All Things Bright and Beautiful
Meegan stood at the entry door into the Ballroom. So far the crown was tickling in slowly, but it was just barely 8:15 and they had a good forty-five minutes until people considered themselves late. She greeted each person as they entered. Her low cut gown, a color almost a pale as her skin, was set off by a diamond pendant in the shape of a heart. Her hair was piled high on her head with small ringlets whisping about her face and neck. Her make-up was pale and sparkled when the light hit it just right. Her gloved hand slid firmly into the pudgy hand of some east coast land owner, one that she knew would be drunk by dinner's end and very loose with his wallet.
She had had glances of Rachyl through out the preparations and they had connected briefly to wish each other good luck and then been on their separate ways. She saw her just now, smiling and chatting with a couple from the theater set.
She looked back to smile and meet the next guest.
((ooc feel free to join in. Take a look at Before the Gala for a list of the silent auction.))
His tux resembled something from Casablanca,with its ivory jacket matched to black trousers and a white shirt. He liked the contrasts,and for something formal it was well fitted and comfortable.
Mathias turned to the vision of loveliness next to him. Seeing her now, in that dress took his breath away again. "Shall we,love of my life? I believe we are in time to eat..perhaps even browse some of the items up for bid. charitable acts are good for the soul. Perhaps I can confess my sins to you tonight. " He winked and gave Shay's hand a gentle squeeze.
" I do believe I see Alec and Ginnie,we met them at the Founder's Ball. Mayhap we go say hello?"
Waving, and smiling to those she knew, or had met, Shay was delighted to see familiar faces.
Beaming at Alexi as he spoke, Shay again wondered at her luck for having met and 'captured' such an amazing man. Stunning was inadequate to describe how he looked tonight. She doubted there was another man around who could wear a tux as well as he was now. He seemed as comfortable and gorgeous in his formal attire, as he did in jeans and a shirt.
Her dress was a bit timid, in comparison to what she might have worn elsewhere, or another time, but it was still both elegant, and sensual. The black material that covered her from neck to toe was the softest of satins, and fit her like it was painted on. From the front view, with the long sleeves, she appeared almost chaste. That was if you stood off in the distance. However, if you were within ten feet of her, you could see how the thin material clung to her like skin. When she turned around, the view became much different as the shiny black satin dipped perilously low on her back, coming to pool in soft folds just above the swells of her backside. Her white fox fur wrap was carried over her shoulder, and with the simple diamond studs in her ears, she had managed to compliment Alexi's look quite well.
"Oh! Let's go say hi to Ginnie and Alec, but first I must see what's up for bid. I've never been to an auction before."
She couldn't hide her exuberance,as she pulled him over to where the items were being displayed.
"Wow, Mathias look at what's available. Everything looks fabulous...it will be difficult to decide on only one or two things to bid on."
Her eyes were bright as stars, as she looked over everything. Almost everything there appealed to Shay, with just a few exceptions. Lawn service wouldn't work, as the homeowner's association took care of all the landscaping around her home. The books didn't appeal to her either, as she was not terribly fond of children's stories. The day on a yacht would only work if it could be changed to a night on a yacht, but that didn't really appeal to Shay. And the tools..she giggled when she saw that item.
"Mathias...are you handy with your hands?"
Referring to the tools, she couldn't resist throwing in a bit of innuendo as well, though she knew the answer before asking.
"Anything appeal to you for bidding?"
She rubbed his back casually, as they stood and looked over the table. Whenever they were together, it was next to impossible for her to remain separate from him. Even if it was just a soft hand on his arm...she felt the need to be connected to him, as if to do otherwise would allow him to just disappear before her eyes.
Spotting the lovely artist's work up for auction made Bert smile. Nothing like a good bit of philanthropic donating to stir up more interest. He knew he had several paintings in his gallery to compliment these four too. It would be lovely to sell those in compliments of these. All he had to do was wait for the end of the auction and mention to the lucky winners about the 'matching paintings'. Ah, excellent.
Finding a table with two prominent CEO's with their wives and an old money family he took a seat, shaking hands and kissing fingers of the ladies. Winter was his favorite season, so many parties, so many new customers to court.
"Oh! Let's go say hi to Ginnie and Alec, but first I must see what's up for bid. I've never been to an auction before."
He had been to a couple charitable auctions before,however a silent auction was a new concept. Guessing what to bid and not being able to top a competitor...it would be odd.
" Well,then I shall enjoy it through your eyes love - this will be fun indeed! "
"Wow, Mathias look at what's available. Everything looks fabulous...it will be difficult to decide on only one or two things to bid on."
There were a couple items of note - the vases and Nyra's paintings foremost. The yacht sounded interesting,if impossible - perhaps Shay could share it with one of her girlfriends? One item in particular leapt out at him,and Mathias made a mental note to bid high on it..he wagered Shay would love the surprise.
"I'm thinking I will limit myself to some of the art,although the opera sound's interesting as well - think you could do a season of that with me? " He smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist. Mathias felt her warmth envelope him,and he felt her strength.
"Mathias...are you handy with your hands?"
He gave Shay a look of mock hurt,before pulling her close.
"I am wounded,Milady - I shall have to redeem myself...several times perhaps..." His voice trailed off, leaving the carnal possibilities unspoken.
Feeling Shay's hand on his back reinforced the bond he felt with Shay and he turned so that they faced one another.
" I love you Shay,always have and I always will - thank you "
"That would be a nice way to get a painting for home, since we've yet to manage a tour of the gallery."
She spoke without any hint of disappointment. Though she still wanted to see all the pieces Nyra had to offer, Shay's time was better spent with Alexi. And things had just been too hectic lately, to allow them the opportunity to get out much.
"I've never been to the opera either, but I'll tell you now, you're safe in suggesting anything if you're part of the package."
And grinning up at him, she felt nothing but love pouring from her heart.
Knowing he would pick up on her teasing about his hands, Shay nudged him in the side in reproach.
"Really though, I know you must be good with your hands, in your work...as well as..." And she could do nothing but blush at some of her memories. She was thankful to know he had to be good in his work, else he wouldn't have lasted as long as he had. His was nothing if not a dangerous job.
"But do you do all those other things...work on machines, craft from wood, build...you know...those 'manly' things?"
And as she said the words, Shay couldn't help but laugh softly. While she was curious to know if he had any such hobbies, it was certainly nothing she would base his manhood on. Whether he arranged flowers, drove fast cars, or did nothing but sit in front of the television in his off time, Shay knew he couldn't be more of a man. Everything about him exuded maleness, from the way he spoke and held himself, to the manner in which he did his job, and talked of things he had experienced in his life. She knew he was a ladies man, from her own personal relationship with him, but she also saw him as a man's man, with the way he garnered respect from other men he interacted with.
When he made his declaration, Shay threaded her arm through his, and squeezed herself close to him. A tiny tear slipped from the corner of her eye, as she again realized how very lucky she was.
"Come darling, let's go say hello to our friends, before I decided to pull you off into a dark corner and have my way with you."
Her comment was made in a soft, low, throaty voice, and while everything she said she was willing to back up with actions, she said it more to release some of the energy that always built up within her when around him.
Guiding him towards Ginnie and Alec, Shay could see they seemed to be making their own lists of items of interest.
"Ginnie, Alec, how nice it is to see you both again."
At the ball, Shay hadn't realized these two were a 'couple' but if body language was any indication, they now seemed to be. She smiled, happy as always to see others sharing in the magic of love.
Leaning towards each, she quickly bussed each cheek in greeting.
"Already pick out something special?"
She nodded towards the items for bid.
" Well then perhaps you can Bertrand and see if they have evening hours? We could do dinner and a visit to Club Eternity as well."
Mathias chuckled at Shay. 'Manly things?' He had done some carpentry,and of course working on the tools of his trade but Mathias doubted he could be considered a craftsman or even talented amateur.
" Well,I did some things at the monastery in Romania - nothing spectacular but it helped the monks I suppose. "
Mathias was tempted to find some secluded spot and take Shay..something he knew she wouldn't mind in the least..but he restrained himself and agreed with his love.
"Yes, it will be difficult but I will be a good boy..at least until we get home.." He gave her a feral smile that promised much more.
Seeing Alec and Ginnie,Mathias bowed and smiled.
"Alec,Ginnie an honor as always"
Ah, Mathias and Shay are...
Blushing a moment at accidentally overhearing Shay's forward comment, he couldn't help but smile. Good to know that other folk were having...pleasant interactions resulting in the growth and founding of a stable permanent cojoining. Yes, that'd do. At least any blushing he'd do would be invisible under the face paint.
Accepting the greetings, Alec and Ginnie smiled. Ginnie was a bit more natural with social interactions with coworkers outside of the work paradigm, but with a small nudge beneath his arm indicated that he should take point socially tonight. God help them all.
Well, your old man certainly cleans up nicely, Shay. And Mathias - I must say that you are the second luckiest man in attendance this evening...your date is a picture of grace. Good to see you both out and about.
Actually...yes. A couple things have caught our eye...and there is work from a local artist that I've purchased from in the past. I'm hoping to expand our growing collection this evening. Perhaps another tidbit might slip into our possession as well, but the crystal lovelies are our prime choice. Yourselves? Anything tickle the fancy?
"Well, your old man certainly cleans up nicely, Shay. And Mathias - I must say that you are the second luckiest man in attendance this evening...your date is a picture of grace. Good to see you both out and about."
"Yes...he does dress up well."
Shay winked at Alexi and then smiled back at Alec. His generous compliments were well received.
She had to wonder if the 'our' in 'expand our growing collection' was to mean he and Ginnie were now an item. Though they could have been at the creator ball, Shay had the impression they hadn't known each other very well then. It seemed they had gotten better acquainted in the short time since.
"Nyra's work is going to be popular among many it appears. We've been thinking of getting a couple pieces for our own home.
Other than that, I see a couple things of interest. But I don't think I should show my hand just yet. In case the crystal is not your only choice."
Shay laughed. She liked Alec and Ginnie a lot. They seemed to be the closest contemporaries to Alexi and her. She had seen Alec at the Domicile, the day she checked in with Alexi...but she didn't know if he was vampire, or familiar. She would guess vampire. That then left Ginnie...was she his familiar...or another vampire. She worked for Tacharan so Shay had to assume she was one or the other. So many mysteries.
Nyra's work is quite good...if I had more of an ocean view at home I'd perhaps see about acquiring some of her work. Sadly, the view is almost wholly obstructed. I thought about having the offending building removed, but this is hardly the season to be kicking out hard working families from their homes. And by Spring I'll know all of their names and be attached to them and their coming and goings and the devilry of their rugrats, perhaps assisting them with their more pointed questions about security.
Sighing theatrically, he continued.
It is a good thing that I'm not a landlord. I'd be a very poor man. Getting taken in by every sob story I heard. Luckily handling financial claims is not part of my job. Imagine that, Father Time and his condominium complex full of aging sob stories. It makes my icicles drip with sadness. An image for Autumn, not for Winter, certainly.
Chuckling at her comment about not showing her hand, Alec stated
Well, I'll be sure to pay close attention and not drive up the bids on your items TOO high. Though with all of this paint and glitter you never know when I could have to scratch my nose and inadvertently up a bid by several orders of magnitude. I'll have to keep that in mind. I don't think the Domicile will be needing lawn care, for instance. Though having an unaffiliated maid show up might be worth the look on Carol's face just before she killed me...
By the time she reached the curtain that separated the "backstage" from the rest of the ballroom she was rather certain she'd bite the next person that told her how lovely the ballroom looked and in such a short amount of time.
She spent the next twenty minutes plucking at hem lines and soothing inflated and bruised egos. When she emerged from the prep area it was fifteen minutes until ten and the silent auction looked to have a few bid wars in the works. The Children's Hospital was going to be in good running order this year. She chuckled softly and returned to her duties as hostess.
Shay couldn't suppress a short giggle at the image of Carol going after Alec with murder in her eyes.
"Something tells me Carol is better equipped to handle such surprises. A maid service would be nice...but in the grand scheme of things, undoubtedly more trouble than value...for us, anyway."
She couldn't begin to think of all the precautions she would need to take to protect their privacy from some strange person. No...she didn't mind cleaning house once a week. It was almost relaxing in a way, to get really physical, and wind up with a sparkly place to live...and it gave her mind a break as well...no stress in house cleaning.
"I guess we'd better get our bids in though, it looks like the auction will be starting soon."
There were several things Shay would have loved having herself, but she had chosen early to only bid on things for Alexi. Deciding the crystal vases, artwork, and opera tickets were the only things she could really give him, Shay considered the amounts to bid. The crystal she wouldn't bid overboard for, seeing how Alec admitted to favoring them, and Alexi hadn't seemed hell bent on having them.
While she wasn't wealthy by most standards, she was doing better than okay. And not only would the money be spent for a good cause, but it would also be partially tax deductible. The practical side of her had to appreciate that.
Writing down her bids, she put them into envelopes and dropped them into the designated spot.
She hoped one of her bids would be acceptable, and that none of them were too low. It was her first silent auction, after all, and she had no idea just how high people would be prone to bid.
Her excitement translated into her clutching Alexi's hand, after she saw him submit his bid, and waited to see which lucky person went home with their which wonderful item.
"Shall we go check out the auction, if you are finished?"
Nodding at Nyra's suggestion, she sipped a last time from her water. "I think that's a great idea. There's a few things I'm interested in on those tables, and dinner started sooner than I thought it would. So yes, let's."
Standing of her own accord, she gently slid out Nyra's chair, and extended an arm to help her to stand. "M'lady?"
The artist was not quite sure what exactly she wanted. Though she was quite happy to bid on several in order to make a sizeable donation to the cause. Perhaps she should simply write out a check to them. But this was much more fun and exciting.
Somehow everything seemed so much more exciting now and she atributed it to Connie's presence in her life. It was like before she was just enjoying the 'cake' life had to offer and Connie added the 'soy cream with nuts and chocolate sauce'.
With a look at Connie who was across the way standing at the vases, Nyra nodded her head towards the table. The fashion show should start soon, and the artist was excited to view it.
" Thank you Alec. Normally I prefer something more egalitarian,but Shay informed me that a t shirt and jeans is not 'black tie'. Whatever would we men do without the women in our lives to guide us? "
He smiled at the other man,taking in the breadth of his outfit.
"I must say, I feel a bit underdressed next to you. I daresay I thought perhaps this was masque instead of The Winter Ball. However did you come up with the idea?"
he hoped his light tone didn't offend Alec. Mathias admired Alec for dressing up - it just wasn't his style really.
He continued to listen to Alec, looking over the various auction items one last time. Some of the art would be nice,especially Nyra's paintings but there was one thing in particular that caught Mathias' eye. Something who was sure Shay would not bid on and so he bid it. investing a nice chunk of coin in the process. Definitely worth every bit he thought to himself, chuckling as he imagined Shay's reaction.
The winning bids are as follows:
A Day at the Piazza Spa-- Ella Musson--$975
Original Gothic-ah Design Boards-Bertrand Hirsch--$1750
Gothic-ah Wardrobe in size of Choice--Ginnie Kavanagh--$8425
Day of Leisure aboard a 40ft Yacht--Lester Williams--$3700
Year long personal shopper from the design staff of Gothic-ah--Nyra McGurn --$8625
Sable Coat--Anita Green--$2700
Collection of Swarovski Crystal Vases--Alec Devereaux--$2985
Collection Four paintings by Nyra McGurn- Mathias Alexandrei--$12,590
Gift Card to Amazon.com--Ginnie Kavanagh--$875
Complete set of Stanley Tools--Mark Daniels--$2300
Year long lawn service--Julie Marks--$3590
Year long maid service--Alan Reynolds--$2765
Season Box seats at Elmwood Opera House--Shay O'Mannon--$4065
Model for the next Gothic-ah Layout--Connie Stone--$9645
Gift Card at Victoria's Secret--Mavis McCloud--$750
Gift Card at Gothic-ah-ah Fashions--John Waters--$980
Gift Card at The Mall--Shay O'Mannon--$2375
Narnia Collection (Book Set, PBS Movie, Tickets for four)--Leslie Bradley--$520
Harry Potter Collection (Book Set, Movies, Tickets for four)--James Powers--$475
"Still," she thought, "I enjoyed the bisque and the Wellington. I just wish I had more room for the cheesecake." She stared regretfully for a moment at the rich, light chocolate cheesecake. "At least I don't feel so bad leaving six mouthfuls, as opposed to the whole thing."
Finishing her hot tea, she stood from her chair and looked around. She wondered if Nyra would want to dance... Then she heard Meegan announce the Auction had ended.
Smiling a secret smile to Meegan, when she caught the designer's eye - the one where Rachyl knew they had just made a lot of money for the children, and helped make their Holiday and maybe even their next year wonderful - Rachyl went in search for a dance.
Eyes bright and alive, she followed every item as the winning bids were announced. When it was announced that Alec had won the vases, she clapped her hands and reached over to pat him on the shoulder.
"Well Alec, I guess the best man won that one." An easy statement coming from a woman. And no sooner had they announced the vases then they announced Alexi had the winning bid on Nyra's paintings.
"Mathias! You got them! That's wonderful, they'll look so good in the condo...I even know where I want to hang them!"
And then feeling ten kinds of foolish, she thought she'd better make sure he had bought them FOR the condo.
"You did buy those for our home, right?" She looked up at him, arms still around his waist, wondering, and blushing scarlet.
The tools, lawn service, maid service all brought in impressive bids, and Shay watched everyone being congratulated. So involved in the happiness of others around her, she almost hadn't heard her name when they announced the winning bid for the opera tickets.
"Oh my gosh! I won! I won! Mathias...we can go to the opera now."
Though she was still quite exuberant, she managed to maintain a small modicum of grace, and toned the decibel of her voice down as well. It was just so exciting...almost like gambling, except if you didn't win, you also didn't lose.
She was again happy to win the gift card, but it was not quite as tangible as the paintings and opera tickets. Yet. Once she went shopping for Alexi, she knew she would enjoy it as well.
It looks like we're all winners here. And if you'll all excuse me...I'll be stashing away our gains so that they are not forgotten after the joys of hearing all about the wondrous wardrobe that my dear will be sporting. I'll be but a moment.
Kissing Ginnie lightly on the cheek, he smirked at the frosty print he left. Heading to the stage, Alec placed a call to the driver to meet him out front for the goods. He collected the vases, pointed out a couple of the winners to the staff and headed to the front door.
((ooc: Alec out, briefly!))