A Midwinter Night's Tale Scene Summary

Scene Summary: A Midwinter Night's Tale

A Midwinter Night's Tale
Chronicle	DC Chronicle
Game Date	November 26, 2015
Real Date	March 20-31, 2016
Characters	Angelique Stravinsky Bjorn Garinson Casper Iversson Cassandra Chas Voyager Cynthia Black Edward Walker Ginevra Bianchi Helena Taylor Hope Gutierrez Jacque Beaumont Kevin Canterbury Maeve Glaistig Tatsuya Yukimura Victor Carewe
Locations	The Loft
Previous Scene	Regrets of the Dying (Angelique, Cynthia, Helena, Hope, Kevin, Tatsuya, Victor) The Old Boys Club (Bjorn, Casper) City Lights (Chas) Letter: Marcus to Edward (Edward) Don't Kiss, Do Tell (Ginevra, Maeve) Night Classes (Jacque)
Next Scene	In Want Of (Angelique, Chas, Cynthia, Edward) When in Doubt, Drink (Bjorn) Letter: Casper to the Countess de Noailles (Casper) Open Reading (Cassandra) Minding the Store (Ginevra) Lost and Found (Helena) Phone Call: Danny to Hope (Hope) Contact: Aristide Telios (Jacque) I'm Not Saying I'm Sorry (Kevin) Nordic Fog (Maeve) Be of Good Cheer (Tatsuya) The Ginevriad (Victor)
Content Warnings	Ableism, Mind Control, Misogyny
Original Scene	A Midwinter Night's Tale

A Midwinter Night's Tale is a scene from the DC Chronicle featuring Angelique Stravinsky, Bjorn Garinson, Casper Iversson, Cassandra, Chas Voyager, Cynthia Black, Edward Walker, Ginevra Bianchi, Helena Taylor, Hope Gutierrez, Jacque Beaumont, Kevin Canterbury, Maeve Glaistig, Tatsuya Yukimura, and Victor Carewe. It depicts a party and social mixer between the high clan members of the city.

Scene Summary

Ginevra and Maeve arrive at The Pit, discussing Maeve's recent night out with Chas Voyager in Italian; Ginevra is excited that

Script Summary

The script summary for this scene pares it down to only dialogue and action directions, allowing for a quicker and easier read through what was actually said and done by the characters. Click on the "Expand" tag to the right to view the entire script summary for this scene.

A Midwinter Night's Tale Script Summary

Chas is at The Loft, looking out over the skyline from the windows. He leans against a chair. Casper takes an elevator up to the Loft. He brushes snow from his shoulders as he enters. He opens a cell phone and calls Andres Lund.

CASPER: Ja, Andres, om du skulle vara så snäll att ta tillbaka bilen, tror jag att det finns en servicegång för ghoulsna att flytta om, jag kommer att begära att någon träffar dig där så du kan leverera kistan. Tack.

He hangs up and knocks before greeting Jeffrey.

CASPER: Good Evening, this is the Voyager affair if I am not mistaken?

He removes his coat and Jeffrey takes it. Helena, Cohn, James, Kevin, and Victor arrive. Helena sends Victor to the servant's entrance and orders the other Tremere to various parts of the room. They comply and Victor sits down in a divan at the edge of the room and checks his day planner.

HELENA: Chas! Are we ready to have some fun? Are we ready to do the do? Who's who and out tonight? Say Bjorn, I have important things to discuss with him. Fun things.

She and Chas hug and kiss each others' cheeks. Edward arrives.

CHAS: I hate to disappoint you, but our oldest and most esteemed Rebel has yet to make an appearance. But if you would accept another excellent old man, might I point out that Dr. Walker is right behind you...?

EDWARD: My dear, I have no news of Bjorn, but if necessary I could be available for conversation if you'd like.

He nods at Chas. Chas nods back.

EDWARD: Mr. Voyager. As always, you play the dedicated host.

HELENA: Dr. Walker!

She takes Edward's arm and leads him into the room.

HELENA: Yes, absolutely, I would love to talk to you because you are my favorite person on the Primogen Council during the last thirty seconds and that's a very nice suit, you look beautiful in charcoal. So, you haven't told me what neonate you want to compete on your behalf...

EDWARD: How fortunate for me.

He and Helena sit down in chairs in the corner.

EDWARD: Much as I would like to surprise you with a gallant new introduction, I suspect we will be sending young Karina. She is, as you know, extremely competent.

Cassandra arrives and pauses in the foyer beside Casper.

CASSANDRA: Now, who do we have here? I'm getting something, you're... new to the area, aren't you?

Kevin brushes past Cassandra and then goes to the edge of the room to watch the party. The plants on tables near him wilt and die. Casper checks his watch.

CASPER: Ah, Good evening miss. You are indeed correct, my name is Casper Iversson and your gracious Prince has been so kind to allow me entrance into this fine city of your at behest of the House of Noailles.

He kisses Cassandra's hand.

CASPER: And who is it I have the pleasure of meeting?

CASSANDRA: Cassandra, my dear Mr. Iversson. And of course I am a pleasure, but don't be too hasty, or your family members will get jealous.

She winks at Casper.

CASSANDRA: Come find me later, though, darling. I feel that we might have something very important indeed to discuss.

She takes her hand back and heads into the party.

CHAS: Cassandra!

Cassandra blows Chas a kiss. Chas offers a handshake to Casper, who accepts it.

CHAS: Chas Voyager, Primogen for the Roses. Great to see a new face, you are?

CASPER: Primogen Voyager, I am so very glad to make your acquaintance, I have heard nothing but the most wonderful things about you at the Courts of Paris when I told them I would be coming to your fine city. I am Casper Iversson of the Stockholm Brujah, Primogen Garinson told me I would be expected?

He uses the Presence discipline to make Chas like him.

CHAS: Of course, welcome to DC, Mr. Iversson. I'm hope it'll be a good stay for you and yours.

CASPER: Oh I hope it's not a bother, but the Countess of Noailles sent along a crate of her private vintage and was hoping I could pass it along and get your opinion. If this is acceptable my assistant could pass it along to your people?

He uses the Presence discipline on Casper to make him like him.

CHAS: Definitely not a bother, my new friend. We all thirst for even news from Europe here in the States, let alone something more! I would love to take over custodianship of such a gift. I'll make sure the family all get a taste. Speaking of the family, I'd introduce you, but you know how we love our entrances. It might be a few more minutes before...

Maeve arrives with Ginevra.

CHAS: At the best possible moment, of course, as always. May I introduce DC's very own Songbird, of the House of Sage?

MAEVE: Chas, you know you don't have to call me Songbird when I'm not onstage.

CHAS: Of course, my apologies. If I do it again, you'll be entitled to scold me.

MAEVE: Scold you, Chas? I doubt anyone ever does that. You're probably overdue.

She lets go of Ginevra's hand and offers it to Casper, who kisses it. Ginevra takes Maeve's coat.

MAEVE: And are you new in the city as well?

Casper uses the Presence discipline on her to make her like him.

CASPER: It's an honor my lady. Yes, I arrived early this week from Paris, and just so happened to be lucky enough to get my affairs in order in time to attend your kind Primogen's party before I have to get back to work

MAEVE: And a pleasure for me, sir. Well, we're all lucky, then, that you have the time to come and meet us.

CHAS: This is Casper Iversson, of the Rebels, and of course you seem to already know our lovely Maeve.

CASPER: Songbird? Perhaps while I am in the DC I might be able to hear your famous singing voice - wouldn't that make my friends filled with envy!

CHAS: Ahh, well, we usually have that pleasure about once a week, so I assume we can look forward in a few nights' time...?

MAEVE: Yes, the Prince is kind enough to ask me to perform once in a while. I'm sure Mr. Garinson will let you know when the next evening is.

She winks at Chas.

MAEVE: Of course, Chas here is more stingy. I've heard about his musical talents, but I've never yet heard them.

Angelique arrives.

ANGELIQUE: Whose talents?

She and Chas kiss one anothers' cheeks. Casper raises his arms.

CASPER: Two musician friends, in the same city? You two should play together one evening when the mood strikes, nothing is more exciting than I playing music together if I do say so myself! Primogene, what is it you play? Oh... wait... let me guess... hmmm, violin? No! Hmmm, a woodwind perha--

CHAS: A few little things.

ANGELIQUE: Are we pointing out how desperately badly Chas treats us? Oh, he says he's busy with the duties of the Primogenship, but is that just an excuse to avoid us?

She swats Chas' arm.

CHAS: As if Angelique here can talk. Maybe someone will receive the honor of taking her out on the dance floor tonight, and we'll all get to break our fast.

CASPER: Ah but that simply cannot be true, for who could avoid such a beauty?

ANGELIQUE: And who is this? Why, Songbird, are you coming out of mourning for a pretty face at last?

Casper bows to her.

CASPER: My name is Casper Iversson of the Stockholm Brujah, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Cynthia arrives and puts a hand on Angelique's shoulder. Chas waves and kisses her hand, then hugs her.

CYNTHIA: Stockholm. Now there's a place we don't have visitors from often. Chas, Songbird.

She nods at Chas and Maeve.

CYNTHIA: Now what brings such a fresh new face all the way down to visit us here in the New World, I wonder?

Casper bows to her as well.

CASPER: Well besides the breathtaking landmarks and the good company? I was called to Paris by several of our esteemed Elders chief among them her ladyship the Countess of Noailles, whom I am lucky enough to call my patron. It seems that they have decided to look into your city's potential ability to aid them in needs they may have in the future.

ANGELIQUE: Well, I would introduce you to the lovely Songbird, but I suspect you may already have met. I confess I'm intrigued, Mr. Iversson, by the idea that our little city might be able to help affairs abroad in some way?

CHAS: May I present, Casper, the beautiful, gracious, and above all PATIENT with us Ms. Cynthia Black, Harpy of Washington DC.

CASPER: It is lovely to make your acquaintance Ms. Black. Perhaps we could talk of business later if it would please you?

He hands Cynthia a business card.

CASPER: Whenever you like, I will make myself all yours.

CHAS: This is two parties of mine she's attended in a month, so if you'll excuse me, I should probably remember my modesty and realize she wants to talk to someone else.

He offers Maeve his arm.

CHAS: Care to dance, Maeve?

MAEVE: Thank you.

Casper uses the Presence discipline on Angelique to make her like him.

CASPER: Perhaps we should follow suit, if it would be agreeable?

ANGELIQUE: I should love to.

Casper offers Angelique his arm. Both couples go to the dance floor. Ginevra sits down next to Victor.

GINEVRA: Hello, Mr. Carewe. How's the party?

VICTOR: Perfectly tolerable, thank you, Ms. Bianchi.

He puts his planner in his lap.

VICTOR: However, I see that you have not returned our calls for the past several nights. Perhaps since you are here, you can explain your employer's reticence to respect the wishes of mine?

GINEVRA: Mr. Carewe, I of course intended to return your call as soon as I had an appropriate answer for you, but we have been awaiting confirmation from the Primogen before doing so. My employer is not, in any way, interested in disrespecting yours, as I hope you are aware.

VICTOR: Indeed, I am sure she is not. And yet, when I contacted Mr. Voyager's assistants, they seemed to firmly believe that this was a decision he was not involved in. So perhaps you can understand my interest in discussing the issue further. If you prefer, I would be pleased to speak to your mistress directly. To take some of the pressure off you, Ms. Bianchi.

GINEVRA: Well, maybe when you contacted Mr. Voyager's assistants, they had not yet finished straightening the matter out. I'm sure if we happened to bring it up more recently... Of course you shouldn't trouble yourself to speak to Ms. Glaistig directly, with everything you already have on your plate. Your concern over the pressure of your requests is appreciated, but unnecessary.

Hope arrives. She takes a drink from a waiter, then walks to Edward and Helena.

HOPE: Hey, doc!

She examines Helena.

HOPE: That is literally the best dress I have ever seen at one of these parties You win. And here's the guy I was looking for.

EDWARD: Ah. The prodigal Ms. Gutierrez. To what do we owe the pleasure.

Helena grabs Edward's arm.

HELENA: Dr. Walker, is this a neonate? A Ventrue neonate? This is fantastic. This is the best thing. I knew you couldn't actually be this much of a fusty old preventer-of-fun, I mean, why did I even think that.

Kevin moves behind Edward and Helena. The centerpiece on the table between them starts to wilt.

HOPE: Yes! A Ventrue neonate. The Ventrue neonate, some would say. Which is why I'm pretty gosh darn offended, doc. Pretty fucking gosh darn offended. I mean, I get it. Maybe you were looking out for me. You know I hate people. And doing things.

She crosses her arms.

HOPE: But come on. You didn't want to win this thing or what?

EDWARD: As a matter of fact, Ms. Gutierrez, I am well aware of your talents. Under the circumstances, I doubt they would be applicable. Your objection is, however, registered.

Hope stares at Edward. Helena clutches Edward's arm.

HELENA: Oh my god. This is amazing! And you said you didn't have any good neonates right now! She's perfect, I'll register her right away.

She activates her headset.

HELENA: Victor, update the Ventrue competition roster, one last name Gutierrez. Tell me all about yourself, have you been wearing suits lo--

HOPE: Yes. Right away. That's Hope Gutierrez. H. O--

Helena shudders and turns around to find Kevin behind her. She puts her hand over her heart.

HELENA: Ohmygod. What are you doing? Stop being near living people. We talked about this!

HOPE: Wow. You are so creepy. H. O. P. E. Ventrue clan scion. Pleasure's yours. Oh, and there's this thing. Showed up at my house.

She takes an envelope from her jacket pocket and hands it to Edward.

HOPE: So who's the competition? What do I win?

Angelique and Casper begin to waltz.

CASPER: It is always a pleasure to meet someone else from the Old World.

He uses the Celerity discipline to increase his speed and grace.

ANGELIQUE: It is, isn't it? Of course, I have been away from home for so long, it is almost as though DC is my home now as well. Not the same for you, I gather? But perhaps we can convince you to stay. You said you have met the Countess? How fortunate for you! I have a few contacts in Paris myself, but I'm afraid we've never met.

CASPER: Why yes, I have been quite fortunate to strike her Ladyship's curiosity in fact it is due to the kind attention she gives me that my family and hers have become fast friends. I'd be my pleasure to introduce you if you ever find the time to visit the Eternal City, I dare say they have not seen dancing of your caliber in many years.

He lifts Angelique above his head.

CASPER: Though my business in the city is temporary, if the nights here are half as lovely as this one I will have to start looking into some property.

ANGELIQUE: Why, this isn't even our best, although don't take my word for it. Not that Chas isn't a fantastic host, of course, we would all be quite lost without him. But you haven't even had a chance to attend court yet, and of course there's Limbo. So if after all that you don't want to stay with us... well, I would certainly need to see for myself what things are like in your Eternal City. An invitation to Paris, and only a week or two ago I received one to Milan, too. The family is so much more... mobile, than I remember in decades past.

CASPER: Yes the Rose Courts have many things on their minds these days, the senior members of the courts seemed to have taken a greater interest in the goings on of the world.

He shrugs.

CASPER: Perhaps these things just come in ebbs and flows, like a sort of natural tempo to the universe, fate maybe. Well if you asked me, Paris is the place to be when it comes to a good party but I admit I am biased in that regard for I have friends to call on, but yes Milan IS beautiful. I am not sure how welcoming they would be to visitors from the New World these days now that I think of it...

He shakes his head.

ANGELIQUE: Some visitors might help lighten the mood. I am sure the sooner everyone can return to a little light-heartedness, the better.

Casper nods and pats Angelique's hand.

CASPER: Perhaps I can write and inquire about getting some special invitations. But enough about me, there is so much I do not know about you and your city! What is it you do when you're not charming visiting Kindred?

Angelique laughs.

ANGELIQUE: Oh, well, you know. I do my part to help Cynthia, although of course she doesn't strictly need it, but a lady does like to feel like she has a little helpful influence, hmm? In a city DC's size, we all do our part.

CASPER: Well I am sure you're doing a fantastic job.

He uses the Presence discipline to make Angelique like him more.

CASPER: As much as I would love another dance I should go pay my respects to Primogen Bjorn, but should you be available later maybe I will be lucky enough to catch you for another dance later this evening?

Chas and Maeve also begin to waltz.

MAEVE: Now. Have you just rescued me from the Harpies' mercies, or is there some other ulterior motive at work here?

CHAS: You've caught me. Being a host is an excellent job, but once in a while, it's nice to just take a second to enjoy the party. Thank you for being my distraction.

He dips Maeve.

CHAS: Also, it did let me steal you away for a little conversation and dancing, so that's ulterior motive enough.

Maeve laughs.

MAEVE: Your hosting skills extend to flattery, I see. If it was a dance partner you were after, you should have been quicker after Ms. Stravinsky. You may flatter me all you like, but I know a master beyond my own skill when I see one.

Chas lifts Maeve over his head.

MAEVE: As for conversation, I enjoyed ours the other night, but was there a topic you had in mind? Or must you admit you're really only watching over a party guest who might otherwise lessen the atmosphere?

Bjorn arrives and grudgingly kisses Cynthia's hand. Casper nods at him from across the room.

BJORN: Ms. Black. How nice to see you.

CYNTHIA: Why Bjorn, just when I needed an escort.

She leads Bjorn into the room.

CYNTHIA: Now, we've seen your new young man, Angelique's taken him in hand. While they entertain themselves, is there anything I should know, hmm?

ADDING: Jeffrey Union at the door, James Van Dorn, Cohn Rose as cameos

Translations

Trivia

• The date between Chas Voyager and Maeve in question is chronicled in City Lights.