RP:Cenril Election 2022
Summary: It's finally here! The Cenril Election, pitting the current mayor Uma Abelin versus the Red Witch herself, is a highly anticipated event. The early polls lean in favor of Uma but the other districts flood in at the end, pushing Valrae to victory. Valrae gives an emotional speech and all are filled with hope for the future of Cenril.
Grand Cenrili Arena
Valrae || The opulent stairs that lead up to the high arched entrance to the Cenrili Arena have been lined with tall olive trees. Their branches reach high and arch over the white marble, twinkling with warm golden witchlight, so that entering the arena feels like stepping into an enchanted forest. The iron gates are open wide, festooned with thick green floral arrangements and elegant welcoming signs. The center of the arena has been cleared, the ancient stone cut in a long walkway of plush red carpet. Men and women dressed in white offer bubbling glasses of champagne and trays filled with hors devours. There is soft music playing, coming from high in the stands where a section for the orchestra has been roped off. Though many have likely voted earlier in the day and are just coming for the party and announcement of the results, there has also been a place set for those who enter to vote before the polls close, the Cenril officials equipped with a magical registry that allows them to check records in a matter of moments before casting the slips into an enchanted golden box. Round tables covered in white cloth, metallic red and blue charger plates with alternating cloth napkins placed neatly in front of each chair, have been set up around the floor of the arena. The centerpieces are tall, delicate glass with laurel and olive branches bursting from the top. There is a blue and red velvet rope sectioning off another row of tables, one set solely in blue on the right and another in red to the left with several white tables between. Just beyond these seats there is a raised dais and at its center is a wide glass podium with Cenril’s flag hanging from it. A white curtain stands behind it, an illusion of magic projected upon it. To the right, there is Mayor Uma Abelin and to the left is Valrae Baines. Between them, there are numbered percentages that break down voting by districts. Currently, Uma Abelin is leading in the Upper East side of Cenril. Valrae is behind with her strongest support coming in from the lower districts.
Hudson || Mayor Uma Abelin is in a red pantsuit and seated at a table on the left with her cabinet and high profile supporters. Among them is Hudson Landon, real estate magnate, and suspected racketeer. Once there would have been a cleaner separation of the two, proper lip service paid to Mayor Abelin’s supposed independence. That had been Hudson’s doing, his careful pulling the strings behind the scenes had been artfully concealed by puff pieces and when that wouldn’t cut it, sheer intimidation of the press to bury stories that just didn’t suit. But his control had slipped in the wake of the murder - no, she was missing, officially - of beautiful actress Candice Snow, and the dissolution of his beautiful family. The press had sided with his estranged wife, Alvina, and had continued to treat her kindly, but slowly but surely had collectively stood up to Hudson Landon. If they all published that he was the mob, that he was the man behind the scenes calling the shots, surely he couldn’t silence all of them at once. The plague had been the last straw, and as Mayor Abelin’s popularity had plummeted for good, the press now brazenly called her what she was: a puppet. And while she refused to resign in disgrace, there was no point in pretending that things were otherwise. And for Hudson, if the ruse was up and he was to be known to have corrupted democracy in Cenril, let it be open and notorious. And so Hudson sat in black tie at her table to her left and, smiling, reached to secure them wine from a passed tray. To his left sat his date, an up and coming actress, Cyndey Cweeney, who, to be clear, was not known for her acting abilities.
Valrae was floating around the room, greeting those who were permitted to enter behind the velvet rope. Her white dress was simple and modest, the back a delicate gossamer fabric that had been beaded with glittering opalescent stones in a scalloping pattern. She’d worn her pale golden hair in an elegant twist at the nape of her neck. Wide hoops dangled from her ears and danced as she moved. There was a thin golden chain around her neck, the small crescent moon pendant holding the enchantment that gave her skin a smooth, flawless glamor to hide the scars of her burns. Her table had been set for her friends instead of her donors, who were placed in seats towards the center instead. There was a place set for Meri and Khitti, as well as any of their guests or family. To her left the seat is reserved for the Arch Mage of Xalious, Lanlan. To her right, the heir apparent to the Ravencroft fortune, Jaxson Ravencroft. If there were nerves, the witch hid them well as she greeted familiar faces and welcomed them warmly to enjoy the food and drink that Cenril offered. She carefully avoided looking toward the side of the room that hosted Mayor Uma, and more importantly Hudson Landon.
Meri decided to come to today’s event in a slightly nicer version of her usual style. That is to say, there are no paint stains on her pants, she has found a nice pair of clean form-fitting black pants to wear. Worn with these tailored pants is a pair of red high heels that match nicely with the corset and red leather half-jacket that she is wearing. No weapon is visible, but is not evidence that Meri would not be prepared to defend herself should the need arise. If anything, it is meant to be assurance that she is at least one face present today who does not intend trouble. While Meri has been taking Fleur out to more events, for the election the child has been left at home – either in the care of Magik or with Fleur’s step-sister. There was concern that an election might be a place that a toddler could grow bored, resulting in a tantrum. As someone who has been a business owner of Cenril for the last several years, a number of the faces that are present are familiar to Meri. Some are admittedly liked more than others, but for the sake of appearances and not starting drama at the election almost everyone that Meri knows is greeted with a polite nod as the blonde moves to her arranged seating. Everyone. Except. Lanlan. Anyway, Meri moves to her reserved seating, which happens to be at the same table Valrae is at. Meri was amongst one of the people who had already cast their votes but based on where she is seated, who she is voting for in this election is obvious.
Jaxson sits by Valrae's side in a tailored suit fashioned by the master seamstress Iintaquohae. As part of the hopeful candidates supporters, the man matches as close her can with a white suit, with black trim, simple yet classic as he wasn't here for any of the spotlight this day. Today is all abut Valrae, but more importantly its also about the voice of the people. Sensing the nerves he knows the witch is bound to have, Jaxson would sneak a quick squeeze of her hand beneath the table, away from prying eyes, and allow her to feel a bit of comfort as he flashes her a warm smile as they all await the upcoming events.
Mesdoram has of late taking a liking to town hall meeting and political chicanery, and has elected yet again to attend an event that he knows little about. But how different will this election be than the other dog and pony shows that are disguised as democracy. The out-of-placed drow certainly loves a good scandal and is quite frankly insulted no one invites him to ‘take care of’ political rivals – he could use the coin. Mesdoram elects to keep a low profile this time around and will only interrupt at the most opportune moment. He greets all glaring eyes with a twisted nod and sadistic smile and self-promotes his play coming up, saying to some uncomfortable Cenrilians that it’s ‘to die for…’
Futsuka is here, and like always she is dressed in her red and white priestess robes- though tonight she didn’t bring her longbow with her. Red ribbons adorn her white hair but besides that she is dressed very modestly, her negative views on fragrant displays of wealth kept her from owning any kind of jewelry. It seemed, however, that her time living among the Isran Collective as a hang-around had apparently granted her the right as a citizen of Cenril, so here she was to see what this ‘voting’ thing was. The feline certainly couldn't call any other place ‘home’ even if she didn’t quite fit in, but here she was all the same. A solitary woman, Fustuka lingers on the outskirts of the election party, unsure exactly how to conduct herself. She sees a few people she recognizes but is far too shy to approach them herself- besides she doesn’t know the rules about these red ropes. Is she even allowed here? She doesn’t know.
Khitti || The last time Khitti and the people from Cenril went to an election, a full scale assault on the city happened. She’d been under the effects of amnesia from her rebirth in Cenril’s waters and that exact event, the election where Uma had been allowed to become mayor, was the very thing that had triggered her memories to come back. Portals from the Shadow Plane had opened up all over and Kahran’s horrors had poured through them, slaughtering many while people like Brand and his crew did what he could to save the survivors. Khitti had made sure to vote earlier in the day, in the event that someone else decided to attack the city this time around. She sat next to Meri at the table for Valrae, her attire that of the black silk two piece dress that Iintahquohae had made some time ago, those tiny plates of true steel sandwiched in between the soft fabric. The Necromancer’s Guild leader didn’t look -entirely- like she was going to a funeral though, as she’d made sure to sprinkle accents of red throughout her accessories in support of the Red Witch: dark red nails with a similar shade of lipstick and a line of red eyeliner beneath her eyes to enhance the already black eye makeup, and a thin dark red bow at the end of her mermaid tail braided hair. She’d managed to sneak in her weapons in her satchel as well, the bigger on the inside enchant on the bag helping to store them as it sat draped over the back of her chair by its long strap. She had done a tarot reading that morning and things seemed… like it would be fine? Maybe? But ever the cynical one, she wanted to be prepared. The redhead kept a close eye on everyone as they filtered into the arena, the occasional nod or smile given if some fan or bakery goer managed to get her attention. “Am I wrong for worrying that this could go somewhat like the last election?” Her words were for her sister and were hushed to such an extent that only the lycan could hear her.
Eleanor wasn't here, or was she? It was potentially difficult to discern through the complex subterfuges with which she arrived. There she was by one of the tables— no, wait, that was definitely someone else. There she was again, hovering behind familiar faces, before once more fading into the growing throng. Layer upon layer of misdirecting guises embraced her figure, albeit none of which was the shadowed cloak she formerly donned. Nevertheless, she'd taken great care to appear as nondescript as possible. Just Another Face In The Crowd. Regardless of whatever façade she hid behind, the spellrogue's attention was keenly turned toward Mayor Uma Abelin, and by proxy and proximity, Hudson, although no attempts were made to reveal herself to her long-time associate and confidante; yet. For now, she palmed a glass of something hopefully alcoholic, and discreetly sipped it, a crooked little smile holding her lips hostage.
Alvina wasn’t sure about coming but she thought, at the very least, she could support Valrae and maybe even find a second to say hello to Uma. It’s been a long time. The arena is packed compared to the election that brought Fitz, Uma’s late husband, into office (for all of five seconds). Upon arrival, she walks with the flow of the crowd, which allows her to snag a drink on the way. Her gown is a tidy black, knee length number accompanied by matching heels. She’s decorated by pearled hairpins and matching bracelets. A large diamond necklace hangs between the modest cut of her dress’s neckline. Before casting her vote, she heads towards Uma’s table, stopping short when she sees the father of her children sitting next to a woman she doesn’t recognize. The woman is being quite friendly. That’s…awkward. Maybe she’d get another glass of wine.
Lita is not dressed any sort of fancily, the usually getup of black sundress and distinct lack of footwear. She might not have even made the trip except that Leo had been buggin' her about it. At least Lora had managed him some clean and decent clothes for it. She's not quite propping the pirate up but she's hovering a bit, an arm loose about his waist in what could be construed as an affectionate hug. She's realizing fairly quickly that they are sorely underdressed for the event but that seemed to be par for the course for their part in Cenril's revival. They'd looked much the same sore thumb at the charity bazaar, she'd imagine. But they'd been there all the same and their intentions now, as then, would be only to show some support from the island. As far as anyone knew.
Hudson is listening to his date, Cydney Cweeney, talk about how she repairs wagons in her spare time. For those unfamiliar with her and her work, Cydney is in her low 20s, meaning a literal decade younger than Hudson (though werewolf aging doesn't really show), very bubbly, blonde, and very genetically blessed. Her gown is borderline inappropriate for this event in that it is both extremely low cut and there is an aggressive slit up the thigh. Cydney at this very moment pauses in her explanation of why she chose a specific type of axel versus another. "Oh my gods is that Harvey!?" she exclaims, meaning some person she's seen across the space. "I got to go," she breathes, and gets up and leaves, clutching her dress strategically to avoid flashing everyone. Mayor Uma Abelin, usually all composure, wrinkles her nose. "She's very nice," says Hudson, anticipating a Remark. "I agree," says Uma, carefully, her eyebrows lifting as Cydney, in her rush to go speak with "Harvey," nearly mows down Alvina. Uma decides to not mention this to Hudson, who is now speaking to a union chief who had come by to pay his respects. Cydney, for her part, seems to have gotten champagne spilled all over her. "Excuse me!" she exclaims irritably to her would-be attacker, and then pales when she realizes who it is. "I'm so sorry, I, uh," she doesn't stay. She forgets all about Harvey. She just disappears mumbling something about the bathroom. Unclear if she will return. RIP Cydney Cweeney.
Lanlan was a little disappointed when Valrae declined his offer to help her win. She wanted to do it the “right” way, apparently. Obviously the right way was whatever way earned you the victory. If he had to tell her ‘I told you so’ at the end of the night, it would be a small consolation prize. One that he didn’t particularly want. But it was clear why she needed to do it this way. The previous administration, once rumored to have ties to Cenril’s criminal element, was found to -be- Cenril’s criminal element. It seemed rather inevitable, looking back, but it still left many feeling disheartened. Naturally, they should go down in flames. Valrae would want to put as much distance between herself and the heat of those flames as possible. “My goodness,” Lanlan says as he walks into the arena, which is ironically decorated with all the motifs of peace and diplomacy. “She’s even wearing white.” Thus, the portrait of the innocent lamb standing up for the good and honest people of Cenril seemed complete. He smiles approvingly, before getting in line to cast his own vote. Being recently appointed Archmage by the council of the Mage’s Guild, it was natural that a reporter or two might ask who he was voting for. And he was happy to tell them. Loudly. “Do I really have to answer that? Haha! Of course there’s really only one candidate isn’t there? You can vote for Valrae Baines, the one who literally saved this entire city from a curse AND a plague.” He generously left out his integral role. “Or you can vote for…who exactly? Uma or Hudson. Or is there yet someone else behind the scenes? No. With the amount of suffering the people of this city have had to endure these past few years, they need someone who cares about them. Not their coins. I’ll be voting for Valrae.”
Leoxander might as well be attending a funeral. Black on black, and only a long sleeved shirt to conceal the smattering of healing burns, though little could be done about the red mark covering a quarter of his face on his jaw. He’d shaved, but not for this. He’d bathed because he’d been covered in soot and filth a day and a half prior. But approaching the scene at Lita’s side and managing the travel pretty independently, otherwise, he stopped at a distance of the crowd and the entrance, noticing everyone dressed in that ‘lovely, sophisticated evening’ motif. “(censored).” Escaped the pirate’s mouth quietly as he studied the scene for a moment then looked at his barefoot companion. “We might wan’a sneak in…” He suggested low, not really enthusiastic about it due to his debilitating hangover.
Meri heard Khitti’s whispered words, leaning in toward her sister during their moderately hushed interaction. “In these lands? One never knows. It’s always hit or miss. Better safe than sorry.” Meri allowed her blue-eyed gaze to shift from her sister, traversing over all of the various faces that were present. She was trying to ascertain if anyone was here to cause problems for Valrae or not. Briefly her gaze lands on Hudson, except Meri already knew better. The two have spoken on the issue of the election not long ago.
Lanara arrives fashionably late on the arm of a gentleman that is definitely not her husband Tiberius, but one that will make sure she remains safe and hydrated for the duration of this evening. The beta of the Amber Lunation and fill-in date for this occasion, looks rather handsome in a tuxedo with a red rose pinned to his lapel. He turns to Lana and smiles, “Have I told you that you look positively divine?” The witch does look divine and he’s already told her at least a dozen times, but she never grows tired of hearing a compliment! “I don’t believe you have, no? Thank you, Greyson.” She pats his arm and leads him further into the arena so that they may mingle amongst the crowd and find something alcoholic to consume. Lanara is breathtaking in a scarlet, satin, mermaid-style dress that cascades in a timeless fashion to the floor. The strapless sweetheart bodice and the cut out waist add a hint of seduction to the otherwise glamorous look of this formal ensemble. A pair of strappy silver heels decorated with sparkling rhinestones adorn her feet, but they are hidden behind the fabric of the dress and leave a scarlet pool of a train in their wake. Perhaps this color choice is meant to show support to the Red Witch? Lana’s long sleek locks reach her elbows as she enchanted her brush with a warming spell to reduce any frizz in the humidity of Cenril. Make-up has been applied to her face flawlessly and there’s a rumor that she’s a proud spokesperson for the Vinabre Cosmetics line. As for jewelry, the woman is bedazzled in white gold and diamonds, on her neck, ears, and wrists. Every glistening movement draws the eye of those in her nearest proximity to simply forget their words, stop what they're doing, and admire the beautiful brunette.
Alvina is still weighing her options on where to go when a blonde crashes into her and her wine goes flying. Graciously, Alvina starts to gather her cocktail napkin to give to the woman, who is none other than Hudson's date. Alvina's eye twitches, her lips set in a thin line. If looks could kill. The girl looks at her before registering who she was and fleeing. Alvina sighs and pulls another glass of wine off a circulating tray before going to say hello to Uma and try not to make rude comments about the literal child she just spilled wine on. “Uma, hey, you look great.” She calls, waving with her free hand as she approaches the table and leans down to hug her.
Hudson || The appetizers and drinks continue to circulate but a harmonious tone sounds out now and then, indicating the tallying of votes as they are received from the various Cenrili districts. The projected results update after each of these. Most recently, 98% of the polls from the North and East Sides of Cenril, the more affluent parts, are now reporting. Mayor Uma Abelin is now in the lead by far, but the remaining, more populous Cenrili districts remain outstanding, their results barely reported.
Mesdoram , after having some fun with the excited local townspeople who are eagerly awaiting these results, slowly makes his way to the front of the crowd. Now nearby some important people discussing the candidates, he eagerly listens these preppy aristocrats discuss the pro’s and con’s of both Val and Uma. The same ole talks from the ritzy wealthy pedantic and snobbish conversations about how each candidate will be the doom for the city. Trying to be helpful, Mesdoram brandishes a knife and offers the blade to this obnoxious man talking the most smack. “By all means,” the drow starts. “Take them both out with this, and rise up and be the new king. Otherwise… take your girthy mouth somewhere else.” The man, and his surrounding entourage, give Mesdoram a slight “Well! I’ve never!” expression and leave the drow by himself. Feeling he has made his point, he returns his elemental dirk in its sheathe and waits for the official results.
Khitti was nodding to another election goer as Meri gave her own thoughts on the matter at hand, the vaguely strained smile the redhead wore fading into something more her usual style, a pensive frown. She sighed and nodded in agreement with her sister, doing her best to force the frown into more of an emotionless line. Olive-green eyes caught sight of a few familiar faces as Khitti kept watch over the crowd from her seat.
Meri :: It would not take long for Meri to notice Mesdoram and his latest antics. The blonde tempers her reaction. As much as Meri would love to get up and cause some trouble for that drow she loves to hate on, she refrains. She does give Khitti a little nudge, trying to draw her sister's attention to Mesdoram. Surely he was someone they should keep a watchful eye on.
Hudson || Hudson has wandered off to procure a glass of whiskey so Mayor Uma Abelin is alone when Alvina approaches. The Mayor is happy to embrace her old friend. "You look amazing, I wish you were sitting with me," she says, in a sad tone that suggests she'd say more but the occasion didn't ask for it. The announcement of updated results breaks up the conversation anyway, and the Mayor turns to glance in that direction. You’d think the Mayor would be buoyed by these preliminary results, but she appears unaffected. The Chief of the Cenrili Guard has cut in front of Alvina to congratulate Mayor Abelin, perhaps prematurely. “Yes, well, I am humbled by and appreciate everyone’s support," she says, "but we can’t discount the South Side in particular, none of those votes are in."
Lita tugs Leo onwards. "Not a chance. Besides, you really think they'd kick us out after showing face at the bazaar?" She gives him a look but doesn't expect an answer, really. But she's not making a big show of their entrance, steering him towards a back table before grabbing a couple glasses from a passing server. "Here," she says handing him one, "hair of the dog an' all." She amuses herself. She's less worried about the way they're dressed as she spots some woman flit through the scene clutching a cocktail napkin around herself and pretending it's a dress. She catches the girl glancing at Hudson and won't be surprised to learn that was his date. She's surveying the room and those in attendance. Never been much for politics but the players behind the faces on the podium, far more interesting. "Who you got money on in this?" She asks of Leo finally.
Khitti tried her utmost not to completely scowl at Mesdoram’s existence as Meri got her attention to settle on the drow. “If he tries anything again, I swear to Delisha…” Of course, Meri was likely told of the drow’s “antics” at the town hall meeting in Xalious. Khitt had not been happy with the way Mesdoram had conducted himself--and Khitti had been even more irritated about it than he.
Eleanor ; As more familiar faces filtered in or faded into the background, her right hand tightened on the flute of bubbly enough that tiny spidery cracks began to form in the stem, while her left hand experienced a sharp bolt of pain, causing her to flex her fist in agitation. A murderous urge tugged and twisted at the spellrogue, and with an anxious swallow of the remaining champagne, she wove through the crowd of voters, putting as much distance between herself and Mesdoram as possible.
Valrae || Smiles softly at Jaxson, returning his squeeze with a soft one of her own. She’d greeted Khitti and Meri warmly, thanking them for coming in an unusually subdued way. Perhaps telling to those that knew her well enough that she was not quite so calm as her carefully composed surface had suggested. As the bell chimes and the numbers on the stage update she turns her head. If the polls tilting in Uma’s favor bothered Valrae, it wouldn’t show. She continued to enjoy her flute of champagne, only stopping a moment to tilt her head toward Uma’s table as she spoke. It was difficult to pick up over the low noise of the crowd. As the time grows nearer to the official announcement, she leaves her seat at the table. She’d noticed Futsuka in the crowd, the lovely feline who had made a now treasured totem of an owl. The witch leaves the confines of the velvet rope to greet her and offer her a place behind it, gesturing to the security to let her through, before she moves on to greet Lanara as well. Her greeting was warm but short, offering her a place with the rest of the party as well before she was moving on again. There was little time to stop and chat with so many people to greet. When she spots Lanlan she waves him over. “I saved you a seat next to me,” She whispers conspiratorially, pointing towards where they would be sitting, before moving on.
Alvina gives the current Mayor a ‘no u’ smile. “We’ll get together in the aftermath and I’ll sit next to you the whole time.” She promises, not willing to touch the hot stove that is her failed marriage and Hudson’s wine covered date. “I’ll catch up with you later.” She promises, kissing her friend’s cheek. Hopefully this will be over soon. After excusing her, Alvina makes her way to the ballot boxes. She looks up at Lanlan who is making quite a bit of noise with a crinkled nose. At the box, she casts her vote for one Valrae Baines, and considers her civil duty as a former Cenril resident complete. Valrea was surrounded with familiar faces so Alvina decides to bother the witch at a later point.
Lanara snags a glass of wine from a passing waiter and is careful not to spill any on her dress. Not that it would make that much of a mess, as red only bleeds into red, right? The witch and her date admires everyone’s attire and softly gossip about those that didn’t pay attention to the affair being ‘black tie’ as they make their way over to the ballot box. Lanara pauses and eyes the projected vote count and shakes her head, “You know… I’ve always considered both Uma and Valrae to be good friends.” Much like a witch sisterhood. “However, I am marginally closer to…” She doesn’t finish her thought aloud in case eavesdroppers are lurking nearby, but she casts her vote for Valrae Ivy Baines with a smile.
Futsuka had put in her vote. Obviously she was a Val supporter- she used all the right buzzwords after all, but now that it had been cast she didn’t know what to do. She lingers awkwardly, spotting Meri and Khitti and giving them a simple nod before watching the rest of the crowd. Eventually she notices Valrae had offered her a spot behind the rope and excitedly takes it, thanking the Red Witch as she takes her seat. These public events were perhaps not so bad after all.
Jaxson watches as Valrae takes her leave from the table, and simply sits and watches as events unfold.
Alvina catches Lanara and Grayson by the ballot box. She snags the other woman’s forearm and pulls her into a hug, greeting them both warmly. “You look absolutely divine.” She gushes, flatting her hand against Grayson’s lapel to mark him equally handsome. “I think Val’s a bit busy, let’s snag some food and wait it out a little. You can fill me in on what’s new with you. Where’s your hubby?”
Leoxander gave Lita an unpleasant look, brow furrowed as he stumbled very slightly that first step, grumbling before they got into earshot. “Better have’n open bar…” His right hand scratched through his hair that made for a ridiculous first impression, singed a bit as it was in places and no longer so much in his eyes. Wincing against the loud buzz of the crowd in his ears as he moved through after Lita, he gladly took hold of whatever glass she’d handed to him, his squinted eyes trying to see through the aftermorning blur from a binge drinking night. Even his nose was broken, not in a literal sense. Not today. There were just too many scents to search through. “I ain’t about money… for once. Not yet, anyhow…” His focus turned from any suspicious faces in the audience in the general direction where the ‘important people’ seemed to be. Safe to say his version of politics was a lot less civil than all of this.
Hudson has found his glass of whiskey. He wants to greet everyone at Valrae's table - a prolonged glance and awkward wave makes that apparent - but for optics reasons decides not to approach. Mayor Abelin is now being mobbed with well wishers after the most recent results update, so he doesn't return to their table, and in fact ends up encountering his estranged wife on her way back from the polls. "I did not know you'd be here," he is authentically surprised. Really, he would not have invited Cydney Cweeney if he had known. He embraces Alvina in a very careful manner. "You look great," he tells Alvina, and is privately grateful when another one of the Real Housewives of Cenril, some friend of hers that he never liked, swoops in to 'rescue' Alvina by saying hello to her. He excuses himself from the conversation and goes in search of his second in command, Milo, so that he can ask him to discreetly escort Cydney home immediately.
Meri was not one of those people who cared to pay attention to the black tie aspect of it. It did not matter to Meri, it never has. If it did, she would have made an effort to correct the error of her ways long ago. Getting up and mingling was not something Meri was keen on doing, she was comfortable in her spot at Valrae’s table next to Khitti. Since the blonde had already cast her vote, she was just here to show her support and get news on the winner in real time. However, when Futsuka nods to both Meri and Khitti, the blonde responds with a smile, a wink, and a wave. Back to glaring at Mesdoram while she waits for the winner to be announced.
Mesdoram intuitively feels the collection of ‘daggers’ being drilled on him by the townspeople plus the notable people he’s interacted with, mainly Meri, Khitti, and Eleanor – these glares upon the drow more than deserved. Mesdoram had no real dog in this fight and has successfully alienated himself with his reputation. Still, he would do his job and continue to be an agitator until someone stops him. Noticing the collection of some of his favorite people, he ‘sweetly’ waves towards the direction of Meri and Khitti (sweetly? Maybe just sarcastically) before locking eyes with someone in the crowd… face covered by a brownish hood with most of her face concealed. The drow starts making his way to this ‘person,’ perhaps disappearing into the crowd for a few moments as they conversed with one another.
Lanlan finally casts his vote and emerges from the booth to see Valrae. “I’d be surprised if any one of these people voted for the opposition,” he says, suppressing a slightly jealous notion as he noticeably attaches his ‘I Voted’ pin to his coat. “And oh! A seat special for me?” He’s not surprised at all. “Then I’ll see you there.” He walks tall over to their table and sits down at the seat reserved from him beaming with pride, as if his vote must be the one that guarantees the victory. Like his vote counted for a thousand. “They do say that every vote counts don’t they?” He says in general to Jaxson, Khitti, and Meri, as if they were all buddies. Though, even if they weren’t, they were at least frequent allies, and again here today. He was irrationally excited, there wasn’t much he was personally going to gain from Valrae winning, so why did he even care? His broad smile did falter slightly though, when at last he did see how she was standing up to Uma. She was behind. The gap wasn’t impossible to overcome, but it was incomprehensible. “There’s got to be something wrong with these people,” he says with a cynical chuckle. “They’re like cows voting for their own slaughter?”
Lanara gives Valrae a quick hug and whispers “Good luck!” before the nominee breezes by to greet many others that are here to show their support. As Lana turns she sees Alvina casting her ballot and she squeals, “Alvina! You look beautiful, as always!” She pulls the redhead in for a tight hug before leaning back to admire her lovely dress. Greyson smiles at Alvina and gives her a little bow as color rushes to his cheeks. This Goddess of a woman touched his lapel and he looks as though he’s about to faint! Lana walks between her date and her friend as they find a place to sit and nibble some appetizers. “Tiber couldn’t make it. He’s in Schezerade getting some students ready for the upcoming recital. He always waits until the last minute.” She rolls her eyes and piles some food onto a small plate. “I’m wearing your makeup line!”
Iintahquohae is fashionably late. Probably. She and her folks voted already, so she's plonked herself down in the seat that Val reserved for her. Her gown is relatively plain for the event; short sleeved and comprised of tiered, angled panels in various shades of blue, hemmed in crimson. An abstract representation of the city's flag. She sweeps her silver hair, tamed in box braids for the evening, over a shoulder and tries her best not to look glum as that constant phrase of 'he would have enjoyed this' flashes through her mind. A drink might help suppress that. She flags down someone wandering by with flutes of champagne and downs a glass.
Alvina looks up from fussing over Lana to see Hudson and hug him back in a way that suggests caution. “Here to support Val.” She smiles up at him, looking at his suit. He’s wearing a watch she bought him for some birthday she can’t recall. “You look nice too.” Alvina doesn’t have long to think about what else she could say to him before she’s surrounded by her old friends and Hudson’s pushed back to sea. She gives him a final look, the undertone of which isn’t exactly clear, before greeting them all and introducing them to Lanara and Greyson. One of them is VERY interested in Greyson and trying to press her self VERY close against him.
Meri could not bring herself to admit that perhaps sometimes her goals to align with Lanlan's. Blame Meri's lack of love for the drow. It's already bad enough that Lanlan is sitting at the same table that she is. And trying to strike up conversation. But actually admitting maybe sometimes they are allies? Nope. Never. Meri answers Lan's question with a half-nod. Yes. They counted every vote. Sure.
Lanara just wants to nibble on one of those toothpicks with the mozzarella and red peppers, but she accidentally grabs some strange looking meat with a green olive on top if by accident. She’s sandwiched between Greyson and Alvina and this herd of women that are getting a little -too- close. Lana smiles as introductions are made and she considers stabbing the snooty black haired woman with the end of her toothpick. Perhaps in the eye so she can stop looking at her with those rich, judgmental eyes. Alvina is friends with these women?! Poor Greyson is beet red under the color and he abruptly excuses himself to go to the bar. Lana smirks and winks at the flirtatious housewife, “He prefers men.” Greyson would -kill- her if he were to hear that white lie, but he’s well out of earshot and at least the woman can go prowl after someone else. Lana scowls as Hudson hugs Alvina and just wanders off, as if she’s not worthy of an embrace! Dejected, Lana stands beside Alvina and nods and smiles to whatever the group of women are discussing, but her vision wanders around the room. She spies Meri and offers a wave while her next glance lands on Leo and Lita and she offers them a wave, as well. Why are they sitting so far back?!
Lanlan notices Futsuka hanging around their table as well. “The little one from the bazaar! Did you already cast your vote for Valrae?” This was a tandem question. Not only was he going to find out if Futsuka was an enemy, he was going to find out if felines were even allowed to vote.
Khitti was right there with Meri when it came to adhering to formality for the various types of parties. And much like Leoxander, she wasn’t keen on politics either. People like nobility and socialites were the very type that wanted to burn her back home for having magic, those very same people holding all the power as they were wont to do. It gave her no real pleasure to be up at that table, but she very much wanted to support the person that had offered to teach her the basics on being a witch, the redhead having taken up the same title for herself recently. A wave was returned to Futsuka and a smirk given to Lanlan, and then Khitti was keen to wait for the polls to close and the winner to be announced.
Valrae ||As the time grows nearer to the official announcement, she takes her seat at the red table. Someone had made a plate for her. The witch picked apart the hors devours without really bringing any to her lips. She leans over and whispers something to Jaxson.
Valrae whispered something to Jaxson.
Leoxander tossed back whatever Lita had procured before a passing server would lose a full glass, gain an empty on their tray. Whether or not it was free to everyone, it still wouldn’t be noticed until minutes later. Tilting it back, he spotted Lanara’s wave over the cut rim and the crowd before he finished off those shots worth of whiskey, too. No wave back, but he slightly raised the vessel in his hand before setting it down on some convenient surface.
Alvina mouths an apology to Lana and tries to herd the women back towards the bar where they belong. Greyson excuses himself and Alvina almost chokes on her wine. "You look so stunning, you don't even need it, but don't tell anyone I said so." A delayed response to Lanara's comment about wearing Vinabre makeup. "I'm going to herd these cats elsewhere. I'll find you in a bit." She blows a kiss to the air in Lanara's direction and shoves the woman trying to follow Greyson in the opposite direction.
Futsuka raises a brow at Lanlan. “Did you just call me ‘little’?”
Lita offers a wave hello to Lanara and Meri in turn. Personally, she's not much a fan of larger social gatherings, but she's trying. However, the bazaar had been a bit simpler a thing to navigate with the pirate in rare form. Not so much for the likes of today and she's pretty sure if she leaves him unattended, there's a chance he'd end up accosting a server for a tray of champagne and some of those hors d'oeuvres being passed around. And then it would just be a whole thing. Besides that, everyone looks so fancy in their outfits and she'd hate to ruin the aesthetic before this big announcement took place.
Hudson || The harmonious tone sounds again, and the projected results tally anew. The West and South Sides of Cenril are now 75% in, and have gone hard for Valrae Baines, and tipped the race in her favor. It is unlikely that the remaining 25% of these districts would favor Mayor Abelin enough to make up the disparity, and a hush steals through the room. Mayor Abelin excuses herself from conversation with her table and rises to her feet, her pantsuit somehow still creaseless, and makes her way to the blue side of the room, to Valrae Ivy Baines. She embraces the other woman as she stands to greet her. It’s done warmly. They’ve known one another for a long time, after all. The crowd watches as Mayor Uma Abelin then shakes Valrae’s hand, lip readers spelling out the word ‘Congratulations’ on her lips.
Lita whispered something to Leoxander.
Valrae stands to greet Uma and holds on to the other woman tightly for a heartbeat. Her face was a mask of surprise as something like sorrow crossed her features. Only Uma would have been close enough to see its shadow in her eyes as the two women shake hands. “Thank you,” She replies, her stomach dropping as the room erupts around them. There was music from the band. A shower of orbed light dropped down over the arena, bouncing like balloons before they winked out. The security that had been hanging back moved closer to the velvet rope, ushering back the more excitable citizens and press as they crowded close and waited for Uma and Valrae to take the stage. The witch felt as if she were watching this from outside of herself. The weight of reality closed in around her, almost suffocating. The culmination of all of her work, all of her scheming and plans. All of Hudson’s connections. And there was guilt. The rising question of her validity as the people’s choice. Still, she painted a smile on her red lips that showed most of her teeth as she waited on the steps of the dais for Uma to speak.
Jaxson smirks as Valrae jokes with him, and leans back in as he replies with...
Hudson || The music recedes and the hush again falls like a shadow over the arena as Mayor Uma Abelin, fresh off of congratulating Valrae, makes her way to the podium, her face set in a gracious smile. Her voice is amplified through magical means for all to hear. “Good evening, Cenril,” she says. “I am honored and humbled to have served as your Mayor these last few years. I thank you all for your support. I have just spoken with Valrae Baines and congratulated her on winning this election to be your next Mayor.” A voice cuts through: “Mafia scum!” but she persists, “Valrae ran an excellent campaign, and I know her personally as we served together in the battle against Kahran.” She pauses here. “Valrae is brave. Valrae is Cenril. She grew up here. I have not always had all of your support, but I have tried to be Mayor for each and every one of you. I know Valrae will do the same.” She lifts her chin. “Please welcome your next Mayor, Valrae Baines.”
Jaxson whispered something to Valrae.
Meri has enough time to offer a wave to both Lanara and Lita....and then the results are in. Valrae Baines is announces the winner. This prompts Meri to stand up so that she can applaud and cheer loudly. That is what she is supposed to do, right? "SPEECH!" She demands of Valrae.
Alvina leaves the group of housewives at the bar, ordering shots. They ignore the results but Alvina turns back to the front to clap loudly in support. She catches sight of so many people she wants to approach but it feels impossible. "You did it." She says to no one, looking at Valrae with the rest of the cheering crowd. .
Futsuka claps almost fanatically. They won? This was so exciting!
Lanara smiles at Alvina when she offers to lure the women elsewhere and return in a bit. “Take your time.” She’s in a rush to get back to the table and snag some more snacks. Greyson is still at the bar, so that means all the appetizers are hers for the taking! The votes update and Lana glances at the scoreboard and her painted lips curve into a silken smile. Valrae won the election!
Khitti stood when Meri did to join in with the clapping and cheering. She resisted the urge to start chanting ‘Red Witch’ like some college person at a frat party.
Mesdoram smirks as the announcement of Val’s victory is proclaimed through an excited crowd – he does not sneer at Val, but instead the imbecile that was all bark a few moments ago. Eager to see word met with action, Mesdoram slowly weaves through the crowd to find his friend from earlier to have a ‘talk’ with him. His intention with the man remains a mystery at this point.
Iintahquohae joins in on the eruption of applause and cheering for Valrae. It felt good to shout about just about anything really. Thankfully it's good news. Grand news. She joins in on Meri's exclamation of a speech as well. “C'MON VAL!”
Leoxander just watched the ‘ceremony’ conclude with a predicted result. Despite that he wasn’t against the Red Witch doing work for the people and all that, he shook his head at the fanfare to follow and decided there wasn’t enough free whiskey that could exist for this type of gathering. “You’d think it was someone’s nameday.” He couldn’t whisper back to Lita through the noise but leaned in close enough he didn’t have to scream at her shoulder, either. “We don’t gotta stick aroun’. Jus' wanted to make sure.”
Valrae couldn’t help the laughing blush that sprang to her cheeks as her friends cheered and Meri and Iintahquohae called for a speech. As the crowd hushes she watches as Uma speaks. Nerves danced like butterflies in her stomach. She could feel the palms of her hands sweating. This energy melted away as someone from the crowd called out to Uma and anger flashed hot and bright in her chest. Most of the crowd continued to focus on Uma as she spoke, as did Valrae as she turned to face the other woman. Her throat felt thick with emotion as she spoke kindly. That shadow of guilt heavy grief crossed her again. And then it was her turn to take the stage. Time slowed. For a moment, it stood still. Valrae walked carefully across the stage and took her place behind the podium. Her hands were hot against the cool glass. Her heart was pounding in her ears as she looked out at all of the faces that had gathered. Some friendly, some not. When the crowd hushes again she speaks. “I would like to start by thanking Uma. For her kind words, her friendship, and for the leadership and dedication shown to our home. While we may not have always agreed, I know that she did everything in her power to serve Cenril well.” Her voice rang out clear and even, despite the trembling in her soul. “And I hope to do the same. It’s an honor in which words fail to express to be elected as Mayor.” The witch waits for a heartbeat before continuing. “I’d also like to thank all of you. My friends, my donors, my coven, the volunteers, the citizens who went out and made their voices heard tonight no matter who they voted for.” Her eyes find Hudson then as the bitterness of lies coats her tongue.
Valrae looks back out to the crowd as she continues, “The strength of this republic is its tenacity. It is our stubborn perseverance in the face of adversity. It is our willingness to work. It is our blood and sweat and our tears. We showed that strength on the night of Kahran’s attack.” Another tasteful pause. “The heart of this republic is our diversity. It is our acceptance, our willingness to set aside differences and come together to create something beautiful and lasting. We showed that heart by coming together to support those who are still suffering from the Pauper’s Plague. For those who know me, they know my passion for Cenril and its people. They know my dedication to fairness, transparency, and equality. I look forward to serving you and preserving the spirit of our community. Together, I believe we will lead this city into a new era of peace and prosperity. Thank you.”
Jaxson joins others in the standing ovation for the new Mayor of Cenril, knowing what a tremendous moment it is for the woman. She did it, and she did it her way. What a woman! A very proud partner, the man claps with true enthusiasm and would only stop towards the end. Cenril was in great hands.
Hudson is by the back of the arena when Uma's concession speech takes place. This was the expected outcome, and one he'd collaborated with Val on, not that anyone would know that. Hopefully ever. Even so, the voters' rejection of Uma rends him, because it is in truth a rejection of him. It's easy to cry mafia politics, but the truth is muddier than that - it's that Hudson too loves Cenril, and he and Uma had tried. Sometimes change is what the people need, though. He waits for Valrae to climb to the dais before heading to the exit and seeing himself out.
Lanara lowers her plate that’s piled high with mozzarella and red peppers, and she applauds when Uma announces Valrae as the new mayor of Cenril. Tears sting her eyes because it’s not every day that you see a witch rising to power and this particular witch has always held a special place in her heart. After all, Lana did possess one of the six skulls that brought her back to life! “Way to go, Val!” Whistles and claps fill the arena but die down when the blonde stands up on the dais and gives her speech. There isn’t a dry eye in the house, Lana’s sure, as she dabs at her eyes with a napkin. Good thing Vinabre Cosmetics makes waterproof mascara.
Meri stops her hollering when Valrae moves to make that speech that Meri was just demanding. Her silence is only temporary though, for once the witch is done speaking Meri is back to cheering at Valrae's victory. It was a tough election, but Meri was glad to see that the torch was passed from one witch to the other. For Meri's part in the celebration, she offered nothing but cheer, excitement, enthusiasm, happiness and smiles. Honestly, if there was to be a leader outside of Uma, Valrae was the only candidate that Meri deemed fitting enough for the position. It helped that she knew that Hudson gave his blessing in this matter too.
Lita is clapping along with the crowd at the announcement of Valrae's victory. So Cenril had a new mayor. She glances sideways at Leo but doesn't ask the question she wants to. Make sure, was there so much doubt of it? Seemed there'd been more negativity surrounding Cenril in past years, it was heading this direction inevitably. "We should say hi to Mer. I didn't get to really at the bazaar. Woman's always so busy." She stands, tugging Leo to his feet if he'd allow it, so they can drift through the crowd in the direction of the fellow artist.
Iintahquohae had a gift for Valrae and debated on giving it to her before the event started or some time after. Given that she was late, after the Red Witch's speech seemed most appropriate. A congratulatory gift. Like all dresses the seamstress made, this gown had some spectacularly deep and wide pockets, from which she retrieves a long, thin box, held closed with a metal clasp. Housed within the box, nestled within a cushion of red velvet, is a wand, carved with a swirl of driftwood collected from Cenril's coastline and wood harvested from the silver forest in Venturil. Its handle is tipped on its end with a polished and faceted garnet, and the initials V.B. are carved in very tiny, elegant script right at the base of its handle as well. She waits for an appropriate moment after Valrae's victory speech concludes to hurry over and present the gift to her. “Congrats, Val.”
Leoxander wasn't emotional. He was hung over. And the red on his face definitely wasn't Vinabre blush.
Alvina watches Uma with a heavy heart. She knew Uma only wanted the best for Cenril. Maybe now the former Mayor could find some peace and quiet with her son. Valrae takes the stand and gives a touching speech that makes Alvina's heart swell with Cenrilian pride.
Hudson || Uma Abelin finds that even though the loss stings, there's beauty in it. Valrae was a Cenril hero. The Red Witch represented so much, and this election in truth meant a more liberal Cenril, which gladdened Uma in secret. She had never wanted this job. Had never wanted to do the things that she had done. She glances around for Hudson, and is relieved that he is gone. She joins the crowd in giving Valrae a standing ovation for her speech.
Leoxander scanned the crowd for Meri, but that red and black attire might as well be a bullseye. “Better catch’er before she pulls her disappearin’ act.” A motion for Lita to lead the way, falling into the position of watching her back as she pretended to be social.
Mesdoram arrives behind the man that voiced displeasure towards both candidates: listening to this blabber mouth continuing to try and impress his pathetic friends and wealthy aristocrats with tales of ‘neither one of these choices were going to change anything’. One of his friends notices Mesdoram approaching and quickly urges the man to hush… but to no avail. “We can’t settle on the lesser of 2 evils! This city can do so much better than… “ and before the man can finish his thought, Mesdoram had began whispering into this dolt’s ear death threats. “There is always a 3rd option, you twit… my knife into your back to silence your tongue forever…” The frighten man lets out a very audible shriek and his fellow entourage match his volume level with panic-induced screams. All of them run as the boisterous drow shouts to them fleeing. “Run, cowards!” Though Mesdoram has the interaction towards the back of the crowds, there was enough commotion that anyone gazing out to the sea of people would notice the drow’s doing. With these citizens out of the way, Mesdoram turns back to the front where celebrations of Val’s victory were still ringing proudly throughout the arena.
Valrae exits the stage and reenters the crowd of her friends and well wishers. Iintahquohae finds her first and the witch pulls her into a tight hug. “It’s so good to see you!” She says, riding a rush of adrenaline and nerves. When she opens the gift tears well in her eyes. “Oh, Inks!” She exclaims, pulling her into another tight squeeze. “This is amazing. You shouldn’t have but I’m so glad you did. I love it!” She spots Alvina and offers her a wide, happy smile. She wasn't in earshot to hear the man Mesdorma was threatening but might have loved to witness it.
Lita loops an arm around Meri's waist in a loose hug as she approaches the woman's table. "Don't want interrupt all the parading," she's saying above the noise some, glancing at Valrae who's making her way into the crowd for congratulations and greetings. "Just wanted to say hi. Didn't get to last time."
Alvina waves back to Valrae with a thumbs up and big smile. She was going to do so much good here!
Jaxson knows Valrae has a few things to wrap up, so he lets her know he is going to nab some victory snakes of some favorite street vendor food as she goes about her victory laps with handshakes and hugs. What a great day for Cenril!
Khitti || When Valrae returned to her supporters after that lovely speech, Khitti stood at the back of the crowd, keeping an eye on things. If the Red Witch happened to look her way for a moment, she’d offer her a mouthed ‘congrats’ with a faint smile, but allow the rest of her friends to congratulate her with hugs and the like. She was truly happy for her friend, but there were too many people trying to crowd around her at the moment.
Futsuka tilts her head to get a better view of Lita as she approaches Meri, giving her a simple nod in greeting as she had the other people she recognized.
Lita will lift a hand to wave at Futsuka, though the name is still unknown she recognizes her from the bazaar and having made the gorgeous little animal figurines.
Hudson || Mayor Uma Abelin stays for some time to shake hands and make small talk but it's clear that the party will go into wind-down now. After an appropriate amount of mingling, she finds her security detail, whom she will soon bid adieu to, and heads out, to go home, and make dinner for her son.
Iintahquohae gives Val not one, but two tight hugs right back. “How could I not? It's your special day!” And many more special days to come, she expects. For Cenril as a whole. This witch is the light the city needed. “You ever need -anything-, you know where to find me.” Big gatherings like this were typically the seamstress's scene, but somebody had to get back to working. That somebody being her. After giving Val a third hug, she slips back into the crowd, then out into the city to head back to the shop.
Meri :: There was a lot of clammer in the crowd but one very audible screech can be heard over the commentary. Or at least, the lycan is able to discern this noise amongst all of the chatter. It is enough to pull Meri's gaze back to Mesdoram. The blonde presses her lips together, half considering her options, half wishing that she could just enjoy the moment. It's while Meri was grappling with this decision that Lita approaches, presumably with Leo. The blonde greets them both with a smile, though it is distracted as her attention keeps swiveling back to Mesdoram. "Hi Dove. You're never an interruption." If Lita was, Meri would not have secured her a permanent invite to the treehouse. "How are you both doing?" A glance to Leo.
Lanlan clasps his hands together in pure joy and rises to his feet. Ultimately he’s speechless (except to shush people) as he watches Uma concede, and even as Valrae takes the podium. Lanlan wasn’t actually present enough in Cenrilto know much about Hudson or Uma. He especially didn’t know the truth. He wished he knew the secret to her creaseless pants. But this seemed to be what Should happen. It was right, when so much lately had seemed indescribably wrong. That notion seemed to possess many of the people present here. A kind of hopeful hysteria. Despite his earnest heart full of pride for his friend, a venomous gland within him whispered envy; that she could do all this honestly. When she exits the stage, he still finds himself speechless. He gestures his hands enthusiastically toward her, hoping that something would come out of his mouth in time. It nearly does! “...! You did it!” And then. “Congratulations Mayor Baines!”
Futsuka never remembers anybody's name anyway even when they do remember to exchange them, but she still offers a smile and wave in return to her. When the time came to track Lita down for that tattoo she was confident in her abilities to do so. No need to worry about it now.
Meri would also happily point Futsuka in the right direction of Lita, if need be.
Lita glances back to Leo and then to Meri as she offers a soft smile. "Figured we'd come out an' class the place up a bit." She's teasing, obviously.
Leoxander turned his head toward the commotion briefly, but a scream in a crowd wasn’t enough to draw enough curiosity or any more suspicion than usually, almost naturally showed in his eyes. Trailing at a short distance behind Lita in Meri’s direction, his gaze then shifted across Lady Mayor and her warlock warrior, trying not to get annoyed each time he bumped into someone, though it was likely his fault to begin with. Didn’t any of these suits and dresses have pockets? A handbag might have conveniently come unclasped for an unsuspecting lady that lost her coin purse. A delicate chain slipped from the wrist of another. And who would suspect a missing jewel set cufflink until that coat came off at the end of the celebration? Slowing to a stop with hands casually in pockets, he raised his half burnt jaw with a days worth of stubble growing in a bit awkwardly, due to the welt. His usual substitute for a wave, to Meri. “Better’n the other day, right?. Nice suit.” He gave a look down and up the she-wolf’s corset clad form. So sue him. They had politicians there, lawyers were bound to show up any day, now.
Valrae says her goodbyes to Inks and Jaxson. She shakes many hands and offers more hugs before finally arriving at Lanlan. She laughs as he calls her Mayor, pulling him into a quick hug that surprised herself. “Thank you,” She says sweetly, before looking toward Khitti and Meri. “What did you think of the speech?” She whispers, looking sheepish. “I rewrote it at least six times.” She smiles at Leo as he nears. “You made it!”
Lanara knows she should go and mingle with her friends in the crowd and make it a point to say hello to Uma, but the woman exits the room as soon as she finishes cleaning her hands and mouth. Lana went a little overkill on the cheese balls and she can’t even imagine the dairy nightmare she will have later on as her stomach is already grumbling. Greyson -finally- returns from the bar and looks a little buzzed but he should still be able to walk her home. “Ready to go? Let’s say goodbye to Alvina and congratulate Val and then we can head out.” She rests her hand in the crook of his arm and they first approach the engineer and each give her a parting hug, before they catch up with the new mayor. “Congratulations, Valrae! I’m so proud of you!” Greyson stands there smiling because he knows very little of politics and the blonde is a stranger. Lana lowers her voice, “If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate.” She then tugs Greyson in the direction of the exit and they make their way back home.
Valrae thanks Lanara and offers her a tight hug. “You too,” She says in parting. “Don’t be a stranger!”
Meri smirks at Lita's commentary. "Looks like you got some competition when it comes to trying to class the place up." The blonde looks pointedly toward Mesdoram. It was a joke though, Meri thought the world of Lita. As for Leo? Well he was alright. "Definitely better than the other night." Valrae joins the little group chat and another smile is cast toward the recently elected Mayor, offering her a few final words of encouragement. "Your speech was great!" While the blonde was content to mingle for now, her gaze does shift up to the sky to gauge the time. At some point, she would pull that disappearing act so that she could go home to her husband and kid. Look, she liked their company. Sue her.
Meri offers Lanara a wave goodbye when it seems like they are about to depart.
Lanara said to Meri, "Have a good night!"
Alvina hugs Lanara goodbye before jumping in the line to hug Valrae with a whispered congratulations and a light hand squeeze before she fades back into the crowd to let the witch enjoy her well earned victory.
Lanlan gets hugged before he even has a chance to dodge it, but instead of recoiling, he returns the embrace. Luckily, she moves on to her other friends, giving him a moment to question his instincts.
Mesdoram , having been isolated by himself in the back during the victory laps, decides he wants to participate in Val’s celebrations. Mesdoram sincerely yells out “Congratulation, Cenril! You are in better hands that your last fool you elected!” Before Mesdoram is even able to shout another praise for Val, the man he has been interacting with tackles him from behind and pile drives him into the ground – through his arrogance or confidence, Mesodram had lost track of the blubbering oaf. With the drow’s face planted in the ground, the enraged Cenrilian man shouts. “A knife in my back, eh? Let’s see how it suits you, drow scum!” However, sadly for this fool, Mesdoram maneuvers his hand to wear his right elemental blade rests on his belt, and vigorously shoves the sharpen metal into the man’s pelvis. This pain jolts the man off Mesdoram, causing him to writhe side to side in pain while screaming in agony for help. Getting himself up to his feet with his blade in hand, Mesdoram shakes his head at the pathetic man. “Maybe the mayor you didn’t vote for can save you, you idiot.” Several people had gathered around the fallen man and Mesdoram as the throng of citizens became denser to see what all the fuss is about…
Khitti smirked and nodded to Valrae, “Yes! It was great!” She’d offer another bout of congrats to the witch before heading off for home. And on the way, she’d sneakily tap her sister on the shoulder before disappearing into the rest of the election crowd. You know, the whole tap the shoulder and walk in the opposite direction trick.
Lita follows Meri's indication of Mesdoram with a look of feigned offense, followed by narrowed eyes and an I-can-take-him smirk and short laugh. The new mayor is joining them and Lita is glancing back at Leo again, trying to determine how many drinks he's got left before they'll cross the line between him being able to walk a crooked line back home and her having to carry him. She needed to talk to Lora about this babysitting role she'd been voted into.
Leoxander just glanced about at all the hugging looking just a smidge uncomfortable there, hands still pocketed. He wasn't going to ditch Lita, but -... yeah, he probably was.
Meri had intended to linger, loiter, and socialize a bit but Mesdoram is making himself hard to ignore. Possibly because Meri has no real love for him. There is a pause of consideration then after a moment opts to leave the table she has been at for the duration of the event. Moments later, one tall blonde is standing behind Mesdoram. "Well at least you managed to contain yourself until the end. Should I escort you out of the city? Or can you show yourself out?"
Lita knows where Leoxander lives... and works... and all the flammable things he holds dear...
Leoxander became very still all of a sudden, some of the crowd departed to leave it easier to pick up traces of who was there by using more than his eyes. A hand slid from pocket to be ready to grasp the knife at his back, concealed by a shirt that wasn’t tucked in, or formal in the least. Interrupting Lita’s socializing with a slight nudge, he murmured. “I’m’a prolly take off, soon.” He wasn’t really in any condition for a fight, and something was triggering the hair on the back of his neck to stand on end. If Valrae was in range, blue eyes fixed in her direction with a hoarse comment, his voice not entirely recovered from the night in the arena. Extra gravel on the side. “So we s’posed to bow or what?” Teasing, as best as he could with a sense of humor muddled by a painful hangover.
Lita tosses Leo a look as Meri slips away from the table. "You ready to head out?" She lofts a brow and glances at his pockets, wouldn't be a proper event without a touch of mischief out of him, would it.
Mesdoram , who had been in an offense stance just begging for one of these overzealous men to try something, hears the familiar voice of Meri from behind his right shoulder. Feeling a bit confident, he turns to the blonde Meri and says. "That depends - do you also want me to escort this man who was plotting to kill either mayor elect? Or should I just kill him now before I leave?" He smirks a bit at Meri anticipating an answer.
Lita said to Leoxander, "Good, you're my excuse to cut out."
Lanlan begins to get suspicious when he sees Meri offer Mesdoram a personal escort out of the city. How much did Meri hate drow really?
Meri offers little more than a shrug. She would be happy to show both men out of the area on her way out, it mattered little to her. The blonde shifts her gaze between Mesdoram, the man he is fighting with, and the general direction of the exit. "Toodaloo, both of you."
Leoxander retorted low to Lita. "I'm a lil' surprised they didn' throw us out yet."
Valrae says her goodbyes to the friends that were leaving. To Meri, she offers one last hug before saying, “Thank you though. And thank you for being here. It meant everything.” Her brow quirks at the exchange between the blonde and Mesdoram. Someone plotting to kill her? Already? That didn’t take very long. Her guardsmen had also been listening. One of them grabs Valrae by the arm abruptly and begins to pull her away while several others, dressed in black finery and armed with swords, swoop in and surround the drow and the men he’d been speaking with. The witch is ushered away quickly and separated from the crowd as the guards begin to loudly demand the men leave. Including Mesdoram.
Meri gives Leoxander a look like 'oh you're next.' It was an empty threat, though.
Leoxander had looked around to study the white haired cat ears when he overheard Mesdoram's comment, and the rapid movement of the guards and the removal of Valrae for the scene. “That’s our cue, Ace.” He didn’t want to spend the day in a jail cell, the way he was feeling.
Lita shrugs at Leo, nudging him towards the door amidst all the other commotion. She snags an unopened bottle of champagne on the way. "I'm not. You're gettin' timid with age. Makin' friends in high places and what not." She won't mention how similar he is to Hudson, she's realizing. Different city, different people. Woof. "Besides, I make everything look good." Any excuse to toot her own horn and she leans sideways to nudge her shoulder against him affectionately as they take their leave.
Mesdoram laughs at Meri's cold indifference. "Fine by me, but do return this to me when you come to my play please, my friend." With that said, Mesdoram takes a dagger tipped in a bit of poison and hurls it immediately at the fallen man. Secured in the man's chest just left of his heart, the dagger plunges into the man's body and begins convulsing almost immediately. As he sees his work is done, Mesdoram whispers some parting words to Meri before heading to the exit.
Mesdoram whispered something to Meri.
Meri snorts indignantly at whatever Mesdoram whispers to her and then she takes her leave herself, after of course waving goodbye to those she knows. There were quite a few left still. Futsuka. Lita. Leo. You know who she still ignores though? LANLAN.
Futsuka said to Valrae, "I just wanted to tell you that if you ever need anything at all- my will is to help the people and the people of Cenril are my family. I will aid you in any way I am able."
Leoxander grimaced as he was ‘nudged’ by a vampire eager to leave the scene. “Take it easy, lady. I’m in bloody recovery.” He complied to turn around and head out of the arena, though, somehow matching her pace thanks to a few shots of whiskey.
Lanlan knows better than to follow Valrae at this point, her guards would probably love to mistake him as an assassin. And then he would have to make them regret it and it would create this whole scandal…It just wasn’t worth it. Instead he calls out to her. “Ah! Your first murder threat. NOW it’s official, you’re the mayor of Cenril.” A circle forms around the poisoned and stabbed guy as Mesdoram makes his exit. With a tired sigh, Lanlan calls out, “Someone please help this man.” He pulls out the dagger and examines it. “He needs a…” Dam. Could Lanlan even translate the antidote in a way that would make sense to these humans? “A potion of sweet water?”
Lanlan said, "Hey wasn't that the same heckler at my town hall?"
Futsuka said to Lanlan, "By the divine light of Kafzhash do you ever stop talking?"
Lanlan said to Futsuka, "This man needs HELP."
Futsuka gasps. "There has been a murder!" She approaches the commotion. "I am trained in healing!"
Lanlan probably shouldn't have taken the dagger out, it was stemming the blood flow. "Hmmm. I'm not sure how much help I can be. I'm not trained in healing." But he does his best anyway, and drops a handkerchief, which flutters down gently onto the man's bleeding chest.
Futsuka shoves everyone out of the way and drops to her knees next to the bleeding man, a hand held over his wound as the feline whispers a soft prayer to the spirits of mercy and healing. A soft, golden glow emanates from her palm and the bleeding stops and the wound is stabilized. “Did you say poison?” She asks Lanlan sternly, red eyes flickering up to gaze at him.
Lanlan examines the dagger once again, just to be sure. As if seeing the man convulse nearly on contact with the dagger, and the fact that a drow through it, there's the telltale sign of a bad mixture, oil and a water-based fluid (blood), that clues Lanlan into the nature. "Yes like I said before you berated me, a potion of sweetwater (or whatever you call it in this humdrum language), will cure him."
Futsuka looks at Lanlan like he’s speaking a different language. “...And do you have this water?” She asks expectantly.
Lanlan said to Futsuka, "I told you I'm not a healer. Just...keep doing that. It looks like it's working."
Lanlan :: Somebody must've heard Lanlan earlier and ran out to the local apothecary. "They didn't have anything called "sweetwater" but they had several concoctions made to counteract common drow poisons." Lanlan points to a cloudy bottle of translucent blue liquid, it does look something like water mixed with a high quantity of sugar.
Futsuka huffs impatiently as she refocuses on the poisoned man, her other hand raising up next to her outstretched palm. A new prayer begins, one to the forces of nature and the powers they commanded, holy energies washing over the man as Futsuka neutralizes the poison. Sweat forming on her brow, Futsuka ends her prayer and looks up at the crowd. “He needs rest but he will survive.” She informs them.
Futsuka said to Lanlan, "Sounds like bad juju to me..."
Lanlan grabs Futsuka's hand and raises it up. "We did it! We saved him!"
Lanlan :: A human reporter, still on the scene from the election, approaches the pair to ask about what happens. "And what is your name, for the record?" The woman who asks Futsuka her name is made up tastefully, and wearing a gray pantsuit. She's young, this type of piece could be the one that separates her from the more established papers/reporters.
Futsuka seems a little uncomfortable when Lanlan grabs her hand but she accepts his praise anyway. "...It was nothing. You can thank me by making sure this man finds his family." She pulls her hand down. "Alright?" Futsuka blushes at the reporter woman when she asks for her name, suddenly very self-conscious about this whole situation. “I am Futsuka of the Swiftclaw Tribe.” She says hesitantly to the human.
Lanlan is happy to watch Futsuka fumble before the humble reporter, even if she seems to be ignoring him. She obviously already knows who he is. “And how did you save his life? The people will want to know! This is a great thing you did.” Already, people who know the nearly dead man are coming together to bring him home.
Futsuka is sweating bullets, “I uh…” Eventually she breaks out in her native Xaloius feline tongue, pretending she doesn’t speak common anymore. She slowly tries to back away and disengage with this woman.
Lanlan is all too happy to take over for her. "Well! It was I who recognized that the poor human had been poisoned. Obviously a critical piece of information that then allowed the young lady here to magically concoct a healing panacea...just with her hands! And then administer it." Lanlan puts his hands on his hips. "There you have it. Magic saves another life. This is the very thing we need to teach more of at the Mage's Guild, and it's also why I'll be inviting Futsuka to join me where she can master her skills. For the betterment of all people."
Futsuka gives Lanlan a look of disgust. She'll remember this.