View source for 2021.08.25 Perspectives on Each Other

{{Infobox Log
|name =  2021.08.25 Perspectives on Each Other
|summary = A casual night at the Idyllwild Elysium. Some Kindred paint, others are models, while a few engage in strategic conversation. All in the name of getting to know each other better.
|icdate = 2021.08.25
|players = [[Netta]], [[Hassam]], [[Wren]], [[Aubrey]], [[Torgue]], [[Io]], [[Colombe]], [[Ramona]], [[Zago]], [[Silvana]], [[Ambrosia]], [[Madeline]], [[Katharina]]
|location = Idyllwild Elysium
|spheres = 
}}

[[Category:Logs]][[Category:Netta]] [[Category:Hassam]] [[Category:Calevaro]] [[Category:Wren]] [[Category:Aubrey]] [[Category:Torgue]] [[Category:Io]] [[Category:Colombe]] [[Category:Ramona]] [[Category:Zago]] [[Category:Silvana]] [[Category:Ambrosia]] [[Category:Madeline]] [[Category:Katharina]]

 Easels have been arranged throughout the Elysium, near each of the couches (Topaz, Ruby, and Emerald), as well as in front of chairs dispersed throughout the middle area, providing a central location for Kindred to socialize while others paint a model of their choice. Tucked beside the Golden table, there are extra canvasses, paint, and other supplies from oil, brushes, smocks, palettes, and more. Everything you could need to express yourself in a painting. A card on the table indicates that tonight's theme is, 'Perspectives on Each Other'.
 
Madeline arrives with a smile, looking elegant in black tonight, golden hair brushing along her cheek
 
Zago enters with Silvana dressed in his best goth formalwear. He turns to her and says, "You know, I'm good with being a model in this case," he says with a grin. "Wonder who's bold enough to paint me?"
 
Ambrosia arrives shortly after Madeline also dress in black finery though her own hair black and shoulder-length pigtails. Ice-blue eyes take in the easels before she proceeds further into the room. "Emeritus. Keeper." Are offered to Madeline and Colombe both. Zago and Silvana receive a polite nod.
 
Madeline smiles and turns to greet Ambrosia "bon soir Primogen, so nice to see you again so soon. I trust all is well?"
 
Silvana smiles at Zago "Oh is that so? Your going to be posing well look at you" she grins as she holds his arm as she let's him escort her in.
 
Colombe is wearing an elegant white gown, perfectly cut to her form. She is standing near one of the easels, in the central area. She glances warmly to Ambrosia, and offers a nod. "Good evening, Primogen Lasalle. Emeritus Blanchard." She also offers Silvana and Zago a quiet smile. "Welcome, welcome." She considers Zago, apparently having heard his offer to be a model. "I'll give you a try, Mr. Giovanni."
 
Madeline steps over to brush a kiss to Colombe's cheek "are you applying the paint directly /too/ him?" she asks playfully and looks about for a canvas
 
Arriving as everyone has been coming in, Katharina smoothly walks into the Library. "Good evening, and welcome to Idyllwild! Such a blessing to have you all here this evening! If you have any questions about the library, do let me know." She gracefully takes a seat on her sapphire chair and smiles out amongst them all, watching to see the proceedings tonight.
 
Zago turns to look to Colombe, and smiles in her direction. "Thank you for the invitation," he tells her. "I'd be happy to model. Anything within reason?" He laughs at Madeline's joke, saying, "Not a bad idea, honestly. I am fairly translucent, so it'd be like painting a Faberge egg."
 
Io makes he way into the space. Once inside she steps out of the way so she isn't blocking the door, then pauses to look around. She offers Katharina a bow and a warm smile before moving further into the room.
 
Torgue shows up in her usual attire, hat adjusted and eyes peering around for all those that'd be attending for art night. Curious on the turnout while she drums fingers against a notebook contemplatively a few paces within the Elysium.
 
Madeline turns from her search for a canvas and smiles brightly, stepping over to Katharina "Duchess, you are as radiant as the first night I met you" she says, kissing her friend upon both cheeks
 
"I will do my best to keep the paint on the canvas." Colombe replies to Madeline and Zago, eyes wry. She gestures to the ornate chair arranged in front of her easel, as she begins to gather supplies for the work. "You may sit or stand, it is up to you."
 
Sparkly shiny! A Wren has arrived. "Heeeloooo there! Good evening all on this wonderous night. How is everyone?" blowing kisses this way and that as Wren strolls into the library.
 
Ambrosia moves over to stand beside a random easel where she observes the new arrivals with a straightened posture, hands clasped in front of her.
 
Silvana lightly pats Zago's arm "Go on have fun pose rather handsome why don't you" she smiles and let's him go as she looks over those in the room
 
Aubrey eventually makes her way inside having bit of trouble no doubt finding the place since she comes so rarely out here. She pauses by Katharina "How are you my Lady, I hope all is well." Then aubrey moves on pressing flesh so to speak as she makes the rounds.
 
Zago pats Silvana's arm companionably, and turns to the couch corresponding to Colombe's easel. He walks around the couch, and experiments with some poses. He seems to prefer facing Colombe with his good eye, but leaves enough of the other side open that she could draw the patched eye in. Madeline's words ring true in his case, as the warm library light seems to lend his china-pale skin an amber glow.
 
Silvana smiles at Zago and then she spots Aubrey and heads over to you "Well hello beautiful" she leans to give her a kiss on the cheek.
 
Katharina returns the greeting to Madeline, "Emeritus, how lovely for you to join us tonight. I do hope all is well." Her eyes move toward the ostentacious one that enters and she smiles and offers a wave. "So many new faces here tonight. Truly a blessing."
 
Io walks over to Colombe, "Good evening, Keeper. Thank you for setting up a lovely evening tonight.
 
Madeline nods to Katharina with a smile "It is, you should come to visit me in Carlsbad soon" then makes room for others to greet the Duchess, moving to join Io
 
Colombe smiles to Io. "Good evening, Primogen. It is my pleasure to host everyone, and I sincerely hope that they find something to think about here tonight." She also offers Aubrey a gracious nod as the Giovanni passes by, and then gives Wren a gracious smile, speaking to the Setite as she turns her gaze back to Zago. A slight smile rises at his posing tries. "Wonderful to see you again, Ms. Indoubt. I trust you are settling in, and have found something of interest here, a place to spend your nights, etc." As she awaits a reply, she turns her attention fully to her subject, her eyes resting quietly on Zago, attention focused. After a pause, she beings to assemble a palette of muted browns, greys, white, black, and red.
 
Torgue moves to find some space away from the primary gathering, though a few faces get an acknowledging nod from her before she squats down to observe and continue feeling over her notebook in contemplation.
 
Wren smiles at Katharina "And it is a blessing to be seen." before bowing to Colombe "Madame Keeper. Delightful to see you once again. I am indeed touring the various demenses of the region trying to decide on where to settle and setup my business concerns. Unfortunately until then I have only small items to offer." Wren smiles majesticly "Tell me.. I have heard your Imperator is a metalhead. Does he like.. Cocaine?" as Wren draws a small ornate snuff box from the pocket of their zoot suit and opens it to display a small amount of crimson powder.
 
Io steps back, and turns to greet Madeline with a light kiss to her cheek. She murmers, 'I think I shall watch tonight, Emeritus. Are you going to paint?"
 
Madeline touches Io's cheek fondly with a smile "I have not painted in public often but, perhaps the muses will inspire me tonight, we shall see"
 
"So we divide up among us as models and painters, 'then' pair up?" Ambrosia asks the room as a whole while glancing toward the canvas beside her. Wren's antics draw a wide gaze. "Oh, please do offer him that at court on Friday. He'll tell you himself."
 
Aubrey makes a circuit of the room greeting people before settling down near Zago and Silvana. She pulls a dilver flask from her bag and takes a drink from it before slipping it away.
 
Zago settles when Colombe begins assembling her palette. His arms lie open beside him, and a single porcelain finger draws up to rest on his subtly cleft chin. His expression seems thoughtful, but when Aubrey settles nearby he turns to her and grins, showing some teeth. "Glad you could make it," he tells her.
 
Io smiles warmly to Madeline. She looks for a place to sit and walks slowly over to a chair. She lowers herself into it gracefull and crosses her legs.
 
Colombe half-grins to Zago, and casts a glance to Torgue and her notebook. She regards the Caitiff warmly, as she begins to outline the peaky form of the Kindred before her on the plain white easel. "If anyone is interested in modelling, or painting, please feel free to try to connect. Or, let me know and I will match-make." Meanwhile, her eyes move to the red powder produced by Wren. And as her lips part gently, she looks to Wren with a sort of aghast expression that is quickly muffled, disappearing like ripples on the surface of a deep and peaceful lake. "I am going to say likely no."
 
Silvana is more than happy to settle near Aubrey and smiles at Zago. She looks over towards the others as they arrive and mingle.
 
Wren sighs "Alas, I shall have to discover some other interesting thing to offer. Perhaps some Molly." before smiling over at Ambrosia "My dear I am in the business of making this world just a little bit more enjoyable."
 
Madeline finally does pick a canvas and gathers together some of the prepared supplies, twirling a brush in her hand as she considers the blank space awaiting inspiration. Smiling she nods to Io "come model for me, wont you Primogen?"
 
Zago's eyes turn to Wren and his grin widens. "You make nose candy, too?" he asks. "What's the wildest coke idea you've ever heard a Kindred pitch you?"
 
Io glances toward Wren, a lift of one finely shaped eyebrow is the only reaction other than turning her head though. Madeline's voice draws her attention back. She rises to her feet and crosses toward Madeline, "How would you like me to model?"
 
Torgue returns the warm expression to Colombe and stands. Moving to find some supplies herself after maybe a few seconds more thought, and to an easel. She's only taken primary colours and some white and black onto her palette, settling to her easel with notebook carefully set down into the curious depths of her bosom. Hm. She's got a fine brush and a half-vacant stare at empty canvas.
 
Madeline is looking Io over with a smile, just be comfortable dear, I draw more gowns than the women in them so this might take me a little"
 
Ambrosia steps away from her easel and looks among the crowd. Her ice-blue gaze finds Wren for a moment before moving onward, to Torgue. "You look like you need a model..."
 
Colombe is thoughtful, as she starts to fill in the outlines, taking her time. Her style is methodical and intense. Every stroke precise. She smiles to Zago, her eyes intense, but warm, gaze moving between the canvas and the Giovanni. She offers to Torgue. "Not feeling inspired?"
 
Aubrey fixes herself a palet of dark colors and then settles down before a canvas. She purses her lips as she begins to sketch out a figure in charcoal before adding paints.
 
Io glances around and finds a stool. She pulls it over and essentially props herself against it. She pulls her long, dark tresses over one shoulder and gives them a twist. That done she looks toward Madeline, "Good?"
 
Silvana looking thoughtful and makes her way over to a canvas and smiles as she to paint. She tilts her head from one side to the other as she seems to be thinking on what she is going to paint then smiles even more as she begins to sketch it out first.
 
Madeline nods as she gathers the colors she wants to use and smiles "oui, perfection ma cheri" then pauses and looks about for a charcoal pencil instead, pondering
 
Zago decides to settle his expression on the grin he wore when he reacted as normal. After all, if there is one thing a vampire can do, it is stay perfectly still.
 
Torgue gives a little hum. Eyes perhaps vacant but they aren't moving away either. "Inspiration is here, but where to start.. I'm trying to think of how I want to portray it." she explains before going to take the first stroke on her canvas.
 
Madeline returns to the canvas and rolls a pencil in her hands then watching Io, she lays it to the canvas and begins to sketch
 
Aubrey seems to be working from memory and after an hour of work the face of Raul begins to emerge on her canvas. Once the basics have been sketched out she begins to work in black and grey.
 
Ambrosia merely stares at Torgue for a moment after her question went unanswered before she looks onward. The waif steps away from her empty canvas and begins to move throughout the rest, gaze alternating between the painters and the easels they are working on as she passes by each.
 
Io watches Madeline, though she remains quite still, not wanting to distract the artist at work, or mess up whatever inspiration has struck.
 
"I haven't done many portaits." Colombe admits to her very still subject. She considers him, pausing for a longer moment. "You seem quite at your leisure, however. Have you had occasion to sit for many painters?" She grins, keeping her eyes on Zago while she waits for his response.
 
Madelines fingers move skillfully using her prefered medium, tracing Io's shape, the folds of her outfit, the way her hair moves
 
Torg's got something going on, a few brush strokes and a more pointed glance at Ambrosia with a brow raised. Then she returns to what she's working on, seems like the reference is in her head.
 
"I used to sit for family portraits fairly often," Zago replies to Colombe, as his expression gains a hazy, reflective quality. "Cousins would visit all the time, so if it was a special occasion we'd sit for one. It would go home with the one who had to travel the farthest, usually."
 
Katharina observes as people are painting. "Such skills! This is wonderful to see." She looks from her position to see each that she can, and the passion being shown from many that do not normally paint.
 
Ambrosia circles behind Colombe and tries to steal a glance at her work from above her shoulder. "Keeper? Did you know that some Mayan tribes believed that taking their photograph would also steal their soul? Do you think paintings apply, too?" A brief glance toward Zago before she looks back toward Colombe's canvas. "Not much to take there, I'd wager."
 
Madeline watches Io and then uses her thumb to blur certain lines, creating shadows before continuing the portrait
 
Wren watches Torg watching Ambrosia then smiles stepping over to an easel and begins gathering some simple paints. Letting the blood rush Wren attempts to craft an image. "This is excellent practice for other things."
 
Io's eyes sparkle as she watches Madeline working. It's not often the small Japanese woman is the focus like this, but she seems to be handling it relatively well.
 
Colombe's canvas shows the outline of a pale, spiky-haired man, sitting on a red velvet chair. As she waits for the form to dry, perhaps, she is filling in the background, which is mainly black, with a few shafts of shadowy light off to the sides. She smiles quietly to Zago. "Why is that? Regarding who you would go with?" Her attention is caught by Ambrosia, and she lets herself relax for a moment, as she stifles a laugh, but replies warmly to the Malkavian goth. "A pale shadow of one, perhaps. That remains to be seen."
 
Wren's painting goes far beyond impressionistic past abstract and straight into unintelligable. However regardless of the terribleness of the painting Wren looks at it as it progresses and nods with satisfaction.
 
"I've held onto it so far," Zago replies dryly to Ambrosia, remaining still save for the movement of his mouth. "It comes in handy for situations like this."
 
Madeline smiles when she finishes "I shall take it home and put some finishing touches but Io, what do you think?"
 
Ambrosia smiles lightly when Colombe laughs while Zago's answer is met with a smaller grin. "Lucky." is all she says to the man before she moves on again. Her path brings her by Torgue where she attempts to steal another glance over the shoulder.
 
Torg seems to have the outline of. A person, yes. They seem to be standing and doing something, maybe. The lines aren't all there yet, but it's fleshing out rather swiftly. Is that a gleam in her eye?
 
Io rises from the stool and walks around to look at Madeline's canvas. She smiles and tiptoes to brush her lips to Madeline's cheek. After that, she says, "Magnifique." A pause, then, "This is how you see me?"
 
Silvana begins to draw the faces it seems there are three different people in this one painting. She looks thoughtful for a moment before she seems to pause. She leans back putting down what she has been sketching with and reaches in her blazer to take out a hair tie and gets her hair out of the way. She takes a deep breath as she begins to sketch the faces, she seems to be taking a very long time as she starts with one of the faces ,by the look of it there will be three faces in total.
 
Madeline tips her cheek to Io's kiss and smiles "Oui, didn't you know?" reacig for a cloth to wipe the charcoal from her hands
 
Zago has to think for a moment before he answers Colombe. "The effort it took to travel farther than anyone else was usually rewarded with something," he says. "I didn't travel much though, outside of university. Much as I would have liked to."
 
Io shakes her head a little bit. "No. I didn't." She gives Madeline a one armed hug as she studies the drawing, seeming to get lost for a moment.
 
Aubrey is in her own little world adding a stroke of gray here a deeper charcoal there. Eventually she opens a small wound in one palm and dips a clean brush in the blackish red mix of her blood to do the lips in the painting.
 
Hassam enters, strolling in to the room with his hands folded behind his back. He notes the artwork going on and smiles faintly with a tilt of his head, then approaches to glance at works in progress without interrupting sightlines. That would be rude.
 
Colombe grins to Ambrosia, then returns to working on the painting. Intermittent glances go to her subject, as she continues to work with the diligent hand of someone with dedicated formal training and little else. When Zago explains, she looks to him briefly, then back to the painting, and offers, with a slight smile, "We have nothing if not time." She dabs a bit of brown on her brush. "Is there anywhere in particular you were interested in visiting?"
 
Madeline smiles and presses a kiss to Io's temple "I'll finish it at home and frame it for you if you think it good enough"
 
Io looks to Madeline, attention drawn from the drawing by the kiss. She nods her head, "I would like that." A pause, then, "I think it would be perfect in the living room."
 
Silvana smiles as the faces start to become clear, for anyone that might be paying attention to her drawing, two of the faces might not be familier to most one being Garan, Varges, and the last that people would definately know would be Caerus. She tilts her head a little bit and smiles as she puts down the pencil as she begins to put color to the drawing making it even more visable. She seems to be in her own little world.
 
Netta enters quietly, barely heard unless one's senses are acute. It's a habit really! She glances at the various works of art either in progress or finished, but in one hand is a mirror. She looks at her reflection with a grin, admiring her goblinoid features, and runs her free hand along her left ear.
 
"I'd like to visit Lombardia," Zago admits. "See the Alps. I have a growing love of mountains since I moved out to this area. Few other places, too. Geneva, Marrakech, London, Istanbul. Though I'd like to visit Spa in Wallonia, come to think of it. You reminded me of it just now."
 
Madeline smiles and rises, taking the canvas with her "As you wish Primogen" she says turning to See what others are creating
 
Ambrosia continues on and claims one of the couch without an active canvas. She sits and settles in alone to watch the remaining painters finish.
 
Wren decides maybe it just needs.. MOAR.. And proceeds to overcomplicate their working further. Of course Wren is also likely on drugs so maybe it makes perfect sense to them.
 
Torg is taking her time, getting the initial figure done. It looks surprisingly similar to someone here, hmm. She flicks her eyes to Ambrosia again for a moment, then returns to her work. It all seems to be tied together before she works on the background and makes things complicated.
 
Aubrey finishes the portrait and moves to clean her brushes while the paint is left to dry. She seems pleased with her work.
 
Io smiles to Madeline. She drifts back over to her original chair and sinks into it, relaxing back to watch the other artists at work with a slight smile.
 
Ambrosia's gaze finds Torg again and she arches a brow before smiling to herself. The scrawny waif's attention wanders at random before settling on Aubrey with a squint. She watches as the Giovanni cleans her brushes before looking toward her canvas.
 
Netta finds an easel and places her square mirror on it before turning to face others, the grin still on her face, and raspily lisps, "Reflection is the greatest work of art. I look at my reflection every evening when I wake up. My sire taught me that, who was taught by a friend, it was one of the techniques I used to keep sane after my embrace. Art keeps one sane, no matter what form it comes in. We are each of us the greatest works of art."
 
Silvana is humming rather happily as she paints adding some detail and pauses to look back at her painting then adds a little more before she smiles softly taking a rather deep breath. She joins Aubrey to go clean her brushes and gives her a smile.
 
Madeline smiles at Netta "I made a piece not too long ago, exactly along those lines Mademoiselle"
 
Colombe looks to Zago when he mentions Spa, and grins, her eyes thoughtful. "All Camarilla, I believe." She turns back to the work, and paints, quietly, adding, "Other than that, what's holding you back?"
 
Netta gives a smile to Madeline, "In my case? It builds character and really challenged my perception of beauty. I was mortal not too long ago and I remember how my perception of beauty was shaped by the media. I would rather be as I am now."
 
Glancing about, Hassam opts to settle in beside Ambrosia on the couch. "Primogen," he greets her with an incline of his head before seating himself. "Quite the showing I see." The Assamite tilts his head as he follows Ambrosia's eyes, drifting towards Torg and then to Aubrey. "A pity I have so little talent for these kinds of things, but it is good to appreciate one's own deficiencies. Keeps me humble," he chuckles.
 
"Still putting my feet under me," Zago replies, his one eye looking off into the middle distance. "But then? First thing I'll do is find some nice hot springs under a clear sky and soak."
 
Madeline enjoys the gathering before she steps over to Colombe again "Thank you for organizing this event dear Keeper, we shall host in Carlsbad soon"
 
Ambrosia leans in toward Hassam as she listens though she keeps her gaze focused on the remaining painters. "Mister al-Jahani. Quite, indeed. You could have modeled if you didn't want to paint."
 
Colombe grins at Zago's reply. Her painting is starting to come together, but she pauses for a moment, to let some parts of it dry. "As unlife goals go, that's pretty good." She looks to Madeline and inclines her head warmly. "Thank-you for coming, Emeritus. Travel safely in the night."
 
Io rises after watching for a little bit. She approaches Colombe, and offers, "I think I will be going as well. Thank you again for hosting."
 
Torg seems to have finished what she's aiming for, and has now begun to colour and shade it in. Even if most of the tones are whites and blacks- this looks suspiciously like ambrosia with an assault-rifle in a hall of mirrors.
 
Aubrey wipes her hands clean and tilts her head as she studies her work. "We should add it to my gangrel collection." She says to Silvana.
 
Madeline inclines her head to Colombe with a warm smile "And you also" before moving to accompany Io out
 
Silvana smiles at Aubrey and nods as she looks over to Aubrey's painting "It's a really good one.. you did a great job" she tells Aubrey.
 
Ambrosia narrows her eyes as she spots the familiar figure on Torg's canvas and then she's grinning radiantly. "How mind-numbingly accurate of you, Duckling. It's like you can read my very mind." She finishes calling over to Torg and leans in to get Hassan's attention before pointing over toward Torg's work.
 
Io leaves with Madeline out into the night, smiling to those who remain.
 
Netta glances around at the actual paintings again before noticing Silvana, who is greeted with a smile and nod, "Nice to see you again."
 
Ramona is unusually late. She's never this late. She comes in in a ponytail, a long hoodie and a pair of slacks and hangs out near the back, looking around briefly.
 
Wren chews on their thumb staring at the mess before them before smiling over at Netta "It is good to keep a positive view on the blessings we have recieved. If you ever need help with that I have a variety of chemical supplements that can help." giving them a wink before going back to making more of a mess on the canvas.
 
"Have you been to many places yourself?" Zago asks Colombe. "Travel seems much more dangerous for us, for a variety of reasons. If I know you at all, though, you've found a way to conquer those fears."
 
Netta cackles at Wren, "I wade through chemicals on a daily basis it feels like. I don't travel on the same... roads you do. Let's just put it that way. But I appreciate the sentiment anyway."
 
Torg's work only gets more small details tossed in. Cracks and bullet holes in the mirrors, all of the reflections seem to have different faces and features. They only resemble the Ambrosia in the foreground, whom is positively manic with that gun. It seems that she's finished her piece and nods, taking a small step back.
 
Aubrey looks over her shoulder at Silvana, "Send it to the house in Prospect will you?" She then gathers up her things and smiles at Colombe, "Thank you for a pleasant evening. It's been some time since i've painted."
 
Hassam laughs aloud at Ambrosia's suggestion. "Oh come now. Nobody wants to paint one such as I when there are far more lovely options," he says, gesturing about the room. Of course there are also Nosferatu, but he diplomatically doesn't mention that. "I would be a very dull subject, I think." He watches Aubrey departing and inclines his head, then turns his attention back to Ambrosia. "Did you paint a piece? Or do you prefer to watch, as I do?"
 
Silvana bows her head to Aubrey "Of course. It will be done" she smiles at her.
 
"My sire has envoys deployed to most of the major European cities, and he maintains a network of contacts and allies, for much of the past millenium. Being trained as an envoy, myself, I am familiar with the ins and outs of gaining safe passage, in Camarilla domains, at least." Colombe replies to Zago. "So, yes, I have travelled much of Europe. Prospect is my first introduction to an American court. Being well-connected in combination with a private jet helps. I suspect you would have no trouble with the former. You have time to cultivate the latter, I suppose." She grins, warmly.
 
"I had no model. All the lovely options were taken, apparently." Ambrosia rises from her couch and offers Hassam a gesture to follow her before she moves over to stand next to Torg. "Ever see that movie where the serial killer is eating a painting because he thinks it will help him become the spirit it depicts?"
 
Following as directed, Hassam lifts a brow at Ambrosia and inquires, "Is that the plan? To devour my spirit through art? I might invite you to try, but I have seen stranger things, so perhaps I will simply offer to model and hope for your mercy," the Assamite teases. "Do be gentle, if you please," he adds with some mirth.
 
Torg cants her head to listen to Ambrosia, "I'm not immediately familiar, but it does have a certain ring to it." she considers in reply to Ambrosia's question. "I believe this piece is finished, as far as my inspiration has carried it."
 
Wren steps away from their painting as it can't get any worse. Then smiles over at Netta "A but much like my bed my road is always open to others. Find joy in ones existance. If the joy comes in a powder that is no different."
 
Netta scratches her head as Colombe talks about her travels, "Never left the states myself. Although I'd love to see the catacombs in Paris one night."
 
Aubrey squeezes Sil on the shoulder as she makes her way out into the night. "
 
Aubrey says, “Have a pleasant evening all.”
 
Aubrey moves to Idyllwild Arts Academy - Main Library
 
Ambrosia's gaze flicks to Colombe at the words 'private jet' and her lips quickly move as she whispers silently to herself. Hassam and Torg's words both draw her attention back to the present. "I was referring to 'me', Mister al-Jahani." She explains as she gestures toward Torg's painting. Her smile returns, wide and crooked as she adds, "I have other ways of claiming souls."
 
Silvana smiles at Aubrey "I'll see you later" she goes to collect Aubrey's painting and hers making sure they stay seperated so they can dry. She looks back at all those gathered in the room.
 
Zago listens to Colombe, and nods. "Reaching out to tie the world closer together, eh? The work of building ties across this land must appeal, then. So much is still vast, forbidding waste. So much work left to do."
 
Hassam 'ahs' and takes a look at Torg's work, stroking his beard as he examines it. "Definitely a better subject that I would have been," he affirms. "You had me worried for a moment, Primogen," the Assamite says with a waggle of his brows.
 
Netta turns to Wren next, "Some of my best friends are rats. They feel the same way as you do it seems." She grins, "Rats are generous with their territory of one knows how to be respectful."
 
"We are stronger together." Colombe replies. She looks to Zago, offering a slight grin. "At least as long as we continue to acknowledge that, there should be opportunities to improve conditions for our kind, be they related to bare survival or something as fulfilling as travelling to natural spas."
 
Silvana quietly walks around taking a look around as she waits for Zago it seems.
 
Ambrosia's smile fades after a moment and she offers Hassam a simple shrug. "Worried about me? You give me too much credit." Silvana receives a quick nod when she passes by, then Ambrosia returns her attention to Torg. "Are you going to frame it, eat it, or sell it to me?"
 
Torg leans down to scribble something in the corner of the portrait she made, then nods satisfactorially about it and stands back again. "I think your methods are more fun and reliable than eating art. Or photos." then the questions, "I'll gladly sell it to you if you desire it, Primogen. Name your offer."
 
Colombe dropped Mortis Lux.
 
"That's a vision I can share," Zago says to Colombe. "I wonder what vision of me you'll share soon, though."
 
Wren sighs "Rats have an aversion to those like me. Our closeness with serpents disturbs them. But alas. It is late and a drive to get to where I am going next." Wren collects the canvas they have maligned and smiles at Colombe "We should speak soon, yes? I must find out more about the way of things locally before I present my case. But thank you for hosting this humble person tonight."
 
Silvana smiles at Ambrosia and gives her a polite nod.
 
Colombe meets Zago's eyes, regarding him quietly, perhaps assessing the sincerity of his words. "Wonder no further." She turns the easel to show him the finished work, her mouth rising gently, her eyes quiet. The portrait is still wet, but otherwise looks fairly complete. She looks to Wren and, in spite of herself, smiles to the Follower of Set. "Certainly. In fact, there is something that I would like to discuss with you as well, Ms. Indoubt. I am happy to host."

 Mortis Lux

 This dark portrait depicts a pallid man, in flesh and form, sitting on a red velvet chair. He is thin, cadaverous really, and yet stylishly-attired in a gothic tuxedo with black bow-tie and silver cufflinks. The man’s black hair is peppered with grey, but otherwise short, spiky, and impeccably-groomed.

 A single teal green eye stares out from a deep shadowed socket, softly-focused, as a slight grin teases the man’s fish-belly white face. A long white finger curls playfully under his gently-cleft chin, and a mysterious black patch conceals his other eye. A silver pin shaped like a stylized ‘G’ glints prominently from his lapel. Imbued with moody blacks, greys, and browns, the background is shadowy, dark with some strokes of peaky, grey light. Near the bottom, in thin white cursive script, arise the initials, ‘C.B.’

 This is a 5 success art work.
 
Hassam smirks faintly when Ambrosia makes her inquiry, probably about the eating part, yes? Yes. He gives a contented smile and takes another turn about the room before approaching Colombe and inclining his head. "A lovely evening, Keeper. I believe I shall retire for the night. Thank you for hosting this," he states pleasantly.
 
Wren pauses to slip Colombe a card before making the call me gesture and departing.
 
"Bring it by this week and we can discuss my offer then?" Ambrosia asks Torg in a tone that is more serious and diplomatic. Hassam's departure is met with a glance before her attention moves on to the work Colombe just revealed. "That would've frozen the Roses in place, Keeper."
 
Netta shrugs at Wren's words, "Cycle of life right?" She turns to Colombe again, "I've seen rats eating a snake's corpse before. It's something you don't see a lot but the sewers get their trespassers too."
 
Netta adds, "Truth be told they'll eat anything that can be digested. Inspirational when it comes to survival honestly."
 
Zago breaks his stillness at last, leaning forward to look into Colombe's interpretation of him. He grins from ear to ear, his shadowed eye glinting with amusement. "I'm utterly charmed," he says at last. "Well done. Well done."
 
Silvana smiles over at the panting of Zago "That's well done" she smiles "Very well done" she nods.
 
Colombe looks warmly to Ambrosia. "As I have been wont to opine, it is my sincere belief that the Roses have the worst curse, Primogen." Netta gets a quick look and a slight, if off-centre, smile. "The cycle of life, indeed. I haven't spent much time in the sewers, but what time I have spent there was always memorable. I don't envy the plight of a rat that runs into this newest Setite in town, though --- she is entirely too confident to be considered harmless." Then, finally, her gaze rests on Zago, taking in his expression and demeanor. She looks to Silvana and smiles, at the compliment. "Since you have the farthest to travel tonight, I believe, perhaps you can take it home, Mr. Giovanni?"
 
Silvana smiles softly and bows towards Colombe "Thank you so much for holding this. I had a lot of fun. I think I will be taking my leave, you have a pleasent evening" she bows her head.
 
Netta chuckles and strokes her chin, "The Serpent clan.. honestly I've not come across them before I came to Prospect. They aren't common in most cities, at least not in any way that is visible, this city is unique in that regard. But it's also better this way I think, even if this newest Setite is dangerous, it's definitely better to have open dialogue don't you think? But I get your meaning.. snakes aren't prey."
 
Zago stands and looks up at Colombe. "This evening was a rare gift," he says. "Thank you. I'll find a special place for this." He finds a cloth bag he can use to safely transport the painting, and carefully lowers it in. "I look forward to our next meeting, good night." With that, he moves to take Silvana's arm in his. "Do you have yours ready to go? I'd like to see your work," he says to her as they get ready to head out.
 
"Travel safely back to Nevada, both of you. It was a special evening for me, as well." Colombe offers in reply to Silvana and Zago. To Netta, she says, "Most definitely. Open dialogue is preferable for keeping the peace, as well as to encourage potentially lucretive business arrangements."
 
Netta nods, "It's what makes this land great after all. Trade keeps the cogs moving and the Masquerade intact. That's what I've found. Conflict like you find elsewhere is cringe inducing. Pride is dangerous for everyone."
 
Silvana giggles softly at Zago "It's not that good, but let us get going" she smiles nd waves to Colombe as he takes her arm. She does make sure to take Aubreys and her painting as they head out.
 
"You remind me of a dear friend of mine." Colombe replies to Netta, with a warm smile, though her eyes reflect a fleeting moment of sadness. She grins, and adds, "One might say that it is a lack of reason, combined with pride, that is the true danger." She is, after all, a proud Ventrue.
 
Netta smiles, "A lot of roads meet in the same place. I learned everything from my sire, Ned. Who knows where he learned what he knows?" She shrugs, "You live long enough, you meet a lot of wise people."
 
Netta smirks, "Not saying I am wise though. I just know what I know. I'll learn a lot here I think."
 
"You came here from New York City, is that correct?" Colombe asks this of Netta, as she puts away the paint brush. As people have left, the Elysium ghouls have begun to clean up the space, putting away easels, and carting off wet brushes to be cleaned.
 
Netta nods, "That's right. I lived there my whole life, and then my entire unlife, until I was allowed to strike off on my own. Still we're close, my sire and I, I'd like to think that's true of most. I told him that the sewers here don't have enough rats." She grins.
 
"Compared with those in New York, I imagine not. And they are useful creatures, no doubt. A" Colombe grins back to the Nos. "I personally have not been kind to the local population, as I have been known to take my falcon out to the city beaches for some hunting, and that is the most likely prey to be found there. That said, I have been taking her hunting more in Carlsbad, since I became the owner of the former Canis Magnus' estate, following his abrupt departure."
 
Netta nods again, "Like we both said, cycle of life. Rats die, Kindred get ashed, mortals wither away. I don't take rats dying personally though, they know they're small, and trust me they know they could die at any time. They don't expect anyone to avenge them."
 
Colombe considers her response, and then just goes with, "Fair enough. It was nice to see you here tonight, Ms. Jones. Do you need a lift back into the city?" She hasn't had to move a finger to clean anything and, in fact, the Elysium is almost back to its usual state. Her retainer Pierre brings her light jacket, as she prepares to leave. " There is room in my car, if you'd like to join me."
 
Netta grins, "I like to walk actually. Pretend to breathe in the air before I find the nearest sewer hatch. But thanks anyway. It was a nice gesture."
 
Colombe inclines her head gently. "Walk in safety then. Goodnight." And she heads out, followed by her two retainers.