5053/Hellfire Cub Mardi Gras Party!

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Hellfire Cub Mardi Gras Party!
Date of Scene: 06 February 2021
Location: The Dungeon - Hellfire Club
Synopsis: The Hellfire Club threw a successful Mardi Gras Party! Nobody died!
Cast of Characters: Sebastian Shaw, Alexis Carr, Jovian Anderson, Toni Monetti, Ted Kord, Nicole Adams, Joan Wright, Pietro Maximoff, June Moone, Arthur Curry, Viola Fiore, Andrew Wrate, Samuel Guthrie, Hope Svelgate, Felicia Hardy, Reed Richards, Cinque Evers




Sebastian Shaw has posed:
The World Turned Upside Down! That appears to be the theme of the Hellfire Club's Mardi Gras party this year. And, in keeping with that theme, the usual dark and quasi-gothic horror club The Dungeon has been transformed into a much brighter and open locale, apparently in an attempt to mimic the city of New Orleans. The walls still have lost some of the more outlandish 'torture' devices, which have been replaced by garish masks and displays of beads.

The centerpiece of the room is the stage. Made to look like a Mardi Gras float. There is a crowned king holding a trident on one side, while on the other there is -- again -- a grinning white mask, with yellow, purple, and golden shoots poking out of it. Over the stage is a figure of a grinning jester, decked out in the colors of the fete, surrounded by tri-colored strands of balloons that span from one end of the stage to the other. The performers -- the house band as it were -- are dressed in bright magenta tuxedo coats, and black pants (or skirts) as they play traditional jazz ballads. The rest of the staff are dressed in costume. Male and female servers alike are showing a fair amount of skin (the men are in sleeveless green tuxedo jackets, with no undershirt, and tight shorts, the women in bright gold sequined leotards, with very deep V-cut necks) and the temperature of the room is..balmy. Either due to the crowd present, or the HVAC system working a bit of overtime to make it feel a bit like the tropics.

The room has two levels of course. The lower level's walls and booths are open and the dancefloor seems to have been expanded a little bit. The upstairs has been decorated to look like the balconies of New Orleans. A long stretch along the back wall -- where the upstairs bar is -- has been converted into one long extended balcony, for revelers to watch and engage with the crowd below. Flanking the gallery on either side of the room are the more private booths. They have been pushed up nearly to the railing, affording a view below as well, though they have velvet curtains that can be pulled across the front of them, to provide some privacy for any who occupy their space.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
The Mardi Gras party is in full swing, and the Rex of the revelry -- Sebastian Shaw himself -- is in the middle of it. He wears a garish purple tuxedo, with a bright gold shirt, strung with a very modern looking green tie about the collar. Across his chest is a sash that says 'Rex' in stylized letters, and atop his head is a purple top hat, to complete the ensemble. He has, tonight, thrown off his usual more staid personality, and looks -- oddly -- to be enjoying the revelry. He is currently speaking in low tones with a scantily dressed woman, before he turns and hops up onto the stage as the last bars of the song die.

After a brief applause, he holds up his hand, and takes the microphone, "Welcome, welcome, members of the Hellfire Club! And our many wonderful guests," he begins, before he gives his prepared remarks, "I will keep this brief because I do not wish to kill the atmosphere, but, I wanted to say that this party, this evening, this event marks a new beginning for the Hellfire Club in New York City! I have returned my travels to our sister clubs in Tokyo and London, and with my return the Club shall be resuming its position as the leading social and philanthropic club in the City. I look forward to working with all of you to help make New York City, the United States of America, and the World a better place! Welcome, once again." Pretty low level goals there, "And now, may I introduce the incomparable Allegra Caradenza to lead our house Jazz band for the next few songs!" He steps away from the microphone, clapping as Allegra comes to the center. He leans in to murmur something in her ear, and then glides off the stage and back into the crowd.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    Allegra Caradenza, clad in a beautiful peacock blue bustiere and a shimmering and bustled, ruffled iridescent blue-purple, wearing a green shawl and a mask pushed up to allow people to see her face. She gives a curtsey to the assembled group, and one separately to Sebastian Shaw (and she turns a little bit of a blush when he whispers in his ear, but gives a nod to the man -- and then to the band that she'll be playing with this evening.

    She takes a seat at a piano set up on the stage, and adjusts the microphone a little bit. "Hello everyone! Goodness, do you all look so festive from up here!" she grins, making a show to bring her hand over her eyes to cover from the spotlight.

    She brings her hands to the piano, looking to the band's actual lead, and she begins playing something that's very classical sounding, but then speeds it up, so it sounds chipper, and then the horns join in.

    And she whistles along with the band leader as he plays on the guitar and starts to sing "Go To the Mardi Gras"

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian is dressed in a dark tuxedo. Its the already ludicrously expensive and well fitting tuxudeo he bought for the Carmine birthday, since while he can afford two, he can't see the practicality of wearing more than one; BUT he might be here as a plus one and wanted to look good so he has poshed it up a bit. He wears a custom built top hat etched of shiny silver, with moonstones and rhinestones hand sewn into it. He has a cane, a former sword cane witht he sword removed with a hand carved eagle headdress which has been temporarily fitted with garrish purple and green jewelry to match the color with sequins and faux diamonds woven into the costume. Frankly, what would kick ass anywhere else would be quite humdrum except for the rather elaborate mask with large soulful eyes, also gorgeously hand made with silver gibbeous moons that seems to be covered in a kind of liquid darkness, which moves in layers around the costume. Exactly what color is it? Its black as midnight and yet something else besides, almost...alive. He moves in and looks about for Viola.

Toni Monetti has posed:
Toni Monetti got here... SOMEHOW; probably, she took the train. How did she get the invitation? Skillfully. She wore a coat on the train (probably) and parked it on the way in to reveal a tulip-skirt-and-bodice combo, both pieces in a diagonal tiger-stripe pattern with some extra magenta to the orange. There is a glow-in-the-dark plastic rosary cross in her navel piercing (class!) along with ice-blue lipstick and a magenta-with-gold-wings art-deco papillon-style mask to match the theme.

Toni contributes to the atmosphere with a "WHOOOH!" from the club floor as the band is introduced.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord arrived in a blue Bugatti Chiron with his companion. For once the Cerulean Scarab has set aside heroic toys, instead wearing tails and ties. This at the insistence of several aides who hid the costume he was going to wear -dammit. As a single concession, he retained his goggles because he doesn't LIKE masks. Dressed impeccably and somehow, that seems like a costume to him. Hey enters a little gobsmacked by it all. Then he offers his companion his arm, smiling hugely. "Wow."

Nicole Adams has posed:
     Mardi Gras was always a time for raucous revelry and festivities that, at least on this night, would get just a wink and a nod. Nicole was among those priveleged to be a guest at the famed Hellfire Club, and enjoy the evening at a place other than work or home. For the occasion, she dressed in a simple knee-length, strapless, sheath style dress that might otherwise be in the style of a 'little black dress'. Its neckline was daring, baring a healthy amount of decolletage without being indecent. What was odd about the dress was its hue. It was mostly a peacock blue in color, but as the light struck it this way and that, it could offer glimpses of emerald or amethyst at turns. Her mask echoed the peacock theme, a demi-mask decorated with the blue feathers of a peacock, ringed about on the edges with the resplendent, radiant eyes of a peacock's tail. Her honey gold hair is tied up in a French knot, and peridot eyes peered out from behind the mask out over the festivities.

     Like many others, she paused to listen first to Shaw's remarks as Rex of the festivities, and offered her polite applause. The performance of the musicians after was stellar. A smile tugged the corners of her lush lips upwards. What would a party like this be, without some jazz?

Joan Wright has posed:
Coming in alongside Ted is one of Damage Control's own. Miss Joan Wright. It's not often she goes to parties such as this but being that Ted asked and made the necessary arrangements for it to be possible, she agreed. As she experiences the temperatures inside, Joan is a bit glad her dress came sleeveless. But that thought is a short-lived one as she looks to the decor "Wow indeed. This took some time to set up."

Joan is in a rare state tonight. She is wearing makeup! Thanks to Melissa and Ted's credit card, The Damage Control employee has ended up with some Mardi-Gras appropriate attire that doesn't expose too much and a rather professional, but light, touch to the makeup. With lips done up in a deep red, they provide sufficient contrast to the peacock feathered green and black mask that holds back her short hair. Around her neck, a black choker with a teardrop cut emerald stone hanging from it.

Matching the headpiece is a 1920s inspired flapper dress with black lines and dots accenting the green fabric. The green portion goes as far down as her fingertips while a black fringe continues the length down to the knee.

Resting on her left wrist is a corsage made up of a black and emerald band sporting a peacock feather. Upon her now exposed lower legs, she is wearing black heels. Each with two straps that criss cross around her ankles.

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
As a general rule, Pietro Maximoff's notion of a good time does not really run in the direction of parties, even elaborate affairs like this one. Indeed, while he might be a member of this particular club it is not a place that he generally frequents at all. Just what his father's interest in such a place is something of a mystery to him, but then it is a pretty rare thing that they have ever been on the same page. Why should it be any different now.

The Avenger's speedster has not exactly gotten into the spirit of things either, not opting for any sort of elaborate costume. Indeed, he is in his regular costume, though perhaps a powder blue outfit with silver lightning bolts is fanciful enough to qualify as festive in this particular setting. He has, at the very least, donned a mask, a feathered affair that looks vaguely like a bird of prey. Peregrine falcon of course.

Circulating through the main entrance, his lips is curled ever so slightly as he looks around. No doubt ever so judgemental.

June Moone has posed:
Hell in bronze.

Enchantress arrived just in time; in a plume of black smoke. Smoke that trails away as her form emerges, ancient runes decorated upon the flesh of her exposed arms that nearly shine in a dark gold. The black gown wraps loosely around her neck and around her bosom, skirt in tasteful tatters that touch the top of her knee and not. The mask upon her face is near formless, dirtied bronze as well, runes that cover the eyes which were cut out, allowing the glow beneath to be seen through the decorative slits. The mask also connects to a crown that fans out, tall and ribbed and surrounded by a mess of black hair that dances along her shoulders front and back. And barefoot. Yup. She was barefoot.

Enchantress emerged right at the balcony, just out of the way of a few party-goers whom seemingly moves as soon as they notice she was there. The aura she put out was messed up, intent on creating a wide berth around her person so that she could observe in peace and quiet.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry makes his way into the room. He's wearing the scaled green pants of his armor, but no shirt at all. Golden scaled bracers cover his forearms, and he's wearing a half mask that looks like a fish. In place of his usual trident, he's carrying a costume store devils pitchfork spray painted gold and dusted with glitter. Don't tell him he doesn't know how to show up for a party.

His first action on entering is to head for the bar and order a large scotch before turning to look over the room, idly twirling the toy trident. Atlantis has arrived at the party.

Viola Fiore has posed:
Viola Fiore is dressed up in purple and green, wearing a tiny dress that is cunningly constructed to look like slashes of material from the sides towards her middle, each arrayed to cover her while leaving plenty of skin visible between. The neckline is low cut and the hem rides high, revealing a pair of thigh-high stocking with a purple tinge.

She has a mask though at the moment it's just held in her hand that also has a tablet. She manipulates it while two other members of the Hellfire Club staff are in attendance. "Good, get another box of beads up to balcony #5," she says quietly to one person, before turning to the other and adding, "And the greeters at the doors need more drinks. Let's have drinks in hand before they even make it to the Dungeon."

The pair head off to take care of those details. There's an earpiece in Viola's ear, with a tiny mike angled towards her mouth, small to be unobtrusive. "Allegra is playing. Have the rest of the band cued up for the next number."

It's clear that she's working tonight, though she Jovian's familiar form as he comes in, and flashes a smile over to him when their eyes meet.

Andrew Wrate has posed:
Its a bit odd to show up to a party you had just heard of earlier in the day while bumping into some of the organizers, but here Andrew Wrate is. Tonight he's dressed up for the party in attire reminiscent of what most in the states would think of as the attire of a /witch doctor/.

A long suit that hangs almost to his knees is worn over a dark red vest with a white collared shirt under it, black slacks and square toed leather shoes. The tattooed man arrives with a black top hat with red wrapping and a small skull pin in the side. His handsome features are obscured by a stylized skeletal mask that he takes off on arrival, holding in his hand while offering polite nods to those he passes.

The first stop is the bar, where he orders himself a double spiced rum on the rocks. Settling in to get a feel for the party and looking to see if there are any familiar or friendly faces nearby.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw is oblivious to the blushing he has made happen across Allegra's cheeks, as he bounds down the stage, shakes the hands of a few partygoers, and then heads in the direction of the real brains of the operation: Viola. The man swipes a drink -- a Hurricane, of course -- from one of the servers passing by, and comes to a stop next to the woman who he has hired for the event. He lets his eyes pass over her outfit for a moment, and then he says, "I didn't think you had it in you Ms. Fiore, but, thank you for a wonderful job this evening," before he gives her a very slow bow.

When he straightens, the man takes a sip of his drink, sets it on a nearby table -- probably soon to be forgotten -- and holds out a hand for her, "May I have a quick dance with you before my card fills up?" he asks, grinning just a little bit. If she accepts, he pulls her close for a few moments of quiet whispering (likely about the event, or some aspect of it) as Allegra plays on the stage.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie has came to the part tonight. Fancy places and balls, not his normal place, but he even has an invitation. tonight, he is in black dress pants, purple long sleeve shirt with a brightly patterened vest and tie. A black mask and top hat completing the outfit. He looks around as if looking for someone, and heads towards the place the musicians will be playing while continuing to look for that person. https://cf.ltkcdn.net/costumes/images/std/257579-425x425-mardi-gras-vest.png

Viola Fiore has posed:
Viola Fiore's tablet flows past names of VIPs as they arrive, while another section shows drink stores are numbers of people in various locations. The event planner issues quietly commands into her microphone as needed. Though she hasn't worked with the Hellfire Club's event staff before, their professionalism exceeds what she was used to even working with a high-end event planner before this. Requiring only tweaking here and there as the staff carry out their tasks with great effectiveness.

"We have one of the Justice League here. Please make sure Arthur Curry has his drink kept filled. Yes, with the pitchfork," she murmurs quietly into the mike. "The CEO of Roxxon is at table 5, Marjorie pay him a visit and make him feel welcome. What was that? A blue blur. Alright, got him, it's an Avenger," Viola says, doing her best not to sound excited herself as she says, "I have no idea how fast Pietro Maximoff drinks, but let's make sure he doesn't have an empty hand if he's in want of a drink."

She lowers the tablet as Sebastian Shaw approaches. The young woman's eyes carry a brief amount of worry at his comment he didn't she had it in him, but the rest puts her more at ease. "Certainly sir," she says, an assistant coming over to take her tablet. "Jane, take over for me for five," she says before giving Shaw her entire attention. She rests her hand in him to let him walk her to the dance floor.

Hope Svelgate has posed:
Hope Svelgate is not 'on time' for the party. Some might say 'fashionably late', some might say slipping in when it will attract less attention. Though if she is trying not to attract attention, she is not very good at it. At 6'4" in flats the leather clad with voluminous blonde hair cuts an imposing profile. Built like an Asgardian, she might well be confused for a Valkyrie, but doesn't appear to be any of the famous ones. It is a bit hard to tell though with her eyes concealed by the metal mask attached to what appears to be a black Norse-style skullcap helmet.

The tall Scandinavian woman wastes no time in making her way towards the nearest source of alcohol and acquiring the strongest drink they have on hand. Not apparently the most social despite showing up at this large social gathering, she finds a place to people watch with her drink.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian is fully cognizent of the fact that she is working but smiles. He is a bit lost at the moment since it is, by experience, his job to blend in and become invisible in parties like this. The help, but with teeth and an earpiece. There is no such lethality in what he has at this point simply because of the fact that he wasnt about to try and sneak it by the rather ridiculosly efficient security. He isn't someone trying to network. He isnt even trying to seek information. Frankly, he is here to mostly provide a sense of security.

And that he can do. He grabs a drink, randomly from the tray and weaves in amongst the people, occasionally nodding or laughing at a clever joke. Sometimes he has had to be undercover among VIPs and he has certaily observed them quite well. Fitting in, especially at a superfucial level is like breathing air. He moves in to a relatively static position, within earshot should the inconveival problem arise, but at the same time effectively invisible by immersing himself as just another face in the crowd. Small talk here, compliments there, listening, laughing, and moving around about a ten foot square area with complete confidence and ease. On the surface. But metaphorically, he is looming.

Just in case. Old habits die hard.

Nicole Adams has posed:
     Nicole is, for the moment, content to listen to the music, her fingers drumming a complementary beat on the edge of a nearby table as she listens. Not recognizing Sam as he joins the general crowd partaking of aural delights, she dips her head in a nod to him. "Incredible band tonight," she says, smiling. "I don't suppose you know if they accept requests?" The peacock feathers radiating from the edges of her mask bob and sway as she moves her head in time with the lively tune the band plays.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry goes through the first scotch rather quickly, not generally being much of a social drinker, and finds another at hand the moment he's put his empty glass down on the bar, He grins and mutters, "Alright." while nodding to the bartender who's probably already serving someone else. He looks over the crowd, glancing at Viola a moment before Sebastian takes her onto the dance floor, then goes back to watching tthe door to see who wanders in next.

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan looks around, making note of the different persons she can se- There's a blur. She turns her head. Well, kind of see. "There's certainly a lot of people here," Joan comments to Ted, a glance resting upon Arthur for a few moments before looking to Ted, giving a red smile from under the ornate mask. "You have some friends already here. Do you want to say hi?"

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
The whole mask motif is probably a good thing. It keeps Pietro from looking at the server who seems to appear at this side with a variety of drink selections as little more then an unwelcomed insect. Instead he pauses thoughtfully for an instant before plucking something that looks suitably festive from the tray, giving a curt nod to the young woman before turning away, circulating slowly at the fringes of the room. The drink goes untouched. Given his metabolism it is unlikely he has anything to worry about, but for the moment he is more interested in looking around. Perhaps trying to figure out the appeal.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie looks over to the woman and offers a smile "They are good, specially the lady with the violin." He motions towards the stage as he sees her. "Ah don't know for sure, might but probably have a few songs planned before they open it to requests." He offers in return. He does get a drink from a passing server, but is more holding it than drinking it.

Toni Monetti has posed:
Toni Monetti casts a long thoughtful gaze towards the bar as if considering how much she can get away it, folding her arms before her. (Unmentioned previously: black silk bracelet-length gloves.) This estimation on how easily she can get liquor is enough of a distraction for her to feel a moment of inner melancholy, and also to hear Nicole speak a Sam's length or so away. "Oh /snap/ that is an insanely good question," she answers Nicole. "I heard there is like one song you will be literally killed if you ask a New Orleans jazz band to play it. I can't remember, though." She also looks towards Sam and gives him a smile, laterally to Nicole. "Hi."

Alexis Carr has posed:
    THe band at the float plays on, launching into a round of Second Line, the brass taking the forefront as Allegra Caradenza accompanies on piano, her fingers flying over the keys. She's content playing on the stage, playing along with the Jazz and Blues as she looks out over the audience, giving a bright smile to everyone.

    Of course, Allegra Caradenza would love playing for a bunch of miscreants in the Hellfire Club!

Andrew Wrate has posed:
There is a nod of thanks as Andrew gets his drink. Lifting it in salute to bartender he quickly shoots it back and in a single long gulp finishes the double spiced rum. Wiping his lips with the back of his hand he pushes the glass away then frowns. Looking to his phone and then making a call makes his way out back into the night.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord looks around. "Oh hey there's Aquaman... never actually was on the League when he was till now... uhm thought that was Wally... nah, I'm good. I brought a friend with me for a reason. I am seldom unprepared," he confides to Joan. "Would you like a drink, Joan?" Yes. A drink would be nice for sure.

Felicia Hardy has posed:
Felicia Hardy arrives fashionably late (or just lazily so, take your pick), striding through the crowds near the entrance with all the uncaring confidence of her spirit animal. Of course, this is a fun night, more than a working night, so the catsuit is traded in for what is about the most scandalous and revealing thing one could wear and still call a 'gown,' a split-halter, cowl-necked black dress that plunges nearly to her navel in the front with slits up to her thighs. Beyond this and the rather precarious heels she balances on like they're nothing at all, she's blinged up to hell, with danling earrings and a long sparkling necklace adding yet another distraction where, being honest, one is hardly necessary.

Her first stop in, is straight to the bar, tossing finger-waves and blown kisses at familiar faces as she goes.

Reed Richards has posed:
Reed Richards comes in, well dressed as always, he makes the circuit. His tuxedo is nice but not flashy, and he's wearing fancy shoes but no socks. He drinks bourbon, neat, and makes amicable conversation. He's looking around almost like searching for someone.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian ennjoys the music if nothing else and looks around the room at well, the ambiance. It is interesting because something tiny sparks in him. He is, quite good really, at being invisible. His power literally is a subconcious manifestation of this, remembering the old addages of critical odd moments activating the metagene, though in his case that was not exactly a random experience.

And at that moment he realizes...why is he being subtle with the bastards who did this to him? He has the will, and at least ONE version of him somewhere out there has a great deal more power. But at the same time, while passion is a powerful motivator for change, he has seen it destroy the men he guarded. So he does what he would have done if any of those he guarded asked for advice. He watches. He listens. He studies. What more would someone w ho has clocked hundreds of hours watching VIP's need to listen and study? Pespective. For tonight, he doesnt guard.


He learns.

Viola Fiore has posed:
Viola Fiore dances with Sebastian Shaw, though her eyes are picking out things here and there in the crowd. The arrival of Reed Richards here. A group including CEO Marsha Willingstaff of Ace Chemicals. Ted Kord of Kord Co. She tries to make mental notes for instructions later, but for now doesn't pull her focus from Sebastian Shaw enough to issue them.

"The party seems to be going very well," she tells him as they glide about the dance floor. "Now we just need to keep it that way." She still just has her mask in hand, as Shaw spins her about and brings her back again. "Ms. Caradenza really is talented, isn't she?"

Cinque Evers has posed:
By the time he makes it to the main room, Cinque is still trying to figure out how he is going to make up the money he spent for the suit rental, and for the forge invitation. "Well, I am going to lower my food expenses by sneaking some to-go plates." Cinque mumbles to himself. Cinque slowly makes his towards the bar, making sure his spend to adequate observe the entire room.

Cinque is wearing a

He is wearing a navy blue dinner jacket with a matching pair of navy blue pants. He is sporting a crimson bow tie on top of his ivory shirt. His feet are adorn with black leather shoes that appear to have been meticulously polish to a mirror shine. On top of his head is a red fes. He is wearing an ebony "Doctor Death" mask that has been decorated with bright emerald, and azure beads.

Upon reaching the bar, Cinque asks the bartender, "Can I just have tonic water with a slice of lemon."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
At the woman's words, he smiles and looks down at her, "She really is, I think she's next on my list this evening. My special guest I believe." And then he adds, "Oh, let Jane take care of the rest of tonight, go enjoy yourself, do not worry about who is here."

The dance he has with Viola is but a few minutes long, and for most of it he is in whispered conversation with her, but as the opening strains of Second Line begin, he starts to pull away from the woman, slowly, as he says, "Thank you, again, for your hard work on this. It has been a success beyond my wildest dreams," and then, he is off the schmooze. Another drink is picked up, and a couple of sips taken from it as he scans the room.

The proprietor of the Hellfire Club puts a hand into one of his pockets and scans the room for his next target, finally settling on Felicia as she glides into the room. I mean, who could MISS her? He makes his way through the crowd to the woman, and when he gets nearby he grins and says, "Ms. Hardy, how nice it is to see you, may I escort you to get a drink?" as he holds out an arm for the woman to take if she so wishes.

Nicole Adams has posed:
     Nicole nods to the gentleman in the colorful vest, and smiles. "Of course. I wouldn't expect otherwise. Perhaps I'll check in later." Instead, she makes her way over to the bar, a soft chuckle escaping her. It felt odd to be on this side of the bar, instead of the business end. "Mojito, please." There wasn't really anybody she knew here, but it was a festive evening, and it felt good to get out of the apartment once in a while. The place had a reputation of being at least understanding to those of... different abilities. Fingers crossed, perhaps the evening would go smoothly.

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan's head tilts curiously to Ted for a moment, "Are you sure?" She glances back over to Arthur for a moment before seeing another famously familiar looking face. One who Ted might have a bit more in common with. "Oh. It looks like Dr. Richards showed up. Maybe we can say hi to him on our way over to get drinks?"

Hope Svelgate has posed:
Hope's alcohol doesn't last long, however she is not shy about flagging down a server for another one, and another one after that in a nigh never ending process that still somehow does not seem to result in drunkenness. Icy blue eyes continue to watch those around her, the decadence of it all, the place certainly seems to live up to its name, at least in terms of the level of sin on display.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord leads Joan by the hand to the bar. "Oh! Dr. Richards... maybe he's waiting for the rest of his team or Hank Pym. Nah I can't just walk up to him... I built about ten models each or everyone of his vehicles. I... one does not simply walk up to Reed Richards. He does wind up at the bar near Reed and Arthur, ordering a marguerita for himself. Just walk up to Reed Richards!

Viola Fiore has posed:
Viola Fiore thanks Sebastian Shaw for the dance when it ends, departing and despite his instructions, indeed going back to the job rather than trusting her assistant Jane to handle it all. "Alright, good job everyone," she says quietly into the mike, and gives more directions to the event staff. Reed Richards finds a waitress come by with a tray full of drink selections. She asks if his wife will be joining them, then a warm laugh and saying, "Or is she here already and we can't see her?"

Viola makes her way about the room, keeping watchful eye. Those up in the balconies that recreate the ones lining Bourbon Street in New Orleans call down to people, offering beads to Hope Svelgate and to Nicole Adams.

A stop is made over at the bar where Viola pauses next to Arthur Curry. "Mr. Curry, very nice to see you here. I'm Viola. Is there anything we can do to make your visit to the Club more enjoyable? Maybe a table up on one of the balconies?" she asks.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Like Hope, Arthur's drinks don't last all that long, yet one always seems to be waiting when his glass is empty. He's not exactly discouraging conversation, but let's face it, the guy's no social butterfly. When Viola stops by to check on him, he breaks off his people watching to focus on the young woman, "Oh, hey, hi. Thanks, but I think I'm good here." He shrugs a little, "I'm not exactly the fancy party type usually, but I figured what the hell, I've been busy lately, maybe I'd try something new."

Reed Richards has posed:
Reed Richards smiles and offers his hand to Ted, "Dr. Kord, I read you paper on the use of directed air in multi vector flight. Great work, I must say, an eyeopener. It made me rethink a couple things in the fantasticar." He nods.

Nicole Adams has posed:
     No sooner did Nicole accept her drink from the bartender and lift it to her lips, than she stops right there. There was just no way that could be... was it? THE Reed Richards? A low whistle escaped her, and she shakes her head, the feathers around her mask seeming to dance and sway. She lifts her drink in salute to Reed, dipping her head in a gesture of respect. The tales that could be told about him and his family, and the Fantastic Four, were nothing short of legend.

Joan Wright has posed:
As the pair move up to the bar, Joan requests a simple rum and coke. Nothing fancy. Nothing too strong. Just enough to be considered a drink. As the bartender sets out making the drinks, the 1920s throwback looks over to the quiet Ted and then to the Reed and Arthur. As Viola engages Arthur. She taps her finger upon the bartop for a moment before looking over to the scientist who appears unengaged. Her mouth starts to open but closes as Reed does the greetings for her. Red lips curl upwards to a smile, glancing to Ted. Ah yes, voices sometimes carry further than you think.

Felicia Hardy has posed:
A bit on the prowl herself, it's probably no coincidence Felicia ends up in the 'sights' of another who treats the evening as part social outing, part hunt through a jungle of lights and people. Shaw appears in her path, and she reacts with a look of pleasant surprise, even if it probably isn't terribly surprising to find the proprietor of the place making rounds at such a headline event. She flashes a bright, toothy smile. "I'd hardly miss it," she replies. "Love what you've done with the place. Quite a change from the usual, isn't it? So bright and colorful." Of course, she's not any more colorfully dressed herself, a languid length of darkness slashed with the pale of her skin, sparkle of her jewelry, and the silver of her hair. But black's always been her color.

She happily reaches to drape her more delicate touch on the arm he offers. "Ooh, a drink? How did you know?" It's probably not the longest odds to make on a bet. "So, have I missed much? It seems like a good turnout. Some notable notables, even sorts I wouldn't normally expect to see around here. Could be the change of decor, I suppose."

Reed Richards has posed:
Reed Richards smiles and nods, he salutes the young woman and looks at his watch. "I'm sorry, My wife and I had mixed signals. I have to go." He gestures for the barkeep to keep Ted's glass full on him and nods, slipping Ted a business card. "Call me anytime, Ted."

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord tries to speak. It take s a couple tries. "I, uh, thank you sir. I'm afraid I never finished my doctorate. Wow. I've admired your work for the longest time, no pun intended. Thank you sir. It's an honor..."

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
Finally getting into the spirit of things just a little, Pietro gives the drink a try, sampling it for a moment before nodding his head in apparent approval. Maybe this place isn't all bad. Glancing around for just a moment, he considers. And then he blurs, everyone around him going still for a moment -- or at least that's what it looks like to him. He races off, darting in amongst the crowd as he begins to explore the rest of the ground floor of the building faster then the eye can track -- at least the normal eye -- as he pokes around. Is it polite? Probably not. But consideration of other's feelings has never been his most defining trait. In a blink of an eye, he is is back, parked at the end of the bar with a thoughtful look on his face.

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan watches the quick exchange between the two and then looks to the card that has now made it to Ted's hand. Brown eyes peer through the green mask to the goggled date. "That wasn't so bad, was it?" She asks, voice low and cheshire cat grin forming.

Viola Fiore has posed:
Viola shines a smile back to Arthur. "Well we're glad that you made it. If anyone deserves a chance to relax and unwind and let his hair down, I'd think it would be a member of the Justice League," she tells him. She pulls a card out from, where did that come from anyway? Secreted somewhere in her dress. "If you need anything, the table or wish a quieter room or a tour of the rest of the Club, please feel free to call and I'll be happy to set you up with what you require," she offers to Arthur. She gives him another of those smiles and then lets him enjoy the party as she moves off into the crowd again.

Toni Monetti ends up beside Viola, who looks over and shines a smile to the woman. "Have you tried the hurricanes? If not I would be sure to grab one," she offers to Toni with a big, friendly smile.

Viola glances about, trying to spot the man who had proved friend and bodyguard at Carmine Falcone's birthday party. There he is. She sees Jovian and waves a hand of greeting towards him.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie looks over and says "Ah have never been to New Orleans, but have been to Rio a couple times. It can be a bit of a mad house but fun. The lady on the piano can play most anything, as long as ya don't ask her to play a fiddle." He makes a bit of an inside joke. What song are you hoping they will play tonight?" He will ask.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    Allegra continues playing when the brass music of Second Line ends, and she allows her fingers to roam up and down the keys, tickling beautiful mini-melodies from them before the key turns more bluesy. She's smiling, and draws the microphone closer to her as the band sets up for something.

    And then the rolls start. The girl leans forward, and in the bluesest voice her Sopranno can summon she starts in on a song about a lost love during Mardi Gras, separated when the band carries her off in celebration, not realizing they've got the heroine of the story!

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian glides with relative grace through the crowd, even with a bit of a step in time with the music to carefully step out of the human maelstrom to smile as Viola gets a break in her duties, "Its quite the shindig. I looked up a few things on my phone, very...themey. Well researched." He sips his hurricane not want to be 'blown away.'

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw grins at Felicia's question and replies, "Not a thing, we were waiting for your arrival." His hand places itself over hers on his arm as he leads her to the bar, "I must say, you are a sparkling addition to the party tonight, that is a beautiful gown you wear."

He murmurs something to her, as seems to be his wont tonight, secret side conversations, and then he lets her hand go gently as he arrives at the bar. The blue blur that rushes by him gets a bit of a startled glance, but, surely that was a trick of the light, and he didn't feel someone bumping against him at all for half a moment to squeeze through a tight gap in space between him and the next closest couple. He turns and says to Felicia, "And, here we are. I wish I had more time, but, I need to be making the rounds you know. Perhaps I will catch you later for a dance?" he asks, turning his hand to lift hers to his lips for a gentle kiss, as he looks into her eyes.

Toni Monetti has posed:
Toni beams at Sam. "Oh my gawd, dang. I have never been to Rio, what's it /like/? Do you have family there or anything, or is it business?" At this point Viola comes up and Toni looks towards her, pivoting fast enough to make the little plastic cross in her navel ring clatter. "We've never met," she tells Viola, "but you are now my favorite person in the world. I would /love/ a hurricane. Can you like, help me maneuver over there? I tried waving at the bartender but I think I blinded him."

She continues, looking from Sam to Viola, "Have you two met? I'm Toni btw. This big hot guy was telling me about Rio, have you been to Rio?" As she says this, she attempts to drift to the bar, ideally in close enough proximity to Viola to not get carded. Will this trick work outside of mid-tier New Jersey clubs? (Maybe once.)

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry huhs and tucks Viola's card into one of the bracers he's wearing, tilting his head slightly to watch her go on her way with a bit of a grin. As she engages other guests, he returns to drinking, sizing up the other guests, and idly twirling the silly toy trident he's got with him. He watches Sebastian escort Felicia over to the bar near him and nods a greeting to the man who's hosting the party.

Viola Fiore has posed:
Viola Fiore smiles over to Jovian and if he lets her, she loops her hands about his arm to not let him go as Toni accepts the offer of a drink. "We don't even need to get to the bar," she assures Toni. Viola moves one hand to cover her ear slightly, not that it's needed to use the earpiece and little boom mike, but she knows that it will let Jovian, Sam and Toni know she's talking into the mike. "Jane, can you send a tray of hurricanes over here please?"

Viola smiles at the introduction from Toni. "I'm Viola Fiore, the event planner for the party," she says. She leans closer as if to confide, "It's my first time working with the Hellfire Club. Sort of an audition. So /please/ have fun so they'll think I did a good job and hire me on full time," she says with a warm laugh.

She motions to Jovian. "This is Jovian Anderson. A dear friend already if recently met," she says with a smile to Jovian.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord knocks back the drink. "I thought I did a good job on that paper. But Dr. Richards wrote the book on that process and a dozen other subjects. The evening is picking up nicely!" He puts a hand on Joan's shoulder. "By the way, you look fantastic tonight. I hope I made the right decision ... wel it was taken out of my hands. My assistants stole what I was going to wear."

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie nods, and holds his still mostly full drink up in a toast as Allegra starts to sing. To Toni he will reply "My best friend is from there, and he has taken me a few times when we could find the time. It is a wild time, things Ah thought Ah would never see there. At times, you can almost not tell people apart the Festival is almost a living being of it's own.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian is a bit surpised by the arm ropey manuever and he doesnt QUITE phase through her but the oddly veined black veins that make his costume shiney and weird almost ripple for a moment. Trick of the light or lack thereof? After the initial surprise he seems to enjoy it and relax.

He waves. "Hi." He has no idea how to introduce himself so instead he says, "Should I kick back my head and laugh in hysterical enjoyment?" He smiles and has a sip of his hurricane.

Hope Svelgate has posed:
Eventually Hope rises to her feet again, waving off the next drink easily with one hand. She takes one more look around with ice blue eyes. She had come to try and discern this place's nature and while it seems like a group that does not shy away from the excesses of temptation and would almost certainly sell their souls for the right offer, the hands of the Hell Lords do not seem present in this place.

Thinking better of turning away that last drink though, Hope does grab a Hurricane from a passing server, one for the road as it were. The drink is taken like a shot and the empty glass discarded absently on a nearby table before the tall Scandinavian woman turns towards the entrance and begins making her way out once more.

Cinque Evers has posed:
Cinque realizues a "Doctor Death" mask might look cool, but it makes drinking very difficult. A soft sign can be heard escaping his lips just before he asks the bartender for a straw. Once he receives his straw, he begins another stroll around the room. Cinque skirts the dancefloor as his eyes trace the layout of the room.

Toni Monetti has posed:
"Well it's my first time here and I think it's going great so far," Toni tells Viola. "Is there really a whole, like, torture room here? I heard the Inquisition built this building, but I was like, buh? That's probably fake." When the hurricanes get nearby she takes one and swivels the straw around to catch it on her lips while looking back towards Sam. "That sounds /amazing/."

"Do it," Toni tells Jovian, regarding the laughter. She takes another big sip off the drink afterwards.

Joan Wright has posed:
"And if you hadn't popped by over here, you still wouldn't have known what he thought of it." Joan points out, giving a nod of thanks to the bartender as her drink is set before her before glancing back to Ted. "Thank you. Melissa did a wonderful job helping me get put together for this." She admits, "And good call on their part. It's good to part with the blues every so often. You look great too."

Felicia Hardy has posed:
"Oh, I know," Felicia answers Shaw about her dress. She is evidently quite confident of the amount of head-turning she's doing, and the positive addition this makes to the party. It doesn't take them too long to make it over, without particular incident. Well, unless you count the speedster run-by. But being a little more sensitive to breezes is par for the course in an outfit like hers, and she doesn't seem to think much of the random draft. Once they make it, and Shaw's escorting her turns out to be a very literal sort of offer, she grins and lifts a hand to wave vaguely, shooing him off. "Oh yes, I understand. People to meet, things to do." Still, she smiles charmingly at the old-fashioned gesture, answers his quiet comment with a cryptic, "Oh, we'll see!" and then turns to catch the attention of the bartender with a lifted hand.

And since she's evidently been dropped off with Arthur, she turns her attention there, once she's fashioned with her beverage - a White Russian. Get it? "Enjoying the party, your... Majesty? Highness? Or is that the other one. Admittedly I have a little trouble keeping track of my sea politics."

Nicole Adams has posed:
     With one drink down, Nicole opts instead for a second Mojito, taking the time to admire a fellow bartender's skill at their chosen craft. Whoever had trained them, had done it well. She smiles and accepts the drink, but more holds it instead, rather than actually imbibing. The 'who's who' of the area all seemed to be in attendance tonight. The Good Room, this definitely was not! The music, however, couldn't be said to be anything other than perfect, leaving her to do a little twirling step and laugh to herself as she makes her way back towards the stage.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian decides to take the challenge. He doesnt know most of the people here, and if it helps Viola, why not? So he laughs hysterically as if he were about to point a giant death laser at the building, chugs pretty much an entire hurricaine and then laughs hysterically again. "There, I think that brings joy." As if there were like, a joy quotient to be contributed to said bachina..ba...party.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry raises an eyebrow and looks over to Felicia, "Arthur will do. Let's say things are not settled right now and leave it at that, I've spent enough time dealing with that crap lately." He drains his drink.... yep, another is waiting. "No offense, just not my favorite topic, especially at a party. Nice dress though." He looks around the room, "You been here before? Don't recall ever making it here before this, it's an interesting place."

Viola Fiore has posed:
Viola Fiore breaks out in soft laughter and pats Jovian's arm at the laugh that sounded appropriate if he were petting a hairless cat. "It is the theme of the room normally, though that's just decor. And I don't think the Inquisition had anything to do with the building, that predates things here by quite a bit," she says, not a history major, but Columbia educated at least.

Jane, an assistant in the Club's Mardi Gras attire, brings the drinks over, passing around fresh hurricanes to everyone. She gives one to Viola, or tries, but Viola waves it off, saying, "No no, not while I'm working."

Jane shakes her head to Viola. "Mr. Shaw expressly said if you hadn't had a drink by now I was to bring you one. And that a new one should be supplied frequently and if you want a job, you'd better drink up," she says with a laugh. "I'll make sure things go smoothly."

Viola takes a deep breath. Giving up control of the event isn't easy for her obviously. "Alright," she says though, and takes the drink. And then big, long sip of it. "Oh, shoot. Brain freeze!" she says, a hand going to her head and Jane laughing as she departs.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw seems to catch sight of the rather tall woman making her exit from the room, and well, he has to speak with her. Tall? Swedish? Severe looking? Perhaps she's a Asgardian? Not that Shaw would ask. He catches up to her as she is walking to the exit and says, "I had hoped to catch you before the evening ended Ms..?" He leaves an expectant space, before he continues, "As, I wished to tell you, you are amazingly striking. I do not believe I have seen you around the Club before. Are you new in town?"

He isn't running a catalog of six and a half foot tall women in the back of his mind, no. Just, she's really tall and really Nordic, and that seems to be someone he should at least try to make the acquaintance of. "Sebastian Shaw, at your service," he says to her with a slight bow.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord gives Joan a pat. "You know... I'm not good at the feels speak stuff. But I... you got me through some rough patches. Better even than Booster, whenever he went. I'm sorry I was a jerk at times. I'm trying to be better. Heh." He sees another drink served up to him and takes it then turns towards Aquaman. Why not?

"Aquaman? Blue Beetle. We haven't worked together but I just rejoined the League. I just wanted to say hello. I will leave you to this lovely lady. Have a nice evening." He goes back to Joan and lets out a deep sigh.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian raises his glass at the same time. He has a moderately high tolerance for alcohol (well...for a human) from nights light this in his early twenties but that was with beer or vodka, the hurricane's are a bit heavier stuff and he just slammed one but when in rome or New Orleans or the Inquisiton or whatever. "What a show." Its obvious he tried to make a more clever Monte Python reference there but instead shoots. He does smile at the requirement to drink.

Toni Monetti has posed:
"That was a really good evil laugh," Toni tells Jovian afterwards, and means it. (She also takes a second hurricane despite still working on her first one.) With both hands full, she asks Sam, "Have you ever done a laugh like that? You should give it a try. Just really bust it out."

To Viola, "You'd think all that stuff would be in the basement, right? But I guess you got like the water lines and steam lines and everything, so it's crowded."

Felicia Hardy has posed:
"Oh! Absolutely. I didn't realize it was a raw spot. My mistake!" Felicia is quick to make ammends. "Not that 'brooding disillusioned scion' doesn't have it's own sort of appeal." She's working through her book of royal tropes here, apparently. Still, the woman remains all pearly smiles, beaming back at Arthur. "Oh, I come now and then," she then says of the Hellfire Club, turning her head to cast a drifting gaze around the place. "I have a membership." She lifts a finger to her lips in a thoughtful sort pose. "Not that I remember exactly how or why I ended up with one. I suppose I just liked the parties, and they saw how much I improved them."

And since Ted is there too, making sudden introductions of the heroic kind, she offers her own in turn. Well, not a made-up name, how gauche. "Felicia Hardy."

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie shakes his head a bit and says "Ah am not the best with the mwhahaha laughs." He offers with a smile and says "I am more the soft chuckle type." He offers in reply. He does take a sip f his drink now, and says "Name's Sam by the way as he does not remember if he introduced himself?"

Viola Fiore has posed:
Viola Fiore smiles at Toni and says, "That I'm not quite sure, my tour didn't include a boiler room." Another sip of her hurricane is taken, though a bit slower this time to avoid the heavily iced drink from having the same effect as before.

The young woman looks around the club. "I should probably go and greet a few more people. Even if my boss is going to make me drink and enjoy myself," she say with a quiet laugh.

Viola pats Jovian's arm. "I'm really glad that you came. Also thank you for coming by on my birthday. Let me do the rounds and catch up with you later." She smiles over to Toni and Sam. "Keep Jovian company would you?" She grins to them all before moving off into the crowd. She stops to talk to the CEO of Janus Cosmetics briefly, and then continues on, stopping by Pietro Maximoff.

"Your Highness?" she asks. "I'm Viola, the party's planner. I hope you're having a good time. Is there anything we can get you?" she asks. "A drink, or maybe a table up on the balconies? Or some beads to toss out to the crowd?"

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry looks over as he's addressed and raises his glass in salute to Ted, "Hey, welcome back, good to have you." As Ted excuses himself, he turns back to Felicia, social requirement fulfilled. See? He can be taught from time to time.

He chuckles at her characterization, "Yeah, brooding's been used before." He takes the offered hand, shaking it firmly, no hand kisses for this guy, "Arthur Curry. It's nice to meet you Felicia." He gestures to the seat beside him, "Feel free to grab a seat if you like." Apparently the smiles are working, because he manages one of his own back at her before adding, "I can understand why they'd think you improved the place."

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan listens quetly as Ted responds, giving a nod as he apologizes. "Well, everyone has their moments Ted. And you are trying." Most of the time. Joan glances to the second drink Ted has served up to him and glances to her still mostly full glass. Hmm. At this rate- She tries for a bit of a mental calculation but pauses as Ted makes a, perhaps brief, introduction to Aquaman, looking over to Arthur during the process. She gives a slight nod to both Arthur and Felicia before looking back to Ted, not saying anything but still having the smile upon her face.

Hope Svelgate has posed:
Hope turns in the direction of the voice coming from behind her with a sweep of long blonde hair. Shaw earns himself an appraising look. "Svelgate." She replies, asnwering his questing, "Hoppas Svelgate. Though Hope is easier on English tongues."

Her expression remains relatively unmoved in the face of Shaw's attempts at flattery. "Not new, but recently returned after some time away." She glances over in the direction of the festivities, "It is quite a party you have here." Another drink is taken from a passing server without actually diverting her attention.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian almost offers more insight into steam tunnels and boiler rooms than anyone would ever want to know. The booze is swimming in his brain now but he has enough judgement that he doesnt go on and on about how only a few places have ducts wide enough for people to fit and its an...anyway....He nods to Viola as she mixes and moves about, "You are welcome. I was happy to ...birthday." He is a bit surprised AGAIN by the ninja social move as she moves to speak to Arther and then shrugs, "Probably better you DONT have a hysterical super villain laugh." Suddenly talking about duct tape and HVAC units and how it relates to building security is a tempting topic to switch to.

Toni Monetti has posed:
Toni steadily sucks on the straw now that she has two drinks, which is kind of tacky. She looks at Viola and pops her lips off the straw to say, "Happy BIRTHDAY! Later~!" Back to Jovian, she says, "Do you want to hear mine?"

She discreetly puts the mostly-drained hurricane on a neighboring table. "Oh, I can tell," she says to Sam with another smile. "And I'm Toni - yeah, the band's a little loud, it's like they're playing in the same, uh, frequency? as my voice? You might have to lean in if you wanna make sure I can hear you."

Alexis Carr has posed:
    At the end of her set, Allegra Caradenza, the (former) Pro-Humana songstress gives a bright grin as the band pauses -- the brass to empty their valves, and the strings to stretch their fingers. Allegra shakes the hand of the band leader, and surrenders her spot at the piano as nimbly as she can -- now free to wander around!

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
He has never been entirely comfortable with that, not given how he grew up. The whole 'royalty' thing. Not that Genosha necessarily went in for all the pomp and circumstance, at least no more then his father demanded. But it still seems strange, very detatched from what he is used to.

Of course Pietro being Pietro, if he isn't given his due in that respect he would probably take it admiss and make a fuss over it. He can be perversely difficult at times. Not necessarily one of his more charming traits.

While he has been content enough at the bar, when Viola approaches he glances her way, eyeing her for a moment as if debating just how to respond. Finally however he dips his head slightly, letting his 'title' pass without comment. "I am well, for the moment. Your solicitous is appreciated however. This... event. It is quite interesting," he offers up. And he doesn't even sneer while saying it. He can occasionally demonstrate some semblance of manners to someone besides his sister.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie will see Allegra gets a chance to circulate, and will wave his hand to her to try to let her know where he is, so she can come over that way when she gets a moment. He looks over, and says "Ah think it might be more the general crowd noice." He does lean so she can hear him better

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw grins just a little bit, apparently not bothered at all by the fact that his charm isn't working. Sixty percent of the time, it works every time. This must be part of that other forty percent. He looks up to the woman and inclines his head, "Well, Ms. Svelgate, I do hope you are enjoying the party, and that you might come around again sometime for a..deeper conversation. I would love to hear where you have returned from. It must have been quite the trip to have kept you."

And then, he bows slightly to the woman, and glances off to the stage where Allegra has finished her set, "Sadly, I must be on my way. I have to thank our performer for the evening for her exquisite work. Until we meet again, Ms. Svelgate." And then, he's off to try and catch Allegra apparently for another word.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian says, "I think as long as we're spreading joy and the mana of mayhem happiness spectrum then by all means let forth thy most hystical laugh possible. Pleased to meet you Toni and Sam. The band is loud but I like the tempo." Jovian is...well...loud. Being heard is not a problem. He nods to Sam about the crowd, "Yes....yes the crowd is boistrous."

Felicia Hardy has posed:
"Oh, I'm more the 'stand and lean oh-so artfully on the bar' sort," Felicia remarks of the offered barstool. It may be that actually sitting down on a stool of that particular height poses a rather perilous risk of wardrobe malfunction a dress like hers. But she does make a show of shifting a little nearer to the bar in that same general space, leaning up against it and dragging a fingertip over it's surface, while her other hand carefully balances her creamy drink, letting the darker layers swirl beneath as she lightly swirls the glass. And his little compliment seems to have its intended effect, earning a laughing: "Ooh. I like you already."

Joan is less easily recognizable, but she lifts that bar-caressing hand to offer a wiggle of her fingers back her way. "Your friends?" she wonders. "It's an interesting turnout tonight, not all the usual crowd. But I'm sure that was the idea of this little get-together."

Viola Fiore has posed:
There's some applause from the audience as Allegra finishes her set, with Viola being one of them. She quickly returns her attention fully to Pietro Maximoff. The young woman has a generally warm, likeable demeanor which has often served her well in this party planning career that grew from a part-time job into working with one of the most exclusive organizations in the city.

"Mardi Gras has always been a favorite of mine," Viola tells him as he mentions the party is interesting. "Been down to New Orleans for it twice. If you've never been, it's an experience everyone should have at least once, I think. Though the streets are so crowded I'm afraid even you would find yourself hard pressed to move through them quickly. Well, unless you ran over everyone's heads or up the side of a building," she says with a soft grin.

The young woman tells Pietro, "I'll let you get back to enjoying yourself. If there is anything I can help get you, please feel free to let me know," she says, passing the VIP one of her cards. Even if he could probably just find her faster than call her.

Joan Wright has posed:
As Felicia asks a question of her, Joan looks back to Miss Hardy. "One of them." She answers, tilting her head to Ted in indication. "I work for Damage Control so I'm a bit familiar with some of their work." She glances around, "It is an interesting event. That is for sure."

Alexis Carr has posed:
    Allegra spots a very tall, blond gentleman with a top hat waving to her, and she brightens, dtawing up on the toes of her heels to wave back to him -- just as she sees Shaw coming her way. She stiffens a little bit, demure, and she adjusts her mask with its gold and peacock trim.

    "Good evening, Mr. Shaw. I hope you approved of the set choice?" she asks him, leaning a little bit and going to her tip toes to be heard over the crowd.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry shrugs a little, "What can I say, I can be likable when I'm not busy brooding." He grins at Felicia, meeting her gaze, then adds, "I'm usually more comfortable in a little dive bar or something, but the invitation was there, and I figured I'd check the place out. I mean, they keep telling me I can't hide myself away from the spotlight all the time, so I'm making the effort."

He glances at Joan and Ted when Felicia refers to them, then shakes his head, "Don't really know them, but if the blue guys in the League, we'll probably get there eventually. Seems to work out that way when you work together."

Hope Svelgate has posed:
"Your club certainly lives up to its name." Hope continues to study Shaw for a long moment. She does not seem the sort to be overly forthcoming with personal details to someone they just met. Though for those who want to know such details that often just makes them want them more. "Perhaps." She tells him just before he runs off, eyes lingering for a moment before she discards yet another empty glass and resumes her path towards the exit.

Ted Kord has posed:
Ted Kord sets down his drink and looks at Joan. "What are you looking oh so pleased about? Do you want to dance? I'm no Fred Astair, just so you know. But dancing would be nice. I mean you're showing your knees and everything. I think Melissa is getting a raise." He starts to tug her to the floor, watching the moves of the other dancers. Yeah he can do that, and that. Mind the rhythm. Like dodging punches or gunshots. Also he did see Dirty Dancing a few times.

Nicole Adams has posed:
     Nicole sets her drink down briefly, keeping it within sight, and adds her applause to those already lauding Allegra's performance with the band. If nothing else tonight, the music had been wonderful, leaving a smile on her face. Mercifully, nobody had tossed any Mardi Gras beads her way, and with any luck, it would stay that way! Turning to pick her drink back up, she catches sight of Arthur out of the corner of her eye, her lofted brow hidden by the peacock mask which she wears. A cordial smile is offered, and she raises her drink in a brief salute to him.

Jovian Anderson has posed:
Jovian spends some time listening to everyone, quietly and pleasantly exchanging harmless social pleasantries and then quietly slides out into the evening confident major combat mayhem isnt going to break out, at least not THIS time (insert rising hysterical laughter here)

Joan Wright has posed:
Joan realizing that the question wasn't actually directed at her glances back to Ted, smile fading a bit in embarassment. But Ted's questions are actually directed to her. "Well- you started off not wanting to talk to anyone and now you've got two more under your belt so, success there."

She pauses as he starts talking about reasons to dance. Apparently exposed knees being a prerequisite. She considers for a moment. Well, how often does she dress up? Might as-

Whoop! Drinks abandoned, Joan ends up being tugged to the floor. Stomped toes thataway!

Pietro Maximoff has posed:
His taste in music, like so many other things, might be a little rudimentary. But even Pietro can appreciate the stylings of the musician up on stage and he joins the others in applauding as that opening set draws to a conclusion. Only then does he turns back to the evening's planner, taking the offered card and giving it a once over. Where it gets tucked away in that costume is something of a mystery, but it disappears readily enough.

Has he been to Mardi Gras? It's not like the trip would be particularly out of the way for him. Not many places are. But he also does not seem much like the party type and he seems a little mystified why anyone would want to throw beads at another person. The customs and ceremonies on this side of the ocean are unceasingly strange. "I shall do so. May your evening go smoothly," he offers up in return. He tries to at least return courtesy. It's not always easy, but he does genuinely try.

He's still not sure if he understands the appeal -- either in gatherings like this or in the Hellfire Club itself. No doubt his father would point out the valuable and powerful contacts that can be made in places like this. But it didn't help their island paradise at the end of the day did it? Bleak thoughts, Pietro blurs around the bar, fixing his own drink in an instant before he is back in place on that stool, the beginnings of a scowl marking his features.

Cinque Evers has posed:
It has finally come to the part of the evening, where Cinque tries to collect food to bring home. The first thing is to gather enough napkins to line his pockets. Cinque quitely rocks and back forth to the music as he places napkins into his pockets, while sipping on his drink.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw slips an arm slowly around Allegra's waist as she leans up to speak to him. The band -- almost as if on cue -- starts up the next song, a slow jazz piece. He reaches down, takes her other hand, and says, "You did an amazing job tonight Ms. Caradenza, your music was beautiful, and I frankly did not realize you had such a soulful voice." As he says this he turns her on the floor, and murmurs something further to her so that he can be heard over the sound of the club.

Felicia Hardy has posed:
Making a show of looking around, Felicia gives a laugh as Arthur notes his more down-to-earth preference. "Dive bar this isn't. Still, whoever 'they' are, they do have a point about putting yourself out there. And it's not as if most people are lucky enough to be able to get in here, so why not make the most of it?" She demonstrates her adherence to this philosophy with a sip of her drink, before leaning outward just enough that she can get a look past Arthur and toward his other apparent semi-acquaintances. "Oh, so they're 'work friends,' hmm?"

"Is there good money in that?" This is how she pivots when Joan speaks of her interesting line of work, focusing in on the aspect that apparently interests. But the woman's off to the dance floor before too long, and she turns back with a shrug.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    The young woman with the peacock blue boddice and that shifting color skirt dances with Shaw, gracefully moving with him, letting him lead. She gives a small smile up to him and states "If the party were a little less joyous, I would have probably played House of the Rising Sun, but it didn't... mmm... fit with the theme." she lilts quietly to the Chairman, turning on her toes as he turns her about the floor.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie watches Allegra and Shaw, and the smile does leave his face for a moment, as the arm goes around her, but this is a party and a dance, he forces the start of the green eyes monster (Not the hulk) down and reminds himself this is her work, and right now he is her boss.

Toni Monetti has posed:
Having taken a moment to gather her thoughts and make sure she isn't about to keel over from too many big sips of her drinks, Toni sways gently with the music. "Ah, crap," she says, "I forgot to do the laugh before that guy drifted off! What was his name? Jovian, that's what it is. I was thinking it was Julian for a moment. He kind of looked like a Julian." Her eyes focus up then as she sees Shaw, the big king guy, talk to Allegra. ("Do you know her?" Toni asks Sam.)

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry nods and raises his glass in salute to Felicia, "This is true. They certainly know how to take care of you here, at least. I swear the bartender must have some form of superpower, despite all the people, I can't seem to end up with an empty glass." He takes a pull from his drink then nods, "As you no doubt heard, in his introduction, apparently he's in the League. Haven't worked with him before, but I'm sure it'll happen eventually." He tilts his head a little then asks, "How about you? Do anything I might have heard of? And if not, tell me a little about you."

Ted Kord has posed:
Okay dancing. Observe the principles of good engineering. Start simple. Embellish as you gain experience. Keep up safety standards (Joan will like that.) You haven't behaved like an idiot -yet Theodore.

Joan looks extraordinarily lovely tonight. She did this for you. Make her look good.

Ted begins with a simple box step, soon moving more surely. He looks for any feedback from Joan: faster, slower, bigger or smaller steps. It goes well enough, past the point where he used to be told to move his hand or lose it. Then he has a smile on his face.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw lets the dance go for a few more moments, and then lets the girl go. He knows he's just the boss, and best not to keep her TOO long from the people she wants to see, "Perhaps next time, or, perhaps at our game of chess." he gives her hand a squeeze, and pulls her JUST a little bit closer, and then lets her go, before eh turns and heads off into the crowd. His wandering brings him right to Cinque Evers though as he is looking for a bite to eat himself. The man stands behind the man for a few moments, studying him, watching. Waiting.

Felicia Hardy has posed:
"Oh, he's good, isn't he?" Felicia agrees with Arthur. She hasn't drained her drink with the kind of speed where it needs to be refreshed quit so regularly, but she seems to hold the bartender in high esteem regardless. "And it's not like there's even such a thing as a well drink here." The whole thing is punctuated with another sip from her cream and coffee-flavored cocktail. "I can't say I have much context for what that must be like, knowing each other from 'the League,' that is. It must be very exciting, no?" She sounds as impressed as one ought be, talking to a superhero about superhero things.

"Me? Oh, this and that, but ultimately mostly -this-." The city is filled with idle socialites who don't do much other than be wealthy and go to parties, after all, which seems to be what she's getting at as far as a lack of serious profession. "Though if you had to put me to a talent, I suppose it would be in art appraisal."

Alexis Carr has posed:
    Allegra watches as Sebastian pulls away, and she gives a nod, slightly blushing again and they each turn to go their separate ways.

    "Sam! I'm so glad you made it, love!" she greets the taller blonde, having to strain to kiss his cheek.

    "Mr. Shaw was just paying me a compliment; who knows, I could make this a steady gig." she jokes quietly, straightening up his vest a little "I could make something of myself here."

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie puts an arm around Allegra, and kisses her cheek back, and to Toni he says "This is my girl Allegra." He offers in introduction then says "This is Toni, a new friend who I have been talking to and discussing evil laughs with." He explains. Then back to Allegra he says "You can make something anywhere you set your mind to hon. You are amazingly talented, playing, singing, dancing, you have it all."

Toni Monetti has posed:
Toni blinks once, and takes a small sip from her second drink as Allegra embraces Sam and the two confirm their situation with each other. "Oh," she says, and then beams at Allegra. "He is GREAT, he was also telling me about Rio? Has he taken you? You should take her to Rio," Toni informs Sam.

"This place seems a lot better than I thought it would be," she observes to Allegra. "Are you trying to get in the scene or do you just really like playing like jazz and so forth?" She casts a momentary glance towards the bar, but it's brief, and soon enough she returns to the couple before her.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    "Ah... actually I was a professional performer, pretty much straight from gradeschool." the British girl replies with a little smile. "Typically my fare is more to the classical side, but Jazz and Zydeco is a good diversion." she smiles to Tony, and offers a hand to shake. "Allegra Caradenza." she smiles. "... and I'm afraid I've been to Rio, but never during Carnival."

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry shrugs a little self-depreciatingly, "Eh, it's pretty much like knowing someone from any other job, really, just with the occasional flying building thrown into the mix. I mean, it can be exciting, and it needs doing, but man, I hate all the publicity. Just want to do what needs doing and be done with it, you know?" He finishes his drink, and as they have all night, another is waiting for him. He picks it up and winks at Felicia, "See? Superpower." He actually just takes a sip of this one, then continues, "Well, it's not bad work if you can get it, I guess. You get to dress nice and hang out at places like this all the time." He thinks for a moment, then adds, "Hey, and the art thing can be good money, from what I understand."

Cinque Evers has posed:
After making sure the napkins can hold the food without causing stains that would cause him to lose his deposit on the rental, Cinque nonchalantly begins to place hor d'oeuvres into his pockets. He even takes his fez off his head, so he can have a place to store a few more snacks.

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie looks over to Allegra and says "Berto, took me down a few times for it, was sorta a normal thing for him growing up there, and he wanted to make sure Ah saw it." He nods, and says "She can play anything she puts her mind to, Ah honestly did not know you were doing this type of music tonight, need to see if they made any recordings of the music, but sorta doubt it.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
No comment comes from Shaw as he watches Cinque load up on the appetizers. In fact, the man seems slightly amused by the pilfering. He reaches past Cinque to grab a meatball with a toothpick in it, and says in passing, "Load up on these, they are amazing." And then, poof, he's gone, back to carousing and checking out guests in their alluring outfits. He half dances with a woman who is only wearing hand fans, and then makes his way to the bar to get himself another drink. He comes to a stop near Nicole, looks at her dress, and says quite simply, "Those are some amazing colors, I like how it..shifts in the light, very pretty." Maybe it's the booze he's been drinking since four in the afternoon?

Toni Monetti has posed:
"If you ever take another trip, tell Berto to call me," Toni says to Sam, adding with a momentary wink as if to emphasize this. She does not know who Roberto is. She shifts the drink from one hand to another, and then says to Allegra, "I'm not gonna keep you, BUT if you ARE taking requests I totally remembered my favorite like... jazz-ish song. St. James Infirmary." A pause. "I think. It's not the one with the saints."

She then points towards the bar and says, "I'm getting a calf cramp so I'm going to go sit down for a minute? Or ten? I should also probably eat... food."

Felicia Hardy has posed:
"Honestly, I can't really say know, or that I can even really imagine what it must be like," Felicia admits, holding her hands apart in a gesture of helplnessness. "Flying buildings isn't something most of us need to worry about. But I suppose it's a feeling we can all sympathize with, now and then? Now, me personally, I can't say that don't enjoy the spotlight," as everything about how she presents herself seems to attest! "But we -all- have those days when we wake up and wish we could just go right back to bed, or when we make it back and just want to collapse and sleep forever." A lot of this seems sleep related! A penchant for catnaps, one could almost say...

A laugh accompanies the return of the superbartender with his amazing powers of mixology. "But you're right, its quite agreeable. And I do find the art world rather profitable. Besides, it offers opportunities to enjoy the company of such pretty things."

Nicole Adams has posed:
     Nicole's just enjoying soaking up the atmosphere of the place, so different from her usual haunt. Briefly, she toys with a mint leaf from her mojito, somehow balancing it on its edge, on the tip of her finger. It slowly turns once, as if caught in an unseen breeze, before she returns it to her drink, smiling lightly to herself.

     However, whatever reverie had occupied her mind was caught up short, as she is caught by surprise, by someone actually addressing her. Turning towards the source of the voice, she cants her head, and offers a light smile. "Thank you," she replies. "It took some time to find the material to make the dress." Inclining her head towards Shaw, her smile widens just a touch, and she offers her hand. "Nicole Adams. A pleasure to meet you."

Alexis Carr has posed:
    "Oh, no, ah, Mr. Shaw had requested a live recording. We're in talks to restart my career, sans my father's interferance." she gives a wry grin "St. James Infirmary, or Minnie the Moocher. I could maybe pull off those spins."

Samuel Guthrie has posed:
Sam Guthrie ohhs and nods "I want a copy of it if at all possible hon." He nods to Toni, and seems to honestly consider asking for her number to give to Berto, it may help Sam sleep easier with hos things are going currently, but no it would be weird asking for a phone number from a girl for your friend, and even more so with your own girl friend beside you.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry smiles with a chuckle, "Yeah, you're not exactly a wallflower, are you? I get the feeling you're way more comfortable as the center of attention than I am." A shrug before he continues, "and I'm right with you, there's been times I've wanted to sleep for a week." He pauses, "Actually, I think I did one time." He shrugs again, "Yeah, you should see some of the artwork in Atlantis, just amazing stuff."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Sebatsian Shaw," He replies, smile widening just a bit as she seems to recognize who he is, "It is a true pleasure to meet you Ms. Adams, could I trouble you for a dance?" he asks, motioning to the floor. He's gotten another drink. He takes a sip of it. It goes back on the bartop, and then he is leading towards the floor. It seems he is not accustomed to being told no in his club.

Toni Monetti has posed:
"You're wonderful," Toni says to Allegra with a smile. After a few moments, then, she turns to walk towards the bar, giving Allegra and Sam a little air-kiss as she goes. Once she is fully committed to this course, the tiger-striped silver-white young woman looks away from them and her face immediately collapses into an expression of wearied 'I am nearly two drinks in and got skunked' dismay.

She finishes off hurricane #2 before she reaches the bar and plops down, one seat over from Felicia and Arthur, resting her elbows on the wood and her chin in her hands.

Nicole Adams has posed:
     Of course Nicole would recognize who he is--after all, he had kicked off the party, and evidently was the club owner. It wouldn't do to be impolite! Smiling, she nods once, the feathers on her mask bobbing and swaying as if already caught up in the dance themselves. "I'd be delighted," she replies, setting the rest of her mojito down and sliding away from the bar. Perhaps it was not with the most grace in the world, but nobody could accuse her of being a klutz, either!

Felicia Hardy has posed:
"Do they give tours?" Felicia wonders. "I admit, I am somewhat intrigued by the idea of these recently... 'returned' cultures, if you could call it that? And all the unique art they must possess. Atlantis, Themyscira, maybe there are some others?" She doesn't keep track of EVERY ancient superculture. "I think they've actually opened a gallery of some sort, the Amazons that is, although I haven't had much opportunity to go. But it seems intriguing." And after all of that, she adds: "But I have to admit that I'm not that much of a swimmer. A submarine might work, I suppose."

As she's saying all of this to Arthur, Toni makes her arrival nearby and Felicia casts a curious glance in her direction. One that lingers, drawn perhaps by her fashion sense more than anything. Well, and perhaps some commonalities in the color palette beneath it, or lack thereof. "I -love- your outfit," she calls over.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"So, what brings you here tonight? I cannot say I recognize you from the member rolls, has a date left you sitting all alone to be picked up by some lecherous old man?" Shaw asks as he slips an arm around Nicole's waist, and gives her a slow turn around the floor. "I hope you've been enjoying yourself?" he adds. He looks over the crowd. It is continuing apace, the party swinging on -- as it will until the wee hours of the night -- before his gaze returns to Nicole.

Cinque Evers has posed:
"Thanks for the tip." Cinque replies to Shaw as he grabs a few meatballs for later. When he is finally finishes his "packout", Cinque relaxes for a moment to do his best to distinguish the different people and different aspects of the room. Cinque tilts his head around to see if he can make out any adjoining room, before discerning different voices in the crowd, then narrows his eyes a bit as he peers at the different mask and unmask people. Cinque grabs one of the meatballs from his fez, and pops it in his mouth as he walks towards. "Mmm, Fez's meatballs are cool and delicious."

Nicole Adams has posed:
     "It's Mardi Gras, and it's not my workplace. That's about all I needed, no date involved tonight." Nicole chuckles softly, content to let Shaw lead this dance. By some miracle, she managed to avoid crushing any toes in the process--whether hers, or his. "It's been alright. The music's good, and I don't really know anybody here. And there's no question your tenders know their craft."

     Despite the drinks she's had, there is no hint of slurred speech, nor loss of coordination. "It was gracious of you to host this event. Once in a lifetime for most of us, so thank you for that."

Toni Monetti has posed:
Toni marinates in her despair and frustration while toying with the straw in her empty glass, looking at the blue lipstick marks on it and perhaps questioning her life path on some subtle level. But then, Felicia! She looks over with a brightening expression, and if Felicia is watching she can see the exact moment when Toni spots that pretty-daring dress and registers exactly what it is, but then she brings out the straw and pivots it to Felicia as a pointer: "Oh /thanks/, you look /astounding/." With this she scoots a stool closer to the platinum blonde, probably so she has to shout less.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry shakes his head, "I don't think so, despite taking some role in the surface world, it's not exactly a tourist attraction. A lot of Atlanteans still have trouble trusting the surface world." He drains his drink thinking about it, and no surprise, another is there. "Would be good for both sides to open up a little more, I think. But apparently that isn't my call." He comes out of his self-imposed reverie when Felicia addresses Toni, looking over at the pale girl and smiles, "Heya, yeah, you look very nice." is ventured as she scoots a little closer to Felicia and himself.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw lets the dance linger for a moment or two, and as the song fades, he pulls away, "Well, perhaps it won't be a once in a lifetime event, there may be more in the future. And, we are a philanthropic club. I am sure if you wished you could involve yourself in our charitable events, Ms. Adams." He replies, before he bows to the girl, and releases her hand, "But, I should go and see about some other individuals I have not spoken to yet. I do hope you have a good rest of your evening."

Felicia Hardy has posed:
Toni's reaction seems to be in the realm of what Felicia is going for, with her smile slowly widening, and even curling up a little at the corners. "Why thank you very much," she offers in response, allowing the younger woman to scoot-scoot her way nearer while she remains in her very artful permanent lean against the bar. "First time here?" she wonders, once the other woman is a little nearer, with the assumption perhaps carrying some undertone of a knowing wink regarding whether she should really be there at all!

"That's a shame," she then answers Arthur, looking back the other way. "Well, the lack of tours, I meant, but... yes, also the lack of broader trust and cultural openess." Priorities. "Though, I suppose it's understandable. They'll come around eventually, I'm sure. Too much fun stuff up here to just ignore it all, right?" She seems very confident of the value of the surface world. Probably in no small part because it has her in it!

Nicole Adams has posed:
     "Perhaps I may." Nicole smiles lightly at Shaw, dipping her head once more. "Please, though, it's just Nicole. When I hear 'Ms. Adams', I half-expect to see my mother there." With that, she steps back, the dance over but perhaps a new acquaintance made. "Until another time, then."

Toni Monetti has posed:
Toni comes to a seat and crosses her ankles, regarding Felicia's question with dead-eyed certainty and then answering: "Yeah. It's not what I expected. S'cool though." She also chews on the end of her straw for a moment as if considering matters, although her head dips to the side to take in Arthur as well. She doesn't seem to be hearing him clearly, but she says, "It's beautiful down there, though, so I hope you can figure things out. Is there like, one BIG obstacle or something?" ("Sorry if I'm interrupting," Toni adds to Felicia. "Kinda sorry anyway.")

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry can't be said to be drunk, given his constitution, but with the amount he's had to drink, he's at least relaxed, getting more comfortable in his surroundings, "Hell yeah, this place can be a blast! There's great people up here, pretty girls," his wink takes in both Felicia and Toni, "Heck, even the sports are pretty cool." He takes another drink, then snorts, "Yeah, it's called Namor." He pauses then and looks back to Toni as something she said penetrates, "You've been to Atlantis?"

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw beckons Nicole towards him and says, "It's Ms. Adams here, Ms. Adams. There is a certain...level of decorum expected." He looks down into her eyes for a long moment, searching her it seems, before he reaches into his pocket and produces a card, "If you wish to get into contact with me, about, anything."

Felicia Hardy has posed:
"This is a little more of a mainstream sort of event," Felicia explains to Toni, and then continuing with a very knowing sort of expression. "Normally it's exactly what you expected." She says this with some confidence, even if she can't really know for certain. But come on, it's called the Hellfire Club and this place is called the Dungeon! There's some basic two plus two that applies. "Either way, the bartender's always fantastic."

Glancing back over at a seemingly increasingly enthusiastic Arthur, she can't quite keep herself from a laugh at his very positive rating of the land above the sea, ladies and all. "Hear that?" she wonders, looking back at Toni. "We beat sportsball." The other woman's quieter remark is met with a very quick wave of her free hand, and she pivots to this discussion of the previously forbidden topic of the deep sea politics. "Oh yes, the fellow with the little footsie-wings, right? I've heard of him, but not a great deal more."

Nicole Adams has posed:
     Nicole's mask shifts on her face, as her brows loft at the surprising gift of Shaw's calling card. "Thank you. If I'd have known that I'd be honored by this, I'd have had a card in kind to give." Smiling, she tucks the card away amidst the bodice of her dress, where no true gentleman would dare to take it from her. "You really have done well here. I'll have to watch the papers for these charitable events you mentioned."

Toni Monetti has posed:
"Aww, that's so sweet of you to say... because it's one thousand percent true," Toni continues, leaning over a little bit so she can kind of have a three-way conversation without having it all go directly across Felicia's forward bow. She does not seem eager for a drink. She studies Felicia as she explains further, her expression somewhat cooler. "Oh, uh, cool," she continues. "Do you know the bartender like personally or is it like 'always super good bartender,' bartender. Sorry, I'm sort of drunk."

"When I was like nine," Toni says to Arthur. She then blinks twice.

"Oh my God I am going to die," Toni says. "I thought you said /Atlanta/." To Felicia, she says, "Please like kill me right now?"

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
The bar is where he returns to, and Shaw grabs yet another drink. They're free for him, why not? He comes to a stop on the other side of Arthur, and takes a moment to recognize the man, before he composes himself a bit, and says, "Greetings, Your Highness." Clearly he knows what is up with the man, but he's making his rounds, "I do hope you've been enjoying yourself this evening?" he asks, before glancing past him to the embarrassed Toni and, and again to Felicia.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry starts to answer Felicia with a laugh, "Footsie-wings, yeah, that sums it up. 'Emperor Namor'." He shakes his head, "Dude can't handle having an opposition party, and he's way to harsh on people who don't agree with him. I was willing to let him have the throne to avoid trouble for my people, but then he started cracking down on the ones who wanted me instead of him." He shakes his head, "I don't want to hurt people, but he's started doing that already." He downs his drink, which is replaced by the time the glass hits the bar. He takes a breath, "No, can't get into this at a party, it's a happy occasion."

He looks over at Toni as she admits her mistake, then grins and starts to chuckle, saying, "Don't sweat it, it's noisy in here." He salutes her with his glass, then looks over his shoulder as Sebastian addresses him, "Oh, heya, yeah, you're the boss around here, right? Hell of a place you've got here. Good party." He offers his hand, "Arthur Curry, although apparently you already know who I am."

Felicia Hardy has posed:
Felicia has shifted a bit so she's more back to the bar than one hip or the other, although this does not entirely alleviate the positioning problem Toni has, vis a vis her 'forward bow.' In fact, that's precisely the problem. But, they'll just have to face that issue head on. OK, that's getting a little pun-y. "Oh, there's a couple of them but they're all fantastic," she answers, knowingly, albeit without naming the current one, which suggests she knows them all as a rotating army of friendly, attractive purveyors of alcohol rather than more personally. And she seems to notice Toni's demeanor, as well, so said wonderful purveyor is waved off from any refills.

Despite any laugh at the very understandable mixup of the ancient aquatic civilization and the home of Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines, she brushes off any worry. "You're fine, dear. Nothing that warrants summary execution, I assure you." Then again, Felicia is not known for her harsh stance on crime. "Sounds like a bore," she says of Namor, although it's all she says since politics are taken off the table just as quickly. Shaw just gets a finger-wiggle of 'hello again.'

Toni Monetti has posed:
"Well thanks, your highnessness," Toni says with more sauce in her tone again, but what Felicia said seems to work its fell spell! She seems less aghast. Arthur, of course, forgives her mistake and she nods along, gazing directly at him. Because she has to focus to listen. "Yeah, that sounds rough. What's his problem? Like is he doing stuff... OUTside of Atlantis? Where is it, by the way, if you can say? Like, is it in the Atlantic for real, or was that just a coincidence?"

"This is an awesome party, king!!" Toni then says to Sebastian Shaw, raising up her straw as if it were a minor baton of salute. (Her original drink glass has been whisked away, sometime around the point when she asked Felicia for the sweet release of death.)

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"I have the unfortunate...responsibility? Knack? Need? One of those, of knowing the very important people who come through my doors, Mr. Curry." Shaw replies, as he actually sticks with his drink this time. The party is slowing down, slightly, some couples have left for the night, others have..perhaps gone behind their screens to test the bounds of what the club allows. Either way, Shaw is at the bar, and he says to Arthur, "I couldn't help but overhearing your commentary on Emperor Namor's activities, and it felt like..." and here he pauses and gets a little bit of a wistful look in his eyes, "Old times."

He takes a sip of his drink, and says, "I've heard a lot of questions about the origin of the club this evening, floating on the air, and do you know how this club was founded? Who founded the original Hellfire Club? It was a faction of disaffected noblemen -- led in part by the son of King George I, the Prince of Wales, the future George II, who hated his father -- who wanted their nation to travel a different path. You, Mr. Curry, will always be welcome in the Hellfire Club."

He then turns to the young woman who declared his party awesome, and looks closely at her, "Ms. Monetti? I hardly recognized you. Welcome. How are you? How is your father, the Senator?" He moves around Arthur because, well, of course he would, to speak with Toni. Though, he gives an aside to Felicia, "I am sorry for having to leave you earlier, perhaps in a moment, may I make it up to you with a dance?"

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry huhs, "Well, thanks, I appreciate that. Actually didn't know that about this place, that's pretty interesting." He looks around, "Well heck, maybe I'll stop in now and again then." He shrugs, "Maybe find someone to talk disaffected nobles with." As Shaw goes by to address Felicia and Toni, he grins and comments, "Good choice, they're cuter than I am." He looks back over the thinning crowd as Sebastian probably has both women's attention at the moment.

Felicia Hardy has posed:
"Didn't they mostly found it so they could cavort with their mistresses and prostitutes away from the public eye? So very less than proper, that sort of thing, in Merry Old England." Leave it to Felicia to pipe up with such a scandalous factoid, although it should be noted it's said without so much in the way of outright disapproval, albeit maybe a teensy sort of 'tut-tutting' at how those long-ago fellows might have concealed their more base interests among high brow political debate. At any rate, Felicia looks amused with herself as she says it, and quickly turns to a final sip of her drink in the aftermath, which has at long last seemingly been nursed down to the very bottom. And although the faithful and super-powered bartender is seemingly poised to leap into supplying another, she forestalls this with a lifted finger.

And then turns very abruptly at something Shaw said.

He did just said 'Senator,' didn't he? Of course, Felicia tries not to make it out like she's suddenly looking at the wayward youth at her side in a different light, but she is. "Oh. Well, good news kiddo. You're pretty much a shoo-in." This leaves Shaw's offer, which earns a soft-eyed, regretful look. "I hate to say it, but the night's really passed me by and I ought to be slinking off. A girl needs her beauty sleep." Into her handbag she goes then, fishing out a phone, presumably to arrange a car.

Toni Monetti has posed:
Shaw comes by and speaks at some length. Toni is at least sort of interested in this, biting on the stem of the hurricane straw in idle thought. It is actual attention, if slightly hazy. She may be trying to remember which George is which, but she has recent reason to keep her trap shut for a moment. Then Shaw recognizes her.

She freezes for a second. Her eyes turn momentarily towards Felicia. Then back to Shaw. She moves the straw aside and says with a practiced smile, "I haven't seen him in a while. I kind of cleared out of the house, right, for Valentine's day? I'll tell him you said hi, if you want." (i wish i was not doing this kind of drunk, Toni thinks.) "Did we meet before, like at a reception or something.....??"

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw gives a sidelong 'shhhs' to Felicia, though it seems it is in jest as he replies, "You are, of course, correct Ms. Hardy. There was some of that. And other forbidden forms of romance which the members of the club engaged in. And other...less savory events." He leaves out the whole 'nobles hunting peasants for sport' bit. He places a hand on Felicia's and says, "There is no need to call a car, one is waiting outside for you, and perhaps another night I may impose for a dance." He then gives a wink to Arthur, not that he MEANT to leave him for the attractive ladies still at the club but..he meant to leave him for the attractive ladies still at the club.

"Ms. Monetti I cannot recall meeting you, at least not since you were very young perhaps you were at an event with your parents. But every time I used to speak business with him, he would mention you or show me a picture. Less so now, but if what he told me when you were younger is true, he does think very highly of you, deep down. And, if you need, there is of course a room for you here for the evening." Shaw has, of course, arranged most everything.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
He adds, in passing, "That will be your last drink of the evening," to the girl. Perhaps in a more fatherly tone than a harsh one.

Toni Monetti has posed:
"Oh, that's..." Toni says, trailing off, looking momentarily lost. She draws the straw away from her lips and looks at it for a moment, then back up to Shaw, who takes another step. Toni takes in a deep breath then, and leans back against the bar, slouching for a moment, as if weighing her thoughts.

"Sure," she says. "And... that is really sweet. But like, and this is /super/ embarrassing, but I already got a room? It was this cute little like, mini hotel in Midtown, right," Toni says, and now she is rolling along, "and it is just this super precious thing like a giant norwegian wood furniture, thing, place AND, here is the thing, I kind of already... paid?" Her lip curls up and her eyes cut towards Arthur.

"How about next time I come by," Toni concludes, leaning slightly towards Shaw, as if in conspiracy!

Felicia Hardy has posed:
Felicia is a few finger-taps to her screen in when Shaw declares it unecessary, and she doesn't debate the point, swishing the app closed and plopping the phone unceremoniously back into her little bag. When your riches come from a life of crime rather than... well, the more lofty sources of most of her company, appreciation for the value of a free thing really never diminishes. Free car, woo. She beams the man a smile in thanks. "How very chivalrous. As dashing a Black Prince charming as ever." Not technically the right title, but it fits the wordplay better.

With this, she finally un-leans from the bar, setting her empty glass there to be recovered. The bartender, it seems, has been warned away from further serving Toni on -several- counts now, so he happily recovers the glass and wanders further down to attend some other lingering guests. "It was lovely meeting you, Arthur. And you too, Ms. Monetti. We'll have to catch up a little at the next-" She thinks about it, and concludes: "Well, the next whatever. Or do you want to share the car?" The latter only seems to come to mind as some discussion of accomodations and the like comes into play. But either way, she's fairly soon on her way, calling a laughing, "Try and behave yourselves, you wanton lot," as she goes.

Arthur Curry has posed:
Arthur Curry chuckles, "Huh, guess those old English dudes weren't quite so proper as they let on after all." He looks over at Toni, then drains his drink and forestalls the refill this time before saying to her, "Hey, you gonna be ok getting back to your place? I bet Sebastian can get you a ride if you need it, or we can call you an Uber or something." He stands from his stool as the party appears to be breaking up, "Or there you go, can go with Felicia, lots of options."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Free car, to see exactly where you get dropped off. No data collection here. No sir. Shaw smiles to Felicia and then Toni, "Of course," he says to both of them, before Jane comes up to him and whispers something in his ear. He sighs quietly, and then nods, "Yes, thank you Ms. Hanson. I will be right there." He then turns back to his guests and says, "I hope you have all had a wonderful evening, but, unfortunately I have...a bit of bookkeeping to take care of. Please, stay as long as you wish, I am sure you can find something to entice you here, but, I must be off." And he gives all three a bow, and then, is off himself to take care of whatever emergency just popped up.