10263/New Hope Shelter Charity Ball

New Hope Shelter Charity Ball
Date of Scene:	30 November 2019
Location:	New Hope Shelter, East Harlem
Synopsis:	A Holiday Charity With A Sharp Point.
Cast of Characters:	Zeitgeist (Julius), Red Robin, Copycat, Andre Jackson, Rage, Triage, Magik, Blink, Nightingale, Polaris

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Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
New Hope Shelter is located in probably one of the worse places in New York proper. High Crime, Low Wealth, none of the 'big money' is here. Nearby are some colleges though and Lucius Primus, a professor of sociology and political science has this place as his own attempts to make the place better.

    The Shelter has always had an annual charity ball, the invitations are spread via academic circles and also political ones as well. Sometimes, the rich and powerful may show up but it doesn't cater entirely to them. The Shelter has cleaned up from Thanksgiving Dinner and is decked out in the vestments of the winter season. Lucius is wearing his version of 'formal' which is his usual clothes as a professor. He's currently screwing in a green light bulb on top of a ladder which is being just barely 'held' by a volunteer.

    A few more updressed people are milling about the holiday food table, an assortment of various appetizers from different parts of the world. Music is being played piano player and a violinist, both look a bit more then your average 'human', one has bluish tinge to their skin and the violist appears to have four arms, which she uses to play the violin with two bows, a unique sound indeed.

    The tune is a mellow tune for the moment.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
The entry 'fee' is a toy for a child in the range of 5 to 12, cash donations are accepted as well. There is always a raffle being held for an ancient item that Lucius has donated from his collection, though there is little hinted at what it may be. A box sits at a table with a black bow tied around it, it sits about four feet by one foot by six inches.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake shows up dressed in a black with red highlight tux. It is not overly fancy though as it just did not feel right to wear "bling" to a shelter to the young man. He has shown up in a u-haul type truck with the logo of Wayne Enterprises on the side of it. He may look a bit odd stepping from it in the Tux, but he does not let it bother him. As he walks up to where your supposed to put your "Entrance fee" He hands over the keys to the truck, and says "If you could hit the blue button on the fob when your finished with it, someone should be there to pick it up in next hour or two. You can unload it where ever you need to or use it to take the donations where you need to if needed." He says and then moves to head inside looking about.

Copycat has posed:
The tickets for the event had been unexpected for Vanessa Carlysle. From a teacher, or maybe a professor. Vanessa wasn't sure, he had not been very specific. He claimed to have a conflict as he picked the tickets up and offered them to her, along with the wrapped toy that he'd been planning to take. A good time. Some dancing and drinks and food and mingling. And all for a good cause. It would be a shame to have the tickets go unused.

Just don't mention where she got them.

Vanessa had taken them graciously, though not really planning to go. She'd been sitting at home just two hours earlier, curled up on the couch with a leg up over one arm and cold beer in her hands. Flipping through the television guide looking for something, anything to occupy her mind. "Seriously, how can it be a holiday weekend and someone isn't playing Jedi? Or even Phantom Menace?" she'd asked herself.

That's when she'd spotted the tickets sitting where she'd tossed them onto the coffee table. On a whim she had cleaned up and dressed for the event, taking the subway down to Harlem.

She walks in now, wearing a green dress for the coming holiday, one that shows her long legs to good effect. The woman's sloe eyes look the event over, a soft smile spreading across her lips. The attire makes an elegant quality the young woman possesses really shine through as she thanks those at the door, passing them the toy and then moving in to wander slowly through the room.

Andre Jackson has posed:
    Dre was in New York visiting his aunt for Thanksgiving, though he did go back to Gotham later that day, but she asked him to come back a few days ago. He loves his aunt so he was back. Tonight though, he was just hanging out taking in the sites when he heard about the Charity Ball, he wondered if he could sneak in to see if this was a legit Charity Ball.

    Having seen the entrance fee was a toy or donation. The dark skinned young man went out and bought quite a few toys for the age range and was admitted in, though he isn't wearing anything fancy, a pair of dark blue jeans which were a bit baggy, and a blue hoodie with the Hugo Rec Center Logo on it. He begins walking around, he does get a few odd looks and a few people point him out which he doesn't seem to care about.

Rage has posed:
Making her way into the event with a pair of friends is the current princess of pop-music, Andrea Jackson. For this event, she is dressed in a stunning black dress that hits above the knees, heels, and a silver half kimono that drapes down along her back. She seems to be upbeat and curious as she lifts a hand to wave to those she may recognize.

For her entry fee she brought a large box of unwrapped toys, and a check for a thousand dollars to go towards the benefit. "So, we're here!" She says to Chris and Illyana. "Thank you so much for coming out with me. I love doing these, but I hate doing them by myself."

Triage has posed:
Chris Muse is not a regular to such things but his parents, being educators, taugth him about such events before he left childhood for adolescence. As a result, he arrives wearing a fine designer tuxedo, complete with shiny black patent leather shoes, and in surprisingly classy company - the internationally famous teenage pop-star Andrea Jackson. He carries two large boxes, wrapped in festive, shiny holiday paper bound with silver ribbons and large gold bows.

"Thank you for inviiting me," Chris replies to Andrea, giving her a nod and then offering a smile to the crowd. He waits his turn and adds his presents to the growing pile. "It's an honor to attend and to support others who are in need throughout the year."

Magik has posed:
There are looks, and then there are Looks. The kind that snap heads on swivels and draw mobile phones away, yanking paparazzi to another target. Whether any kind of opportunistic sharks circle outside the shelter in hopes of grabbing a shot of someone famous, Illyana Rasputin is not their desired target. No name to recognize; no reputation to chase her down to the ends of the street. Good causes attached to major donations hunt down the big game: Starks, Waynes, Frosts. Her surname went out of popularity in an imperial court about twelve decades ago.

But there is something like catnip to good poise, impressive attire, and cheekbones capturing an icy Slavic beauty. What netted German princes and British royals isn't much different than now, especially when carried in a sculpted array of shadows glittering with borrowed starlight seized from the dark skies far, far from New York. She carries several boxes in a white paper bag distinctly unmarked, hanging somewhat heavily off her wrist. This ends up atop the other pile in a neat ziggurat, unsmiling in its delivery. The light flutter of sleeves around her shoulders betray the fact it is, in fact, winter, considering how far a drop the v-neckline of her dress falls. It makes a fine frame for a slender pigeon-blood red crystal suspended from a chain, one that absolutely pendulum sways when she walks in Andrea and Chris' wake. "Good turnout," she murmurs in her Russian-inflected accent, more than a tad remote and deadpan, since upbeat is apparently not in the local lexicon of expectations.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus finishes installing the green lightbulb, Professor, Director of a Shelter, Electrician, and Custodian.. in perhaps reverse order to the way he probably would enjoy being referenced sometimes. He takes a step down a rung on the ladder when he looks like he has a slight wavering balance.

    A man pulls up in a rolls royce, wearing three piece suit, adjusting his tie and his 'Elect Bill' button on his lapel. He's flanked by a lady in business attire and a fellow with a digital camera whose wearing probably the only suit he has in his closet, and it's not seen much activity. The three come up to the Shelter and Bill gives a big wave to those at the door, "William Smith for City Council. I've brought a donation and hope some publicity for this honorable and 'awesome' charity (though the words 'awesome' sound like someone literally wrote those lines for him). He shakes the volunteer hand who greets him at the enterance table and he produces a teddy bear which gets a snap of the digital camera from his crew. He also presents a check with text written a bit larger then normal of a $1000.00 dollar donation.

    Lucius curses under his breathe on top of the ladder as he seems to regain his balance and makes his way down, he brightens up.. o O (That's it, don't let the snake under your skin, he's more plastic then the partially hydronated oil in twinkies, people will see this.) He adjusts his own tie and he addresses everyone from his spot, "Good Evening Every One, Welcome to New Hope Shelter, Thank you for coming out to the event and for those who need the help off the streets or perhaps even help fitting in with society. Your donations will go to making those who have been left behind be able to take a step forward." he motions to the food, "We have food from all across the globe, a little bit from every corner, though the antarctic isn't represented." he chuckles a bit, "and we have two skilled musicians who will provide the ambience for this evening, and if the spiris move you, perhaps even a waltz. Later in the evening, we'll have a raffle... a surprise gift from a time long ago to the lucky benefactor." He motions, "Enjoy enjoy.."

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
And to note: The musicians are obvious mutants, some of the shelter inhabitants and volunteers are as well, so it's definitely a mix.

Blink has posed:
'Yes, you need to socialize more.., blablabla...' This coming from Creed was a surprise considering how gruff that man can be. But Blink decided to at least give it a try. She is even staying at Xavier's school as of late. But fine. Having caught notice of a charity ball that would be happening in a couple of hours it was time to go.

First the gift, nothing like a trip to a certain asian country won't solve... Then the dress. Well, how strict would they be with formality? Her dress is mostly plain, dark-green, heels. Hopefully that would do. Purple hair and letting it loose to hide her ears, contacts to hide her eyes and that finishes her ensemble.

Clarice lets out a sigh. "I need a wardrobe revolution." she mutters, just as she steps up to the ball, best smile to her lips and gift under her arm, just in time to catch up on the host's speech.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake has picked up a few hors d'oeuvres and a glass of something non-alcoholic. He turns to look to the man who would be part of the city council. There is a moment's consideration of stepping up, and giving a check with an extra zero on it or two, but other than the man being more plastic than a ken doll, he has no real reason to show him up. He looks over to Lucius as he speaks, and can be see to try to get a look at what the raffle maybe for. He does look at the others who enter, and smiles a bit at the pop star and her entourage, at least it was not al stuff shirts tonight. He does look over to the new arrival, and thinks for a moment trying to place here, but sadly he does not have his mask and facial recognition software.

Copycat has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle slowly wanders the room. While she is not up on current events to the degree many are, there are at least a few faces that stand out to her as famous. She doesn't go so far as to snap any pictures, but she does people watch, maybe even gawk at one or two of the more famous attendees.

The small speech by the host causes her to stop and listen. She glances around at everyone, finding that she's enjoying having dressed up and come out with all of these people. Even if she feels a little out of place. Vanessa moves to get a drink, carrying it with her and sipping it as she continues to mingle. She offers soft smiles and hellos to a few people. She notices Andre Jackson moving through the crowd, getting a few looks from people. "Good evening," she offers to Andre in a warm enough tone.

Triage has posed:
While they are waiting for the ball and auction to begin, Chris gets a message. He frowns at his cell phone, quickly texts a mesasge and stows the phone discretely. He whispers something to Andrea and then, with equal discretion, he slips out of the room.

Andre Jackson has posed:
    Dre is looking around, and he does see the stuff-shirts and shakes his head. "At least they are doing something nice." he says more to himself than to anyone else. He stops when someone begins speaking, this isn't his city so he doesn't know all the officials, but still he listens and quirks a brow and heads off to get a drink. He does enjoy people watching from time to time. He smiles when he sees Andrea, remembering her from when they last met.

    Once at the table where the drinks are, he gets a cup of soda and moves off, he does notice Tim, though he doesn't know the guy, still as more and more people come in, he looks, until he hears Vanessa say Good Evening to him. "Oh hello." he says as he turns to look at her. "How're you doing this evening?" he asks in a pleasant tone. He looks around to make sure there are no security people coming to get him, he than looks back to Vanessa.

Rage has posed:
Giving a light applause at the end of the speech, Andrea gives a brief smile to Chris and nods as he signals that he has to head off to take care of some business. As she sticks close to Illyana, she lets out a soft hum in her throat. "Let's get something to drink and then make our way around? I recognize a couple of faces here and I would not mind saying Hello."

With a tilt of her head, she heads to the refreshment table to pluck up a lemon water along with a small plate of snacks to sample from other parts of the world. At the sight of the plasticy politician, she tracks him with her eyes for a few moments, curious. "Reocgnize him?"

Nightingale has posed:
     This wasn't Shannon's first charity event, and it seemed perhaps it was not going to be her last. Though she looks a little bit puzzled to see Chris hurrying out despite his text message to her, she shrugs, pausing to ask him if everything's alright. Nodding at his answer, she smiles. "Be safe, see you back home." With that, she slips inside, dressed to the nines in her little black dress. Well, perhaps not so little. It's ankle-length black satin, with a modest sweetheart neckline, and a little bit of additional lace above for a bit of modesty and sweetness. There are no sleeves, and overall, the entire dress has a lace overlay matching that on the neckline. She's got her hair pulled back in a simple French twist, with an odd glacier blue braid worked into the style. Simple black flat shoes and a pair of pearl stud earrings complete her ensemble. In lieu of a purse, though, she has an old brown leather bag, bedecked with runes and bulging slightly from the contents. This, she keeps a tight hold of. She looks around for anybody she knows, keeping near the door for the moment.

Magik has posed:
Be careful what you wish for. More toys? They might show up. Better clothing? It could sneak up on you. Trouble? Always a danger, isn't it? Illyana carries herself with that distant, achingly cool comportment and a carriage that would check every box on the Noble Ladies' Guide To Intimidating Servants (TM). The soft flutter of her blonde hair behaving otherwise appropriately marks where she moves, though her footsteps are rather silent. Odd, maybe, but that requires someone listening for her. Not when she is carefully negotiating her path around the gathering socialites, partiers, and more. That means almost brushing up against Tim, stopping a few inches short when turning. "Pardon." Two syllables crack in half, her English understood but not exactly untouched. Frost-pale eyes lift in accordance with habit, alighting on Clarice.

"You say you want a revolution?" Please let that be a lyric of a very famous, very dead band. Really. She gives Andre one of those cool once-overs totally distinct from Andrea's friendlier nature, but being pulled along to a snacks table should improve that. Right? At least she's very easy to find, looking for that pale flax-gold head. Or the scandal of a dress.

Blink has posed:
"Well.., so many people here, and even some she knows! That's a surprise to her and the totally-not-elf Clarice notices Shannon nearby, she just got in afterall, a grin offered in her direction and a wiggle of her fingertips. "Hey, hey. Surprised to find you here. How's the evening treating you?" not that Clarice stops her people-seeing, catching sight of Andrea and her entourage and waving her greeting. But they are far so she doesn't say anything in their direction.

Instead her eyes catch sight of Andre and that lack of formality on the man's dress-up, making her let out a chuckle. "Apparently an unneeded revolution." she answers to Ilyana, "I should had brought my normal treads." a smile is given to the blonde, perhaps a bit too wide of a smile. She does look intimidating afterall.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna entered the charity event in a rather distracted way. The Princess of Genosha was supposed to have been there on time.. but a limo ride and a bit of too much time spent in Manhattan had delayed her to a more fashionably late level. As she slipped inside, she walked with the confidence born of someone used to getting what she wanted and being taken seriously. Her head held high, the green haired Princess stepped with a click of her black heels on the floor.

She wore a floor length deep blue gown, a the silken fabric a whispy material that shimmered to a deeper purple or green depending on the light. It nipped in at her waist and curled around her neckline in an almost halter styled neckline. Silvery metal links connected the front and back pieces at the sides. Her hair was half pulled back and pinned with a hairpiece that sparkled with a sapphire that matched her gown.

Lorna spotted Blink and company easily from her position near the entrance and made her way toward them with a smile on her lips. "Sorry I'm late," She murmured, glancing at Clarice. "I meant to text, but Roberto insisted I take his car around instead. And bring his check for donations."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon smiles a little bit over at Blink, inclining her head by way of greeting. "Well enough, I guess. Just got here, really not quite sure who's who and what's what yet." Lorna gets a smile, though she's not quite sure who else she knows yet in the crush of people. Instinctively, her wings furl themselves around in front of her like a protective cocoon, as she stays well back out of the way. She was content to observe for the moment, until she had a better sense of the area and people in general.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus will deal with the Politician in good time and makes his way over towards the group of people he really doesn't know, Illyana's accent actually seems to draw him over, and in Russian he gives a <Good Evening. Thank you for Coming> his Russian is perfect, it has a slight accent but sounds like someone whose spoken it for a while. He looks between the others, "Glad you all came. The college staff were placing bets on the numbers we'd get this year, so far.. they all bet too low, which is good for the shelter and bad for them. I actually didn't place a bet myself, to the great distain of my peers." he shrugs, "Chance is not something I like to live by."

    The Politician gets a glance from him, and then when Lorna walks in, a glance goes her way as well. it seems the charity has indeed started to attract the higher echelons. Andrea would also qualify but Lucius isn't up on his pop culture, perhaps to his disadvantage.

    Politician Smith, or 'Bill' is basically working the room with handshakes, baby kissing (no babies to kiss), he is slowly make his way to the crowd that Lucius is currently with but not there quite yet.

Copycat has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle smiles back to Andre Jackson. "I'm doing very well, thank you. I don't make it out to many of these sorts of things. So this is a little bit of a treat for me," she admits to him. Perhaps that feeling out of place at it is what made her decide to approach the other person who looks like he might feel the same.

"I'm Vanessa," she says, offering her hand along with her name. "Do you work with the shelter in some fashion, or just came out to support it?" she asks him as she takes a sip from her glass.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake will seem to take Illyana movements, in stride, and looks to her offering a smile and says <No need for apologies miss. No harm no foul.> He will say in Russian after hearing the young woman speak a bit. He does hmm softly, as there seems to a bit of a group gathering, it is best to keep an eye on those type of things. He sips his drink and continues to scan the room. the direction of his head seeming to linger on the lovely ladies but if someone is watching closely he is taking the whole place in. As Lucius walks over he will step up "Lucius Primus, I know another good man named Lucius he comments, and reaches into his suit jacket, and offers the man a folded check "From the Wayne Foundation."

Rage has posed:
"Hello again, Mister Jackson." Andrea says as she heads to the refreshment table and spies the familiar face. "Didn't dress up today?" She says with a hint of a teasing tone to her voice. "Good to see you. Who's the stiff?" She asks in regards to 'Bill' who is walking about trying to find babies to smooch.

She lifts her hand to Shannon and Clarice as well, giving them a bright smile. "Hey guys. Glad to see that you came out. There's Lorna." She says as she motions to the green haired woman. "She looks stunning."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon glances down at her frock, then over at Lorna and Andrea, and shies away, her face flushing as she realizes just how shabby she looks by comparison to the lovely ladies here. It could be worse, though, she mused to herself. At least the dress was in good condition, if rather understated in style.

"Hey, Andrea," she murmurs, just about audible above all the hubbub in the room. She smiles a little bit, glancing about over the leading edge of her wings.

Magik has posed:
Illyana's gown is made of shadows and starlight, surreptitiously adopting a style almost informed by echoes of medievalism in the elaborate patterns scribed over her skin. Fluttering sleeves to her elbows shimmer in a way shadows simply cannot, engaging ultraviolet undertones, a certain liquescence enraptured of itself where silk organza doesn't exist. "Da. I might change into pants." Pants in this particular venue might constitute being overdressed, an accusation rarely levelled on her or in her vicinity. She almost crosses her arms. The urge is forestalled by bunching her hands at her sides, given the stunning creation lacks pockets. Long bangs fall over her face in a curtain, the brief moment of silence broken again as Shannon moves in nearer. "Hello." It's not exactly warm by any stage of the imagination. A movement to stray after something edible essentially puts her directly between Shannon and Lucius, and woe to anyone who thinks her personal space is less than a Finn.

<<Good evening,>> she replies in Russian. Hers isn't the cultivated elegance of St. Petersburg or the rushed clip of Moscow, but something so far to the east it belongs nearly in another hemisphere. <<She asked me.>> A gesture amounts to an incline of her head in Andrea's direction. <<Is there not enough money or people?>> The thinning of her eyes takes in the crowd. Back then to Tim, whom she assesses with that measured look.

Andre Jackson has posed:
    Ok, he wasn't expecting this, but hey it's nice to see someone else not feeling at all comfortable here. "Nice to meet you Vanessa, I'm Andre, just call me Dre for short." he says to her. He chuckles, to her as she mentions she doesn't make it out to any of these events much. "Neither do I honestly. I just saw the sign, went and got a few toys and walked in." he says to her. "Im' not even from New York so....yeah." he says just being brutally honest. He shakes her hand and smiles to her. "Nah, I'm from Gotham and work for the Hugo Rec Center." he says as eh points to the name on his hoodie.

    When Illyana past near him with Andrea, he quirks a brow up at her than smiles to Andrea, "Hey, don't call me Mr. Jackson, you make me sound old and I'm not." he laughs, "Either Andre or Dre." he says. "Nice to see you again Andrea." he says to her. "Who're your friends?" he asks as he gives a respectful bow of his head to Illyana. He notices Tim speak briefly to Illyana, he quirks his head to the side, a bit of recgonition flashes in his eyes as he sees him. He looks back to Vanessa, "This is Vanessa." he introduces her to Andrea, "We just met and started talking." he says to her. He sips his drink.

    Again Dre is looking around for a moment, and he notices Bill walking over, "He's odd." he says in a low tone of voice, but than again Andre wasn't invited so he just shakes his head.

Blink has posed:
"Well, that one there is the host, Lucius Primus." Clarice motioning towards the professor with one hand while she speaks with Shannon, "And a few others that I am sure you know.." not that she stays in the way of those wings, taking a step back.

But then Lorna comes in with that royal dress, making her think that perhaps she should had brought something a little better. A bit of a self-conscious look down to herself and then a waving greet to Lorna. "Good evening. Ah, wasn't sure if you were going to be here." hint: she totally thought she wouldn't. But that doesn't stop her from putting a bright grin up on her features. "Looking great. Roberto not coming with you then?"

Polaris has posed:
Lorna smiled at Shannon, noting the younger Xavierite's presence as well as several others from the school there. She couldn't help but turn her gaze around the room and back, as a man in a buttoned up dress shirt and vest came through with a serving tray carrying drinks, she paused to pluck one up to sip. Then her focus returned to Clarice and she smiled. "I hadn't planned on it, but as I was with Roberto and he had tickets.." She shrugged, "He unfortunately had something business related that demanded his attention. So he sent me instead with his donation to the center. I wasn't even aware that this was happening, to be honest, until he had told me."

Another sip of her drink followed as she glanced in the direction Clarice had pointed out the host to.

"Oh perfect, I'll have to introduce myself at some point."

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
The music changes to a rift on the 'christmas in sarajevo', the violist's speed is quite impressive the pianist keeps up with the popular christmas tune, no electric guitar though.

Copycat has posed:
Even though she doesn't get to attend many such functions, Vanessa manages an elegant bearing that does make seem to blend in at least with the socialites, academics and politicians. Vanessa holds her glass with both hands down near her waist as she responds to Andre Jackson. "Ah, from Gotham. Always an interesting time over there," she says with a bit of a flash of wide eyes that might give the impression she's run into some of what Gotham is famous for. Or, infamous for.

"Nice of you to work with a center. I've known a lot of people who had to make use of them," Vanessa says, not mentioning she is on that list too.

The others that come to talk to Andre are given soft smiles from Vanessa as she takes in the sight of them. Vanessa swallows a bit as she sees the famous singer. "Hello," she offers as Andre introduces her to Illyana and Andrea. "Very nice to meet you. Wonderful event, isn't it?" she asks.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon takes note of the one Clarice is motioning to. Lucius Primus. There was a name she would fix in her mind and file away for future reference. She offers a shy smile and dips her head in greeting to the man. Too, to Illyana, she smiles, a little more warmly; oddly enough, she seemed to get along with the Queen of Limbo and that was just fine by her. At least it was someone else she knew. "Hello."

So many new faces. So confusing. For a moment, she seems to shrink away, hiding behind her wings.

Magik has posed:
As long as plastic Bill doesn't decide Illyana is fair game for a kiss, all is well. She acts as the self-appointed shield for the winged woman behind her, orbiting with all the laissez-faire of someone not inclined to prattle or chime in much socially. Slim fingers pluck at the long chain holding a single red stone of rather intense wine-dark brightness. If it's real, it might be worth a few hundred dollars on its own. Spinning glass facets ripple and turn to the insistence of her fingers. "Vanessa," she says. Perfect English, perfectly accented Russian. "Andre." The point of the pendant strikes from her bare skin, a tiny thud. "Yana," she adds, as though that's more than sufficient greeting instead of some mysterious shorthand. A look slants back to Clarice and she murmurs something low. Just an echo of a smirk touches a mouth that probably smiles as often as the moon eclipses the sun and it's visible from New York.

"Yes. It is..." The violinist drowns out her thoughts a little. "Spirited. Holiday spirited."

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus has his attention basically drawn to Shannon just because many of others noticed the wings, he honestily just smiles, "Enjoy some food and drink." He would probably make reference to Heavenly one but she doesn't know him and he would mean it in the most kindest of fashions... Tim's check is looked at briefly before he quickly puts in his coat, "Umm, sir... It's an honor that the Wayne Foundation is so generous. Did you want this to go towards the raffle? I imagine you probably have quite a few tickets with this amount."

    And being the host, his attention is quickly changed when he senses Bill's wandering is approaching. He actually turns to Bill before William Smith for Council as he introduced himself earlier as even looks up at him. "Good evening Mr. Smith, Welcome to the Party. Thank you for your time and donations to the shelter."

    Bill is slightly jarred as Lucius addresses him before he does, he's caught perhaps 'off script' before his face switches from surprise to a the plastic smile again, "Yes, places like this should be supported by all of us. Fills those gaps the city can't fill." he nods, "When I'm elected, I'll make sure all of these shelters get proper support from the city.

Blink has posed:
"I just learned of it a couple of hours ago.." Clarice bobbing her head a couple of times up at Lorna, then pointing to a spot where her gift was left for the children. "Had to do some hops to find the right one." whatever she means by hops! "But the dress.., well.., not so much time for it." but her shoulders lift in a non challant manner. "Victor wanted me to socialize but to be honest I think he just wanted me off his shoulder for a while."

Her eyes stay on the host for a time when Lorna does the same and she says. "Haven't met him either. But this looks like a good thing. I like it..." yet she catches that murmur, and the glance from Illyana, a bit of a narrowed look of suspicion her way, specially at the smirk.

Andre Jackson has posed:
    Andre looks to Vanessa as she speaks to Andrea, he smiles happy to introduce her. He looks to Illyana as she speaks Vanessa's name than his. He focuses on her for a long moment taking in what she is wearing and the pendant she has in her hand, he gives a nod of his head, "Nice to meet you Yana." he says as he hears the boring violin music playing. Now it's not to say he hates it, but this is why he doesn't come to functions like this. No good music. He sighs a little, and looks back to Vanessa.

    "Yeah, I enjoy teaching kids. The kids are mostly from the apartment complex that the Rec Center is in, but we have other kids from some of the other schools come there to hang out and learn and help out." he says to Vanessa. "It's pretty cool and I know if they knew i was listening to this music they would take all my cred I built up with them." he laughs. He does notices a few gentlemen in tuxes looking his way now as he's been pointed out a few times. He doesn't make eye contact but looks like he may be leaving soon as he takes note of them. "At least people are here for a good cause which is always good, even though it shouldn't just be one time of the year ya'know." he comments.

Rage has posed:
"It's nice to meet you too." Andrea says to Vanessa with a bright and sunny smile upon her face. Being at an event like this is comfortable for the pop-starlet celebrity. She is used to the games that are played amongst the rich and the political and understands how to navigate both. She extends her hand out to the woman to shake. "Andre, this is Illyana, Shannon, Clarice, and that is Princess Lorna of Genosha." She says in the way of introductions.

Obviously the mutant popstar would know the other mutants in the room. "You okay, Shannon?" She asks her fellow student as she offers her a smile, followed by another sip of her water.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Some Volunteers act as Waitresses and Waiter, collecting empty glasses, and offering additional refills of drinks. The food is also maintained and none of the various countries dishes stay empty for very long. The musicians continue the spirited music number. The mysterious raffle item stays pretty much all by itself at a table waiting for the drawing. There is a little stack of papers that seems to be piling up on said table as well.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake will smile and tell Lucius "No no, when the raffle comes time, that would be from my own person not the foundation. As he sees Mr. Plastic come he will let Lucius play host and turn back towards the others moving to get a fresh soda. He will look to the others, and ask "Anyone want something while I am here?" he motions towards the drinks.

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon feels her face flush with a dusting of delicate rose and smiles, her wings ruffling ever so slightly as they begin to fold out of the way. Apparently, with Illyana as a shield, and the simple friendly courtesy from Lucius, it breaks the ice enough for her to inch forward. "Thank you, Mr. Primus. Though... if one wished to make a donation, would it be given to you or to another on staff?"

She tends to stick close to the other Xavierites, with Andrea, Clarice, Lorna, and Illyana all getting a bit of a smile. However, she starts glancing about the room a bit more, as she slowly becomes more comfortable with the party.

Magik has posed:
No food, no drink here. Illyana foregoes it, still restlessly watching the crowd as though perhaps expecting a sudden escape is necessary. Back to Bill, he seeking a council seat, which probably doesn't fall on her radar at all. She tips her head to the side. Pale blonde hair waves over her face as her Russian inquiries fade away. Rather content to cross her arms now, whereas she wasn't before, her stance is stock still of sorts. "No, thank you." See, she has manners, directed to Tim at least.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna glanced at Illyana and the small gathering that seemed to linger around the Queen of Limbo, a faint smile tracing her lips at how at ease the Russian was at moving within the political sphere as she was charging the hordes of Black Friday shoppers. She turned her gaze back to Clarice as the young mutant spoke and she glanced down at her own outfit as Clarice mentioned having had issues with her own.

"Oh, Roberto already had my sizes from the Brazil trip, so he had called up something for me to wear." She smiled, really, there were benefits to dating a billionaire it would seem.

Another sip of her champagne flute and Lorna stepped toward Lucius, listening to Shannon's question with care. Her own clutch holding a sizable sum from Roberto's businesses, a bit more than she's even had written on a check herself directly at least.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus looks to Shannon, "Whatever you feel comfortable with, I promise you I won't run off to the bank to cash it and go to Bahamas." He nods, "They have an extradiction treaty with the U.S." he smirks, "Cuba probably would be better. But if you want to be on the books for the raffle, hand it off to one of those by the front, they'll get your name entered."

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
William Smith offers hand to each of the mutants nearby Lucius, "William Smith for City Council, call me Bill. Glad you all could come." He does well hiding any feelings he might have towards mutants or even the lower classes of society, the plastic is quite thick.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
The music shifts to a christmas waltz cooling down the previous pop rock christmas tune.

Copycat has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle shakes Andrea's hand as it is offered. "Yana. Andrea. Nice to meet you both. I enjoy your music," she says to Andrea, keeping the comment simple. The woman probably has to deal with people going overboard a lot. Vanessa then looks over to the others named. "Princess? Really. Wow," she says, surprised. Vanessa raises her hand to wave a greeting towards SHannon, BLink and Lorna if they are looking her way. "Vanessa," she says, realizing she has no clue how to greet a Princess. So she keeps it to that.

Vanessa takes a sip of her drink and getting a small smile as Andre explains more about his shelter. "That's great. There's a lot of people who need it. I live over in New Lots," she says, mentioning a very rough part of town. Not exactly the sort of place that people attending here would hail from. "And there's some good kids who I see just get pulled down into the wrong kind of thing. So, good onya for doing what you do, Andre."

Blink has posed:
"How convenient." Really. Billionaire boyfriends! It makes Clarice smile up at Lorna, another brief look down to herself after and she states, "But I still think i will have to get that revolution going one way or another. I am not even sure how old this dress here is." But then she lets Lorna go about her royalling about the place. It leaves her free to go near the food table and ..., what is this? Exotic foods? From all over the world?!

It certainly perks Clarice's attention, always exploring for new things out there in the world. She begins picking on a few that seem exotic enough and that she hadn't seen yet. At Andrea's introduction to both Andre and Vanessa she looks their way, making sure to finish chewing up the food before saying. "Clarice, good to meet you."

Nightingale has posed:
Shannon smiles shyly, approaching Lucius and withdrawing a few small bills from her brown leather bag; if he were to catch a glimpse of the bag's contents, they look more suited to a healer than a normal teen. She presses the bills into his hand and steps back, dipping her head. "If I had more to give, I would." Vanessa gets a shy smile and a wave from her as she steps back, the younger girl tugging the strings on her little leather bag shut.

Tim's question catches her a little off-guard, a bit surprised anybody would really be asking her anything. "Maybe, sir... if there's something non-alcoholic? Thank you very much." She offers a shy smile, tilting her head as she peers over at him curiously.

Rage has posed:
"Thank you." Andrea says to Vanessa with a smile on her face. "It means a lot. Let me know later if you want an autograph or something, or a selfie. I'll be happy to oblige." She tucks her hair back behind her ear a bit. "Nice to meet you, Vanessa. My friends are amazing by the way. Feel free to talk to them. They won't bite. They're some of my best friends."

When Bill comes over, Andrea sizes him up and steps clearly into his personal space as she reaches out a hand to shake it. "Mister Smith, is it? You are running for city council?" She asks, her eyes locking with his. There is something behind her stare. A quiet level of aggression held back by pure self-control. She holds herself as an Alpha, poised, confident. "Let me ask you then. What steps do you plan on ensuring the safety of /all/ your citizens, especially those that are mutants? Currently mutants have one of the highest rates of unemployment, suicide, targeted for bullying, and on top of that, the focus of large, purple robots shooting them down in the middle of the street simply for having green skin."

She is as blunt as a semi truck with the brakes cut. Andrea shifts her jaw some, and perhaps he may notice the deep scarring along the arm that she presents with her hand to shake. "I am not seeking special privileges for the fact I was born with a genetic quirk. But, /Mister Smith/, I want to know what measures of law you are looking to pass that will ensure /my/ kind is treated equally and /fairly/ in trying to obtain employment, housing, and equal freedoms that all Americans should be afforded?"

Polaris has posed:
Lorna sipped her drink, shaking her head faintly at Tim's offer to the group to get anything since he was present. She smiled as Shannon's question answered her own and she inclined her head politely, before turning her focus toward Vanessa as the word 'Princess' followed and she exhaled a soft sigh. "Just of a tiny island nation. It's still fairly new comparatively. So don't worry too much on how to address me. Lorna is fine." She murmured, "It's nice to meet you Vanessa."

Which is when William Smith came through the group, introducing himself and shaking hands. A raised eyebrow followed, and while she generally reserved her disdain for politicians to private gatherings, Andrea's triade took any venom from the Princess' gaze and left her with pure dry amusement.

The green haired Princess noted Clarice's departure toward the food and she smiled, glancing back to watch Andrea and Mister Smith interact.

Magik has posed:
It isn't intentional to overlook Vanessa or Andre. One shark knows another, that's all. To her credit, Illyana glides in straight in front of William. An exchange with Andrea is a fierce thing, of course. Neither does she present him with one of those radiant smiles that would make her look somewhat less imposing. The petite Russian sorceress rotates her wrist to rest her palm flat against the narrow inset of her waist, eyes as blank and cool as winter. "Why are you here?" she asks him with blunt intention. "Giving money? Is this inside your ward or do you want to meet people with a bank account?"

The slip-sweep of her slightly flexed knee reveals just how many narrow incisions in her skirt allow for complete scandal... or flexibility, really. Sometimes a girl needs to walk without the confines of a mermaid or sheath skirt, and falling on their faces doesn't do much. She hums under her breath, bit by bit, a counter angle.

Pretty well anyone should know the lyrics:
    You say you got a real solution,
Well, you know,
    We'd all love to see the plan.
    You ask me for a contribution,
    Well, you know,
    We're all doing what we can...

Andre Jackson has posed:
    He smiles to Clarice, Shannon and the Princess Lorna. "Nice to meet you all." he says with a smile. He looks to Tim for a moment. "I reconize you, Tim Drake right?" he asks Tim. "Thanks Andrea for introducing me to your friends." he grins at her. Dre doesn't seem to mind the gathering right now near him, this does help with the cover he needs, though the men in tuxes slowly begin to approach. Dre for his part ignores the music being played right now.

    As Bill comes nearby, Dre watches as Andrea begins to grill him. He chuckles and honestly he wanted to know himself. He looks back to Vanessa and a concerned look shows on his face, he knows that area. "I know that area." he says to her. "I try to do my best, I have gotten some of the kids out of gangs but hey all you can do is help where you can and give them an opprotunity." he says to her. "I'm good man." he says to Tim when he offers food. "I may be leaving here in a few minutes." he says with a sly grin as he looks past Vanessa and the men who are security are moivng towards the group.

Copycat has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle doesn't interrupt then as Andrea turns to address the politician. The greeting from Lorna and Clarice drew a friend smile, and Vanessa's blushing admission, "I wasn't exactly an A student in geography either. But it's very nice of you to attend this," Vanessa says to both women.

She hadn't really paid much attention to the green hair. But Shannon's wings do a get a bit longer look from Vanessa. Not staring exactly, but obviously they are not something she's used to seeing, either.

Vanessa turns to Andre and says, "You seem to have a lot of interesting friends, Andre. I take it those are not some of them?" she asks as they security starts to move their way. "Maybe we could find someone who would temporarily donate a suit coat to the cause?" she suggests. She doesn't know anyone there, but Tim seemed to be interacting with Andre's friends, her eyes going to him and giving him a charming smile.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
'Bill' is only taken back for a moment by the gang up between Andrea and Illyana, He mentions, "It isn't the money that matters to me. People matter to me, all People of this city. And Yes, right now I am hoping to present myself to help those in front of me, which are those with the true power to elect myself into a position to help." He takes a moment to process the giant robots part, "I wished the city government had an ability to control those mechanical menaces but, we do not. I will however present to the council a plan to put the money of this city to a more efficient use to help more people in desperate situations like you are describing."

    Bill nervously looks to Lucius, "I would figure you'd be the one who would present the hard interview questions Mr. Primus."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake will offer Clarice a drink as she is near, and then take Shannon a sparkling juice as he has himself. He turns to Andre, and says "Yes, but please Tim is good enough." He looks over towards the security and makes a shooing motion. The young man did bring a U-haul of toys. " It is good to see another Gothamite here, while this may not be our city it is all part of our world and when help is needed we should help.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus just smiles, "You should have seen the 60s, that is when the real conversations happened. I need to run a raffle now, good luck sir and thank you for your support." He's been having a bit of a champagne which he puts on a passing waiter's plate. He heads over to the box in the middle of the room with the small stack of growing papers which he smiles at, "Some people remember the old routine of 'guess what's in the box'." he picks up the stack of notes, "care for me to read a few guesses?"

Rage has posed:
"You used a lot of words for saying absolutely nothing." Andrea says rather bluntly as she furrows her brows a bit. "Mister Smith, believe me when I say this whole heartedly. I am one of the few mutants you /need/ to impress, if you want your ass on a seat. The amount of influence that I have is incredible, and a single tweet can sink or swim an election."

There is a click of the tongue from Andrea as her tongue ring works along her teeth. "You want to start impressing me? Write a check for a mutant sponsored charity of my choice and make a big, public deal out of it on camera. Mean every word you say and then back it up with action." With a quiet dismissal of a turn on heel, she walks away from the interaction, passing a knowing smile towards her friends as she slips her phone out. "My agent is calling me. I need to take this."

Blink has posed:
The drink is taken gladly by Clarice, grinning at Tim and replying with a, "Thanks." then lifting the glass in 'cheers' to the man for it. Her eyes go to Vanessa and she answers, "It only took a little hop." whatever she means! The not-elf smiling again, beginning to get the hang of these bigger socializing parties. Food helps too, oh it certainly does, she continuing her nibbling here and there.

But the exchange between Vanessa and Andre, and then the look at the security people makes her quirk her brow and she offers helpfully, "Stick near the princess and I am sure noone will dare kick you out." she says it in a low tone, perhaps not wanting to be overheard by Lorna but well, she isn't that subtle in her intents.

Magik has posed:
"Empty air," Illyana judges with a flat tone, all lead and adamantine edges if someone wants to go looking for them, cutting themselves on the delivery. Where that little blonde pulls such airs down from is a particularly interesting question not to be answered as she waves a hand to dismiss it. "Show us what help you give before a vote. Earn it. Otherwise you are no different from any oligarch."

Her opinion is cited with a bit more loquacity than generally might be her preference. The glittering black gown in a suspension of shadows writhes when she strides at a wider path across the floor, leaving the plastic politician in her relative wake. Why, is it time to get herself something to drink? See, other people are inbound to replace those faces she knows with those she doesn't. There must be some kind of snack she can silence herself with, a canape to stop her from grumbling. Hopefully that puts her right in the path of security, if they're feeling itchy, bored or spoiling for a fight. You know you want to...

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Bill now left to his own devices continues to work the room, until he's back at the entrance again, he needs to figure out how to work the mutant angle better.. something to ask his handlers. He shrugs and heads back outside, not waiting for the auction, perhaps scared off by Andrea and Illyana.

Polaris has posed:
Lorna was left standing alone more or less as the gathering broke apart. Andrea to her agent, Illyana striding off, and the browbeat politician slinking away back to his politicking. She merely shrugged once to herself, turning back to face the stage as the box was lit up and Lucius spoke of guessing what was or was not in it. She didn't particularly seem to care either way, and as she flagged down one of the volunteers she murmured softly instructions to deliver the thick envelope made of good paper to the place where the organization accepted donations.

That done she straightened, and smiled, turning back to listen.

Still, the Princess of Genosha seemed to be doing that more than anything for the moment, watching and listening. There was always a mixed reaction where ever she went, be it vitriol or adoration.. and it was nice to be given neither.

Andre Jackson has posed:
    Dre was about to start backing away, until Tim came back over. "A'ight I got ya." he says to him. "I thought I was the only one from home here." he chuckles. "Oh you shouldn't have." he says as he looks at security backing away. He looks to Vanessa, "Nah, this really isn't my scene, and suits make me feel stuffy." he says honestly. He smiles to Vanessa as he speaks to her, than he looks back to Tim as Andrea and Illyana are still speaking with Bill. Looking over to Shannon as Lorna left as well, "So how are you Shannon?" he asks. Looking back to Tim, "I'm going to be heading back home tomorrow. I have a few things going on at the Rec Center when I get back." he chuckles. He looks to Vanessa, "Well if you ever in Gotham look up our Rec Center. You may like it." he smiles to her.

    When Illyana breaks away from Bill and so does Andrea leaving, he waves to Andrea, "I only know Andrea, I met her a few days ago. The rest I just met today Vanessa." he smiles to her. He than looks back to those still near him. "Also is it me, or is this music lame?" he asks.

Copycat has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle has no idea who Bill is. Politics are one of those subjects that leaves her feeling a bit ill if she pays too much attention to it. However she listens to the man's response with interest in this case. Usually she's not in a situation to actually see or hear someone like him at work.

And the experience proves both underwhelming, and about what she'd expected. Vanessa doesn't say anything, her face kept composed as the man wanders off, until finally she sighs and gives a little shake of her head. She looks back to the others near her.

Andre gets her attention as he speaks to her, Vanessa smiling and saying, "I'd enjoy that. I'll have to stop by the next time I make it over there," she tells him. She glances towards the musicians. "I kind of like it. But then, how often do I get to hear someone playing the violin. Let alone... like that," Vanessa says, gesturing towards the musician with four arms.

The assistance of Tim and Clarice gets a grateful smile from Vanessa. "Thank you for helping. Very kind of you," she says to them.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus notices that security seems to have targetted Andre, he mentally whispers to them < It's okay, he's good. > The security guys seem to go back to business rather quickly as if they weren't even bothered by Andre previously. Nothing to see here folks. For those telepaths, you would have definitely have noticed Lucius's 'whisper' to the security folks. Lucius continues reading the next paper scrap, "Babe Ruth's Baseball Bat." He picks up the box and rattles it... "No, not all wood. I think it's time though to reveal it though."

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake will turn to watch Lucius he is actual rather curious and being new York it could be oh so many interesting things "I work mostly out of the Gotham office but I am the to go guy for when they need someone to come up here for a meeting." he will tell Andre.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus is handed another box by a volunteer, he reaches into it, "I'm not certain I'm going to be surprised by whom won this item. I've been told there was a considerately large donation by someone."

Polaris has posed:
Lorna's lips twitched as she sipped at her drink, a glance with her magnetic senses already told her what was in the box. Or at least, the outline of it. If there was anything actually specific in regards to a name however, that was another story entirely. She hadn't come to win an auction or try to cheat by guessing something with her powers.

Roberto had given her tickets, and asked her to donate on his behalf, subtly. After all, the PR team had yet to release the official public story for them.

Still, the green haired Princess remained content to watch and listen, standing more or less alone in the dim ballroom and watching the stage with an idle attention as her gaze swept over the room at large and back.

Andre Jackson has posed:
    "Thank you." Dre says to both Tim and Clarice. As Tim speaks, Dre nods his head, "That's pretty cool man. I know the Wayne Foundation does a lot of work at home too, and I'm glad that you all do what you can." he says to Tim. He looks to Vanessa and nods to her, "Dat would be kool." he says to her. "I hope to see you there than." he than looks up as the raffle is being called, "Oh I only brought toys." he laughs. "Well I wish you all luck." He looks back to the table where the food is and he shakes his head. "Yeah, I'm going to Big Belly Burger after I leave here, and I know my aunt will want some as well as her girlfriend."

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus looks at the note, "And Illyana Raspuin is the proud owner of this.." he opens the box by removing the ribbon and slowly lifting the sheathed katana which looks quite old, "A katana manufactured in 1553 by a fine swordsmith, it's one of my more older possessions but it seems the gods have favored you miss." He smiles and he places the blade back into it's box and ties the ribbon. "Please remember to keep it well oiled, it's not stainless steel, it needs a loving hand."

Polaris has posed:
Lorna couldn't help the snicker that escaped her as Illyana's name was drawn as a winner, and she pressed a hand against her lips to smother anything louder than that. Illyana had won a sword. A fancy sword, but another sword for the Queen of Limbo none the less. Amusement colored her expression as she finished off her flute of champagne and made to excuse herself toward the ladies rooms.

Magik has posed:
Illyana finally gets her hands on something to drink. It doesn't matter what it is, so long as it is liquid in some fashion and preferably contained within a glass. She reaches for the cup to carry it away, staring off into the distance at a wall. Time to take a general breath and return to the conversation with Lorna and Vanessa, seeing that she has lost Blink along the way. Without a politician lurking around, she is somewhat better suited to the task. The Queen of Limbo drinks deep of the beverage, even if it is but water, and schools her features into something more neutral. "Burgers are always a good choice." This said from a girl who probably isn't a regular consumer of burgers.

This is going to make matters all the more interesting when Lucius names /her/ from that stack of tickets, widgets, and tasks. She might be half a step into hiding among Lorna's princessly presence when he names up. Pale eyes narrow. Just for a moment. The glass in hand needs to go somewhere. Really. She actually turns and perks up slightly for the sword. "Folded steel. More brittle than Europe or Southeast Asian sources." Her hands are filled. Someone, take the cup! Off it goes. Goodbye cup. Hello precious baby! She inches towards the box. "Thank you." Another sword. Oh, there's a room for you, stabby mcdeath.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus offers the box to Rasputin, in Russian < Treat Her Well. > He smiles, "Okay everyone enjoy the rest of the night. Give the musicians some requests, I imagine they would glad accept any festive music to play."

Copycat has posed:
Vanessa Carlysle smiles back to Andre and tells him, "I'll look forward to it then." She glances at the refreshment table and says, "I'm kind of planning to load up a plate if I get a chance." She gives Dre a quick little conspiratorial wink.

She turns back to watch as the mystery box is awarded. When Lucius is done with that, Vanessa wanders over to him, waiting for a moment she can speak to him without interrupting. "I just wanted to say, it is a really nice event. And a great cause. Thank you for doing this, sir," she offers.

Red Robin has posed:
Tim Drake looks over at the sword, and hmms, maybe a little disappointed he did not win, but not seeming to upset. He looks around and says "May have to see if Bruce wants to do something like this, still need to finish setting up the hero memrobilia auction I have planned.

Zeitgeist (Julius) has posed:
Lucius Primus smiles and nods to Vanessa, "Thank you. Just trying to keep the books balanced with the Shelter. One has to work for your bread, even though Politicians can arrange to have said bread handed to you.. at least with this, people are willingly giving money for a good cause. For the next one, it'll be for the kids as well, Santa will be coming." he grins.