8399/Genoshan Embassy Winter Ball

Genoshan Embassy Winter Ball
Date of Scene:	12 November 2021
Location:	Genoshan Embassy - 3rd / 4th Floor
Synopsis:	Genosha is ready for international negotiations, the Winter Ball continued into the night with Random Acts of Chaos unique Heavy Metal stylings, right through the protests outside by human rights groups.
Cast of Characters:	Logan Howlett, Lorna Dane, Diana Prince, Laxmi Mallick, Gothic Lolita, Erik Lensherr, Tabitha Smith, James Proudstar

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Logan Howlett has posed:
The first thing guests will note when they arrive to the newly opened Genoshan Embassy is the large crowd outside. Security is keeping them at a distance of more than a block away, and the local mutant population is lending a hand with this in a peaceful manner. It is to be expected that the human rights activists would be out in numbers, making themselves known and hating on mutants as they always do.

Once inside, an area on the first floor has been set up to take coats and store belongings that people don't want to carry with them. The large elevator and stairs offer access to the third floor where the event is taking place. Security can be seen in post locations and mingling with the guests, they are almost literally every where.

The third floor is open entirely, save for one office that has a guard at it. The grand ball room has had a couple of small adjustments made to it for the event, including the addition of a small stage. The decorations in the room are done in red and white, with the emblem of Genosha on the wall behind the stage. At the sides of the rooms, numerous tables and chairs have been set up for resting feet from the dancing. The bar is open and serving drinks to anyone who proves they are the legal age of Genosha, and Mutant Milkshakes is there to offer treats to those who are not.

An extremely tall, lean man stands on the stage in a tuxedo, watching people arriving. When the clock on the wall strikes exactly seven, he turns and steps to center front of the stage, and with no need for a microphone speaks to those assembled.

"Friends of Genosha, your attention please! Please rise." He pauses here to allow anyone sitting to stand. "It is a great honor, and an extreme pleasure to present to you, Her Royal Majesty, Queen of Genosha, Lorna Dane, and His Royal Majesty, King Erik Lensherr!"

Lorna Dane has posed:
With the time approaching the start of the opening ceremonies of the newly completed embassy, Lorna had taken one last check of the staff to ensure that everything behind the scenes was running smoothly. So far, it was, which left her with nothing else to do other than just prepare to greet everyone. It wasn't her first public event. Just her first one in awhile and with pushing this new branch of outreach to the mutant community, New York, and the United States in general. One last glance is cast to her phone before she tucks it away in a fold of her skirt.

"Here we go. Try not to embarass me tonight, father," she offers as teasingly as could be to Magneto. Of course she knew he wouldn't. The attempt at humor was there none the less before she steps out after the introduction to send a broad, beaming smile toward all who had gathered in attendance tonight.

Stepping out toward hte front of the stage next to the announcer to whom she inclines her head politely. Raising her voice to project across the mostly quieted room she speaks. "Thank you all who have come out tonight to join us for an evening of celebration for our new Embassy. We hope that having a solid brick-and-mortar presence in New York will help strengthen our relationship with other countries, to whom we hope to foster future friendships. Not only is the Embassy a way for Genosha to establish presence, but we have opened a community center to offer a solid support of the community here as well. Please, enjoy yourselves this evening. I look forward to meeting you all in due time."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana had arrived on time with many other guests. She'd made her way up to the 3rd floor via the lift and was now merely moving about and socializing. With her dark hair tied back in to a tight bun on the back of her neck, her makeup done in a dusky hued selection, the Princess of Themyscira is here to show her support to a nation in a similar place as her own.

The Princess is dressed in red dress, trimed in gold, bare of sleeves and holding a glass of champagne in her left hand, her adorned jewelry glimmers in the light of the gala event. She is on the outside perimeter of the group as she listens to the starting words from the monarchy's presence. A smile is given to what she hears as well.

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    Laxmi was dressed in the same lehenga she had worn for the recent album premier - with sequins and glass beads embroidered on the sparkle in the light, and a seeming wealth of gold and emerald jewelry at her neck, as well as the matha patti she wears at her forehead, and along her hair line. Matching earrings dangle from her ears as she listens attentively to the speach - clapping politely for Lorna. She's come to show the support of the school, and of the mutant community in general - even though this is the closest she's ever come to setting foot on Genoshan soil.
    She seems content to hold back and observe for the moment, as she wears a polite smile on her features.

Logan Howlett has posed:
Logan cleans up good, and those who know him might not even recognize him. Dressed in a tailored three piece suit in black, with a white dress shirt,and completes with a baby blue tie that matches his eyes, he clearly knows how to dress for an event like this. He has smoothed his hair back and trimmed his sideburns down short, shaved the rest of his face smooth and there is even the scent of some cologne on him.

He waits by the stage, watching people as if he is part of the security detail for the evening, when in fact he is there as Lorna's escort for the evening. He was nervous, but it didn't show. He kept a neutral expression, no grumping or scowling, and waited to offer his arm to her when she completed her tasks. Obviously this was not the normal sort of thing he did, but for mutants, the man tended to show a softer side and do things he normally wouldn't.

Gothic Lolita has posed:
Gothic Lolita is always up for a party. Eating snacks and drinking on someone else's dime? Absolutely. The fact that she can say shere's there for work reasons? Even better. As an agent of SHIELD, obviously she can get in. Not like she's a dignitary, or high ranking or anything. Who's keeping track, though? She's an agent of SHIELD here to observe, report and help deal with any homegrown problems that might pop up.

Magneto's here. She won't have to do shit.

Thusly, the mecha is drinking champaigne, minding her business. At least she dressed up! Her dress is an ankle length black qipao, embroidered with silver vines that start at the hem on both sides opposite of each other and wrap up diagonaly to just above her hips. The slits on either side are, well, daring. Very daring. Her legs are sheathed in thigh high fishnets, and her heels are respectable. She must have found someone to craft them for her density.

Erik Lensherr has posed:
    For this event, Erik is dressed formally dressed in a finely tailored suit in black, without his normal helmet as this is, after all, a social event. He enters with Lorna and stands slightly behind her as she makes her speech. He applauds her words as does the crowd in the ballroom, then waits until she moves from her speaking position. Once she does, he steps forward to the same spot, sweeping his gaze over the crowd.

    "I add my thanks to those of my daughter, not only for your presence tonight, but to all those who have donated their time or resources to helping the people of Genosha. I am happy to announce that we have made great strides in the past few months, reopening our port facilities so it is easier to get materials to Genosha, and also in rebuilding the city around it, providing housing for many of the displaced. We still have a long way to go, but we are grateful for the help we have received. Thank you all, and please enjoy the hospitality of the embassy."

    He steps back from the microphone, then turns and makes his way down off the stage and into the crowd, pausing only to collect a champagne flute from one of the servers.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Sleeveless, strapless, and clingy, that's the hot pink dress that's currently sheathing one Tabitha Smith as she arrives at the Genoshan Embassy ball. Since she has left her fakes ids behind for the night, she doesn't even bother with the snacks for the moment as she looks around the room at the gathering and wordlessly ponders how fast she's likely to get thrown out.

James Proudstar has posed:
Jim follows in Tabitha's wake, dressed is mocassins, leather breeches and a tunic. Embracing some of the traditional trappingsbof his people rather than more standard formal attire formal from other cultures. He places a hand against the small of Tabby's back. "It's good to see you." He looks over at the snacks but dors not partake.

Lorna Dane has posed:
Lorna Dane steps back when Erik steps up to give his own words of encouragement and thanks to those assembled, and a quiet clap is offered as a way of approving of his words. Once done she smiles toward her father offering a simple, "Let's have a wonderful night, everyone," before turning to step down from the stage. There was no point in lingering and giving lengthy speeches. The event was for mingling, chatting, perhaps even networking. Mostly it was for enjoyment for all who were in attendance.

Noting several familiar faces in the audience she pauses just before reaching the side of her escort for the evening. Some were known personally, others through reputation and the media. Diana of Thymescria was hard to miss even out of her Amazon attire. Gothich was... unfamiliar, but so were a good many other faces. It was just more she would have to meet. Tabby's choice of bright dress earns a little sigh of bemusement. "Looks like we've got a few from the school here as well." Flashing a smile she turns her attention fully to Logan, just breifly. "Thank you again for doing me this favor. Feel free to have what drinks you'd like. I know it won't bother you at all."

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana takes another sip of her champagne after the speeces are given. She lowers her eyes from that part of the room to turn toward some of the guests near to her. She shares some quiet dialogue with them beside her as the party atmosphere returns to where it had been prior to the royalty speaking. The new arrivals are given a smile as they stride in as well.

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    It's as Lorna and Magneto finish talking that Laxmi's gaze wanders - and lands on Logan, in his three piece suit and blue tie. Her eyes linger there for a while, until she becomes cognizant of what she's doing, and quickly pulls her gaze away once more, smiling at a waiter walking by with a tray of hors d'oeuvres. She takes one automatically, smiling gratefully, and it's only once she's about to take a bite that she realizes the cracker is topped with fish eggs. She shouldn't be surprised - Genosha is an island nation, and doubtlessly uses a lot of seafood in their cuisine - but now she's left uncertain of what to do with the cracker she cannot eat.

Logan Howlett has posed:
Logan was a beer man, and though he was certain there would be some, he had decided tonight was about attempting to be social and not hiding behind a cigar and a bottle, or glass, of beer.

"I might try some champagne," he comments to Lorna with a smile. "Other wise, I'm at your side until you're ready to call it a night."

Once again his eyes start scanning the crowd, you can take the man out of his element, but you can't remove his uneasiness. He's watching for trouble despite attempting to be social. Blue eyes land on Erik, no comment, then move on to land on Diana. He knows he's seen her before, and  knows of her and then it hits him... he does know her, but it has been a long, long time.

Gothic Lolita has posed:
GL is respectful when the royalty is talking. Quiet and politely applauding at the appropriate times. She can behave herself. Even if not behaving is more fun.

Once the speeches are done, she starts milling through the party, doing her best to not bump into anybody because that tiny frame is dense and heavy. The benefit of not really knowing anyone here is that she's anonymous. Just another pretty face with wickedly done eyeliner and a glass of champagne. Peachy.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Tabitha Smith snags some sort of little sandwich off a passing tray and takes a bite from it before she asks the question on her mind of James, "So how long do you figure before they throw me outta here, Jimmy? Or do ya think they are more chill than they look? Oh hey, there's Lorna. We should say hi." She slowly heads in that direction.

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar raises his eyebrows as he opens his mouth to respond and Tabby heads off towards Lorna. He stops quirking his head as several thoughts mill about at once. He finally just shrugs and falls in behind the pink clad demolitionist. He moves throug the crowd with the steady ease of an iceberg making a wake in still seas. He does snag a few small apps with his impressive reach and eats them in one easy bite. His upbringing preventing him from being picky.

Lorna Dane has posed:
"I appreciate it. Though I thankfully don't see a few of the individuals I was hoping to avoid here tonight. That's a bonus," Lorna asides to Logan only for her attention to shift away again. A simple tip of her head indicates the direction she intends to walk, and as she does so, she reaches out to snag a champagne flute off the tray of a server with a quiet 'thank you' offered up. Just as she raises the glass to her lips for a sip her eyebrows raise spotting Laxmi's apparent dilema.

"Perhaps you should try some of the appetizers first? I think our friend might need help with hers," she suggests with small amusement. Though perhaps the approach of James and Tabby might save her from such a plight already.

"I do intend to go greet some of the other diplomats, but..." Lightly clearing her throat she lifts her head as her path comes closer to Tabitha, and James. "Good of you both to come tonight," she offers out in a friendly enough tone. "Thank you for behaving yourself, Tabby. It's good to see you both." Her eyes flit to James with a slight nod as well. "I hope you're enjoying yourselves so far?"

Erik Lensherr has posed:
    Erik wanders through the crowd, exchanging the small pleasantries expected at such gatherings. He's taking sparing sips of his champagne, more to appear social than because he feels any need to drink. James and his companion are noted as James rather stands out in a crowd and given a polite nod. He seems to be wandering in the general direction of Diana without making a beeline for the woman.

    Finally reaching her, he sketches a polite bow and says "A pleasure to see you, princess. Thank you for attending our little celebration." He looks around, still smiling, then returns his attention to her. "We're becoming more and more a legitimate part of the world, it seems. I don't think I could have imagined ten years ago that Genosha would be so accepted."

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    Laxmi manages to secure herself a napkin, in which she wraps her inadvertantly inappropriate hors d'oeuvre choice - then, as a server passes her with a try covered with already empty glasses, she slips the napkin into place on it. See? Problem solved. She really will need to be more careful with what she grabs, however.
    The next tray that passes her - much to her relief - has a tart with ricotta cheese and roasted vegetables. She's more than happy to accept one of those, taking a small nibble, and offering a nod to Lorna and Logan when she spots their gaze wandering in her direction.

Diana Prince has posed:
Diana is finishing a small conversation with a couple who leave her side as she turns around then to see Erik there. His words have a smile blossom across her dark red hued lips. She considers her response for a second or so before she replies as her eyes sweep over the party.
5r "We share similar situations in that regard." She says in her accented English. "My homeland is growing ever more open to outsiders, and ever more willing to dip its toes in waters beyond our own borders.... The similarities, in fact, make feel as though I have a kinship with your people, even if just a little." She raises her free hand up to do a forefinger and thumb gesture to show a physical representation of just how little. Of course she's being silly a bit too, and shows that with a smile for Erik as she lowers her hand again.

"Your daughter is really coming in to her role though. I admire what I know of her story, she is doing wonderfully."

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Tabitha Smith grins at Lorna, "Well of course I'm behaving myself. I'm not in a rush to get thrown own of here. Looks like a nice spread. Besides, I wouldn't want to make trouble at your party, Lorna."

She reaches over to snag another snack and pop it into her mouth which neatly prevents her from having to say something else yet.

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar nods to Erik and turns to Lorna with a few last chewing motions, he swallows and offers a smile, "Your words were lovely as is this party. The grey stuff is delicious. The building turned out really well."

Logan Howlett has posed:
Logan offers Tabby and James a nod of greeting, but he leaves the talking to Lorna. As a tray goes by he sniffs at it, and since he can't identify what it is, he does not take anything. Smelled fishy, which is alright, but it's the other things with that fish that make him avoid it. A glass of champagne however, that he does take, and one for Lorna which he offers to her.

"Evening," he offers finally to the two, yep... he's got socializing down!

Gothic Lolita has posed:
GL is unsupervised. This probably won't cause an international incident, but it will drive the bar tab up.

Especially since she's now sitting at said bar, ordering from the top shelf. She's starting with tequila. It's like she learned nothing at the Hellfire Club. At least there won't be jello shots here.

Lorna Dane has posed:
"Grey stuff?" Lorna glances aside to a few of the trays being offered out attempting to spot what he speaks of. A look of recognition lights in her eyes as she mouths a silent 'ah' of apparent understanding. "That's sea urchin, I believe. The fishing around Genosha is quite generous with a lot of apparent delecacies. And thank you," she offers out with her attention returning to the pair. "For coming. It's always good to have the support of old friends."

The drink Logan offers out is taken up with a quick grin flashed toward him. "Why thank you, Logan. If it's really not to your liking I'm sure I can talk one of the waiters into pouring beer into a glass so it looks fancy." It was worth offering at least.

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar offers Logan a dap. He raises an eyebrow to Tabby at the passing tray wondering what the Genoshan drinking age is guessing it's lower than New York state based on Rahne and Clarice.

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Tabitha Smith nods to Logan and steps back a bit, "Friends always have my support when they need it. You going to have dancing at this thing? They did call it a ball right?" She glances at the drinks as it occurs to her that she's probably legal for Genosha.

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    After finishing her little tart, and managing to secure herself a flute of sparkling cider, Laxmi starts to approach the little grouping of mutants, a friendly smile on her features. "Lorna - your speech was wonderful. Though - should it be Your Highness or something like that, in these circumstances?" she asks a bit uncertainly.
    Tabitha and James are both given warm smiles and nods of greeting - though her gaze seems to linger on Logan a moment longer than the others. "Doesn't everyone just look lovely tonight?"

Logan Howlett has posed:
Now that the mingling and touching base has reached the point that a person could reasonably have been around the room at least one time, a small band makes their way onto the stage and start to play you average 'high society' dance type music. The wait staff continue to move in and out of the kitchen with trays, often times no two trays repeating to offer a wide variety of nibbles for those present.

Erik Lensherr has posed:
With a chuckle and nod at Diana's comparison of the two nations, Erik replies "Yes, there are some similarities in our current situations at least. Both dipping our toes into the pool of international diplomacy with little prior experience." He shrugs a bit and adds, "Though the resistance to our fully joining the international community comes from different places. Yours from within, while ours comes from without." He waves a hand, "But let us not delve too deeply into problems tonight, but rather enjoy the celebration."

    He looks around the room again, then smiles and adds, "And they did do a wonderful job of setting things up for this evening." As a server goes by with seafood hors d'oeurvres he lowers his voice slightly and says conspiratorially "Of course, being able to cheat a bit gave them an advantage. Most of the seafood was only caught this morning and teleported directly to the kitchens."

Diana Prince has posed:
The response from Erik has Diana showing another light smile. She looks to the server as they pass by. "I have noticed it is flying off of the trays just about as quickly as they can bring it out." She responds with a quick grin. "I will have to find a moment to try some myself." She says of the food offerings.

"But yes, I am eager to see both of our societies enter further in to the 'lime light', so to speak, of global politicking. It is only a matter of time, at this point. The times are ever changing after all..." She adds the last part on with another slight smile as her eyes roam the party as it proceeds.

Lorna Dane has posed:
One of the security staff approaches the grouping to deliver a note to Lorna. It's breifly read over with a quick and firm nod. "You'll have to excuse me, apparently there's a rather important phone call I must see to. Please enjoy the rest of the evening. I'll return if I can." Reaching out she gives Logan's arm a little squeeze of thanks. "I'll deal with it. Please don't linger on my account if you feel a bit crowded. Good evening everyone." With that she turns to hustle off to one of the guard-watched doors which leads to an office.

Logan Howlett has posed:
Logan shows Lorna out and to the office for the call. "Don't worry about me, Majesty," he offers with a smile, then heads back to the grand ball room to begin the mingle process again... which really, he edges his way around to the bar and gets a beer.

James Proudstar has posed:
James Proudstar offers Tabs his hand and nods towards the dance floor with a small smile "Care to dance?"

Tabitha Smith has posed:
Tabitha Smith nods to Lorna and Logan as they move away then puts her hand in the one James offers, "You know it, Jimmy. Even if they don't have any real music." She gives him a mischievous wink then follows him onto the dance floor. She may not be the debutante sort, but she knows some kinds of dancing at least, not all of them suitable for a ball, but hey... it's dancing right?

James Proudstar has posed:
There are versionsvof Jim who can't dance, who won't but this version of Jim graduated from Xavier's he attended Stevie Hunter's dance classes and knows how to dance. He knows how to lead, he isn't the best but he can look good and make his partner look good.

Erik Lensherr has posed:
    "It does seem pretty popular. I'll have to suggest to Lorna that fresh seafood might make for a decent export to help grow the Genoshan economy." He chuckles, "Yet another thing I never imagined having to think so much about. It's amazing the little details that need attention when you are responsible for a country."

    He gives Diana a bit of a grin and continues, "I imagine you will be finding that out fairly soon if Themyscira does open up. It's quite amazing to me how many things suddenly need to have someone looking over them. My advice to you is to start looking for good administrators now, it's easier than scrambling to find them at the last moment."

    He gives her another small bow and adds, "And for now, I must circulate a little more and stop monopolizing your time. Have a very good night, Diana." He makes his way back into the sea of diplomacy surrounding them, back into 'official' mode.

Diana Prince has posed:
The Themysciran roams her eyes over the dance floor to watch the lovely people moving to the tunes supplied by the musicians. She turns her eyes to look toward Erik and offers him a little single nod for his advice. "I will take that in to consideration." She responds to him before he makes his leave. "Always a pleasure to speak with you. Enjoy the rest of your evening as well." She says before he goes and she takes another sip from her drink before she starts to move about the gatherings again as well.

Laxmi Mallick has posed:
    As the others wander off, someone approaches Laxmi to speak quietly in her ear. The young entertainer offers a nod of confirmation, and makes her way through the crowd, picking up the members of her band as she goes. After just a few numbers played by the string quartet which had been providing the entertainment, a drumkit is brought up onto the stage, as Laxmi's band joins her with guitars in hand. Around Laxmi's neck, supported by a strap, is her sarod - a fret-less instrument from India.
    "Ladies, gentlemen, and gentlebeings," because why exclude people, "I hope you've been enjoying the hospitality of the Genoshan people - and their Royal Family. Please continue to enjoy the refreshments - but I hope many of you will join us on the dance floor. We're Random Acts of Chaos, and we hope you're ready for a good time!"
    Glancing to her band - an eclectic mix of different races, with both male and female performers, Laxmi taps her foot a few time, and they breaking into a rocking Heavy Metal track - supported by Laxmi's clear, lilting voice and the haunting sounds of her sarod. As she moves around the stage, shimmering, translucent images begin to appear around her, giving the impression of a heavily wooded forest, with fall leaves drifting slowly through the band, and the dancing crowd.

Logan Howlett has posed:
Now the party can really get started.

Gone is the serious stately business as the heavy metal music gets started. The Genoshan Embassy isn't just about getting the countries foot in the international door, it's also meant to be a fun place for mutants and humans alike to get together and enjoy life. The first two floors of the building are devoted to this purpose, so it makes sense that the Winter Ball would become a lively, happening event and more than a pompous event.

As Random Acts of Chaos gets started on stage, a series of small explosions can be heard outside. The human rights group ramping up their protest. Security had been in place days before the event, marking out the distance from the Embassy people were permitted to be, and securing that distance around the building. The explosions were nothing more than pipe bombs in a car, though that is still indication that had security not been so tight, so prepared more would have happened.

Surprising, as the party had been going on, and the mood of the crowd outside turned frustrated over not being able to reach their goal, the New York police had actually shown up to assist with security and start making arrests. It is a real first for Bushwick, to have the local police actually answer the call and take action against those who have come numerous times to try and oust the mutants who call this place home.

It was a night of firsts and new beginnings, but hopefully the presence of the Embassy would do more to announce to the world that mutants were here to stay, and that Gensoha was open for business.