Sydney had very much originally, not wanted to go. It was a night, in a new place, with a bunch of strangers that he has no information on. Supernatural strangers at that. However, his younger sister pushed him into going.

"It would be a good networking opportunity", "We employee a bunch of supernaturals don't we?", "Oh shut up, it's not a full moon, leaving the house every once in a while will do you good"

Hannah did have some good points, good enough points that he couldn't argue with her, and he was annoyed about it. He knew it would be a mistake if he didn't go, so reluctantly, he took a shower, dressed to the nines in a nice but simple black suit, with vest, white shirt and undershirt, and a red tie with a basic embossed pattern. Simple, yet refined. When going out to the garage, he looked at his options for cars, he personally only had two. A simple couple year old black 4 door sedan, and a nicer fully electric car with many smart capabilities. He frowned, overthinking it and that neither choice would do. He looked over to the car left behind by his father. A BMW,of which he felt would suffice for this event. He went back in to grab the keys for the car, in the office desk drawer, he would find them. With that he took his leave from his family home to this party. An uneventful drive for an anxious wolf man.

When he made it to the event he found a spot to park with ease, the doorpeople let him through and someone right inside had asked for his electronics. He frowned a bit as he handed over both his work phone and personal phone, as well as car key. He was more upset about his phones being taken, but turned them off before he handed them to the person to store for now. Walking to the elevator, no longer having a crutch to not be social at a social event, his nerves set in a bit. He didn't even know what to say, who to talk to, or really what to do. Usually him and his sister in the past have both been forced to similar social events but more with people their age and of their status. Usually he could hang around his sister and feel ok, but she decided to not come to this. She was busy, had other plans, the excuse didn't matter so much to Sydney, as more of her absence.

In the elevator, he was surprised on how quickly it shot upwards, gripping the back corner of the elevator has it moved. When it came to a stop, and the doors opened, it was already very busy. He nodded to the people who greeted him as he went into the crowd to mingle for now. As it seemed there wasn't too much else to do for now but to mingle. He could already feel this was going to be a longer night than what he wanted it to be.

Vai would not risk leaving the Sanctum unprotected, and did not ask any of the remaining council members to attend the party with her. She certainly would not be going with Louis. As far as the wolf-witch was concerned, the less time she spent with that man the better. His pack status be damned.

The woman wouldn't have minded terribly to arrive alone, but an extra pair of eyes and ears would only work in her favor. Luckily, she caught an unruly pup insulting her under his breath the day before the event. No one called Vai a cunt without consequence.

They went together by taxi, and before the vehicle arrived at its destination, Vai turned to Jess in the back seat. "Behave yourself," came her low, threatening growl. The vehicle came to a stop and she squinted at him. "Pay attention and try to overhear something useful." The command was punctuated by her characteristic, narrow-eyed scowl before she pulled the door open and stepped out into the night.

Vai was a classy woman dressed elegantly in gold silk and wrapped in luscious dark furs. Gold bangles clinked gently as she moved toward the entrance with her companion. Wordlessly she wove an illusion of great confidence and power around her in order to detract from her intense disdain for the gathering of vampires they were walking into. Hers was the image of an old matriarch - if you didn't know her, it would feel as though you ought to have heard of her. However, she was not aiming to attract attention more than respect.

When they approached the beautiful undead doorman, Vai frowned. She had no cellphone to check in - that simply wasn't something she bothered with. When her companion followed, she led them to the elevator. The only bit to give away her discomfort with the contraption was the briefest widening of eyes when it jolted up suddenly. No amount of welcoming once they reached the party would make up for that, and without so much as a huff she brushed past the butlers with a deliberate pace.

She came to a pause at the mouth of the main room, taking in all the elaborate decor and performers. It was overwhelming, and perhaps gaudy. Her mouth drew into a line as she scanned the room for a familiar face.

There were rules to this party. Paul knew them. He knew, if the confrontation went much farther than words, certain people might be asked to leave. And if he played his cards right with a cool, calm demeanor, his innocence would allow him to be the winning party of this affair.

He raised a single brow at younger man, dressed as what? Some nauseating denim buckaroo. How absolutely horrifying for him. Paul might have felt second hand embarrassment, if he hadn't already been soured by his reckless behavior. The language only furthered Paul's perceptions of the stranger as an inexcusable brute.

Paul understood the point of this whole event was political, and that Olivia had intended to create some handshake across the table for species of all kind. Still; people like these ruined parties and inviting everyone as a form of peacekeeping had clearly been a folly. 

Unlike the stranger- Paul knew his manners.

"I pardoned you." Paul responded loud and clear with a degree of poise to his words; he always enunciated. 

Around that time, his waiter returned, handing Paul a glass of amber liquid. The witch gave the container a tilt of his wrist, wafting the fragrance toward his nose.

"Legacy by Angostra?" He asked, and the waiter nodded.  "Delightful. Thank you." He gave a dismissive gesture of his head toward the staff who slipped away on command.

Paul then forced his attention back to the unsavory stranger.

Lisa-Joe Hampton loved to dress for a party. What a person chose to wear to such an affair said an awful lot about them, and the redheaded punk wanted to revaluate what counted as formal wear. To that effect, she wore a short dress made of black lace. It wove into a delicate series of patterns, traveling up and down the garment, and creating an almost tattoo like effect. This lace skin continued on into intricate leggings and ending in solid red, fuck-me pumps. The shoes matched the Brujah's firey hair, which lay in ringlets down her back. Atop her head was a long black veil that covered her face. beneath the fabric a red lip and smokey eye could be seen. She looked like a happy mourner, a joyful parishioner of recent death. She'd chosen objection to this event in how she'd dressed for it, clearly still within the rules but making a statement nonetheless. 

In her company was a tall, muscular man with long, jet black hair and an expression that was far from party like. He wore a more traditional tuxedo, but was constantly scratching at himself, huffing and pulling at the fabric. He was a man trapped in clothing, as he normally wore exposing tank tops and loose fitting jeans. He held the arm of his mistress and friend, and the two made a striking couple to the untrained eye. 

"You look great Manuel," Lisa-Joe complimented. "How did you get your hair to be so lush," she asked. 

"Blowdryer," came a gruff reply. "Watched a You-TV video."

The bar mistress grinned. She would have to text Quinn a pick of Manuel like this. The Anarchs brought a few more of their own. Lisa-Joe's regular posse was also in tow. Riley, a very chipper, blonde bar back, and Amy, a serious looking art student, made up the rear. They passed through security with no problem, Lisa-Joe dropping plenty of Sugahs, and, bless your hearts to speed things along. The elevator didn't throw her for a whirl, but Manuel growled softly at the sudden velocity. 

"Hold it together," she cautioned, gripping her friend's shoulder. "You ain't even had small talk yet." With a ping the doors opened and the four Anarchs moved into the atrocious display of wealth and vanity. She resisted the urge to scoff. 

"Alright you two," she said to Riley and Amy, "fan out and listen up. I need a list of movers and shakers, and who's fucking who's sister's nephew's dogs. Got it?" The two young vampires nodded and disappeared into the crowd. Lisa-Joe grabbed Manuel's arm and said, "shall we speak with the scum of society?"

Manuel scoffed. "Funny. Like we have a choice." With that they set off, moving past the artist and wolves for now. 

The bite of the alcohol was strong, and after the first couple of sips, Paul felt a warmth and easiness in his body. 

An older woman interjected herself into the conversation, quite clearly the younger man's handler, or even mother. He had a good internal chuckle at the idea. While Jesse had obtained a poor reception, Vai, on the other hand, had the opposite effect. The way she carried herself was with strength, and her way of dress held a respectable level of couture. Paul would allow her to clean up the mess of the younger fellow. 

"Actually, it's revitalized Victorian authentic." Paul was proud as a peacock, flattered by the question, enamored by Vai's smoothness. 

Now would be the time to give a handshake or kiss, but the witch tended to be cagey about physical contact. He didn't like to be touched, and didn't enjoy touching others casually. 

"Paul Worthington, my work is in inter-dimensional therapeutics, a pleasure to meet you. I'm always rather taken by these events. It's so nice to see everyone on their best behavior." 

He resisted looking toward Jesse with his last sentence, dedicated to keeping his cattiness on a minimal level. 

"Lovely color," this was her last quiet remark about the clothing, and she was pleased that it had its intended affect. Patiently she heard his introduction, giving Jesse's arm a barely perceptible squeeze when behavior was commented on.

What a perfect opportunity for him to practice control.

"You may call me Vai," her upturned brow accentuated bright eyes twinkling with mischievous humor. "Illusionist of the Northwest Wood." Vai made no move to extend her hand unless Mr. Worthington initiated, instead choosing to incline her head in slight bow. She opened her mouth to continue with more pointless drivel, and much to her relief there was a change to the music and entertainment.

Now her face lit up in all-too-convincing excitement. "Ah! The Black Swan!" Her hand went to her throat and she offered Mr. Worthington a brief, apologetic smile. "Forgive us, Sir Worthington," The woman made to turn toward the performance, pulling Jesse along with her. "How delightful!" she exclaimed, punctuating their sudden departure from Mr. Worthington's presence in favor of approaching the stage.

Perhaps she would return to Mr. Worthington later. For now, she came to a stop and released Jesse from her grasp with a displeased huff. "Do not make me repeat myself." the wolf-witch glared.

It had taken Coalji a long time to find a simple tuxedo to fit his frame. It was a rental, though economical. The duskborn was not a rich man and did not put on pretenses that he was. He wanted to be in best dress for Samantha's party, but would save his finances for his charity work. He had put his hair in two braids that ran down his back. In his hands he carried a hand-crafted jewelry box he had made for his newfound friend. She had not mentioned gifts, but he had brought one so not to be unprepared. If it was an inappropriate gesture, he could always take it back home with him.

Upon arriving, Coalji felt a sense of wonder. He had never been to an event as elaborate as this- the closest being some charity events for firemen- but even that paled in comparison. He'd become nervous upon entering the elevator because he once again felt out of place in the woman's world. She was magnificent, a member of the noble class. He did not even have his status as warrior to provide to her, now weak in contrast to the supernatural pool of magic and abilities. Yet, he fought his insecurity. Though they were different, he knew he served an important purpose to the Earth himself. Their mission and place in life was different, not superior or inferior.

In truth, he was enthralled. He'd gotten off the elevator and had been hit with a whirl of activity, people, entertainment and cheer. Coalji had to be ushered into the room by the security detail, because he had stood blocking the entrance staring in wonderment at the acrobatic performers.

"Thank you, I should not have stopped there. It is nice to meet you, I am Coalji." Coalji said to the help- who, much like in the club where he had first met Samantha- did not seem to react appropriately.

"I have a gift for Samantha- where shall I place it?" He asked when he did not receive an introduction back and the employee responded,

"I will take care of it for you." Whisking his box away. Coalji couldn't explain what unsettled him about it, but it did. His attention was soon brought away and to the ongoing party, a smile so broad on his face that his muscles would ache by the time the night was done.

There was a performance going on stage, and he decided he would try to move out of the way, toward one of the bars in order to not get stuck standing a fool again. He did not see Samantha anywhere, but it was a large party. The bartender asked if he wanted something, but he declined, adding,

"I am honored to be here. Do you know the occasion for celebration?"

"Olivia Pane is honoring the memory of the King, and celebrating the New Year." 

Who was Olivia Pane? Coalji wondered to himself. The King had passed? Was he mixed up, at the wrong place?

"Oh, I see now." He responded,  not really sure what to do. He politely smiled and greeted those who passed him, making the best of things despite his own confusion. 

Maria originally planned not to attend this party Olivia Pane intended to hold on New Years Eve. Her shop was far more important. She could have made an effort to clear her schedule, and meet all the movers and shakers that would be at this event. Those who deemed themselves important enough to ply for Olivia's affections, and all that lovely jazz. Maria is sure Lisa-Joe would tell her all about it the next she visits the lovely red head. Three days ago she was informed by Colt Chee we were ahead of schedule. Maria told Colt Chee and his crew to take an extended holiday break. Pay included. They would not be due back until after the New Year, and Maria decided to attend this shin dig.

She did not mention to anyone plans changed, it would be a nice surprise, well for some people, as Maria could not speak for everyone. She gazed outside of the cab window, hands gently clasped together in my lap, the people and street lights whizz by in streaks of different colors. She decided to take one of her old outfits and give it some life again, finding a decent tailor on short notice. She was dressed in an elegant forest green mermaid gown with a train, sleeveless with a split up the left side, ending below the hip. Simple open gold high heels, her lovely yoonir earrings, and this time instead of dreads Maria styled her hair in a combination of a kinky and curly hairstyle, and it came out better than expected. 

The gift she intended for Olivia was sent earlier this afternoon. It was short notice and she had limited time to pick a gift. Luckily, having connections to the underworld did have its advantages some days. Obtaining a variety of incredibly rare flowers, a rare Ballerina Orchid, a colorful one called the Bird in Paradise, and a bi-colored Amaryllis called a Dancing Queen that came with with ten large blooms. It was thoughtful for short notice.

Maria unclasped her hands and grabbed the black clutch beside her, with a pen and notepad in it. You never knew when you had to give out or write down a phone number or email. She even had some business cards just in case. The shop wasn't open yet, but soon, and that excited Maria. It wasn't long before the cab driver arrived at the Kline Towers, like everyone else she walked inside and headed to the elevator. Once she arrived up top they checked her clutch to make sure she did not have a phone. She made sure to leave that at home. Gently grabbing a champagne flute as a waiter sauntered by me, and like other members of this party Maria proceeded to look at the artwork and wander around.

-------

The peanut gallery that followed Sam from store to store was annoying, as, fuck. She could have cared less if the employees in these upscale stores were uncomfortable with the situation. Most were smart enough to stay the hell out of it. She gave a dirty glare to those daring enough to say something. One man thought he like to be my knight in shining armor, and Sam promptly told him off. She left the store, and the mortal with his poor jaw on the floor. There was a nice dress in that store but fuck that dude. It was like this for hours, constantly taunting me and my choices. She didn't say a word to Nikolai the entire time. Sam just swallowed the insults the best she could.

"I didnt realize that the 1950s were coming back into fashion."

"If you're gonna wear velvet, at least make it dark. You look like Santa's christmas whore."

"You look like a pageant toddler."

Sam got it. Loud and clear. She didn't have the slightest idea about fashion in this era. It had been decades since she wore a dress, and this task wore on Sam mentally. She started to feel like she was being suffocated at a certain point, heading towards the nearest exit. Sam just needed to get outside the mall and get some fresh air. Once she was outdoors she leaned against the wall. Eyes shut, still trying to ignore Nikolai flapping his gums. Then she finally snapped back. Sam reminded him in disgust, he doesn't have to play dress up, or have leeches implanted in his head. Dead silence. Sam opened her eyes after a few mintues, and promptly walked back inside. Nikolai in tow.

Sam just walked into a store, grabbed a dress, and stormed into the nearest change room. This point she didn't care anymore. In a huff Sam pulled back the curtain, jumping in surprise as Nikolai stood there with not one, but three dresses in his hands. She narrowed her eyes in confusion, what was he trying to pull? He probably just wanted this over with like she did now. Before Sam snapped again. She snatched all three, pulling the curtin closed. She decided to get the colored fabrics out of the way, the green was meh, the blue was half decent, but the black one, it stunned Sam. She didn't know why. It just did. Some bold metal accessories and volia! As the lady gave Sam everything after payment, all neat and packaged up, she thought it was finally over. Until the blonde bimbo opened up their mouth.

"Your boyfriend has good taste." There was no way Sam could hide that deer in the headlights look.

MY FUCKING WHAT!!! Sam plucked the paid merchandise from the ladies tinie little hands, and ran. She blocked everything out at that point. Heading for the nearest exit. Sam couldnt tell if Nikolai was laughing at her for running, or cursing the retail associate out for being an idiot, either way she did not care.

The night before the party Laurent implanted these leeches in her head. Sam almost couldn't handle it and nearly passed out. The swirling mass beneath herconsciousness was terrifying. This shadow magic was similar to a blood bond, but one that mutated and produced this apalling result. Sam found out when she used Unswayable Mind against his leeches within hours of being injected she could block some of them out. Sams confirmation, a beating from Mitchelletto, the demon could monitor what she was doing and thinking. At this point there was no escaping, and after the thrashing from Mitch Sam had been obedient to a point.

Sam stepped out from the rental car. Laurent and her arrived in separate vehicles, and she was told to pretend not to know him. That would be the easy part. Sams hair was partially down, soft loose curls cascading down her back. It was hard to pick a style that worked with Sams hair, this one turned out fine. Mustering up some courage as she walked into the Kline Towers, this place screamed expensive as she entered the elevator to go up. When Sam exited the elevator, then escorted by security, no phones, not surprising at all. She wandered about like the others, looking around as she tried to blend in. The dancers caught her attention. Samantha watched with a smile, admiring their grace and skill.

--------

Oh, Olivia. Are you making a run for the crown? Are you trying to fill the huge, empty, hole in your dead heart now that Jonathan is dead? Or is there something I am missing?

These were just some of the ideas Savio thought up as he perfected the art of picking out an exquisite suit for this event, over the course of several weeks. He started to plan what to wear to this event soon as Savio decoded the message in the newspaper. Miss. Pane was a clever woman, and Savio could always use someone who has connections like the orginal Daughter of Dusk. One could not afford to be too finicky these days, not after this mess Savio heard about hunters. His arrival was spot on. The ground enriched with blood gave birth to new life, and with it, new opportunities burst from the terrain. Perfect flowers waiting to be plucked. This was the best opportunity to make a debut in nothing but the finest. Savio wanted to attract Olivia's attention, but he was sure the gift he sent would make a bigger impression.

A superior necklace. Able to be worn twenty-seven different ways, designed with nothing but the rarest diamonds, stones and gems most mortals could only dream of acquiring in their lifetime. It was not for sale originally, but Savio has his methods for obtaining such rarities. Delivered by courier directly to Olivia Pane. Savio required a signature and the name on the receipt, Samantha Kline, worked as well. In a private car Savio made sure everything was in place using the reflection of the divided window, using some hair oil to tame down a stray hair or two, smoothing out the odd wrinkle, straighting the crease in my pants. The suit he decided to wear was an exquisite suit designed by Alexander Amosu, accented with a pink tie and blue diamond cuff links.

Savio had never been to the famous Kline Towers, it was pretty in a sense, and inside Olivia had a sense of style, then again it could have been Jonathan's taste in art. It did not matter. Just some random thoughts as Savio made a bee linee for the elevator, and tonight the fun would begin. Checking his appearance once more using the shiny metal doors, and exiting the elevator to enjoy this wonderful party. Seeing a particular piece of artwork he decided to start there and remained open yet casual.

---------

Theodora hated - what the hell were they called again? Vehicles! Death trap on wheels is what it is! Let's pile a bunch of bodies inside a small space that will crumple up on impact. Bouncing off one another like some twisted game of gladiators in a small Hippodrome. She loved the neonates, but they really needed to stop giving her details like that. Yes they want to be thorough, but she rather not know that about a four ton metal box, driving on metal circles, coated in flimsy rubber no less. She was less impressed when she learned they would be in something called a limo, the neonates showed Theodora a picture, looked like a long tube, great, a bigger metal box.

The neonates insisted they help Theodora dress up and pick a mask to wear at this event. She decided on this beautiful white venetian mask painted with emerald green as the main focal point, accents of purple gems stones, and just the right amount of gold along the top. The dress was always the difficult one. She could not show skin and that limited Theodora to certain choices, but she managed to find one that tickled her fancy. It was a beautiful white dress accented in a gorgeous blacks, greens and gold, the sleeves adorned with beautiful diamonds and gems.

The neonates found a clever way to hide Theodora's hands and fingers, and still wear some beautiful fake nails in a pastel green. Cutting small slits into the black gloves fingers tips, then shaped and sewed the cloth around the nails. It was tedious, but she was happy with the end result. Theodora placed her wavy and long beautiful hair around the mask. Rudolph was impressed when he seen Theodora come out hours later.

She could not keep still in the limo. Her feet in these gold flats countined to bounce as we drove. It seemed like days before the limo came to a stop. Rudolph exited first and like a gentleman opened the door for Theodora, she stepped out and Rudolph offered his arm. She accepted of course, and could not help but look around as we entered the Kline Towers. She spotted this weird metal box with sliding doors, people getting on this contraption. Theodora stared at Rudolph as she tighted her grip around his arm, its like the dum waiter back home Rudolph explained. Just much bigger. She sighed, and nodded her head for him to lead. She trusted Rudolph, but still leery as we entered in this metal box. What was with everyones fascination about designing metal boxes of death in this era?

The jolt upwards startled her, and she clung to Rudolph for dear life. It was a short and claustrophobic ride, thankful for the short part. The doors opened and security was checking for electronic devices of all sorts, we had none. She gave Rudolph and affectionate squeeze on his arm, content with Rudolph leading Theodora around the room. It was time she studied all these people who showed up for Olivia, surprised at the large crowd, prehaps they could make some profitable connections tonight.

Despite his indignation of the entire event, Damien smirked crookedly at his companion. "Have I ever denied you a dance, Odessa?"

An icy rage had gripped him since he had received Olivia Pane's invitation, something that grew from a morning frost as he considered his options of attendance, into a full blizzard as the doors of the elevator opened them to the event itself. Damien's teeth grit together and his body stiffened immediately before he was able to control the reaction. Whatever he had been imagining was much more tame than this... circus. He cursed under his breath just loud enough for Sonya to hear and chuckle. 

He couldn't understand the impulse for such nonsense. The pomp of it all was absurd and gaudy. He had never cared much for such elaborate displays of wealth and status. Such grandiosity was nothing more than a peacock fanning itself. Masturbatory. And to honor Ludwig for his services and dedication to the city? By his glorified secretary? No, something was amiss here and the longer he stood staring into the thralls of immortals, the more he became that something was amiss.

Odessa urged them forward and Damien followed step obediently. He knew how to behave in these kinds of situations - galas and fundraising events were nothing new to him - but his ability to do so had significant reduced since the hunters had swept through the city. As he strolled with Sonya on his arm, hyper-vigilance took his attention away from the rules of party etiquette. Instead he tried to identify faces that he had seen fighting in the streets along side him and Odessa. He wondered where all of these people had been while he was riddled with bullets, losing ability to move his eyes and tongue on the dirt floor of some basement. How many of these fools had to dig shrapnel out of their companion's skin? Their own? He silently debated with himself how long would be an appropriate amount of time to stay at the event before slipping away.

Very good sir," said the dapper attendant, bowing deeply before disappearing into the crowd.  Sydney was once again left to his own devices. However, a woman whispered to him.

"She'll eat you whole."

Lisa-Joe was a ghost this evening, passing by the young wolf, only to move past him and deeper into the crowd. Wherever she went, she began to sew the seeds of discord. Amy and Riley continued their own campaigns of cacophony, each pointing out flaws in the party's design, suggesting the hostess had other plans for all of them, and even questioning her right to throw such an affair. It was far from a loud drunk soap box speech. No. No. No. Lisa-Joe had survived in more than one fascist state, and knew that most revolutions were born of simple, and sometimes, hushed conversations. She moved now to the wolves, not bothering to speak to the older of the pair. She moved alongside Jesse for a moment, and whispered softly, "You going to take that disrespect from that elite fuck? He was just saying how dumb you were."  To help Jesse out, she pointed back in Paul's direction.

Amy came to support her mistress, moving up next to Vai at the same time Lisa-Joe spoke to Jesse. "OMG, I love your outfit. Vintage or retro?" 

Vai could smell them before they spoke - the dead ones. She'd just gotten Jess to heel and now this strumpet was undoing all of her efforts. Was she trying to cause a scene? The wolf narrowed her gaze, keeping her eyes straight ahead. "I don't believe I sought your opinion," she remarked in an almost sing-song fashion. Rage swirled in the pit of her belly.

Vai's lips moved into a snarl as she finally turned toward the vampire, eyes glowering and dangerous, "You can fuck off."

Sonya glided alongside Damien as they went slowly about the room together, saying little. Her eyes scanned the crowd as she fanned out her mental awareness and presence, catching familiar faces and giving pleasant smiles and nods. She would go to them later - now her companion's demeanor was a touch... unwelcoming.

From across the room she spotted him again - Rudy. After finding him at the Midnight Court Hotel, suspected that he might attend the party. When they caught eyes she gave him a knowing, if not mischievous smile, then turned her gaze to the masked woman on his arm. Certainly an ancient, and quite older than herself. Utto would be interested in knowing who this woman was. Later, perhaps, she would go greet them both beyond the respectful nod she offered now. Later would be after she saw that Damien loosened up a bit.

She leaned into Damien-- "You are tense," she murmured lowly in Italian, "Let us go dance for a moment." She intended to steer him toward where others had designated a dancing place. Her mind brushed politely against his before she passed him a message.

"We will catch more flies with honey." Her tone was warm - she did not want to lecture him. But it would do them no good if they went about the party looking for enemies.

"Come now love. It's not polite to stare." You could hear the smile within Theodora's hushed velvety voice. It been ages since she seen that light in his eyes. She caught a mischievous smile from the woman."She is lovely." As Theodora returned the nod to both the woman and the gentleman on the beauty's arm. "That smile was for you. Which means that's not her lover." She leaned over and whispered to Rudolph, and gave him a reassuring squeeze on the arm again.

"Shall we go talk to man who is not the only one wearing a custom suit?" She had taken notice of Rudolph's brief expression towards the man, before he had seen the mysterious woman.

That to her was most intriguing, and Theodora looked forward to finding out who this woman is. She has never pushed Rudolph to tell Theodora everything right away, and she would not try to pry now. She had a feeling the two have met before, and Theodora swore this woman graced the floor in a peculiar manner, it was familiar, but it she could not place it.

He knew she was right, and that finding information and allies were tasks more important than his anger. Still, it didn't make him want to participate in the frivolous gaiety any more than he absolutely had to. Damien had chosen a sensible, yet elegant black tailored tuxedo to wear and worried that he would be overdressed. Yet as he stood watching the other supernaturals in their flamboyant affairs, he realized how wrong he was. Loud colors and fabrics and designs, all competing with one another for attention. For Olivia's attention, it would seem. It left a bad taste in his mouth to think of it.  

Damien rolled his shoulders back and adjusted his coat before looking over at his companion with a practiced smile and newfound air of confidence and stature. At least he had her here to endure this madness with. "You're right, Odessa," he decided aloud. "It's time for us to join the other peacocks." Damien kissed her hand and guided her towards the dance floor.