries very hard not to smile.
He crosses his arms up over his chest. He puts a hand over his mouth. But, he can't help it; he's smiling. And when he does, he seems to relax just a little.
So, maybe he appreciated the performance?
---<Khadijah>---------------
Khadijah grins at Zeb. "This season's Celine. Edgy. I love it Harpy Oygard. And interestingly enough I think it accompanied Schubert in an interesting, avant garde way. I'm giving it a 5!"
---<Elizabeth>---------------
"I -am- from New Orleans, Primogen Blue." Elizabeth answers well after Zebastian's performance has concluded. Her gaze lingers on Zebastian on stage even as she leans in toward Karner (over Lunette!) to reply further. "Oh no, Primogen Blue. I am a Rose -through- and -through-. From lovely petals to sharp thorns. Serova just couldn't give me up when she said that."
Elizabeth holds up her finger at Karner as if to 'shhh' him so she can turn and listen to Jason Newberry and the other judge's replies to Zebastian's performance. The waif scowls a bit at Jason Newberry and leans back in her chair. "No, Lulu. I don't think I like -that- Malkavian Primogen, either." <English>
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's head cants, sliding a tendril of up-done brunette free and along past her jawline. She's still in that chin-propped receptive mode, watching Zebastian Oygard. She knows Schubert very well. She arguably understands artistry. What she can't seem to parse, even though her profile to both sides is graven and poised, is whether this /variation/ on Schubert is intended to be artistic. But -- again military background -- she can make a quick decision in a pinch.
This time, her eyes do narrow at whatever the hell Jason Newberry is doing with that goddamn mic but again, she's poised. She may be currently fantasizing about taking Jason out into the alley later for making her right shoulder flinch at that mic drop that isn't a performance score in itself.
Something troubles her but this time she doesn't offer a color commentary, but only a quiet verdict. "Four of ten. For artistry, and not for performance." She looks like she wants to say something more, but she is also wise enough to know when to stop. She flicks a brief dagger of a look off at something she hears from someone who is not a judge tonight but again, she says nothing.
---<Rach>---------------
While the rest of the room has collectively tugged on their collars uncomfortably, Rach isn't about to let Zebastian get totally caned up there.
"Zealously, Zaint Zebastian! One word. Wow, with a /Z/." Rach doesn't clarify is this is zow or zoz, but either way she's back like a case of crabs, giggling as she helps usher the former Anarch off of the stage, and claps /extra/ loud for him.
"Now, I know as much about this next contestant as I do about Ashley Hall's dissertation, but his name is John, and I think he is a... let me check my index cards here." Rach holds up a finger, and pantomimes sorting through papers.
"Vampire! Give it up for John the Vampire, everybody!" Rach backpedals back off of the stage as the lights dim slightly for the next act.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris musters a smile for Zebastian. Her eyes are sympathetic, and sort of filling with dread, for some reason. After Judith speaks, she asides to Claire. "I did sign up to perform with a companion, as it happens." A pause. "I may have regrets."
---<Zebastian>---------------
KEY SHIFT! The medley makes an abrupt uptick: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAy3CkwKS9s) The Malkavian is still at the piano; it's become faster - oh boy, so fast - and he's singing with a raw acid-washed realness;
"She took a LONG COLD look at me and smiled and GAZED all over my arm - she loves to see me get down to ground, get down get down get down to the--- she hasn't time just to be with me - her face between all she means to be - to be extreme, ooohhhAAaAaaa--- just to be extreme, to be extreme just to be extreme -- a BROKEN pier on the WAAaaAaaavy sea - she wonders why, she wonder why-why-why, for all she wants to see----"
There is a lot of vocalisation.
Uhm. Is this... Going to stop? Technically, Zebastian is playing piano - there is melody, there is harmont, there is also something subtly Wrong(tm) about it all, somehow. It's... Too sad? Too raw? It's all over the fucking place-- not that Zebastian seems to 1) recognised, 2) give a shit.
Honestly, Zebastian seems to be having a really absoluetly fantastic time.
"---The end of truth that lay out the time - spent lazing here on a painting dream - a mile or more in a foreign clime - to see farther inside of meeeeEEE---AAAndlooking high up into the sky, the sky, the sky high into the sky, i breathe as the water streams over me -- she took a LONG COLD---"
Time works funny with Malkavians, doesn't it?
"--faen; litt kort."
Fuck this piano.
Notes are smothered and keyboard gets cranked down, as Zebastian thunks back the bench and drifts without furth ado off, exiting stage left with a abstract floruish if his hand.
---<Rach>---------------
While the rest of the room has collectively tugged on their collars uncomfortably, Rach isn't about to let Zebastian get totally caned up there.
"Zealously, Zaint Zebastian! One word. Wow, with a /Z/." Rach doesn't clarify is this is zow or zoz, but either way she's back like a case of crabs, giggling as she helps usher the former Anarch off of the stage, and claps /extra/ loud for him.
"Now, I know as much about this next contestant as I do about Ashley Hall's dissertation, but his name is John, and I think he is a... let me check my index cards here." Rach holds up a finger, and pantomimes sorting through papers.
"Vampire! Give it up for John the Vampire, everybody!" Rach backpedals back off of the stage as the lights dim slightly for the next act.
---<Calla>---------------
Calla claps happy for Zeb and then she claps for John as well.
---<Hall>---------------
Hall blinks, bemused. He looks around the room, raises an eyebrow at Rach, and then turns his attention back to the stage to wait for the next performance.
---<Nero>---------------
Nero leaves the wall, ditching Dante as he cracks his back. Twisting left and right. Limbering up and gliding across the floor. Looking for refreshments and casually getting a different view of the sad song singers.
---<John>---------------
Fuck.
John lets out a breath, and then straightens. He gets up to his feet, adjusts his jacket, and then walks up to the stage. Is his left hand shaking? A little. Is he managing to keep it together? Seems like. Once he gets up on the stage, he leans into the mic and murmurs, "Pardon me." Beat. "I ain't use to singing in front of so many people." He smiles very briefly, and then turns about to murmur to the band. Probably to tell them how and what to play.
Might not be his first rodeo, but he looks damn uncomfortable.
---<Karner>---------------
"Well, Serova always did have questionable taste," Karner tells Elizabeth sunnily. He arches a brow, glancing over to Jason. "Why, I find him rather delightful. Just because he has /taste/..." There's the sound of his hyena laughter echoing through the room as Rach calls out Hall's dissertation. He looks over at the young Ventrue with a grin, although it's easy enough to be distracted by Zebastian continuing to go on. Karner shakes his head, then claps for John the Vampire.
+LOSE/+BURN> John burns 1 Willpower. ---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar blinks hard and twitches, jerking his head sharply to the right while he listens to Zebastian's performance. He smiles, though.
+ROLL/+DICE> John: Charisma + Performance vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (10 8 4 4) ---<Claire>---------------
John the Vampire? Now that's a name she can get behind. Claire perks up a little, delighted at Rach's announcement, and makes a point to set her glass of wine(blood) down on the coffee table in front of her. This is in service of being able to clap for John the Vampire a little louder than she has clapped for others. "John the Vampire. I'm obsessed," Claire says, eagerly sweeping the crowd to look for the man. But when Pris asides to her, Claire leans in, still clapping. "Ohhhhh?" she asks, voice inflecting upward. "Who will you be performing with?"
+ROLL/+DICE> John: Appearance + Style vs. 6 -> 1 success. (6 6 2 1) +ROLL/+DICE> John: 8 vs. 6 -> 4 successes. (10 10 8 6 6 5 2 1) ---<Beatrix>---------------
"There are vampires here?" Beatrix asks rhetorically, but she does smile at Zebastian as he shuffles off the stage.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris says something quietly to Claire, as John the Vampire prepares to take the stage.
---<Edith>---------------
Edith's eyes are fixed on Zebastian as he sits down to play the piano, and they're wide, glimmering eyes to boot. They're the eyes of a ghoul, in short, and they might as well be secured to her domitor by way of grappling hooks. Edith does, however, notice Summer's hand hooking into hers, and with a brief quirk of a smile sideways, she gives a squeeze of her fingers around the Toreador's own.
And then Zebastian's performance begins. And it is something! And does Edith wince? Does she scoff, or look offended, or anything like that? Nope. She simply watches with her head tilted, as if this is ART. Art to admired, to be absorbed, upon which to reflect.
When Summer begins to applaud, Edith joins in, with markedly more enthusiasm than Karner received. And speaking of Karner and Jason?
Edith gives the Statler-and-Waldorf-esque Malkavians a sideways look as she places her hands neatly on her velvet-covered lap. Is it an insolent or contemptuous look? Nope again! She's just a ghoul. She's too polite to give them attitude.
With a brief smile to Summer, and an apologetic nod, Edith murmurs a quick apology and stands carefully. Then it's off to see Zebastian, walking with composed steps.
---<John>---------------
(You can listen to this song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izwkB8aRjZM)
The song John chooses is classic. The arrangement he asks for is simple. His voice isn't perfect, but it's perfect for the raw, quiet version he asks for.
I was born by the river in a little tent; And just like the river I've been running ever since. It's been a long, long time comin', but I know A change is gonna come, oh yes it will.
And so it goes, and goes. Classic. Simple. Imperfect. Raw. Quiet.
It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die 'Cause I don't know what's up there, beyond the sky. It's been a long, long time comin', but I know A change is gonna come, oh yes it will.
The song continues on and on, until the end. And when it ends, the man in the black suit smiles momentarily, comes off the stage, and heads /straight/ to where he was sitting before. Maybe the nerves got to him?
+ROLL/+DICE> Rach: Perception + Alertness vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (10 10 8 5 2 1) ---<Summer>---------------
Summer's eyes swivel toward Karner when he mentions Sveta, her gaze lingering for a long moment before peeling away to watch John the Vampire take the stage. Her lips are gently upturned, her attention wavering between the performer and the judges, no doubt studying their reactions as well.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
- Jostle* Ok he's doing it on purpose. He has to be. Or maybe its just that he still won't extend up out of that foot-on-table lean with the chair tilted back. Again he wobbles dangerously, tilting and briefly lifting the chair onto one leg as he slids the mic up - and then he carefully resettles with a grin around at the crowd.
"Well now." he says, "There was just something raw and energetic, plus - aren't all of us here just a little bit afraid to die? Subject matter, and - well, there was some anxiety but it worked. I'll give it a six out of ten." he says with a soft chuckle - again its breathy, too close, the mic making it echo like Jason is over the shoulder of every person here. There's a personability to it, but still. Faintly annoying. "Good job, John the Vampire." his tone briefly wry before he leans forward to redeposit the mic.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette's eyes widen a touch when Liz leans over her, and she it trying hard not to grin too much at the comment about not liking -that- Malkavian either. Oh lord. She simply nods and turns an amused eye towards the stage.. and Zeb.. It's.. something! She clears her throat gently again, then looks about for Edith.. She spies her and smiles a touch, then watches as John takes the stage.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner gives Edith a little smile, shrugging a shoulder. Then he gives John his attention. "Ahh," Karner says, "A man of the People." It's a comment to his table in general, not anyone in particular. "Fitting, one supposes."
---<Karner>---------------
Karner catches Summer's look a moment too late, and the one he gives her back is questioning. She's already looking away, however, and so does he, giving John some polite applause.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar stomps one bare foot on the floor to help John keep time, grinning encouragement.
---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth's gaze sweeps back toward Karner as she hears his comment about Serova's taste and she can't help but giggle while leaning in against Lunette. "You would know, Primogen Blue. You were -both- agents of the Sword of Caine." The waif's hand finds Lunette's leg, once more. "Were. Are. It's all so very confusing when you hear all the little rumors and details."
The waif's gaze lingers on Karner as she leans back in her chair, again. "Glass houses, Primogen Blue. You won't win a game of wits and insults with -me-. But please try. Pretty... pretty... please." %TTo Becky, Elizabeth offers in aside, "You would think a Primogen would support their clan-mate more. Poor Zebastian, up there alone and Primogen Blue makes that ridiculous laugh." <English>
---<Khadijah>---------------
"Hello John the Vampire." Rach cracks Khadijah up. "this is a classic, respectable look and I especially love the fedora. Nice touch! I'm giving you a 4. Well done and I really liked the song." Khadijah barely gets her score in while John is exiting the stage!
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette's eyes widen and she quickly turns her face towards Liz, leaning over so she can quickly whisper something to her before she pulls back and sits up straight. She's starting to look a bit nervous, though if that's due to the chatter at her table or the fact she will try her best at singing soon, it may be hard to decipher.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner gives Elizabeth a polite smile. "What I have or had in common with Serova began and ended at our Clan, Chancellor. May she requiem in pace." Speaking of ridiculous laughs, he laughs again when she tells him to 'try.' "Always adorable. That's why you're my favorite." Whatever that means. Then he sighs, looking 'sorry.' "Alas. Harpy Oygard has refused my help so many times. I don't think he /wants/ my support, though he would have it if he were more polite, hmm? Surely you understand the importance of manners, Chancellor."
---<Zebastian>---------------
"It's just in-between /resonances/---" Zebastian insists to Edith, as he dreamily drifts back over towards her and Summer -- oblivious apparently, to the feedback that Jason, Khadijah and Judith worked real fuckin' hard on sharing here tonight. The Malkavian makes a breathless sound, gold bracelets glinting as his hair is brushed back from his face; "---if you aren't attuned with the thing, the thing, the thing it's like ohmygod where even are you? What is the //purpose//?"
Zebastian; John is singing - pipe down, be a good Malkavian. Alas, the motormouth melody continues - the sole benefit being that the Malkavian is perpetually soft spoken, quiet and gentle when he talks - unlike when he sings - and the chattering continues; "---like isn't there ever the sense of a skipping stone boomeraging back again for the same, the same, the same--- where is the energy? Where has it gone-- it's not being syphoned, is it? There is this /rancid vibe/---"
---<Becky>---------------
Becky is equally distracted by the performances and the chatter at her table, completely missing the fact that her bat has inserted its entire head into her flute and is busily licking up the last remnants of blood on the inside.
---<Summer>---------------
It would appear eyes are roaming! When Karner looks back at her, Summer seemingly misses the glance -- at least at first. And yet, as he is confronted by Elizabeth, her attention returns, looking first from her Whip and then over to Karner Blue. "She also supported your Primogency, if memory serves," she purrs, foxing the blue-suited man with a wry smile, "Speaking of taste. But perhaps that's only because you two worked together so well."
She offers the other Primogen a *wink* before looking back to the stage, appearing unflustered as she clap-claps for John the Vampire. Truly, he ought to get business cards made, it's so catchy.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's now just given up and caved in to her native peacekeeper-protector-of-the-careless instincts and her one hand is now dropped aside in place /just/ in case Jason Newberry's chair decides to act independently of protocol and topple backwards with Jason Newberry in it. Best she could probably do is snatch Newberry by the collar but if past performance is any indicator, she's fast on the grab. And she'll make it look good.
All this while her brown judgey eyes do not leave John the Vampire for the duration of his admittedly short performance and for the length of his departure. And to the extent she allows her feelings to show, ever? She's charmed by this one. Something resonated with the Toreador on the panel.
"Substance /is/ sometimes style," she says. Predictable to those who know and fear her. "Classic black, authenticity and finally some fucking roots. Eight five. Primogen .. if you end up on the floor I will absolutely help you up and no one but you will notice if I accidentally also kick you in the ribs."
---<Rach>---------------
"I would say I've seen stiffer Johns, but we're in polite company," says Rach upon the completion of John's number.
"I don't know about y'all, but I actually liked that! John the Vampire, yeah!" Rach gives the judges a little shrug, as if to say 'give him a little extra, for me'. She doesn't, though. Instead, she keeps things moving by seguing into the next performer... although there's a brief pause as she glances out into the slightly silhouetted audience. Something catches her attention.
"Clan Malkavian is out in full force tonight! Sad fact: before Cheree introduced me to the Camarilla properly, /I/ was on the path to joining their ranks. And believe me, I use the term /very/ loosely... so I got a bit of a soft spot for 'em. Even if it hurts a little when it gets touched. Up next, we have a contestant named something that..." Rach pulls out her phone, and glances at the screen (an act, she doesn't even illuminate the front):
"Google tells me is BASICALLY Latin for 'blessed', but will the judges bless /Beatrix/ Lee with a winning score? Only one way to find out! Beatrix! Do me a favor? Touch me where it hurts?" Rach scampers off stage.
---<Elizabeth>---------------
"Perhaps you are right, Primogen Blue. Serova -was- more loyal to her friends." Lunette is leaning in and Elizabeth is glancing up toward John on stage, listening to her childe as she contemplates John's performance. To Karner, she smiles wickedly, "Perhaps we can finish this conversation in Hancock Park soon. Just you and me. We can talk about how Zebastian Oygard's manners and a great many other things while we're at it. Now regarding manners, we're both talked over the Brujah John's performance. So... terribly... rude."
With that, Elizabeth turns her gaze back toward the stage as Cheree addresses the crowd and announces Beatrix. <English>
---<Harper>---------------
Harper watches each performance with rapt attention, glancing around only between sets. One of those times she seeks out where Cheree lingers, giving her a soft smile and a nod of approval.
---<Calla>---------------
Calla looks to Rach and her brown eyes are wide. She seems both impressed and horrifiedi with how she speaks. The cheers happily for Beatrix.
---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree is an invisible presence at the event for the most part, running around behind the scenes and trying to make sure nothing explodes. (Or possibly: no one explodes.) She does take a moment to accept Harper's smile, and offer one of her own in return. She walks the razor's edge of waiting for Rach to make one joke too far and trigger frenzy in someone.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner sighs, glancing at his manicured nails, and then gives Summer a smile. "You know, when I say 'taste,' I mean it quite literally, as in the fact that I could never understand why she clothed herself as she did, the so-called 'music' she listened to, or why she was so fond of the Sprawl. But yes, she was my Whip, and she did a fine enough job of it, despite what apparently became of her." Then he turns to Elizabeth, eyebrows raising. "Hancock Park? Interesting. The last time I was invited there, I had /quite/ a time. Can I expect similar hospitality from you, Chancellor Tanner?"
---<Pris>---------------
While Beatrix is called to the stage, Pris notes Nero milling about, and waves to him, quietly beckoning him over to join them.
+LOSE/+BURN> Beatrix burns 3 Willpower. +ROLL/+DICE> Beatrix: Charisma + Performance vs. 7 -> 0 successes. +ROLL/+DICE> Beatrix: Appearance + Style vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (10 9 5 4) +ROLL/+DICE> Beatrix: 8 vs. 6 -> 3 successes. (10 10 9 7 4 3 2 1) +D10> Zebastian rolls 1 D10's: 10 ---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette's lips are beginning to press together softly as she glances about her table, and she leans over towards Karner, murmuring something before she looks up to him for a second, then away to see the next performance.
---<Dante>---------------
With his arms crossed, Dante continues to lean against the wall -- watching the performances, listening to the conversation and viewing the people who are speaking. Nothing is said.
---<Edith>---------------
Aaaand Edith and Zebastian are heading back towards Summer, so as to take their seats again next to the redheaded Toreador. With a calm smile to said Primogen, Edith brushes her hands across her lap, but not before she lifts a quick wave to Lunette.
And then, she's listening to John's performance, occasionally leaning sideways to consideringly nod at something Zebastian's saying. And of course, she applauds once Mr. Vampire steps away from the stage, using the interim before Beatrix takes her turn to murmur something to her domitor in the meantime.
"Mmhm," she says, as if absorbing the Malkavian's words for further study. "Is that so?" It's the sort of soft-voiced question that could be taken as rheotorical or otherwise. Then, with a look towards the stage, "Oh look; your cousin's up."
Edith gives Summer and sideways wiggle of shoulders as she turns to face her.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner leans over and murmurs something to Lunette, patting her hand before he withdraws it. It's time to watch Malkavian Numero Three of the evening.
---<Elizabeth>---------------
"You'll have to remind me of that, Primogen Blue. Later." Elizabeth says after Lunette murmurs to Karner. She keeps her gaze focused on the stage, watching Beatrix as she gets ready. <English>
---<John>---------------
You'd think John the Vampire would smile after?
But he doesn't. He sits back down, closes his eyes for a second, and takes in a deep breath. A habit. His hands flex. His jaw tightens. And when he manages to pull his composure together, he looks better, seems better, but remains tense. A plastic smile on his face.
It's a good thing no one tried to embarrass him.
---<Zebastian>---------------
Zebastian's motormouth'd chattering to Edith is redirected, through the dual effort of the Ghoul's focus-relocation techniques and Rach calling Beatrix to the stage? Ooo-- Zebastian's hair spills over his shoulder as he turns to look.
Fingers lifted to his lips, as a shrill and warbled whistle of appreciation is given to Beatrix!
Pity be anyone who left their Auspexious senses on overdrive this evening: tt is /loud/.
---<Summer>---------------
Summer fixes Karner with a pleasant smile before shaking her head and tilting it toward the stage. Then, a little wiggle-wiggle of her finger, indicating that chit-chat right now doesn't seem appropriate. Her attention drifts back to the front, content to watch Beatrix make her way toward the stage. Summer offers a *whistle-whistle* of encouragement to the Malkavian. Obviously, Rach's stellar MC'ing is going to earn a giggle. The Primogen's nose gives an amused crinkle, right as she huffs out a final laugh.
---<Cheree>---------------
In fact, all of the ghouled jazz musicians have Auspex 1, and they use this power to remain in such perfect syncopation with one another. While continuing to play, they give Zebastian dirty looks, as if he hasn't done enough to these poor ghouls.
---<Edith>---------------
Edith doesn't have super vampire senses, but she does wince at Zebastian's shrill whistle, because she's sitting right next to him. She smiles afterwards, however, and gives Beatrix a little bit of pre-performance applause.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith finally swivels a dark-eyed daggery look off the stage, past her fellow judges and straight at the side of Karner's head. But her smile is unfailingly de rigueur.
---<Harper>---------------
Harper eyes slide to follow John to where he sits, an unfamiliar face in the sea of others. Her chin rests on her fingers as she shifts to one side, propping her head up as she gives him a once over then looks back to the stage.
---<Becky>---------------
Becky finally notices that her pet has wedged most of its upper body into her glass. With a soft hiss, the Gangrel starts the process of extracting the bat from her glass, then setting it well out of reach. Needless to say, the animal Ghoul's head is is coated in blood and is now leaving little smears of red on Becky's shirt.
---<Beatrix>---------------
Beatrix gets herself up, carrying her scrap of paper. She smiles at Rach and it isn't her usual simpering sort of smile even as she closes the distance, and says, as she takes the microphone, "Later."
With a glance outwards, she smiles at everyone. "Bear with me for just a moment, my fellow kindred, I have to talk to the band." She cups her hand over the microphone and goes to speak with the musicians. Most of them get it, but there seems to be some confusion with the alto and tenor sax, which seems to get resolved, presumably without sub-rosa use of Dominate, because Beatrix soon enough walks upwards.
Beatrix is in a rather simple if classy dress. Black, plain, flattering to the bust. She must have contacts in because she's not wearing her glasses. She raises a hand to indicate what to play to the band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZBlqcbpmxY
The first one is the bass, and then the trumpet, as the song becomes clear. Maybe it isn't clear to everyone here. It's not exactly *unknown*, of course, but the drums may make it clear. It seems Beatrix's big idea is to have the heavy guitar parts be played by the two saxophones, which certainly makes it HEAVY and BRASSY...
Does it work? That's up to God, and His favorite children, the judges. Beatrix starts to bob her head along with the music, and it takes a full minute for her to reach what she's saying; and it sounds *pained*, like she's remembering something awful.
"Well I'm standing next to a mountain - I chop it down with the edge of my hand -"
Repeat. Pick up all the pieces and make a little island.
The musical interlude is shorter, though, though Beatrix covers her entire face with her hand as she does. The jazz style noodling elongates, like an oddly vibrant dirge, until -
"Now let me say just one last thing," Beatrix continues.
"I didn't mean to take up all of your sweet time: "I'll give it right back to you, one of these days. "I didn't mean to take up all of your sweet time: "I'll give it right back to you, one of these days. "You don't meet me no more - in this world;"
A breathy little swell, "I'll meet you on the next one - and don't be late!"
And afterwards, panting a little, Beatrix parks the microphone, actually getting off stage before the last bars quite finish, shoulders shaking a little bit.
---<Calla>---------------
Calla listens to Beatrix sing, swaying along to the music while standing somewhere near the back.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
Jason asides something to Judith as she leans in to lower her voice, grinning brilliantly across at her before he settles back into listen to Becky's performance. He's quietly throughout but one foot wag-wag-wags with the beat of whatever music is happening.
Then there's that rustle again as he grabs the mic, leaping in to be the first judge. "Musically, it sucked." he says, flat and to the point, "Even I can tell you that and I'm just a lil' childe of Malkav, spinning out in this strange ol' world. But there was a -spark-. There was /something/ to it." he says, his voice rising with a risible quality that causes it to gently waver. "So I'll give it a five. Let the Roses judge the music, I'm here to judge the /vibe/."
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar laughs softly and lifts his arms in the air, waving them back and forth rock-concert fashion. He is an enthusiastic listener, and shameless but quiet in his appreciation.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner tilts his head, apparently intrigued by this unconventional performance of his clanmate's. When she's finished, he gives her a sizable round of applause. "Brava!" His voice cuts right through the room -- not because it is Enchanting, it's just /loud/, plus vocal training, and being a film director.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette is now sitting there perfectly still, perfectly quiet and staring off at the stage as she waits.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris offers a sympathetic amount of applause to Beatrix as she abandons the stage, and in the wake of Jason's judgement, she regards her warmly, again some trepidation creeping into her expression.
---<Khadijah>---------------
Khadijah leans into the microphone so Beatrix can hear her. "You look so gorg tonight. I love the dress, I love the gloves, and I absolutely love the jewelry." And, why wouldn't she? "I'm giving you a 5. You have beautiful style."
---<Zebastian>---------------
Rapt fascination. This is the look upon Zebastian's features, as Beatrix takes point directing the Ghoul Jazz Band (whom he may or may not scuffle with in the future) and begins her performance. Is he lost in the sauce of the HEAVY and BRASSY energy she has this group serving up?
Quite possibly, yes.
Zebastian drifts past Judith and the other judges -- surely by chance they catch him murmuring; "---got it, dig -- for /real/ though---" and off Zebastian continues to drift, fingers snapping in beat --- only to be lifted, snapped again in three quick gestures, as if complimenting Beatrix in post-postmodern beatnik style.
The Malkavian in black ends up drifting past Lunette and into Elizabeth's area of effect -- turning to look at the white clad Toreador with those dreamy eyes of his, once Beatrix has finished her song -- hands applauding softly, with intent, then resting.
Turning - leaning in to speak with Elizabeth, share a bon mot? Who can say - not Zebastian! He's all over the place tonight.
---<Summer>---------------
Summer watches Beatrix's performance with bright-eyed attentiveness, her brows held aloft. It's energetic and passionate, no doubt appealing to the Rose despite a lack of technical skill. At its conclusion, she will offer a warm applause, followed by an encouraging thumbs up. "Good job!" she mouths to the Malkavian whilst resuming her applause. She glances briefly at the judges, waiting for their scores, and then turns to look at Rach again.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith murmurs a quick reply to Jason just ahead of Beatrix' performance, which she settles in for. And seems to settle into, her dark eyes flicking between musicians and singer several times before the lyrics even begin to land. And then it's her turn to sink back in her chair, though not to the extent that she's in danger of tipping.
After Newberry has delivered his score -- and so neatly reminded everyone what she herself is here to judge, thank you, Newberry, see you in the alley later -- she simply keeps that pleasant, placid smile that everyone off-stage will only experience in profile. "Spark indeed. It was a lovely voice and music is in the ear of the Toreador. A solid six from me. As a contralto myself, I never trusted a tenor sax."
---<Edith>---------------
Edith applauds once again with an exactly appropriate blend of vigour, tempo and volume -- but there's a smile on her lips too, soft but genuine and benevolent. With her hands resting folded on her thighs once more, she turns to speak to Zebastian, but he's now leaning towards Elizabeth.
Sumemr instead gets Edith's renewed focus as the ghoul twists her body to more directly address the beautiful redhead. But then Summer is looking back to Rach, so Edith redirects her attention to the stage. Any catty commentary buzzing around... strongly ignored.
---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth's gaze remains focused on Beatrix throughout the performance and her smile grows wide and crooked. The hand that returned to Lunette's leg squeezes it, then she glances over and nods toward her childe before tilting her chin toward the Malkavian on stage.
As Zebastian approaches, the scrawny Toreador sits up straight and waits as if anticipation the future lean in and murmur. Her free hand rises to cup his cheek as she brings her mouth close to his ear and whispers her reply.
---<Rach>---------------
Rach stumbles back on stage, clutching her chest. She grimaces, doubling over, supporting herself on one knee.
"Why'd you have to do me like that, Beatrix? Why?" She rasps, before popping back upright, the ever-chipper counterpoint to every act's downturned mood, a perpetually ghouled cork in an ocean of grief.
"Just so everyone's aware, that was /childe/ with an e."
"Now... our next contestant is no stranger to sadness. The ennui of ghouldom, the stillness of the death she immerses herself in, the desolation of /actually/ dying, so recently. I don't want to hype her up too much, but... if there was a time to prepare a napkin to catch your pretty red tears, now is the time to flap it out. Lickies and ghoultelmen: Lunette Faucher!"
---<Beatrix>---------------
The spark has gone out for a moment, or at least, Beatrix's usual vaguely simpering face is back. "Hah; you're right, I never really played," she says to Jason, but she adds, with a dip and a second dip of her head, "Thank you, I really appreciate it --"
She goes to plop back down in her original chair, leaning slightly forwards, hands on her knees. She stares at the floor for at least a minute afterwards.
+LOSE/+BURN> Lunette burns 2 Willpower. +ROLL/+DICE> Lunette: Appearance + Style vs. 6 -> 4 successes. (10 10 10 9 5) +ROLL/+DICE> Lunette: 8 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (9 9 7 5 3 3 2 1) +ROLL/+DICE> Lunette: Charisma + Performance vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (7 7 4 4 2) ---<Calla>---------------
Calla cheer for Lunette quietly for Lunette when her name is said. She ontinues to linger near the back, listening perfromance.
---<Claire>---------------
Claire smiles up towards Rach when she introduces Lunette Faucher, and puts her hands together for the kindred! She even goes 'wooo' a little bit, for added support.
---<Lunette>---------------
Once it's her turn, Lunette slips back in her seat and rises, giving a quick, unnecessary sweeping of hands over her dress to smooth it. She moves around the table and takes her place upon the stage where she slowly moves up to the mic and stands behind it.. a touch awkwardly, as if it's not something she's used to; singing.. being center of attention for a moment? Perhaps both.
But before she can reconsider her decision to sing, the music begins and it's too late. And when it's time for her to add her voice to it? It's more of a musical speech than actual singing; soft, yet able to carry thanks to the mic..
"Am I allowed.. to look at her like that?" She moves in a short-lived, slow sway as the music continues. "Could it be wrong.. when she's just so nice to look at?" The corner of her mouth tugs back for a flicker of a smile, but eases away quickly enough. "And she, smells like lemongrass and sleep.. She, tastes like apple juice and peach," with 'peach' bringing that little, knowing smile right back to her face. "Oh, you would find her in a polaroid picture.." more swaying that almost carries a sort of nervousness, and her gaze lowers a touch as if reconsidering her decision to be standing there, but the music urges her on..
"And she.." the softest smile, "means everything to me.." with 'everything' spoken in the most earnest way, chin lifting a touch with a light turning of her face and eyes closing. "Ohh.."
"I'd never tell," Lunette promises, shaking her head once as she pulls the mic closer, fingers wrapping firmly about it as her brows pinch towards the center of her forehead. "No I'd never say a word.." Her shoulders lift as she pulls the mic in closer, eyes still closed. "And oh it aches.." her lips tug down for a fraction of a second, "But it feels oddly good to hurt," a wan smile breaks through, head tilting lightly to admit such a thing.
"And she, smells like lemongrass and sleep.." achingly accusing, "She tastes like apple juice and peach," no smile at 'peach' this time. "Oh, you would find her.. in a polaroid picture.." she sings, voice a touch stronger by this point, yet softening with the music right after. "And she... means everything to me.." Her agitated swaying slows considerably then, easing as the music takes over with her voice drifting over it. "Ohh.. ohhh." While drawing the notes out, Lu's swaying begins to slow to a stop, as if the notes were calming her in a way, enough to where she can continue..
"And I'll be okay, admiring from afar," she tells herself with conviction, a tension in her brow line now. "Cause even when she's next to me we could not be more far apart," she tells herself, "And she, tastes like birthday cake, and story time, and fall.." she lifts in heartbreak for things that should make you feel happy, her lips offering a light grimace.
"But to her.." Lu's face begins to relax, shoulders lower as well, and a defeated, "I taste of nothing at all.." as her lips finally give in to the heaviness of it, frowning deeply as her glossy eyes open to peer ahead at a spot on the floor.
"And she, smells like lemongrass and sleep.." she softly says, shoulders lowering that final bit. "She tastes like apple juice and.." she can't even say 'peach', and though the music continues to rise for the remainder of the chorus, Lu can't continue. She just stands there holding on to the mic, staring off in silence at that spot for several measures, missing most everything while looking as though she's lost in thought.. but finally, for the very last few notes, she finds her voice to give an airy, "She.. means everything to..." and the tiniest, final, "..me." finishes the song off, standing there for a few seconds before turning towards the judges, who she does -not- make any eye contact with. She may as well be standing there naked, with the way she bared her soul.
---<Karner>---------------
Lunette's name gets VERY enthusiastic applause from the Malkavian Primogen -- not that one, the other one. The one not judging people tonight. He sits back with a look of utter, intrigued delight on his face, although it only lasts for a moment before something changes, and it's back to his ordinary expression of not much expression at all. When she's done, he offers her a round of polite applause.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris is completely engaged by Lunette's endearing performance! She claps warmly, and says something to Claire.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
Jason watches Lunette after a quick grin at Judith. He watches Lunette bare it all, quietly, contemplative. He purses his lips at the glossy-eyed softness and the slow drawn out performance.
No rustle this time, Jason just leans forward, feet landing on the floor as he leans forward. He purses his lips and then, with every possible ounce of boredom that a man can muster, he says, "Four."
He leaves it at that, leaning back into his seat, taking a moment to set that precarious lean back into place, arms folding across his lap as he watches the stage.
+ROLL/+DICE> Edith: Self-control vs. 6 -> 1 success. (8 5 4 2) ---<Nero>---------------
After stretching his legs and listening to another song, Nero makes his way to a particular loveseat that housed both Claire and Priscilla. "Either of you two dramatic damsels, distressing a distinct dirge despite dubious discernment of double digits...?", thumbing back to the score cards and judges playfully. "... don't mind me... I'm drunk on the dallies of dissatisfaction and detoxification. I'm a degenerate.", gesturing to join the ladies and sit down.
And so Nero does, despite objections. -Flomp-
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar smiles, the smile going wan with the song, listening attentively and appreciatively, his head tilted a touch to one side.
---<Khadijah>---------------
"Miss Faucher... what an INCREDIBLE gown!" Khadijah purrs into the microphone as she drinks in the dress, marvelling at the strategically placed lace. "Absolutely stunning. I'm giving you a 7. So absolutley gorgeous."
---<Calla>---------------
Calla cheers softly for Lunette when her songs comes to an end, looking toward the stage and Lunette for a moment before lowering her gaze politely.
---<Summer>---------------
Summer brings her fingers up to her lips to offer an encouraging whistle to Lunette, flashing the Toreador a bright smile and eager wave. Naturally, seeing a Clanmate and the Childe of one's Whip is bound to leave her a /little/ biased, but Summer looks suitably smitten during the entire performance. At its conclusion, she bursts into applause, offering the other Toreador a blown kiss and a warmly issued, "Well done, Lunette!"
Summer settles back into her chair still smiling. She glances over at Edith beside her, offering the ghoul an eyebrow wiggle before amicably nudging her with an elbow.
---<Zebastian>---------------
Zebastian gives a little start! of possible alarm as Elizabeth touches his cheek, but there is an accompanying titter of laughter - head tipped to the side to give the Rose a once over. Surprised, impressed, dreamily fracturing? All that and more or none of it, who knows!
See, Zebastian has turned as Lunette begins her performance -- watching with bemused yet perpetual flow of dreamy attentiveness. When the young Rose finishes? There are dreamy fingersnaps as applause from Zebastian, before a hand is pressed to his chest and he rocks back on his stack heeled boots.
Where is Edith? He turns towards her, and with one last look to Elizabeth? Drifts in the Ghoul's direction - a hazy-dazy caul to that seriousness, as he leans into share a word with Edith.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's listening posture began with fond familiarity for her fellow Rose but that soon faded a little as if she'd never quite seen Lunette before from some particular angle. Or just never heard her sing before. Her look lids, her smile loses a bit of its psycho-social sharpness and she just enjoys the performance.
She's the last of the judges to speak up this time but not from indecision. She enjoyed it.
She leans forward into her mic. "Eight five and /one/ of my fellow judges is a true philistine. Come talk to me after the mics are cold. Tip your waitress."
---<Rach>---------------
Rach comes back on stage applauding, hands together, full on proud-parent clap, as though she'd had some hand herself in Lunette's artistic mastery (spoilers: she didn't have a thing to do with it).
"Y'know, Lunette," Rach really turns on her Southern drawl for this delivery, letting those words drip with it like a stack of pancakes.
"Any halfwit can be happy. It takes a vampire with a real heart to make beauty out of the stuff that makes us weep. Nice frickin' job, girl." Rach sees her off, and then takes a deep breath.
"Now, from one ghoul to another, it ain't easy drawing breath when everyone else in the room is both deader and cooler than you are. Takes real cojones." Rach naturally pronnounces the j as a j and the es as an ey. Cojoeys.
"And, as the token ghoul representation tonight, I, personally, have a lot riding on this. So take 'em out and slap 'em on the table, homegirl! Calla Lia Stonewall, everyone!" Rach applauds and retreats. Some in attendence may have noticed that Rach is on her third gin and tonic, even if they haven't been actively watching her drink.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette manages to look up just enough to glance at the judges once it's time for them to do their job, and she gives a little nod to Jason, another to Khadijah (along with a faint smile), and then she is looking over to Judith. Her smile warms just a touch more, though the look in her eyes is still sheepish. She nods to her as well, then quickly as she can, she moves from the stage and back to her seat.
---<John>---------------
John seems to be doing better.
He claps politely when singers step on stage. He claps politely when they finish. He keeps his attention on them, and only them. Whatever anxiety he had seems to now be buried or resolved. He doesn't seem to care how he was judged or identified.
Hell, 'John the Vampire' is a pretty boss nickname.
+LOSE/+BURN> Calla burns 2 Willpower. +ROLL/+DICE> Calla: Charisma + Performance vs. 4 -> 4 successes. (10 10 7 5 4 2 2 1) ---<Pris>---------------
Pris squishes quietly against Claire when Nero joins them. She puzzles over her words, but eventually musters a pleasant response to his question. "Definitely." She gives him a quiet grin. "Have you met Ms. Cohen, Mr. Rose?" She looks between the two.
+ROLL/+DICE> Calla: Appearance + Style + -1 vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (6 2 1) +ROLL/+DICE> Calla: 8 vs. 6 -> 4 successes. (10 9 8 6 6 5 4 1) ---<Calla>---------------
Calla steps on to the stage. She is adorned in a patchwork dress in shades of black, brown and grey - like of like a Sally dress without bright colors. There are a few threads hanging and it looks be home sewn. Upon her slender legs are stockings embroidered with mushrooms. Calla is a once beautiful or otherwise pretty girl with some serious flaws that would cause many toredor to groan - greasy hair and an unfortunate crop of inflamed small red pimples on her right cheek.
She gets up to sing an old classic country song by Dolly Patron. Although some old country fans might consider Dolly not worthy of the label country and the song she chooses is Coat of many colors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyP0Sy9KFf0
Back through the years I go wanderin' once again
Back to the seasons of my youth I recall a box of rags that someone gave us And how my momma put the rags to use
She continues in her soft alto voice, brown eyes bright with a love of music and small pimples bright with inflammation. There were rags of many colors But every piece was small And I didn't have a coat
And it was way down in the fall
She continues on. Momma sewed the rags together Sewin every piece with love She made my coat of many colors That I was so proud of
Lyrics: https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/dollyparton/coatofmanycolors.html
---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth works to make eye contact with Jason Newberry if it is at all possible from her spot sitting with Karner and Becky compared to the Malkavian's own on the judge's table. If she succeeds, she'll smile wide and crooked. Sinister? That's subjective.
Zebastian has already wandered off, though Elizabeth notices late. She turns her attention toward Lunette and slowly lifts her hands up before clapping them together, a clap that continues until Calla has replaced the Rose on stage.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
Does Jason hear all the comments about him over Lunette's rather pedestrian performance in his eyes? Who knows, he's too busy watching Calla make her way up and get ready. She sings, and she sings, lips pursing faintly.
He glances to Rach, then back to Calla, nodding a little bit as if confirming something the woman said. Then there's that *rustle* as he snatches up the mic. "For a ghoul, well - that was quite the show. Give yourself a few decades of polish and you just might have something." he says with a wink toward the stage.
"Five out of ten." flat, even, in the middle.
---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree continues lingering around the perimeter of things. She's giving each contestant their due applause, but it's ever the plight of a hostess to not be able to enjoy her own party. She's texting a lot, too. One presumes Bastian Fox is negging her via the dankest possible memes.
---<Edith>---------------
Edith's hand lifts unbidden to her chest during Lunette's performance -- maybe unknowingly mirroring Zebastian -- and rests it across the black velvet that covers her heart. She has a sort of faraway look in her eyes, watery and watchful, and after Lunette has finished her performance, the ghoul applauds firmly, and briskly, but still courteously. A small wave gets flittered towards Lunette, along with a small smile.
Edith turns to Summer after the redhead gifts her with that eyebrow-nudge combo. Smiling dreamily back to Summer, she sort of leans against the elbow press, then sits back up straight again, hands linking on one knee.
When Zebastian returns, Edith looks up with wide, questioning eyes and a quirk of eyebrows. After taking a moment to applaud Calla, either before or after the performance, Edith tilts her head and narrows her eyes as Zebastian leans in to share a word.
---<Khadijah>---------------
"Darling, you look beautiful." Khadijah speaks directly to Calla. "I'm giving you a 3 because you have a few threads hanging and such, but don't let that discourage you -- you did such a lovely job."
---<Claire>---------------
Claire lifts her gaze to Nero when he joins and brings the good alliteration. She opens her mouth, and closes it, nodding to Pris' 'definitely'. She scoots herself a little bit on the love seat so that her hip bone is now resting against the armrest. The way her hips are tipped turns her knee towards Pris', though she remains a respectful distance away. Claire's fingertips twirl that crystalline glass, the blood rolling around within. It's a bit more viscous than wine, and it clings more stubbornly to the interior. "I believe we met, but only briefly. I was having a look around, ah... hmmmh. I can't recall the spot. You'll forgive me, Mr. Rose. So many new faces inside of so many new places." She exhales into her glass before taking a longer drink from it now. Tipping. Tipping. Tipping. And then it's all down her throat, and she's politely wiping the blood off her bottom lip a moment later. A hint is left behind on her fingertips, which she shamelessly licks clean. Not a drop wasted. Precious stuff.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's here to judge musical performance and artistry, which means that she's balancing instrument, voice and delivery. She half-smiles at Calla, apparently sees something in the voice or the delivery, and leans forward again. "Solid eight, not many altos can actually land a sentiment. Lovely work."
+LOSE/+BURN> Rach burns 1 Willpower. +ROLL/+DICE> Rach: Charisma + Performance vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (10 6 4 3 1 1) ---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette is quietly tucking herself back into her seat and scooting up closer to the table, hands remaining beneath it and upon her lap. She gives a brief, somewhat shy glance to Liz, then quickly looks away once more, gaze following the heels of the departing Zebastian right over to his Edith, whom she sends a little smile to. Her gaze cuts away again and she looks to the stage to watch Calla's performance, clapping enthusiastically once she has finished.
---<Rach>---------------
Rach is moving a little slower now. Her TikTok-tutorial perfect makeup is a little smutched and she's wobbling a bit, but she keeps it together. Well. Sort of. She actually has her phone screen on now, and is looking down at it, hair draped over her face, as she reads off of the screen in a low, menacing growl that sounds as though another creature has borrowed her powerful vocal chords for the delivery:
"What, if some day or night a demon were to steal after you into your loneliest loneliness and say to you: 'This life as you now live it and have lived it, you will have to live once more and innumerable times more'... would you not throw yourself down and gnash your teeth and curse the demon who spoke thus?
Rach raises her gaze to the audience and finishes the rest of the quote without looking at her screen.
"Or have you once experienced a tremendous moment when you would have answered her: 'You are a god and never have I heard anything more divine."
A long silence. Awkward.
"GIUSEPPE SCAR, EVERYBODY!"
+ROLL/+DICE> Jack Scar: Charisma + Performance vs. 6 -> 0 successes. +ROLL/+DICE> Jack Scar: Appearance + Style vs. 6 -> 1 success. +ROLL/+DICE> Jack Scar: 8 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (8 7 6 5 4 2 2 1) ---<Karner>---------------
Karner gives Lunette a taut smile. "You performed very well, darling." He applauds politely for Calla, and then louder for Jack, though Karner seems a bit distant now. As though most of him is somewhere else entirely.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar, badly dressed and unattractive, and also somewhat baffled by the call. He makes his way up to the stage, unslings his battered old violin and takes a moment, picking the strings with his thumbnail and tuning it. "So," he says amiably, "Is contest for sad song. Some of these songs are no so sad. This now, well. Is no the saddest song I am knowing, but I am no wishing to destroy you, me dears."
He looks around the room a moment before he brings the old violin to his shoulder. He holds it wrongly, almost straight out in front of him. It hasn't even got a chin rest. The waltz he bows is dreamily sorrowful, and he plays a few measures to let the jazz band figure out how to accompany him, not a great challenge and open to improvisation.
Jack doesn't stop playing violin when he begins to sing. He's got a clear tenor, trained and note perfect but nothing special, and he's auditorium-loud though he ignores the mic.
"Beautiful William one morning in May, in a milk-white convertible drove slowly away. Beautiful William, with curly black hair. Gold rings on his fingers, as he held to the wheel."
He raises his voice in questioning and longing: "Was he given a package by a man on the train? We found his car by the roadside, later that day."
His violin sings on a few bars, dreaming and nostalgic. "Mirrored sunglasses, roses and wine, lay on the empty seat as he slowly drove by. He left his lights burning, he left his perfect lawn. And his automatic sprinklers, about to switch on."
The longing, lonely question: "Did he find a black glove on the cliffs by the bay? Why would he leave us? Why would he leave us this way?"
"He drove through the town with a smile on his face. Waving to everyone as he went on his way. Polly from Red River, Rose from Green Falls. They drove to his house and they laid on the lawn.
"Was he stopped in the airport by a man with a cane? We found his car by the roadside later that day.
"Rose smashed his windows 'til the glass was all gone. Polly broke the backdoor and screamed down the hall. But no answer sounded but wind flying through, as we tore up the green lawn and torched all the rooms.
"Did he find a white glove in the pines by the lake?
Why would he leave us?
Why would he leave us this way?
---<Calla>---------------
Calla darts off the stage when she finished and she seems happy with her scores, giving the judges a smile. She then turns to watch Jack perform.
+ROLL/+DICE> Zebastian: Willpower vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (9 8 8 7 4 1 1) +D10> Zebastian rolls 1 D10's: 10 ---<Jason Newberry>---------------
Jason grabs up that mic again, lean-tilt-back into his seat. "Well." he says, "Loved the song, loved the performance, but I think the violin was.. I dunno." a beat, "Kinda lame, no offense - its a -singing- contest after all, not a -playing- one."
Jason considers for a moment, and then says, "Five." with a small nod toward Jack. "For effort - excitement, you know. All of that." He gestures with his hand, in a little circling motion.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris claps happily for Jack Scar, smiling warmly and asiding to her seat mates. "I'm not familiar with that song, but I liked it a lot."
---<Nero>---------------
Nero stuck on a tic almost, "Fret not, forgetful face and frame and figure - finds you most forgiven. Fortunately, fate has frequented our unfurled footsteps to forge new friendships of fidelity?!", shaking his head and licking his lips. "The coffee shop, the basement pot was too hot. Zavarka... what the fuck rhymes with Zavarka?", pouting a bit and clapping for ongoing performances.
The gangrel shifting in his seat and watching the events unfold.
---<Edith>---------------
Anyone looking Edith's way -- just before Jack begins his performance -- might see her giving Zebastian a thoughtful look, perhaps even slightly troubled. There's a brief moment before she apologetically murmurs something like, "Ask me later?"
She glides an open hand gently through the air over Zebastian's arm, giving his aura a proper good smoothing. And then it's back to watching the stage, and Jack, and her eyebrows lift as if the piratical kindred's singing has jolted her out of a daze.
---<Khadijah>---------------
"Okay so the wool overcoat seems to fit the song. Which was great. I'm giving you a 4." Khadijah smiles and gives Jack Scar a wink.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris looks quizzically at Nero, but then gets it. "Ah yes, you two met briefly at Zavarka." She considers his question about rhyming. "Siddhartha?"
---<Judith>---------------
Judith seems intrigued by the promise of a string artist, but her expression slowly flattens over the performance. Her attention never drifts off a performer but neither did she seem particularly lit up. When it's her turn to pass judgement: "Points for a song I'd never heard but the string-work .. needs some work, my friend. A four from me, but stay with the gritty. That actually really works for you."
---<Zebastian>---------------
From Zebastian there is finger-snaps for Calla, though Zebastian seems to have become distracted by--- sensory overload? Look, the struggle is real. Hands fuss with his hair, as he looks from Edith and over to Summer then Lunette and Elizabeth and---- ohmygod, what is Rach saying and it's so funny and--
The ping-pong energy comes to an end, as Jack starts to sing -- and Edith pats his arm.
Zebastian slow blinks, and tilts his head to the side -- dreamily considering the song and performance, in mute and still dreamy-eyed consideration. He remains paused for the duration, dreamily looming alongside Edith--- when it ends, and other start to clap? Another slow blink, and a hazy smile returns. Fingers snapped once -- and he turns, catching sight of Calla. Fingers are wiggled at her, a dreamy smile shared with the little Ghoul.
A beat, then he dips his head to share a quiet word with Edith, before turning to glance over -- trying to find; oh there's Summer. A hand brushes hair behind his ear, as Zebastian shares a blessedly mute moment of idyllic consideration to the Rose, then turns to consider the ceiling, reflections on the glass, beneath the glass, where the fountain water flows.
---<Dante>---------------
Who knew Vampire Idol would be so entertaining? Not Dante. He maintains complete neutrality, arms crossed over each other, and watches the show intently.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar bows to Jason, a solemn movement, but he grins when he straightens up. Khadijah gets another, then Judith, before he slinks rapidly off, violin in hand, laughing to himself.
---<Rach>---------------
"Yes! YES!" Rach drunkenly bellows after the judges' scores. She's forgotten to get off of her chair, and pushes herself upright when she remembers that she has a job to do: and that job consists of navigating the stage in a pair of Cheree-hand-me-down pinprick heels all the way to the microphone.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
She grabs onto the stand for support.
"THAT! Whas Jack Scar. He is a pirate. And... I had a joke about booty somewhere, but..." Rach leans her forehead against the microphone with a dull thump that reverberates around the room. She shuts her eyes, takes a breath, lets out a long sigh, and wills herself back upright.
"Now, uh... a judge is going to perform? Or... no. Emissary Albret is going to perform a DJ Khalid song? I think?" Rach glances back at the band. They look at her, bemused.
She turns back.
"Whatever. Applaud now."
+LOSE/+BURN> Pris burns 1 Willpower. +LOSE/+BURN> Pris burns 1 Willpower. +ROLL/+DICE> Pris: Charisma + Performance vs. 6 -> 0 successes. (3 3 3 2 2) +ROLL/+DICE> Pris: Appearance + Style vs. 6 -> 4 successes. (10 9 7 7 6 4 4 1) +ROLL/+DICE> Pris: 8 vs. 6 -> 1 success. (9 9 5 4 3 3 3 1) ---<Pris>---------------
Pris shifts a 'here we go' smile to Claire and Nero as she stands tentatively. Wearing a black and red Valentino tulle dress, she is looking good, at least --- a dark little darling this evening. Her heels make no sound as they cross the floor to the stage, meeting up with Whip Khalid on the way. Once on the stage, she adjusts the mic downward for herself and her petite partner. Her movements gentle, she looks out quietly to the assembly. "This song is for any one who came to Los Angeles with a dream, and had it shattered."
---<Khadijah>---------------
Khadijah follows Pris up onto the stage with a sheepish grin. She already knows she is going to be a disaster, but Pris is so incredibly sweet to let her tag along. She nods as Pris intro's the song for them and lifts up on her toes just slightly to meet the mic between them. "Because we all have a little sun in our eyes... it's LA after all." Khadijah is in Versace ( https://tinyurl.com/2p92efer ) And she knows she is a judge and getting no points for this. It's just for the fun.
---<Pris>---------------
(https://youtu.be/GAmrvhiq8dA)
KHADIJAH: The moment you arrived They built you up
The sun was in your eyes You couldn't believe it
Riches all around, you're walking Stars are on the ground
You start to believe it Every face along the boulevard is a dreamer just like you
You looked at death in a tarot card and you saw what you had to do
PRIS: But nobody knows you now When you're dying in LA
And nobody owes you now When you're dying in LA
When you're dying in LA When you're dying in LA
The power, the power, the power Oh, the power, the power, the power Of LA
KHADIJAH: Nights at the chateau Trapped in your sunset bungalow
You couldn't escape it, yeah Drink of paradise
They told you "Put your blood on ice You're not gonna make it"
Every face along the boulevard is a dreamer just like you
You looked at death in a tarot card and you saw what you had to do
PRIS: But nobody knows you now When you're dying in LA
And nobody owes you now When you're dying in LA
When you're dying in LA When you're dying in LA
The power, the power, the power Oh the power, the power, the power
Of LA
---<Beatrix>---------------
Beatrix seems to wake up a little. Must have been some kind of a Moment. She settles back in her chair, before looking up towards the duet. Perfect timing, it would seem.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
Pris gets up and sings, and Jason watches - there's applause as Khadijah heads up - judge solidarity after all. And then she starts to sing, the duet part mostly ignored, Jason watches Pris and Pris alone. After all, she's the one performing.
Once she's done he'll tilt his head to the side, considering her before he says, "I'll be frank." a beat, "As I've been all night. That was.. well. Worse than the ghoul. I expected some South Bay representation, and all I got was.. well.." he trails off, fixing her with a sad frown and a shake of his head, "Really, I was so ready to give you a /good/ score, even for a mediocre performance." Nepotism?! In VAMPIRE!? "But I just can't. Three our of ten. Even think that drifty piano kid Oygard did a little better."
---<Calla>---------------
Calla is listening to the performance and she smiles when Pris finishes. "She is very very lovely." She murmurs softly, but her quiet words might not be heard. She then peeks to Zeb, giving him a smile as well. She probably caught the look from him.
---<Claire>---------------
Claire smiles to Pris when she leaves and is left to sit awkwardly far apart from a gangrel who keeps alliterating at her. And she can't even drink any more blood, since she finished it all off in my last pose! So she smiles at Nero, and then up towards the stage, and then back to Nero. "Pris practically... p... hmmmh," Claire just sort of trails off and, mercifully, Pris begins to play. She sways along to the music and, really, Pris is quite good! It's just tough when you're trying to sing along with Brendan Urie. "Woooooo!" she calls out.
---<Summer>---------------
Summer seems to like Jack's performance, even if it doesn't net him a high score. She shoots the coat-wearing Kindred a smile, maybe clapping a little bit /extra/ hard given the judge's brutal reception. When Edith leans against her elbow, she shifts it to wrap around her shoulders, holding the ghoul with companionable silence.
And up next! It's Pris and Khadijah! Summer gives a little cheer -- woo! -- and claps her one free hand against her leg. Then, she falls silent, listening to the two beauties as they begin their duet. She sways, looking at Pris encouragingly as she struggles a little bit.
At the end, Summer unwinds her arm from Edith's shoulders and offers both Kindred a very warm applause.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette is listening to the performances, still quiet where she sits. She keeps to herself, though claps for those who go up.. and eventually come down. Her gaze drifts from the stage to the table where she sits now and then.
---<Cheree>---------------
As Pris summons Khadijah up to sing with her, Cheree -- who evidently knew that this was coming -- makes her way to take Khadijah's seat at the judges' table. So Khadijah had better represent the clan well, because Cheree is notably described in the story's Dramatis Personae as 'erratic.' Cheree watches the performance and forces herself to ignore that her phone keeps going off in her hands. Her eyes are fixed on Pris more than Khadijah, since she's inhabiting Khadijah's role: judge, jury, and fashion executioner. "Whip Khalid looks marvelous, as always," Cheree says. "But since she's a judge -- and because she didn't think to ask what kind of bribe I wanted -- I can't in good conscience factor her style into things. That said... Miss Albret, you look ravishing. I can't speak to the rest of the performance, as much as I'd like to, but you got up there with glamor and style to spare. I'm giving you a ten, because then you'll owe me." Cheree grins, but the ten stands!
---<Pris>---------------
Pris stares quietly at Jason. Yes, she needs to work on presence. But really. One might think he doesn't like her, for some reason. She ignores him and looks to the other judges.
---<Calla>---------------
Calla finds herself some wine and some berries. She fills up a glass with organic blueberries and pours white wine over such. She then goes back to watching the stage. She seems to be in a good mood, but quietly so the tiny nossie ghoul not doing too much to draw focus to herself.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar winks at Summer, seeming cheerful in spite of the poor reception, and the general mood of the performances. He loosens his bow-hair and puts it and his violin back in its weird coffin-shaped case, to sling over his wool-clad shoulder again as he watches Pris and Khadijah.
---<Becky>---------------
With the performances coming to a close, Becky collects her bat, murmurs polite farewells to those at her table and slips off into the night.
---<Edith>---------------
Edith applauds for Jack, very polite, very appropriate -- you all know the drill by now. Afterwards, she turns to Zebastian and nods gently at whatever words he just shared with her. Her expression is... very serious. Earnestly so.
And then Summer's arm links around her, and Edith looks sideways towards the auburn-haired Kindred with a surprised but sparkly little smile. She leans into the companionable gesture without any awkwardness, and then when separation comes, she claps her hands together in courteous appreciation for Khadijah and Pris' performance.
---<Patricia>---------------
How long has Patty been here? Really? One minute she wasn't and then, the next - sometime after Lunette's performance - she was there, sipping at a drink as she makes her way into the group from an out-of-the-way table. Becky gets some polite applause as she gets off stage and it seems Patty is looking for familiar faces.
---<Calla>---------------
Calla peeks to Patricia when she arrives, giving her a warm and dimpled smile. She seems happy to see her, but doesn't run right up to the woman, at least not yet anwyays.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette is staring off at the table once as something makes her flinch, causing her to sit upright and.. as politely as she can, she tugs her phone from the top of her dress. This one lacks pockets, okay? It's lowered to her lap, and she gives a little smile before looking up again, waiting for whoever is next.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith's left eyebrow arches perfectly independently of the other at Pris' opening dedication. And the fact she's got a judge up on stage with her. But she listens placidly. "Very sweet, and I wonder why this was the first duet. You seem to play very well together." Her tone is carefully neutral, particularly after Cheree's surprise 'ten.' Her former high spirits not on the wane, she's just not visibly impressed by this one. "Not bad. Not great. But personal non-point kudos for the political solidarity, well done. Five from me."
---<Rach>---------------
"Oh, /Whip/ Khalid. Yeah. That makes a lot more sense." Rach never really left the stage this last session. She's just awkwardly stood to the side of the pair who move up to the stage to perform, swaying back and forth. After the judges give their scores, she stands there for a moment longer, before clapping the microphone against her hand.
THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.
"Are we almost done? Thank fucking god. Uh... here's the Toreador Primogen. Sum-... urk. Sumser." Rach turns her head to the side so she doesn't belch /directly/ into the microphone, as she at least has the sense to wobble off of stage this time, likely because her legs are killing her.
And she's plastered.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris smiles to Judith and Cheree, then to Khadijah. She descends the stage, and rejoins Claire and Nero.
+LOSE/+BURN> Summer burns 2 Willpower. ---<Elizabeth>---------------
Elizabeth leans in toward Lunette and murmurs into her ear before she uncrosses her legs and rises to her feet. The scrawny waif smooths out the fabric of her bright white dress before she starts to move toward the secure lift. Along the way, she'll raise her boney palm to her mouth and blow a kiss toward Summer before eventually disappearing into the elevator car where she turns to watch the doors slide closed in front of her.
---<Zebastian>---------------
Look; it isn't that Zebastian is ignoring Pris or Khadijah as the two judges take their turn in the limelight -- it's that the Malkavian has become preoccupied with studying the bit of glass flooring that shields the fountain's waters from the rest of reality here, or whatever. Head tipped to the side, Zebastian remains looming aside Edith.
Muted, blessedly muted - no motormouth'ing or wild gestures or attempt to rush the stage and finish up his piano medley that actually has no end. Zebastian just studies the whorling liquid and---
Did Rach just say Summer? She said something like Summer, a good few seconds ago. Zebastian looks up, surprised -- fingers lifted to offer snaps to the Toreador Primogen, in anticipation of the event.
+ROLL/+DICE> Summer: Charisma + Performance vs. 6 -> 3 successes. (9 8 7 5 3 2 2) +ROLL/+DICE> Summer: Appearance + Style vs. 6 -> 5 successes. (10 9 8 8 7 5 5 3) +ROLL/+DICE> Summer: 8 vs. 6 -> 2 successes. (9 8 7 6 2 2 1 1) +D10> Edith rolls 1 D10's: 1 ---<Summer>---------------
Summer rises up from her seat and smoothes her dress, ensuring the sweater-like fabric is draped just right. She'll make her way toward the stage, casting a little peek over her shoulder as she goes -- cue a rather flustered wave-wave -- before turning her attention back to address the musicians. Presumably, they already have the sheet music (or know the tune by heart) because by the time the redhead turns around to center herself in front of the microphone, the suitably sad melody of 'I Dreamed a Dream' from the musical Les Miserables begins to play - https://youtu.be/ulJXiB5i_q0 .
Summer's hand extends to curl around the microphone stand and drags it a little closer -- *skrrrr* -- before taking a deep breath. She's not a classically trained singer, so her vibrato is a little warbly if not sweet, adding an element of sincerity that is mirrored by the furrow of her brows.
"I dreamed a dream in times gone by~ When hope was high and life worth living I dreamed, that love would never die~ I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid~ And dreams were made and used and wasted There was no ransom to be paid~ No song unsung, no wine untasted"
Here, the performance becomes more ardent, her fingers tightening around the microphone as she squeezes her eyes shut. Her second hand comes up to grip the stand, tight enough that her Blushed knuckles turn white.
"But the tigers come at night With their voices soft as thunder As they tear your hope apart As they turn your dream to shame~"
The last note is held for a long while, her voice shaking with emotion. A single bead of red forms in the corner of her eye, eventually slipping free in a brilliant streak of red against the alabaster of her cheek. Her voice turns ragged and breathy, the Toreador so consumed with emotion that she begins to shake.
"He slept a summer by my side He filled my nights with endless wonder He took my childhood in his stride But he was gone when autumn came And still I dream he'll come to me~ That we will live the years together~ But there are dreams that cannot be~ And there are storms we cannot weather~
I had a dream my life would be So different from this hell I'm living So different now from what it seemed~ Now life has killed the dream ...I dreamed."
With that, Summer stiffly unhands the microphone stand. She glances from the audience to the judges, pausing long enough to offer the latter a polite nod, and then turns to leave the stage whilst using her sleeve to wipe the bloody tears from her face.
---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree stands up from the Judges' table and walks over to the sozzled Rach, to quietly use Dominate on her and make her go and drink some coffee to sober up, NOW. She has until the Primogen's song finishes to do this.
---<Jason Newberry>---------------
When Summer comes up on stage, Jason's eyes track her with a lazy slide. Every movement, every motion, every shift and step - the words come out and his eyes slowly widen, brightening with each bar. His mouth falls open as if the performance is a revelation, and he grins a bright and toothy grin at her.
Jason's chair *clunks* to the ground and he stands up, applauding wildly for her. It's.. aggressive. And over the top. And honestly, let's be real, there's a non-zero chance that Summer bribed the shit out of the thus-far mostly uncomplimentary Malkavian Primogen. He scoops the mic, drawing it up to his mouth and when he speaks its startled in its excitement. "Brah-voh." he says in his breathless tone. "Bravo." -- He lifts his free hand to his heart, eyes on Summer, drawing out the moment, letting it linger so he can savor it as he stares at her.
"Ten out of ten - I'd give it an eleven if I could. Soulful. /Mournful/. A song of lost love and could have beens. And you even -cried-. Why, Primogen Love- I just.. God." he breathes out a sigh. "I haven't been this moved by something in.." a beat.. A smirk.
"At least twenty years." Those words said softer, a whisper over the PA. And then he sets it down, and swoons into his chair, hand on his forehead, sagged like the end of Alex Owens at the end of her She's a Dream sequence.
+D10> Zebastian rolls 1 D10's: 7 ---<Karner>---------------
Karner has been exceptionally quiet, occasionally applauding for people. He listens to Summer with the tip of his finger against his chin, then offers her, too, a smattering of polite applause. He then slides his phone out and peruses it again, tapping a text in with surprising speed. "Do you think this is rigged?" he asks the table, not sounding like he cares one way or another that it is.
---<John>---------------
Once again, John the Vampire claps politely.
That's all. He is smiling just a little, appreciatively. Is it for the performance? Is it for Summer's appearance? It's hard to tell with the way he seems so very measured and neutrally polite.
Everyone gets a clap.
---<Nero>---------------
Nero lowers his mirrored aviators to show off blue fanciful goat eyes, the gangrel really had it all. Giving a wink to Priscilla and and patting the open seat next to him - between Claire and himself. "You did wonderful.", pushing his glasses back up and watching Summer and Newberry.
Looking directly at Jason N, "What a cad!", slow clapping for his blatant performance.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris is quietly moved by Summer's performance, and she claps gently for her at the end. Jason's judgement gets a slightly raised eyebrow, but it's not sour, just... puzzled.
---<Patricia>---------------
Patricia pays attention when her Clan Primogen hits the stage. Oooh, that Les Misrebles movie she saw in Miss Dickie's English class like a billion years ago. She sings well!
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette lifts her chin when she hears Liz's voice, and her eyes widen slightly once more. She turns her face and looks after Liz, a slight grin showing.. and then it's gone. Back to her lap once, and then the stage, where her attention remains. Oh, this song. Lu's little grin softens, and she sits there watching Summer, smile fading the whole time until a little frown is left by the end. A sad smile finds her lips once more, and then she's looking to Karner, shoulders lifting slightly in a little shrug as she says, "Who knows.."
---<Beatrix>---------------
Beatrix - who is dissociating somewhat less now, thanks - focuses up on Summer. While she is not as overwrought as her soi-distant cousin there, who may be on the take, she does find herself listening raptly.
Dead dreams lay around them, like pierce butterflies. She takes a deep breath and lets it out. Her fingers relax, where they'd bunched up her dress.
---<Khadijah>---------------
Khadijah actually claps. "Primogen Hastings, you look divine. Your dress is scrumptious and the colors are so yummy. I especially love the necklace... I'm giving you an 8. Well done!"
---<Claire>---------------
Claire does watch Primogen Hastings' performance with rapt attention. There's a small, sad smile on her face, and when Summer is finished and exiting the stage, Claire doesn't offer any applause. Instead, a single blood red tear rolls out of her left eye, which she attempts to wipe away with the back of her right wrist. All it does is smear it across her cheek, however. How embarrassing. "Well. What a lovely evening. I adored your song choice, by the way. I'd ask you if you, yourself, died in LA, but I suppose that's a better conversation over dinner," Claire says. And with that, she rises to her feet, wrinkling her nose at the mess she's made of her wrist and cheek, before adding a polite nod to Nero. "A pleasure to meet you again. Think I'll grab another drink. I'll work on my alliteration for next time," she says to him, and then smiles to Pris. She doesn't say anything else. Just wiggles her wine glass back and forth in a very 'toodle-oo' sort of way.
---<Calla>---------------
Calla cheers quietly for Summer, her brown eyes bright and her lashes damp with tears. The song was sad. She eventually heads over to Patty and smiles. "Oh, greetings, hi." She says toward her.
---<Karner>---------------
Karner rises to his feet, smiling at the table. "Ladies, it's been an absolute pleasure." He begins to head towards the elevator, tapping away on his phone.
---<Zebastian>---------------
Zebastian blinks -- head tipped to the side as he listens, or rather watches Summer go through her performance. There is another blink, and Zebastian dips his head in the other direction - looking, perplexed? Listening to the Judgement from Primogen 'Son, and presumably others in the audience -- the wash of applause and reaction met with what might be Zebastian simply not understanding, or taking a very long time to react sensibly.
Looking to Edith, Zebastian tips his head once more -- like she can explain something, or catch a vibe? It's hard to say - the Malkavian might need a moment to readjust to reality or whatever. It takes another second, before he gestures abstractly to Edith, head nodded.
---<Summer>---------------
Summer looks over at Jason as he gives his score, looking openly taken aback by his reaction. Or maybe annoyed. It's difficult to say with blood still dripping from her eyes, only barely sopped up by her sleeve as she runs it across her face. The emotion seems genuine enough that it appears difficult to smile, but she does -- first to Khadijah and then to Judith. The smile fades almost immediately thereafter, however, leaving her looking a little haunted as she moves back toward her seat.
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar produces a handkerchief from his pocket, folded neatly, and steps over to offer it wordlessly to Summer.
---<Edith>---------------
Is Summer up? Summer's up! Edith immediately brings her hands together in tippity-tippity-tappity claps to urge the Toreador Primogen on. And then Summer's on the stage, and Edith's eyes are widen, hands linked together over her chest.
That *skrrrr* of the microphone sees Edith sitting up suddenly, eyelids a-twitching as the sound presumably crackles right up her spine. She shivers almost imperceptibly, then shrugs her shoulders to settle down again. Brrr.
And Summer sings, and all that composure is soon enough melting away, though this time in a sort of dreamy, distant way. The ghoul's face transforms from a mask of neutrality to something more emotional -- maybe even a trace of sorrow there.
Edith lifts a hand to her face, unlinking it from its twin. A finger traces the inner corner one eye. Maybe an eyelash detached itself.
When Summer's performance is over, Edith applauds soundly. There's a smile on her face, only a little forced.
Zebastian's movement is noted from the corner of Edith's eye. She looks up at him for a few moments, and then nods softly.
Summer returns, and Edith turns to smile at her. A little pat on her arm, and then the ghoul will link it with Summer's if allowed.
---<Patricia>---------------
Patricia approaches the stage or, more specifically, the stairs by the stage, offering her primogen a small handkerchief to daub the tears away if she takes it. "You did wonderfully, Primogen Hastings..." She so wants to say Summer but that's not how it works. in big groups.
---<Dante>---------------
Dante watches the voting process -- and after Jason gives Summer a perfect score, he takes note. Does he say anything? Nope. Does he move from his spot on the wall? Nope. The warlock gives 'a look' to Nero, but, otherwise, does exactly nothing.
+GAIN> Dante regains 1 Willpower. ---<Calla>---------------
Calla goes back to drinking her wine with with berries and lurking out of the way.
---<Judith>---------------
Judith is definitely going to have some friendly bantery words with Newberry at some point, but she's not going to wreck the vibe just now. His chair stayed upright, he stopped grating her Toreador sensibilities with the mic, she didn't have to kick him even once tonight. But the way she blandly leans slightly aside away from him while he does his thing speaks volumes. Again, Delsarto is here to judge on pure performance and it was a solid delivery. "Brav/a/," she says quietly, slightly back from her mic. Her own voice carries more fully without the mic anyway. "Eight five from me. Lovely, and .. wrenching. As it should be when one sings with soul."
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette's attention is back down to her lap or something, and her eyes widen.. narrow.. She grins a little, then lifts a hand and covers her mouth to hide how stupidly wide she is now grinning. She almost laughs. The hand covering her mouth lifts to rub gently over her face once, and as it lowers, she's rubbing her lips together to make sure she keeps quiet. Eyes snap right back up to the table then, and she blinks a little. Oh. It cleared out.
---<Summer>---------------
Summer accepts Jack's handkerchief with a startled blink -- followed by a grateful smile. "Thank you," she says to him, bringing it up to her face to clean up the gore there. She takes in a deep breath, even dead as she is, to help steady herself. And steady she does. Summer tilts her head to briefly touch Edith's shoulder, accepting her comfort and looping an arm within hers afterward.
She looks to the judge's table and offers them a grateful nod, no longer crying but also still looking a little...distant. When Patricia comes over, she offers her fellow Rose a small smile and says, "Thank you, Deputy. It's a song that I can feel...viscerally." She gestures to the seat beside her and then turns back around, appearing a little blank-faced.
+D10> Beatrix rolls 1 D10's: 3 +D10> Jack Scar rolls 1 D10's: 9 ---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar 's handkerchief is clean. He's impeccable, really, if well-scrubbed but not invisible stains and threadbare spots and darned spots don't count.
---<Rach>---------------
"In the background, perhaps at one of the quiet points in Summer's soulful rendition, the sounds of a wasted ghoul sloppily snorting some gak off of the back of her hand can be heard.
Perhaps it adds to the ambiance of the evening. Perhaps it detracts from it. Either way, when Rach comes back, she looks like she's feeling much better.
"Primogen Summer Hastings, everyone! Jeez, man. Talk about a bleeding heart." Rach sees Summer off with a little sigh, then a series of sniffs.
"Give us just a second to tabulate the scores here. I know you all have important undead things to attend to, like sorting your bats, polishing your headstones, and tending to your virgin maidens, but, uh..." Rach skips down off of the stage and moves over to the judges tables.
"Uh huh. Uh huh." Rach covers the microphone with her hand.
"Really? Okay. Well... yeah, that makes sense."
Rachel returns to the stage.
"Ladies, gentlemen, and enbies. Boys and Girls. Shambling corpses of all ages..."
The band starts a light crescendo.
"First off, for the runner up, with the judges prize... it's..."
"Primogen KARNER BLUE!"
The band does a light flare in time with this. Rachel looks around for Karner. Then for Beau. Then for literally any other Malkavian. She settles on Jack Scar, waving him up to accept the award: a plaque with a big brass frowny face on it. Rach gives him a moment to say something into the microphone, then continues.
"And without further ah-dew, the winner of tonight's Sad Song Soiree. The most mournful, pitiful, sorriest excuse for a bloodsucker I ever did see with my own eyes, and HEAR, and /CRY TO/..."
The band hits a high point. In a minor key.
"PRIMOGEN SUMMER HASTINGS!"
The band deflates. It really sounds like their instruments are sobbing. It all falls apart into a tumbling of mournful notes and wailing chords.
<OOC> Cheree says, "So in these rankings, the ties are sorted just by who went first in the line-up." ---<Cheree>---------------
BASED ON ROLLS: 1. Karner - 12 -. Summer - 12 3. Lunette - 10 -. Calla - 10 5. Beatrix - 8 6. John - 7 -. Pris (and Khadijah) - 7 8. Zebastian - 4 9. Jack Scar - 3
BASED ON SCORED AWARDED BY JUDGES: 1. Summer - 26.5 2. Karner - 20.5 3. John - 19.5 -. Lunette - 19.5 5. Pris (and Khadijah) - 18 6. Beatrix - 16 -. Calla - 16 8. Jack Scar - 13 9. Zebastian - 12
---<Jack Scar>---------------
Jack Scar blinks stupidly under the light, then shrugs and ambles up to accept the award. He says, "I am no knowing what our darling Blue is like to say at this," as he looks into the frowny brass face, "So I will trust each of you is imagining some delightful commentary." He bows again.
---<John>---------------
When Karner's name comes up, John claps as politely as before.
When the winner is announced, John brings himself up to stand and claps just a *little* more effusively. It is, after all, the absolute winner, as chosen by the judges, who very much were not in any way influenced whatsoever, not at all. Why, he's even smiling, and his smile touches his older-looking eyes. And when the cheering and clapping is over, he'll just stand where he is, sliding his hands into his pockets, and then waits, it seems, to see who lingers.
Thus is the behavior of one John the Vampire.
---<Patricia>---------------
Patricia sinks down to the seat next to Primogen Hastings and remains quiet and steadfast as the announcements come and the awards are given out. Polite Applause is given to Primogen coming up with the judge's prize because that's what needs to happen, but when Summer is given the top prize (does this one come with Lingerie too?) she leans over to squeeze the Primogen's shoulder, whispering something to her.
---<Lunette>---------------
Lunette glances up once again as the winners are announced, and she's smiling as she claps for both.. even though Karner slipped out. She then rests her arms folded atop the table as she looks around, gaze drifting until she finds Judith, and she watches her, a little smile tucked in the corner of her mouth.
---<Cheree>---------------
After the winners are announced by Rach, Cheree steps forward, holding two trophies. They're nice trophies -- no doubt she had some Toreadors weigh in on how acceptable they would look on a mantle. There's a trophy for Summer, and one for Karner... which Cheree holds onto, looking around for the Malkavian Primogen. She must have missed his exit. She stands there awkwardly, holding the trophy for a moment, before wagging it at the crowd as if to say 'look, this is a trophy too.'
+WATCH> Beau has logged on. ---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree very awkwardly hands the trophy to Jack. Then murmurs, "Give it back after the party so we can get it to Primogen Blue, please."
---<Pris>---------------
Pris claps enthusiastically for Karner, and then for Summer, and for Rach and Cheree! "Well-deserved, what a wonderful evening. Bravo!" As the applause lifts, she chucks Nero in the shoulder, regarding the Gangrel warmly. "Glad you made it, by the way."
---<Dante>---------------
Dante doesn't clap. He doesn't move from his space leaning against the wall. He doesn't say anything to, well, anyone. He'll stay for a little while after.
---<Summer>---------------
Summer stands back up amidst the world's most awkward applause -- hooray! sad singing -- looking reasonably put together aside from the blood on her sleeves. She'll collect the trophy with a wordless smile, having still not bounced back entirely. A nod is offered to the judges -- another long, hard look cast toward Jason -- and then she'll turn back to the audience to say...
"I'd like to extend a thank you to Harpy Cheree Crowley for organizing this event, and her ghoul, Rach..." Where's Rach? Oh there she is, half-drunk "...For MC'ing. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to let my heart bleed."
And with that, Summer leaves the stage, turning with the intent to leave the Sunset Noir and the competition.
---<Zebastian>---------------
Zebastian... Is present, yeah? Just he's allocated Edith to take the social lead -- lucky her! This frees the ditzy Malkavian to rather belatedly clap - one, two, three: applause accomplished. Still, for all the oddity of that cheering, there is a look given in Summer's direction...
...then over to the Judge's table - to 'Son, and Judith, and Lunette? His head tips, and Zebastian drifts--- closer towards... What way; the Roost or the Fountain or the---
Eventually Zebastian will head out - but not after pressing the elevator button approximately sixteen times in rapid succession.
---<Edith>---------------
Applaud applaud applaud from Edith here! And then Summer and Zebastian are leaving, so she stands up and makes a quick pace towards the elevator. Possibly she'll put her hand over the elevator button at some point, so that Zebastian can't harass it any more.
---<Harper>---------------
Harper rises to her feet once things are concluded, turning to walk over towards Cheree. The smile grows as she gets closer to the Ventrue before she nods in open approval. "Lovely event Harpy Crowley. Very well done, and an excellent turn out." She nods to Rach as well, before continuing to speak to Cheree. "You managed the crowd with ease."
---<Rach>---------------
Rach is busy doing another bump when Summer thanks her. She waves over her shoulder, tipping her head back and letting out a little groan.
---<Rach>---------------
She then grunts affirmatively toward Harper.
---<Lunette>---------------
Party over, Lunette rises from her table and plucks her phone from her lap to poke at it a few times before putting it back into the top of her dress. She'll filter out with those who are leaving.
---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree beams with obvious pride. "Thank you, Keeper Campbell. That means a lot, coming from you." She seems to finally let her shoulders sag, releasing a /lot/ of pent-up tension as the party begins to disperse. And then she looks over at Rach and slowly frowns.
---<Harper>---------------
Harper laughs softly at Cheree's relaxing, reaching to lightly pat the woman on the shoulder. "Leave cleanup for the day staff, go unwind." Then she turns to head towards the exit herself.
---<Pris>---------------
Pris looks to Nero and offers him a gentle tip of her head. "I'm going to take my leave, there are a few things I need to accomplish before the sun rises." She stands, preparing to go.
---<Nero>---------------
Nero stands up eventually and heads towards the elevator exit, lowering his sunglasses and giving a wink to Dante. Rushing after someone, "Primogen Hastings. A moment please... I'll make it quick. Congratulations by the way.", pointing to her award. He then leans into whisper something.
[Vampire] Sassy Sauce peeks [Vampire] InCG_6879 hides. [Vampire] Sassy Sauce looks for some barbeque sauce ---<Summer>---------------
Summer fixes Nero with a curious look -- and then murmurs a soft reply. She nods her head a single time and then turns to leave, adding, "Good evening," before slipping into the elevator. Maybe with him. Because that's why elevators are awkward.
================================= Rach's XP ================================= Experience Points | Recent Spends =======================|-----------------------------------------------------
IC/RP/Vote XP: 51.13 | 12 XP: for raising Strength 1 > 2
Nom XP: 0.50 | 5 XP: for raising Expert Drive 0 > 1
=======================| 15 XP: for raising Jack-of-all-trades from 0 > 3
Total XP: 51.63 | 12 XP: for raising Appearance 3 > 4
Spent XP: 44.00 |
-----------------------|
Current XP: 7.63 |
=============================================================================
---<John>---------------
As the crowd dies down, John's one of the few who remain.
People seem to be lining up to thank Cheree. So, he gets in line. When it's his turn, he tips his hat to her, and says quietly, "Thank you for letting this old man have a seat, and have a turn." Well, that's darn polite of him, ain't it? And that southern twang makes him almost sound charming. Almost. His voice is a bit too much like Dirty Harry's.
"And, ah -- in case anyone asks? -- I'm of the Brujah."
---<Nero>---------------
Nero slips into the elevator and makes his delayed departure. Checking the time on his watch and heading home. Silent for the rest of the voyage.
---<Cheree>---------------
Cheree smiles at John, offering a vague and half-formed curtsy in reply to his hat-tip. "Of course," she trills. "This is Elysium, is it not? You're as welcome as anyone else -- well, except for the people who aren't welcome." Cheree grins. "And very well, John of-the-Brujah, but I have the feeling that 'John the Vampire' will be following you around for a while. Probably best to lean into it -- if you fight it, it'll just motivate them even more~."
+ROLL/+DICE> Rach: Charisma + Performance vs. 6 -> 1 success. (10 7 4 3 2 1) ---<Rach>---------------
Somewhere, Rach is singing a song, and trying to get the band to back her up. They don't. She suffers for it.
---<John>---------------
"I suppose it's something that must be done."
John doesn't seem to care. "As for bein' welcome, I'm of the mind that thanking a person for common courtesy is the least a stranger can do. So -- " He tips his hat to Cheree. " -- I do hope we get to meet again some time, Ms. Crowley." And he says 'miz' in a manner that suggests that he prefers to call everyone by 'Ms.' or 'Mr.', just as he might say 'ma'am' or 'sir'.
Having said his farewell, John the Vampire heads to the elevator.
