Editing Vitae Summa Brevis (section)

==Communal Haven and Holdings==

''"Most of the streets that abut immediately upon the parks, overlooking the greensward, are entitled to the rank of exclusive, although nothing can prevent vulgar wealth at times forcing itself into these favoured retreats of fashion, and becoming an eyesore to the whole neighbourhood. .... Arlington Street, overlooking the Green Park, is one of those dear exclusive neighbourhoods : the fine facade of Lord Spencer's noble mansion here attracts general attention. Park Lane is another, vying with Piccadilly in the intensity of fashion. Grosvenor Square, though in a less degree, approaches exclusiveness; while '''Portman, Cavendish, and Belgrave Squares''', must be content to come within our ultra-fashionable category. Of merely fashionable streets, we boast a profusion;  those tributary to the leading squares, borrow from their aristocratic neighbours a lustre not their own; thus George's Street, Hanover Square, on a friend's card or your own, is quite correct, while George's Street, Bloomsbury, is outlawry and civil death!

''In nothing should a man who means to be in society in London be so scrupulous as about his address : life and death depend upon it : let a man study morals, characters, dress, equipage, or appointments, manner, deportment, or amiability, as he will...''"''

- Extract from The World of London, by John Murray, in Blackwoods Magazine, July 1841

Whilst every Rose in the city of London is entitled to petition the Primogen Council for the right of personal domain and is, of course, able to choose their personal haven at will, it is Belgrave Square that is considered the Toreador common feeding grounds and Clan domain. The fashionable neighbourhood was long ago claimed by Leopold for his clan and since then has been a gathering place for all Toreador, who wish to congregate away from the prying eyes and ears of other clans or would like to host a lavish party for all to attend. 

Those newly arrived in the city are often advised to take up residence in Portman or Cavendish Squares, also considered fashionable places of residence. They are free to remain within Toreador holdings or procure their own places when they feel ready to do so. It is not clear where precisely Leopold and his own haven. Whilst the lavish buildings seem to be the gathering place, the true place of respite of the Toreador Elder and his kin are only known to those he trusts exclusively, which currently consists of Grand Harpy O'Reilly and Primogen Sharpe.