13527/Hellfire Club Inner Circle - December 2022 Meeting

Hellfire Club Inner Circle - December 2022 Meeting
Date of Scene:	08 December 2022
Location:	The Inner Sanctum - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	New Members are Promoted, and the White King drops a wad of cash for the Head(s) of HYDRA.
Cast of Characters:	Sebastian Shaw, Talia al Ghul, Lex Luthor, Blake Riviere, Richard Swift, Ariah Olivie, Elektra Natchios

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Sebastian Shaw has posed:
It is that time again - the meeting of the Hellfire Club's Inner Circle. A more wretched hive of scum and villainy...well, while villainy depends upon one's point of view, none within can be described as wretched, at least. Sitting upon the Black Throne, Sebastian Shaw looks very much like the Black King he claims to be in title and action - wearing a black Victorian era jacket accented with a purple sash about the waist and matching black pants that come just past his knees, the white lace of his shirt spills out from his sleeves and collar. It might look pretentious - and most likely does - but there is something of a tradition around here and he embraces it fully. And not just because it allows him to wear full on Victorian formalwear while others of the court wear...considerably less.

He watches as the members of the Court file in, nodding to various of the members as they arrive. White, black, it would appear to be all the same to him. The rivalry between the colors is friendly enough. Although perhaps Shaw's lack of animosity towards the whites is due to the fact that the currently vacant throne opposite him belongs to one of the few people on the planet that he would unequivocally consider a superior in status.

The White and Black Pages at the floor strike their long poles down on the ground, the reverberations within the room a sign that business is being called to order. The time for milling about has concluded, and the time for business is upon them.

And after business - well, it is the Hellfire Club. There will be far more than milling about for most of its members.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
Talia al Ghul is here in the Club in her position as the Black Rook of the Inner Court. She is here to participate in the Club's agenda.. And to see how it best can be molded to best suit her own needs..
    And ultimately those of her father. She is merely his representative in these affairs. She serves him. It is what she has been trained for.
    She is if not her father's mouthpiece.. Then at least the one that will be the puppet relaying things from behind the scenes. She moves over to her position, glancing about very, very subtly at the other members of the Club of both courts filing in. And she is thoughtful.
    What shall tonight's agenda bring? And what shall the pieces in power behind the scene do as they maneuver things along the board?

Lex Luthor has posed:
The heavy stone wall on the white side of the court parts with slow precession, grinding against the floor to prove just how mighty and imposing a wall it is. Parted, a set of violin players, four men, dressed in white wearing white blindfolds and their ears waxed over begin a slow march in to the room.

Bow touches to strings and draws with precision, for these musicians must know their piece by heart given their lack of senses. Those with an ear for music will recognise it within the first few notes drawn, Mozart's Lacrimosa.

Behind the violinists comes four women, dressed in white gowns and their eyes and ears similarly covered. Their voices sing like angels - 'Lacrimosa dies illa' - 'Qua resurget ex favilla' - 'Judicandus homo reus' - 'Huic ergo parce, Deus' - 'Pie Jesu Domine' - 'Dona eis requiem' - 'Amen'

The musicians and singers slowly circle the center of the room, weaving amongst each other without touching. Each step is like a slow reverence for a dirge. Amidst this performance, a gift, enters Lex Luthor - The White King. Dressed in a white business suit there is nothing Victorian about his attire. It is modern and his jaw is set relaxed. Bald and standing with purpose he strides to his throne and sits.

Slowly, the musicians complete their lap and exit back through the wall from which they came as the song completes, so too does their circuit. The walls close about them like King Solomon's cave.

Lex's eyes fall first upon Shaw and a small smile plays over his lips. One of the servants dressed in white approaches with a crystal goblet filled with white wine and Lex holds out his hand to take it. They bow as they hand it to him and retreat.

( https://youtu.be/FUaIUHYfhjs?t=58 )

Blake Riviere has posed:
Black Squire might not be the high rank of some of the other members, but her role in security and intelligence was certainly something that the vampiress had taken to with unnerving talent. Then again, she'd joined the club for something to add a little more excitment and intrigue to her immortal life.

Wrapped in the classic attire of the inner circle, the corset and the panties along with that choker and her hair down. Lips painted deep red, her own eyes follow the arrival of the other members even as she slips in, seeming to step out of the shadows like she was poured out of them into the room.

Richard Swift has posed:
Richard Swift was in the shadows, listening, watching, and staying relatively silent. The darkness that was the Shade was always omnipresent it seems and in this case, had a well dressed man inside of it. Having been born of Victorian-style England, his clothes were always in style for the Hellfire Club, as was his cane and top hat. With a silent tap of that amorementioned hat, one step forward, and a nod, the Shade was here.

Looking left and right, the Shade remains silent. He has been around for hundreds of years, and this almost made him yawn. Not quite however. It was an interesting time, as his eyes fell upon Talia, Lex, Sebastian, Blake, and others. His expertise in intelligence, security and, well, theft was unsurpassed. Ah, it was going to be fun!    

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    When one wishes to make an impression, dressing for the task is often the first step. Followed by the literal steps required to actually bring oneself forth before those one is seeking to make that impression on. Ariah is no stranger to heirarchies, military and otherwise. And if Court is being held, she acts her place accordingly. As a debutante of the evening herself, she enters when it is her turn to do so. In total contrast to the dolorous musical entry of the White King, the diminutive vampiress's entrance is entirely punctuated by the soft percussion of light plate armor boots, steel stained a deep red.

    The rest of her outfit toes the line between historical and fantasy, but entirely military. Tight white leggings hugging her hips and backside, a black belt with silver accents and a scabbard for a straight saber which is presently occupied by the weapon. Above, a high collar jacket in black, lined in silver, the deep neckline covering the small woman's chest with white ruffles while the high collar hugs tight to her neck. Most striking though is the blood-red cape that flows behind her like a sanguine waterfall, silver filigree woven into the shoulders where it settles firmly upon them. And atop her head, contrasting that shock of white hair, an officers cap in that same red with a black band and visor.

    She may not be nearly as well dressed as the White and Black Kings, but that is entirely deliberate. With gloved fingers holding a mage's staff, she's presenting herself as a soldier, for the rest of the Hellfire Club to appraise as her first time seeing and being seen by the vast majority of them.

    And of course if there's particular designated place to stand, she will occupy it.

    ( Outfit Reference: https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/616036431646818392/1050220113829298228/unknown.png )

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
There is a slow smile that appears on Sebastian Shaw's face as the walls open to admit the White King. Who is also the President of the United States.

"I thought you had a different theme song," he offers from his seat, bowing his head respectfully towards the White King.

Once the murmurs that broke out upon Lex's arrival die out, Sebastian speaks, this time with a more official tone. "Welcome to the Hellfire Club. Court is now in session." The room echoes with the clap of those staves against the ground once more to punctuate his proclamation. "As you no doubt have noticed, we are joined tonight by a distinguished..." He pauses for a moment, as if in consideration of the best word. "Hardly a guest, I should say. Our revered White King, who we are pleased to see has been able to take some time away from his day job as the most powerful man in the world to join us this evening. Welcome, President Luthor." Members do not get called out, even Sebastian himself - but the White King's presence merits special mention, of course.

Introductions out of the way, Sebastian turns his gaze over the assemblage. "As our first order of business, we have some introductions to make to the court." He turns his gaze towards Ariah, and inclines his head. "Step forward and present yourself to the Hellfire Club."

Elektra Natchios has posed:
The White Bishop is present of course, by way of one Elektra Natchios. And just as is tradition she comes dressed in a tight bodice that frames her tanned body nicely, leaving arms and shoulders bare. Legs are encased in a flowing skirt that seems to leave her quite free of movements, high heeled boots on her feet.

Under? Most likely a plethora of weapons hidden in various folds of her clothing.

Dark eyes are watching the various other members present here tonight, calculating, the only change to her expression being a slightly arched brow at Lex's entrance with the musicians. She dips her head when Lex moves to sit before her attention goes to the Black King before appraising eyes turn to Ariah.

All while she leans over to whisper briefly towards Lex.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
There's a light bow of Talia's head over to the President, even as she shuffles over to her place in the court as the members of the White and Black file away to their seating positions. Now to see how the plots of the club and the membership go tonight. Talia is quiet. And thoughtful. Ever so thoguhtful.
    Another evaluation is given to the White King. The most dangerous man in the room. Not merely for his power.. But for his intellect, his aggressiveness, and his raw cunning the likes of which no other could match.

Lex Luthor has posed:
Lex lifts up his sleeve arms and tugs at the fits, the cuff links in gold with stylised LL in cursive, he waits for the people to settle and his herald steps out from behind his throne. Dressed in white pants with no top, a collar of white about his neck in leather. Lex raises an eyebrow at Shaw's question of music. It was clear Lex was lavishing this occasion with his own personal presence.

Lex is a patient man. You have to be to destroy your enemies in this modern world. He looks to Ariah and then motions to his herald who leans forward. Quiet whispers are made and the herald nods his head, then straightens back up.

Lex turns his ear to Elektra's whispers. She is his bishop and an extremely formidable fighter. He nods slowly as she whispers to him. His eyebrow raises again and he nods slowly. He motions to his herald again and passes on another whisper. Lex has business with his court today.

His fingers steeple and he takes a sip of the wine. There is no danger here in the Hellfire club. The secret service have the buildings entrances and exits covered and they are being discrete. He has no fear of SHIELD spying on their deliberations today because technology is on their side here.

Blake Riviere has posed:
Of course Ariah was known to Blake, the other vampiress in the military-esqe attire was indeed perhaps the most well known individual in existance to the raven-haired beauty. Not that spotting Mr (or President rather!) Luthor wasn't something impressive, even if his presence made position make all the more sense.

Wrapped in black as she was, the older vampiress folds her arms under her bust, eyes moving over the others in turn before coming to settle on Ariah as introductions are made.

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    If Ariah is surprised that her introduction is the first thing on the agenda, she doesn't show it. Instead, when called to the fore, she answers by moving with purpose. As with her entrance, her motions are only heralded by the soft clink of metal until she places herself directly between both thrones. She looks to Lex and then Shaw before bringing her free hand up and removing her cap.

    Then, with her staff remaining upright, she presses her cap to her chest and takes a knee, head bowing deeply. "My Kings. My Court," she states. Her voice isn't bright or booming. Loud or commanding. It's cold, like an icy wind weaving between bodies and winding its way into the ear. An astute observer may notice her staff is on Shaw's side, as is her rapier, right hand free to pull the blade should she need to in deference to the Black King.

    And there she remains until called to stand, genuflecting and as still as a statue.

Richard Swift has posed:
The Shade slightly bows his head, respectfully towards Shaw and Luthor. It was a measure how their influence they had within the court, and at this time, was an effective way to support the regime. Staying in the back and in the shadows, Swift still remains silent.

As Ariah is introduced, the Shade's eyes glance in her direction in an appraising air.Leaning forward on his ancient cane, Swift almost smiles. Not quite but almost. It was always fun to meet new acolytes to the cause.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Nodding slowly in approval as Ariah steps forward, Sebastian watches as she shows her respect. "Let all bear witness. Ariah Olivie is hereby recognized by the Hellfire Club and named to the title of Black Sentry." There is a smack of the staff from the Black Page at the door in recognition of the proclamation. A moment is granted for Ariah to make any comment she wishes.

Sebastian's gaze sweeps across the room towards his opposite, his partner if contrasting color, as if he were trying to read something from Lex's face.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
A promotion? Talia's dark eyes glance over at Ariah. The woman a known (if not particularly detailed) quality. Something that Talia will have to review and have a more detailed profile prepared for later. Minimally annoyed with herself for having not done further research in preparation for the meeting of the club, the Daughter of the Demon would just watch.

And able to appreciate some of the ironies in this meeting of men, demons, where no one was ordinary.. That she rather was.

Lex Luthor has posed:
The herald beside Lex calls out loudly to the court, "Three cheers for the newest sentry of the court. Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah."

Lex gives a small nod to Ariah. She's in the big leagues now. Here she can have the ear of the President of the United States without getting in line. It's one of the reasons the Hellfire Club became and remains as powerful as it is.

Lex motions to Elektra and whispers to her, "If you need time. To sort out this Hand situation, take as much as you need. The court will be here when you get back. But remember to draw on our resources if you need them. It's rare to see them step out of the shadows like this. Make sure they know I might take it personal if they do it again."

Elektra Natchios has posed:
A non committal mmm is the response to the reply to Elektra's whispers. Followed by a nod. Eyes though? They remain fully on Ariah while she does the introduction.

The weapon position is noted and her lips curl up into a knowing smile, "Another one for the black court?" Elektra finally breaks silence.

"Are you taking all the good ones, Black King?" she does incline her head in recognition of the new Black Sentry.

A look up to Lex and she nods slowly at the man even if the gesture she does with her hand means she will be fine. "That situation won't trouble this Court." she whispers back.

Blake Riviere has posed:
Pride crossing Blake's face had no need to be concealed, her attention to the appointing of the position met with her joining into the cheer before she comes to fold her hands behind her back, a little giggle under her breath at Elektra's comment despite herself before the woman leans back and exhales her breath.

She didn't have more to say or to add in this introduction as of yet, her own actions in her duties would be discussed later, as would any further celebrations.

Richard Swift has posed:
Tapping his cane once on the floor in salute, the Shade nods respectfully towards the new Black Sentry, a post well deserved of course. Then, a slight tap of his top hat as he moves out of the Shadows for a few moments. Without a sound he says to Ariah, "Congratulations." His lips forming the word without a sound.

Ignoring the other looks and comments within the court, Swift pauses for a moment, leans back, and awaits the next part of this dance. His eyes were never off the other people present in the room.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
A slow nod is directed towards Lex and Elektra. Sebastian does not need to call it out within the room - it is clear that he is offering his support as well. While Elekta may be the White Bishop, she is the Hellfire Club. The colors are only a matter of small pride, and neither Sebastian nor Lex would allow such things to get in the way of business. He does, however, offer a smile towards Elektra. "I must confess I am somewhat aided by the fact that the White King has been too preoccupied to recruit directly. I had to take advantage of time as best as I could, for I knew it would come to a close far too quickly."

He allows a moment for the murmurs of the crowd to die down, the accolades for the newest ranking member as well as the whispers about her identity. "I bid you welcome to the Court, and thank you."

Then his gaze shifts and sweeps about the room before landing on Richard Swift. A nod towards the man. "We have one more introduction for the evening." He gestures towards Richard. "Come and present yourself before the Court."

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    As the announcement and the three cheers sound out through the Sanctum, Ariah takes the time to rise to her feet. For someone so diminutive, she knows how to stand tall. Cap still in hand and held to her chest, she nods her head respectfully to Lex. "Merci," and then to Shaw. "Both of you. All of you. I will execute my duties to my utmost ability." Her accent is thickly French, voice maintaining that wintery chill. Her gaze sweeps the crowd, mismatched eyes settling on Elektra for a moment, a glance shared, before another nod is directed towards Richard.

    Then without another word, she re-secures her cap and moves to join Blake's side, once more returning to doing her best impression of a statue.

Lex Luthor has posed:
Lex smirks a touch at Elektra's ribbing of the black court. He nods though at her whispered response. One day he'll find a way to cement her place more firmly in Hellfire but for now he is simply pleased to have her by his side. The wine is sipped and Lex turns his gaze to the next of their new courtly members, Richard Swift.

Lex's herald leans over and whispers to Lex filling him in. "Shaw needs the head start while I'm busy running the entire free world," he says with a playful smirk. "But perhaps educate your new sentry on the etiquette of weapons," he states. That being, don't stack them all towards him.

Talia al Ghul has posed:
Come adn present for the court? Is it some sort of vaudeville show now? Well, she's here so it's a most entertaining event.. Talia Al Ghul sits and watches, giving a look of amusement. Then a glance is given to Elektra as the woman of the League of Shadows looks over at the woman of the Hand and her hand narrows on her hip as if readying to draw a blade. A silent 'know thy place' gesture that reverts back to normal almost immediately.

Richard Swift has posed:
Another tap of his cane against the floor. Not seeming to walk, yet moving forward with the grace of the shadows themselves, Richard Swift moves to the centre of the room. With a slight nod for each present in the room, first towards Shaw, then Luthor, Elektra, then Ariah, Blake then Talia, and others, each time the Shade makes them the most important person in the room.

"I am of course, honoured Black and White King of the Hellfire Club. I am at your service of course." His voice is cold and distant, as though coming from a distance and from the shadows.

With a last nod, a tap of his top hat with his cane, Swift moves back into the shadows, without another word.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
Elektra meets Ariah's gaze for a moment there, dipping her head at her in a welcoming gesture even if her expression has returned to neutrality. She takes note of the other figure to be presented, looking at Richard but then she sharply shifts her attention to Talia at something she notes on her motions. That reaching as if drawing a blade.

Amusement. Challenge. The League of Shadows and the Hand have always been at odds. And even in the Court it's no different.

So when her smile comes it's as deadly as one could expect. But it fades fast too. Attention going back to Richard and at his presentation.

Blake Riviere has posed:
Blake Riviere, if she could sense the mote of tension, seems completely unbothered by it. Still, she makes to lean forwards once more. Compared to her statue-impression companion Blake was a picture of comfortable confidence, practically radiating that seductive confidence of a vampiric predator.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Old habits die hard, Your Majesty, and ... " Sebastian trails off, his gaze moving to Ariah and Blake, before turning back towards Lex. "Such things are best left for more private quarters." Far be it for Sebastian to discuss a woman's age in front of her. Regardless of how unnatural it may be.

As Richard presents himself, Sebastian nods. "Let all bear witness. Richard Swift is hereby recognized by the Hellfire Club and named to the title of Black Herald." There is another smack of the staff from the Black Page. And as a follow-up, Sebastian looks almost apologetically towards Lex. "I cannot help it if I have the benefit of being cast in a more popular color scheme." He allows the amusement to shimmer on his face.

If he is aware of the various tensions within the room, he does not show it. Tension is nothing new to the Hellfire Club. At least nothing has been broken in fury yet.

Once the murmurs and accolades for Richard have receded, Sebastian turns his gaze towards Lex once more. "As we move on from introductions and recognitions, I defer to the White Court to present its new business first."

Talia al Ghul has posed:
The League. The Hand. The Foot. All of the ancient killers that skulk in the shadows lash out against one another as often as they do those who oppose them. In this day and time, they might not openly wield weapons.. But outside the halls, it would no doubt take very little to have them sheathe their blades in the bodies of one another.

Talia's face slackens then over as she reprimands herself for her breach of decorum.. They'll work this out later. when there are fewer prying eyes about to see where they dump the bodies.

Lex Luthor has posed:
Lex smirks, "One day you'll give up your black and join the white, when you learn how to keep yourself clean - Shaw." Ever ready for a quick playful quip with his good friend.

Lex's herald once again calls out, "Three cheers for the newest herald of the court. Huzzah Huzzah Huzzah." Lex motions to his herald with a finger and rises up from his chair. He hands the goblet of wine back to his servant and his herald once again calls out with a loud voice.

"The White King gives you leave to be comfortable but pay heed to his words," declares the white herald.

"My court. My fellow king," he motions to shaw then looks back out to the people. "This week an old enemy took their best shot at me and missed." The displeasure on his face is evident as he steps forward from his throne. "This enemy has wisely kept away from our affairs until recently. HYDRA. Nazi scum whose only interest in ruling and destroying. They are a cancer, a blight on humanity and they have made a fatal mistake."

"And so the white and black courts put their differences aside to ban HYDRA from the Hellfire Club. They will never besmirch these walls with their toxic ideologies. Further more, there are limits to what it is I can do publicly as the President. But here in this court..." he motions to his herald.

The herald gives a small smile to the new black herald Richard Swift and shows him how it's done. "The White King declares a bounty upon the remaining head of HYDRA to the sum of $300 million dollars. Allies of this unknown entity have previously fallen so named: Senator Roberto Feavits, General Catherine Hale, Minister Julien Beckers of Belgium, Kirk Vogel, Vasily Karpov, Kathlene Huttz, Gideon Malick, Jasper Sitwell. Be it known that this unnamed party will lay dead amongst the field of fallen HYDRA heads. The White King declares open season upon HYDRA."

Lex sits back down in his chair looking ...angry. He takes back the wine and finishes it off. The herald steps back too. His business is complete today but the word of the mission and reward will spread.

Richard Swift has posed:
Richard Swift retreated to the shadows after the proclamation without much of a reaction from himself. He then watches, actually amused. It has been a long time since he felt such...energy within a room. "Now this should be interesting." His voice was spoken mostly for himself, but others could hear it as well. Adjusting his position so that he had the best vantage point in the room, Swift waits and watches.

Then Luthor stands. With a frown and a look towards the other Black Herald, it was obvious there would be no clash of knives and sais. Listening intently, the only reaction Swift gives the the White King and his words is a Spockian left eyebrow lift. Fascinating.

Ariah Olivie has posed:
    For all of her composure, it's difficult for Ariah to maintain it completely. Not when HYDRA is brought up. Old habits die hard, and old wounds /clearly/ have trouble healing. It doesn't take the keenest eye to notice her fingers tightening around her staff, the way her nostrils flare as her breathing comes faster and deeper, or the look in her eyes before she closes them completely.

    She does, however, have enough decorum to not proclaim to the Court that she will see to such matters immediately and personally. No, that is certainly not her way. So she remains silent, focusing on her thoughts, and imagining that some of the more intelligence-gathering minds within the Court can put her to good use in satisfying her bloodlust in the correct directions.

Blake Riviere has posed:
If one wanted to try and gain the attention of one, if not both the vampiress' in the room, the mention of HYDRA and the mention of the Nazis was certainly going to grab it. After all, the pair had history during the 1940's in her homeland with the resistance. Leaning up to the mention of the words, the bounty and the targets.... she turns her gaze to Shaw and Luthor.

"If it pleases the Court, my kings...I would turn my focus to the pursuit of these names. I feel my own resources and talents could make a sizable impact."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
A smile crosses Sebastian's lips, as he nods in acknowledgement of the White King's proclamation. "How generous is the White King, to offer compensation for something which all of us should be eager to do with little reward other than the satisfaction of improving the world by removing some from within it." There is not much sarcasm in Sebastian's words, even if it is a slight tease. The same banter that the two Kings have tossed back and forth with each other.

"I am also sure that there would be no small measure of recognition within the court as well for accomplishing such a noble task." Shaw nods slowly. "It was unwise of them to make enemies of us. We do not cow the way the would-be heroes do. When we solve our problems, we solve them for good." He shrugs, and then looks about the court for a moment.

"Is there any other business that any have to raise?"

Lex Luthor has posed:
A servant dressed in white approaches to the side and whispers to Lex's ear. He nods slowly and then whispers to his herald.

The white herald steps forward, "The White King has no further business. All arise for his departure."

Lex rises up and offers his arm to Shaw because the court needs to see the truth of their endevours together. The white and the black; balancing each other out. Lex pats Shaw's hand and then turns to leave.

He exits through a secret passage behind his throne. Real world business requires his attention and as much as he wants to enjoy the time he has with the club, he cannot.