2021.05.31 Happy Trees Salon

2021.05.31 Happy Trees Salon
Relaxing salon to make up for last week.
IC Date	May 31, 20201
Players	Ambrosia, Ramona Storey, Asheton, Charai, Colombe, Stanley, Ed, Heathen, Hannah Coventry, Vegard, Kahraman, Lila, Madeline, Paige, Phillip, Shiori,Sveta
Location	Emerald Plaza Elysium
Spheres	Vampire Camarilla Ghoul

Colombe is sitting at the blood-red divan, quietly painting a tile canvas. Short tables are arranged near the clan couches allowing for people to rest their palettes, or instruments, while sitting there. Easels have been arranged in the middle of the dance floor. A table is set nearby with a variety of canvasses, paints from acrylic to oil, brushes, smocks, palettes, and more. Everything you could need to express yourself in a painting. A card on the table indicates that the paint night theme is, 'Kindred'. After the excitement of last week in Idyllwild, it seems this week will be a casual evening of communal art and music.

On the table there is a pile of tile-sized canvases, and instructions: Take one or more canvas tiles to create works to add to a communal display that will be exhibited temporarily in the Elysium gallery. In addition, there are amplifiers and a variety of common musical instruments ready to be played.

Kahraman enters quietly. On his way down the stairs he offers a bow of his head and a "Good evening everyone."

Paige arrives as quietly as she often does, looking to the easels for only a moment before she drifts to the darkest of the couch options.

Madeline arrives with Shiori (and heathen?) and smiles as she looks around, "tres bien"

Ramona comes in, just a couple of steps ahead of Stanley the manley. She pauses once she gets inside and looks over the instructions. "Oh. Painting. Oh god." Her posture suddenly slumps a little and she looks .. startled.. at Stanley

Shiori smiles warmly when she sees the easels. "Oh I so enjoyed the last paint night." She comments to Madeline. She looks around for Colombe. "We should say hi before snagging an easel," she adds to Madeline.

Heathen does indeed arrive with Madeline and Shiori, a friendly small talk conversation about nothing in particular as they join the crowd.

Ambrosia Lasalle enters from the gallery and moves immediately toward the grey sectional, making sure to circle wide around Ramona's leashed huskies on her way. She is reaches up and adjusts her loose, wild curls before slumping down into a seat on the couch.

Madeline nods with a smile to Shiori and indicates she'll be over in a moment "will you be painting tonight Heathen?"

Stanley looks to Ramona and looks at the instructions, the setup. "That's a lot of Easels." He looks at Ramona, "Don't paint?" He looks around as people come in, and looks.. really Stanley like. HE understands the instructions as written and the art supplies and the like. As far as it goes.

Seeing people arrive, Colombe lowers her easel and brush to the table. She stands and smiles, welcoming everyone. "Please feel to grab a canvas and start painting. The theme for the night is Kindred. I hope that people will contribute to the communal work, but it is not necessary --- tonight is for relaxing and socializing. If anyone wants to jam, tell the Elysium staff --- they will turn off the ambient music." The ambient music is playing in the background: https://youtu.be/1PvBc2TOpE4

Vegard arrives via the secure elevator and he walks to the railing and he quietly observes those present from his vantage.

Paige sighs softly, but eventually she does grab a canvas and an easel, sliding it softly over to her seat, quiet as she looks over her tools.

Madeline turns to Heathen "When the Keeper says Canvas, she means an actual canvas, not a person" she teases then steps over to greet Colombe with a kiss to her cheek "bon soir Mademoiselle" before lifting her eyes and nodding to Vegard with a smile

Kahraman stops at the base of the stairs and whispers something to one of the staff members. Then surprisingly, passes the pillows and approaches the piano and takes a seat. The music is turned off and Kahraman begins to play...

Shiori walks over to greet Colombe. She says warmly, "Thank you for having another painting night. I so enjoyed the last one." She offers a light squeeze to Colombe's arm before her gaze shifts to the easels and supplies. The music catches her attention though. Her gaze goes to Kahraman for a moment.

Kahraman sits down at the Grand Piano.

Heathen harumphs. "Well, I /suppose/ I could work with canvas. But painting people is so much more fun

Phillip walks into the Elysium, a hand tucked into the pocket of his suit. He glances around for a few moments and then makes steady progress within, heading for the rose sectional. One reaching it, the Frenchman settles onto it, crossing one leg over the other and turning his eyes toward where the painting is going on. For now at least, the Toreador appears content to watch others create artwork.

Stanley looks at the supplies, and walks over to the table with the paints on offer, looking them over, thoughtfully. He looks over to the piano and then to the others getting ready to raid the supplies and backs off. 'Do not Stand between the Clan of the Rose and the paints.' -Book of Nod, Proverbs.

Phillip sits down at the Rose-covered sectional.

Ambrosia leans back on the grey sectional and crosses one leg over the other then settles in to watch the others paint or, in Kahraman's case, play the piano. She doesn't claim a canvas herself but seems intent to just observe for now.

Colombe smiles warmly to Shiori, as she speaks briefly and then passes. "There are some body paints left over from some historical event of the past --- not yet past their expiry date." Colombe offers warmly to Heathen. "But we only have the regular canvasses, as Madeline has said --- you will have to convince someone to be your medium." Her eyes go to the table as Ramona and Stanley chat. And Kahraman's performance catches and holds her attention for the moment, her expression calm.

Charai wanders in and looks around the room, the paints bring a slight smile but then she moves to take a seat. Kahraman's playing draws her attention and the smile returns. She nods to the officers present and gives Colombe a nod as she finds an out of the way place to watch from.

Paige says, “Stanley, you are up.”

Madeline glances over as Phillip takes his seat and nods to hose she is standing with, moving to join the Scourge

Madeline sits down at the Rose-covered sectional.

As the song ends, Kahraman remains silent for a long moment and then stands. He closes the lid to the piano and then turns and makes his way to the pillow circle to sit.

Stanley looks around at the sound of his name, and zeros in on Paige, "What?" Seems to be his entire attitude at the moment. Huh?

"You can be Heathen's canvas." Ambrosia calls over to Stanley before Paige can clarify her comment.

Paige tilts her head a little as she takes up her knife and pallette, ignoring the room mostly as she slowly takes to canvas. Her eyes do spare a glance to Stanley, but Ambrosia answers and so she shrugs.

Shiori moves over to start looking over the supplies when the song ends. Finally she picks a tile, and an array of paints before choosing an easel. She gets herself organized. It's only then that she happens to look up and spots Vegard. She offers him a smile, and dips her head in respect and acknowledgement before looking to the tile again.

Stanley erms, "He said painting 'Pe-ople'" He replies, "When you apply paint to me I become more of a brush." He runs his claws through his fur on his face. "Not quite my style of painting."

Vegard offers a short nod of aknowledgement to those who waved or smiled, he seems content to watch for the time being and remains where he is.

Kahraman notices the Imperator and offers a bow of his head before he removes his shoes and takes a seat on one of the pillows.

Heathen looks the tiles over for a moment as he ponders. "Normally, a project like this starts with some sort of sketch and plan." but he does collect a couple of tiles, some paints, and pulls put some sletch pencilsto get started. Asheton steps into the area and wanders through with an easy stride.

Ambrosia seems late to notice Vegard's arrival on the railing above and she looks up and regards him for a moment before inclining her head politely. To Stanley, the Malkavian murmurs dryly, "Touche, my dear."

Lila makes her way into Elysium in her usual quiet manner - taking several moments to simply look around to take in the current atmosphere and those present. The Imperator's presence doesn't escape her notice and she also offers a respectful nod in his direction before slowly inching her way further in.

Colombe smiles quietly in response to Charai. To Heathen, she offers. "There is no pressure -- try to inspire yourself." As Kahraman finishes and moves immediately to the pillow pile, there is a pause before the ambient music continues. Colombe's gaze moves to the overlook and she inclines her head warmly to Vegard, eyes lingering briefly before she proceeds to the table to pick up a few tile canvasses, offering Stanley a quick grin. "Sort of like a Velvet Elvis?" She says this quickly, before she is off, circulating the room, starting with rose-covered sectional. "Phillip and Madeline. Are you interested in adding to the communal work? It can be completely anonymous."

"I've watched Bob Ross. I've watched him all my life. This can't be THAT hard, right? He says that anyone can do it. It's the lazy person's way of painting. I totally got this." And then she turns herself a little bit to get more comfy and start to paint.

Kahraman steps away from the Grand Piano.

Kahraman sits down at the Pillow Ring.

Madeline crosses her legs where she sits with Phillip, no long gown tonight, this is a lovely little dress she could dance in if the music were inspiring enough. Nodding to something the man says she replies, watching the gathering before a brow goes up curiously "Anonymous?

Heathen grins as Asheton steps in, pulling him over, and an idea forming. "Perfect timing. Take off your shirt and stand next to these canvasas. I have.. an idea..."

Stanley tilts his head and turns, following Ambrosias gaze and, oh, Prince overseeing his Subjects, Stanley lifts a hand, waving, and looks back to Colombe, "Until the paint dries in my hair, then it's closer to the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz."

Madeline is a lovely young blonde, about 22 years old with the graceful body of a dancer. She stands about 5'6" and her blue eyes sparkle with energy as her quick smile warms the room around er.

Tonight her hair is pulled back into a soft bun with a few wisps of blonde hair escaping to frame her angelic face. The charming dress she wears tonight is a made from a flowy, champagne fabric that moves in a dreamy way around the young dancer. Her pale shoulders are left bare, the top beginning with two inches of lace that embraces her upper body and arms, flowing down her shapely form to a soft lettuce hem across her hips, sleeves touching just below the elbow and her skirts hem resting just above her knee in the same elegant style. The whole dress is stylish, understated and beautifully chic. Upon her little feet she wears a pair of stylish gold sandals, with a kitten heel and open toe, revealing her pretty pedicure. http://phillyoutallnight.com/pictastic/?attachment_id=170

Once Kahraman is seated, he removes a small notebook and begins writing something into it. Pausing from moment to moment in thought.

Asheton blinks a time or two as he's grabbed "Wait what?"

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Paige rolls Intelligence + Artistic Expression vs 3 for 7 successes. 1 2 +3 +3 +4 +5 +7 +7 +8 10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Charai sits down at the Dark purple divan.

Heathen adjusts the easels and sets them on either side of Asheton. "Trust me. It'll be cool. Assuming I don't spill anything." as he gets to work with the sketching.

Charai slips into a seat to watch the painting perhaps she will join in on stick figure night. She makes herself comfortable as she pays close attention the painting going on.

Asheton looks a little unsure but glances around to see what the rest of the world is doing. If it seems appropriate, then he begins to unbutton his shirt. "i cant take you anywhere."

Phillip smiles politely as Colombe comes by and speaks with he and Madeline. The Rose makes a small shake of his head, "Not tonight Keeper." He glances to his watch, then back at Colombe, "I am not here overly long, but I wanted to stop by and see what everyone was working on. You know us Roses, always curious about new art." As he finishes speaking, he leans over and speaks softly to Madeline.

Paige quietly paints, only the scraping of her knife on canvas, until eventually she simply stops. Pushing the easel to the side and letting it sit before she moves for a new one and a new canvas. The old one left to dry in place.

Paige dropped I. The Magician - Oil on Canvas.

Lila eyes the easels and then the table of supplies, a faintly amused smile forming but it's brief and she quickly goes back to seeing what everyone else is doing while finding an out of the way place to park herself for the time being.

Colombe, noting Madeline's dress, meanwhile, replies, "That remark is meant for the Scourge." Her eyes move quietly to Phillip, lingering briefly before she looks back to Madeline. "There is still about 3/4's of dance floor there --- if you want to dance. Feel free to choose a song and the Elysium staff will play it. And you should." A quiet smile is given to the Rose before she looks to Phillip. "I was hoping I might borrow a Rose or two to help me arrange the tiles for the exhibit actually. But we can talk later." With that she inclines her head, taking her leave and wandering over to the dark purple divan, engaging Charai with a slight smile before she sits, and offers a canvas, saying something quietly to the Tremere.

Ambrosia's gaze settles on Paige for the final seconds before the Caitiff completes her first canvas. The Malkavian arches a brow curiously before she looks away, toward the crowd. That gaze roams across the gathered before rising up to Vegard on the railing again.

Ambrosia rises from the grey sectional and smooths out the fabric of her off-white dress before she makes her way across the room toward the base of the staircase. There she pauses and gestures upward and ahead of her before tilting her head questioningly toward Vegard.

Ambrosia steps away from the Grey sectional.

Madeline smiles at Colombe's suggestion but rather than look to the staff, she glances up at Vegard "I would be delighted, not every art involves paint and a brush but the music must be just right"

Heathen takes a couple of steps back, checks his sketch, repositions canvas, sketches with an eyeliner pen on Asheton, front and back, and continues as he makes sure he has his angles right. "Well, the finished product will be a bit limited in view to.. until you leave, but I should be able to make it worthwhile... "

Asheton cocks his brow, not seeming to follow, but, he does let him draw on him, a dubious look on his face.

Stanley looks around and boom, Paige is done with one. He looks at it, nodding. Then he looks at the canvases, and leans to see what Ramonas coming up with.

Vegard centers his attention on Ambrosia and he slowly looks to his right and then to his left, "Primogen LaSalle, you do not have to ask for my permission to take the stairs. If you are wishing a word... well...I suppose that would depend on what it's about."

\At the divan, Charai laughs and looks at the tile, "I can try, I am not very skilled with painting. But why not everyone else seems to be."

Shiori stares at the tile she has for a moment, considering. She is very still while she does so. After a time she goes and gets another tile, then stacks the second on top of the first before she begins to rough in something on the small spaces.

Charai chuckles at something said and does reach for the tile Colombe has.

Ambrosia nods her head once before she makes her way up the stairs where she joins Vegard at the railing. "I didn't feel like painting..." She explains in a casual tone before lowering her voice to speak more quietly.

Ambrosia stands next to the railing of the Second Floor Overlook.

So the easel thing is shit. And Ramona isn't going to use it. Instead, she leans forward and lays the little thing on her knee, very very carefully adding color here and there. Mostly reds, but there's some gray and.. wow that's a violent sort of orange. Don't like it. As she 'paints,' she mumbles about happy little accidents and a mountain only a mother could love and.. "Snow? Sure. That works."

Hannah arrives looking a little tense, a little drawn, but otherwise unremarkable. Her long hair gradually transitions from its natural pale blonde shade into an ombre of lavender, and is worn in a high swishy ponytail. She looks the room over as she descends down the stairs *clomp* *clomp* *clomp* and passes Ambrosia at the base of the stairs. "Heya, sis," she says to the Malkavian, offering a smooched kiss on her cheek, if allowed. Vegard, presumably nearby, is offered a relaxed bow before she rises. "And good evening, Your Grace." Seeing the private nature of their discourse, the Tremere hikes a brow and takes a few steps deeper into the room to allow for the whispers. She waves to a few people, then glances at the purple divan where Colombe and Charai sit. A smile is cast in that direction, as well as a lift of her chin.

"I would suggest hence." Paige notes as she mixes her paint and looks at her new blank canvas. "If you are going to wish for a word, that is a good one to wish for."

Ambrosia didn't resist the cheek kiss from the Tremere Primogen, though she didn't linger long before ascending the stairs.

Phillip bows his head to Colombe, responding to her statement about assistance, "If you have need of aid, Keeper, I am happy to offer my expertise, for what it is worth. I am at your disposal, should you need me." The Rose's eyes follows the Keeper makes her way over toward the purple divan. His head then pivots around to watch the artists work. Every now and then he will something to Madeline.

Kahraman checks his phone and then writes more in the notebook. He puses a moment looking around before going back to doing what he was doing.

Heathen seems to be drawing two sets of images, three sword drawn Kindred on one, two on the other. Similar images appearing on Asheton, the three on the front, and two on the back Though mostly he keeps the images of the three facing outward, so only he has a view of the two on the back until the entire image is ready.

Vegard is quietly listening to Ambrosia speak to him and while she is doing so, one of the prince's ghouls arrives carrying a pair of six string acoustic guitars. The Imperator leans against the railing and he contemplates as he listens to her speak to him. Instead of answering immediately he counts a beat and both he and his servant begin to play (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjYw07EicOI)

Asheton simply stands still, letting Heathen create whatever he has in mind.

Charai lifts her head in greeting to Hannah as she chats with Colombe. Charai looks a bit unsure about this painting thing but seems to be willing to give it a go.

Lila opts for a wall to lean back against, foregoing the more comfortable seating available as she watches the others go about their artistic endeavors, but she does spare a thoughtful glance once more towards the supply tables until the Imperator begins to play and her attention drifts towards him.

Once Kahraman begins to hear the music being played, he replaces his notebook and phone and then looks up. Watching the duo and their performance.

Ambrosia side steps a foot to one side and makes space for Vegard and his ghoul and their performance. The Malkavian watches the beginning of the pair's performance before she turns to look down upon the crowd below. One hand rests on the railing while the other tugs and twirls at one of her wild curls, often a bit viciously.

Colombe smiles to Charai, then turns her eyes to Hannah, greeting the other Tremere warmly with a return chin lift. As the Imperator begins to play, she settles back on her hands at the purple divan, and watches the room, as she listens to the soothing sounds of the vintage G&R melody.

Stanley hrmfs, and goes over tot he supplies, taking a tile, palate, and pack of acrylics. And many paper towels. Rather than taking this project ANYWHERE near the furnature, he moves over to a corner, muttering to himself.

Hannah drifts over to collect a palette and some brushes, the former anointed with several squirts of paint. She carries those with one hand and then breezily hooks her other under an easel. She carries all this over to the purple divan where she greets both women with a slim smile and a dip of her head. She doesn't quite sit, but she stands close enough to become a part of the conversation. She says something to them as she goes about setting up her work station, gaze flitting first to Charai and then Colombe.

Madeline looks up as Vegard begins to play, smiles and rises from her seat, leaving her designer heels behind. Stepping into the open space the Toreador begins to dance, her motions fluid, limbs extending out to reach for the music, spinning on the tips of her toes, just led by the notes

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Colombe rolls Charisma(5) + Performance(4) (9 dice) vs 6 for 4 successes. 1 4 4 5 +7 +9 +9 +9 10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

With no lyrics forthcoming, Colombe begins to join in, her voice clear and sweet, apparently having some exposure to this song.

Said woman take it slow and it'll work itself out fine All we need is just a little patience Said sugar make it slow and we'll come together fine All we need is just a little patience

Heathen begins to add colour and flourish, and a small battle begins to form. The three each get accessories. One a glowing hand, one a shield emblazoned with a rose, and the last a second weapon, a mace in the form of a jeweled sceptor. The pair, darker and bloodier, have a bonecrafted and shadowcrafted sword as both engage in the battle

Ramona is very careful, very precise in her movements. She's being very careful here, guys. She's sitting on expensive furniture and she is not a painter, but goddamn she's gonna try. She glances up as the music starts to play and nods, bopping a little to the beat.

Shiori's brush pauses above the stacked tiles while she looks up at Vegard playing. She then glances toward Madeline with a smile. Her gaze returns to her work. She listens while she paints.

The song choice draws a hint of a smile from Ambrosia who leans forward against the railing, lips moving silently and hips swaying just a teeny tiny bit, likely granting that poor ghoul guitarist a distracting view. Madeline steps match the sweetly sad notes of the song perfectly, her golden head tipped just so as she turns. Sliding onto the floor a moment to stretch there, hands extended before she rises with the grace of a professional athelete and balances on the toes of one foot, spinning slowly before taking a small leap and landing on her knees

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Stanley rolls Dexterity vs 7 for 0 successes. 1 2 2 4 8 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Svetlana Serova arrives. Half of her head is shaved, as if she'd been going for a mohawk and lost focus somewhere in the middle. The rest of her typically black mop is bleached to death, including that side's respective eyebrow. She has large round sunglasses pushed up high on the bridge of her nose and is chewing on the end of an unlit Marlboro 100. Her arms are folded tightly beneath her chest, like she's guarding against the wind, and she freezes in the Elysium's entrance as she finds herself facing the performance. Here, she lingers, watching in silence.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Hannah rolls Charisma vs 6 for 0 successes. 1 7 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

At the divan, Hannah says "Good evening, you two. Whip Baribeau, Keeper."

Vegard sighs softly as the last delicate notes are played and he grasps the neck of his guitar as he rests an arm across the top of the instrument as he leans a bit closer toward Ambrosia. He murmurs in a very low voice and he waves a hand vaguely as he speaks to her.

Madelines arms lift in supplication to the sky before they cross and are drawn down across her face, swaying with the note once, twice the next time the sway pulls her to her feet again and she smiles, turning in a slow pirouette, smiling with the joy of the song and the movmement. She moves with the ease of clouds upon air, just led in mincing steps. Beautiful limbs lift over her head again and as the song ends she lowers one arm, palm up, extended towards the Imperator with a smile. Bowing her head to him she smiles and strolls off of the floor to gather up her shoes

Hannah looks up as the singing begins and opts to join in. As a youth who was raised on this stuff, she's able to likewise chime in, knowing the words -- if not the pitch. She rocks in place as she does, seeming oblivious to her off-key yet enthusiastic rendition:

All we need is just a little patience Said sugar make it slow and we'll come together fine All we need is just a little patience.

People are singing, dancing, painting. Phillip is in Toreador heaven. He isn't doing art himself, but the Rose can watch people /do/ art like a pro. And that he does, dark eyes drifting about the room, a smile plastered to his face as he takes it all in. A hand stretches out across the back of the couch as he gets comfortable, seeming perfectly content to be sat here and quickened by it all.

Stanley places several lines of paints from the tubes in a starburst pattern, then brings his clawtips together, pressing the flats into the lines of paint and turning his wrist, smearing the paint, then lifting his claws from the tile, and looking at it, turning his fingers and scraping the paint, trying to make it into something. He looks at the tile, with a random set of smudges and.. just.. starts.. cleaning his claws...

Ambrosia leans in to listen carefully to Vegard's words. She stands up from the railing and steps in close to offer her quiet reply, careful to not touch or otherwise disturb the acoustic guitar in the Imperator's grasp.

Colombe does not seem concerned about the furniture, lucky for Ramona; certainly, it will be noticed that spills and drips are quickly taken care of by the Elysium staff. She watches Madeline while singing with Hannah, and when the song is done, she leans over and says something quietly to the Tremere at the divan, while keeping an eye on the room. Stanley holds her attention for a moment, earning a gentle head-tilt.

At the divan, Charai says "Good evening Primogen."

At the divan, Colombe says "Good evening." She considers Hannah quietly for a moment, and adds, "How are you doing?"

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Colombe rolls Perception(3) + Empathy(5) (8 dice) vs 6 for 3 successes. 2 3 3 4 5 +7 +9 +10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Madeline smiles as she talks with Phillip, designer heels returned to her pretty feet and she nods

You sense Hannah looks worried, drawn, concerned. There's definitely something bothering her, but she's doing her best to keep it contained. Even if it's not a very good job.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Sveta rolls Dexterity + Athletics vs 6 for 3 successes. 3 4 5 +6 +8 +9 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Vegard nods slowly and he smiles briefly when Ambrosia responds to him, then another bout of murmuring as he seems to get more in depth.

Heathen is, apparently satisfied with the work he's done with Asheton, and fans his back a bit to dry the paint before carefully draping a cloth over it to hide it until ready to show. The actual canvas gets it's finishing touches, Smaller figure on the bottom, depicting the battle between Camarilla and Sabbat. Positioning Asheton to the side for a moment as the paintings are paired.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Paige rolls Intelligence + Artistic Expression vs 3 for 9 successes. 2 +3 +3 +5 +6 +7 +7 +9 +9 +10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Asheton follows along to try and see what it is Heathen is working on Paige dropped XI. Justice - Oil on Canvas.

Hannah begins working on the easel in front of her. Now that her awful singing has ended, she has lapsed into an off-key hum, her intense eyes trained on the pure white canvas. Her brush dips into the brown, mixing it with black, and then she begins to create broad strokes up and down, up and down. As she works, she looks over at Colombe, considering something, and then offers the Keeper a soft aside -- her brows furrowing.

Kahraman relaxes and watches the others paint. He remains silent.

Sveta maneuvers around the prince and her primogen, regarding both behind those bugeyed, mirrored lenses, and slips her ass onto the banister. She rides it like a mechanical bull, dismounting with nary a hitch of wasted momentum as she segues into a trot that takes her over to the artists immersed in their work. Slowing now, she circles them like a shark, looking each canvas over in turn. She doesn't offer any greetings or acknowledgements.

Paige glances upwards at the antics going on as she sets her knife aside. Sighing softly as she pushes once more an easel out of her way before softly she nods.

Hannah whispers “I'm...I don't know, to be honest. Have you spoken to Cropsey lately? His phone number hasn't been working for me the last couple of days.”

Heathen gives a moment, and looks around... "Would anyone happen to have a Mirror, so that Asheton can see the effect for himself?"

Lila pushes away from the wall as the song ends and heads towards the supply table, apparently deciding to test her own luck at some kind of artistic endeavor. She picks up one of the small tiles, then a palette, paints, a couple of brushes and a smock. Then it's back to that spot by the wall where, after setting the gathered supplies down, she lays the smock on the floor before settling cross-legged at the edge of it start setting things up.

The music starts streaming again, this time, continuing the ballad theme: https://youtu.be/UrIiLvg58SY

Stanley fastidiously cleans his claws and gathers the tubes of paint back in the case they came in, then gathers the towels and palette passing them off to the staff member, "Here, take this before I kill again." He says, and lets them collect the odd multicolored tile. Suitable Atristic offering. Color splotches and light claw marks.

Colombe's gaze, once captured by Paige's painting remains there while she chats with Hannah and Charai. Something Hannah says quietly to her makes her pause, however, and she looks directly at the Tremere, her eyes curious. She replies quietly, while the soothing sounds of Extreme harmony float through the Elysium.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Shiori rolls Dexterity + Artistic Expression vs 4 for 5 successes. 1 3 3 +5 +7 +8 +9 +9 10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> Sent to: Shiori, Shiori, and Colombe

Hannah senses “Colombe is surprised, and curious. "He seemed ok to me. Did something happen?"”

Ambrosia's gaze briefly moves to Vegard's guitar which is positioned so close as the two murmur to one another, then she meets his gaze again as they speak. The hand toying with her curls stops and drops to her side. Madeline pages: so... 2-3 masterworks in one scene? wow =)

Vegard shakes his head slowly, he waves his hand around as he speaks to Ambrosia and keeps his voice low.

Madeline kisses Phillip's cheek as they chat and nods with a smile, and a soft answer

Stanley leeeaves the crime scene and goes back to where Ramonas working and sits back down.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Ramona rolls Dexterity vs 7 for 0 successes. 3 3 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Hannah's gaze drifts from the painting to Vegard and Ambrosia, curious, then back to the art in progress. The smudgy earth-color of her brush goes to the green next and she begins to add branches to those unyielding trunks, making the cursory beginning of trees. It's obviously a night scene, but then again the subject is Kindred. She begins to murmur something else to Colombe, not looking at her yet, but instead staring at the dark landscape in the making.

Finally, the brush falls away and she looks over to the Ventrue directly. She seems to search the other woman's face before offering another aside. One of her small shoulders draw up, appearing unsure.

Ramona leans up from where she's doing her tile and she looks it over. It's supposed to be a Bob Ross sort of painting. The sky doesn't look too bad. It's a deep red with streaks of happy little gray and black clouds. The mountain in the background looks like an upside down icecream cone that's had a bite out of it and the snow that caps it is a horrible mixture of black, white and red. The snow is tinted pinkish and there's a bright red splat in the middle and for extra drama, she dripped a little red down on each side. "Et voila!"

Shiori continues working on her creation for a while, mostly in greys, blacks and whites, though there are accents of pink. The ties of the ballet shoes around the ballerina's legs. Hints of pink trimming the skirt the ballerina wears. The straps of the ballerina's top. And then a splash of delicate gold for the hair of the ballerina in mid-piroutte. Finally she sighs and steps back to study the painting she's created. Finally she is satisfied. She goes to start cleaning up after herself.

Ambrosia stares at Vegard for a long moment after listening to something he murmured to her. Her emotionless mask briefly wanes as her expression betrays the quickest flash of anger, though not at the Imperator but at the topic on hand. She's quick to recover. Even smile prettily, and she remains careful not to touch that guitar as she leans in to murmur another reply.

Stanley nods to Ramona, looking at her offering, "That. Is. Great. Way better than mine." He says approvingly.

Hannah whispers “Yeah. Sort of. We had a...fight, kind of. And now his number doesn't work for me. He must just be pissed, which is fine -- I just wanted to make sure. But if you've seen him around and stuff...”

Vegard nods slowly and he whispers one final statement to Ambrosia before he moves to oversee a cadre of ghouls setting up instruments around him.

Asheton offers Heath his phone "Take a photo if you like"

Paige tilts her head to Ramona before she nods just a hair. But then silently she sits, hands clasping in her lap as she just settles in and stares straight ahead.

Ramona pages: colombe that works for me. Just add in there that it looks like it was made by a 12 year old. 0 successes

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Charai rolls Dexterity vs 7 for 2 successes. +9 +9 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Ambrosia offers a quick curtsey and deep bow of her head before she turns away from Vegard and immediately descends to the lower level, taking the stairs unlike her acrobatic Russian clan-mate.

Ambrosia steps away from the Second Floor Overlook.

Madeline rises as Phillip does and smiles as he takes his leave, stepping over to see Shiori's work and Heathens

Hannah loses one Willpower <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Hannah rolls Intelligence + Crafts vs 6 for 0 successes. 1 1 3 3 4 8 8 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Charai rises and moves to gather paints before returning to the divan and setting up to paint her tile. She seems to have settled on a design at least as she makes with the stick figure. In the end it turns out to look like something your average tween might doddle on a textbook.

Hannah senses “Colombe is very focused on this conversation right now. Her lips party gently before she replies, "He mentioned he was going to step back socially for a bit. I haven't seen him since Sunday." A long pause. "Why did you fight?"”

Shiori cleans up after herself as best she can, and then steps over to Madeline's side when the taller woman comes to look at the works.

Lila positions the tile just-so on the smock after squirting black, blue and yellow paints in a neat line on the palette. Picking up the smallest brush acquired, she dabs it in the black before leaning forward to draw her first line in a steady hand.

Heathen steps behind the Canvas, and waits for a lull in the music. Reaching out to take Asheton's hand above his head. "If I could have your attention... " and a moment for whomever might be curious to look their way. .. "During the Convention of Thorns, battle lones were drawn. Order vs Chaos. For the future hearts and minds of young Kindred." and with a twist, pulls Asheton in front of the trio, replacing them with themselves. Battle hardened. shield dented. Scepter dulled. Magic a little less bright. "A hard battle, long fought... but perserverence and determination are a strength, especially to those long lived." and with another pull and spin, and the covering falling, and the battle changing again. The shadow blade driven through the Tzimisce.."Though we should all be wary, as the fortunes of war are ever shifting..."

Hannah continues her quiet conversation with Colombe. Her brush moves almost on its own accord to the red, where it is brought to the middle of one of the trees. She begins to blot the spot, over and over, and over, eyes far away while she murmurs. Eventually, the distracted mashing overtakes the picture, past the outline of the tree, but she doesn't seem to be paying attention anymore.

Asheton blinks as Heath moves him about this way and that, but he's listening to his storytelling with a pleased smile.

Madeline slips her arm about Shiori and smiles as she looks over the painting "Its wonderful ma cheri" kissing her temple before turning to look over at Asheton and Heathen

Vegard trades his acoustic for an electric guitar and his servant on the small drum kit hits the bass drum twice, testing the acoustics. Then again he hits the bass drum twice. Slowly he begins to repeat this and the prince says into the microphone that is placed before him, "There is no hidden meaning or message here. I just like this song." then he begins to strum. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gnm0qjCq1XQ)

By the look in your eyes And in the silence I hear the change coming It's Only a matter of time It's been a long time Since we made love together And longer since the times When you used to say how you loved me I want To know how to separate Love and tears You used to open your heart And Tell the secrets you'd dare tell no other You knew that I'd keep them Inside Now all I get are your lies And all the promises that there's no Other You'd never have a lover beside me Girl, you played me for a fool, Yeah I want to know how to separate Love and tears ...love and teardrops Falling down again, oh 'Cause you let me down again, you see When I'm Giving you the best of me And I'm asking for a chance Or did you find Another man Gonna take you away And buy you everything you ever dreamed I want to know how to separate Love and tears

Sveta has wound up observing Hannah's canvas. She's staring. Not in a good way. Heathen's interjection gets her attention, though. She peers over his way, pulling off those round shades of hers and affixing her gaze upon him. As he speaks, a single eyebrow arches ever higher.

"Duckling, the Convention of Thorns was a 'peace' agreement that saw an armistice to the fighting." Ambrosia calls over to Heathen once she reaches the base of the stairs. "It was the end of the first Anarch Revolt after being proposed by the founders of our great sect. Battle lines were erased on those evenings, though blood was shed..." The Malkavian hushes quickly as the Imperator's performance begins.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Heathen rolls Intelligence + Crafts vs 6 for 6 successes. 3 4 5 5 +6 +8 +8 +9 +9 +10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> Sent to: Heathen and Colombe

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Heathen rolls Intelligence + Body Crafting vs 6 for 6 successes. 2 2 3 4 +6 +8 +8 +8 +8 +9 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> Sent to: Heathen and Colombe

You sense Hannah takes a long while to answer as she tries to compartmentalize her feelings. Finally, she says, "We fought about the nature of...things. Our kind. It's complicated." She shakes her head, no longer paying attention to her picture. "I probably shouldn't have said anything. If he doesn't want to talk to me, that's fine. But you saying he wants to retreat socially does make me worry."

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Lila rolls Intelligence + Expression vs 6 for 5 successes. 2 4 +6 +6 +7 +7 +8 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============-------------> Heathen pages: second for the body painting part

Colombe's gaze shifts to the Imperator as he plays the song, her ear cocked to listen to Hannah, meanwhile.

Stanley settles back in the chair to listen tot he Prince singing. He's painted, that's enough damage for the evening.

Ambrosia sits down at the Grey sectional.

Madeline turns to give the living painting on Ashetons' skin her full attention, smiling and nodding at the skill with which it was done then she laughs and nods to Ambrosia "It is art Primogen, not a true history lesson" before nodding to Heathen and Asheton "Very well done"

Asheton laughs "Mine was the easy part" he assures her

Phillip rises from the sectional and checks his watch, then turns, buttons his coat, and starts to make his way to the exit, pausing only to stop at the purple divan and whisper something to Colombe, a smile on his face. As he moves to continue out, the Rose lingers at Hannah's painting and studies it for a moment, his face flat as he takes in the trees and that hella blotted red spot. His smile falters just a bit as he nods slowly, clearly being polite, "Good effort, Primogen, a good effort."

Phillip whispers “Thank you for a wonderful event. Let me know if you need any help with those tiles.”

Kahraman stands and puts his shoes on. He moves away from the pillows towards one of the easels and comes to a stop. He stares at the blank emptyness and then down to the colors for a moment. Then he takes a tube and then another and another, slowly mixing them to a desired color.

Vegard plays the last notes of the song and he says into the microphone, "The Convention of Thorns was a bold move to seize power and a successful one at that. A much needed change, for an age of Anarchy that needed to end. The only Anarchs left now are petulant children with chips on their shoulders, they lack strategy, influence, resources and they lack spine. Take a long look at LA if you want to see the apex of Anarch culture, there...is....none. Goodnight everyone." he waves and heads toward the elevator, leaving the servants to break down the instruments as fast as they set them up.

Kahraman steps away from the Pillow Ring.

Colombe smiles to Vegard and inclines her head to him as he takes his leave. "Goodnight, Imperator. Thanks for coming out."

Stanley listens to the Prince talking and as he leaves on the PSA note he smiles, then looks to Hannahs work and nods, "Cool." He thumbsup, Approval from the bottom of the Artistic barrel.

Vegard turns once in the elevator and he gives Colombe a sly wink just before the doors close.

Ambrosia slumps into the a seat at the grey sectional without acknowledging Stanley or Ramona who are present there. She seems distracted and almost sad for a moment before resuming her routine, emotionless facade. The end of the music and Vegard's departure have her looking around again, ice-blue gaze taking in the sights of the various works of art.

Hannah looks over when Phillip approaches, offering the Toreador a friendly smile. "Good evening," she says, although his comment about her artwork earns a startled look toward the canvas. Espying the ree-ree-ree murder strokes of the brush, she groans lightly and then sticks her tongue out at Phillip. "I'll have you know, there are dozens of idiots out there that would probably buy this as is." That said, she puts her brush down, apparently done with it. Vegard is bowed to, smiled to, but the look slips away in favor of something more gloomy as she wanders from the divan to fetch a new canvas.

Hannah senses “Colombe considers. "Not retreating socially. More like... paring down his friends list." She offers Hannah a supportive smile, her gaze focused. "It must have been some argument. He's usually so laid back."”

Heathen finds his way back to the observers, wiping his fingers clean on a peace of cloth. "One war ended, and while the next not officially declared, the statement was made by one was that he had come to negotiate, not surrender. But, as many older vampires tend, what was started did not reveal itself for some time to come."

Phillip just smiles to Hannah and bows his head, "No doubt, Primogen." He then offers one final nod to Colombe, a glance and a nod to Charai, then makes his way to the exit with swift, graceful steps.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Kahraman rolls Dexterity vs 7 for 1 successes. 2 2 5 +8 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Colombe smiles quietly to Phillip and nods warmly to the Rose, before he leaves.

Charai lifts a hand in farewell to the departing Phillip and then looks over at Hannah's painting for a moment then down at her own and seems amused. "Art is not my strong suit." Madeline smiles and nods to Hannah "Art often rests in the eyes of the beholder, that could indeed sell" she says then nods to Heathen "I suppose Asheton is not up for auction though?" she teases

After several minutes of mixing and trying to decide on the right color, Kahraman nods to himself in silence and then begins to use his fingers to paint.

Sveta absorbs the performance like a sea sponge. That is: placidly and in the hopes of catching some plankton through the currents. When it ends and the prince drifts off, she rolls her neck out and glances over at the gray sectional. She lists over and drops between Ramona and Ambrosia, be there space or not. Heathen gives Madeline a wink. "No, not tonight. Maybe later." Sveta sits down at the Grey sectional. Set.

<---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Lila rolls Intelligence + Crafts vs 6 for 0 successes. 1 1 2 4 7 8 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Madeline laughs warmly and kisses Heathen's cheek then speaks quietly to Shiori before turning to take her leave

Hannah wanders back with a fresh canvas in hand and settles it on the easel. She begins a second go, this time creating broad almond-shaped ovals with her first strokes. She looks to Colombe with consideration and then nods slowly, but otherwise offers no reply. Not yet. Another line is added above, making a lid, and then circles in the center. Eyes. Only after the creation of the first pupil does she murmur something to Colombe. It's paired with a faint smile and another small shrug.

That's when she sees Sveta roaming around like a terrifying art critic. She waves her brush at the Malkavian in greeting before putting it to work.

Kahraman steps back and examines his work so far. Nodding and then stepping back in to do more. He reaches down and begins using black.

Hannah whispers “Oh. Well. I suppose I've been pared then. And you know, with my winning personality, I'm bound to make friends left and right until I don't.”

Hannah blows a kiss to Madeline on her way out.

Lila's first line is at least straight, the rest...not so much. Though she may have had /something/ in mind going in, whatever it was ends up being nothing more than an abstract mess of colors and hidden meanings. At least she seemed to put her undead heart into it.

Something Stanley says or asks at the grey sectional draws a snap-glance from Ambrosia who stares at him with a dead-eyed expression.

Shiori watches Madeline go, and then steps away. She drifts slowly toward Colombe, and once there she offers, "Thank you for a beautiful evening. I'm going to go. It takes some time to get back to Carlsbad after all." She smiles warmly, and then drifts toward the stairs and the way out.

Colombe leans in and offers Hannah a light, but supportive hug, careful not to interrupt her artistic struggle. When Shiori comes near, she straightens and offers the Rose a quick smile. "Adieu, Shiori. Thank-you so much for coming."

You whisper “I'll talk to him.” to Hannah.

Sveta and her Primogen have a moment: the two just stare at once another, Ambrosia with her cool, blue eyed gaze, and Serova with piercing gray intensity, offset only by the flaccid, unlit cigarette dangling from her lips. It's broken by Stanley, who greets her, and winds up getting both the Malkavian primogen and whip's unrelenting attention. After a few long moments, she responds in turn:

"Hi."

Hannah's wave spares Stanley further scrutiny, however, at least from the Slav: the Russian glances over and extends a finger pistol like an Olympian, angling it at the Butterfly from afar, and squeezing an eye shut to line up her thumb on the target in lieu of sights. It's quiet, but one might be able to make out the "ptchew" she makes with her lips from across the room.

Kahraman tilts his head and lets out a "hmmm" in thought. Then reaches down and begins cleaning his fingers with a rag. Afterwards, he stands staring at the painting for a few minutes. He then moves to a nearby table and grabs a small card and pen and writes something on it. After which, he returns and places the card on the easel. Kahraman raises his hand and bites his finger, allowing vitae to flow slowly from it. He quickly begins what looks like a combination of smudging and dripping it onto the painting.

Stanley sits there, getting stared at by Malkavians. It happens. He continues chatting.

Hannah accepts the hug, offering a tight one back. She says something to the Ventrue before turning to resume her painting, content to lapse into silence for the time being. Some of her reverie is broken by Sveta's pistol, which of course makes Hannah take a dramatic step backward before grasping her bosom as if shot.

Lila's nose wrinkles as she stares at her "masterpiece", a roll of the eyes following as she mutters something about bonfire fodder. Setting the paintbrush down, she looks around for a short time, then starts to slowly clean up the mess in her area.

Charai having contributed something to the nights event settles back offering moral support to Hannah as she paints. A smile is given to Colombe before Charai rises to her feet, "If you will excuse me I have something I need to attend to."

Hannah whispers “I...Okay. Just, if you see him, tell him I'd like to talk, yeah?”

Hannah loses one Willpower <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Hannah rolls Intelligence + Crafts vs 6 for 5 successes. 3 5 +8 +9 +9 +10 +10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

Ed steps out of the secure elevator and pauses for a moment, looking over those gathered. One might even think that the Sheriff had forgotten about the Wednesday night social. A quick look around, then the Nosferatu makes her way towards Paige.

Colombe's gaze goes between Sveta and Hannah, a slight smile rising at the mock violence. When Hannah speaks, she nods to her, and as Charai stands, the Ventrue stands as well, offering to take the work from her. "Good night, Whip Baribeau."

Ambrosia appears to subject Stanley to some terrible mood of hers, as she's all hiss-whispers and cold glares at the grey sectional. Something else is quickly murmured to Sveta before the black-haired Malkavian starts to rise, clearly upset..

Sveta lowers her hand. Of course she didn't miss. Why would she ever miss. She blows smoke from the index finger barrel and glances between her Primogen and Stanley, saying a single word to him in her native tongue, although it's not with any particular depth of sincerity, before wondering, between him and the departing Ambrosia: "I can smoke in here?"

Hannah turns a slim smile to Charai and nods her head. "Good evening, Whip Baribeau. Don't worry -- we all have an eternity to suck a little less." Eloquent words to be sure.

Ramona was just trying to get the paint off her fingernail when the quiet scathing comes. She looks up and blinks, glancing back and forth, confused, between Ambrosia and Stanley

After another couple of minutes, Kahraman stops and steps back and says, "Finished...". He smiles gently at his first work of art ever. For any who look at it, it is a semi crude painting of a skull using smudge and drip work. Colors used are covered in black and then a hint of vitae can be seen throughout. On the card below is written "A.K. 21" followed by the title "Poison" and beneath it is written "Do not touch. Handle with gloves."

The eyes begin to take shape and color. It's actually quite good. But she hesitates. "I think I'll finish this at home." This isn't said to anyone in particular. She's in the process of grabbing the canvas when Ambrosia lets out that screech, and she peers over at the grey couch with curiosity. Apparently not a LOT of curiosity -- lots of strange things happen over there, after all - because she is content to grab her work in process and make for the door.

Ambrosia finishes rising from the grey section and she seems to put effort into not temper-stomping over to the table with the various canvases yet unclaimed. One is selected along with a single vial of black paint, three brushes of various sizes, and a lone cup of water. The belongings are carefully carried over to the black leather divan where Paige sits and the goth sets her items on the floor by the Caitiff's feet before she kneels down and starts to paint rapidly...

Stanley steps away from the Grey sectional.

Sveta waggles her cigarette, then slips it behind her ear. She watches Stanley depart, then sets her gaze upon Ambrosia, watching with muted interest as she begins her artwork. The Russian seems content to observe from this perch.

Paige finally moves her head again, watching as Ambrosia kneels, eyes blinking twice. "You shouldn't use acrylics."

Ed was on her way towards Paige, which is where Ambrosia and Sveta happen to be as well. "Evening. I feel as if I've missed some sort of excitement," she says, as she looks down at Ambrosia's frantic actions.

Lila picks up her tile with one hand while neatly bundling the rest of the supplies in the smock with the other. Rising to her feet, she eyes Kahraman's creation curiously and then shoots that same curious gaze towards the grey sectional. With a slight shrug, she strolls over to deposit the bundle of used supplies back on the table, setting the tile alongside it as well. Before turning to walk away, she does make sure to grab a small card and write on it - willing to attach her name to that creative mess.

Kahraman wipes his hands clean, cleans up his mess and then makes his way out. "Have a good night everyone."

Stanley heads out, leaving.

Kahraman moves to Emerald Plaza - Gallery

Ambrosia loses one Magical Essence Ambrosia loses one Magical Essence Ambrosia loses one Magical Essence <---======##====================[ Dice Roll ]=====================##======---> Ambrosia rolls 6 + Expression vs 6 for 1 successes. 1 1 4 4 +8 8 10 <-------------=============++++++++++++++++++++++++=============------------->

You paged Ambrosia with ‘I told him it was ok.’ You paged Ambrosia with ‘Do you think I should let him do it?’ You paged Ambrosia with ‘It was my idea to retcon’ You paged Ambrosia with ‘You are right, I didn't realize he rolled’ Ambrosia pages: It's fine, then. I'm in a foul mood for other reasons and think I'm taking it out elsewherre. Retcon is smarter, since he's already in a bit of a pickle.

Ambrosia's hand moves with incredibly speed and fluidity as she begins to put paint to canvas. Paige's words earn a simple, "I am the artist, Sands.", before the goth proceeds to decorate her canvas with somewhat random splats and splotches of inky black paint...

"So art we all." Paige responds, quietly, before her eyes move softly to Ed. "The old man is on a rampage lately."

Ed looks between Ambrosia and Paige, then gives her head a shake. "What is he on a rampage about?" She asks, as her eyes make their way towards the two pieces that Paige has been working on.

Ambrosia drops her paint brush after one last, random paint stroke and shouts out in a weird, southern drawl, "Fuck girl, that there looks like shiiiit, wooo!" She quickly gathers her things, offers a quick, "Shutup!" to Ed and Paige, and then storms out toward the gallery.

"Apparently upsetting as much of the praxis as he can." Paige rolls her shoulders up into a soft, non commital shrug. Her eyes follow after Ambrosia however though she doesn't raise to follow.

Lila finishes whatever it is she's writing on the card and leans it carefully against the tile. Turning at last, she starts to make her way out, offering Colombe a faint smile as she passes. "Enjoy your evening, Keeper."

"Good night Ambrosia," Ed calls out, as Ambrosia takes her leave. "And whom did he offend?" She queries of Paige.

"Most recently, the Malkavian primogen. Before that, the Mlakavian primogen, the Toreador Primogen, the Tremere Primogen, his sherrif, and two of his best combatants." Paige tilts her head just a hair to the side, her voice as always that calm and cool softness. "He has been a bit on a roll lately."

Colombe, momentarily distracted as people take their leave, looks to Paige as she re-enters the conversation. "Sounds a bit like projection --- isn't that your own list of troubled relationships?"

Colombe smiles warmly to Paige when she says it --- notably.

Ed mmms, eyes turning away from the exit and returning to Paige. She opens her mouth to say something, then closes it as Colombe speaks up first.

"I never realized I was on bad terms with Milenka, Ed, or Ambrosia." Paige tilts her head softly to one side. "What should be more concerning is Shiori and myself coming to the same side of an issue."

Colombe inclines her head to Paige, her eyes warm. "Definitely noteworthy. Not at all strategic, I assume."

Having had enough of standing, Ed settles onto the leather divan and leans back into it. "What did you agree on?"

"You need to watch court more closely." Paige tilts her head from one side to the other. "He is pressing to hard, and his handling of Guivre's ghoul caused him to visibly lose support amongst the court." Softly her shoulders shrug. "Nothing is ever strategic at first. I merely watch, but eventually if he keeps tightening his grip, they will start to talk to each other, and eventually past that they will come to others and ask what they want."

"I can see it." Colombe replies softly, nodding to Paige. "What would you have done with the ghoul, in his place?"

Ed is clearly still listening, but she turns her head to study Paige's work. In particularly, her eyes seem drawn to 'Justice'.

She sits in a throne of granite, flanked by pillars to either side, sitting tall and straight.

Her robes are of the deepest red, her mantle of gold thread, and she wears a golden crown atop a head that is misshapened and distorted in features, yet still carries a look of serenity and observation despite its monstrocity. Her right arm raises, holding with claw like fingers a sword in her grip, ready to dispence the punishment called upon. And in her left she holds out in front of her a set of scales, perfectly balanced.

"I am by nature, much more cautious then I let on." Paige tilts her head softly from one side to the other once more. "If I had the same relationship with her as he did, my answer may not have been dissimilar though I would personally have been perhaps more prone to grant permission and have her watched, a trap discovered after all is only a danger to the setter. But his decision is not the issue, his pressing of her into a visibly highly distressing bond conflict was."

"You are always more than you seem, for what it's worth." Colombe smiles quietly to Paige, and if allowed, will lean in to offer the Caitiff a little, lingering hug.

"Perhaps." Paige notes back to Colombe, though her only response is a little shrug to even the hug. "But I have perhaps also grown accustomed to my lack of agency."

Colombe detaches and straightens. She offers Ed a warm glance and a nod, before saying to both. "I must be going. Thanks for coming tonight." With that, she smiles, and turns, heading toward the stairs.