Public Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome! | Agents of Chaos & Friends

[Oeana Janin]

You have been cordially invited to a once in a lifetime experience…
Tonight, the Red Lady opens its doors on Eve…
Ready yourself! The show of a lifetime awaits you tonight…

Willkommen​

“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!” His voice from the darkness as the crowds began to gather. This first show of the day, tonight. The first of many on Eve. “Fremde, etranger, stranger.” The attention was caught. The attention was gained. The lights started dancing against the beautiful setting of white stairs. Eyes would focus upward, the dancers would be waiting. “Gluklich zu sehen, je suis enchante, Happy to see you, bleibe, reste, stay.” he went on as the dancers slowly moved to the stage of stairs.​

Outside, you would have found the large entrance laid out before you with food vendors and small entertainers. All for the sake of the show. Much of them are unaffiliated with the Red Lady, hired for this particular occasion, with some of the proceeds going towards several charities. Play the games, eat the delightful food… the choices were endless, the vendors never stopped at the space provided, the setting perfect for outdoor activities.​

Keep your children at home!​

“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome,” their host kept on singing within the main area of the building, “Im Cabaret, au Cabaret, to Cabaret.” The dancers kept coming into the sound of the music playing, from the highest section of the staircase. Now, as the guests’ focused their eyes on the colors of clothing on the dancers, they noticed their host arriving at the scene, singing away.​

He moved over the dancers, a large projection against the windows appearing to give the guests a far view of the man, aged by distinguished with a rich career of a Red Gent behind him. “Meine Damen und Herren, Mesdames et Messieurs, Ladies and Gentlemen! Guden Abend, bon soir, We geht's? Comment ca va? Do you feel good? I bet you do! Ich bin euer Confrecier; je suis votre compere…,” he spoke now, “I am you host!” The announcement came finally.

​

The Red Ladies still kept coming, all races and species, each different, each unique to cater to the tastes of clients. From the other end of the staircase, the men followed, each different, one of a kind. Each would be favored for their own traits, each of them trained… “Leave your troubles outside! So - life is disappointing? Forget it! We have no troubles here! Here life is beautiful… The girls are beautiful… Even the orchestra is beautiful!” The host continued as he moved, the screen’s attention focusing on the live music in the background, shadows of the performers and dancers appearing to capture attention briefly before the Red Ladies and Gents would again. “You see? I told you the orchestra is beautiful!” The host reminded, the screen focusing back on him.​

He moved among the performers. “And now presenting the cabaret girls!” Passing by both the men and women as she did, spatting out names that worked so well for the song. “Heidi, Christine, Mouzy, Helga, Betty, Und Inge.” Those were not their names at all, yet worked so well. It didn’t matter, this was but the introduction song. “They’re all new here--” Laughter followed. “You don't believe me, well, do not take my word for it, Go ahead, ask Helga! Ha ha ha!” He kept on singing, the girls and gents laughing away beside him.​

On the sidelines, Asteria deWinter stood beside Oeana, watching the reactions of the guests. There was laughter in the crowd, the feeling was uplifting enough that even Lady deWinter offered up the smallest of smiles. Oeana noticed, she always noticed, offering a small smile herself to mirror the one of her Lady. The grand opening of the establishment was progressing well and it was approved by her Lady. The dancers had not begun their dances, the smoke and light began to cloud the room as the aerial silk began to descend, the best of their dancers beginning their dance for the first show upon the gathered guests.​

Slowly, to match the still playing music by the orchestra, the dancers descended, with the lined-up performers starting to move as the main attraction began. Tonight, their guests would be able to enjoy much of the entertainment within the establishment. “Glücklich zu sehen, Je suis enchanté, Happy to see you-- Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome! Im Cabaret, Au Cabaret, To Cabaret!” The girls on the line began to chant together to the music, dancing away.​

Tonight, the guests would be able to explore the fine dining as well, the food prepared by the kitchen staff to the highest standards, with plenty of choices to fit our esteemed guests.​

The Golden Dice Club, where all the gambling occurred, was opened to our respectful guests if they chose to test their luck tonight. The area has been well advertised, the guests need only announce their desire to visit the club and they will be escorted to the appropriate area.​

Finally, the private areas of the establishment were permitted, under the discretion of the employees of the establishment. No guest could visit one of these areas of their own accord, however, if the situation was to arise, the employees would lead them to one of the rooms. Private, away from prying eyes, these areas were meant to be most private and secure. Oeana would have most clearance to these areas, supervising the Red Ladies and Gents at the establishment to ensure all business was conducted to the highest standard as per her role of the second in the company’s hierarchy.​

“Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome! Fremder, Etranger, Stranger, I love strangers. Glücklich zu sehen, Je suis enchanté, Enchanté, Madame!"Their host continued to sing as the dancers kept dancing. “Happy to see you, Wir sagen! Willkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome! Im Cabaret, Au Cabaret, To Cabaret!” The rest of the Ladies and Gents continued on.​

 

[Asteria deWinter]

The music softened, the dancers slowed their dance into a halt. The beauties at the aerial silk settled themselves above the guests as a soft melody began to play, just as Lady deWinter approached the center stage with her faithful second at her side.

“Welcome,” the blonde summoned their attention through the microphone in front of her, amplifying her voice for all of the gathered crowd to hear her. “Honored guests, friends, allies. You are all welcome here. By now, you would know, your weapons are not. Each and every one of them will be safe until your visit ends.” Glowing emerald eyes studied those she could see as servers began to distribute champagne flutes around the room, to one and all who would drink. Two glasses were brought for Asteria and Oeana Janin as well.

Long slender fingers reached around the flute, keeping the glass far from her lips still. “Before I let you go, I would like to raise my glass to the fallen, to the innocents who had lost their lives after H.O.P.E. had been attacked. We celebrate their lives, wish them a safe journey into the next life. May they find the peace they deserve.” Her glass raised, Oeana followed suit behind her. “To the fallen and to the living carry their memory.” With those words, she took a sip of her drink, her second following suit.

Today’s event was meant to be a joyous one following the events of Ryloth and Siskeen. Such was the agreement between Asteria and her niece Scherezade deWinter . It was to be a celebration of success yet, in the wake of tragedy, the Sith Lady had little choice but to speak of the fallen. After her words, her toast, Asteria remained silent for a few moments longer as a soft, quiet melody played from the orchestra, allowing for a minute of grieving before the music would begin to pick up again.

“Thank you all for coming tonight, enjoy the festivities,” Lady deWinter finally wished before she exited the stage, letting the performance continue into their second performance.

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: White dress
Tags: Asteria deWinter + Open

Tonight was supposed to be a joyous night. A night of celebration. A night to give the Agents of Chaos reason to take a break from their worries, from the endless work that was still happening around the Scintilla. Normally not one to work security, Scherezade had spent the last few days running between visits to her sister, and helping with the combing through each and every sphere and tunnel, trying to find additional bombs that might have been missed and had not yet been detonated.

But that was not what she was thinking about right now.

Sure, she had helped Asteria deWinter go through all the motions needed to have this establishment built in the Red Line district. She'd pulled each and every string she had to make sure her Aunt Astrie had the place built and ready in record time, including a few payments done under the table to skip much of the usual red tape.

Since coming back, she went back to check on those imports again anyway, just to make sure the Siskeenies, or others, hadn't managed to abuse what she'd done to try to use her aunt to sneak some more things in that the Scintilla didn't want or need.

And still, tonight was different.

All Scherezade could focus on was not the sights, the colors, or the music, but the mere presence of her aunt, not that far away from her.

For most of her existence as an adult, Scherezade had been separated from what little family she had that was alive. Asteria and Celestine had never actively tried to avoid her, but with how everything had happened, especially during those first months, they hadn't had the proper chance to grow close, which in turn had made Scherezade feel isolated from them.

It was nobody's fault. And still, now that her aunt was here, her presence through the Force was all that Scherezade could focus on. She had never imagined her aunt would even care about something like the Agents of Chaos, let alone try to create a new branch of her business there.

Did that mean Aunt Astrie approved? Scherezade never managed to get herself to even ask.

Taking the large mug in front of her, filled to the brim with full fat blue cream, Scherezade took a sip from it and just… Breathed. People were around her, and she was certain conversation would start soon. For now though… She just took another sip.

 

[The Bridesmaid]

Tags: Scherezade deWinter | Asteria deWinter


"Oh my", Morgan silently muttered as she watched in awe at the show in front of her. Music, dancers, lights, there were so many things to look at, and to be amazed by. They even had a host who spoke words Morgan didn't understand.

Morgan had never seen anything like this before, and had initially not been too excited about going here either. Instead, Scherezade deWinter had insisted she'd tag along. Morgan eventually agreed to go, but hadn't expected to actually... look forward to it. Of course, she wasn't going to admit any of that to Scherezade though.

She kept shifting her gaze, trying to take a look everything at the same, while also staying near Scherezade. She was curious, sure, but she didn't want to be on her own. Staying near the woman made her feel a bit safer and more comfortable. Still though, she wandered around quite a bit and almost tripped a couple of times, causing her to let out a small yelp. "Stupid dress... things", she muttered. Obviously, it wasn't the first time she wore a dress, but it wasn't exactly common for her to do so either. She'd grown used to more... standard clothing.

As things quieted down a little bit, Morgan grabbed a drink and wandered closer to Scherezade. "Oh my, what in the world have you dragged me into?", Morgan asked her, jokingly. She didn't immediately get a response though. Scherezade seemed to be stuck in her own thoughts, or perhaps she simply hadn't heard her. "Hello? Hi", Morgan giggled as she waved her hand in front of the woman's face. "Morgan to Scherezade. Are you here?"

When she caught the woman's attention, she shot her a smile. "What are you thinking about? The show?"

 

[Angelo Cavataio]

Outfit: Here
Tags: Asteria deWinter : Oeana Janin + Open

Stepping out of the shuttle, eyes of the man was towards down. Angelo took a deep breath. He needed to push the anger in him down. The night did not need a raging fire and blood spilt. Still his mother pulled off an action that surprised him; however, he should have known better. Over the years, he hunted and hired help to find the witch. If he was alone in the matter, the hunt would have continued. Yet, he had others even if they did not to admit they needed the attention and support. It was why he was setting foot on Eve for them.

Another deep breath was taken. Looking up, a smile appeared. There was good news from the hunt. He just wanted to wait for this party to end before sharing it with Asteria. So the cuffs of his shirt were checked. Then the coat was adjusted. To be amusing to himself, he flexed, tighten each muscle like he was about fight. Tilting his head back and forth to crack it and added in rolling his shoulders. One could not relax when entering the wilderness of people with their booze.

As Angelo made his through the vendors and entertainers among the guest, he caught the end of Asteria’s greetings and remembrance of the dead. It was news that gotten to him in pieces since he was out hunting. What was more important was the sight of the woman, his angel. Always taking his breath away since their first time running into each other from a life time ago.

When Asteria moved to leave the stage, in turn his feet moved. Working through the crowd, the sight of Scherezade made the smile grew little more. Although he knew of her change years ago, his family drama kept him from knowing that there was another change, and he knew he would have to find her later to catch up with. For now, it was time to handle the ice.

Angelo approached Asteria and gave a kiss on her cheek. Light steam came the contact of his above normal warm lips and her cold skin. Then whispered to her, “After all this, I do have news, Angel.”

Leaning away, his smile turned to a little smirk when said, “Well, Angel…” Looking from Asteria to Oeana then back, it was time behave even if it was for a moment. “Think you out did yourself with this place, and in such short time.” He knew Oeana worked her butt off on this. “Outside of making sure this place runs smoothly, how have you been while I was away?” He knew there was another to ask if the cold appeared.

 

[Deleted Char]

Wearing: Black Dress
Tags: Open

​

A night of decadence was exactly what the witch wanted. She had found a new home among the Agents of Chaos and she was eager to learn more about each of them. She entered the decorated room and headed for a drink, selecting a vintage blossom wine from Naboo. She sighed and savored the taste. It had been so long since she'd indulged in the blossom wine. It was one of her favorite tastes in the galaxy. Well that and power.

She let her dark eyes wander around the room. The conversations were starting and the orchestra was playing. It all promised to be a good evening.

 

[Asteria deWinter]

Wearing this | Angelo Cavataio , +Open
​

Being a deWinter meant a life outside the box, for Asteria's generation more than anyone's. They had grown far from governments and orders, far from anyone who would seek to control any of them. They were free to grow, to have happy childhoods. Even the first three of them had suffered tragedies at the very beginning of their lives, almost scared for life. Almost... life would ensure it would catch up with them though, it would seem after all. Adam has rose to such power only to fall in the end, twice loved and twice broken. Morgaine, with her additions that would never leave her. Her, with her cold distance, losing the one person she had always placed her faith in, the original lady deWinter. The actions that had left her abdomen scared to this day had made Asteria even colder than she had originally been.

Sometimes she wondered if the ice didn't keep her emotions at bay so destructively, would she had broken down long before.

It was when she felt Angelo Cavataio and remembered, there was but one reason she hadn't broken down the day she had lost her mother. One man had kept the Sith from truly falling, disappearing. The Dathomirian had made her stronger, even when Asteria hadn't always been willing to admit it. She still on the stage though, as the music began to rise. Oeana Janin approached her to take the glass, as the blonde hardly ever drank more than a sip or two, as the majority of the Red Lady knew. Not too far from the main crowd, Asteria felt her niece Scherezade deWinter as well. Though so young, the little one had been most helpful in ensuring the completion of the building, through red tape and whatever was necessary so they could open on this day if all days. After the invasion.

There wasn't too much Asteria considered of the organization yet it was an interesting set up they had here within the spheres and the girl was clearly content to live her life here. There was something about the place for sure, considering even Madalena had chosen to make a home in this location. 'Is she better?' Asteria sent a singular message to her niece as Angelo approached her on the stage.

Immediately, the Sith Mistress walked towards him, leaning her cheek towards his lips as the message came through to her mind. News. Emerald gaze focused on him almost immediately at the sound of it, eyes meeting his. Asteria knew very well what it was about and she couldn't help but wonder what he had learned.

Not too long ago, they had suffered a tragedy, even far worse than their separation. It had been far worse than the loss of her own mother to Asteria. Worse because she had been in the opposite role now, instead of being the daughter so strongly connected to Shery. Worse because she had been the exact opposite. A precious innocence had been stolen from her, making the blonde swear revenge that day; an action she had promised Angelo she would not attempt by herself but instead let him first solve the mystery of what had happened. Had Angelo found something new? Her expression softened for just a moment, one of the rare looks only Angelo was privileged to see before her expression returned to a more neutral one, more fitting of Lady deWinter, hearing him speak up.

Asteria glanced at Oeana, offering a small smile before she looked back at him. "I would say we did a splendid job," the Sith suggested, including both the brunette and herself into it. Scherezade as well, who had been a great help in achieving this. The music in the background picked up, the dancers continuing their movement in the background as some of the Red Ladies and Gents beckoned the guests to partner up with them for dances. Perfect organization, Asteria noted before her attention returned to Angelo again. "Dance with me?" They would speak, for sure, but they could do so while she performed her duty of the hostess as well.

 

[Salem Norongachi]

The invitation glittered as Salem Norongachi spun it this way and that, looking at the front, then the back and just to be sure, upside down. It came with gold leaf, sparkling whatsits and red velvet doodas. It was, quite possibly, the most garish thing he had ever held in his hands but worse than that it was addressed to him.

“What do you make of that,” Sal yelled over the din of the evening crowd at the Kark Off (Which had only three stabbing that week, something they all felt quite proud of). The old man, one eyed and skin like parchment, peered at the invitation for a few seconds then lifted his pint of beer to his thin, scarred lips.

“Looks awful’ fancy, sure they have the right fella?” his voice had the whine of a buzz saw chewing its way through a granite column.

“Know anyone else going by my name residing at this address?” then a thought occurred to him as he remembered the general character of the slums. “Oi! Any of you fraks been using my name around town!” he roared cutting through the noise. The crowd responded at once and all at the same time but he heard;

“No?”

“Don’t think so.”

“Your name isn't ‘Pint of Beer’!?”

“What’s my name again?”

“Well, I did once,” all eyes swivelled to the Bothan, who suddenly found he had a six meter wide circle of space around him as if by magic. “But she said if I owned my own bar I wouldn't need credit for the…uhh...services...I wanted..to...uh..buy” the furry sentient looked around him as the crowd mulled this over and with a collective mental shrug stepped back into the hole they’d left and let their feelings be known.

“We’ve all tried to get something for nothing.”

“Fairs fair and all that.”

“No harm done.”

Norongachi collected himself, pinched the bridge of his nose between finger and thumb, and let out a sigh. The invitation danced between the fingers on his other hand absentmindedly, while he tried to process his name being bounced around the slums as not only a man in need of getting laid but one who wanted it on a tab.

“Settles it then, don’t it,” the old man said with a grin under a beer moustache. “Must be for you. Maybe doing that big military hoohaa the other day got your name into some circles.”

“That wasn’t so much a hooha as a hobby day,” he replied, his dark brows frowning while green eyes looked over the invitation again. “times it Skippy?”

“Just gone eight.” the old man called Skippy, for reasons best known to himself, responded.

“Where's the kid?” Norongachi asked as he stood on his tiptoes to spot the shark fin of a hairstyle moving through the crowd. “Anyone seen the kid?” his voice barely carried above the renewed vigor of conversation and habitual drinking but the question spread through the patrons like a drunken game of chinese whispers.

“We don’t think pineapples are a good idea!” the response, from somewhere three bodies deep, caused his brain to slam on the brakes and blink once or twice.

“How do you go from what I asked to that?”

“How do you go from a quiet upstanding citizen to fighting a toilet stall and losing?” Skippy tapped his pint glass with a crude prosthetic hand, which at one point may have had a synth skin cover but now laid its wiring and internal workings bare to the world.

“Can’t argue with that, old timer.” Just then the kid appeared at the other side of the bar with a tray of empty glasses in his hands.

“Why do we need pineapples?” he asked, sweat beading down his forehead while his hair remained as immovable as a mountain top.

“I have a thing.” Sal began and saw the prescience of the conversation congeal behind the kids blue eyes.

“Tonight!? Now!?” he dropped the tray onto the sticky bartop sending a rattle of glasses to join the din before spreading his arms out at the busy bar. Sal got the meaning, he’d be pissed as well if he were the underling in this scenario but he wasn’t, and that was the key difference.

“Triple time and Skip will help you out,” Norongachi looked to the old man who seemed in two minds about whether their relationship warranted such a selfless act. “Clean bar tab?”

“What are friends for?” he grinned and slid off his stool and began the jerky walk around to the business side.

“You good?” Sal asked as the kid began stacking glasses into the washer.

“Where the frak are you going anyway?” the invitation flashed in front of his eyes and he read it over, cast a look at his employer then back at the gilt and sparkle. “Has anyone been using his name around t-” he yelled toward the crowd before Sal grabbed him by the shoulder.

“We’ve already done that sketch.”

* * *​

It was certainly humbling, Sal thought as he stood among the well dressed and obviously better off attendees. This place had stage production, a budget and lacked that fermented urine smell of which the Kark Off was famed for. The announcer? MC? Circus Master? Sang, the girls danced, the music flowed and the waiter kept trying to escape his grip. He’d offered Sal the tray with the whiskey on it but in Norongachi’s opinion that would have been uncouth, so he’d settled for pinning the unfortunate server between foliage and a wall while he knocked back the drinks in rapid fire succession.

“Do you have any clue what that guy is singing about?” he asked the terrified waiter.

“I-I’ve never been good with languages, sir!”

“Me either,” Sal replied and knocked back the last glass. “You are free. Go forth and do whatever it was you were doing before I accosted you.” the waiter didn’t need a second telling and vanished into the crowd. Norongachi adjusted his dark shirt and fished in his equally dark suit jacket pocket for his cigarras. He located one, set it between his lips and extracted a lighter from his matching trousers. The fire took hold and he puffed it to life while viridian eyes scanned the party like a missile targeting system, searching for another drinks tray.

 

[Bella]

Wearing: X|x
Location: Red Lady Establishment - Burlesque Performance

When Dani invited her to attend the opening of the Red Lady Establishment, Bella had initially been reluctant. After all, the horrific scene that the Liberator fleet had come back to upon their return from Ryloth was still fresh in her mind. Nevertheless, Dani had succeeded in convincing her to come along. And so, Bella had spent almost the entirety of the day prior with the Zeltron, shopping for a dress and a suitable pair of shoes for the occasion.

Had she known that Dani was bringing along four other Zeltron women, Bella might have declined.

The five pink and purple skinned women had a seemingly limitless tolerance for all manner of alcoholic beverage. Concentrated in such a large group, their pheromones were extremely potent, to the point where Bella could feel herself beginning to fall for each and every one of them, even with no alcohol in her system. However, after only a half-hour, with all the alcohol the Zeltrons had been gulping down, the aura of their pheromones began to change, intensifying them in a manner that gave Bella a pounding headache.

She would never live it down if she passed out before any of the drinkers, without having taken a sip of alcohol. They would call her the lightest of lightweights, so fragile that even the act of watching people get drunk without drinking herself was enough to render her catatonic. Nevertheless, even while considering that possibility, Bella didn’t know if she’d be able to last the night around the Zeltrons.

The diminutive Togruta made an effort to concentrate on the performance in order to keep herself lucid, but the gracefully dancing girls only further lulled her focus. Up until now, she didn’t know that it was possible to get drunk via secondhand effect, but that thought slipped from her mind when she placed a delicate finger beneath her lips, feeling drool slipping from the side as her surroundings began to fall out of focus.

The pounding headache only got worse, and she could feel the pulsating echoes of laughter in her montrals as the Zeltrons reacted to yet another raucous joke from Dani.

“E-excuse me, I'm sorry I have to go umm...t-touch up my makeup.” Bella slurred as she stood up from the table and slipped out of the booth. By some miracle, she managed to step over two pairs of slender pink legs without falling or knocking anything over, the Zeltron women seemingly none the wiser to the plight of the sole Togruta in their group, presumably given their own inebriated states. However, just after Bella took the first step on her way to the bathroom, her senses failed her and she slammed head-first into what she could only make out as a broad, suit-jacket clad chest ( Salem Norongachi )...

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Wearing: White dress
Tags: Asteria deWinter The Bridesmaid Angelo Cavataio Rowena Darkrose Salem Norongachi Bella Oeana Janin

The hand that The Bridesmaid waved in front of her face caused her to jump, pulling Scherezade out of her super deep important dramatic thoughts. She blinked, confused for a moment, and then looked at Morgan, sticking her tongue out.

"I'm fine, I'm here," she said quickly and took a big gulp from her drink. Full fat cream, made out of blue milk. This one had ice cubes in it.

The stage, despite the crazy amount of work her aunt had poured into it, was still not something that caught her attention enough. Trying to find something to do with her brain, Scherezade looked around, glowing green eyes glancing over the patrons until she fell on a woman who was drinking alone (Rowena Darkrose).

"Hey let's offer her to join us," the Sithling grinned to Morgan, and then quickly shouted at the redhead, "Hey! Wanna join us?"

 

[The Bridesmaid]

Tags: Scherezade deWinter | Rowena Darkrose |

"You're here, are you now?", Morgan laughed. "Maybe somewhere in this galaxy, sure." She curiously looked Scherezade up and down, lingering around her green eyes, but decided not to say anything else.

Morgen tried to return her gaze to the stage, but her attention was quickly taken by Scherezade again as she asked her a question.

"Sure, let's do that. More people equals more fun right?", she responded as she stared at the crowd, trying to figure out who Scherezade was talking about. When she noticed the woman sitting alone, she chuckled.

"Is she someone you know?", she asked innocently, slightly tilting her head to look at Scherezade. "Or do you just like the way she looks?", she then added with a wink, letting out a suppressed giggle.

Scherezade had dragged her to this party, so Morgan figured she was definitely allowed to tease and annoy her a little bit, even if she was actually enjoying the show. That was totally fair, and if Scherezade didn't agree, she was just wrong.

 

[Deleted Char]

Tags: Scherezade deWinter | The Bridesmaid

Rowena was admiring the stage and wondering if the decorators were intending to do more, when a woman called out to her. She turned to see two women standing together, and asking her to join them. She took another glass of blossom wine from a passing tray and walked over to the pair.

"Good evening ladies. Thank you. My name is Rowena. Are you enjoying the nights festivities?"

 

[Syrenno Maraan]

Wearing: This sherwani-style garment
Tags: Open

Now this was his sort of place! Wine, music, entertainment. Elann was certainly at home at the Red Lady. He was honestly surprised that deWinter and her little gang of ne'er-do-wells had invited him at all. The pirate had only joined up with these so-called "Agents of Chaos" rather recently. But, as his dear gran-gran always imparted: "Never look a gift falthier in the mouth".

The only thing he would change up were the dancers. As beautiful as the women were, they were not his...type. After all, the men need loving too!

With champagne in hand, the Lothalite moved to the nearest seat, his plum-colored sherwani flowing with his movements. The only shame was he felt naked without a weapon at his hip. Even at fancy-looking seedy establishments like the Red Lady, one could never know when trouble would rear its head.

"Ah well~" He mused to himself, "I feel bad for the laserbrain who mistakes my good looks for inability to dislodge their jaw."

He simply smirked to himself, took a sip of his wine, and ran a hand across his bald head. So far, this was shaping up to be a good party.

 

[Salem Norongachi]

The man never stopped talking, eons could have passed since the young ‘philanthropist’ sidled up and began his unending monologue and Norongachi would not have been surprised. So far all Salem could gather was that the trumped up wanker enjoyed spending large sums of his family's money (They owned stocks in many prestigious companies dontcha know.) to offset whatever guilt hung around his neck like an anchor.

Sal slipped in a few “Very interesting.” or “You don’t say.” here and there but found himself wondering, with alarming regularity, whether anyone would notice if the man spontaneously combusted under a liberal application of the Force. Probably, he reasoned after each repetition of the thought, but this time he swung to maybe. There was decent cover here in the artificial jungles of plants, flowers and trees. If he could back the bastard up a bit, put a wall to one side then maybe it would work. But what about the smell? The reasonable part of his brain interjected. Nothing is more distinctive than the smell of a melting sentient intermingled with the shrill cry of ones skin boiling.

There wasn’t an argument to be made for that one, so he quietly sighed and then took a Togruta ( Bella ) to the chest which thankfully brought the entire ordeal to a halt. The blow staggered him half a step and his hand reached out all by itself and found her shoulder for support, while the other expertly calculated the center of gravity needed to keep his alcohol firmly in its glass.

“Honey! Where have you been?” he said without missing a beat and pulled her into a quick hug. “Smile please and pretend I’m needed somewhere.” he whispered out of the corner of his mouth.

 

[Bella]

Wearing: X|x
Location: Red Lady Establishment - Burlesque Performance
Salem Norongachi

“Wait Bella, you didn’t tell us that you had a boyfriend!” Luxa, who was one of the more rowdy Zeltrons in the group, spoke up when she saw the diminutive Togruta stumble into the arms of a man that she perceived to be Bella’s intimate companion, but was actually a random stranger.

“Are you two, like...an item?” Dani added, her well-groomed brows taking on an expressive arch as she processed the astonishing sight. “Bless the Dark Lady!” The pink-skinned Zeltron continued, before placing her hand over her forehead in an overtly dramatic fashion.

“Girl, you didn’t tell me you were up for interracial relationships! I know a smoking hot Rutian who would have been perfect for you!” Vianna interjected, fanning herself at the thought.

Opening her mouth to counter the effusive Zeltron women, Bella immediately found that she could not summon a response, the pounding headache still pulsing at her temples from the intense pheromones the intoxicated Zeltrons were giving off. It was only when her “boyfriend”, whispered in her ear did the presence of another person register in her mind. Turning to face him, Bella found herself looking at a wealthy-looking redhead, who seemed to be appraising her with predatory interest.

Caught in the midst of so many strong, Type A personalities, each demanding complex answers from her regarding the situation she found herself in, Bella nevertheless quickly decided upon a course of action that she could only pray would somehow satisfy all parties involved, while also allowing her to escape from the situation as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, in her thoroughly befuddled state, her decision-making process only went so far as to follow the directions of the most confident person in the vicinity, who just happened to be her “boyfriend”.

And so, Bella gave the pompous redhead philanthropist a vacuous, airheaded smile, similar to that of an upper-level Coruscanti trophy wife.

“Our reservation for the umm...underwater dining area just dinged! Did you hear it or were you too busy conversing with this fine fellow?” Bella said as she gave the redhead across from her a sympathetic smile. “Come on, we have to go now or they’ll skip over us! I hear they serve the best nerf wagyu in the Scintilla! You know how much I like meat!” She quipped, before lightly tugging on the stranger’s cuff.

All the while, the five Zeltrons in the booth bore an expression of collective disbelief at seeing a side of Bella that the diminutive Togruta had never once expressed before now.

 

[Salem Norongachi]

It had been a long time since the heady concoction of Zeltron pheromones threatened to scramble what the alcohol had spared of his higher functions. It took a few beats to shore up his defenses while his head swam and the conversation flowed into complicated noise around him. One Zeltron was bad enough, he thought as the world slowly ceased being made of jello and he was quite sure he couldn’t maintain his self control in the face of such devastatingly concentrated chemical warfare. Thankfully, his ‘significant other’ played her part beautifully.

“I must have missed it in all the excitement,” he replied with an easy smile. “And don’t I know it.” he let the mirth shine through in his green eyes then slipped an arm around her waist.

“Ladies,” he raised his whiskey glass to the gawpers in the booth and then regarded the shell shocked philanthropist who was not handling the sensory assault very well if Norongachi was any judge. “And..” he didn’t know the man's bloody name, did he introduce himself? Sal couldn't recall, he’d probably gone to his happy place at that point. “You.” A nod was all that oxygen thief got before the pair made good their escape.

“Salem Norongachi,” he introduced himself, dipping down so the small Togruta ( Bella ) had a better chance of hearing him over the music and general noise of a party in full swing. “Impeccable save.”

 

[Oeana Janin]

Wearing this | Tags: Scherezade deWinter , The Bridesmaid , Rowena Darkrose@Rowena
​

The song was followed by a speech by Asteria deWinter , a tribute to the fallen of these worlds. It had to be said, as the Agents of Chaos had welcomed to the business to their spheres with Asteria's niece playing a strong part in the planning and achieving said plans, as Asteria and Oeana mulled over every detail, ensuring its perfect execution. The two aimed to make each establishment better than the previous one, offer new activities and make it more memorable yet maintain the class and structure of the building itself.​

Long ago, as Oeana begun to work for Lady deWinter, she saw how similar their thinking was as far as the business going. They understood each other, to best describe it, in many ways despite the difference in their age, as if they were equals in some ways. In the brainstorming room, they were equal, both hearing the other and listening to the ideas to ensure perfection. Each was permitted to shoot down ideas they didn't approve of. Outside of that room, Asteria would always be her superior yet there, she respected her opinions above any other. It made her hard work within the Red Lady's worth. Every humiliation, even hard work behind the scenes and ever encounter with clients she didn't want yet accepted because it was important. Oeana did it, eager to move up the ladder, of her own volition. She could refuse, she did not. Because the future was bright; and the future was now. This had been what she had been working for from the moment the senior ladies had explained the way it had worked. Oeana was top of the very pyramid, she could be higher only if she was Lady deWinter herself. She was not.​

Who Oeana was though, beyond the masks she portrayed in public, beyond the beautiful gowns she adorned, before the bank account well earned... not even the violet-eyed woman knew. She grew strong but parts of her were still empty, curious to know the truth. Even her dreams lied...​

The Red Lady smiled still, perfect, calm in every sense of the worth. Asteria knew of some of the troubles when no one was watching, helped her tap into the depths of her soul. It was far from over, the discovery yet this was the life Oeana had taken, a life she was happy with. The ladder she had climbed had been worth it, it brought her a sense of peace being who she was. She was second in a business empire, and for all the dreams that clouded that at night's past, she wouldn't change a thing. She was Oeana Janin, the second most powerful lady of the organization. Tonight, was all about that. She was not just a lady, not just an employee, she could enjoy their success. Even Angelo Cavataio acknowledged this as he approached them, glancing towards her as he spoke to Asteria. Her Lady followed. They had done a splendid job. A small smile escaped her lips before she watched the couple interact. It had been long ago now that she had seen the crack in the ice, with the appearance of the man she had known known as Celestine's father until the day she had run into him without clothes in the penthouse on Spira. Surprising discovering, following the little emotion Asteira ever exposed. Even with the Red Gent who sometimes brought the blonde comfort, no emotion displayed on the Sith Lady. There was, therefore, something about Angelo, Oeana understood and eventually came to see if there were human emotions within her lady, truly, they came from the tanned man, beyond the shadow of a doubt. As such, Oeana approved of the union between the two because, in her own way, Oeana did love her Lady, as she would love an older sister or aunt that looked after her.​

It was her cue, the brunette noted as her Lady invited the man to dance with the stat of the music, making her exit from the podium, offering a soft smile towards the couple before she began to mingle amongst the crowd, Red Ladies and Gents calling guests to dance around her, reaching for a flute glass passed around by waiters as she moved, engaging in small bits of small talk as she moved before her eyes laid of Scherezade deWinter accompanied by women, and made her way towards them. Violet eyes glanced to The Bridesmaid and Rowena Darkrose, bringing her glass along with her as she made herself at home next to them. "Lady Scherezade," Oeana greeted first Asteria's niece. They had been in the same room, the girl most likely knew her name by now though, beyond that, she expected more, though her voice had been equal during this project. As for the other two, Oeana turned her violet gaze to the two ladies. "I'm Oeana Janin, I hope this evening is up to your standards, ladies?" Eyebrows wiggled at one than the other lady before she had added: "We haven't been formally introduced..." One did like to know how to address the people they were speaking to, after all.​

 

[Inanna Harth]

Wearing: X
Tags: Open

Inanna wasn’t sure who exactly had sent the invitation, though she had a few good guesses. Her last time on the Scintilla had been brief but memorable. No doubt someone had remembered her.

What they probably didn't know was that she had once been a “Red Lady” herself. The establishment where she had worked had no such pet names for its employees, however. They were “courtesans” at best, “whores” at worst.

This was a far nicer place than her former workplace—she hesitated to call a brothel “classy”, but this was perhaps as close to it as a cathouse could get. Still, there was something in the atmosphere of all bordellos, a certain stench that permeated them like a cloying perfume regardless of class or status. Underneath the glitz and glamor, the sequins, satins, and silks, the wine and cosmetics and winking eyes, it was there, lurking just below the surface.

Pushing bad memories aside, Inanna took another sip of her drink. She was sitting at a booth in the underwater dining room. If the person who invited her was there, they would be able to recognize her face and snow-white hair. She was in her usual form, though clad in a silver dress that looked positively matronly compared to what most of the other women were wearing.

At least she wasn’t alone. Her friend Hal Yomin didn’t want to come, but she had convinced him with the promise of good food and a chance to explore.

“So, what do you think of this place so far?” she asked him, leaning her cheek on her hand.

Hal didn’t answer. Seated across from her, the male Zeltron was hiding behind his menu.

A playful smirk crossed her lips. “You’re supposed to put your menu down to indicate you’re ready to order…”

Grimacing, Hal slowly lowered and carefully folded his menu. A faint chemical odor issued from his fuchsia skin, a telltale side effect of the ointment he used to dampen his natural pheromones and repel strangers. Just getting him to dress nicely and comb his hair had been like pulling teeth, but what a difference it made—his usual frumpiness was all but gone, revealing quite a dashing man in a sapphire blue suit. His attitude could use an adjustment, but that was nothing a few drinks and her charms couldn’t solve.

 

[Angelo Cavataio]

Tags: Asteria deWinter

“Of course, Angel” The man replied. Then took her hand. It was brought up and placed tender kiss before their arms entwined. Escorting Asteria to the floor, Angelo did have to adjust his shirt and coat with his free hand. He was a Cavataio after all, and it meant that clothes were not their favorite to have on or around them. However, this was the public, so exception and compromises had to be made.

On to the dance floor he moved, and of course he did not do anything flashy. He was one with eight left feet and known to charge in to smash everything like a bull in a china shop… Did a simple, graceful swinging of Asteria outwards while holding her left hand. As his arm full extended out, a gentle pull back towards him was made. There might have been a right foot among his feet to pull a mildly stylized move off.

Angelo pulled Asteria into his arms. He held her closely. Movement of his body was to the music as he led them and spoke loud enough for her to hear alone. “How badly did you bury yourself into this project?”

It had to be asked. Angelo knew how she dealt with lost, and he had to know how bad it was. There was a different nature when it came to Asteria. One that was abnormal to the Cavataio line. A feeling of bonding, dedication to a single person. In him and others of the Dathomirian line in the family seem to show it more compare to the Bogan line. Maybe it was the Dathomirian teachings mixed in or their mother manipulation of them in a different way than the siblings before them. All that matter to him was Asteria… Children too but the moment was about Asteria.

 

[Bella]

Wearing: X|x
Location: Red Lady Establishment - Burlesque Performance
Salem Norongachi

For her part, Bella held onto the stranger for dear life as the stranger led her away from the group of Zeltrons and the rich-looking redhead. After she created some distance, the potent, alcohol-enhanced concoction of Zeltron pheromones was finally beginning to dissipate from her head and she gradually re-established her balance. Nevertheless, after hearing the stranger introduce himself like he was some gallant knight, Bella could hardly restrain herself from rolling her eyes, in spite of the fact that he had indeed saved her from great embarrassment.

Unfortunately, she would have quite a bit of explaining to do the next time she saw Dani, unless the Zeltron drank herself into such a stupor that she forgot the happenings of the night, which was probably more likely than she thought.

“Are we supposed to be friends now or something?” Bella asked sarcastically, as she took in Salem’s green-eyed, yet rugged features. “Bella.” She continued with an exasperated sigh. “Just Bella, it’s nothing fancy and it isn't Togruti.” The diminutive Togruta clarified.

In truth, Bella knew that she should have been thanking him, but she couldn’t find it within herself to do that, just yet. She had no idea who or what he was, beyond his name and admittedly handsome features. Nevertheless, Bella couldn't help but to wonder if the alcohol-enhanced bouquet of Zeltron pheromones had somehow made her more confident. She didn't think that she could have done something like that under different circumstances.