Owner	Pose
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth has gathered everone together in an attempt to maintain family cohesion. It can't all be about baterangs and batcomputers and batcookies and bat shark repellent. Crime is like the ocean, and while you can damn it, make power plants with it or fish in it, or even use it to harm with magic, it always has been there, and always will be. To Alfred, the thing that makes the Bat Family special is the emphasis on Family, and he feels its his job to prepare them for a life outside of a mask and fisticuffs as vitally important as that might be. He has set a wide white table cloth with silver trays filled with small masterfully crafted sandwhiches and petifors, the kind one might find at High Tea at the Ritz Carlson or any other formal hotel. He is, himself, as usual, dressed in a tuxedo but quietly passed the word that this was a "nice casual affair" but he isnt going to sniff at anything someone wears, more pleased that they show up. Manners are expected, but this is not a stae dinner so the use of the pooper spoon, fork and such will be reserved for a future occasion. This is more about forcing the protectors to be human, to be human together and also remember that they all have coer identities, and that there is to be no talk about shop. THAT will get sniffs, eyebrows raised or the occasional wry snarkastic remark. A schedule of formal times and a brief history on High Tea, the East India Company, the diffeence between British and American formalities of the term is placed at every setting which he benignly expects people to ignore. But one must endevor. Once most are seated, he will ring the bell indicating the ceremony/meal ha sformally stared.
Talia al Ghul	And she's still permitted in the household. And the common areas. Things have stayed rather surprisingly well for her. Talia Al Ghul is however staying near the back and away from most interactions. She's not particularly chatty - there will be perpetual issues with her presence that no amount of time or actions will ever change, in her mind. So she is quiet. Appreciative that she is permitted to be present. And taking a small sip of her tea and a deliscious cucumber sandwich. Her own attire is rather formal as well - a more formal gown of a moderately prestige fashion line rather than something exorbidant. She looks like she's going to a nice dinner, rather than a high class charity event or to a Braodway musical. Her intent is to be present - not to take attention from anyone nor distract.
Barbara Gordon	Barbara's black ferrari had pulled up at the Wayne Manor about a half hour ago. Arriving with a friend, Babs and Cassie Sandsmark stepped out of the vehicle, leaving its AI operator to park it for its owner in a nice little place near the garage and service wing of the expansive house. There-after, Barbara had taken Cassie on a bit of a tour of the grounds, starting outside for a little walking show. The pair ended up coming in through one of the back entrances, where Babs showed Cassie off the basics of the house's historic interior. Nothing too intrusive for the secrets that lie within it, of course, but enough to give the young Justice Leaguer a bit of directional sense within the Wayne's family home. Here and now, Babs is leading the way to Alfred's shindig. Dressed in a black denim jacket, a pair of black slacks with a form-fit grey turtle neck sweate, and black heeled boots, the redheaded Barbara smiles at the sight of the setup. "Nice spread." She announces to the room as she strides in, thumbs hooked in the side pockets of her denim light jacket.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie Brown walks into the hall, wearing a burgundy strapless dress, her blond hair left to fall in waves about her shoulders. She gets one of her somewhat goofy-looking smiles as she sees the spread that Alfred has set out. No matter how long she's spent at the Manor and with the family, sometimes it just kind of catches her surprise yet again when she sees the lavishness that can be a norm here. The young woman makes her way further into the room, giving Talia a polite enough nod. "Wow, Alfred, it all looks amazing," she says as she approaches the Englishman. "Anything that I can do to help out?" she offers as Stephanie takes in the sight of it all.
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth says, "Thank you Miss Gordon and Miss Brown, I do appreciate the notice of the effort into the presentation. It took some time, but I made them myself. When it coms to tea, can one ever really not take it seriously?" He smiles bemusedly but there is a serious undercurrent to it. He takes all his duties seriously, and Tea is among the highest among ^them.
Phoebe Beacon	It can totally be about Bat Shark Repellant. Sharks are an important piece of the ecosystem.     Phoebe comes out on the stairs from the second story landing looking over the ballroom (where she is wont to haunt between the greenery), wearing a gray hair-wrap around the back of her kinks and coils, the front showing a gray dress with a tea-length skirt to it and an orange shrug to help hide the scars and tattoos at her shoulders and an additional white shrug in her arms, folded neatly, looking with concern at watch on the thick band on her left wrist, a pendant that looks like fire opal dangling around her neck, along with the wide, black satin collar she wears. Her matte gray T-strap heels tap against the wood floor as she pauses to check a front-facing window in passing before she makes it to the parlor where tea is being held.     "It's always a spread, of course." she compliments as she joins the others. And she gives a bright grin to Alfred.     "Wait, is it still not okay to microwave the mug before you put the Lipton teabag in?" she questions, weight shifting from foot to foot.
Damian Wayne	After some texting back and forth on his phone the night before that involved weiner jokes and the like, Damian had ducked outside about fifteen minutes ago. When he came back in from outside, he was not along. With him is Kara Zor-El, as Damian leads her around on a tour of the front of the house, while Barbara was around back with Cassie. There's a few minutes spent in the art area, before the pair of them arrive at the grand hall. Dressed in a warm cashmere swearter of dark colors with a collared shirt beneath it, coupled with blue jeans and leather hiking boots, he glances aside to the blonde Kryptonian. "We should still have some light when this is done. If not, there are lanterns we can use out in the barn." he explains as the pair approach the group. He takes in the lavish set up and he smirks slightly. "I should have realized casual should have meant formal casual." he comments with a dry tone. "I think Alfred will have everyone make introductions?" he asks curiously, a quick wave offered to Phoebe. "No. You crack open the can of Arizona and pour it into a glass." he deadpans at her.
Kate Kane	Kate Kane actually decided to drive her black Lotus up to the event. While she prefers the Ducati, a tuxedo doesn't exactly do all that well on the drive on a motorcycle. And a tuxedo is what she wears, complete with tails and a red and black cravate. When she comes in, she smiles at Alfred, "Alfred! It's been a while! You're looking fantastic!" She then meanders over towards Barbara and Cassie, approaching them with a grin, "Should have known you'd beat me here. Had to shake some dust off the Lotus. And figure out where I hid the keys." She pauses as she overhears Phoebe, then just shakes her head slightly, her grin growing a bit.
Cassie Sandsmark	Its with a Bird, rather than a Bat... Ok well she's also a Bat. Batbird? Whatever! It's with one very snazzy redhead that Cassie makes her arrival, getting out of Babs' equally very snazzy wheels. The tour highlights what is something of an outsider status for her: No one would actually mistake Cassie (Ok, THIS Cassie) for 'Bat family.' She doesn't hang out at the big Wayne house. But at the same time, she does know an awful lot of them. Most notably, she got her whole crime-fighting start alongside Tim Drake and a few other young peers. In the years since, she's kept that connection, and made new ones among the Titans and Birds of Prey. So 'friend of the family' might fit. And she knows they throw great parties, so she wasn't gonna turn this down. No doubt with some fashion coordination with Barbara, she's also not super-dressy in her getup. It was a point of discussion, to be sure. Isn't high tea a super fancy rich person thing? Even if Barbara did her best conveying Alfred's own instructions, it was a little nerve wracking. Rich people have their own whole way of doing stuff (don't remind her she lives with a Princess and has a personal chef). So she's kind of split the difference wearing a black dress under a throw-over short red jacket. It gives her the flexibility to play it either way! "Oooh lookit all of this!" she exclaims upon seeing the goods out on offer. She lifts a hand to wave hi as Kate approaches them, and more broadly looks around to pick out some of the others she knows better, like Phoebe and Damian, as they appear from their own angles. Still, she turns to semi-whisper to Barbara: "So is there like... etiquette?"
M'gann M'orzz	Megan arrives just a *few* minutes late, blame the traffic! But she at least arrives bearing gifts! A few small white bakery-style boxes with green silk ribbons are held between her hands as she enters. Inside are cucumber sandwiches and scones (both plain and raisin), with a trio of clotted cream, lemon curd, and strawberry jam to go with them. All hand-baked and put together, though she had help with the trio of scone accessories. Wearing a simple winter white merino wool sweater dress over charcoal gray leggings, and simple black suede ankle boots, her hair held back with a winter white headband, Megan is all peaches and cream with auburn hair and freckles and an infectious smile! She makes her way towards Alfred and murmurs, "I wasn't sure of the etiquette, but I know a guest should never arrive empty-handed, so.. I brought a few things. To have no or later, as you please!" After the boxes are taken care of, she'll offer smiles and waves to the people she knows, and the ones she doesn't! Megan is an equal opportunity friend-maker!
Austin Reese	Austin is not /technically/ part of the family. He wasn't adopted as a ward of the state. He slipped through the cracks of that system and never had the chance to get adopted. But if Phoebe heard him talking about himself not being part of the family she'd whack him upside the head like a good younger sister. He has, for his part, dressed at least kind of nicely. A polo shirt and khakis, nice shoes. White hair groomed for once. He finds himself a seat once he gets downstairs, and he is well aware of the rules about 'talking shop', "Hey folks. Hope you've been keeping warm, how about this cold snap huh?"
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth says, "Thank you Miss Kane, It is exceptional to have you here." He would explain the manners he recommends, introduce the cereemony, and the like but...thts not the Alfred way. If asked, he is happy to provide guidance but in the meantime he merely ensures the tea is hot, the hood is good and even manages to perfectly not have a tick of the face at the abomination of kitchen appliances to Tea. Its an American thing, he is used to it. Alfred takes the gifts given by M'gann graciously and bos, "Thank you Ms M'orzz" the latter pronounced perfectly (well as perfectly as one can without telepathy). Weather being a perfectly appropriate thing to talk about when having tea, he nods, "It is indeed quite balmy Mr. Reese.""
Sma'shaw Ihaka	If Sma'shaw has a nickel for every time he'd gotten into a Bat-fam related fancy event...well he'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it was strange that it happened twice in such a short mount of time. He'd gotten his tail coat re-fitted to actually fit him, though he still wore black cargo shorts (he wasn't a miracle worker!). He looked over to Phoebe, lifting a tea cup with his pinky out. "Thanks again for invoitin' me, Pheebs. 'Ppreciate it! Hope Oi don't break any of the foine Choina or anythin' loike that." He grins sheepishly, his tail waving back and forth, brushing against the back of the chair.
Kara Danvers	Casual Formal. This is what Damian said, so Kara arrives in a beige cold shoulder ruched-bustier ruffle hem dress. Try saying that five times fast... jeez, google, amirite? Anyways. She's got her hair, which is cut just below her earlobes, pinned back with a pair of silver pins with a nice even part and a pair of casual cross wrapped wedge sandals. It took her all day to pick this out which means it isn't exactly casually acquired. That is such a misnomer "It took me three hours to fly here from the driveway." That is a joke, obviously. She flies much faster than that, but she worked on that joke for every bit as long as it took her to come up with this 'very probably too casual' outfit. Now walking around the art section with Damian, she makes her way towards the 'spread' as they call it with a long bright red box craddled under her right arm. Going up onto her toes to peer at the table, "I am going to go out on a tree and say there is probably going to be no wieners servered at this function?" Said to Damian with a mischievous grin and wink.
Talia al Ghul	Well, they've let her in, so the circumstances are relaxed. Talia makes a quick look around to see if the Lord of the Manor has deigned to join them. There's a small look of disappointment on her face for those few that are good enough to read her expressions and can pick up on her displays. It's very subtle and is smoothed over rather quickly. But still, the abscence of the Lord of the Manor does have just a small moment of sadness on her face before it vanishes. no immediate move to speak with anyone, but looking tranquil still.
Barbara Gordon	Earlier: Barbara was sitting at her computers playing an online game, while eating a cookie from a plate of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies that a friend had brought over. She was talking to Cassie via speaker phone about the event they were to attend, while shooting an automatic rifle at a bunch of noobs hold up in a old paint factory. When she was asked about the dress code for the event, she replied with a mouth full of cookie. "Probably is a dress code, yeah. But I don't careff." She said, spitting a bit of cookie out as she reacted to gunfire coming up from behind her. "Justf wearf whateverf." Now: Babs leans over to Cassie a little. "There definitely is, but I don't really care about that kind of stuff." She says with a sidelong grin cast to the young blonde beside her. She spots Kane approaching, and smiles brightly at the other's dress style. "Lovin' it." She says of the tux before she smiles toward Alfred. "Ya done good, as ever, Alfred. You spoil us, more than we spoil ourselves..." At the others, Babs offers a wave of her right hand, as she starts toward the drinks. "Who wants what?" She asks, apparently taking orders, should any wish to employ her services as Babs the Bartender.
Kate Kane	Kate smiles over at Barbara, "And you're looking fabulous, as usual, Barbara." She grins at Cassie, "And I remember you from the New Years Party, it's good to see you again." Her head tilts a bit towards Barbara at the offer of drinks, "Honestly, I'm thinking something light. Want to make sure my manners are quite proper for this." Her eyes dance a bit, "There's plenty of opportunity later, after all." She does slides her gaze over towards Talia, noticing her presence, and gives her a subtle wave. If she wishes to acknowledge it, anyway, as she seems to have a bit of empathy for feeling like an outsider.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie Brown moves across the room over to where Austin has just sat down. "Look at you. Clean up real nice!" she says with a big grin on her face. "Start going out to more of those fancy charity galas and you're going to start drawing a crowd there," she says in a touch of truthful teasing. The Gotham U coed glances up and sees Damian and Kara Danvers come in together. "Oh god, Kara's here!" Stephanie says. "Have you met her, Austin?" she asks which along with a gesture is invitation to him if he wants to follow her over to the pair. "Damian," Stephanie greets him. "Had no idea you were bringing Kara. Now I'm kicking myself that I didn't invite her. Wow it's been too long," she says, flashing a big smile over at Kara. Saving Stephanie's life of course went a long way towards earning her friendship. Though truly it was the ice cream that did it.
Phoebe Beacon	"Arizona Iced Tea does *not* count." Phoebe comments ruefully to Damian as she gives a smile to his date.     "Kara, it's been a while since the Roller Derby." she jokes, since their meetings before that? Definitely business and fighting.     Cassie gets a smile and a wave from Phoebe, who checks her watch again, looking more nervous, her ears beginning to darken slightly before she hears a familiar voice.     "Sma'shaw?" she blinks, and then gives a smile. "I'm glad you made it -- please, come in, have a seat -- you recall Babs, Cassie, and Damian from the New Year's Party?" she states, "And Kate Kane, as well. This is Kara." she motions to the blonde on Damian's arm "Kara, this is Sma'shaw Ihaka." she states, and another wave is given to Austin (who yes, she would absolutely apply a loving whap to the back of his head). "This is another one of my brothers, Austin. Austin? Sma'shaw." she introduces the two.     She looks perplexed a moment. "You didn't bring the Landshark did you?"
Damian Wayne	"You look lovely, by the way." Now that Damian has had a chance to take in Kara's outfit, he can properly comment on it. "Three hours? The driveway totally starts somewhere in the eastern hemisphere, so I can understand why it takes so long." comes his teasing response as he offers his arm to Kara if she wants to take use the one that is not holding that mysterious box. "I pushed really hard for those little cocktail weiners that are usually served in sauce, I don't believe he thought it a valid idea." A grin in response to her. And then he spies his mother being a wallflower. So. In order to deal with that, he considers - and once they have left Kara's gift with Alfred, they make their rounds over to Talia. Only to get intercepted by Stephanie! "I did not know I was bringing her myself until I asked her to be my date over weiner jokes last night." he admits with a small smile. "But I see you already know each other, but just in case.... Kara Zor-El." Not Danvers, "This is Stephanie Brown, Dick's girlfriend... fiance?" He's not sure. "They may have run off to Atlantic City and got married for all we know." Totally teasing.
Kara Danvers	"Stephanie! Hello! Yes, Damian brought me." Kara smiles, almost ear to ear, and pats Damian's arm after slipping her other through the one offered to her, "I mentioned to him in our text messages that I had never been to the Mansion. Which, I suppose is not a tourist attraction, but is almost as big as Disney Land!" So many people. So much to keep track of. With her smile still on her face, she turns to look at some of the other guests and waves to Phoebe, "Roller Derby... Oh, yes, the women skating in a circle hitting each other. It was delightful to watch the irrational violence of American Entertainment." Whether intentionally or unintentionally, she takes Damian at his word about Steph/Dick running off to Atlantic City "Oh, congratulations on your wedding! Are you going to put a little line between your last names? That is very chique these days, I understand from my extensive research watching Real Housewives of Gotham City."
Cassie Sandsmark	Cassie gives Barbara a bit of a look for her answer. "Yeah but I'm a guest, I wanna make a good impression!" This is a bit of a turn, although the environment definitely has a lot to do with it. No doubt, if they were having a party at the Embassy, she'd be as nonchalant about displays of high Themysciran culture as Babs is being about a posh tea service at Wayne Manor. What's the saying? Familiarity breeds contempt? But Cassie kind of wants to try! "Yeah, that New Years was one to remember, with the musical acts they booked... Hey I'll catch up with you two for whatever you're having in a bit..." All of this is offered to Babs and Kate as they aim for the Bar of all places, while she, instead, aims for Alfred! Under his tutelege for the newbies, she's at least gonna make a shot at trying to take it all in and doing things the proper way. "Saucer, milk..." OK, it's not rocket science, exactly. Still, there are a bunch of little details to try and not mess up. "Do we do that pinky thing?"
Sma'shaw Ihaka	The large, hyena mutant takes a seat as Phoebe gestures for him to sit, his tail still waggin' happy! "Oh yeeee! Pleasure t'meetcha lot again. Seems like Oi got a bit of magnetism between me and social gatherin's, it seems! Oi'm Pheeb's friendo, met her and most of her family at th' New Years Party, pur chance n' all." He sips daintily at the tea that had been poured. "Oh! Ahhhh...koinda? Pahrked it a bit of a ways from the Manor ground n' junk. Figured a big 'ol APC moight be a bit muuuch in terms of takin' up space."
Talia al Ghul	Talia al Ghul watches at each in turn, going to add names and faces to her repetoire that she's not familiar with. She has her arms crossed in front of her, finishing off her tea ever so gently. But, there is a great deal new to here that she's picking up on. And seeing as to how everyone interacts. The Daughter of the Demon is in information gathering mode here. And she's getting a good deal. Social vibes are always good to start wtih. A low nod back is given to Kate that's hard to pick out for anyone else than Kate, and a smile over at Damian as she breaks her sielnce. "So are you going to introduce me to any of your friends?"
Robbie Reyes	As Robbie Reyes pulls up towards Stately Wayne Manor and parks carefully, he takes a brief note of the variety of cars parked nearby. And their uniformity. Alright, their color pattern. His 1969 Dodge Charger fits, other than the flames. Not real flames. At least, not right now. Hopefully not now. That would be bad, Robbie thinks to himself as he slips it into park. He has no idea who all might be at this function. All good people, he hopes. Certainly no assassins or cat burglars or any of that. Right? He leans back into the car and takes a brief sigh as he withdraws the jacket. He had slung it over the passenger seat so as not to get any wrinkles in it, and slips it on after removing the hanger. It fit precisely as it was meant to, a gift from the host of the evening, arranged for presumably as some sort of gift to Phoebe. To somehow manage to make him look presentable. There is a lot of effort involved in that, but he was told that those tailors were miracle workers, and that having tried it on at home, he had to agree. He arrives to knock on the door wearing a bespoke black suit with the subtlest tints of a crimson pinstripe, a vest beneath the jacket, and cut in such a way to showcase his athletic physique. It felt considerably tighter than what he usual wears, but he is also confident that despite how physically restrictive it might be, he would be significantly more comfortable in this than in anything he owned already. Or likely would ever own. He thinks back to something he told Phoebe recently. On Christmas, in fact. If she had not believed him when he said it, certainly she would believe him now. He takes a deep breath as the door opens, manages his most formal smile, and steps inside, praying that he manages to spy Phoebe before anyone else manages to corral him. It will all be fine, right?
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth says, "The pinky thing Miss Sandsmark is a matter of personal style, some can do it, some can't. There are some who say its mandatory, butthose people are mistaken. High Tea does not require holding ou your pinkie. If you wish to do it, you may. Its a bold brave new world, and I would say, the key to Tea is grace. Try to maintain decorum even if its merely casual Tea. High Tea works best when everyone involved tries to make it something more than it is, meal or Hotel curiosity. Alfred greates Mr. Reyes at the door and nods to him, smiling just like he has everyone "else. "Wearing the suit well Mr. Reyes."
Barbara Gordon	On her way to the drinks, Babs passes by Kara, and shoots her a smile. "You're looking quite lovely!" She states with a sincere energy behind her words. "you too, Megan!" She says, adding "I like the pretty bow!" But soon there-after, she's at the drinks, with Cassie separating from her. "You'll do fine. You're a Princess, or something, aren't you?" She's not sure how that Amazon stuff works, admittedly. Babs whips up a glass of champagne for Kate, and offers it over to her. "this should go nicely with your tux, Miss Kane." She tells her, showing a small grin as she gets herself a glass of red wine. a sip is had, and a wave is offered toward Smaw. "Oh, hey. Nice to see you again, ya tall drink'a water." She says in a friendly tone toward the big fella who had attended her New Years Eve party.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie Brown gives a soft laugh at Damian's hypothetical. "No, we didn't run off and elope. Though I'm not saying the idea is half bad. Not compared to the kind of shindig that is probably going to be expected for Dick." He being the one sought by high society, and Stephanie only drawn into that world through her relationship with him. Finding out that Kara is Damian's date seems to cause all sorts of thoughts to run through Stephanie's head. The once-upon-a-time shortest Wayne ward having been someone she exchanged so many jibes with. Stephanie's lips twitch as if with every comment that she wants to make. Yet it turns out to be a rare time that the filter on her internal voice, often thought to be non-existent, makes an appearance. "That's great, Damian's really, a one of a kind person," Stephanie says, face practically hurting at smiling and holding back all the other comments she wants to make to Damian. A laugh at the one question helps put those thoughts out of her head. "Oh, I don't know, we haven't talked about the name thing. We haven't been in a rush to have the event, not while I'm still in school," she says. "I suppose I should probably start thinking about it though. So how are you doing Kara? What have you been up to lately?"
M'gann M'orzz	"Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Pennyworth. I've enjoyed learning about the traditions and nuances of high tea," Megan smiles and bobs a quick nod towards Alfred before turning and starting to make her way towards a familiar face that she hasn't seen in a bit. "Hey, Cassie. Hello. It's good to see you again." She offers up a bright smile before turning it on Barbara next, "Miss Gordon, hello! THank you so much!" Glancind around the room, she looks back to Barabara and offers, "I can fix my tea, I wouldn't want to put you out..." Then adds, "Unless it would be rude to decline, in which case, yes, please. Tea with just a bit of honey, please." To Kate, she offers that bright smile as well, "Miss Kane. Always a pleasure."
Kate Kane	Kate gives Babs a wry look, "If you keep calling me Miss Kane, I'm going to start wondering what I did to make you mad." She winks at Barbara, "Kate, please. Especially when we're here." She does take the offered champagne, then winks at Barbara. She notices the nod from Talia, and gives her a slight shrug, before turning her attention to Sma'shaw and giving him a friendly smile as well, then taking a sip of said champagne. Probably to make sure it really is champagne, and not ginger ale as she knows that's a popular bait-and-switch around here.
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth says, "It is my honor to act as a liason betweeen our two cultures Ms. M'orzz. I am sure some day you will return the favor." He smiles warmly and pours tea into a few unfilled teacups, almost supernaturally timed in its precision. He would share Talia's concern about Bruce's timing, but, Alfred knows Bruce's time is stretched every thin. He is where he is when he is there.
Talia al Ghul	Talia al Ghul would give a nod at Stephanie, and pay very attentively to 'Kara'. Now that is an interesting one. T Cassie.. Oh, that's a great many things of interest. And as to Kara's presence wtih Damian.. Together merely as company or in a more extended sense? A mother's eyes flicker with gossip afire in them but she does not so much as move. A very, very quiet smile on her face that keeps up. Oh yes, gossip is afoot.
Cassie Sandsmark	Well, if Alfred says it's optional but not FORBIDDEN? Of course Cassie is going to try it. She's nothing if not BOLD in the face of challenge. And so... ...pinky finger out! Oh yeah, living dangerously. Cassie grins at her accomplishment, as if very much proud of herself. Then, she spots someone else having some issues navigating all the etiquette of the event, and greets her in what is a perfectly normal and definitely not meta-referential fashion: "Hello, Megan!" It's bright and enthusiastic. "Don't let Babs lure you into sin and hedonism... we got plenty of time for that later. Come do fancy pinky tea with me! Look how posh it makes you!" Well, she's definitely having fun with it, at least. "I don't think I'm technically a princess even if I'm half-sisters with one, since the half-part isn't the royal part," she informs the other redhead.
Phoebe Beacon	Phoebe had taken a breath, and then she gives a breath out before she turns on one heel, and gives a brilliant smile to Robbie as he makes his entrance. Really, his car had a unique growl to it, though she wasn't sure anyone else in the room would have picked up on it.     "Robbie!" she greets him with no small amount of excitement in her voice, and those heels she's wearing tap across the floor to come to him, and reaches for his hands, kinks and curls bouncing, and she takes a deep breath.     "Ah, some folks you've already met -- Austin, of course, last year at my birthday -- one of my brothers. You remember Stephanie, that's Barbara Gordon at the bar. Kate Kane, Bruce Wayne's cousin -- my younger brother Damian is there with his date Kara, the tall Hyena-man down the way is Sma'shaw. That's Megan Morse -- she works with me on occasion on projects." she explains to Robbie as she manuvers around the room. "And this is Talia, Damian's mom -- that we should be careful of hanging around too much on account of things --" Phoebe seems to realize as she runs through a mental checklist.     "I can introduce you to others as they come up. I think you *might* know Cassie Sandsmark, but I'm not sure in what circles everyone floats in these days.     And she purses her lips, stepping behind Stephanie:     "Rich people elope all the time, otherwise the Tabloids wouldn't have half the stuff they sell." she jokes.     And quietly, to Robbie, she gives him a bright smile and whipsers "You look fantastic."
Barbara Gordon	Megan's request for tea has Babs lowering her wine glass, and fluttering her eyelashes. "There's tea?" She asks, sounding clueless as to the nature of this being a tea party. She glances down at her glass, then over at Alfred, who is rushing in with the tea cups. "Looks like Alfred has us covered. As ever." She states with a small smirk at herself. Moving toward the table of finger foods, she finds herself a tinsy little sandwich, which she gathers up to nibble on. "Damian." She says, without looking at him. "Did you download Pow World, yet? I need you backing me up in there." What the hell is she even talking about? Sin and hedonism, no doubt. The redhead sips her wine again, and then nibbles some more on the sandwich.
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth is patient, really when dealing with young folks. They all have complciated lives, and in some cases dont entirely know Earth. But Barbara gets a look for a moment as he is trying to figure out if she is being sarcastic. Normally, he's six steps ahead of the conversation but she says it so flatly he almost unleashes The Stare, but the smirk reveals the mirage and he returns it himself as he pours the tea.
Damian Wayne	When Stephanie stands down for the night, Damian accepts the truce for what it is. There will be no grand trading of insults this day. Clearly, Kara is an exceptional defense against the barbs. Something for the young man to consider in the future! And while he is considering his future strategy, he waits for Stephanie and Kara to come to a natural pause in their conversation. "If you'll pardon us..." he asks Stephanie. Just as Phoebe arrives. "Hi, Phoebe! We'll be right back with you, just want to check on mother." he promises. Weaving their way towards Talia, Damian is running Kara through the same checklist that Phoebe ran Robbie through. Though Kara is far more familiar with the people here, so it's much easier with her than it is with Robbie. Then speaking of Barbs, there's Barbara. "I'm almost done with character creation and then we shall terrorize the masses again." he promises to the redhead with a smile. He's really certain that... but just in case. "You know Barbara, Cassie and Kate, right? Barbara's a close family friend of ours. Barbara, this is Kara Zor-El." Another introduction down as he tries to make their way through all the friend introductions, and perhaps to a parent. He knows he saw his father at some point. Maybe. Could have just been the shadows.
Bruce Wayne	Gotham. Alleyway. The Batman has finished an overly long stake-out. He was well aware of the time, and the demands for his attention elsewhere. But if he did not follow this trail, he would have no way of knowing which dock had the freighter. And if he could not find that freighter..."Sorry Alfred," he had murmured to himself, crouched on the opposing rooftop. Getting the data was easy. Getting to the data easier. The Dark Knight had it, and was making his way back to the Batmobile. There was still time, if he took the ...back roads. He was nearly at it when he heard the scream. Two alleys over, based on the reverberations. "Sorry Alfred." The two would-be muggers were trussed up and waiting for the Gotham PD as the shaken, but unharmed couple consoled themselves. The World's Greatest Detective was already on his way and gone by the time the woman thought to ask for a selfie. She will just have to console her friends with the story. Racing down the alleyway, he heard the plaintive cries from above, and the sobbing from below. The boy was pointing up at the white haired hissing feline that had occupied the highest branch of the tree. He was nearly past the boy when he heard the wailing. "BAAAAATMAN, pleeaaaaaaase." He sighs and closes his eyes. "Sorry Alfred." The wooded road towards Wayne Manor flows by as the Batmobile roars down. Within, covered in white hair, the Bright Knight glances at the clock. He spies the blinkers up ahead. A Volkswagen beetle, lopsided. Its well known spare is off the back, lying on the floor, as a man stands with his fingers in his hair, a woman holding a small child against her leg. The Gotham Guardian drops his head back against the rest, as if aiming his eyes at the sky. Maybe he can pretend he does not see them... The man turns and waves his arms in the air. "Sorry Alfred." Hands covered in grease, the dust kicked up by the Batmobile coats the VW Beetle as it pulls out onto the road again. The family has a snapshot to share for years to come - how many other people can say that the Caped Crusader himself changed their spare tire. Interior. Wayne Manor. Bruce Wayne manifests from the hallway, looking sheepishly at Alfred Pennyworth, his longest companion. "Sorry, Alfred," he says. "I overslept." It is, of course, late in the afternoon.
Kate Kane	Kate smiles at Megan, "Well, it's always a pleasure to see you again. But honestly, I find that this steadies the nerves a bit before having tea. The alcohol offsets the caffeine, really." She says that with perfect sincerity, as she looks mildly perturbed at Cassie, "And wait, Babs is luring people into sin and hedonism. That's /my/ schtick, as the Aunt of this family anyway." Nevermind that technically it's all cousins, that's her story and she's sticking to it. She looks over as Barbara zips off to chat with Damian, and... it must be a video game thing, or something, as she looks back to Megan, "Though now that the glass is empty, I am feeling ready for a spot of tea."
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie Brown greets Robbie with a friendly smile. "Very nice to see you again," she tells Robbie as she notes Phoebe doing the introductions. The smile goes over to Phoebe then and a warm chuckle is given at the comment about eloping. "I don't want Dick to feel like he's letting anyone down if we don't have the big thing. Really we haven't talked about the event seriously yet, not as far as planning any of that. I figure it's stress he doesn't need when it's still aways away. And me neither." But she smiles and shrugs. "Just enjoying it as it comes, you know?" Stephanie looks back to Robbie. "So how have you been? Making it through winter without freezing I hope?" she asks. "We got quite a bit out of snow out here a few days ago."
Kara Danvers	"Yes, it is important to make certain you have covered the name thing first. Especially in Rich people weddings where there are exceptional amounts of wealth involved." Kara dips her head to Stephanie, still grinning. "I fully expect that you will be on the program once you have wed." Turning away as Babs passes and offers compliments, "Thank you, I do not know if it is Formal Casual or not, but it is very comfortable. You look like you are going to start a revolution... a very fancy revolution." Thumbs up for Babs. Big grin. Back to Stephanie, tilting her head. "Oh, not very busy. I am in talks with the people at Wiener Hut to be their international spokes person, which is exciting. Also I am working on an exhibit of Kryptonian Culture that I hope to present in the next year, pending all the red tape that goes into doing that. Which reminds me..." The box under her arm. She lifts it in one hand, but she is being guided towards Talia, by way of a proper introduction of Barbara, "Hello Barbara." Of note is her accent. Them what's familiar with Kryptonian know it for what it is, them what aint probably think it sound Swedish, cus that's clearly why Clark called her his Swedish cousin. "What does Character creation mean? Oh, is this like the Dragon Dungeons game that turns you into a satan worshipper?"
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth is not at all surprised, offended or shocked, "Master Bruce I feel that when the manor is yours, the time you arrive is precisely the time you are meant to of course sir." He smiles and hands him a hot cup of tea. If he got offended at Bruce being late, he would have had a stroke a Loooooong time ago. The video game talk is a bit beyond his understanding but he is pleased they are having a good time at least. Its complicate of course. He worries about Bruce. This kind of event is for him more than any of the others, t o remain in the daylight world enough to have the energy to do the things he does elsewise. Its the same for all of them really. The small things allow the bigger things to happen. Its a quiet struggle he has worked with since the beginning but he smiles thinly at the tenor in the room. It is doing what it was meant to do.
M'gann M'orzz	Megan's eyes widen a touch before she's chuckling at Cassie's remarks, shaking her head, "Oh no, no alcohol for me. Just tea, a little honey." Then to Barbara with a laugh and nod, "I see. You are in charge of the 'alternate' libations. Well then, I should probably make my way back over to the tea. I'm not sure Wayne Manor is ready for a tipsy Megan." Or M'gann, for that matter! MOving back towards Cassie, she claims a tea cup and fixes herself up some nice hot tea with a teaspoon of honey stirred in, toasting to Cassie with lifted pinky finger! Megan could get used to this bit of fun! Hearing her name called again, she turns, offering smile and wave towards Phoebe and Sma'shaw. Looking back to Cassie, she offers, "I wasn't sure which outfit to wear, but I'm thinking I'm glad I chose this one. I love yours, by the way, you look amazing." She sips from her tea again and turns that smile towards Kate, "You know, I honestly couldn't say what would happen if I had alcohol. This is probably not the best time or place to for me to find out." Lifting a shrug, Megan's smile grows a little, "Yes! Come share tea with us!"
Talia al Ghul	Talia al Ghul would go to fold her hands together, gonig to approach over at the discussion, "Oh, no such things are involved." 'Alterations for Satan'. "Mephistopholes is hardly the type to indulge in such a thing. I'm sure that they would have far much more fun with those that would pronounce such things." Not that she has any personal awareness in the manner. She gives a nod towards the members of the Titans and outsiders that she does not know or has not met.
Barbara Gordon	"Good good." Babs says in response to Damian firing back at her. She takes another little nibbling bite of her sandwich before she meanders further down the assortment of food. When Bruce arrives, he earns a smile from the redhead, who offers a little high-society pinky wave toward him with her non-tea-filled glass of red wine. She overhears Kara's words, and shoots a warm smile in her direction. "Yes, that is exactly what it is. Along with Tik Tok." She states back to the Swede. "You're welcome to join us too." A pause is taken then, as she looks over the sweets and sugary treats on the various platters across the well laid out table spread. "Maybe I am the Queen afterall..." She mutters before finishing off her little cute sandwich, her hand snatching a napkin from the little fancy holder.
Bruce Wayne	There is no evidence of any of the catastrophes that delayed Batman - even the CATastrophe that keeps his uniform in the Batcave in dire need of a lint roller - and Bruce makes his way slowly towards the gathered assemblage. He takes a moment to stand in the doorway, feeling a small swell of pride in his chest as he sees the group. His family. He looks over at Alfred, probably the only person who knows him well enough to read his face. To see how, for that moment, Bruce reflects. For a person who thought at one time that he had no family at all, he stands now among one of the largest.
Kate Kane	Kate smiles at Megan, "Well, when you ask like that, how can I resist?" She nods slightly and moves over towards the tea, and... well, it may have been a while, but she actually looks rather well-versed in it. Taking some tea, and a few finger sandwiches, she follows Megan around, though eventually she sees Bruce and gives him a grin, "Well, there you are."
Damian Wayne	Damian lifts his brows at Kara's D&D comment, and tries not to laugh. "No no. Online video game. We can go up to the Clocktower sometime and Barbara can show you what we're talking about, since my set up is in my bedroom." he explains to her. Though now there are others joining and he draws in a breath as he moves slightly closer to Kara. That bit of social anxiety is showing, even with family. But at least it's not as bad with family. "Oh. Hey Megan!" noticing her out of the corner of his eye, being tall having an advantage as he offers a smile. "Barbara, send an invite to ContraryMary, she's in my alt squad!" he explains, that one being when the Titans game together. But now, well, it's a perfect storm. After all, they are near Alfred. Who is near Bruce. And now Talia is approaching. Sucking in a breath, he lets it out. "Alfred, may I present Kara Zor-El of the House of El of Krypton. She is very excited to enjoy tea with us this evening. Kara, this is Alfred Pennyworth. He runs the Wayne household and has been a beloved family member for as long as I can remember." One down. "Father, Mother. This is Kara." No need to do the whole last name house thing again. He's sure that Bruce has met Kara at least once by now. "Kara, this is my father, Bruce Wayne, and my mother, Talia al-Ghul." There. Out of the way. Easy peasy.
Austin Reese	There's a lot of meet and greet to do. Austin seems to be getting pulled in every direction. Meeting a big hyena guy, who he seems remarkably non-plussed by, then Kara, who gets a big handshake from him if she'll take it. Robbie again, who gets a polite nod hello. Then he's gone again, off to meet with other people after a bit. He eventually comes back after seeming to vanish for a few minutes. He may or may not have been off drinking something other than tea, perish the thought! He does meander his way back over towards Phoebe and Robbie, "So how've you been Robbie? I know it's been a bit. Phoebe talks about you a lot. All good things." Mostly good things..
Talia al Ghul	Talia al Ghul would bow her head to Kara, "Charmed, a pleasure to make your acquaintance. DO forgive me for my lack of knowledge, but what is an appropriate way to refer to you in a formal manner?" Because 'Ms. Zor-El' didn't seem quite fitting here. She was Damian's mother, she was going to be very polite to the pair. She would take her hands together and give a low and formal curtsy to her that somehow fit over with her outfit. Then she would glance over at Bruce.. And head towards him to try and draw him in to the rest of them. Her hand very, very softly and very, very timidly offers itself up to him to see if she can take him back over into the group for conversation.
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth smiles knowingly at the look. He does indeed recognize the look on Bruce's face. If nothing else happens then he knows the evening is a success, one more day staving off the snapping of a temper or the fine line that keeps the city, the world or even the stars from slipping into chaosand night. Tethered in sanity is critical and then he hears, "This is the bet time and place for alcohol" for ....he quietly moves his place in the room to be equidistant from the fire extinguishe, the mop, ginger ale or more tea. He hovers around this invisible but slightly moving spot for the foreseable future, no outward sign of the calculus equations constantly being run. After a while, he calms down but still looks at the mop from time to time. "Lovely to meet you Ms El, your house has done incalcuable good for the world. Thank you for joining us."
Cassie Sandsmark	"Yeah I wasn't really sure how to go for something like this... I love your outfit though, you completely nailed it. Totally adorbs! It looks so cozy and soft and fuzzy. I kinda wanna touch it..." Which has the potential of being slightly weirder in this contexts than others. And in turn, maybe Cassie realizes as much! "Uh. I mean, nevermind. And you -always- have great outfits, right?" Knowing wink! And this is them without Barbara's temptations! "You've never tried it?" she wonders then, as they continue to ponder said corruptive influence, lurking just beyond. "I guess, for all we know, it could be poisonous to you or something, right? One of those totally weird things you can't even fathom why nature works that way, like dogs and chocolate. Although if I had to guess, I'd put money on 'you barely even notice it.' You're pretty tough." Technically, so is Cassie, although she's seemingly able to drink - and enjoy it - perfectly well under most circumstances. The Olympian pantheon isn't exactly known for sobriety, though. "If you wanna figure it out, go for it, I say." OK, now she's seemingly turned to Babs' side. A Devil on each shoulder, for M'gann!
Bruce Wayne	Those who know both Bruce and the Batman will know, without having to look, that he would be much more comfortable punching the Joker's goons or deciphering one of the Riddler's puzzles than have to navigate the social and familial mores of this party, no matter how much pride he has in seeing them. But he has responsibilities, and if he can face down the Scarecrow's terror gas, he can take the hand of the mother of his son and get introduced to the daughter of his teammate who is also apparently now dating said son. "Ah, yes, Kara, I believe your mother and I are well acquainted." says Bruce with a smile and a nod of his head. Is he aware of how that sounds? Probably not. At least there are no other awkward introductions to heroes dating his children waiting for him in the wings once he gets this one over with.
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth reads the social queues from Talia and, much to his inner surprise actually agrees with her. "Sir you should likely mingle more. Timing is fine, but you are the sun around which they orbit. Speaking to them will make them happier and less likely to careen into shenanigans. Plus, you may actually have a good time."
Kara Danvers	"Oooh... ooooh, I read about these video games. The only one I have any experience with is the one with the little bird... tapping the screen repeatedly to get it to flap it's adorable little wings through irrationally and crudely constructed obstacles." Kara never once loses her smile, but does clutch Damian's arm when she feels his disposition change at a minute level. There's a lot of technical crap that goes into how she knows it, but there's a lot to do, just trust that she can tell he's a little anxious and she's being supportive! "Excuse us, have to meet the host and present a gift." Off she goes in tow towards Bruce, Talia, but first to Alfred. "Mr. Pennyworth, thank you for the indirect invitation." Her cheeks darken at the compliments, "That is mostly my Cousin." Humble, no business talk at the table. "Oh!" The box comes out from under her arm, temporarily dislodging from Damian to hold it out to the dutiful butler. "This is for you. We call it a Sunstone." Inside is a stone, roughly three inches long, with off-center cuts and grooves along one side that give the slight resemblance to a key. "They are used for most things in Kryptonian technology, but are primarily a form of data storage. In this case I have encoded thousands of years worth Kryptonian High Society practices and customs. It seemed fitting given the nature of the gathering." Once he has accepted, or not I guess, the box she bows her head. Waiting politely for replies, and then off to meet the parents.     That's not awkward. "Mr. Wayne, your house is as big as Disney Land. It is quite lovely, thank you for allowing me to visit..." Wait he and her mother are well acquainted. Her lip twitches, but she just nods and continues to smile, "Is that so? She did not mention." Oh, but she's going to mention now, oh yes she is.     That's hot goss. Then to Talia, she bows her head, gently, "Please, just Kara."
M'gann M'orzz	"Excellent!" Megan seems quite pleased when Kate comes to join the tea party. She'll get herself a few of the sweet treats to help counter the strong tea, turning a smile towards Kate, "I hope you're having fun, at least? Maybe just a little? A pinch of fun?" She'll hold up thumb and forefinger scant milimeters apart, peering through the opening before laughing lightly. Grinning at Cassie, Megan offers, "Thank you! I've been studying some of the girls on campus for their fashion, trying to get better at it." THen she holds out her sleeve and stage whispers, "You can feel it if you want to, I'm not certain if the texture is *quite* right, but it's *very* soft." And indeed, it's extremely soft! Almost more like a bunny's fur than actual wool. Damian's greeting has her smiling and lifting a wave in a wave towards him, though she doesn't interrupt since he seems to be attending to Very Serious Business just then. Instead, she glances sidelong at Cassie and chuckles, "Uncle John doesn't seem to have any issues with it, so presumably it isn't poisonous. But no, I've never tried it. Technically, I'm not old enough, a few more months before my 21st birthday. So I'll likely just wait until then."
Robbie Reyes	There is a palpable sense of relief as Phoebe finds Robbie before anyone else can, and he manages to beam her a broad smile, made all the more brilliant as he spies what hangs around her neck. "Phoebe," he says, taking his social cues from her. Taking hands, and smiling and nodding. As he is whisked around and introductions are made, he does his best to breathe. Certainly this has to be better than facing down the souls of remorseless killers and showing them the error of their ways.... His feet stop as Phoebe leads him over towards Talia. His jaw clenches for a moment as he starts to feel...warm. Phoebe might too. Perhaps that is she ushers him over elsewhere. Smart, Phoebe. "You look amazing," he murmurs, once he is clear of the spark that may set his head flame. He manages to recover his equilibrium by the time Stephanie starts talking to him, and he smiles warmly towards her. Warmly is good. Warmly is not flames of Hell. "I have been good," he says, giving Phoebe's hand a squeeze. "Honestly, better than I have in a long time." He turns his gaze to smile at Phoebe, before looking back to Stephanie. "I am glad to hear that you are doing well as well."
Talia al Ghul	A bow of her head is given to Kara and Damian, "Your family does great work here, Kara." She's ever so cautious in her statements - not out of any lack of respect and appreciation.. But things are always complicated when it comes to family. And she does not wish to bring up bad memories for anyone here. "And a privilege to make your acquaintance." She gives Damian a smile, and then goes over to give him a hug. "I'm very, very proud of you and very, very happy for you my son." This is spoken over in soft Arabic as Damian's mothers words fill wtih pride. Then presuming he returns the hug and lets her go, she further givse a bow of her head to Alfred. "Thank you, Lord Pennyworth. For what you mean to this family. You are the beating heart of it and the soul that keeps everyone connected." And then she's gonig her way back towards Bruce. Very, very uncertainly.. But, presuming she's allowed she would go to wrap her arm about his, tentatively trying to entwine it.
Alfred Pennyworth	Alfred Pennyworth beams, "Thank you Ms. Danvers, I am honored, it is a priceless gift and I look forward to studying it." He isnt immediately sure how to READ it but there is no reason something in the BatCave wont have access to it and it might give Tim a curious puzzle to unlock. For all he knows, you simply tap the object and ask it what you want. Either way, far too valuable toleave lying around, "I shall put this somewhere safe." He bows to those present and moves to place it securely below the mansion. As he moves to go, he stops and smiles, "You honor me ma'am, but Alfred please Miss al Ghul." The ironiy of that statement escapes him enitrely. He heads off.
Sma'shaw Ihaka	Somewhere amidst the revelry and talks, the large mutant yeen ended up with a tea cup in one hand and a wine glass in the other. How, might one ask? Dunno, he wasn't paying attention all that much. Tasty stuff though! He wandered over to Phoebe's growing cavalcade of capers(?) and toasted them with his wine glass. "G'day, seems like the fun part of the party's over 'ere, aye? Think Oi had a bit of a zone-out for a tick, 'pologies if anyone spoke t' me." He wiggled his fingers to all gathered. He looked -utterly- out of place here, but had the charisma and confidence to make it work nonetheless...man, maybe a lot of it was that -snazzy- tail coat.
Kate Kane	Kate laughs softly at Megan, as the enthusiasm is infectious, "I am absolutely having fun, though it was a /very/ close call there for a bit." She tilts her head, "Though, if you ever want any fashion tips, I know quite a few people that are absolute geniuses at it. Janet Van Dyne, for instance." Just a casual namedrop there, as she grins over at Cassie. She does look back over at Talia, and flashes her an encouraging smile, noticing how she's reacting to Bruce and... well, she definitely seems to be encouraging it, at least, as she looks around for where Barbara vanished off to.
Phoebe Beacon	Yep. Phoebe specifically was steering Robbie away from Talia because... well. That'd be bad. Phoebe can feel the local temperature tick up a bit, and she takes a little breath, squeezing his hand. She's there for him.     Bruce's arrival means Phoebe stiffens slightly. Bruce, of course, knows exactly what Robbie is. But she relaxes her shoulders, and she gives a wave to Bruce, with herself between Robbie and Talia.     "I only look amazing because you're the one looking at me." she states gently to Robbie, but she guides him to the end of the table, where Austin and Sma'shaw are.     "ANd this is --" SMa'shaw hops up to meet them.     "Sma'shaw, this is my boyfriend, Robbie Reyes. Robbie, this is Sma'shaw Ihaka, a new friend." she smiles as she makes the personal introduction.
Bruce Wayne	Bruce is all smiles as Talia moves up and collects his arm, nodding his head in appreciation to Kara's compliment. "Thank you. I must confess that I did not build it, I simply came to own it, so all compliments on the Manor itself belong to my great grandfather." He looks over at Damian and gives him a reassuring smile as well. "I trust that you have given Kara the appropriate tour of of the Manor?"
Cassie Sandsmark	Ok, it's really too much of a temptation NOT to take M'gann up on that. Cassie sloooowly extends a hand, one finger pointed first just to poke experimentally at that fluffy sleeve, and then, giving in to further to this temptation, lightly stroke a small patch of that oddly textured 'wool.' "Oh wow." Blink. "Uh... yeah this is actually even better than it looks. I think any animal that actually existed and could make something this soft would have to be so too cute no one would even dare harm them..." Ahem. Apart from fondling Megan, her attention is split between tea, delicious finger sandwiches, the potential dumpster fire of an introduction going on in the distance (gossip indeed!) and, of course, the more boisterous influence of first Babs and now Kate, and the general plan that has evolved, apparently to see if they can get a Martian drunk. "Well, it's good to know it won't hurt you." Until... Wait, she's not legal? "Aren't, uh, Martian years like double an Earth year or... you probably accounted for that, huh? Well... oh! You can just come to Themyscira. No drinking age at all there, on the account that their population didn't have any non-adults for like a thousand plus years..."
Talia al Ghul	SHe's at the side of the man that for a long point of her life she had called her Beloved. Her son is speaking to the woman that he is very happily spending time wtih. Talia Al Ghul feels a semblance of contentment that she rarely permits herself to feel. She's not sure why Phoebe is keeping a solid distance between her and Robbie, but she gives a quick nod over to the girl of appreciation all the same. Phoebe's body language implies she's doing it to keep things tranquil, as they are. Her arm is gently around that of Bruce, and she is content. For one of those rare times in her life, able to feel so. Giving a smile over at the others as Alfred departs to help organize things to keep festivities moving on.
Damian Wayne	When Kara presents the gift to Alfred and Damian finally gets to see what it was, his eyes widen and he gives the Kyrptonian a genuine smile. See, those exist! "That was very thoughtful and well done, Kara." he comments to her as he watches her interaction with the parents. "Relax." he offers to the pair. And he just leaves it at that. No long explanation that this is their first real date or anything of the sort. Let /them/ wonder for a change. "We took in the front of the house." comes his response to Bruce, a slight shift of his feet in thought, "I hope to continue the tour later with Kara, if there is the time." With that, he's offering a bow of his head as he mentions to Kara, "Let's head back over to my sister." And as they walk, he has an epiphany, catching back on a snippet of conversation earlier. "Oh!" he realizes as he comes back to a prior subject. "Someone who is..." a glance around. "...not here tonight is having a birthday party, we're going to do skating?" He shoots a look to Stephanie to verify that. "I'd like to have your company again, if you're interested?" And that will bring them back to Phoebe. Because in the end, it's always back to Phoebe. "Hey, sis." he offers and then a small tilt of his head to Robbie. "Mister Reyes. My sister has told me /much/ about you." comes the comment, a firm set to his lips. "It is nice to meet you, at last." And then Sma'shaw is introduced as well, and Damian offers, "This is Kara. Kara, Robbie and Sma'shaw."
Robbie Reyes	Robbie glances up as he sees Talia take Bruce's arm, and then glances sidelong at Phoebe. He opens his mouth as if to say something, but then there are more introductions to be made, and he smiles and nods his way through it. Another glance to Talia. And then back to Phoebe. And a squeeze of her hand.
Kara Danvers	All this talk of the great things her family has done. Kara's smile remains, but it's far more plastic and polite than expressive of any internal feelings on the matter, "Thank you for saying so, Ms. Al Ghul." She was told there would be no shop talk!     LIES! "After my home was destroyed, the people of Earth extended a great deal of personal trust in individuals they had no reason to, with powers they had every right to be terrified of. So if we, through our actions, can repay that trust it is not just an honor, but our duty to do so." A glance at Damian, still smiling, then back to Talia. Clearly she is uncomfortable with spotlights upon her ''great deeds'', preferring to be known for her unsatable love of wieners. Thank you Bruce for the clear line of escape away from talking about her other job. "We got as far as the art gallery, but he said there is, perhaps, lanterns that we can do a proper Scooby Doo adventure through the grounds later." Her smile no longer looks forced, patting Damian's arm gently. Whom she regards with a tilt of her head, "Yes, I would love to go skating for a birthday party with you! That sounds wonderful. Will we be smashing into each other like at the Roller Derby or is it more like the romantic comedy movies where they fall over each other ungracefully?" Free hand up to curl fingers at Robbie and Sma'shaw in a wave. "Hello!"
Kara Danvers	"Unless plans change." Kara adds, for no apparent reason that has nothing to do with conversations not going on. "In which case we can just go to chuck-e-cheese. Animatronics and flavorless pizza. Fun for the whole family."
Phoebe Beacon	Phoebe's dark eyes flick to Robbie's face at the squeeze of her hand, and she provides distraction.     "Ah, I think the idea is romantic comedy movie, less roller derby. I still don't know how I got talked into being in a roller derby." Phoebe states, and she has quite a serious expression as she states: "I bruise so easily."     Which is a joke.     "I think I've got nightwork tomorrow, though; I don't think I'd be able to make an appearance." she explains quietly as she gives a shrug of one shoulder.     And Phoebe makes a face.     "No way, if I'm going to eat pizza and engage with a rat, it's going to be in New York City!"
Robbie Reyes	It is a good thing that Phoebe most likely prepared her family for Robbie to be on the quiet side. Because he is as still as a sta tue. He offers warm smiles to those that approach, maintaining introductions. And keeps trying not to look at Talia.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie Brown is just getting herself a cup of tea, letting Alfred make sure it is prepared just right with the right amount of milk in it. She smiles and takes the cup, then turns back to hear Damian's question. "I'll send out the location tomorrow. I figured she'd be too likely to intercept it somehow if I sent it too early," she says with a soft grin. The young woman moves over to Sma'shaw Ihaka then. "I don't think I've had the pleasure, Phoebe," she says, asking if she could get introduced, and making sure to be as welcoming to him as she has to everyone else. Even if, big and fuzzy makes her want to scritch his face so badly.
M'gann M'orzz	Nodding, Megan flushes slightly and murmurs, "One would hope so, yes. Or at least, that the fur would be harvested humanely, leaving the animal alive for it to regrow fur. I understand that's how they make wool, by simply shearing the sheep in the spring and letting the wool coat regrow? Perhaps it is the same for the wool made from bunny fur..." But that leads to strange mental images of shaven bunnies that has her blinking and ready to change the subject! Smiling at Kate, she chuckles, "Oh I'm sure that Miss Van Dyne has far more important things to do than meet with someone like me to give fashion tips. She's so very famous, after all. But that is truly lucky that you know her!" She sips from her tea and glances back to Cassie as her arm continues to be fondled for it's soft covering! "Shhhhhhh..." Megan glances around before looking back to Cassie and whispering, "I'm not really 'out' yet and there are people here I don't know like that." A pause and then, "And yes, I am technically 56 Earth years old. But there is no real translation for alcohol to my home. And Megan Morse is a 20 year old student."
Damian Wayne	"Does Weiner Hut have birthday theme'd parties?" Damian thinks to ask Kara, appro of nothing, his hand shifting to give hers a brief squeeze as his attention is on the situation around him. And in all of this? A realization. "You know, we haven't even had tea yet." he says quietly to Kara in amusement. And below that, where only her super-hearing can grab it. "Sorry, I should have told them I had invited you to avoid the shop talk."
Barbara Gordon	Somehow, Barbara ended up in the kitchen. Leaning against the counter, she's scrolling something on her phone, while dipping a silver spoon down in to a clear glass bowl filled with Lucky Charms and chocolate milk. Raising the spoon up to her lips, she pops it in her mouth, her other hand giving a gentle, and ginger, flick to her phone's screen, as she chews on the sweet cereal treat. When she deposits the spoon back in to the bowl, her hand moves back to her glass of wine, where she raises it up for a little sip... Her finger flicks the screen again, as the wine glass is set down, and her hand then moves back to the back of the spoon to gather it up again. Dabbing the spoon in the marshmallow speckled delight, she raises up another full load toward her lips. On her phone, a voice is explaining what the Watcher of the Water was outside of the gates to the Mines of Moria, in a fancy British accented voice.
Austin Reese	There's a faint laugh from Austin as he listens to Phoebe talk. He was about to say something, but he stops himself after a second, "Whoops, no shop talk." He reminds himself, taking a drink from his cup again after a moment.
Sma'shaw Ihaka	"Whoa whoa whoa, 'ang on now, Oi'm a BEEG fan of child rat casino. Love the goofs in the itchy suits and all." He grins big, letting out a yeen giggles as he looks over to Pheebs with a bit of impish playfulness. He nods his hellos to everyone, and looks to Stephanie in particular. "G'day to ya' too. And yes, Oi know everyone's thinkin' it...and yes, Oi absolutely do use conditionah for me fur! Makes the neck scruff especially soft an' wavey!" He beams, sharp, big yeen teefs on full display!
Kara Danvers	Kara doesn't realize she's done it until she's turned her hand over and slipped her fingers through Damian's when he pats her knuckles. Once she does realize, however, she uncurls her arm from his and lets their hands hang together between them, unless he disengages them. "It is okay, I should be use to it." Quiet, "I hope I did not come off as rude or unappreciative, I am just not very good at people speaking so openly complimentary of me." At least not out of her costume. A certain amount of that has to be accepted. "It is... well... I suppose I should get use to it if I insist on giving up my human identity." Her smile doesn't disappear, but it does faulter just slightly. As for Wiener Huts birthday themed offerings.. "Oh, yes of course. They have a birthday cake flavored sausage dog. I am uncertain why anyone would eat it, but it seems to be very popular amongst the Kentucky natives." It's Kentucky though, they are a strange people. "There are adorable wiener hats."
Bruce Wayne	As much as Bruce is loathe to disrupt any tranquility, he leans over to murmur something softly into Talia's ear before gently dislodging his arm from hers, and then heading over towards Phoebe, Robbie, Kara and Damian.
Phoebe Beacon	"Oh hey, yeah -- Sma'sha, this is Stephanie Brown, the oldest brother's fiancee. She's pretty smart, and probably the most personable of the extended family. I'm... definitely not the most personable." she explains in a light joke.     "Sma'shaw was at Bab's New Year's party --" she grins pausing as Sma'shaw introduces himself. "He has really the neatest home-submarine, I wouldn't even begin to understand all the mechanics behind it, but it's definitely a sight to see." she explains to the gathered folks at the Odd End of the table.     And then Bruce is on his way over to their end of the table. Phoebe stiffens again, and she bites at the inside of her cheek.
Cassie Sandsmark	Cassie is notoriously bad at secret identnities! Ask Kate! Because no one is really a secret over in her corner of the business. Plus how does this whole Wayne Manor party situation work? They've got 'Kara Zor-El, of the House of El' across the room. It's... better just not to think about it too hard! Still, Cassie makes a somewhat overexaggerated 'woopsie!' kind of sheepish face, and then quickly looks around, as if gauging if there's anyone they'll have to 'silence' to keep this secret. "I.... think most of everyone is too distracted by the other you-know-what," she finally says, after looking around for a bit. "And like, there's all kinds of normal reasons for someone to go to Mars these days. Have you been to the Starport? We have a Starport now! That's crazy, to me. I actually have 'work' there sometimes, since Themyscira is one of the founding nations, and the Amazons provide a lot of the security. Pretty fun. Sometimes you'll get like, aliens pulling blasters on each other in the food court in front of Taco Whiz." A true hive of scum and villainy. And where DID Babs go?
Robbie Reyes	Somehow, watching Bruce Wayne approach allows Robbie to relax, and his deathgrip on Phoebe's hand relents a bit. Whoever had /that/ happen to them...
Talia al Ghul	At the whisper from Bruce, Talia gives a nod at him of appreciation, mouthing back to him and bowing her head. "Of course. Take care." Her hand loosening over to rest by her side thoughtfully.
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie Brown flashes Phoebe a smile which is both supportive and seems to want to object to the self-put down. She turns back though as the introduction is made. "Sma'sha?" she repeats to make sure she pronounces it right from the get-go rather than end up saying it wrong forever without realizing it. "A submarine, wow," Stephanie says, offering Sma'shaw her hand, the tea cup held in the other. "Well, glad that you were able to come out and join us. So are you a Gothamite?" she asks him. "I grew up, well, as a kid I was in the city proper, but moved up to Bristol after the bridges reopened," she says, harkening back to No Man's Land and the incidents of those dark days.
Damian Wayne	When Kara's fingers slide between his, there's a moment of tenseness from Damian, a slightly surprised look, but he doesn't pull away, instead his hand relaxes into hers, clearly handholding is on the table and accepted. Listening to the conversation from the others, he nods his head thoughtfully to Kara. "I know. Which is why I'm apologizing. Shop talk will stay off future dates." he offers to her quietly. Then as the conversation goes to how Stephanie came over, he nods. "Father did a lot of work to reopen the city. It is one of his greatest achievements." And that is NOT shop talk, because that's what Bruce did, not Batman. Loophole! "Wait." A pause. "....birthday cake flavored /sausage/?"
M'gann M'orzz	Nodding to Cassie, Megan does her own little reconnaissance before smiling, "I believe you are correct. Thankfully, Wayne relationship statuses are more important. I will be exceptionally glad for that fact." Because having to explain the whole Martian thing in the middle of high tea? Not something she wants to have to do. There's a grin for mention of the Starport, however, and she nods, "I always try to stop by there on my to or from home." Pausing, she glances around, then whispers, "The bioship has become friendly with some of the other biomechanical vehicles that have come through the Starport. She insists on stopping there every time we go out, just in case." Frowning briefly, she glances to Cassie, "Did Barbara disappear? Should we find her, ensure she is alright?"
Sma'shaw Ihaka	Sma'shaw picks up on the faint scent of heightened adrenaline, looking to Phoebe, then the approaching man...and his eyes flash in recognition. "...Man, Oi thought he looked loik tha' cuz of Photoshop n' mahrketin'..." He sips both his wine and his tea very fancily. Yes, indubitably. He looked over to Stephanie, grinning excitedly! "Yeeeea, tha' Landshahrk! M' proide n' joy, m' -shiela-, home sweet home with internet at -any- depths." He takes his tea and glass in one hand so he can shake her hand! "Nahhhh, I'm more of a New Yorker m'self, only been in the states for tha' past...three years or so? Mostly live offa coast, y' know. Oi do a lot of travelin' though, especially since Pheebs befriended me aaaaaall on 'er own!"
Kara Danvers	"Oh, yes. People from Kentucky are very fond of it." Kara assures Damian with an amused grin regarding sausages that taste like cake. "It has to be the oil they cook them in.. I will learn their secrets and I will share them like the man on tik tok shares all the secret recipes from fast food establishments." Without putting too fine a bow, Kara is concentrating real hard not to listen to every single conversation going on around her, but sometimes it's difficult. Sometimes she has to close her eyes for a second to shrink her little bubble of auditory ingress. She is quite thankful to have any and all spotlight off of her, however. Fixing her hand in Damian's, she quietly listens to the back and forth of conversation in her immediate surroundings. Blissfully letting the hum of voices beyond that small bubble act as background ambiance like white noise. "I read about this period in Gotham City history. It must have been terrifying to grow up during this period." She laments to Stephanie with a small frown.
Cassie Sandsmark	Although the likelihood of Megan being interested in the Starport seemed high, Cassie apparently -hadn't- thought of the possibility of how much her ship might like it there. "Oh, huh." But it makes sense! "Has she met the Disk? I'd figure they'd get along." 'The Disk' is, to most people, Diana's Invisible Jet. But it's really a form of morphing metaloid material of alien origin. Whether or not it's 'alive' in quite the way M'gann's ship is, even Cassie isn't too sure, but it's probably more than capable of having a conversation with another intelligent vehicle. As far as Barbara goes, Cassie cranes her neck to look here and there and all around. "There's about zero chance of her being in trouble given our present company. She's probably just ducking the party. Hold on." Very much a phone addicted person herself (she's only not spamming selfies while she's here because it'd be a bit rude / an invasion of Bat-privacy), she fishes her own out to fire off a quick text at the missing ladybat. It's mostly emojis, including a few Bat- and S-symbols. "Wanna go bother her anyway? Maybe she can show us some cool secret rooms. I bet this place has lots of cool secret rooms."
Stephanie Brown	Stephanie's smile and nod clearly mimics Damian's opinion of the good that Bruce Wayne did back in those days. Not just Bruce Wayne for that matter. At Kara's comment, Stephanie nods. "I was nine and... well, those are some stories. Probably not the best time for them," she says, glancing over at Alfred's amazing tea setup. Looking back to Kara says, "But we should meet up for ice cream and we can talk." Stephanie's blue eyes glance over to Damian and her lips quirk up at the ends. "Sooooo much we can talk about," she says, eyes sparkling with mischief before they look back to Kara and grin to her. As Sma'shaw gives more details on his submarine, she says, "Well, if you're ever giving rides or tours, I'd love to take a look at it. I could bring Dick so you can meet him as well, if you haven't already."
Phoebe Beacon	... Birthday cake flavored wiener. Just another reason Phoebe is thankful she can decline foods based on her being a vegetarian. Robbie's hold on her hand may have lessened, but hers tightened a little bit as she looks side-eye to Sma'shaw, and she whispers: "No, Bruce Wayne is pretty much what you get on the tin." she states. Which isn't a lie. Just depends on what suit he's wearing.     "... yeah. It was." she states to Kara softly "My first adopted dad opted to stay. That was the year I thought Batman brought gifts instead of Santa." Phoebe explains, trying to keep the conversation light.     She does look over to Cassie and Megan "If you guys go wandering, be careful. I think all the dogs are in the library. Or split between mine and Damian's rooms."
Bruce Wayne	Having made his way across the room, Bruce offers a warm smile. "Phoebe." And then he turns his gaze onto Robbie. "Mr. Reyes." The syllables leave his lips and hang there in the air for a moment. He looks at Robbie for a long moment. People think it is the cowl, or the cape. Or the gadgets. Or the car. But what makes criminals squirm when the Batman is on their tail? The eyes. Something that perhaps Bruce Wayne has in common with Robbie Reyes, if a lot less supernaturally. Bruce extends his hand, a smile appearing on his face. "I cannot recall when I have ever seen Phoebe as happy as she is when you are around. So I hope we see you around for a long time."
M'gann M'orzz	"I try not to pry into her personal life, but she's been certainly having a lot of fun discovering all the other sentient vehicles. So if the Disk is one of them, then most likely, yes." Megan chuckles softly before lifting a shrug, "I will have to ask her now, though. My curiosity has been awakened!" Megan lets her eyes close, not using her telepathy (because ROOD!), but letting her senses extend out to see if she can hear Barbara at all. Blinking her eyes open again, she looks to Cassie and grins, "I think we should. There may be snacks involved. And I am told exploration is encouraged." Not in Wayne Manor, perhaps, but in a general sense! Phoebe's warning has her grinning, "We will not disturb the dogs. That much I can promise." She'll at least be able to sense them before they open any doors that lead to dog-hosting rooms. Looking back to Cassie, she grins, "Shall we?"
Talia al Ghul	At the mention of Phoebe and happiness, from a distance Talia gives a gentle smile at her. And not quite knowing why they all have her avoid eye contact with Robbie.. There has to be a reason. And she makes sure to keep her distance away and doesn't do the same. One does not have to know everyhing to grasp that something is afoot. So she withdraws now to a bit closer to the wall, having picked up a few fresh sandwiches.
Damian Wayne	"Titus is in the library. Please do not disturb." Damian clarifies for Phoebe. "Ah, is that why you're Weiner Hut's spokesperson, to get all their secrets?" he asks Kara in amusement as the pair of them remain within the little group they have settled on. "And then you're going to move on to the next restaurant and get all the secrets? I can see this as a viable plan." There was more to be said, but Stephanie is suggesting that she and Kara get ice cream and one is introduced to the Brown-Wayne Principle. The Principle is simple - the sweeter the smile on Stephanie's face, the more severe Damian's frown becomes. Not that he can take it very far down considering the blonde he's holding hands with, but still. He is not sure he wants to be a fly on the wall for that meeting. And that's when Bruce is joining them and he glances up to his father as he approaches Robbie and listens to the words he shares. His hand squeezes Kara's lightly, clearly understanding and appreciating the words that the oldest Wayne is offering to the young man. "I whole heartedly agree. Phoebe's smile no longer seems forced or pretend and I have not seen her as happy as she seems to be when discussing you."
Robbie Reyes	If Bruce expected Robbie to cower or in any way shift under his scrutiny, he will be mistaken. He does not react initially, not until that smile appears, and he takes the hand, giving it a squeeze. "I have to echo that, Mr. Wayne. I have never been as happy as I have been around Phoebe, and yes, I do hope to be around her forever." He pauses for a moment, as if reflecting upon the words that came out in easy response to Bruce, before he turns to look at Phoebe. He gives her a smile, as if to punctuate that, before looking back to Bruce. "I am lucky to have her in my life, and I appreciate the welcome you and the rest of your family have given me."
Sma'shaw Ihaka	Sma'shaw nods, before raising his cup and glass to Stephanie. "Aye, Oi'd looove to have more guests to show 'er off to! Ooooh, maybe we could make it a movie noight! Oi love watchin' th' Toitanic close to tha' sea floor!" His tail picks up with a steady wag-wag-wag at the thought of PJ's and popcorn with new friends! Ohhhh, what a delight that'd be. Now this isn't Sma'shaw's proudest moment, what happens next. He's a brilliant lad when it comes to making some truly impossible machines...but utterly hopeless when it comes to social cues. See, due to him being next to Robbie, and only half paying attention as he sees Bruce hold out a hand...he immediately has a mild social panic and he thrusts a big paw out to Bruce for a shake, almost dropping his empty cup and glass. "Whoooooppsie-doodle! A-ah, g'day there! Fancy pahrty n' all, truly appreciate y' havin' me here. Phoebe is a wonderful person t' be around, truly tha' foinest of friends." There's something that throws his head for a spin when he looks Bruce in the eyes...but he can't tell what. The pirate in him screams 'ABANDON SHIP' while his animal instincts are at rest for the most part.
Kara Danvers	Stephanie's offer to share all the secrets does not go over Kara's head. She brings her hand up and taps the side of her nose, but squeezes Damian's reassuringly where it rests between them. "Oh, yes. Ice Creams and baby pictures." As it goes. Then again, if Bruce is serious about acquainting himself with Alura... maybe it would not be so wise to tease his son right in front of him! So she smiles sweetly and shakes her head. "Not my only intentions, but certainly one of the primary ones. I just really like wieners. They are my favorite Earth food, I think." So far, anyways. Certainly the best ones for inuendos. Honestly, though, what more could she possibly want for? Until dogs are mentioned. "There are puppies? Where are the puppies?" Lips press into a thin, fine line. "I like puppies."
Cassie Sandsmark	"I don't think we're gonna wander THAT far," Cassie calls back at Phoebe, since she's talking about various people's rooms. Well. Until Damian points out that there's one in the library. That both raises the prospect of them being found anywhere and everywhere, and seems like a place that would definitely be full of extremely valuable old stuff that would be prime chewtoy territory. But hey. Not her house! "I dunno where that is, but doggos love me. Sometimes I rescue them before people. We'll be fine!" Oblivious confidence is a superpower of its own! Also, whatever the text back and forth is, it's apparently yielded results. "Oh. She just went in the kitchen. So, definitely snacks involved." That is, at least, probably not reached via the library. "Well, c'mon. We'll find her and THEN we can explore some more. With an official person to escort us around and make sure we don't get into too much trouble." The last bit is added at slightly louder volume, whether to reassure their hosts... or the opposite. After that, well, she quickly starts wandering off. With the amount of random super-kids they have running around this place, there can't be THAT much trouble they can really get into, right?!
Phoebe Beacon	"I stand corrected then -- that means Idu and Potato are in my room and Ace is the responsible one." Phoebe jokes, and then she catches on Bruce's words. Her eyes go wide, and she looks taken aback. She opens her mouth to momentarily protest, but she instead just feels her cheeks and ears go darker.     Damian's comments are added, and when Robbie speaks up, you probably don't need M'gann's psychic powers to hear the sound of Phoebe's brain screeching to a halt as her cheeks and her ears heat up, and she gives a swallow -- before Sma'shaw comes in for the unknowing assist!     Her brain starts up again and she brings a hand up to cover her mouth, though her dark eyes twinkle with mirth.     She ducks down nimbly, and gently lifts the cup out of Sma'shaw's big paw with a 'Lemmie grab that for you, Sma'shaw' and she sets it to the table.     She is clearly embarrassed by the complements.
Damian Wayne	The look on Kara's face when Puppies is mentioned, Damian nods. "There's at least four dogs in the house. Titus and Ace I help look after, Potato and Idu are Phoebe's. But if you want, I think we can go see them?" he suggests to the Kryptonian. "And after that, we can head out to the barn and I can show you the horses and the cow... and..." Much quieter, for Kara's ears. "The other animal I told you about." The batdragon. And when Kara's ready, he gives a tip of his head. "Good night, friends, family. I'm always happy to see you." "Even you, Stephanie."
Kara Danvers	"This sounds like a delightful series of events." Kara nods once, definitively, and offers a departing wave as farewell to the assemblage. "Mr. Wayne, thank you for opening your home to me. Please let Mr. Pennyworth know that this was quite lovely and I hope that I will be invited again." To Stephanie, "Ice Cream and secrets." Wiggling her thumb and pinky up near her ear in the international 'call me'. Even though Kara doesn't really know how to use a cellphone all that good. "A pleasure to meet you all. I will be looking at cows." Because cows supercede whatever else was going to happen! This is just facts. Have to figure out what Clark sees in raising them.
Bruce Wayne	A squeeze of Robbie's hand, and a nod in approval to the young man's statements. "I think we would all be happy to see that." And then he releases his hand, nods to each of them in turn - his children and their dates - and makes his way back over towards where he left Talia on the other side of the room. He leans over to murmur to her before taking her arm again. A glance is spared back towards Damian, and then he escorts the Daughter of the Demon from the room. Far, far away from the Spirit of Vengeance.
Talia al Ghul	And ever so timidly Talia goes to let Bruce take her hand and lead her away. She's flustered, nervous, and confused. Nothing bad about it. She goes to let him lead her along, going about and trying to figure out what is going on. Her smile is there. Timid.