The search for the missing hat had taken to the front of the building as she descended down a flight of stairs and into the connected bakery. The bakery itself wasn't as large as the house, but it was of a decent size, and perfect for a hat to hide somewhere. "Now where did I put it..." Olivia spoke to herself shortly before she noticed a familiar sight. Near one of the bookshelves that were put out so patrons could read as they waited for their baked goods lied Olivia's hat, leaving her puzzled on how it ended up there.

I must've left it there earlier when reading one of the books... Olivia considered, brushing what dust might have befell on it off the hat. However, finding the hat in an forgotten location was not the only surprise Olivia would be witness too. While the business was closed, a loud knocking came from the door; the pounding nearly causing Olivia to jump out of her skin. Not sure if her grandmother was expecting someone, Olivia walked over to the door to explain herself that the bakery was closed right now to whoever was pounding on the door.

Opening the door, Olivia had been greeted with a giant of a person. His body type was muscular in comparison to the petite Olivia, who had to bend her neck backwards to meet the man eye-to-eye as he stood surely at least a foot taller than herself. "...Sir?" Olivia spoke, trying to get his attention as he seemed anxious and distracted. "I apologize, but the bakery is closed as of right now. If you're interested in buying something, my grandmother will have a stall at the winter ball later today."

---

@PrinceAlexus @SgtEasy @RoccanIronclad

"Bah!" Joseph half shouted half gasped as he was knocked to the side by a rather large man in a suit. While kind of annoyed about it, he was honestly more just glad that he had only been pushed out of the way. He'd noticed that the guy seemed to be glaring at him for a little while now, even if he had been trying to hide it. He'd half expected to just be sucker punched or something.

Then again, maye the only reason that didn't happen was the fact that the guys friends were clearly having a hard time not pissing themselves over his costume, so hey, that was nice!

It didn't stop him from nearly jumping out of his skin when he felt a tap on his shoulder, a whisper-shouted "Jesus!" involuntarily emerging from his throat before he managed to spin around to face whoever had done it.

When he saw who it was however, he calmed down exponentially.

"Oh thank Christ, its Snowgirl..." He said, bringing a hand up to his chest as he leant against the stall and tried to remember how breathing worked. "I thought you were that guy in the suit coming to beat the crap out of me. Or, you know, one of the assassins finally coming to get me..."

After a few moments, he managed to stand by himself again, and realise why she was saying.

He also noticed the man accompanying her, who he was pretty hre he recognised as the guy who carried her sister out of Swansong.

"Well, as long as some fat Cuban man doesn't start telling me I'm subhuman garbage while slaughtering his own point for me, I won't have to give it a proper burial. No need to thank me though, anyone else would've done the same."

He actually blushed slightly when she called him a knight in shining armour though. He gave her a coat! He didn't deserve praise of that level! He was beginning to feel a little shy from it, which left him with only one option.

Awkward attempts at humour.

May god help him...

"Actually, Snowgirl, this is cardboard." He said. "I don't even want to think about how difficult it would be to find the materials for shiny armour. I had to use ancient pidgeon wizardry and various other forms of homeless magic just to find the boxes and duct tape I needed for this one, which was difficult enough considering I'm totally not homeless!"

He turned to Milo, still a little nervous. However, he thought he might've gotten over it.

"Hi, I'm Joseph. You're the guy who got her sister out of the bar, right? I'd say you look like you'd fit the 'knight' bill more than I would!"

Nope, nevermind, he was freaking the hell out.

Keep it inside, you stupid awesome wanderer! Don't let it show on your face! Say something funny and distract them!

"So, judging from your build and the marks on your hands, I'm gonna guess you're an accountant?"

NOOOO! What the hell are you doing?! Let me tell you now, that didn't sound funnier in here!

Feeling a particularly awkward smile appear on his face, he sighed.

"Alright, I'm just gonna stop with the crappy jokes now." He said, shaking his head. "I'm just a little nervous, because I'm not really very good at being the center of attention, something my awesome suit seems to have placed me in. The only real reason I even made the damn thing was so people might forget to judge when I raided the free food. So far, I'm pretty sure it's working, but I think I migh actually have preferred the alternative. Turns out being the suavest, most well-dressed guy in the area is kind of a curse. Who knew?"

He shrugged, before reaching for another piece of free food from the stall.

"But yeah, full serious, I'm gonna guess either really muscly baker or some kind of metal worker, right?"

Ugh. All this Christmas cheery nonsense is so annoying. Ren was trudging through the streets, doing his best to avoid bumping into what seemed to be a brainless mass of high-energetic zombies, hungry for hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies instead of brains. Why did he decide to come here again? Good question. After staying holed up in his apartment for the last few days, Ren was in dire need of some new scenery. He asked William to drop him of downtown, but that damn chauffeur seemed to have a plan of his own, forcing Ren to experience the festivities the town was arranging.

Ren was wearing an knitted infinity scarf around his neck and he had pulled it all the way up to his nose, both in order to stay warm and in an effort to avoid anybody recognising him. Whoever that might be. A frown on his lips, Ren steered his way towards a booth that sold coffee - filthy, street made coffee - but it would have to do.

Centre Point . Public Party . Firday evening

---

Marinalia looked up, thr sound of what sounded like distant engines seemed to clear and large sound that was growing earlier as things began to calm down and thr figures on the higher platforms began to gather, the mayor and others where now not escaping anyone's notice.

Things seemed calm, even if the thugs was about and the figures wandering the site where being typical thugs though, sadly this seemed pretty normal in this city.

Gah, Sol City might not be as light as the names make out.

Turning round and seeing a stranger wrapped up in a thick scarf and layers, wait... He was hiding his face but something about his eyes seemed familiar. She had last seen him dropping him off home at some tower block after the disaster, some week ago.

Hey, my interrupted dance partner of thr Jazz Diastor masters.

Hope you enjoyed your ride home on Sunday.

He did not seem entirely dressed for thr party, though Ren seem rather changeable, dressed in a great style dress from ainciant times and a costime tiara, a mid lengh coat thrown over for thr cold. Even if thr dress looked cute, it was too cold.

which Ren is it tonight? Thr quiet one or the Dancer?

Or you still sad about killing Han?

Forcing a joke slightly, things where hurting Marlin, but she had to at least be slightly cheerful, it was a holiday, she had to try and be slightly normal.

---

Victoria smiled and looked over still holding Milo hand, yeah they had met at the dance and yes, after saving her sister and a random Shawarma date things that as the old meme said, that escalated quickly. Noticing cardboard armour, it was pretty good quality for a bodged and battered creation.

Joseph seemed to jump out of his skin and be positively terrified about thr men, well whqt had he done so... Then came the answer, this person seemed to be about as much a magnet for trouble as thr Romus Sisters had been. Mumbling about assains, thugs in suits. Wow. He was a nervous wreck.

Snow girl... Snow girl.. That creative answer and the best he could manage was snow girl.

Snow girl, its Victoria... I'd even take Darya over snow girl.

Least I remembered a coat this time.

Twirling slightly , this time in a vintage stye 30,s glittery dress and white fur coat, hood with little polar bear ears in faux fur. It was silly but she loved the coat and Marilania still disagreed on borrowing it though.

Then came the homeless comment, internally making her feel like a awful person able to buy a dress for event, costume jewellery however cheap but still probbly more that Joseph had on his entire person... Turning nervous her self, at the whole situation, his nerves where almost infectious.

Glancing over to Vesarian, it was going to sound rather nepotasti,c and just make her seem even more different to him, maybe Polar star needed someone for anything... Torn between offering and putting a little more pressure on milos hand.

Ummm... Don,t take wrong way... Your making me feel guilty...

My father is in the Navel coat over there... Captain. They have a small office here... May have some casual work.... Just a idea... I feel like I owed you a debt...

Nerves obvious, the offer was meant well, and by all that was about Joseph deserved a break... The amount of awkward was extreme right now... Between the two of them there probbly was ernough for a small party.

Getting a glass of baileys and drinking slowly, she gained time to centre herself and balence her awkwardness. Feeling silly slightly, and the slightly infectious party atmosphere plus free drinks...

well, I Don t know about baking but I can confirm thr muscles, I just got see if this rather dapper gentlemen can dance, maybe mistletoe...

Did I just... Gah, Im acting like I'm 16...

Silly, but it broke her awkward streak... Jeez she sounded like she was 16 again, what was up with her recently. Long as thr fashions did not come back, some of those photos and choices belonged buried, concreted and dumped into the deepest water on the planet.

Turning slightly pink and going quiet. Somthing about Sol City was infectious right now...

---

The Mayor hered reports come in as the convoy approached flagging every camera and patrols radios bleeping through to various command centres across the city, and to the officers running the security.

The big sand filled sanitation trucks where hardly a fortress, just another sign of the times. Then the surprises, at the last minute thr convoy began to turn away from thr event and out towards the main roads. Somthing had drawn the biker convoy away.

The senior officers, still radios in orders to prepare to welcome the bikers where yet to even work out what going on to realise it was the work of the new Marshalls.

Relived, the staff on the stage seemed relaxed though the remainder of convoy was till imbound and they at least where short some 50 1% bikers.

---

Vesarian leant back quietly keeping a eye on his daughters, just because they where adults, he still could not feel protective of the two accomplished young women. Marilania was doing well at work and doing a job the loved. Victoria worked when her health allowed. Life seemed good, even if he had a rather different past.

---

@aladdin_sane@RoccanIronclad@valckyriie@SgtEasy@Rabidporcupine@Furiosa

---

Siobhan Jude Murphy
Sol City Airport - Thursday Afternoon

As the plane touched the tarmac the redhead in first class yawned and stretched. Rubbing her pale blue eyes she made eye contact with the flight attendant and smiled. He blushed and mumbled something. Siobhan blinked and stood up. "I'm sorry what was that?"

He looked embarrassed and quickly repeated his statement. "You have really pretty eyes."

Siobhan laughed softly "Blue eyes are a recessive gene and considered by most people an attractive trait. But thank you. Have a nice day at work." Siobhan exited the plane shaking her head and smiling softly. She made her was through the airport in record time and headed for the car that would take her to the hotel. Seeing the driver holding a sign that said S. Murphy she smiled broader and waved. "Hi, I'm Siobhan Murphy or S. Murphy. Unless you're looking for someone else, Tavers?"

Tavers was your typical majordomo, all the good ones seem to be cut from the same cloth, tall dark eyes that seem to see everything and salt and pepper hair, and no way to tell what ethnicity they are. Tavers has been with the family since before Siobhan and watched her grow up. Tavers eyes lit up "Miss Murphy always a pleasure, shall we adjourn to the hotel?" He held the car door open for Siobhan who got in. He then went to the drivers seat and started the car.

Traveling down Highway 23 Siobhan pulled out her sketch pad and started on quick sketches of the scenery. They passed the museum, the police station, and went down Light Lane. Tavers pulled up to the Hotel and efficiently got Siobhan checked in and her bags up to her room. "So Mommy and Daddy still don't know I'm here right? We kept that a secret for their Christmas Present right?" Siobhan grinned at Tavers who smirked back.

"Of course. They are attending the Winter Ball tomorrow night and you can surprise them there." Tavers looked at his watch. "I have to be going. I can only disappear for so long before the house goes to pieces."

Siobhan laughed "Oh dear me go on Tavers I'll be fine." She waves Tavers out of the room and unpacks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Friday Evening Hotel Room ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Siobhan was just putting the finishing touches on her Scarlett O'Hara outfit. Siobhan had chosen the green and white summer dress from the movie before things started south for Scarlett. She left the hat off and went down to the car.

~~ Friday Evening fashionably late to the Public Party Central Point ~~

@Rabidporcupine@Poi

Pulling up Siobhan exited the car and glanced over to see a few people gathered. Well at least it looked like a lot of people around her age. Now in to the throng. Her dress and coppery red hair stood out like fire against snow.

@PrinceAlexus

Weaving in and out Siobhan made it to the edge of what seemed to be the dance floor. Grinning she looked for a likely partner.

Milo walked over with Vika as she led him to the man in the cardboard suit, Joseph, he had helped Vika during the swan song fiasco. A man dressed in a box had to have a sense of humor and this was definitely true of this one, he cracked a couple quickfire quips and joked about what Milo did for a living, the jokes were all kind hearted with no ill intent, but it was his mention of Milo being more the knight than him that got him to speak, "Don't doubt yourself, a hero to one person is as good as the hero to the next, and yes, I am a baker, cakes and puffs galore." Milo chuckled at the thought of himself cooking for a living. "No, no, I can't even joke about that with a straight face, I am a blacksmith in the harbor district, Final Round Armory."
As the group talked a bit further Vika started to get herself all flustered, he was making quite the impression on her it seemed, this was good, he really wanted this, a life that felt so calm and distant from what he had lost before. "I'll have you know that I dance quite well actually, good footwork is key in many things." He looked to Joseph, "It was a pleasure to meet you Joseph, but it seems the lady is eager to dance, would be rude to keep her waiting." he gave kind smile and took Vika's hand again to go to the floor.

@PrinceAlexus@Rabidporcupine

Centre Point . Public Party . Firday evening

---

Victoria seemed relived the two where getting on fine, she barely knew anyone in the city hqving arrived so recently to Sol, barely a week in fact. Most people had not even found the doctor or dentist at that point to register. Of course that had been a slightly higher priority for the ghostly pale young woman and her health was anything but normal life, though she had refused the disabled parking badge for now. Wanting to try and be a normal woman, in a normal city not a charity case, or special.

Despite all going on, it was nice to be doing somthing normal, feeling silly on a date, having a drink and chatting to people. It had been a while since she was this relaxed and happy.

a good one I'm sure, though il make sure to find the code errors on the website too!

Always fun... OK that's only me..

Smiling, she always prided her self good at what she did and had 2 happy clients so far since moving here, simple work but work meant money. Too many months stuck at home. Hospital. After doctors carefully worded but obvious point she had been advised to take on non physical profession, she would just have to adapt to new self. Years later it still seemed to worked out just fine.

The rest of interactions seemed to go quietly, abit of back and forth. The two seemed to get on, and a dance. Maybe nearly fall over but it was worth the risk.

is that so Mr Blacksmith... Well now you gotta prove it.

Hope you manage to have peaceful evening tonight.


Adding with a little challenge, she was feeling like things where going pretty well tonight.

Looking over, she saw a taller flame haired woman walk by in a distinctive dress and look like she was on a prowl. Of course everyone was taller and that always looked better... The smaller women, their was almost near perfect opposite reminding her of the book she was reading on the plane her. "of ice and fire"

Giving the woman a this ones mine glance with a flash of grey eyes, pale skin and white hair blending almost too well with a white faux fur coat with hood up for the snow flurries.

Taking milos hand, and with a little bit of doubts digging in. What if he wanted someone normal, not a partly criplled arms dealers daughter with a walking stick....

Saying loud ernough for the woman to maybe overhear, deciding to fend off the threat, with a hint of Russian sneaking in to the softer English.

of course I'd love a dance dear.

---

@RoccanIronclad@Almalthia@Rabidporcupine

---

---

After a bit of walking, it didn't take long for Ashton to come upon a interesting sight to say the least. A street covered in lights, crowds cheerfully jumbling about around some booths. The sounds of loud music and the steps of dancing people echoing her ears. It would seem there was some sort of holiday festival happening. Great! Perhaps she could get a bite to eat, maybe even meet a friend or two? The towering scar face blonde wandered through the festive street, amethyst eyes glancing around. The bright orbs lighting up like a Christmas tree as the excited firefighter gazed around before sniffing the air. Catching the scent of cookies, Ashton gave a bright smile and made a bee line toward the direction. Long legs carrying her smoothly and her towering figure causing others to nervously step out of her way.

Stopping in front of a stall, a older man was handing out holiday cookies shaped in all sorts of festive items. Christmas trees, ornaments, gingerbread men, and little snowman. Eyes shimmering as she starred at them, she turned her gaze to the man and waved her right hand eagerly in a greeting.

Giving a soft yawn, the older man looked up before jumping a little at the excitable bundle of huge joy that was made up of Ashton. One would have to be surprised to see a towering beanstalk with a heavily scarred face smiling like the Cheshire cat.

"Ah, Ashton? Is that you? You startled me boy! Aren't you fresh out of that little accident that happened a week ago? Should you really just be going about running in such festivities?" The older man said in a gruff tone, but overall seemed to have a good heart about it.

Ashton gave a wide smile, raising her left arm and putting it behind her head, hand slightly ruffling the dirty blonde hair as she just gave a cheeky grin.

Rolling his eyes, the older man gave a smile and pulled out a bag of assorted cookies and held it out to her. "Well I suppose the city's best firefighter has to have some fun. Hardly get it I bet. Here, on me pal as thanks for getting my stupid drunken bastard of a son out of that tree." he said gruffly but gave a chortled laugh.

Returning the smile, the tall firefighter took the bag and gave a little bow of appreciation. Holding her free arm above her head and waved wildly in farewell as she kept walking. Before eagerly opening the little back and starting to happily much on cookies. Starting with the top of a Christmas tree, which caused Ashton's face to visibly bright at the taste of delicious sugar cookies. Indeed, she did love her sweets.

As Sol’s party-goers began to file into the main square before City Hall, Xi and Paige split up, but stayed generally within sight of each other. They decided they would split duty in the main plaza and Xi took the first round mingling among the greatest number of citizens. Paige took to the perimeter of the street party where the majority of the vendors were located. The mixed smell of food, coffee and prepared sweets permeated the air and steam rose up against the gentle flurries of snow. She strolled along drawing mostly smiles and a few confused glances from men and women alike. She was not dressed for the occasion in the least and wore her standard working ensemble of a V-neck tee, her favorite black satin jacket, matching pants and low heeled boots that she could run in if needed. She chose a Navy blue tee to be less conspicuous and as was her custom, kept her gun hidden on her belt beneath her jacket. Her Marshal’s star was only partially visible next to her sidearm.

A band started their first set of light holiday music and she glanced across the way to get a glimpse of Xi locked in a conversation with an older couple near one of the massive ornate Christmas tree. Everything about the venue carried a well-planned aura and she was impressed. They certainly knew how to put on a party. The mayor and city council seemed to have an odd sense of priorities for sure, but at least they were willing to open it all for the people to enjoy. It was their money after all. She walked up to a small tented booth that was serving cocktails and coffee. Couples sat at some of the set up tables, other groups talked and laughed. An ambient heat source kept the tent significantly warmer than the outside. The atmosphere was good and she leaned up on the bar.

“What can we get for you this evening miss?” The server asked.

“It’s free right?” Paige replied.

“Of course, whatever you wish,”

“The most expensive thing with the most caffeine,”

The man’s hands went swiftly to work mixing the ingredients, a couple espresso shots, the coffee of the day, steamed half and half all went in, “So where do you come from?” He asked casually as a dash of English syrup was added.

“Delta City,”

“I thought that it had to be from somewhere down south,” The man said. He finished by putting on a shake of cinnamon over the froth and closing the lid. “You have an accent,”

“Thanks,” Paige said flatly as he slid the small glass across the counter. She wasn’t in the mood for a second person to point out her foreign speech. Xi had only been allowed because she liked him.

She walked back over to the edge of the entrance and scanned the crowd again. Across the way she could see a very petit young girl in a strange hooded coat, nearly bleach white in her complexion was leading a much heftier fellow onto the dance floor as others began to assemble for the music. She could only see their backs and just a portion of their profile. A strangely familiar feeling came over her momentarily and she thought about missing her warm home down south.

@Almalthia@RoccanIronclad@aladdin_sane@valckyriie@SgtEasy@Rabidporcupine@Furiosa

@PrinceAlexus @Pilatus@RoccanIronclad
Siobhan looked at the girl who was defending her territory and saw a petite little thing. She looked like she would blend into the winter background. Siobhan shook her head trying to make it clear that she had no intention of poaching a dance partner. Besides he wasn't her type. Her abnormal height made it awkward to normally find a dance partner anyway. She noticed her parents and abandoning the dance floor she went to follow them to the terrace. When she finally arrived she was alone. Sighing she turned around and looked back into the party. Biting her lip frustrated that she didn't know anyone but her parents so she might as well...make new friends? Or sketch.

Sketch it was!!!! Siobhan smiled and pulled out her pad and charcoal. She quickly outlined the room and decided to make Ms Ice Queen and partner the main focal point. She looses herself in her art. People could walk by and she wouldn't notice and nor does she. Quickly the portrait unfolds and she notices someone intently staring at the couple. A blonde female in dark attire. She hadn't taken her eyes off them yet. Siobhan shrugged and continued with her drawing. She put up the pad and went over to the blonde. "I can't help but notice that you are practically staring at that couple. Is something wrong?"

Sasha burst out into hysterics as the biker gang veered off down the interstate. Khorshid must have paid the hoodlums the full amount in advance; the moron was indeed as stupid as he looked. Though a hefty sum to most the loss of fifty thousand dollars was just a drop in the bucket for his Indian cohort. Sasha did silently bemoan that muscular biker with the long flowing blonde hair was also departing. He softly sighed and pulled on his braid. The petite Russian had hoped he could have convinced the handsome barbarian to rev up something other than his Harley tonight. Though perhaps it was for the best as the motorcyclist was no Rudolph Valentino after all and the though of courting another Curt was unappealing to say the least; also he was already crushing on another mysterious stranger. What were the odds that in this city of millions he would run into his crush a third time? Sasha cringed as Khorshid whining broke his musings. Sasha rolled his eyes.

“It’s silly as I thought that me and Bubba were getting on pretty well. Like I mean…granted that he thought I was a Native American and was under the impression that I was paying him in tribal Casino earnings, but other than his overt racism I thought we were cool. We even smoked some dank green alone together in his office and he was like ‘Woah, this is like a peace pipe between our two peoples’ and I was like ‘Totally dude’ Then after tugging on his beard he w…”

“Khorshid let me stop you there. I am sure that what went on between you and your biker butt buddy behind closed doors is enthralling to you, but there is no need to subject the rest of us to the play by play. Though I am glad you can take your personal failures in stride.”

“Woah. Woah. Speak for yourself stringbean. I actually am interested in how this shit plays out. Did Bubba admit to some serious shit? Where is this heading? I am literally on the edge of my seat right now” , Lupe managed to say in between puffs on his gilded vape pen.

“I am this close to having an aneurism due to unadulterated stupidity that is being admitted by you two Neanderthals. It is amazing how oblivious you two are of the guillotine that federal government is preparing for you or should I say you idiots are preparing for yourselves. Not only is Bob a potential loose-end now the Bubba and his friends are another. In the unlikely event that Bob bites the bullet for the whole record store fiasco you twits still run the risk of bikers ratting you out to the Feds as there is really no incentive for them to honor any prior agreement. Paying a criminal organization fifty thousand dollars is going to generate some ripples to say the least. “

“Woah. Relax homeboy.” Lupe interjected. “The Bolivian marching powder is making you paranoid. We have nothing to worry about. The police here are clueless … and shit the federales just blow people away. Listen up there was this loco bitch back in Florida… that just executed a drug dealer in cold blood like the goddamned Punisher. She was probably on the rag or something. Stupid Bitch. Odds are they’ll go all Waco on the bikers and massacre them. Or I don’t know maybe we just hire another gang to just kill the bikers. Or maybe being the badass that I am I’ll take out the roaches myself ala Charles Bronson in Death Wish” He pulled a SVI Tiki-T out the waistband of his Christmas colored tracksuit and mimed shooting some unseen adversary.

“What do mean with all this ‘we’ nonsense. I am content just resting on my hunches and watching you two mental defectives get made an example of by your lessers.” Sasha smirked and singled the chauffer to pull down a side street. Before getting out of the limo he said, “I need some fresh air as your collective ignorance is utterly suffocating. I’m going to get a smoke and I’ll catch up with you two twits later at the party. Maybe I’ll consider saving you morons from your demise. Try not to get arrested darlings. And Lupe, put that gun away before you shoot your eye out.” He gave and overexaggerated wink before departing.



Sasha waved his security detail away as he made his way down the side street. As the bodyguards reentered the SUV and sped off after his cohorts Sasha placed the Gitanes brand cigarette between his lips, lighting it, before taking a long drag. His body shuttered in pleasure, but that was probably just the cocaine or that what loosly passed snow himself reminded him of his home country. Puffing on his unfiltered cigarette, he blew smoke and then inhaled it through his nose. From a distance his gaunt frame clothed in a Saint Laurent black satin Saituxedo overalls made him look very feminine and that was the impression Sasha liked to give as true beauty has no gender. He shuttered at some of the more garish holiday displays he passed on his way to the public party and truly whished capital punishment could be extended to crimes against fashion. Perhaps a stroll was a bad idea as it was only further aggravating him. He narrowly dodged a drunk in a Santa suit who was loudly belting out the lyrics to Paul McCartney’s 1979 hit “Wonderful Christmastime". It seemed the plebeians were out in full force for their bread and circuses. Wonderful. Simply Wonderful.



The limo and its escorts made it to the celebration proper before Sasha did. Bodyguards piled out in order to create a perimeter around for their infamous charges. Khorshid was the first to exit the vehicle with a stupid grin plastered on his face; his purple military jacket was slightly out of place amongst the more traditional outfits the assembled crowd was wearing.

“Oh, you’re too silly Lupe”, Khorshid said to Lupe bringing a close to a conversation the two were having since dropping Sasha off.

Lupe slowly followed his dimwitted friend out of the Limo, while smoking a cigar. His red and green tracksuit lent credence to the rumor that the large man possessed a tracksuit for each day of the year.

“Merry Christmas ya fucking mutts”, Lupe proclaimed addressing those assembled.

Victor Henson

Friday Night >>> outside of the Flour Meadough Bakery

The man continued to move about impatiently waiting for someone to answer occasionally blowing into his cold hands and rubbing them together. His thoughts drifted back to his mother and what she had said to him, “now victor, when you go to this address. Ask for Derek Thompson.” She paused between coughing and smiled, “they don’t know about you and frankly I don’t know about them, not anymore really.”

“Sir?” His thoughts were broken, and he was brought back to reality by a soft and sweet voice from the door, "I apologize, but the bakery is closed as of right now. If you're interested in buying something, my grandmother will have a stall at the winter ball later today."

He took a moment to look the younger girl over, short, Petite, maybe a little frail with straight brown hair and mossy green eyes. She looked good in the subtle orange of the street lights and white of the light on the building. Victor broke from his thought once again and smiled at her, “o no sorry I’m not here for the bakery. I was uhh, told to come here and uhh ask for Derek Thompson” he paused for a moment and looked away rubbing the back of his head. “I’m not looking for handouts or anything, but my mother told me this was a good place to start looking for my father.”

@Poi

If you spent long enough as a police officer, you get to discover the traits which a person has when they are "scared". Even subtle ones got easier to notice. Twitchy fingers, tapping feet, gulping, coughing and scratching. When dealing with criminals who were not used to be locked up, fear was a common reaction to the sight of the police approaching. Begging, crying and lots of denial. As a thug, it was much the same thing when most normal people looked at him. They averted their eyes or paused in their conversation slightly. Most just tried to avoid his gaze. Jamal had to give it to this Russian girl however. She was holding quite well, despite the slight tremble in her eyes. It was unusual for a girl two feet taller than him to be able to talk to him so confidently, it was commendable. 'Definitely trained.' he thought, giving a little grunt of acknowledgement for her mistake. But as she turned away, his thoughts broke away from something as simple as observation. Her response brought more questions than answers and his mind began filling up with thoughts. She wasn't aware of who he was working for? Any self-respecting Mafia member would inspect and research the area they would be working in before entering a city. The name Delossantos held weight in the underground of Sol City (and the cities which surrounded it but he was yet to confirm that) so only the inexperienced would come here without any recognition of the name. He narrowed his eyes at the girls back as she walked away to her friend. She wasn't a normal girl but it was likely she wasn't a criminal either.

The undercover officer glanced back over his shoulder at the pair he was looking at earlier. The woman seemed to be talking with another man, a muscular figure but was definitely a civilian. Despite the calluses which adorned the man's hands, there wasn't enough grit in his eyes. The elderly man still looked suspicious however, those eyes were far too sharp. Maybe a smuggler? Some sort of criminal which goes in and out of cities all the time? A trafficker perhaps? This "family" posed so many questions that it was starting to annoy him. There were too many unknowns and two conflicting sides that told two very different stories. He internally groaned and wished that he had invested more in working with the Investigation department. Those nerds could solve a case of multiple suspects, locations and victims with contradicting evidence in what seemed like a jiffy. That type of skill would have been useful right now. Alas, beggars could not be choosers and he would not be caught near any police stations in the foreseeable future. Would've been too suspicious and as previously mentioned, the man was paranoid to a fault. He narrowed his eyes at the back of the leaving girl, frustrated at the amount of questions she made instead of answers. Approaching her now would be too forward, too aggressive. The police around here already seemed jumpy enough and the party had become a powder keg waiting to explode.

And a drugging? So more criminals, potential rivals, were bound to show up in the party. If he wasn't so frustrated by the conundrum the girl posed, Jamal would have pitied the girl in her past experiences. Things like that were all too common in this city, despite the glamourised reputation it held. But if people like those scum, powerful fools, got to do their merry way with the citizens he was sworn to protect, he sometimes doubted if the glamour of Sol City could be upheld. It was his job to make sure it was safer after all and nothing seemed to make things better. And mysteries like this girl and her connection to previously mentioned pair just made the job a whole lot harder. He wasn't pleased by this turn of events, clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth in mute frustration. His lips turned thin as he absentmindedly walked through the crowd, doing his job as an intimidating grunt while thinking about the future of his city. He barged through the crowd, nudging a drunkard in his way who thought it would be funny to sing "Santa Baby" to him. By "nudge", the finely dressed drunk tumbled out of his way and into a sitting woman's lap. The female cop did not look pleased.

Jamal walked in and around the crowd, noting that his fellow companions had been doing the same but one of them seemed to come closer to him. Taken out of his thoughts, he set himself in character and nodded at the approaching man. He was tall, bald broad shouldered and had darker skin than him. He looked far more serious than the other two but he was still a thug. Arrested for possession of a firearm and crystal meth, he was still a criminal but was tolerable to work with. The man grabbed his arm and took him away from the crowd, pulling him to the darker parts of the town as he protested. The bald man came to a stop andhe made a show of brushing the man off, pulling his arm out of his grip. The man just glared at his fake bravado. At least he took his job seriously.

"Boss lady says we have a situation so you need to stop it with the showy movements, dumbass. The police are looking now." Jamal snorted loudly. It wasn't as if they weren't already aware of their presence. "With our tall black asses? Cops have had us sniffed ever since we came into this fuckin' shindig. Racist assholes." He faked a glare towards an officer who was lingered his eyes on him for too long. The blonde man turned his head and the actor smirked. It was a newbie mistake to let your eyes linger for too long. His private moment of amusement was broken by a sharp slap to the side of his head. He glared at the man opposite to him who just glared back in return.

"Keep focused idiot, we have a job to do and I got shit to tell you. Some one percenters were seen approaching this here party and more boys are coming 'round to back us up. They're escorting some limo or some shit, probably some big shot one percenter. If those ballsy bastards think they can show her up, we're gonna prove that we have the biggest cocks in town. If it's a dick measuring contest they want, they're gonna get it. Twelve more boys are waiting in their cars, unmarked and tinted. They're loaded with some new shit that Boss Lady got from out of town. If a turf wars gonna happen, we're gonna teach those inbred, redneck Bubbas how we fight. You ready newbie? If shit goes down and people are killed, I don't need no inexperienced new guy freezing up."

The secret officer just scoffed confidently, even as his mind raced a hundred miles an hour. "I got this shit motherfucker, I ain't no fuckin' New Guy." The bald man nodded and left, going through the crowd once more. Jamal swore under his breath. This was not how he wanted this to go down. More thoughts ran through his mind. What would he do, if the "shit" truly went down? If things went sideways and he had to fight? What would the officers do, shoot at them? All it took was trigger happy officer and it would become a three way fight. Hell, what would those "Russians" do? Run? Fight? What if they had their own piece in this shit cake? A headache started to form, a dull aching pain starting to come over him. He rubbed his temples, taking another walk through Centre Point. This was starting to go above his pay grade and he considered playing the part of coward and running it. Better to ask for forgiveness later rather than potentially dying for a woman he hated and had no respect for. This was a frisky situation.

Jamal spent his walk trying to keep make a decision and before he knew it, he found himself nearing the entrance. He stood under a lamplight, crossing his arms and scanned the crowd. There were a pair of dancers in the middle of the square but he couldn't see over the mass of the crowd. But he did see one of his companions moving towards the dance floor like an idiot. The cardboard atrocity was out of his sight, so were the three "Russians" and their civilian company. A few new arrivals were of interest. A redheaded beauty had entered the party, catching a few glances with her striking hair. She approached another woman who was currently busy... staring? A pale man started to approach coffee table. Another, more scarred man (woman? he couldn't tell) walked into the square and he found himself gazing up at the giraffe human. He/She was freakishly tall and would have been intimidating if it wasn't for the warming atmosphere he/she seemed to make. Someone with such clear innocence was a sight for jaded eyes, warming his cold heart for a second. What a sweet girl. This small moment of warmth was interrupted by a server who started to walk towards him.

The darker man glared at the server and they swiftly turned, walking as swiftly as they could away from him. Jamal turned his gaze towards the entrance and saw a blonde woman of noteworthiness. She carried herself with confidence and scanned the crowd. Those were the eyes of no mere civilian. His eyes locked on to hers and it clicked. Marshal. He had been informed during his op about a few marshals operating within the city and to be wary of them. He had been shown pictures. They were not "in" on his cover and were more observant than the average policeman. He quickly averted his eyes and walked off, hoping that she didn't do anything. Unfortunately, his luck seemed to have run out a few days ago.

Two weirdly dressed men walked out of a limo, not as lavishly dressed as others in the party but seemed to have the confidence that could only come with wealth. Similarly dressed men began to surround them even as one of the men proudly proclaimed his arrival to the crowd. Jamal connected the dots. Limo? Were these the one percenters that he had been warned about? Warning sirens went off in his head as he watched one of his companions approaching the supposed one percenters, not noticing their arrival. He had to keep their attention away from them or risk a gang war starting in the middle of the party. He strode towards the group of opposing gang members, his mind churning for ideas. But situations seemed to love throwing themselves at him.

He knocked into someone on his walk. He helped them up and apologised but his eyes never left the group ahead of him. However, the other pair of eyes noticed the mistletoe hanging on the lamppost they stood under.

Poor Jamal.

Milo led Vika to the dance floor, noting the bite in her voice as she accepted while simultaneously scaring off what she must have interpreted as a threat, it was cute. Milo took her hands and led her in a slow dance, he was actually a decent dancer, a few lessons in his time, not to mention his time in the ring gave him good footwork, "Now granted I do spend more time dancing to a little faster music, a little swing here and there." Milo was smiling as he moved to the sound of the music around him, the scene was beautiful and everything was going swimmingly.

Milo couldn't take his eyes off Vika, she always seemed worried about her size and her frailty but Milo couldn't see it, she was out and about, dancing a winter evening away. As the song they danced to came to an end, Milo took a moment to look around the space as more people were filling in, he started to think that he should have brought business cards with him at this point, could have drummed up some local customers. Milo wasn't looking to hard just admiring the crowd really though his eyes managed to stop at a familiar sight, it couldn't be, Milo could feel the blood drain from his face as he made eye contact.

Milo looked to Vika, "I hope you'll excuse me a moment, it seems I have been visited by the ghost of Christmas past. I will be right back." Milo could feel his world around him crashing to the floor, this was not going to go well for him and he knew it, if Paige were here, did Anna follow, no, she wouldn't have come here, this was his dream vacation from back then, she wouldn't want to come here would she. Milo went over to where he had seen her, and sure enough she was no trick of the mind, Paige was right there in the flesh. "Why are you here Paige?" Milo had his tone low and uninviting as he spoke, his memories of Paige weren't good even before his accident, "Is she here too?" Milo now looked angry at the thought of his ex, the woman that ghosted him after his accident, being here, now, of all times.

@PrinceAlexus@Pilatus

Centre Point . Public Party . Firday evening

---

Marinalia watched as just her luck events deemed to be turning to be taking a darker tone again, some woman seemed to have noticed her sister, well dressed but somthing about her made it seems like she was not entirely here for plesure.

Why did things always turn strange and go badly?

Looking over to Ren, she did not want to leave him, and have a chat for once with someone she knew bar her own sister but also sisters had to look out for each other. It was the unspoken rule.

hey Ren... Wanna get a mock tail... Seems my sister attracted some notice?

The taller man seemed to vanish into the crowd. He worked for someone obviously dangerous, but such obvious actions on a event in thr heart of a city. Thr mayor. Top police? They where taking a massive risk.

Then she saw a gathering group, I'll fitting suits and tight gathering. Gah, no, not those lot again... They where the same lot right? Dreading the answer she overheated someone shouting somthing out, thr Cuben Americans drawl and insulting language. Oh god. Jabba was back, likely the arid Indian and somewhere would likely be the arrogent Russian. Those overly wealthy peacocks, the second half implied accurately never missed a opertunity it seemed.

As she emotions them where her eyes turned to a polar ice to rival her fathers, seeing the distinctive shape of Jabba in a track suit, could that man even wear clothes. What a gutter sense of dress. Money definitely could never ever buy him class.

oh hell no... Can, t I have one night out in peace... Excuse me Ren if I vanish... Maybe catch up watch a movie or grab a coffee...

Looking round she saw a few exits, noting her father on the edge had seen everything, thr older man was anything but attentive to his souroundings.

---

Victoria followed onto the dance floor that had been cleared near the stage, free of stalls, it had attracted quite a few couples and groups, much as thr city had its issues. They knew how to run a good party.

Happy Milo had taken the lead, seemed her fathered arivial had not killed the mood tonight and trusting him ernough rested the walking stick on her arm, letting him take the weight off as she danced along, slower suited, never quite entirely trusting herself to not embarrass her self falling over or somthing that reinforced she was not normal.

I Don t mind... Long as I have a good dance partner.

If things go this well, you might be finding out how I take my tea in the morning sooner than later...

It was cheeky, but well there was no point dancing round subjects, and dancing, mistletoe and alcohol tended to lead onto things faster than expected. Things had moved quickly after they met 6 days ago, if thr pace kept up it was a bridge she would be reaching sooner than normal. The train seemed to have no breaks and the slope was going downwards not up.

Eyeing up the perfect momment, the mistletoe was just a few paces away and the snow was falling. It was almost out of a cheesey Christmas romncom. Then came the but... Three was always a damned but.

He looked over and went pale, thr ghosts of Christmas past, a blonde woman wearing darker clothes and dressed less for a party, more practical. Was that a glint of somthing under a coat. Ex? Was he still married and she got played for a fool?

Damned universe..., voice turning slightly colder as he looked over, it was obvious to anyone this side of Mars they had something between them, what was unsure but they definitely had a past.

Sure, il be waiting, hopefully thr ghost can float off...

Standing back abit, leaning one side on the walking stick near edge of dance floor. Damned, world can, t let me catch a fucking break. Watching a tall man, bheavily built stood about seemed she was not only one lady luck had forgotten.

---

Captain Romus could not miss the shit show forming, thr sight of thr men was bad ernough, and then he saw security and some degenerate Lound mouth. Much like the many hell holes he had been in. Least the war loads where honest about being ass holes. This lot pretended to be great people, giving thr city there light.

Sickening.

Feeling trouble, he dialed his phone and called up Ivan to stand by with a exit route if things went badly. His crew was loyal and had worked with him for years. They would lend a hand if required, too many scrapes around thr globe me at every man at least owed the other their life or limb at some stage.

Glancing over at thr taller man he saw at start, everyone's nerves seemed high. This was a dangerous momment indeed. Ivan and the crew could at least work out a exit plan, he was not going to be unprepared for whatever came.

---

The mayor saw the two members of thr poser step out. Where was the third. He has seen the reports, the endless file on them and there antics.

This evening was turning south so fast that the city may end up at the poles soon. Several police seemed to be getting jumpy, officers wringing hands and pacing. It was a nightmare. There seemed to be factions and alot of civilians present.

---

@aladdin_sane@RoccanIronclad@valckyriie@SgtEasy@Rabidporcupine@Furiosa

---

@RoccanIronclad@Pilatus@PrinceAlexus@Furiosa@SgtEasy

Siobhan smiled winningly at the blonde that had been caught staring. Suddenly the man from Ms Ice Queen appeared and threateningly demanded answers from the blonde, Paige. Siobhan took in the man and noticed that the tense set of his features spoke volumes about this being a personal matter. He was tense because his world just turned on its side.

Siobhan looked back over at Paige and reached out and rested her hand on Paige's arm lightly. "I know when to excuse myself from a private conversation and this just smacks of long term drama. I'll come back later." At which time she smiles and wanders off. The crowd has gotten thicker and with any situation with a mob IQ goes out the window, Siobhan is starting to feel that seep into the community as someone stumbles across her path singing, quite off key, "Santa Baby" and she retreats to avoid them barely. She sighs and surprisingly stumbles catching herself on a tall slender pale haired man.

Siobhan smiled at the man in thanks "Pardon me. The crush of people seems to not be in the most polite of moods tonight. Nice save with the coffee." She blushes prettily. "Forgive me. My manners are lacking. I'm Siobhan Murphy. Nice to meet you." Siobhan stressed her name knowing most people normally don't get it the first time around. She held out her hand in the universal language for a handshake. He introduced himself and gave some words of advice about crowds.

As the crowd thinned Siobhan shivered and rolled her eyes. She'd forgotten her cloak and it was getting colder. "Absolutely perfect. Now I'll freeze. I don't understand why Mommy and Daddy moved up here. It's so cold." Picking up the pace as well as she could she went toward where she remembered the Hotel was, and got herself lost as she didn't pay any attention to her surroundings. "Ren White. It fits. Wonder if he'd let me draw him. He has really nice lines."

---

The freakishly tall ambiguous firefighter was happily munching on the sweet Christmas sugar cookie, the boogie board hanging from around her neck gingerly dangling against her flat chest. Amethyst colored eyes brightening ever so joyously at the delicious taste of sweets. Although, something did make her ponder as her gem like eyes glanced around the crowd, easily surveying her surroundings. There was plenty of cheer, but something felt a little off. Like there was some tensity amongst this cheery atmosphere? Perhaps it was just her imagination however. Hopefully nothing went out of hand with drunks or so on.

Glancing around curiously, occasionally awing at pretty Christmas lights, while also curiously glancing around the area. For example, a limo showed up. Wow! Don't see those everyday! Then again, Ashton was used to fire trucks. Plus usually, they don't go to many places that involve the more wealthy. They usually keep a decent upkeep to prevent fires. Unless it was a fire purposely caused by a outside source. But that was the police officers job.

She just make sure the fire gets put out and the people are safe.

On the bright side, no one seemed to be too bothered with her, aside from the occasional awkward glance. Her appearance often led others thinking she was intimidating, or was some sort of thug. Taller then most with a nasty scar right in the fast either led others taking a far distance from her, or trying to pick a fight. Both of which disheartened Ashton a bit. After all, she didn't like fighting. She could, but she didn't like it. Its been a few years since the army, but she still keeps in shape.

Not particularly paying attention to where she was going, Ashton ended up running into someone. Which led her to real all the way back, flailing her arms wildly as she both tried avoid falling on top of some poor soul that she had run into, and to catch her balance. The latter she failed at as the tall dirty blonde fell flat on her back on the cold ground. Eyes shut tightly before blinking open at the offered hand, Ashton was quick to give a bright friendly smile as she took the hand of a dark skinned muscular man.

By all definitions, he would have the looks of a thug or gangster or whatever. However, considering her own appearance, Ashton wasn't quite the one to quickly judge and let a appearance of someone effect the way she acted toward them. Blinking a bit, she stared at something above that she probably only would of noticed if she was looking up like she was now.

Mistletoe.

Unsure if she should laugh or be embarrassed, Ashton soon stood up, soon returning her gaze to the man who was a bit shorter than herself. No surprise since not many could beat her in the tallness meter. Tilting her head a little, the man seemed extremely focused on something, perhaps a little stiff. It was apparent, he had no idea of the little Christmas tradition item hanging above them. Which only caused the firefighter to give a silent laugh. Rubbing the back of her head, she wasn't sure what exactly was possibly stressing the man and if she should mention this at all. Might freak him out.

But then again, it might also help him give a good old laugh. Just a little laughter could do wonders to someones stress after all.

So Ashton gave a bright smile, her amethyst gaze wide and bright passed the scarred face that carried them. The boyish figure raising her left hand and waving it cheerfully in a obvious way of saying 'hello there' before curling it into a fist. Extending the index finger to point upward. Her smile curled in one of pure amusement rather than anything too serious or romanticize. Somewhat curious how this stern looking man would react.

With the whole city basically attending the festivities at centre point, Kei saw no reason to not go, he had nothing else to do at home and had no other jobs to take care of so it was an obvious choice to go to this public party at centre point. He got ready in some good time and cleaned up nicely again but instead of going fully professional he decided on semi professional clothing so that he could be more comfortable and warm. ALl things considered the weather was not to be messed with and as such Kei was not going to take any chances in getting sick. AFter all he hated being sick. Once he was all dressed up he went ahead and strapped up his gun just in case as he never knew what could happen at such a public event. Carrying his gun was just a bit of piece of mind to him nothing more, he had no plans of actually causing any trouble at the party. Before leaving his room he looked himself over in a full body mirror and nodded is head in agreement.「Nice.」

Since Central Point was a bit of a ways away from his home, he went into his garage and looked upon his two cars, looking between the two he finally decided on his favorite of the two. Grabbing the keys from the wall lock box he unlocked his car and sat in the drivers seat. He put the key in the ignition and listened as the engine roared to life. It was as satisfying as ever. Once it was nicely warmed up he opened the garage door behind him and pulled straight out onto the driveway. CLosing the garage door behind him pulled out onto the main street and began his drive towards Central Point.

Traffic sucked. It was obvious how bad it would be but he never expected it to be this bad, it annoyed him a great deal trying to just get to the designated parking area for this public party. People were dumb and didn't know how to drive in this town when situations like this came. Once he was finally parked in the garage he let out a sign of relief. Placing his forehead onto the top of his wheel he let out one more sigh and reached up to turn off his car. Once his car engine cut off the instant he turned the key to off he felt the cold of the winter night wash over his previously warm car. That somewhat annoyed him, while it was an obvious outcome to the situation it still annoyed him, going from being warm to all of a sudden being cold. Once he was settled and ready to actually get out there he pulled on the door handle and popped his door open, and stepped out of his car. Slowly closing the door he ensure it was locked by pressing the little black button on the outside door handle. From there he made his way to the big party venue. He was sure to see some familiar faces. That's what he hoped rather as otherwise he'd be the sad loner at a big party.

It surprised him a bit to actually meet somebody he knew. Or - an acquaintance at least. God, this woman was everywhere. Ren stared in disbelief at Marinalia. A Star Wars joke - really? Implying Ren was the same as some emotionally unstable, moody character with daddy issues - Okey never mind, Ren was starting to see the picture.

"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find a new pilot soon enough, Chewie." Ren replied back. Two could play that game. Ren's eyes followed Marinalias gaze towards the dance floor, noticing Vika and the guy who helped them out from the Jazz venue. They looked like they were enjoying themselves, but the guy suddenly made his leave through the crowd. Whatever. Ren didn't care.

"Drinks. Yes. Let's go." That was the only sensible suggestion to come out of that woman's mouth today. Well, apart the whole "mock" thing. No sir. Ren needed something strong tonight, he could feel it already.

He looked around the crowd, trying to figure out which booth that might serve anything - anything at all containing alcohol. Shrugging internally Ren began to walk in no particular direction. One booth for candied apples, one for hot dogs, belgian waffles, all those typical festival foods. Yuck. As he scrunched his nose in disgust, a familiar and very welcome smell hit him. Finally something decent around here! One booth, almost enveloped in a bright halo in Ren's eyes, sold mulled wine! It wasn't much in terms of alcohol, but it certainly was something. Ren pushed his way forward but was stopped by a red haired woman who bumped into him, almost making him spill his coffee.

“Yeah, people seem to surrender to a hive mind in situations like this. You should watch your step.” He replied, a bit surprised that she felt the need to introduce herself instead of just hurrying off with an embarrassed look like most people would have. Ren shook her hand out of habit. “Ren White. And sometimes I ask myself why I moved to this city too.” The woman looked like she was shivering, and started walking off just as quickly as she had appeared. Ren stares after her for a bit. Her unusual hair color really stood out in the crowd. Siobhan, huh. Always liked that name for some reason. Remembering his quest for alcohol, Ren continued towards the booth and bough the largest cup they offered - relishing in the sweet and spicy smell from the warm drink.

For a moment Paige could hear the sound of cicadas singing and remember moonlight on the water during a humid night on the gulf bay of Delta City. However the moment, only a few seconds as it were, was swiftly interrupted by a redheaded stranger approaching from the side. Paige turned and looked the woman over briefly. Her eyes scanned up and down immediately recognizing the dress. There wasn’t a woman from the south, that she knew of anyway, that hadn’t been forced to watch Gone with the Wind at least a few times and if they claimed they didn’t like it then they were likely adopted. It wasn’t hard for her to channel Scarlett O’Hara which was ironic considering how short she was with the barista. “Why, I do declare Mr. Beauregard,” She said. The tone was cordial enough and a dead ringer for Vivien Leigh, but with just a hint of sarcasm as she knew this girl had to be freezing to death in that summer dress. “No, I just had something on my mind, that’s all… I like your dress though,”

A cold wind gust blew her hair slightly and she felt a set of eyes burning onto her. Instinctively, she turned to catch a dark figure looking directly at her, but the exchange was brief as the party moved between them dancing slowly to the music. She mentally stored the man’s image, though something else still felt off. It was then as the music faded and some of the crowd drifted from the dance floor that she saw an old familiar face. A few unknowing strangers passed through blocking Paige’s laser-beam like glare. She’d been “complimented” before on the intensity of her gaze. It was sullen, piercing, near physical in the raw contempt it carried. A summoning of some entity from the Pit itself. It was a “talent” that she was aware of and used often. Even some of the hardest of criminals and degenerates, she discovered early on, crumbled under the weight of it. She could see the blood fall from his face and the man turn nearly as white as his apparent date. It gave her a welcome satisfaction and she smirked slightly. To his credit, he still approached.

“Neither of those questions is really your business now is it?” She said, not intimidated in the least by his tone or stature. She wouldn’t give him the solace of a firm answer to either question. Her right hand brushed back her jacket slightly putting her Marshal’s star in full view. She didn’t normally show it off as the manner of some was, but to him she wanted to demonstrate her full authority and the fact that she had a real career, not one of fashioning toys for playing dress-up with Lord of the Rings nerds. Her thumb rested under her belt between the badge and her gun that remained mostly concealed beneath her jacket. She glanced past him at the frail young girl he’d left pitifully alone on the dance floor with her walking stick and gave her a sly wave keeping the same low smirk. “Your date looks jealous. You’ve already left her just to come confront little old me. Tsk tsk.”

@Almalthia@PrinceAlexus@RoccanIronclad@SgtEasy