Dancing at the Moma (Invite only; casual)

[MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI]

Players (cause it wouldn't fit in title bar :/): Penny LaFontaine, Dr. James Faustus, Claudius Chandler, Levi Knowles, Athos de la Fere, Irene Adler, Reed Armstrong, Catherine Earnshaw, Adrienne Heart

ATTENTION TO ALL POSTERS:
Please address at the top of your post who the post is for, preferably right aligned so that it stands out from the rest of the text.

Hector had been planning this event for a while, ever since he had decided to run for mayor. He had contacted the museum after conceiving the idea, and the owner graciously offered the close the museum to the public. Only those with an invitation would be allowed in. Hector let one of his men make the invitations, nearly two hundred not counting the option of bringing a "plus one". The caterer nearly had a heart attack when he was informed that he would be providing food and beverages for over four hundred people. But the money that Hector was paying him was more than enough to calm him down.

It took longer than he was expecting to organize the event completely. But now, it was happening. Hector got ready early, putting on his suit, combing and gelling his hair, and arrived at the museum before the guests and just after the staff.

Hector straightened his cuff links, just as the doors opened and smiled as the people trickled in.

[PENELOPE LAFONTAINE]

Penelope tentatively entered the museum. She was more than relieved that Faustus was out making sure the valet didn't wreck his car. She decided she was going to do her best to lose him if he got handsy.

Looking round, she smoothed the skirt of her gray-green gown:



She was starting to feel a little better about spending the large amount of money it cost. It really was a fabulous dress. She'd accessorized lightly, adding just a small gold chain with an oval locket around her neck and putting an orchid form her vase in her hair, which she had lightly curled so that it fell in a soft wave over her shoulders.

Looking around, Penelope noticed a tall, dark man, extremely well-dressed, standing and smiling as he watched guests come in.

Her thoughts began to churn. Obviously he was a big fish here, maybe even the one throwing this party. Penelope decided to head over and find out for herself.

"Fancy soiree, eh?" She asked the man, who was indeed disconcertingly tall. "I've never been to anything so glamorous in all my life."...

[yolanda7g]

Faustus walked in the museum with a big smile on his face. He was lookin good and he was invited to the big VIP party of the year! He had on dark sunglasses when he walked in (cause everyone was gonna be taking his picture). He had on a sharp all black suit, dressed to the nine with Hector's newly cashed paycheck.

He took off his glasses and saw there were tons of people there already. And guess what? They all looked like they were swimmin' in cash.

"Thank you lord Jessuuuss..." Faustus whispered to himself as he walked in, entering the crowd of people. Of course the heavens had nothing to do with this. His amazing deal with Hector had everything to do with this. And now he was running for mayor?! Things couldn't get better. He was gonna be like one of those rich ass Chandlers from Hamlet Enterprises or Monte Cristo or something. He'll buy up everybody. And their mommas. Just watch.

Finally he saw the man and more importantly the woman he was looking for. He heard her last comment, "I've never been to anything so glamorous in all my life." When she said this, Faustus came up from behind and slipped his arms around her waist, holding her in a hug.

"Well there's you, Miss LaFontaine. That dress is all the glamor this party needs. Am I right Mr. Future Mayor of New York City?" He grinned smugly at Hector. And yes, the guy still scared the living shit out of Faustus.

But that's okay! Faustus knew how to keep it cool.

He let go of Penelope and reached a hand out to Tormei, to shake. " I'm tellin' you, this is what I'm talkin' about. You out did yourself, man. You're gonna have people linin' up to be a part of your campaign."

Yep that was his way of keeping it cool. Keeeep talking.

[MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI]

Hector was surprised that a young woman brazenly approached him like she did. He put a smile in place and nodded as she spoke, and was about to reply when Faustus walked up to the pair. It was quite obvious to the mob boss that the girl was Faustus's date, from the way he wrapped his arms so casually about her.

That poor woman.

Hector smirked, satisfied at how tightly strung Faustus seemed to be. It was obvious that he was not at ease around his employer. Hector clapped Faustus on the shoulder and smiled broadly, the opposite of what he was like at their first meeting, "Relax doctor, this is an evening for relaxation, mingling, and enjoying oneself,"

Turning back to the woman, Hector extended a hand. He took her delicate hand and raised it to his lips as he bowed down. "I certainly hope that your first exposure to glamour is equal to your expectations. May I inquire your name?"

[notmyproblem]

'... And I don't even wanna see a smudge, got it? Good.'

After berating the valet for a full five minutes, Levi finally - but arrogantly, dropped the keys to his Mercedes Benz into his hand. With a sudden change of humour, he pivoted on his heel and entered into the museum. These subjects excited him - not modern art, no. Politics- government affairs and engagements. He knew nothing of Candidate Tormei, and not much about Mayor Plantagenet, but he was convinced that men with such powers, in effect, must share the same attentions. Encouraged by the invite received days earlier, he launched forth into a discourse to whoever so much as breathed a word of the political life.

Of how he was so major league, for having been invited to such an event, and so on and so on.

The place was very lively, the display windows resplendent, public and private vehicles crossed the sidewalk outside the entrance; all the stir and animation of evening life was in full swing. It was kicking off by the time Levi reached the social, sharp in a navy hooded trench coat, and Acne suit. The shoes, he was proud of being high shine as well as high price. Other guests were already there. A man, presumably Tormei himself, greeted the assembled company, and was taking to shaking hands.

Feeling perfectly pleasant, Levi said nothing to noone and waited to be greeted.

[PENELOPE LAFONTAINE]

Penelope wanted to smack Faustus when he wrapped his arm around her waist. He was treating her like a two-dollar hooker and she knew it would only get worse as the night went on. She was relieved when the man she was talking to earlier replied to her comment. She was even more pleased when he kissed her hand. At least this man was charming and knew how to be polite.

Things started to get little topsy-turvy as soon as Faustus called him "Mr.Mayor-to-be". "Seriously?" Penelope thought to herself as everything else seemed to fade into the background, "What are the chances? This has got to be some crazy coincidence". She thought back to the nights spent in that chat room tormenting Hector Tormei, even after he'd declared his intent to run for mayor. He may be a big man on campus, but he was still her favourite source of amusement. She grinned slyly as the next thought came to her head: "Well, I'll just have to see if it's him, won't I?" Penelope scrutinized him closely. He was definitely handsome, but impossibly large, most of it coming form his height. If he hadn't been smiling and friendly at that moment, he would've been downright frightening. It didn't take long for her to formulate a plan. Just toss him a few innocuous clues, and see what he makes of them, that was probably the best way to test these waters. She took a deep breathe, smoothed out her smirk into a pleasant grin, and answered Tormei as sweetly and politely as she could:

"Oh, I'm sure my ideas of glamour are pathetically dull compared to this crowd. I'm really just a child in all of this, you know? I'm Penelope by the way. Everyone calls me Penny though."

[athos]

The invitation was found on the floor of his penthouse after Athos left his bedroom after a nap. It was embossed with white capital letters, and spoke of a party. The sender was Hector Tormei, the man who pitted himself against Plantagenet in the elections for mayor.

He hadn't originally intended to make an appearance at this 'gala event', but seeing as he had nothing to do that night, he decided that this Tormei was worth checking out a second time. Plus, if they were serving expensive drinks, Athos would gladly care to have a drink. Thus, he threw on a suit and jumped into his car. 



The museum wasn't very far from his apartment, and that was a great advantage, seeing as the traffic was quite congested this evening. He'd finally arrived, only to find he was one of the first people there. He stood tall, his posture straight and perfect as usual, and noticed Tormei. He let a small smile tug at his lips, but nothing more. 

He extended his hand to both Tormei and the other two people he was greeting. "It's Athos de la Fère," he said to the company, and turned to the host, "Pleased to meet you a second time." 

[IRENE ADLER]

Irene started to enter the museum, her hands grabbed a flute of champagne and walked over towards a painting. Her eyes falling over at Faustus , she grinned licking her tongue slightly. She would not pay him much mind, but she wondered who else in the world was going to show up at this gala. She would act casual, and yet at the same time she might just take this as a way of convincing her who to pick for the upcoming voting.

Walking towards the doctor, she tapped him and continued walking as she headed for some guest. Her head looking back and started to chuckled. Her body turning around ,as she started to inspect a few of the paintings while sipping at her champagne quietly. Hiding in the throngs of crowds, she did not want to be seen by Faustus after all.

She was not a politician fanatic ,but she had to say she loved to be on the spotlight. Also she was not the kind of girl who just wanted to be the wall flower of the party, she relished it. She loved to be seen, and whoever knew her would know that. She would have to thank hector later for the invitation ,even though she kinda felt that the man was in no way needing to see her.

She hoped also Faustus was not surprised by her blond hair. She had changed it a lot since the last time . Yet she actually felt a little bit more comfortable with it as well. Maybe she should just dye it again and get it over with and done. She had to be a natural brunette but she liked her natural hair as well.

Anyways, the point was to act casual and act distracted the people who came to the gala would have to notice her by her face. Except Reed her recent screw, he would notice her by the drop of a hat.

[yolanda7g]

Hector told him to relax and Faustus looked at him with a perplexed look and a look of amused relief. Ohhh I see what you're about, Faustus thought, grinning. This guy was working from all angles. Even the Being Personable angle. See, Faustus knew he was on the winning team for sure. And no, his bias had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Hector's top opponent was the same man who tried to accuse Faustus of murder. Nope. Nothing.

"Well, I'm not gonna lie," Faustus said to Hector as spotted someone walking by with champagne glasses. He grabbed two, one for him and one for Penelope. "You're talking my language. Enjoying myself is what I do best." He grinned and winked at Penelope. "Among other things."

What more could he ask for? Champagne, money, parties, women. This was living - no joke!

THen a tall man, about Faustus' height, approached them. Athos a La Mode or something like that. He smiled at him before the guy turned to Hector. He took the opportunity to address Penelope. "Now aren't you glad I told you about this thing? I know, I know. You don't need to say it. You're impressed. The thank yous will probably coming later, right?"

Suddenly he felt a tap on his shoulder and he looked over it. A blonde woman in a yellow dress. What the hell was she tapping him for? And - wait. He could recognize that sexy curvy body anywhere!

Oh my goodness gracious.

He turned back to Penelope as if he didn't know the woman who walked by. He'd definitely catch up with her for sure.

[CLAUDIUS CHANDLER]

It took a lot to impress Claudius Chandler, generally. But this party Hector Tormei was throwing...it took the biscuit as the most impressive event he'd been to in some time.

He had been to the museum before but he'd never seen it quite like this. The fact it was bustling with people was one thing, and well dressed people too. Usually the museums were big tourist spots and, in Claudius' opinion, the majority of tourists never dressed well, insisting on wearing silly t-shirts and shorts in lukewarm weather.

That aside, the musuem itself was looking good. Hector had clearly gone to a lot of trouble to get it all done up like this, making Claudius all the more pleased he was there to witness it. Then again, why wouldn't he be? He and Tormei had been friends for many years now and it was a given that Claudius would be voting for him come the elections.

Having snared a glass of champagne from a passing server, Claudius prepared to go and greet Hector. Seeing that he was busy at present and not wanting to interrupt he changed course...only to spot Levi Knowles, dressed to the nines.

Chandler made his way over to Levi, a small smile on his face. Despite the fact they were from rival comapnies he found he quite liked the lad.

"Levi Knowles," he said, extending his free hand for the young man to shake. "Pleasure to see you again."

[notmyproblem]

Levi rose and passed furthur into the enormous space. The sun shone through the window screens and lit over the black-block floor, the innumerable articles of artful mediums, the inessential but splendorous surroundings and their dancing reflections, imparting a delightful sense of movement to the air. This ambiance put him in the best of spirits, completely cured, full of go. He was inexpressibly happy to be back in his scene once more.

The commencement of being addressed was slightly abrupt, and Levi turned - regarding the addressee silently and steadily in return, the green gleam in his eyes a bit brighter and the lines of his mouth harder. His memory faultered for a minute, but his mood quickly changed, grabbing his hand and shaking it heartily. Levi seemed genuinely pleased, as he rembered Claudius Chandler, for his noble character, his keen and penetrating mind and rich culture.

'Hey, look who's into party politics.' A glow of pleasure or enthusiasm dyed his pale features, and after the brief handshake he roosted his hands into his pockets. 'The pleasure's mine, Claudius. How's the businesss?'

[CLAUDIUS CHANDLER]

At first, it seemed Knowles wasn't pleased to see him, if his expression was anything to go by. Yet, rather abruptly, this expression changed, and he shook Claudius' free hand heartily. Claudius' smile widened.

'Hey, look who's into party politics.'

Claudius chuckled; he was only really into politics when he'd get something out of it. And considering the candidate whose party they wereattending had been a friend of his for over twenty years, he was fairly certain he'd be reaping the benefits.

'The pleasure's mine, Claudius. How's the businesss?'

"Good as ever," Claudius replied airily, taking a small sip of champagne. "And Knowles Motor Company?" He paused. Then, "I'm afraid I didn't see you as much of a political type either."

[notmyproblem]

With that, the happy markings on his brows began to emerge again in all their sharpness; the old pattern reappeared. 'Man, it's doing great. KMC's up there with the high profit margins these days - people must love their cars.' He boasted, happily active in the subject. 'We really raked it in over Christmas, so yeah, you could say its doing abit fantastic.'

As to his business experiences, Levi would not get to go furthur into them as Claudius, uncomplaining, settled back into the political subject. On these communal occasions there sounded once again that eloquent echo from his own self, distinct from the world of other selves; but the man was happily unconscious, and entered back into conversation object. 'Ah well. Now you know, huh?' Levi said with a slow, whimsical smile. Diverting his attention in another direction, he turned at a slight angle, head erect, his shoulders squared in the defiant manner he had learned to know. Looking Hector Tormei over, from a distance, with meaning eyes. 'Can't say I know the electee much, though. Seems decent enough.'

Still looking, he asked Claudius offhand, 'You know him?'

[MAYOR HECTOR "HADES" TORMEI]

Hector's brow furrowed at the woman's introduction. The emphasis on child, and her name, was quite obvious, and it niggled at his mind. There was something familiar about the wording, and even the name, but Hector couldn't place it. His attention was focused on the girl, Faustus all but ignored. Hector had forgotten his presence until the doctor grabbed two flutes of chmpagne in passing, and Hector did the same. Hector took a sip, tasting and savoring the effervescence of quality champagne from France. His attention then shifted from the pair (and the girl who obviously knew something that he didn't and that was quite bothering) to the man who introduced himself to the couple, and reintroduced himself to Hector.

"Good evening, de la Fere," Hector shook his hand warmly. "Let me introduce you to my friends, Doctor James Faustus, and his lovely companion Penelope, or Penny, as she says. She has no last name, that I know of," Hector laughed politely and spotted his good friend Claudius not too far from where he stood. "Please excuse me for a moment," Hector slipped past the newly formed trio and made his way over to his long time pal and the young man standing next to them.

"Claudius," Hector greeted with a true, broad grin. He extended his hand for both in greeting. "How are you this evening? And this is?" Hector looked pointedly at the young man, someone that he didn't know.

[mabs]

There was a certain amount of nervous excitement about Reed as he thought of the evening ahead. The gala event was to be the event of the political season at least, if not the year. Of course, Reed had a love-hate relationship with the host, Hector Tormei, based on necessity, history, and a healthy dose of respect and fear. Tormei had been well acquainted with the elder Armstrong, and Reed found himself unable to sever that particular tie, as their social circles more crashed than coincided more often than not.

In any case, Reed was on his best behavior that night. A nervous state only compounded by the fact that he was to be seen for the first time out in public as a completely legally free man. And of course, he was certain that Franny would have been invited to the soiree as well, now as a Ransford. Even before the Ransford-Armstrong pairing, Tormei had taken to collecting them at his parties. Reed had originally met Franny as a Tormei party he believed, or something of the sort. It was almost sickeningly, how the three families were connected, and Reed had felt somewhat on the outside of such connection one the divorce went through, and yet he garnered an invitation to the soiree of the year. One never knew with Tormei.

Reed himself was accompanied by Adrienne Heart, who was a bigger mystery to him than Tormei's motives were. He and Adrienne had begun a relationship as bitter media enemies, which manifested into a one night stand, which had somehow fostered a conventional, dating relationship. Three weeks, and Reed's mentality on women had been completely torn to shreds by the petite, curvaceous woman. And tonight would try them both, he thought. It would be no surprise that Reed would have a new woman on his arm in the presence of his ex-wife. It was warranted. But that it would be Adrienne...well that would intrigue and anger many a person.

Reed rolled up in his more conservative, yet just as intimidating black shiny Mercedes, the door being opened for his date and he sliding out of the car and handing off the keys to the valet. The flashes of pictures were a little overwhelming, and Reed wore the same careless, devil-may-care smile as usual as he urged Adrienne into the gallery. He almost hated to submit her to such a monkey race, and to be honest he would have rathered a quiet night with a movie and a bottle of wine between them. However, appearances were appearances. And Hector certainly knew how to throw a party.

Reed too kAdrienne's coat and handed their garments to the man at the coat room, and he slid a hand in to the small of her back, a smile on his face. "I won't let the sharks get you," he crooned into her ear with a smile, chuckling and pulling her closer to him. He had yet to spot Franny and her usual party of tight lipped (and equally tight assed) cronies that she traveled with. Perhaps they were still parking their brooms.

Reed instead took in the splendor of the event. Oh yes, Hector Tormei could certainly throw a party.