meadowlarklogs | EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

Entry tags:

EVENT | the outer worlds foundation charity weekend

WHO: Everyone
WHERE: New Amsterdam
WHEN: March 13-14
WHAT: A charity event
NOTES OR WARNINGS: Please see the OOC Planning Post for further details!

> THE FOUNDATION GALA & SILENT AUCTION

In early February, invitations begin to be dispersed to power players in various industries across New Amsterdam and other global megacities. From famous artistes (one of whom sadly never confirms his appearance) to CoolTalk influencers, banking moguls and scientific pioneers, anyone who is anyone receives a personalized, couriered invitation to a very exclusive event — a silent auction, co-hosted by Joseph Lynch and the New Amsterdam Events Committee, with all proceeds benefiting the newly minted Outer Worlds Foundation. Established after the first gubernatorial debate by Lynch and his campaign, the Trust aims to honor those whose sacrifices have paved the way for humanity's exploration of space by funding environmentally-savvy research initiatives and providing support to organizations devoted to providing a better quality of life for all those who work and live on the colonies.

Of course, even charities are rarely all that they seem. Political journalists and bloggers have long speculated that Lynch plans to capitalize on the social unrest stemming from the recent Mars colony uprisings, and with frontrunner Katelin Jovavich's recent debate missteps on this topic, the rumor mill has been hard at work pointing out just how timely a charitable trust like this one must be. Positioning himself as a champion of the underappreciated (read: exploited) citizens sent out to toil for the advancement of the elite is a savvy political move, and one that proves difficult to dismiss in the polls.

With such a politically-charged opportunity and the promise of plenty of media coverage, the event itself becomes a must-do on the social agenda of many of New Amsterdam's most recognizable names. Elin Zepatka and her philanthropic organizations are quick to lend their credo to the event, along with a selection of art pieces from her personal collection. (Rumor has it they're being donated to avoid having to catalogue their worth in her upcoming divorce.) Also on the guest list? Beyond host and gubernatorial candidate Joseph Lynch, his opposition Simone Durcell will be making an appearance. (Jovavich, notably, is not.) Employees from Ibis and Caudata Tech will also be on hand, the latter especially as a subsidiary under Durcell's management, despite corporate boards still throwing in with the front-runner. Most interestingly, however, is the fleeting promise of spotting reclusive Matek Kattan. The Displaced may remember this name from the recent Lunar New Year celebrations, when Pulsar subsidiary Tempo's newest VP of Marketing pitched in to run community meal programs. Clearly, charity outreach is just another ball this mystery man is capable of juggling.

The auction itself remains as exclusive as the invitations. With the large number of VIP attendees and the stressful year New Amsterdam has had, security remains a high priority throughout. Those without an invitation will find it difficult, if not impossible, to "sneak" their way in. However, with the influx of notoriously particular VIP attendees, the expectations also remain high. To meet them, companies involved in the auction begin to take on temporary workers, offering short-term job opportunities in everything from catering to janitorial work to even checking coats and bussing empty glasses. For those that are willing to undergo background checks and sign non-disclosure contracts, this is a lucrative opportunity to make high hourly rates — and potentially get their foot in the door for long-term employment if they impress the right person!

Of course, it wouldn't be a New Amsterdam event if the Displaced weren't given a particularly special way to participate. As a last-minute addition to the program, Caroline has worked with the New Amsterdam Events Committee to allow urban explorers and treasure hunters to submit rare, previously unseen artifacts from various areas of the globe up for auction. Members of the Displaced who have brought back items and artifacts from their voluntary (or involuntary) treks around the world may want to take this opportunity to make a few credits — or make a name for themselves as charitable members of the community, which may just earn them attention considered far more valuable than a few credits to their name. To sweeten the deal, each member of the Displaced that opts to present an item for sale at the auction will be provided an invitation for themselves and a plus-one of their choice.

> THE WHITE DAY AUCTION

As media coverage begins to speculate on the who's who on the guest list (and what they might donate for the cause), another event is organized to follow shortly after. Not satisfied with extending the olive branch of charitable goodwill to the upper echelons, Caroline and the NAEC begin to draft up an opportunity for all those affected by the recent crises in New Amsterdam and abroad to give back to their community, taking advantage of the upcoming White Day holiday to promote a special, seasonally-appropriate opportunity for giving (and getting) back.

The White Day Auction, as it's formally billed, isn't a new concept. Matchmaking parties and speed dating events have long been part of the New Amsterdam social scene, and while they typically are held in the weeks prior to Valentine's Day, the upcoming pressure to "give triple" (still referred to as sanbai in New Tokyo) means finding a suitable gift is still high on the to-do list for many of the city's population. For those that don't have a significant other... advertising alone would make it clear that securing a potential plus one for any auction winnings should be top priority.

To entice attendance, the event just so happens to be in a rather exclusive location — a mansion in the more upscale area of town, typically reserved for events like the recent masquerade ball to kick off Carnivale season. It's the perfect backdrop for CoolTalk selfies, making the first move on a certain someone, or impressing your date with your nouveau riche ensemble.

To ensure all are welcome and able to attend, admission is reasonably priced, and while attendees are encouraged to dress to suit the theme, there are no masks or other requirements to attend the event.

◉ In the east wing of the mansion, those with money to burn can explore the well-advertised Sanbai Selection. Here, potential purchasers can peruse a variety of couples' packages, all donated by local businesses and the occasional affluent individual. There are varying options here, with everything from the classic "dinner and a VR movie" arrangement to a full day's VIP experience at Riverstone's Dream River theme park, to even the more scandalous "Red Room Experience", offered by one of the Red Light District's most well-known brothels. Whether they offer a hard-to-beat discount — like two-for-one couples' massages or a prix-fixe menu at a recent Restaurant Week winning venue — or a rare experience, each of these opportunities are exclusive to White Day attendees. Many of the more popular options will be available for multiple purchasers to collect at lower prices, while some of the most exclusive and sought-after are sure to go quickly.

◉ For those who may not have a date, a bachelor's auction will be hosted later in the evening. Sponsored by one of New Amsterdam's newest craft breweries, the New Amsterdam Bachelor(ette) Auction offers a chance for those who may not have the funds to donate to offer up something else for charity. For those ready to bid, winning a date with one of these potential bachelors (or bachelorettes!) up for auction will grant access to a unique date experience, each tailored to the man or woman on offer's skills and interests. Dancing lessons, self-defense classes, art history lessons — there's a wide variety of options on the table! The Displaced are highly encouraged to sign up as potential bachelor(ette)s, or to bid on each other.

◉ In addition to the various auction opportunities, the evening offers a variety of opportunities for charitable giving! Attendees can visit the multiple full bars staffed by local culinary school students, purchase some of the winning food items from New Amsterdam Restaurant Week participants at reasonable prices, and pick up last minute gift ideas from pop-up shops — with all proceeds donated to the Foundation! Banners and signage all thank attendees for giving, and every so often, video messages from Joseph Lynch on VR screens profess his deep gratitude for the city's endless generosity, with a reminder that 'together, anything is possible.'

> OOC NOTES

Welcome to the party! Just a few reminders:

▸ Players are welcome to have their characters sign up for any kind of short-term job opportunity. No special arrangements are required! If your character decides midway through the night to abandon their duties and try to mingle... well, they'll just have to hope their boss doesn't spot them first!

▸ There will be opportunities for NPC interactions during the silent auction, hosted by the mod team. Keep an eye out!

▸ Feel free to go wild with couples' package options. While most of the companies participating would be from within New Amsterdam, who knows what kind of global opportunities lay out there. If you want to utilize this offer to make connections with a new destination, check in with Plot Engagement!

▸ For Displaced opting to sign up as a Bachelor or Bachelorette, please remember that no intimacy is required. Characters can, of course, voluntarily provide things like massages or dancing lessons, but no characters should feel obligated to be anything more than professionally friendly with their bidder.

Threaded | Flat

While your characters are at the gala on either day, you have the opportunity to schmooze with the rich and philanthropically-focused folks of New Amsterdam—as well as anyone else who might catch someone's eye. We've pointed a few people in this direction, so come here and discuss anything you might have in mind.

As a note, replies may be delayed while the mods continue to be gone for the weekend!

[ When it comes to arriving at the first half of the event, Ball—or Matek Kattan, as he's known to the world—is dressed sharp, but elusive. He doesn't take a table, and seems to largely keep to himself off at the edges of the room. He's dressed sharp—but also a bit bombastically. His tux for the first evening is an indigo shade with a lavender tie, as well as flower of life cuff links. What's the point of being subtle? Being elusive is half the fun.

For the first night, Ball is keen to offer a sly smile and welcome anyone who comes close. Any of the Displaced will be beckoned closer knowingly, even if they have no reason for knowing Ball already.

For the second night, Ball will be dressed in a forest green suit, along with a white tie. He might throw in a few bids on the Displaced packages—though he won't be looking to win. If anyone wants Ball to win them, feel free to go for it. ]

[ooc: We will be in and out until Tuesday. If you have any questions related to Ball, ask us under the Questions thread.]

( The first night, Klaus arrives with Tim Gutterson in tow. Dragging a friend along and sprucing up his wardrobe is fun enough, but ensuring he'll be accompanied by someone he won't tire of, that's something to celebrate.

He is certainly not in the same tax bracket as anyone here, but the withered old journal he found down in the caves won him access - maybe even a heap of credits by the end of the night.

He decided to channel a simpler time, moving in both a steampunk and traditional direction - something a different Klaus might wear in a different time.

When not handling his moderate amount of alcohol, (seriously, it will only be three glasses of champagne tonight), Klaus browses the different auction items, eats off of a passing tray or generally makes polite conversation all while keeping one eye on his ~~date~~ friend from across the room if need be.

The second night Klaus is dressed in more metallics, taking the more muted approach. Tonight, Klaus Mikaelson will be up for auction. The date he offers comes with the collective offer of a top shelf whiskey tasting and a behind the scenes look at the New Amsterdam Art Museum thanks to a connection through his philandering boss. His boss may be a terrible human being, but he is charitable. And the proceeds are going to what he believes to be a good cause.

He's back, this time with nobody on his arm.

Still, he is friendly, and nurses the same glass of champagne that passes by on a tray when he arrives. He may even ask someone lovely to dance if he's feeling it (and he knows them.) He will be partaking in culinary confections, and eating entirely too much at each of the posted bars. You may catch him bidding on a couples' option. He is here to impress, to schmooze, and to do his charitable duty. )

[ if you have a specific scenario in mind or would like to win klaus, please hit me up at

manipulative or send me a PM. I'm good to go with the flow, too, if you feel like a wildcard option or want your own scenario. ]

Edited 2020-03-01 20:59 (UTC)

i. night one; working the gala

[ Somehow, despite signing up for security or coat check or something that didn't require him to mingle, Wash has been designated a server tonight. He's well out of his comfort zone both in the tux and role, having to judge when people might want a snack or drink and approach them accordingly. How's he supposed to read total strangers and tell if they're hungry, really? So he winds up just walking in slow circles around the venue with his little tray, and anyone who looks at him will have it offered to them politely.

At least his excellent memory means he remembers exactly what everything is, which is usually where a new server will struggle. He's also sampled a few and the food is good, at least in his opinion.

Should you give him even a passing glance you'll find said tray held out to you, and Wash awkwardly asking: ]

Um. Hors d'oeuvre?

ii. night two; up for auction

[ God, how did Carolina manage to goad him into this... no, he knows. By implying he couldn't do it, sarcastically saying he'd be an amazing date, of course he should sign up, and his pride had wanted to prove her wrong. Right? Of course things had become far more complicated only two days later, but she wasn't letting him off the hook. When he awkwardly suggested pulling out of the auction she'd doubled down -- it's for charity! You're not worried, are you?

So here he is. A bachelor in the auction and looking very uncomfortable about it, a constant light flush beneath his freckles. What the hell was he even thinking? His pride got the better of him, that's all.

His "special date experience" is a personal training session of the winner's choosing, the list being anything he feels he's good at that doesn't require weaponry: running, weight lifting, hand to hand combat training, a custom obstacle course, hoverboarding, yoga... physical things, followed by a meal together because he figures that's part of most dates, right? It's always "dinner and x/x and dinner" so as long as he's not expected to cook for someone, he tossed that in.

No, he's never actually been on a date before. But Carolina helped with his hair and he looks pretty cute in the suit they've stuck him in, which he keeps tugging at the tie of. ]

i. night one; working the gala

[ As far as bussing duties go, this event is a pretty sweet gig. Drake's more used to helping out at the bar he bounced at back home, which can be kind of gross... drunk people leaving messes left and right. This is mostly abandoned plates and glasses, sometimes offering to take the latter off someone's hands and send a waiter their way if it's empty. He seems happy to be here and is friendly and cordial to all the attendees, more or less the perfect employee. Long practice at slotting himself into whatever role was necessary means he blends right in.

He's so new he doesn't recognize all of the Displaced among the crowd, though, so although he's being cautious there's a chance he might accidentally brush someone's hand while taking their glass or plate. Anyone who this happens to will feel that he's not quite as happy and at ease as he appears, it's just an excellent act. He's calm, sure, but also keeping an ear out for any interesting conversation that might be happening. There's still so much he has to learn about what's going on behind the scenes in New Amsterdam, and catching discussion of the relics and who's interested in what might give him a clue.

If you're not up for an accidental brush, small talk isn't out of the question. Especially if you're also working the event and catch him returning a bus tray or taking a quick break. ]

ii. night two; up for auction

[ Signing up as a bachelor was a choice that actually gave Drake some small pause, as technically he's not, but. It's for fun and charity, right? And probably a good diversion from the shit going on in his life already so once he decided to do it he went all in. And what he's best at is helping people relax -- he noticed there were a lot of options like massages and spa days for couples being auctioned off, but not for solo bidders so that was an easy choice to make. He's got some actual practice in it, even.

Anyone who bids on him will be winning a home cooked meal and up to an hour's therapeutic massage, and it's noted the latter is especially good for athletes and fighters. Just a chill night, no strings or stress.

He's backstage before going up for auction just leaning against the wall peeking out at what's going on onstage, for what and how the other auctionees are doing. The funny thing is his precinct holds a similar auction at the Officer's Ball every year, but he's never actually been. Mostly due to working undercover.

If another bachelor/ette approaches him he'll give a friendly smile and ask curiously: ]

You ever done this kind of thing before?

up for auction

[ It's the charity aspect of this that caught Trevor's attention -- he doesn't have much money or interest towards bidding on either things or people, but once told he could auction himself to help out. Well. That can't be so bad, can it? And he's come up with what he thinks is a fun special experience for whoever bids on him: a night out of town rather than on it, with a campfire and rustic snacks, horror stories of monster hunting and some stargazing away from the city lights.

He's agreed to wear a suit for the auction but wasn't willing to leave the Morning Star at the Safehouse without him, so it's coiled at his hip and hidden underneath his coat, the tip in his pocket. Should he have to take his coat off to go onstage, he'll just claim it's a fashion choice to wear a chain.

Currently, though, he's struggling to tie the tie that came with his outfit, having never worn one before. Everything else was self explanatory but this strip of fabric is bewildering him. He grumbles in the mirror backstage, getting it all twisted and wrinkled in the process of trying to tie the kind of knot it demands. It shouldn't be that difficult! He's a skilled warrior being defeated by a tie.

And no, he's not asking for help! ]

night one

[ as the face of new amsterdam's event committee and the primary party planner for tonight's big to-do, caroline is everywhere, her red dress easy to spot at a distance. she may not have vampiric superspeed at her disposal any longer, but she barely needs it to manage the effortless multi-tasking that seems to come part-and-parcel with an event of this magnitude. there are vips around every corner, expectant and demanding in equal measure, and the pending favor of both her day-job boss and a night-gig woman in the wings means she needs to be on her toes.

find her checking invitations, welcoming guests, chit-chatting with donors or familiar-faced displaced, or simply encouraging the hired help to do more around every turn. it's a party, after all, not a funeral — there's no excuse for empty trays where there should be champagne, or dirty glasses when there are bussers around to pick them up. that said, despite her busy bee movements and general high-strung appearance, she doesn't seem stressed. if anything, caroline looks more at home here than she has anywhere else in new amsterdam. this is, after all, what she knows how to do best.

but even still... when the night winds to a close and the event is behind her, she is all too glad to slip out onto a quiet balcony, a well-earned glass of champagne between her fingers as she watches the last guests make their way out to the street where a fleet of taxis and black cabs await them. it's here where some of the polish rubs off, and caroline's youth is on full display; seemingly alone, she's content to sip at her drink and breathe, and to slip out of her heels if only for a moment to rest her feet on the cool stone ground. ]

night two

[ the white day auction requires far less hands-on attention than its predecessor, and so while caroline spends a few hours in the early morning hours getting things set up, she is free to attend as a guest with her friends. even still, she abides the theme, all too happy to have an excuse to wear a color that shows off her recent egyptian-influenced tan. besides, the shirt is just cute. she'll take any opportunity to wear it.

with funds from the previous night's auction sales of a few bangles burning a hole in her pocket, caroline spends a good amount of time perusing the items on offer in the sanbai selections. she's got a special someone she wants to splurge on, of course, but she's not limited to romantic date offerings today! no, there's friend dates in the making for a good number of items in her sights — whether it's a cooking class to share with silena or a personal photography session for two with lottie, caroline's feeling particularly generous. should anyone she knows catch her eye while she's perusing, she might even stop them with an airdropped pamphlet, head tilting a bit as she inquires: ] Does that sound like fun?

[ later, once caroline's managed to soothe herself with a little retail therapy, she'll stick around to help out with the charity auction. she's not planning to put herself up for bidding unless there's a real need to pad out the numbers, but she's happy to help fuss up anyone's attire or give them a few quick words for a pep talk before they take the stage. after all, the displaced do have a strange tendency to be attractive in one way, shape, or form. lucky for her, many of them are willing to be paraded about a bit for a good cause. ]

wildcard

[ whatever, y'all. i'll be slow this month as i'm on hiatus and traveling, but i'm game to do whatever might come up. you know where to reach me! ♥ ]

silent auction // ota.

[ By all accounts, Nate shouldn't be here.

He bought his way in for the purpose of memorizing faces and attempting to hobnob, genteelly depositing one of a number of artifacts he brought back from Tibet with the proctor presiding over the auction. A thin, humorless Rich Person™ smile and a nice suit did the rest, and they didn't ask about the provenance of the piece when he rattled off a few sentences about its humble origins in the mountainous regions north of India.

Like many similar events he's attended (or robbed) over the course of his career, questions regarding legality are few and far between. It's more about the pomp and circumstance, the atmosphere and the money, and Christ, but this place reeks of people begging to be divested of their valuables.

He no longer has the itch of sticky fingers but it's hard not to dislike the affair on the whole just by virtue of exclusivity. No matter how approving the company is of his presence, Nate is reminded of the conversation he overheard at the Rossi Estate while looking over the lot list - some smug millionaire talking about a crêpe vendor he had beaten by thugs for telling him his French wasn't very good - and appears more poised and observant than he is directly comfortable.

Drink in hand, arbitrarily fiddling with his tie, he wanders the floor and makes idle conversation, keeping an eye out for the powerful players. ]

silent auction // tim.

[ It's not difficult to spot him.

Not only is Tim in a white suit, but he's standing awkwardly and uncomfortably in the midst of the crowd, clutching a drink like it's a lifeline, brow wrinkled in distinct unsurety. Nate never went to high school, but he imagines this is what some of the kids look like at prom. Standoffishly stiff in posture, eyes wide and alert and bordering on fearful. He looks like the person who brought him here abandoned him - and Nate can only imagine that's the case, because this doesn't seem like the sort of event Tim would attend unless coerced - or got separated somewhere in the well-dressed fray.

More than anything it reminds Nate of the first time he had to pretend to look casual at an auction he was casing for a job, all nerves and ramrod tension. Sully's assertion that he act natural was a small comfort when he knew he didn't have the bank account to back up his tux, but after a few practice runs he got a handle on the subtle art of looking like he knew what the Hell he was doing.

Ultimately, that's all it takes. A healthy amount of confidence goes a long way in making people think you belong. ]

You lose your date?

[ He asks conversationally, giving Tim the early warning of engagement in the form of a brief touch to his elbow, stepping into his field of vision. ]

white auction // diana.

[ Nate knows the moment his name is called - something they're touting as "an evening of adventure," which is more like a guarantee of physical activity, dinner, and extensive conversation about history - that he's probably made a mistake. It’s for a good cause, he knows, and it's not like he doesn't think that schmoozing wouldn't go a long way politically, but these sorts of games aren’t his to play in the first place and because of that he tries to look as natural as possible when he waves.

The crowd is small, a little more localized and weirdly interested in buying dates for some reason, and for that Nate is relieved - saves him the awkwardness of dealing with the large group in separate areas of this event.

Then the bidding starts and he feels uncomfortable all over again. ]

[ooc; if you want some sort of wildcard, just hmu on plurk first at

uncalendula to give me a heads-up first and feel free to tag!]

Edited 2020-03-04 16:53 (UTC)

a. night two ( open to all )

[Needless to say, Clarke grew up in a socialist society. It was socialist by necessity: privilege was given out via political power and where someone lived, rather than because they had more stuff than someone else. People who had that privilege believed they could do just about anything. A great deal of Clarke's pushiness comes from that.

It's also needless to say that she wonders about truly "philanthropic acts" when people are forced to squat, forced to look for charitable goods, when there should be enough in this world to offer people jobs and a place to live. It bothers her. And, in many ways, she doesn't feel like she should be the one to break or challenge this system. It's not her fight. She's learned where she stands in all of this. But it does bother her.

Clarke doesn't come the first night. Frankly, even if she had something to sell or something to purchase, an auction isn't something that interests her.

No, the second night is when she arrives, Bellamy in tow. Clarke is wearing a long black dress that she's rented out from a boutique, along with simple gold jewelry and a small purse to go with it. She's comfortable enough, but here to be as supportive as she can.

Things she'll be doing:

a. betting on some of the Displaced up for auction. Clarke won't be angling to win, of course.

b. Mingling! Clarke will stop in and say hello to anyone she knows, though she'll always be casting a wary glance in Bellamy's direction.

c. Trying to promote Red Wings even a tiny bit! It's a small business, and she can pose as a young and ambitious entrepreneur. The problem is that Clarke is very bad at capitalism. Once someone starts talking profit margins and how much they'll grow, her forehead will wrinkle in uncertainty. Save her from her own demise?

Otherwise, Clarke will be around! As much as Clarke is opinionated, her issues with this world's economic structure won't come out here. It's not really her place.]

b. social structures ( closed to Bellamy )

[Clarke doesn't think to bring Bellamy because she thinks it'll open his eyes about this world. No, she thinks to bring Bellamy to give him a crash course in understanding how utterly different it is. Working with money at all is strange. Working with money where people can "donate" and it still doesn't solve any of the societal ills? It's a definite shock to the system. Plus, it's good to make him get out.

She rents Bellamy's suit from the same boutique where she gets her dress. It's a simple suit, but with a pocket square. When dressed in it, he almost looks like he belongs as a part of this … society. His shorter hair (and lack of facial scruff) means that he looks younger to her. It stands out. Needless to say, they had to watch a lot of videos on how to tie a tie in the days prior to the event.

Although they walk in together with her hand in the crook of Bellamy's arm, there's little that's romantic between the two of them. She leans in close and adds,] See that man over there? He's running for governor. He's the only one promising charity to his people in this city. [Of course, she's referring to Joseph Lynch. He's practically unreachable, but it's another crash course on how this world works.]

night one

[Kate had to sign up to work the event to get in, so she spends the first couple of hours in a ridiculous uniform with a button up shirt, vest, and stupid little bowtie handing out champagne. It's pretty obvious, though, that Kate isn't really focusing on her job. She gets scolded a couple of times for not paying attention, or for not hopping to replace someone's empty glass quickly enough. It sucks, and she hates it.

Later, though, when she's certain her boss is too busy to pay attention, Kate sneaks in back, grabs her bag, and changes into a long, lacy black gown. This part is much easier—she's been attending galas like this since before she could walk, so as much as she hates to admit it, it's easy for her to fit in. And hey, if anyone recognizes her, she can just fake that sort of overwrought rich girl offense that instantly scares most people off.

God, she feels gross. But hey, time to mingle and hope her sucking up doesn't make anyone she knows judge the hell out of her.]

night two - up for auction

[Kate signs herself up for the auction, because it's the easiest way to get in the second night without trying to ditch an employer. Unfortunately, she couldn't afford two wastefully expensive ensembles, so she's wearing the same dress. That's kind of a faux pas and she knows it, but she's pulled her hair back into a complicated updo and she's done her makeup differently, so hopefully it looks like some kind of intentional choice. Back home, she would have done it as a statement against wasteful spending, but she's not going to risk that right now. Better to look like she approves of all this ridiculousness.

Whoever bids on her gets private archery lessons, because... Sure. There's no way in hell she's offering anything more "intimate" than that. And until the auction starts, she mingles again. Anyone savvy enough might notice that, more often than not, she looks mildly disgusted by the whole event.]

night one

[Kyna is only here because Fenris is here, and because she didn't want him to deal with this crap alone. She has never, ever been to anything like this. It's ridiculous and overwhelming, and she feels utterly out of place in her rented gown. Despite the lack of modesty of her plunging neckline, she's wearing long, opera length gloves to avoid risking any empathy bond shenanigans, and those feel weird, too.

As soon as she spots someone with a tray of wine glasses, she snags one, and takes a drink that's less a polite sip and more of a mini chug. She's going to have to get at least a little tipsy to get through this, and as soon as she sees someone she recognizes even vaguely from the safehouse, she sidles over. Complaining is a foolproof plan, too.]

Can you believe this shit?

night two

[The second night is... easier, mostly because Kyna has gotten her nerves out on night one, and the date auction gives her something silly to focus on. This is some reality tv style ridiculousness, in her opinion, and she finds it hilarious. Again, the name of the game is getting tipsy, but this time Kyna is also giggling at some of the things up for bid. A romantic massage? A goldmine. If she weren't so broke, she'd be bidding just for the fun of it.]

Oh my God, the "Red Room Experience" sounds like a fucking torture dungeon.

[Impeccable manners.]

Threaded | Flat

QUESTIONS

insomniac ball (matek kattan) ▴ npc ▴ ota

klaus mikaelson — open

Washington; both nights, OTA