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April 4th - Giovanni Clan Family Dinner

1444 - Augustus Giovanni holds a feast to celebrate his decision to betray Cappadocius and take over his clan. The anniversary becomes the date when Giovanni family members are nominated for a Proxy Kiss or embrace.
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The grounds sprawled across acres of perfectly manicured lawn, surrounded by heavy woods and protected by high stone walls topped with wrought iron spikes. An impressively sized graveyard lay solemnly to the right against a backdrop of ominous-looking trees and curious hills. It was nestled far enough from the Estate so as not to be easily noticed at first glance but still within easy walking distance from the mansion itself. The size of the graveyard was hard to determine from the Estates' main entrance, knowing the family it was likely massive. It stood waiting, a haunted and chilling place. Ancient weeping willows enshrouded the long solemn path that led guests toward the most common destination. It stretched from the giant arched entryway to the mansion, secured against any undesirable company by thick wrought-iron gates marked on both sides with an ornate and gilded letter G.

The mansion lay at the end of the path itself, perched atop a small hill like an ominous jewel. The craftsmanship was breathtaking, surrounded by grounds maintained to an almost impossible standard. Not a leaf out of place or a petal on a flower wilted. However, the structure itself felt anything but warm and inviting. This was where the Giovanni resided. Generations had lived and breathed their last within these walls, some refusing to leave even once they had. Some shed their mortal coil in favor of eternity, and the less fortunate ones by being dragged back from Oblivion to serve their family even after death.

The grand double doors of the entryway stood firmly, shielding the world from the horrors and wonders within the hallowed halls of the Giovanni. But tonight was a special occasion, so they would open wide and beckon in la famiglia from across the face of Faetasia. April 4th. The night when all Giovanni came together to celebrate, drink, feast, and lavish the central family with a tribute in the hopes of currying favor, reaffirming loyalties, and elevating their status. It was a show of Giovanni guile and class, of who could dazzle with those impeccable social skills of which the Giovanni were so notable and, perhaps, find themselves or a chosen up-and-coming family member, in line for that special secret gift only the inner circle seemed to possess. The one only they could grant. Most of the mortal family remained oblivious to the Clan itself. Mortal family members were kept in the dark as much as possible unless they had something to offer or showed great promise.

Ascending the steps to the large double doors the air grew cold in the foyer. A series of candles flickered to life suddenly, illuminating the beautiful room in a warm glow. No expense had ever been spared in the prominent Giovanni Estate. The floor was finely polished black and white marble, and the staircase winding up on both sides to the upper levels of the Estate stood wrapped by ornate handrails of gold, formed by only the finest tradesman. The stairs themselves were dressed in luxury Italian carpet and boasted fine Persian runners of red and gold. Every detail, from the art that adorned the walls, to the curtains hanging in the windows, to even the tiniest bit of embroidery in the pillows dressing the chaise lounges, was all exquisite. No expense spared. As was the Giovanni way.

The light in the upper hallway of the Estate flickered softly, illuminated by elegant sconces that threw uneasy shadows into corners and across the floor. Each sconce attached to the wall by an ornate mount that likely cost more than what an average Kat might make in a single lifetime. They lined the long passage between large gilded portraits displaying various Giovanni family, land, and historically significant points of interest. The further along one walked, the more intriguing the content of the images became. More obscure. Darker. A beautiful red runner led hallway patrons further along, boldly displaying intricate patterns of gold and obsidian. To the right, a series of breaks in sconces and paintings presented beautiful, sturdy ebony wood doors, totaling eight before reaching the middle. These contained various offices of trusted Giovanni members within the inner circle. Those who had long ago shed their mortal coil to serve and prosper the family for eternity.

To the left lay an elaborate, classy railing made of Ebony wood that overlooked an indoor garden, immaculately landscaped, boasting a grand koi pond inhabited by large white, silver, and gold koi. Directly above it, the ceiling was made of dark, frosted glass, allowing natural light to feed the plant life below while also keeping harmful rays from penetrating the building's interior and its nocturnal inhabitants during the day. The entire hallway circled around the garden to another stairwell that ended opposite the first, so that one could choose to ascend either right or left from the main entrance. The opposite hallway mirrored the first. Beautiful art, eight ebony wood doors, and golden sconces. In between these two sides, directly in the middle at the end of both hallways, sat a large pair of double doors with ornate obsidian handles. This was where Augustus conducted his affairs. Family, business, or otherwise.

A second set of double doors, across from the mansions front doors and in-between the stairs, stood open to reveal a staircase leading down beneath the indoor garden. Lavish red carpet flowed like blood toward a pristine white marble ballroom floor. Grand pillars lined the room on both sides, mirrors of one another, carved by craftsmen of immense skill and impeccable detail. If one looked up from the large dancefloor, one would see the beautiful, serene sight of koi swimming lazily in their pristine environment. A stage stood empty for the moment except for a single pianist filling the room with a haunting, yet beautiful, melody. Later others would join him and fill the house with elegant music.

To the left of the main entrance was the formal dining room. Likely one of the largest rooms in the home, second only to the ballroom and the garden. In its center lay a long table. The frame was polished mahogany, its feet were claws that dug deeply into the floor, and the top a rich obsidian stone polished to smooth perfection. It was so well maintained that any guest could easily see their reflection within its surface. Gilded candelabras lined the center, bathing the room in a haunting glow. The walls that faced out onto the Estates grounds were lined with impressive floor-to-ceiling windows, each framed by thick velvet curtains in a rich crimson shade and drawn back to reveal a breathtaking view of the verdant, rolling hills of the property. In the near distance stood a large lake, the water adorned in a dazzling array of colors which radiated out from hundreds of lights that floated lazily across the surface.

To the right of the entrance was a large drawing room with a massive, elegant fireplace of white marble framed by two ominous-looking marble canines that reminded one more of the black dog that preceded death than any hunting dog or wolf. Their eyes set with obsidian, mouths open, sporting elongated fangs and lolling tongues. Several chaise lounges could be found within this area, allowing those who needed respite from the constant chatter and shameless favor currying to find peace or for the cheeky lover to whisper sweet nothings to his or her beloved in a more intimate setting. Bookcases lined the walls, only breaking their uniformity for a second door opposite the one that led into the drawing room. This door led to Nonna's kitchen.



Since his reawakening, Augustus had taken his time to get things back in order. There was no need to rush. The family had all, by now, realized he had awakened and were likely scrambling to get their excuses in order and make sure that if they had terrible news to present that they also had solutions. He doubted very much there would be a glut of bad news tonight. The family seemed stable enough, if not dusty and exceedingly dull. It was past time to bring the Giovanni back to their former glory. And he would bring them, kicking and screaming if he had to, back to fevered life and untarnished luster. Of that, he was certain. They just needed a little kick. Some... motivation. Luckily he had a knack for finding that particular thing in everyone which motivated and inspired them. Not always in the kindest way. He chose to keep to civilized behavior at all costs when it came to family politics, but could certainly be effective should the situation require a less diplomatic approach.

The doors to his office on the second floor were currently closed, only permitting entry when the time was appropriate. Once unlocked, they would open onto a spacious lounge for receiving guests and business associates. The inner sanctum of his office rested behind another set of doors on the opposite wall from the entrance. The décor, ambiance, and art were the epitome of refined luxury and taste. A fire writhed lazily in the large white marble fireplace guarded on either side by two of the same canines found in the drawing room on the first floor. Augustus's enthralling golden eyes gazed distantly into the flames with a purposeful intensity, his tall, muscular frame as still as stone, not unlike the fiendish marble hellhounds which guarded the fire within the hearth. He lounged upon the elegant curved sectional set a safe distance from the fireplace, lost in thought. Beautiful, silken locks cascaded over his shoulders and down his back, pale and luminous as the moon. His claws lazily slid around the rim of his crystal glass, the amber liquid within shimmering as the soft firelight hit it.

Tonight would certainly be interesting.

It had been many centuries since Bac Dunsirn, or, well, -any- Dunsirn, had been to the manor. His family had kept him extremely busy with their various tasks, most of which they could have easily done themselves. Not knowing entirely where he was meant to be, he simply decided to follow some of the others that had arrived before him, but not knowing any of them personally, he soon drifted off on his own, finding a comfortable spot to recline and watch the others mingle. Out of the way, but not like he was trying to hide.