PatientBean

Camp Athens - Closed

^{#de9b8f ....|..... outfit .....|..... chariselle's cabin -> party}

Sometimes fashion was preparing for war.

In her experience, an outfit could make or break what she needed it to. An invitation to a party? Getting in to a nightclub with a 3 year waitlist? Chariselle knew that if she put something together it would open doors. Sure, she could hack it by using her powers, but sometimes it was just easier to let the basic human instinct take over.

She knew this would be different. She knew she was amongst others like her. And while she was confident she could win over the hearts and minds of everyone, it was better to be equipped. A warrior didn't go into battle without armor, after all. Chariselle stood in her bedroom, looking at herself in the mirror. Her outfit for the party hung on a hook by the door. A dress she specifically asked for, tailor-made to give her figure every ounce of highlight, shimmering without the need for light. While she had plans, grand plans at that, tonight was merely step one. She wanted to make a good impression, perhaps even find some allies. If nothing else, at least a warm body to bring back home before the night was over.

Chariselle flopped back on her bed, letting the soft threads mesh on her skin. She took a moment, only a moment, to let out the breath she had been holding since she set foot off the plane. She was in her own space so she allowed this moment of weakness. Her mind raced to her mother, the ever-not-present being whom she dedicated most of her life finding and vying to impress. What would she say to all of this? Would she be proud of who Chariselle turned out to be? Crafted to make the most of the gifts bestowed upon her? Chariselle felt goosebumps across her arms like the temperature dropped suddenly despite the heat in her cabin. She shut her eyes. Some part of her loved the thrill, the chase, the game. But at times, few moments stretched out in front of her, where she hoped for anything but.

The moment passed as it so often did. She quickly got up and turned back to the mirror. A look of determination drew across the reflections face as if to say 'you got this'. With a nod, Chariselle made her way into her bathroom, hew full glam on the counter as she got ready. Hair perfectly flowing down with hints of glitter speckled throughout. Shimmer on her eyelids and cheeks, an ever present kiss of strawberry champagne on her lips. Once satisfied she took the dress and put it on. She strepped on her heels and checked the mirror again. Satisfaction warmed her back up again. Battle-ready, she headed out the front door, into the cold night.

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Well, she assumed it would be a cold night. As it turned out, despite the snow that contiued to fall, it felt perfectly fine outside. Chariselle was a bit surprised and then remembered she was amongst her kind, of course someone would be able to control the weather. Chariselle was left alone with her thoughts, a dangerous combination, so she took the time to admire the camp itself. She expected it to be catered to the literal children of gods and, thus far, everything seemed just so. Chariselle wondered if elsewhere in the world there were people enjoying the New Year like they were. Sheltered in their bubble. A pleasant bubble, to be sure, but one all the same.

Chariselle walked along the path that led to the party proper. Whoever had designed all of it (it was probably that one woman Sylas mentioned, Andy or something). Chariselle had to admit it looked nice. Everything one would need for a New Year's party complete with a countdown clock, food, and drinks ever flowing.

Chariselle made her way straight to the booze and procured herself a glass of something bubbly before she turned to face the rest. A few others were there, noticeably. She lifted her glass to them in passing but her senses were still on. A figure she had glance at briefly before caught her attention at the....what was it called?....the beanback throwing game she saw at many bars where some liqoured-up, horndog, college-frat type always made a beeline toward to show off before inevitably tripping over his own feet.

The man himself was certainly not a frat guy. His vibes along sent her in a meditative state. He was someone to get-to-know. She made her way over allowing him to take her in before she fully approached. "I'll admit, I've seen this game many a time but never played it myself. You mind if I join you?" Chariselle got the sense there was someone else there, but her focus was on the man in front of her. It was as if the edges of her vision blurred and anything else not in her line of sight was a foggy, ethereal figure. Chariselle asked for invitation but body language all but read that she invited herself. "I'm Chariselle, nice to meet you." Her eyes quickly scanned his frame, taking it in as if downloading all the things she needed into the motherboard that was her brain. "So how does one play this? I imagine alcohol will only make this more fun."

^{interactions ....|.... Elysium ............... mentions ....|.... Andy, Sylas, Evenlyn (Kind of)}

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Dragon Age: Dark Scion

Fleur Duvaincourt

Fleur Duvaincourt

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Madame Butterfly Persona

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_{22 - Female - Elf}

Rogue + Bard: Custom Traits: Butterfly Mask An item Fleur found on one of her jobs. Stolen from a dark mage, it allows Fleur to blend in with the shadows more easily. It almost feels to Fleur that she can take flight, allowing free movement and the ability to withstand a fall from a great height. MAsks and Mirrors Being a Bard means Fleur is used to the stage and performing for others. As such she is able to use her bardic abilities to creft entire personas, assuming false identities with ease - accents, histories, and mannerisms. From the seediest underbellies to the highest courts, Fleur is able to maneuver her way in. Honeyed Barbs Fleur is able to use her musical abilities to disarm and/or unravel an opponent, turning allies against each other with nothing but veiled insults, flattery, and suggestion. Seduction Fleur knows how to wind up a mark and make them feel good. No gender is safe from Fleur's honeyed words. Fleur is able to coax information she may need from someone she has enraptured and it makes them an easier target in the end. Lockpicking Fleur is able to pick locks with ease. Chests and doors bend to her will when she uses her lockpicking tool. Story traits: (Leave this empty for now. These are rewards granted via story progression) Stats: Physical - 12 Stealth: 20 Rapid Blows: 15 Perception: 10 Reflexes: 15 Heavy - 6 Perseverence: 15 Hard Hitter: 10 Combat Sense: 5 Magic - 2 Fortitude: 10

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Biography: Fleur was born under a different name amongst a Dalish clan that lived in Orlais. Fleur was too young to remember what her family looked like since at the age of three her clan was attacked, her village razed, and she, along with a few other children, were taken and sold off as servants. The family Fleur was sold to was one of some prominence in Orlais, the Duvaincourt's. She was taught how to read and write and showed an aptitude for it. The family treated her fairly and respected her despite her elven heritage. When she was 12 years old the family was attacked by another rival noble family with every Duvaincourt member being slain. Fleur was taken and forced into indentured servitude. The family consisted of four brothers, each more vile than the last, and they often took turns forcing Fleur to entertain them. A Grey Warden traveling through stopped by, noticing Fleur who was now 16, and saw her plight. The Grey Warden promised to get her out and distracted the family, allowing Fleur to flee. Fleur did not wish to join the Grey Wardens and did not wait around for her. Instead, Fleur fled to another city and stole to survive. It was here she met with a performer at a popular tavern. The performer noticed the young girl who was swiftly picking pockets and brought her to the back. Rather than scold or rat her out, the performer introduced herself as Rosalyn and spoke about a group of them that performed and took on rather unconventional jobs. Fleur, with not much else to lose, asked to join. Fleur worked her way, earning praise and respect amongst the other bards, showing a knack for performance as well as thievery. During one such heist, Fleur came upon a mask in the shape of a butterfly, almost as if calling her. She took it and hid it. Rosalyn along with a few others began to change and shift, stealing more and more and hurting innocent people. Fleur called them out and was attacked. Fleur managed to hold her own and left the group. Rumors spiraled that they disbanded shortly after. Now on her own, Fluer decided to do for herself, donning the mask of the butterfly during her missions. She coined the name Madame Btterfly, hoping to strike fear to those deserving of justice. Homeland: Fleur knows very little about her home before she was swept up into servitude. Accounts she has heard tell of her born in a Dalish tribe that moved throughout Orlais before her clan was wiped out and she was taken. To her, Orlais was always home, but that never meant she felt at home amongst its gilded towers. Motivation: To kill the four brothers who killed the only family she really knew and cared for. To make a name for herself as Madame Butterfly. Relations: Fleur is open to relationships, though she is immediately distrustful of men. She has not had any romance. Fleur does not know the first names of the four brothers in the family, but knows of their family name, de Rouxschile. She despises the entire family. Fleur quite possibly has some Dalish clan members out there, she does not know. Rosalyn was the bard who introduced her to the role she now has, but they ended on bad terms. Equipment List: -Dual Chained Blades -Lute -Lockpicks -Two Health Potions -Leather Bound Journal -Three Throwing Knives -Butterfly Mask -Coin Purse with 25 gold pieces -Fine Garments -Leather Armor Signature: “PatientBean”

Dragon Age: Dark Scion

Rogue Bard, Elf probably.

Dragon Age: Dark Scion

You had me at Hello <3

Château de La Lune

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Millicent

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Location: Château de La Lune: Cocktail Lounge
Skills: N/A

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Millicent finished her drink and turned to order another when some voices got her attention. She turned to see one of the La Lune spawn all but tower over the preschool teacher she spoke to at dinner. Millicent didn’t need to read body language to know Renee was uncomfortable. Thankfully, she slipped away, which angered the louse who threw a small tantrum.

Millicent got her new drink and slipped off the bar and made her way towards the others, bidding Ivanna farewell for now. Millicent’s curiosity often got the better of her. She knew the La Lune family was harboring secrets, she just didn’t expect some of them to be on such prominent display in front of, what was essentially, strangers.

Her gaze locked on Ralph and Sam, who seemed to be getting along better and better. If Sam and her were to be neighbors over the course of this award season, it was best to make peace and be friendly. The nominees were pretty much in this thing together despite competing for the award.

She sidled up next to Sam and held out her drink as an offer to toast. ”Cheers to not being a part of that family.”

It felt as though Sam and Ralph had barely gotten into the room when already so much had begun to happen. He wanted to answer Ralph's question when his attention was abruptly pulled away, all words escaping with no sound as he watched the scene unfold with his mouth agape as Renee broke Lawrence's nose for a second time tonight. He deserved it of course, but who knew how long this family's good graces would last if this all kept up. His mind was drawn back to the here and now as Millicent proposed a toast, though neither Sam nor Ralph had any beverages yet. ”They certainly are…colorful.”

”Colorful is used to describe art or birds, I wouldn’t quite call them colorful. Disjointed. Perilous. On the verge of a breakdown, maybe.” Millicent sipped her drink in thought. ”I already spoke this into the ether so what’s one more? Something’s going to happen during all of this. Unsure what, but something will go down.” The blackmail on the edge of her tongue. But the family dynamic was only making her more sure.

”I mean sure. But art imitates life right? And what is expressionism if not disjointed splats of color to show breakdowns of social or political commentary? But then again, I hate modern art so.” Sam said with a bit of a shrug. ”Why do you think somethings going to happen? I mean aside from two broken noses. With the exception of Lawrence we're essentially trapped inside of a social construct of a trap. It's a fine setting where we all want the prize and acting out would be against anyone's best interest. Unless you've seen something I haven't.”

”I’ve seen everything you have and more. Think about it: we are a bunch of random people who, sure, are the best in their respective fields. But what fields are we talking about here? We have a doctor, a pilot, and a preschool teacher. Admirable jobs, to be sure. Worthy of an award? Perhaps. Then we have Youtubers, a magician, and a Drag Queen among them. Also worthy jobs, but when compared to the ones mentioned previously, not really in the same ballpark. Who makes an award where it is such a large scale of who could receive it? On top of that are the nominations. The family members all have a chance to nominate someone, but Eleanor is the one who gets final say. So one has to ask: are we here because we truly are the best of the best or is there an underlying reason that either family member has? On top of that is the clear animosity between the family members. Seems highly odd to invite a bunch of randos into your home, feed them, imbibe them with drinks, only to have your family drama on full display. All of those things appear different, but put together? Yeah something’s not right. Someone is going to snap if they haven’t already.”

”I think you're waaaay to used to a mystery. This isn't a magic show, there's no smoke or mirrors or invisible wire or however tricks are made nowadays. I think you're too used to having to dissect things and find the hidden truth that it's giving you a bit of paranoia. Drink, relax, enjoy the festivities while you can. Who knows the next time any of us may get this kind of lavish treatment again.” As the final words escaped Sam's lips, a dark thought crossed his mind. One he wished to push back down. ”Speaking of, I need a drink.” He said before finger gunning towards the bar. ”You two coming?”

Ralph nodding following Sam. ”I can't say if something will happen. Well more than what has happened. But what family has it together? I've never been to a family reunion that didn't have at least one wild thing happen. I was at a wedding once where one of the groomsmen punched the groom. Honestly, surprised the couple stayed together as long as they did.”

Millicent followed the two to the bar. ”Mark my words gents, something is going to happen over the course of our time here.” Millicent didn’t know what it could be but her money was on Eleanor. Lawrence was an asshole, sure, but he had his dickishness out on full display. Eleanor appeared to keep things internal. And those that did often had to let it out, in one form or another.

”Could I get a Mojito please?” Sam asked the bartender before turning his back to lean against the bar, arms spread atop it. ”It could just be the paranormal ambience that you're feeling. A place as old as this, plus it's history laid out within the pamphlet, and who knows what else was left out. It could create a form of phenomena. A portal to the otherside. If given enough energy, or if you're sensitive enough to it, it may give you these types of feelings of paranoia. Maybe even chills or hairs standing on ends. The feeling like something is lurking around the corner just waiting to happen.”

Ralph wached Leon mix the drink. He considered what he wanted to drink. He didn't think he should have more alcohol. ”Spritzer,” He said and mouthed virgin. Hoping only Leon would see. The man nodded and continued his work silently.

”I don't know anything about ghosts.” He shrugged. ”Do you work with ghosts too?” He asks Millicent dumbly.

”No, no ghosts in my act and thankfully so given how perilous some of the tricks can be.” She didn’t deny ghosts could be real. After all, who truly knew? Lots of things went unexplained. However, this was not the case here. ”It’s not like I am getting goose bumps or chills or whatever. It’s….call it a gut instinct. I’ve learned to rely on my gut on more than one occasion. Los Angeles can be dangerous. I just think there are too many moving parts to this for it to just be a simple vacation with an opportunity to win money.” She threw her hands up in a ‘we can leave it there’ type motion.

”So, since you are the expert ghost whisperer here, is there something going on? Any reads to the lost La Lune family members?”

Sam grabbed his drink, taking a long sip before answering Millicent’s question. ”No idea. Haven't really had a chance to settle down and try anything.” He propped off the bar and leaned towards her and Ralph and whispered so only they could hear. ”But I was planning on checking things out later tonight. Most likely while everyone's asleep.” He leaned back against the bar, another long sip of his drink, the cup now about half empty. ”But who knows. Maybe.”

Leon slid Ralph his drink. He sipped it. It was basically a club soda made to look like alcohol had been added. And it still tasted good. They hadn't had a chance to look at Sam's other equipment. ”What do you plan to do?”

Millicent wasn’t exactly thrilled to hear Sam would be traipsing around in the middle of the night right next to her room. ’I’ll admit to not knowing the first thing about all of that but do please try to keep the noise down, especially as I am your neighbor. I am a right bitch if I do not get a restful night’s sleep.”

Sam bit back a comment, almost saying Only then? in response to the idea of him ghost hunting later that night. ”I won't be doing it in my room so no worries there. Though I would need to find the spot with the most activity. A favoured room or something like that.”

”A favorite room? For who?” Ralph asked a little confused. He sipped his drink. He also had a comment about equipment and using his room instead if it required noise. He swallowed it with the sip of his drink.

”Perhaps ask first? I’d hate to see you kicked out because you disrupted the family or destroyed some heirloom. I only took a brief tour of the place but they have a lot of stuff in here.” Though she didn’t necessarily hate the idea of Sam not being her neighbor anymore and having the space to herself.

”For the ghost. And I'll make sure to steer clear of the rooms nearby the family. The off-limits ones I've already noted are locked behind a security system that requires a key code. So not much of a danger to getting into the wrong rooms or ruining an heirloom. Well no more than I would wandering this place during the day at least.” Sam wasn't sure what Millicent thought ghost hunting entailed, but it usually wasn't very destructive given the locations one would visit. He took another sip of his drink, resting a bit before further explaining what he'd meant about the rooms. ”Now rooms wise, typically when visiting haunted locations, you heard about ghosts peering through a window or haunted a bedroom where it's most active. I like to call those ‘Favourite Rooms’ because it's where they'll be the most active as opposed to the rest of the house.”

”So, what is this ghost's favorite room? How will you find out?” Ralph hadn’t even been sure there was a ghost, but Sam was certain he didn’t dare ask that question.

”I imagine not the room they died in. Is there any truth to ghosts being here for unfinished business that they need to complete to move on to the afterlife?” The locked rooms was another interesting matter. Not so much because it was suspicious (they had strangers in their home. Of course they would keep some things private). But more so because she was curious if nothing else.

”No idea. Being this is a family home that doesn't exactly air out their ghostly laundry, it may be trickier to find. If anything, maybe a maid or butler could tell us if they've noticed anything strange as they do their daily tasks. Other than that we would just need to rely on things like EMF, Temps, or other equipment to help suss out locations of higher activity. As to the why…that's up for debate. Spirits, like people, vary greatly. So why one may be here or another is unclear.”

”Have you asked any of the family, or are I suppose a staff, if there are ghosts?” Ralph wondered. Could they get info like that?

“Well,” Leon said, leaning over slightly during a lull in drink making. “From my experience the basement is creepy. There is also an old church chapel that is like a burnt husk, also creepy.”

”Oh my money would be on the church then. Somehow churches and ghosts are synonymous to me. Though I guess the basement could also do. Maybe there’s a hidden chamber there where they locked people up in secret. Rich families are weird like that.”

”Basement sounds like a first hit then. It's closer than the chapel, after a little investigating there we could move over to the chapel. See if either has any activity. Thanks for the heads up.” Sam said with a smile.

Leon nodded and went back to his duty as bartender. It was clear why he was a full-time employee, his drinks were well made and he did it with style. Ralph sipped on his drink contemplating. ”Have you had anything really scary happen on a ghost hunt?” Ralph realized he didn’t want to get scared or hurt by a ghost. He had never even considered that was a real possibility. He hadn’t given much thought to ghosts at all prior to today, except as a general idea. He had never experienced anything supernatural and didn’t know how to proceed at the chance of something like that happening.

”I’m just reminded of the Paranormal Activity movies. Granted that was a demon or whatever but I imagine not all ghosts are super friendly.”

Ralph's question struck a chord with Sam. He stared at his drink for a while, his mind wandering off as the scents of iron filled his nose, his chest and throat tightened, and the sounds of screams could be heard echoing in his mind. His hand instinctively went towards his wrist, feeling around it as if to loosen a bond that wasn't there. Finally Millicent’s remark brought him back. He took a quick breath before decidedly finishing off his drink and placing the cup on the bar counter a little harder than he'd meant to. ”I feel like those movies changed their own lore as they went out. The first one was cool though.” Sam said, decidedly sidestepping Ralph's question..

”I’ve never seen them. I don’t like horror films much,” Ralph said. Was it cliche that he preferred sports and action films? He wasn’t sure, but he definitely didn’t like horror. He hadn’t watched anything like that since he had been in his teens.

”We can discuss the intricacies of movies at another time, I am sure. I’ll admit ghost hunting is starting to intrigue me more and more. I’ve always wanted to speak to the greats like Houdini.” Millicent clocked Sam avoiding Ralph’s question but did not want to pry. At least not yet.

”Speaking isn't usually how people think it goes. It's not a full conversation its…broken, jarred from their end. Even then, there's no guarantee who it is you're talking to since you can't actually see them. Anyone can claim to be Houdini if they wished to be. Ghosts don't have to be truthful.” Sam added. ”So no horror Kansas?”

”Would you even call it a conversation?” Ralph shook his head with a small smile. ”No horror. I watched the Blair Witch once when I was young and the power went out just at like the scariest moment and after that I never finished it, or watched anything else horror like that.”

Ok so it seems they are going to talk about movies. ”Ok well it sounds like I am starting to third wheel it here so I can let you two talk about whatever, but it was still interesting to hear about what you do Sam.”

”Now that sounds like a fun experience. Shame you didnt finish it though, it was a great ending and the marketing alone was done sooooo well.” Sam didn't mean to make his ‘roomate’ feel as though she was third wheeling, he just didn't know how to continue the conversation without speaking more about what was actively on his mind now. What if this place had a darker spirit? What if something went wrong? What if…? No. ”Great talking to you too, maybe we can do a group hunt. See how many contestants may want to explore the other side.”

”Hope to chat more later.” Ralph gave Millicent a small wave.

Millicent left the two to do whatever it is they wanted. She would catch them later. She didn't want to continue to spread how worried she was that something was going to happen. She needed to stop drinking too, she was definitely feelng it.

The Season of the Enlightened

[hr.][color=??????]

_{Character Name
[color=??????]Character Name[/color]}

[color=??????]^{“Insert character quote here”}[/color]

C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T [color=??????]C H A R A C T E R P O R T R A I T[/color] _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ C H A R A C T E R I N F O [color=??????]C H A R A C T E R I N F O[/color] _________________________________________________________ | [color=??????]Full Name[/color] | [color=??????]Age[/color] | _________________________________________________________ | [color=??????]Gender Identity (Please include pronouns)[/color] | [color=??????]Height/Weight[/color] | _________________________________________________________ | [color=??????]Sexuality[/color] | [color=??????]Social Class[/color] | C H A R A C T E R N O T E S [color=??????]C H A R A C T E R N O T E S[/color] _________________________________________________________ [+] - [color=??????] M I S C E L L A N E O U S[/color] ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ [color=??????]► Character Info[/color] [color=??????]Birthday:[/color] The RP starts in October of 1811 [color=??????]Country of Origin:[/color] [color=??????]Languages Spoken:[/color] What languages can they speak/read/understand? Please keep it realistic [color=??????]Affiliation:[/color] Are they part of St. Eustice's School? The Circus? The Haven? Or are they a free agent? [color=??????]Motivation:[/color] What motivates your character? What do they ultimately want? [color=??????]Habits:[/color] Provide at least two habits your character engages in [color=??????]Hobbies:[/color] What are some of your character's hobbies? What do they like to do for fun? (Keep in mind the time the RP is set in) [color=??????]► Fears[/color] At least three fears for your character. These can and will be used against you :) [color=??????]► Skills[/color] At least four skills your character is good at. Please keep it realistic with who your character is. These skills will give you a boost to rolls [color=??????]► Shortcomings[/color] At least four skills your character is terrible at. Please keep it realistic with who your character is. These skills will be given a drawback if attempted in a roll [color=??????]► Likes[/color] At least five things your character likes [color=??????]► Dislikes[/color] At least five things your character dislikes - R U M O R S [color=??????]R U M O R S[/color] _________________________________________________________ [+] - [color=??????] S E C R E T S & L I E S[/color] ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ ► Rumors As Lady Pomperfith says, 'the best rumors are tinged with a bit of truth'. What are some rumors going around about your character? (Please have at least one juicy morsel) ► Secrets What is a secret you don't want anyone to know? Could be something a few select know but have been sworn to secrecy or something you keep very close to your chest. (At least 1 dirty secret please) -

E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S [color=??????]E N L I G H T E N E D A B I L I T I E S[/color] ________________________________________________________________________________________ What are your character's Enlightened abilities? Remember, you are allowed one major and one minor power. Please no god-like abilities, insta-kill abilities, or anything that could break the universe. Please include what your character can do as well as what weaknesses and limitations they have. B A C K S T O R Y [color=??????]B A C K S T O R Y[/color] ________________________________________________________________________________________ What has your character gone through? Please be as detailed as you would like. Have at least two paragraphs worth of info, but feel free to leave some things out that you want explored as the RP goes on. E X T R A S [color=??????]E X T R A S[/color] ________________________________________________________________________________________ Anything else you want to add? Theme Song? Plot Ideas? Supporting Cast? There is definitely something to add here.

[hr.][/color]

Château de La Lune

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Millicent

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Location: Château de La Lune: Dining Room -> Cocktail Lounge
Skills: N/A

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Once dinner had concluded, Millicent sat a moment as the la Lune family all got up periodically and left. This was more so because of how awkward things got. Surely that was not how they intended to leave things?

When she was sure it was truly over she stood up and made her way over the foyer into where they would have after-dinner cocktails. She felt somewhat okay, though she had a few glasses of wine. It seemed odd to then mix it with more alcohol, but she supposed the day was nearing the conclusion and people would go to their rooms afterwards.

She looked around to see who was nearby. She wanted to ask more questions but felt she had done quite a bit already. She doubted she would find out who left her that photo today. Instead, she was more interested in the other people invited here.

She asked the bartender for a vodka tonic and as she waited she saw Ivanna stride into the room. That was someone she wanted to get to know more. Millicent waved her over. ”Just the person I wanted to see. Want anything more to drink?” she asked, unsure if Ivanna would want to consume more alcohol.

Ivanna smiled when she saw Millicent. “Oh my god, hey girl! Yes, please, I need something non-fancy. Style queen, how are you?” Ivanna said as she sat by Millicent.

Millicent ordered another vodka tonic, hoping that was non-fancy enough. She handed it over to Ivanna. ”Good now that I have a good meal in me with some nice wine. I’ll admit, I don’t go for the fancy stuff when I do indulge. Give me a decent bottle at the Aldi’s and I’m content. But it’s to be expected with a family in the wine business. Speaking of…what do you make of our mysterious benefactors?”

Ivanna sipped the drink and grinned widely, clearly liking this more than the wine. “I haven’t had too much chance to talk to many of them, but the butler guy serves more than just the dinner. He is so slay. And it’s cool they included drag queens in their awards. And magicians.” . Ivanna sipped from her drink again. “This is so good.”

Millicent grinned and felt a slow warmth within her. She was used to awards from magician organizations but this was something else entirely. One where she was on par with others that excelled in their fields. ”Yeah, it’s nice they are offering it to this many different people. I mean there’s a Youtuber personality, a ghost hunter, a preschool worker, a doctor, a pilot. It’s mind-boggling.” Millicent hid the fact she was sure that there was more going on.

”I spoke to Elenore at length a bit and got some more info from the gardener. Seems the family has far reach and Elenore likes to appear she holds it all together, but between you and me, I think she’s about to crack.” The glare she held to that one lady about the steak sauce, she was positive there was an undercurrent of malice. But was it really about steak sauce?

“Crack?” Ivanna asked, “You think? She seemed…” Ivanna thought about it. “Maybe you’re right…magician intuition?

”More like keen observation. She seems well put-together, but oftentimes the ones who put on the bravest face are the ones who will break at the slightest inconvenience. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think someone is going to freak out over the course of this award thing and my money’s on her.”

Ivanna leaned in, “Ooh, you think so? What do you think she’ll do?”

Millicent gave it some thought. She figured if things got too hectic Elenore would just kick them all out and send them home. That would be the easiest thing. But Millicent got the sense Elenore preferred to keep things here rather than show the pressure getting to her. ”Might be a little bit dark, but hell, maybe she’d murder someone. That one guy who was homophobic would be my first target, though she seemed to have some animosity towards the two who used the steak sauce. I didn’t see it as a huge deal, but I got the sense she saw it as a slight.”

Ivanna gasped. “Murder?” She whispered, “You think she’d have it in her to do that? At her own…awards…thingy…what’s it called…competition?”

”I don’t know. Wasn’t there a famous quote that said something along the sides of everyone has it in them you just have to find the right motivation? Only speculation. And who knows about the other family members? I didn’t know they all had a nomination pick. It doesn’t seem like they all get along well with each other.”

“I mean…I guess if that guy who called me a fake woman killed someone that’d be…not that surprising…wait, is that who nominated us? The family here?”

”They said so at dinner. Elenore had final say but some members got to nominate someone. They wouldn’t say who, of course. But Elenore is the matriarch and she got to dictate who comes.”

“I guess I was distracted by…stuff.” . Said Ivanna, “It was really someone here…” She smiled big and excited. “But then…that doesn’t make sense…or does it…” Ivanna set down her drink.

”I mean, I think it does. The award seems so random. Usually if there’s an award there’s a reason behind it, like awards for movies or for charity, whereas this one seems wildly different. Each the best in their respective fields, but there’s so many random people here, so I think it makes the most sense that the other family members had a say.”

“Yeah…” Ivanna nodded slowly, “I thought I knew who nominated me but maybe I was wrong…uh! Anyway, sorry, I don’t…um. How…how’d you learn to do all those magic tricks? It’s so cool.”

Millicent looked over to Ivanna. She seemed….unsure of a lot. Distracted. Millicent wanted to pry, but out of everyone here so far she felt the most connected to Ivanna. ”Practice mainly. There’s your standard tricks that all magicians know like disappearing the rabbit or showing your card, but every time someone comes along you need to be different and set yourself apart. It’s hard, especially as a woman. In the magic scene, women are still viewed as lesser, more suited for the role of “lovely assistant” despite those assistants being just as talented, if not more so, than their male counterparts.” Millicent paused to take a sip of her drink and allow herself to cool off. ”It takes a lot of time, but it’s worth it when you’re on the stage in front of everyone. I imagine it’s the same for you?”

Ivanna smiled. “Drag is so much work, but yeah, it’s so worth it…when you get up there with the glitter and the makeup and the wig and you’re just free to be whatever you feel inside…it’s the most amazing feeling. I just want to be good at it.”

Millicent felt a warmth within her. Ivanna was definitely someone she wanted to remain in touch with when this was all over. ”Absolutely. I’ll have to come see a show. And, of course, you’re invited to mine. When we get through this award ordeal, of course. Promise not to hate me when I win?” she asked in a jokey tone.

Ivanna smiled at Millicent for a few moments. “I’d be elated if you won. You’d totally deserve first place, you have the fashion of a queen, and the heart of one too. Break a leg with all this. But don’t hate me if I win either,” she laughed, then went quiet for a few moments. “Would you really want to come see one of my shows?”

”Of course! I have been two a few drag shows and have enjoyed it every single time. Never a dull moment and everyone having a good time.” Millicent liked her chances, but her mind still raced back to that photo. ”Well, whoever wins, I’m glad I met you.”

“I’m glad I met you too,” Ivanna said, “I’ll catch one of your shows later for sure…I don’t know much about magic tricks, but it looks so cool. You’re cool too.”

Millicent blushed slightly. If this whole thing did become what she feared, she was pretty confident Ivanna would be a good ally. She was unsure of the others, though. Especially Evelyne. There was something about her that worried Millicent. After all, there was still a blackmailer on the loose.

MARVELS: Streets of New York

Got something in the works. Hoping to have it ready some time this week.

The Season of the Enlightened

@Pristine1281 I will revamp them once I get more settled into what I want to put out

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