7485/Hellfire Club End of Summer Pool Party

Hellfire Club End of Summer Pool Party
Date of Scene:	22 August 2021
Location:	Purgatory Night Club - Hellfire Club
Synopsis:	There was a pool party! Everyone had a time.
Cast of Characters:	Sebastian Shaw, Betsy Braddock, Raven Darkholme, Elektra Natchios, Thomas Blake, Vanessa Carlysle, Alexis Carr, Janet van Dyne, Lara Croft

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Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Purgatory has been flooded! Or, at least, a large beach-esque pool has been constructed across what was the dance floor. The Hellfire Club's 18+ club has transformed itself into a bit of a beach getaway: a sand covered deck, a large wave pool whose warm lightly blue tinged salt water laps up against the sandy beach, well stocked tiki bars along the edge of the room, and much brighter light than one might be used to if they come to the club. Tables have been set up interspersed within the sandy 'beach' for patrons to take a break from swimming and enjoy a summery menu of food from the Club's restaurants. The male bartenders and waiters have lost their usual attire for Hawaiian shirts and speedos. The waitresses by and large are in bikinis. There is not a lot left to the imagination. The walls of the club have lost much of their more gothic imagery, but there is still the raised DJ platform, where some of the city's hottest DJs are spinning. There is even a warm, quasi-tropical smelling breeze that blows lightly through the club. Clearly, no expense has been spared to make this a memorable event.

    The general atmosphere for the scene is that of one last summer fling. The music playing is summery, the food is summer picnic fare, the drinks at the bars are lighter and meant to evoke a feeling of warm days out in the sun. Patrons have been encouraged to show up dressed like they are out to the beach, and even the usually stuffy Sebastian Shaw is wearing a matching -- though buttoned down the front -- Hawiian shirt and shorts combo that to any passing Victorian would be viewed as excessively scandalous. The club is nearly packed, and the party is in full swing.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy Braddock has not had the proper time to leave work behind and relax. And well, Purgatory is much closer than the Riviera. Amethyst hued hair as been swept up in a careless bun, just in case she tries the water. But for now, she'll find a drink and a spot to sit at one of the tables to relax. There's a silver mesh coverup embroidered with purple asters, left open over the strappy but not quite scandalous aubergine bikini. Toes and nails are painted a perfect mauve, to compliment and not detract from what little she wears. The fruity tropical drink is sipped at, before the telepathic supermodel sighs and tips her head side to side to stretch her neck and try to relax.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Parties weren't normally Mystique's thing, she preferred less crowded events, but there is an exception to every rule. She had something for Shaw, so it was just a happy chance that she choose an in-club pool party to deliver it.

Upon arriving to the club she was herself, blue and beautiful with flaming red hair. She wore a white body suit with thigh-high white boots, and not much else. She saunters into the club, not like she owns the place, but perhaps like she's renting it for a while.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Shaw for his part has been playing the gracious host. He has a tiki drink of some sort in his hand and is schmoozing with the Governor. He laughs at a joke that's told to him -- something about a fishing trip to the Caymans it sounds like -- and then pats the man on his back and excuses himself. He saunters along the 'beach' for a few steps, and then spots the supermodel sitting alone at one of the tables. Well, this will not do. The propritor changes his course and comes to a stop a few feet from where Betsy is relaxing, "Mind another, Ms. Braddock?" he asks with a small smile on his lips.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
Look at that. Speedos.

Now there's a sight Elektra hadn't seen in some time. A brief roll of her eyes is sent Shaw's way while she continues to observe the place from her position by the bar. The ins and outs. All the VIPs gathering tonight. And while she *can* forgive the waiters for the speedos jury is still out on whether she will forgive any of the guests for it. So she 'prowls' in that kind of decadent self-amusement, an elbow on the bar and the other on a drink.

First take note on who is around and then mingle.

"Another martini, Jack." She asks the nearest bartender. She clearly knows them!

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Violet eyes will open, settling on Shaw's face. There's is the tiniest quirk of her left eyebrow upwards, before there's a slow, close lipped smile. "Even if I said no, would it matter?" The accented voice is rich in amusement. "Feel free, of course, Mister Shaw." One hand will gesture to one of the other open spots at the table. "I was just thinking of how long it will take to get every bit of sand taken up and cleared out. Horrifying idea. Nearly as bad as glitter."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Mystique finds herself a drink, it doesn't really matter what it is, some fruity thing most likely, as she saunters past and around the various people. At some point in there she changes from the white body suit into a bright silver bikini that succeeds just barely in covering what needs to be covered.

Eventually her path takes her near Sebastian and Betsy, each getting a nod and a polite, "Hello."

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake enters sometimes after the fun begins. He'd been playing cards as usual. After securing the winnings as usual e changed for the pool wanting a cold dip. Unlike the other pool goers he came clad in distressed denim cut at the thighs that had seen better days. But old habits die hard. They were comfortable and he'd worn them since those better days and into other better days.

He is a little subdued if anyone has seen him. He grabs a drink from a passing server and sits at a table and begins people watching. Just in an alert curious way. The three scars on his chest draw several stares. He ignores them as you might dismiss the yapping of puppies. As for the rest of him, he has a tanned skin, with a pattern of fine scars if you look closely. Ditto for his face, with the addition of more scruff than is fashionable. His reddish hair is a little too long and messy in a natural way. He didn't pay for it. He has the arms of a weight lifter or pugilist though the rest of him is built more for running or parkour.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The very mention of the Hellfire Club to Vanessa Carlysle had happened by chance. Someone she worked with who had been taken there by one of the members. The Club wasn't known to either Vanessa or her friend before that. Girls from New Lots are at the other end of the scale from high society usually.

The mention of the party had led to a drunken, boastful comment by Vanessa about attending. Which her friends then egged her on until she had to go through with it. So it is she arrives, wearing a wrap about her hips and shoulders, the bottom wrap just see through enough to reveal bikini bottoms are beneath.

After making her way through the club and seeing the decor and elegance, Vanessa is feeling perhaps less confident than before. However she's practiced enough at swallowing down those butterflies and projecting confidence. She walks into the room, taking in the sights of the impromptu beach, not knowing what the place normally looks like.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"You think so? I think it's...a risk worth taking. Money can always buy a few hours of a cleaning crew really properly vacuuming up the room. It shouldn't take more than a day or so to get this place back to the shape it was in before, considering we set this up overnight." Shaw comments, smiling just a little. "I'd wager it takes our patrons longer to get the sand out of their...unmentionables, than it will for us to clean." He seems to be in a good mood, as he asks, "What have you been up to of late Ms. Braddock? I cannot say I've seen you at the club recently."

He does catch sight of Elektra's eye roll in his direction and smiles just a little bit wider. What's the point of a party like this if not to annoy the assassin just a *little* bit. Mystique's arrival causes him to have to cover up the bit of surprise that has crept onto his features, "Good afternoon Ms. Mystique. To what do I owe the pleasure?" he asks.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Mystique rests one hand on her hip, the other holding the drink, a smile playing across her lips as Sebastian speaks to her. The expression on his face was enough, it rewarded her for her appearance at this shindig. For the moment she is keeping a respectable distance, but as she speaks she steps in just a touch closer.

"I thought this party was open to everyone," she teases, wiggling her brows slightly before the hand on her hips moves away to offer Sebastian something. "And you needed this. Miss Fox became unreachable, so I figured I should hand deliver it."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy Braddock shifts her gaze from Shaw, taking in other faces, those she knows and some she doesn't, her mind always clicking, clicking away behind her photgenic face. "Mystique. Lovely to see you. How have you been?" There's another sip of her drink, a look cast at Thomas, a hint of surprised laughter at his jean cut offs. She's taking everything easy today, it seems.
    Eyes slide back to Shaw, chuckling. "I've a nightclub of my own to run, other businesses I've been working on getting off the ground. All work and no play, so here I am. I can not allow myself to become dull, after all."

Elektra Natchios has posed:
With the martini finally being poured by the skillful Jack Elektra offers him the faintest of smiles, the new glass held between fingertips in an elegant posture and she finally dislodging herself from the bar. It was time to be social, or so they said.

She catches sight of Blake coming in, arching a brow in his direction. "And here I was thinking nothing could take you off the cards during your nights here, Mr. Blake." Some amusement in her voice, "... and all it took was a beach right here." Another drink from her martini, "Are you well?"

There is another look given around, over to Shaw's table and the two women there before she catches sight of Vanessa. She mmms thoughtfully. Does she recognize her from somewhere? She dips her head to the woman. "Good evening, welcome to the club." or perhaps not having recognized her as one of the usual patrons inside.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake notes Elektra's arched brow. He gives a smile that contrasts with his rather barbaric appearance and carriage. "I won. Words got around courtesy of a poor sport. The game dried up. How are you Ms... Natchios?" He doesn't know a lot of people at the club. He knows the players and some by their first names.

"I am tolerable. I've had some reversals in personal matters. I'll live. How are you?"

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
One of the waiters passing with a tray of drinks stops in front of Vanessa. "Oh, thank you," she says, taking a Sex on the Beach from the tray and sipping it. That it's the best such drink she's ever had goes without saying, and it shows in her expression.

When Elecktra Natchios wanders by and offers her greeting, Vanessa flashes the woman back a confident, warm smile. "Good evening. Thank you. Amazing, this," Vanessa says, gesturing towards the newly made beach with the hand not holding her beverage. "I can only imagine what the Christmas parties must be like," she adds.

Vanessa removed the wrap from her shoulders, and find someone from the staff taking it before she can even fold it over her arm. Revealing a black bikini top on the woman's lean, toned form. Her eyes go over to Thomas Blake, giving him a smile and a nod of greeting as he discusses his luck with the cards.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Oh, I don't know that you could ever be dull Ms. Braddock." Sebastian says with a grin to her, before his attention is taken by Mystique more fully. He discretely slips the USB drive into his hand, and a moment later a waiter is there to take it off to who knows where for safe keeping. Seems he gets a fair number of things handed to him and has trained his staff on what to do with it. "Oh why thank you. Ms. Fox did mention she was going to meet with you about an...issue. She has been a little indisposed of late though, unfortunately. But I am sure she sends her deepest thanks to you." He then gives a slight bow to Betsy and Mystique, "But, if you'll both excuse me?" he asks, "So many guests, so little of me, unfortunately," he explains, before he takes his drink to get it refreshed.

On the way, his eyes do a little wandering, glancing over Vanessa's form -- as well as a few others -- before he gets to the bar where another drink is waiting for him. He picks it up, and now starts in the direction of Elektra and Thomas, "A pleasure to see you here," he murmurs in the woman's ear, a hand resting for just a moment on the small of her back, right at the base of her spine. He's apparently playing with fire this evening.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
"I'm sure anyone could, but I intend to never allow it to happen to me." Betsy says with a chuckle to Shaw, watching him head off. Violet eyes turn back to Mystique, her expression still friendly and clearly intent on continuing their conversation. "How have things been, up on your flying base?" She'll ask, sounding interested and vaguely amused. Elektra is noticed, and something about the woman has Betsy taking a quick mental note, though her attention remains to her current interactions.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake spares Vanessa a quick glance as she greets Elektra. He immediately regrets his quickness. He gets up and indicates his table (yes his table now). "If you'd like to join me, Ms Natchios, you and your friend are welcome. If you want to play cards, I don't play for money with my friends."

He turns fully to Vanessa and offers a hand. "Thomas Blake. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting you yet. Don't believe what anyone says. I don't bite unless provoked." He'll give Vanessa's hand a shake if she allows and gives her the same smile.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Mystique offers Sebastian a nod, allowing him to retreat away. It was his party after all, he was the host, lots of people would be demanding his time. She could talk to him more later about the other thing, for now her attention turned back to Betsy.

"The Asteroid is in geosynchronous orbit Betsy, it's doesn't fly... but things are quite good actually. You're welcome to come up some times, have a look around, any time you'd like."

The takes a small sip of whatever the fruity thing she took was, and wrinkles her nose a little. "Ugh. Fruit over load. How are you doing?"

Elektra Natchios has posed:
At Thomas announcing he won that makes Elektra let out a low chuckle. "So. The usual then." the amusement staying on her expression, "Though it seems to me they are starting to pick up on your tricks, mmm? But at least those you stripped off their possessions in that game can come right to the party that they will fit the club code still."

"And I have been fine. How can I not feel fine in such a party?" A gesture around before she asks Thomas, "Reversals though?" leaving that question hanging there in case the man wants to speak further on the matter.

With her attention going to Vanessa she smiles faintly at her comment about the Christmas parties. "What I can assure you is that nothing is left to the imagination in those parties."

"Hello Shaw." She tells the man when he arrives close by, a glance over to where Mystique and Betsy are. "Going to introduce me to your friends over there?" she asks. Odds are that she most likely knows who they are. There aren't many VIPs that she doesn't!

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy Braddock laughs. "Let me have a little fun, Mystique. The idea of living on an asteroid is just... well it makes me think of tv shows and such when I was a kid." There's a little shrug of her shoulders. "I might just have to take you up on that. See what it's really like." There's a chuckle. "I'm used to the frou frou drinks, it seems. While I still love a good, well aged Scotch, these go down fairly easily." Violet eyes are reflecting that the telepath really is just relaxing and amused. "Speaking of temptation, I wonder how the water is."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle rests her hand in that of Thomas Blake as he offers his. "Vanessa. Very nice to meet you, Mr. Blake," she replies to him. She gives a quite laugh and a smile at his comment about biting. Vanessa glances to Elektra for confirmation as she says in a congenial tone, "It sounds like the people you play cards with might disagree with that statement? Or did they provoke?"

As Shaw pauses to murmur to Elektra, Vanessa's eyes go over to him briefly, and the follows Elektra's gesture towards Betsy and Mystique. The latter's unusual appearance holds Vanessa's attention for just a moment, but soon she's turning back to Thomas Blake. "Is the water as inviting as it looks?" she inquires of him.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Of course I can introduce you if you'd like." Shaw replies to Elektra, hand sliding from her back to bend his arm for her to take. "My apologies, but I must whisk Ms. Natchios away for a moment," he says to Thomas and Vanessa, "A pleasure to see you Mr. Blake, and...you as well," he says to the pair, seeming at a loss for who the woman at the table, a first.

If Elektra allows, he leads her in the direction of Mystique and Betsy, leaning in to murmur something to her as they maneuver through the crowd. For those wondering: the water is about the temperature of the Mediterranean currently, a nice 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It looks /very/ inviting.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake takes a feigned affront. "I don't have tricks. That implies cheating, which I am sure you would instead expose and more power to you. I happen to play cards by profession. I would need to play these people nightly to make them lose enough to hurt. I don't take money from anyone who can't afford it. That's what I'm teaching my student as well. She's actually becoming decent at it. When she gets some more money together, lessons will continue."

Ah back to Vanessa! "I'll gladly invite you... and if you're Vanessa, call me Thomas. Do you swim? As for the other players, anyone in this club can find out my reputation. If you want to hang with lions... you have expect to be bitten."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Mystique chuckles quietly, "My bad Betsy, of course the asteroid is flying around in space and we're shooting little aliens too... no seriously, we did." She looks toward the water a moment, then back to Betsy. "Feel free to find out, I don't think I'll be sticking around for too long."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy Braddock will sip at her drink, eyes on the water for another moment, then two. She'll blink, bringing her focus back to Mystique, along with the reappearance of a smile. "Well, even in a synchronized orbit, it's still in space. Let me have my little sci-fi fantasy moment." She jokes, before she nods. "Well, I do hope you'll come see me at Sion, soon."

Elektra Natchios has posed:
At Thomas's invitation Elektra smiles apologetically, "Perhaps in a bit. Duty calls." she states while starting to make her way across with Shaw, a laugh escaping her lips at the feigned affront on Blake's contest about the 'tricks'. To Vanessa she dips her head, "Do enjoy. And remember. Coyness is to be left at the door." is she teasing? Most likely.

She walks along with Shaw, resting one elegant hand on the man's arm and approaching the table where Betsy and Mystique. She dips her head in a greeting to the duo.

"Good evening."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle gives Elektra a nod and smile before she departs, a quiet farewell and thank you to the woman who greeted her. "Alright then, Thomas. Yes, I love to swim," she says. As he's offered to let her join at the table, she takes off the wrap about her hips and slips out of her shoes, leaving them there on, and beneath, a chair.

"I don't play cards very often, though I've held my own with what I imagine are far lesser players," Vanessa comments. "Perhaps one day I might pick up a few tips as well?" She offers Thomas her hand, to rest on his arm if he chooses so they can head to the water.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Mystique nods to Betsy with a playful grin. "If I let you live out your sci-fi fantasy, can I have a free drink when I come to Sion to visit?" She may be joking, or she might be serious, hard to tell really.

With the arrival of another person however, her attention shifts to the new face. "Evening," she offers, lifting her drink in a half assed toast like gesture toward Elektra.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Ms. Mystique, Ms. Braddock, may I introduce to you Ms. Natchios, a very accomplished woman in her own right," Shaw says by way of introduction, releasing Elektra's arm as he fulfills his duty in the exchange here. "She was hoping to have a word with the both of you, I believe," he says, and then, settles back in at the table he left a few minutes before as the other pair of people he was going to speak with head off to the water. He watches for a moment as they go, and then turns back to the conversation that he has jut caught the tail end of. "Sci-fi fantasy?" he asks.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake bids Elektra adieu in passing, letting Vanessa's hand stay on his arm. he steps into the water. Just like the water hole in the African veldt. It's even the time of day the lions would go down there to drink and watch their tolerated human swim in their drinking water.

"So, I've not seen you here yet. Are you a member?"

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy Braddock laughs again, grinning. "I'll even spot you two, if I can come visit and pretend it's a very Star Trekkian moment." The supermodel is very aware of the approach, of course, the return of Shaw and his company in tow. Violet eyes flick over Elektra, taking in things before she inclines her head. "A pleasure, Ms. Natchios." There's another small sip of her drink, as she glances at Shaw. "Discussing my childhood dreams, is all."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
A moment is taking to look Elektra over, as if sizing her up, but it is Mystique's nature to be suspicious of everyone. She didn't know anything about this person, and that is not something she liked at all.

"Elektra," she offers then with a nod, because she does not stand on ceremony or play socialite games. "Is there something I can help you with this evening?" She then looks back to Betsy for a moment to say, "Remember to wear your Vulcan ears and you have a deal." before her eyes return to Elektra.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle takes a last drink of the splendid drink, finishing it off and setting it on the table and then accompanying Thomas Blake over to the water. The pure white sand squeaks slightly beneath their bare feet as the walk on it. "This is better than the beaches around here, that's for sure," she comments. "I should have brought my sunglasses," Vanessa adds, glancing up at the bright lights.

She walks into the water, wading in as it quickly deepens. "No, I am not a member. Though a friend had come with a member the other day, and heard about this event, and that it was open to the public," she says. The young woman glances around the posh club. "I have to say, even after hearing her description of it, what little I saw on the way in completely exceeded my mental images of it. You've been a member for long?"

Elektra Natchios has posed:
It's a good thing to be suspicious. Elektra often is! The assassin dips her head in a polite greeting even as she chuckles at what Shaw says. "I was mostly curious on meeting Shaw's friends. Though your reputation does precede you." both of them actually!

"I do hope you are enjoying the party." but the talk about sci-fi does have her canting her head to the side with brief confusion before letting out an 'ahhh' of understanding. "And how is Erik doing?" she asks of the (usually) blue mutant.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake eases in up to his shoulders. "Well my family is a legacy here. I'm from the Gotham Blakes, though I'm the first one to earn a living myself in three generations. Sort of a black sheep or I would be but the line ends with me. So I guess I was a member from birth -if not sooner." He casts an appreciative eye on Vanessa and says, "If public events attract such women as you, there should be more of them. New blood."

Raven Darkholme has posed:
From relaxed to on guard in literally three seconds. Mystique's body language changes completely. She had been standing this whole time. The drink she had in her hand is set on the table and left there, it was disgusting anyway. It may not have been intentional, Erik may in fact know this woman, but she doesn't and her asking about him was a mistake.

Her eyes shift off the woman to Sebastian, "So what does one have to do to be a member of this club?" She asks, using this to give herself a moment, to give her brain time to sort out three thousand thoughts at once, and then finally she looks back to Elektra.

"I'm sorry, I don't talk about Magneto to people I don't know, hope you can forgive me," is all she offers, and even that is a bit tight in tone.

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Betsy is not quite as obviously on guard, but she has tricks most do not. Her nearly empty glass set aside on the table. "Oh dear, never let a reputation mislead you. PR can be bought so easily." The supermodel rises to her feet, shedding the cover-up with the slightest of shrugs to let it fall to the sand. Mystique will feel the faintest sort of mental buzz for a brief moment. Just a silent sort of show of support that Betsy has her back.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"We can discuss membership plans for you at a later time, perhaps in private Ms. Mystique. I think you might be a bit of a...special situation," Shaw replies, as he glances between Mystique and Elektra at the exchange they just shared. He considers for a few moments how best to diffuse the situation -- or perhaps ponders if he even wants to -- and decides that for now holding his tongue might be the best. Also Betsy is disrobing so, there's that to keep his attention for a moment as well.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa isn't particularly short for a woman, but eventually she begins to tread water while the taller Thomas Blake is still able to stand on the sandy bottom that covers the dance floor somewhere further below in the makeshift lagoon.

As she is paid the compliment by Thomas, Vanessa's eyes lower and she gives a soft smile. "Thank you, and if I knew there were such charming people here I'd have sought out such a public event before this," she tells him with a warm laugh.

She glances around the club again and then back to him. "The HyperLoop really does a great job connecting the cities, doesn't it? So do you make it up here fairly frequently then, I'm guessing, given the conversation about playing cards here.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
The way Mystique seems to close up at the mention of Magneto has Elektra chuckling lightly. Was she looking for such a reaction? Maybe! Still, she explains. "Mr. Lensherr has been a member in good standing of our esteemed club for a time. I make sure to know them as well as possible." her glass raising in a brief salute before she takes a sip.

"But if you will excuse me." The dark-haired woman dips her head at the two women before casting a look across at Shaw and moves alongside to mingle with the rest of the guests.

Raven Darkholme has posed:
Mystique's eyes follow Betsy as she moves, perhaps because of the little buzz, perhaps because she just disrobed... most likely it was both. How anyone could pass up watching that moment, the cobalt mutant just didn't know.

Amber eyes shift back to Elektra, and finally the connection becomes known, and in the same moment a hatred is born. "By all means Elektra, you're utterly excused," she responds. That was enough, she wasn't a party person, it was likely time to leave but she then pauses before taking a step, "Thank you Mr. Shaw," she offers to him with a nod. "You have my number now."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
"Elektra,.. like the complex?" Well, the woman was asking after Erik, after all. Betsy's amusing herself, if no one else. If the eyes on her while she sheds that cover-up robe to be in just that excuse of a bikini is even noted, it doesn't show. She's used to being looked at, it's part of one of her job descriptions. "Leaving so soon, Mystique? Ah well, do come by Sion soon, and we can discuss over drinks. Nothing overly fruity."

Alexis Carr has posed:
    She was late. She wasn't even fashionably late, just late.

    Allegra Caradenza, known the world over for her activities with the strongly anti-mutant and anti-meta ProHUMANA artists group, run by her father, stepped into the pool area with unassuming grace, wearing a pair of sandals, a plain red bikini top and a brilliant aqua sarong around her middle, with flowers etched in white. Her dark hair was pulled into a braid, and then wrapped in a bun as she stepped into the mingling others, holding a glass of ruby-dark liquid poised in her fingers as the younger woman looks out over all the others, with curious dark eyes.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Thank you Ms. Mystique, I do hope to see you around here more in the future." Shaw replies as Mystique takes her leave, and then smiles a little at Betsy's question -- not when Elektra can see though -- before he looks around the room and notes the arrival of the younger Caradenza. He gives her a nod, and a glance, before he turns back to Betsy and asks, "You were considering a swim?"

Raven Darkholme has posed:
For a moment Mystique is completely distracted by Betsy, because DAYUM.... then she collects herself.

"I think it a wise choice Betsy," she replies, offering a smile. "Whiskey and cherry grenadine syrup, no ice... or scotch."

She glances then to the departing Elektra, then toward the water, then finally to Shaw again. "Call me Raven, Raven Darkholme. I'll be back." And with that she heads for the door.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake nods and says, "Yes. The loop is amazing. Full disclosure: I'm here a lot. I date here a lot. I'm also a former criminal from Gotham: Catman? I'm free. No warrants. I intend to stay that way. I make money in gambling, troubleshooting, and speculation. I'm also a wildlife advocate -particularly big cats obviously. " If there is a trace of dishonesty in this disclosure, it doesn't show. "I think they let me stay here for my novelty value. Want to see where Batman broke my nose? " He points to the bridge of his nose and winks. "So what's your story?"

Betsy Braddock has posed:
"Scotch." She will tell the departing Mystique, curious as to why she feels a different sort of reaction to the woman today.But that is something to think about later. She will look over at Shaw. "Seems a shame for you to go to the trouble of all this water and sand, to not fully enjoy it. I haven't had a dip in ages. Work work work.." She laughs, as she heads for the water.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa treads water beside Thomas Blake where the two swim in the improvised salt-water ocean. Her eyes widen just slightly as Thomas mentions his villainous past. "Well, that is certainly a more entertaining past than I can admit to," Vanessa says to him, though the newfound knowledge doesn't bring any stern or coldness to her tone.

"My story? Less a story more like a short story. No, probably just a blurb," she kids. "Ah. Well I suppose it's kind of like the old Journey song. The one about a small town girl, living in a lonely world. Who took the midnight train going anywhere? And, well, raised not all that far from South Detroit though that's the boy in the song. Outside of Cleveland actually. Eventually ended up in New York City."

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
Sebastian Shaw watches as Betsy goes to the water, and then starts towards the entrance, apparently of a mind to greet the latest arrival. "Ms. Caradenza," he calls to her, coming to a stop a few feet away, and grinning, "So nice to see you here. I was worried your invitation had gotten lost in the mail."

Janet van Dyne has posed:
When it comes to being late, Janet Van Dyne is always fashionably so. Even if it is hours after the initial start. She is much the same as Tolkienesque wizards in that respect. Arriving precisely when she needs to.

And arrives she does, in a rather telling black and yellow ensemble that mirrors her not-so-secret alter ego. Fingers twitter towards guests as she approaches the pool, but....she doesn't immediately jump in. No, Jan seems content to lounge on 'dry land' and simply be seen.

Such a burden to look so good, you know.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    "Never, Mr. Shaw, when the invitation was delivered to me personally." Allegra greets the Hellfire Head, favoring him with a bit of a smile as she sips from her glass. "I apologize. I'm closing on a new building, a gift from my grandparents." she states in a soft manner. "I'm hoping to open a music and dance studio. Lessons, you know. In Little Italy."

Betsy Braddock has posed:
Indeed, looking good can be such a burden, a job unto itself. But Betsy handles it so easily, as she crosses the sand, long legs leading the way as she wades into the delightfully warmed water. She will wade deeper until she eventually will just up and dive herself under the surface, before she rises out of the water again, amethyst hair coming down in sleek, wet strands.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara Croft had arrived a little bit ago and was in amongst the peripheral guests, mingling and moving about. She's wearing a bathing suit due to the nature of the party, but has a light robe on over it as she's yet to indulge in the water itself. She's holding a champagne glass that she's sipping from in small doses as she mingles and mixes with the crowd. She does make her way to the water eventually though and lowers down to sit on the edge of it to let her bare feet and legs dip in to the clear sparkling water. A laugh is given to something someone says to her from aside as she does this.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"You are more then welcome, whenever you may arrive my dear," Shaw replies to Allegra, and at the news she gives him he ohs, "That is wonderful to hear. I hope that this will be an enjoyable experience for you...and if you require any help at all you know where to find us," he then leans in and murmurs something to the young woman before he pulls away and adds, "And now, I must flit off to greet more of my guests. We should catch up some time soon though," and then, he is off, heading in the general direction of Janet. Because: that's a nice eye catching suit she's got on.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake comes to a rest against the wall of the pool and drapes his arm around Vanessa's shoulders, still holding her hand and waits for the reaction, ready to back off if she's not comfortable. "Would you like to come back here and see the rest of the Club with me? I can show you around but... We should meet the new arrivals. I may want to take their money one day. equal rights and all that." He moves to exit the pool. He waves to Laura and Janet.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    Allegra's cheeks give a little burn as Shaw whispers in her ear, and she turns to regard the man with a gentle smile. "Thank you, Mr. Shaw. I do know where I can turn for any help." she states kindly, and finishes her drink as he turns from her, looking at the others around the pool assembly.

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
The young woman doesn't show she mind when Thomas' arm goes around her. Vanessa relaxes there in the warm water as well, watching as someone else is coming into the water. More to herself than aloud, she murmurs, "I think that might be Betsy Braddock. She's so stunning."

When Thomas moves to exit the pool, Vanessa follows along. One of the club staff arrives before they are more than a few steps from it, offering a towel. And of course, a drink. Vanessa takes both, setting the drink aside to briefly dab herself dry before returning the towel and taking the drink back.

"I'd love to see more of it when you have time," Vanessa agrees, looking around at the posh club again. As they make their way over towards the others, Vanessa catches eyes with various people, giving Lara Croft, Janet van Dyne and Allegra Caradenza smiles. "So is he the owner?" Vanessa asks Thomas, with a brief gesture towards Sebastian Shaw.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake indicates Shaw and says, "The grand poobah himself, Mr. Sebastian Shaw. The dark haired beauty is Elektra Natchios, the petite beauty in black and yellow Janet van Dyne... Catman's sworn nemesis. I lie. She doesn't know I'm alive. I don't know the stunner dabbing her feet or the lady Mr. Shaw is whispering to. We can certainly meet them. Oh yes, Ms. Braddock is lovely... I was just distracted. Here, let me..." Thomas towels Vanessa's shoulders and back gently.

Lara Croft has posed:
Lara is given a fresh drink from someone beside her and when she raises it up for a sip she notes Thomas and Vanessa going past. She knows neither of them, but she is friendly enough to offer a smile and a light wave to them as they pass by. The others in the party are given another curious look over from her vantage point where she's resting her legs in the water.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
Yes, yes. Janet's nefarious plan is working. Well, not so much nefarious...but certainly planned. She came to be seen. And seen she has been.

Fingers flutter a bit towards Thomas. A smile, bright and vibrant, for Vanessa. An eye is cast towards the indoor pool, cleverly constructed, then strays to take in the framings of the club, as an amused grin materializes. "Who would have thought that they would have such beaches in Purgatory." Oh, yes, Janet is amused.

That sly little grin remains upon Jan's lips as the master of the house approaches. "Why, Sebastian! Hello! To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" Janet knows perfectly well why Sebastian approaches, but it is oh so fun to play the innocent. Even when she is far from it. "Whatever possessed you to host your party here? Surely it was not easy to arraign."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle gives Thomas a grateful smile for his kind gesture with the towel. "Thank you, Thomas," she tells him warmly. Her eyes go back to the party, watching Lara pass, and the friendly look garners an extra, "Hello," from Vanessa.

She turns back to Thomas Blake and asks, "So those in attendance, how many of them are members versus others taking advantage of it being an open soiree?" she asks.

Her eyes go back to Janet van Dyne. "She makes the most beautiful outfits. I can't imagine being that talented," she says with a shake of her head. Even as she's imagining being that talented. Well, she pushes those thoughts out of her head.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"I have always thought you more of a bee, than a wasp, able to summon whomever you wish with the sweetness of...well," Shaw replies to Janet, before he adds, "The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Van Dyne. And if ease were the goal, I would never host a single thing in this magnificent building. Fortunately for all of us, I happen to enjoy having people use our space, so...here we are. A beach in Purgatory. Ny only wish is that it doesn't flood the dungeon." The last bit is said lightly, but, with perhaps just the smallest hint of concern.

Alexis Carr has posed:
    The younger Allegra looks lost for a moment, looking at the strangers about her, before having a seat at the edge of the pool in a chair, giving a little hum to herself. It was enough to be seen, she supposed. After all, even those who might have been at Mardi Gras might not recognize the singer -- which at once made her feel happy and sad.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake nods. "She's very talented. I give her props for staying married to that pill, Pym. The man could suck all the fun out of Six Flags I heard. Come on. Let's meet her." Vanessa gets the towel around her shoulders and is tugged by the hand over to Janet.

"Pardon me Mr. Shaw, Ms. van Dyne. I am Thomas Blake, and my friend Vanessa here, is your fan and admirer, Ms. van Dyne. I'm sure she'll be /your/ admirer when I show her the rest of your club, Mr. Shaw." He gives Vanessa a little pat to speak.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
With Sebastian monopolizing Jan's attention, there isn't going to be much more that the socialite is going to catch. She did, however, catch the compliment and the slight innuendo that the comment alludes to.

And she does not seem the least bit concerned.

Rather, Jan tips a slight wink, that smile of hers gaining a slightly wicked smirk. Just enough to show she caught another meaning. Yet, Jan will not mention it.

Instead, as Thomas approaches, Jan shifts attention. "Well, hello to you, Mr. Blake. And to your friend." The mention of Vanessa being a fan earns her a smile all her own. Never mind Sebastian and Thomas for the time being. Janet always has time for her fans...

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle lets Thomas guide her over to where Janet van Dyne and Sebastian Shaw are talking. "Oh, already a fan from what I've seen," she says towards Mr. Shaw, giving him a smile before her attention is brought to Janet.

"Your dresses are just... amazing," Vanessa says, shaking her head as if she thinks her words fall far short of what the woman's fashion designs warrant. "Well, and not to mention the whole, superhero thing. I know how had it can be," she starts to say before catching herself. "Well, I don't -know-, I can only guess what it is you go through. So, thank you for it, for all of it," she says.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
The wink gets a smile, about all he gets out of Janet it would seem is a wink and a smile. Shaw then turns to Vanessa speaking to him, and Thomas as well, "Well, I must say you do find interesting things to drag in," he comments to Thomas, before moving to Vanessa, "A pleasure to meet you Ms...?" he asks, raising an eyebrow at her, still not sure of her name.

Thomas Blake has posed:
Thomas Blake's arm goes around Vanessa if she'll have it. It's more a protective move than seductive. "Her name is Vanessa, and she met me on her own. Good call on her part, considering some of the ill mannered and in-bred louts who frequent the place." He whispers in Vanessa's ear, "Stay or go. You decide."

Vanessa Carlysle has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle smiles to Sebastian as Thomas gives her name. "Yes, Vanessa. Such an amazing place that you have here," she tells him. "I've never really seen the like before," she says to him, then takes a sip of the drink that the waiter with the tray had given her.

Vanessa turns to look about the club, then looks back to Thomas. "Speaking of, is now a good time to show me around as you'd mentioned?" she asks him. "I'm curious to see what the rest is like when this place is... well. I mean, look at it!" she says, laughing at the end and motioning towards the beach that was made out of a dance club.

Janet van Dyne has posed:
"You are much too kind, my dear." Does Janet really mean that? Perhaps. "It is really all my pleasure to do!" Now, there is a phrase that Janet speaks truthfully. It is really all at her pleasure. The compliments, though, do get her is a rather pleasant mood. "It really isn't that much trouble at all."

So modest.

Janet does offer a few tidbits. "Be sure to visit some of the restaurants. You will not find finer chefs in the city." Of course not. Everyone else has snatched them up. "Though, do be careful of the in house security. They are always watching...whether you want them to or not." Oh, seems that there is a story there. And...that Janet is well acquainted with the Hellfire Club. As well as any VIP would be.

Sebastian Shaw has posed:
"Have something you'd like to admit later Ms. Van Dyne?" Shaw asks, smirking just a little bit at that admission. He then turns back to Vanessa and replies, "It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Vanessa. I do hope you have a good time on your tour of the establishment," he says politely. He then turns his attention to Thomas, "Do please remember that the palace turns back into a pumpkin at midnight, Mr. Blake."