Sofia waved off the dress as nothing of import even though she was currently still inwardly annoyed. She might have to make the waiter an after party snack...or perhaps the cat girl. She would decide later.
"No, need. Accidents happen."
The Mayor definitely appeared to be having a good time. She could almost smell the lust coming from him. At least that meant he was probably in a good mood.
She turned to see what Evgeni would say when addressed. Sofia felt fairly certain that he knew enough to know not to say anything crazy but perhaps he might have the wild thought that the Mayor wield hold enough power to change his circumstances. She watched as he gave his answer and was gratified when he added that he might dance later. Who knows maybe she'd even dance a song or two with him.
Emiliano hadn't seemed to remember her from the previous parties so that meant she was just going to have to dive right into the funding issue.
Sofia sighed inwardly and resolved to schedule some one on one time with the Mayor later.
"I don't want to take up a lot of your time. I know you'd like to enjoy the party but I was wondering if I could speak to you about donating to the Erasma Women's Establishment?"
((OOC: Yes, indeed, EWE.. O_o ))
Trip the Waiter (Open - still the party)
Thérèse had a bit of a giggle as the band had some minor disagreements. She was irritated there would be no more music, dancing had been an excellent cover for flirting. Not that she was flirting. She wasn't. But she did accept his offered hand.
Ordinarily she would have flirted or at least charmed the bartender, but even though she wasn't flirting with Vaughn Thérèse was only polite. But she did get the wine and cheerfully handed a glass to him.
She really should be trying to figure out who were the A Listers and who were the rich ones that fancied themselves patrons of the arts. Donations were always good, but she wasn't exactly interested.
"Do you play as well as sing?"Â?
That was a much more interesting question as the drifted off, not quite mingling but away from the dance floor.
Stranger
14 years ago
Vaughn Emiliano
14 years ago
Vaughn could feel his smile become a little wider with Therese's compliment. At least he didn't blush again; that would make him uncomfortable with Sofia watching him like a hawk did a mouse.
He returned the favor, noting the interaction between the couple in front of him with a discerning eye. Sofia was obviously the one calling the shots in the relationship but it was still odd that the blonde didn't seem comfortable with his answer without checking with Sofia.
Perhaps he was a protégé or worked for her in some capacity and was worried that she would not approve of dancing with him. Vaughn continued to analyze them both. Finding them each fascinating and strange.
So she wanted to talk about donations; that wasn't a surprise. It might be best to just agree in order to get her to quickly move on and leave them be. The shelter was a good one, despite Sofia personally giving him the creeps.
"Certainly. Just bring the forms by my office. I am sure that I can donate to such a worthy cause."
He returned the favor, noting the interaction between the couple in front of him with a discerning eye. Sofia was obviously the one calling the shots in the relationship but it was still odd that the blonde didn't seem comfortable with his answer without checking with Sofia.
Perhaps he was a protégé or worked for her in some capacity and was worried that she would not approve of dancing with him. Vaughn continued to analyze them both. Finding them each fascinating and strange.
So she wanted to talk about donations; that wasn't a surprise. It might be best to just agree in order to get her to quickly move on and leave them be. The shelter was a good one, despite Sofia personally giving him the creeps.
"Certainly. Just bring the forms by my office. I am sure that I can donate to such a worthy cause."
Therese
14 years ago
Russian? Well in that neck of the woods any way. He seemed rather wrapped up in the music. She liked The Doors on occasion but this had never been one of her favorites. Ah well to each their own.
"You should. It would be a shame to let music like this go to waste."Â?
Thérèse didn't understand him. He seemed quite withdrawn. Perhaps he was only here to escort Sofia. He certainly didn't look as if he was enjoying himself, but he at least knew when to smile and she returned it.
She should have kept speaking to Michael, it would have spared her having to listen to the blatant fund raising comment. At least it was moderately tastefully done. Better yet Vaughn didn't seem to want to deal with it here. Thérèse, however, wondered if Sofia would be that easily bought off.
Just in case, Thérèse thought it might be best to divert her attention from her date for the evening.
"You will forgive me, I am new in town, I do not know this Erasma Women's Establishment."Â?
It was a genuine question, but also a subtle reminder that Vaughn was other wise occupied.
"You should. It would be a shame to let music like this go to waste."Â?
Thérèse didn't understand him. He seemed quite withdrawn. Perhaps he was only here to escort Sofia. He certainly didn't look as if he was enjoying himself, but he at least knew when to smile and she returned it.
She should have kept speaking to Michael, it would have spared her having to listen to the blatant fund raising comment. At least it was moderately tastefully done. Better yet Vaughn didn't seem to want to deal with it here. Thérèse, however, wondered if Sofia would be that easily bought off.
Just in case, Thérèse thought it might be best to divert her attention from her date for the evening.
"You will forgive me, I am new in town, I do not know this Erasma Women's Establishment."Â?
It was a genuine question, but also a subtle reminder that Vaughn was other wise occupied.
Evgeni
14 years ago
Evgeni nodded and looked back towards the band where a new song was beginning. The lead singer had his head down, black curls blocking his face while he played an ethereal melody on the keyboard.
The young man looked up as the lyrics began, leaning toward the mic.
Two pale figures
Ache in silence
Timeless
In the quiet ground
Side by side
In age and sadness
Smiling, Evgeni turned back to Therese.
"Da, is good music. Nice voice."
It would probably not be wise to enjoy the singing too much. He focused more on the conversation and wondered what this Establishment was himself. Evgeni caught the vague impression of it from Sofia's random thoughts but their bond wasn't close and she was very guarded most of the time. She didn't fully know how to keep him out but that was something he was careful to keep her ignorant of.
Evgeni did wonder if Sofia was likely to get the subtle hint that the couple would like to be left alone. He gave them both an understanding smile.
((OOC: Funeral Party by The Cure ))
The young man looked up as the lyrics began, leaning toward the mic.
Two pale figures
Ache in silence
Timeless
In the quiet ground
Side by side
In age and sadness
Smiling, Evgeni turned back to Therese.
"Da, is good music. Nice voice."
It would probably not be wise to enjoy the singing too much. He focused more on the conversation and wondered what this Establishment was himself. Evgeni caught the vague impression of it from Sofia's random thoughts but their bond wasn't close and she was very guarded most of the time. She didn't fully know how to keep him out but that was something he was careful to keep her ignorant of.
Evgeni did wonder if Sofia was likely to get the subtle hint that the couple would like to be left alone. He gave them both an understanding smile.
((OOC: Funeral Party by The Cure ))
Stranger
14 years ago
Sofia nodded in agreement, happy that the request didn't go contested at all. It might be that he was simply trying to get rid of her. Sofia didn't expect him to pull out a wallet and write a check right here at the table. Sending the paperwork was a good expectation of success, especially from a politician who would find it an easy promise to keep.
"I will send my aid down there first thing on Monday."
She turned to the woman who ran the Arch. Sofia doubted there was monetary support to be had here but perhaps there was a good connection to be made, charity exhibitions would go a long way to getting her foundation noticed by the right people.
"Erasma's is a shelter for battered women and children. We take in those who need a safe place to go, many times those who are running from abusive spouses, stalkers, boyfriends...fathers. The list goes on. Its a cruel world and everyone needs a haven where they can feel secure enough to heal."
Sofia smiled but added. "Or even simply feel safe enough to sleep soundly through the night."
She took a breath to go on but the Mayor had turned to his companion.
"I will send my aid down there first thing on Monday."
She turned to the woman who ran the Arch. Sofia doubted there was monetary support to be had here but perhaps there was a good connection to be made, charity exhibitions would go a long way to getting her foundation noticed by the right people.
"Erasma's is a shelter for battered women and children. We take in those who need a safe place to go, many times those who are running from abusive spouses, stalkers, boyfriends...fathers. The list goes on. Its a cruel world and everyone needs a haven where they can feel secure enough to heal."
Sofia smiled but added. "Or even simply feel safe enough to sleep soundly through the night."
She took a breath to go on but the Mayor had turned to his companion.
Vaughn Emiliano
14 years ago
Vaughn nodded to Michael.
"Yes, the band is quite talented."
He listened to the lyrics as Sofia explained to Therese the nature of EWE and their goal as a charity. Vaughn had heard the speech and many like it plenty of times before.
It sounded as though Sofia was gearing up to explain, in detail, her view on the atrocities of mankind. He was in no mood for a such a rant, even if he was likely to agree with a good part of it.
Vaughn smiled and turned to his companion, taking her hand under the table offering silent companionship and seeking a bit of support, a united front against an unwanted visitor.
He quickly explained before Sofia could continue.
"Yes, I had the rare chance to visit Erasma's. They don't have guests often in order to keep up a peaceful atmosphere to the place. It has very good security but it still looks very warm and homey."
Vaughn smiled at Sofia
"You do a good job to make it both safe and inviting for those who stay there. I found it very well run."
He knew more about high security than most politicians had a need to and he knew the place was locked down like a fortress. Vaughn had been honest though, Sofia did seem to take pains to make sure that it felt warm and welcoming for those under her care.
Vaughn did hope that she was now even more assured of his promise of a donation and would soon be on her way.
"Yes, the band is quite talented."
He listened to the lyrics as Sofia explained to Therese the nature of EWE and their goal as a charity. Vaughn had heard the speech and many like it plenty of times before.
It sounded as though Sofia was gearing up to explain, in detail, her view on the atrocities of mankind. He was in no mood for a such a rant, even if he was likely to agree with a good part of it.
Vaughn smiled and turned to his companion, taking her hand under the table offering silent companionship and seeking a bit of support, a united front against an unwanted visitor.
He quickly explained before Sofia could continue.
"Yes, I had the rare chance to visit Erasma's. They don't have guests often in order to keep up a peaceful atmosphere to the place. It has very good security but it still looks very warm and homey."
Vaughn smiled at Sofia
"You do a good job to make it both safe and inviting for those who stay there. I found it very well run."
He knew more about high security than most politicians had a need to and he knew the place was locked down like a fortress. Vaughn had been honest though, Sofia did seem to take pains to make sure that it felt warm and welcoming for those under her care.
Vaughn did hope that she was now even more assured of his promise of a donation and would soon be on her way.
Therese
14 years ago
She couldn't decided if she should be irritated by, frustrated with or sympathetic for the young man. Thérèse didn't think he was trying to be rude or ignore them, he was just distracted. She was in a good mood though and decided not to be irritated that he wasn't properly engaging in the conversation. Catching his smile she hid one of her own behind her hand. Perhaps she was right not to judge him too harshly.
It did indeed sound like an excellent cause and from the little bit Vaughn said Thérèse thought it was a safe bet that it was well run and a valuable addition to the city. Personally, she was pleased just to have pulled Sofia's attention away from him and even more pleased to find her hand in his again. Subtly she placed his hand in her lap and held it between both of hers.
"It sounds impressive and that you do good work, although it is a pity places like this are needed. I certainly hope you find many sources of funding."Â?
Many -other- sources of funding. Perhaps she would take the hint and move along. The party was winding down and she did not want to get trapped with this woman at the door. Thérèse very much hoped she'd find another patron or possible patron to speak to very soon.
It did indeed sound like an excellent cause and from the little bit Vaughn said Thérèse thought it was a safe bet that it was well run and a valuable addition to the city. Personally, she was pleased just to have pulled Sofia's attention away from him and even more pleased to find her hand in his again. Subtly she placed his hand in her lap and held it between both of hers.
"It sounds impressive and that you do good work, although it is a pity places like this are needed. I certainly hope you find many sources of funding."Â?
Many -other- sources of funding. Perhaps she would take the hint and move along. The party was winding down and she did not want to get trapped with this woman at the door. Thérèse very much hoped she'd find another patron or possible patron to speak to very soon.
Stranger
14 years ago
Sofia smiled at the Mayor and his companion. He had gone up a notch in her opinion with his description of her shelter. Most people didn't pay any actual attention to the place as they walked through; the tour was more a formality. See, here is the actual establishment that your money is going to; now, would you like a nice glass of scotch and a pen for writing the check?
"Thank you, Mr Emiliano."
She gave him a little curtsey and another bright smile.
Looking to his companion, Sofia nodded soberly.
"Yes, it is a shame that such places are needed but since they are I am happy to be able to do some good with my life."
Looking over at her companion, She said.
"Well, I suppose we should go get that dance in before the night is over. It was very good to see you, Mayor and good to meet you, Ms DuBois."
Tapping Evgeni to catch his attention, she said.
"Come, Michael, there is someone else I need to talk to."
Sofia gave the two at the table a little wave and took Evgeni off by the arm. He gave them a small wave and a smile before being drug away.
((OOC: Both Evgeni and Sofia out, in the interest of time. ))
"Thank you, Mr Emiliano."
She gave him a little curtsey and another bright smile.
Looking to his companion, Sofia nodded soberly.
"Yes, it is a shame that such places are needed but since they are I am happy to be able to do some good with my life."
Looking over at her companion, She said.
"Well, I suppose we should go get that dance in before the night is over. It was very good to see you, Mayor and good to meet you, Ms DuBois."
Tapping Evgeni to catch his attention, she said.
"Come, Michael, there is someone else I need to talk to."
Sofia gave the two at the table a little wave and took Evgeni off by the arm. He gave them a small wave and a smile before being drug away.
((OOC: Both Evgeni and Sofia out, in the interest of time. ))
Vaughn Emiliano
14 years ago
Vaughn found himself distracted by the hands wrapped around his own. He gave Sofia a smile and said.
"Any time."
Watching them both leave, he sighed softly and then turned to Therese. Leaning close to her ear, Vaughn said very quietly.
"Is it wrong of me to be relieved they are gone?"
Looking around the place, he realized that the crowd had thinned considerably. Vaughn flipped his wrist over to look at the time on his watch. His eyebrows raised just a bit at the lateness of the hour; he almost never stayed so long at these things. Of course, most of the time he wanted to leave as soon as he walked in the door.
Turning back to Therese, he smiled.
"Shall we make a break for it before someone else shows up?"
"Any time."
Watching them both leave, he sighed softly and then turned to Therese. Leaning close to her ear, Vaughn said very quietly.
"Is it wrong of me to be relieved they are gone?"
Looking around the place, he realized that the crowd had thinned considerably. Vaughn flipped his wrist over to look at the time on his watch. His eyebrows raised just a bit at the lateness of the hour; he almost never stayed so long at these things. Of course, most of the time he wanted to leave as soon as he walked in the door.
Turning back to Therese, he smiled.
"Shall we make a break for it before someone else shows up?"
Therese
14 years ago
Thérèse nodded as the strange couple left. While they were a bit odd she would undoubtedly forget them quite quickly.
She suppressed a little shiver as Vaughn leaned close to her. As he half whispered in her ear she couldn't help but think that if she turned his lips would be right there. It would be so easy to kiss him right now. Not now though, not in public.
"Non."Â? She paused a moment, "Well perhaps. But as I am equally relived we shall not dwell on it."Â?
It was quite disappointing to see the time and that so many people had left. Thérèse had no idea if there would be another excuse to spend an evening in his company any time soon. Possibly not, in fact now knowing he was the mayor probably not.
But his smile was engaging and she grinned back.
"Yes. I rather think so. The next one might not let us get away so easily."Â?
She suppressed a little shiver as Vaughn leaned close to her. As he half whispered in her ear she couldn't help but think that if she turned his lips would be right there. It would be so easy to kiss him right now. Not now though, not in public.
"Non."Â? She paused a moment, "Well perhaps. But as I am equally relived we shall not dwell on it."Â?
It was quite disappointing to see the time and that so many people had left. Thérèse had no idea if there would be another excuse to spend an evening in his company any time soon. Possibly not, in fact now knowing he was the mayor probably not.
But his smile was engaging and she grinned back.
"Yes. I rather think so. The next one might not let us get away so easily."Â?
Vaughn Emiliano
14 years ago
Vaughn smiled at Therese and was relieved to know that he wasn't the only one happy to see the strange couple leave.
Standing up, he reached a hand out for his companion.
"Then let's exit while we can do so gracefully."
He was sad to see the party end; this was what it must be like to actually enjoy being social. Vaughn hoped that he would get a chance to see Therese again soon. They did live in the same place but who knew when the next opportunity might be to enjoy her company without the rest of the pack.
Vaughn resolved to find some way to make that time.
((OOC: Vaughn and Therese out. Yes, moving Therese with permission))
Standing up, he reached a hand out for his companion.
"Then let's exit while we can do so gracefully."
He was sad to see the party end; this was what it must be like to actually enjoy being social. Vaughn hoped that he would get a chance to see Therese again soon. They did live in the same place but who knew when the next opportunity might be to enjoy her company without the rest of the pack.
Vaughn resolved to find some way to make that time.
((OOC: Vaughn and Therese out. Yes, moving Therese with permission))