Eliza Owens

Who: The Umbra Vampire Court & You! Known werewolves should probably come in disguise unless they want to be on the receiving end of some vicious mockery intense disdain.
What: Accepting the petitions of their loyal citizens is something the Umbra clan does regularly. It's how they uphold their end of the bargain they have with the humans; it's the payment they make in exchange for blood. So now, in the days before the ball - they are accepting supplicants and auditions for entertainers (and anyone else who wants to worm their way into the Umbra side of things).
When: Days 1 and 2, before the Masquerade takes place.
Where: Beneath the Umbra Mansion.
Content warnings: General warning for everything associated with or adjacent to vampires. Specific warnings will be added as they come up! Unless a preference is specified, it will be either Nero or Shadow who responds. (Or if you're up for a multi-way thread: why not both?)


The room the audience takes place in is located beneath the Umbra Mansion. Set apart from the rest of the complicated warren of rooms, this reception hall is - like the mansion above - ornately decorated. Lit candles flicker behind stained glass, casting prismatic images across the walls. A series of iron grates along one wall open to the catacombs that run beneath Montica, and a lit fireplace crackles nearby in an attempt to combat the persistent draft. A red carpet is draped carefully over the worn stone floor, hiding the stains that give evidence to the transgressions of the past.

A series of steps rise at the back of the room, leading up to a raised dais. A couple of high-backed chairs are centered here. They sit spaced a distance apart, allowing room for a portrait to be seen clearly between them; as if the young girl painted there is presiding over the proceedings herself. Those familiar with the clan will recognise her name as Maria, the person around whom the Head has built the clan's values.

Other chairs are positioned in an outward semi-circle from those not-quite-thrones, enough for those who comprise the Umbra court to gather.

It is in those two centered chairs that the Lord of Shadows - Lord Umbra - and his Heir sit. Looking about equal in age, the one to the left is Lord Umbra himself. He seems somehow older - a heavier presence about him, the shadows beneath his chair seemingly darker. The one to the right is Nero, sitting with the same deliberate poise, his face schooled into neutrality; but occasionally something flickers across his expression, traces of humanity he hasn't quite yet lost shining through.

They are both trying very, very hard to keep their patience as the Lord raises his hand for the next petitioner to approach. Not only are they seeing supplicants today - those seeking favours or supports - but they are also accepting... auditions. For performers at the ball. (The last flutist left such a ringing in the hall that the Lord is reconsidering that decision.)

Word travels fast, and the audience chamber is open to all. Even if you're not seeking something yourself, it's a good place to further some understandings - and maybe find some allies to hatch some plans.