Los Angeles,
California: September 21, 2013
On the Grand
Grotesquerie:
If you have ever had
the opportunity to attend one of Mihail’s extravagant extravaganzas, then you might understand why I needed a few days
to process the evening’s festivities. It seemed that every corner writhed with naked bodies, and
the air was thick with the smell of blood and bile. Things were
happening in those corners, but I don’t dare describe them. Let’s just say that Mihail is known for
pushing boundaries!
I pity to think of those who missed this little shindig because,
and I do so hate to be the bearer of
bad news, this was your last
chance. Mihail has retired, passed
on the torch (to a Giovanni no less), and disappeared into the night!
We were saddened, and perhaps a bit shocked, to learn that Mihail’s childer had been killed only two
weeks prior to the Grotesquerie.
It added to the curiosity surrounding his decision to host his (in)famous party three years ahead of
time. Not that it kept the guests
from turning out in droves, and it seemed that Mihail was happy for the
distraction!
On those who
disappointed and those who delighted:
Judging by the way some of those guests were dressed you
could only assume they stumbled onto the Martyr’s
Obsession out of sheer luck!
It didn’t go unnoticed, either.
In a crowd of so many spectacularly dressed individuals, it was the
jeans and t-shirts that stood out like sore thumbs! Our host took note and considered it as a personal affront. He had provided his guests with the
chance to truly show off their colors and some decided not to take advantage of
the masquerade-friendly environment.
Jeans and t-shirts. How Ungracious!
Sure, not everyone could be as outrageous, and I mean
that in a good way, as DeAnna Eldritch of clan Toreador—she sported a wedding
dress and hair in a glorious shade of lavender—but at least put a little effort
into your outfit.
It’s not like you’re attending The Party of the decade…oh wait.
But, let’s not waist time on plebeians.
I’ve already mentioned Ms. Eldritch’s extraordinary party digs,
but she wasn’t the only one who really stepped it up that night.
How fantastic was Harpy June’s hat! Can you call it a hat? I don’t care what you call it; I was
absolutely wild about it! Even Mihail couldn’t help but comment on
it. I’m sure you all had the chance to meet this enchanting
example of charm and wit. It was
truly a delight to work alongside her as a Talon, along with the ever-lovely
Leigia Loxley.
Elder Tamerlane was a vision
in copper! I don’t know that I’ve
ever known someone to cut such a striking figure. The gown itself was exquisite,
but she just had that It factor. The way she carried herself! That grace! I
was positively enthralled! She is truly a noble lady.
On the debutante and
how she handled the evening:
Raina Thomas von Daun—I’m so excited to get to call her that
now—the newest member of House von Daun, made her social debut that night and
boy did she shine! It’s easy to get overwhelmed being
surrounded by so many illustrious (not to mention intimidating) kindred, but
she carried herself with all the aplomb and dignity one would expect from a
member of such an acclaimed
house. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing this lovely rose bloom!
Our eccentric host offered her a few words of wisdom. Noticing her reserved demeanor—being in
the midst of such daunting figures calls for reservation—he loudly remarked
that if she wanted to make an impression she had to, “Fucking own it!” Not exactly the way I would have put it, but needless to say
Mihail’s peculiar way of speaking matches his peculiar sense of style!
On Elder von Daun’s
newest project:
Speaking of House von Daun, have you heard that Elder Viveka
has taken a new artist under her wing?
I have it straight from the
source that my very own beloved cousin Selene de Lorraine, Harpy of Washington,
has found herself a most excellent patron. As you can imagine, I am aflutter
with excitement! I can hardly
stand it! Elder Viveka has always
chosen the most prestigious and promising artistes.
On those dressed to
impress with poor follow through:
Lilly Belle Stafford of House Thorne undoubtedly made an
impression in a lavish red ball
gown.
I’ll leave it to you to decide just what sort of an
impression that was.
Certainly, there are some who have praised her beauty. If only her attitude matched the outer
shell.
It seems that when the Toreador met to have their meeting
they nearly started without the Eldest von Daun! Not only did they neglect
to inform her of the meeting—a mistake Elder Delgado and Elder Preston saw to
correcting—but most of them seemed to be ignorant
of her presence at the gathering all together!
Now, I could go into how much of a crime that is, but I’ll let it slide.
When Elder Viveka made her offense known to Ms. Stafford and
the Toreador Primogen, the Keeper of Elysium loudly exclaimed, “Well, I don’t
know who you are!” Can you believe
the nerve!?
Of course, Elder Viveka did not bat an eye. She has always been a most dignified
individual, and this instance was no exception. I can only imagine
the stunned silence that followed such an exclamation. To
think, someone could be so ignorant as to who the other Elders of their
clan are, it’s maddening! And when
the Primogen realized that Elder Viveka might have taken further offense he
tried to pass it off as a joke!
You’d think a former harpy of the Camarilla (I’m sure you
all remember the Raylan Carlyle Affair) would have a better handle on politics
then that!
On Atlanta’s Scourge
debacle:
I can’t not talk
about the rumor going around that Prince Nicola Adorno of Atlanta appointed a
Caitiff and an Assamite to work as her scourges!
I swear, you leave a city and everything turns on its
head!
Needless to say the ship was abuzz with speculation over its apparent truth and the
ramifications of such a decision.
The Assamite is only recognized
after all.
I’ve heard that it is in fact the Caitiff that holds the actual position while the Assamite works
as his assistant. Which is slightly less scandalous. But if such is the case, then I have to
wonder why Simon Striga (the Assamite for those who aren’t following) is happy to perpetuate the belief that he in fact holds a position in the
Camarilla? He knows very well the controversy it has
created, specifically the scrutiny Prince Adorno now faces, and he seems to
delight in it!
He’s certainly the most approachable Assamite I’ve every
encountered, but that doesn’t makes his hands any less bloody.
Still, I trust Prince Adorno has a handle on things.
On various scandals
and other bits of hearsay:
On
the changing of names:
I have it on good authority that the reason Simon Delgado
has changed his name to Adam is to avoid sharing the moniker with an
Assamite. Maybe the troublesome
Mr. Striga can be convinced to change his
name. He’s already changed it so
many times, what’s one more?
On the Brujah:
It seems that the Prince of London found himself snubbed in
a similar way to our dearest Viveka.
The Brujah failed to alert him
to the fact that there was a clan meeting to be held that evening. Only when it was brought to their attention they shrugged it off and
no one seemed in any particular hurry to correct this oversight.
Now, I know a couple of Scholars and I hold them in highest
regard (some I might even call friends), so I shall leave the blame of this
little mishap on the shoulders of the Brujah Primogen of LA. All things considered, it was (should
have been) his responsibility to ensure that everyone was aware of the meeting.
The Prince of London, by the way, was an absolute
delight. A very wise individual
and a great conversationalist. I do hope that he has it in his heart to
give the States another chance. I
would lament not getting another chance to speak with him.
On Dracula:
Dracula was said to be on board! Do you know this is the second
party I’ve been to that was crashed by a Tzimisce? The thought just makes me want to crawl out of my skin! To think that I could have been two
steps away from running into Vlad Tepes himself! I shudder at the idea.
Thankfully Mr. Rutherford was there to usher him away and
save us all from that uncomfortable
encounter! There wasn’t even a scene.
He asked, and Dracula left!
For his impressive display he is now known as Dragon Slayer.
On the truth of a terrible joke:
So, have you heard the one about the three Tremere and an
Assamite? I swear it isn’t a
joke. Apparently these particular
Tremere engaged in such monstrous
blood sport that it made the Assamite uncomfortable! Dearest June has a much better (read: firsthand) account of
that particular little matter. You
can read it here.
On upcoming events:
Prince Max Powers of Riverside will be hosting his own
little party at the end of October.
You should think about going!
After all, any party can be a real swinger if the right people are
there.
While you’re there you should meet his seneschal Rotham
Razul.
You’ll know him when you see him, he likely be in an open
shirt with a microphone hanging around his neck. I can only imagine he dresses this way because he’s a famous
rapper. Yes, my dear readers, I
said it. A famous rapper. “What
is that?” I hear you asking. Well
I think the resplendent June put it best. He wraps words around music.
Somehow he uses this ability to help protect the
masquerade? I’m not entirely sure
how that is supposed to work, but if you’re curious you can ask him
yourself.
Final notes:
It was an absolutely fabulous evening full of fabulous
people. You should have seen House Constantinian, we looked so
dapper in our lovely gowns and sharp suits. I don’t want to sound like I’m bragging, but it was a true
show of force!
Harpy June, it was an absolute delight. I hope to visit again soon.
Bisou, bisou
Desi
