The Other Mayor of London

[undergroundmods]

The OTHER MAYOR OF LONDON invites you to a night to remember...

"" (Watch on YouTube)

Hosted at The Angelo in the heart of Islington (courtesy of Cesare Borgia), Raymond Harris invites you all to join him on the night of Saturday, 6th August to celebrate his self-proclaimed ascension as the Other Mayor of London. His aims are threefold: to stake his claim as the most powerful supernatural being in the city, to persuade other interested factions to ally with him, and to intimidate his enemies with a show of extravagance. All members of the Islington Nest are expected to work hard tonight to achieve these goals.

The party officially begins at 20:39 when the sun sets and ends at 05:34 when the sun rises. Of course, there's no guarantee that everyone will make it until dawn...

Rules of entry
• This is a black tie event. Anyone who fails to wear the appropriate attire will be denied entry.
• No stakes or other vampire-killing weapons. That's just rude.
• No more than five werewolves and shapeshifters will be admitted in total. Raymond wants them to witness his power, but not to spoil his party. They will be closely watched and likely mocked by the surrounding vampires.

Raymond is guarded by his vampire henchmen at all times. Any perceived threat will be dealt with swiftly and mercilessly.

Places to go
Once you're admitted to the hotel, you'll walk into the lobby, where you're free to mingle with the other guests. It's here that you're likely to first spot the party's human contingent: a collection of young and beautiful men and women whose sole purpose is to provide a live food source for the vampires. Dressed in uniform black suits and cocktail dresses, they will offer up their wrists and/or necks to anyone who wants them.

From there, you can head over to the bar for a more relaxed and cordial atmosphere. Drinks are free until midnight; after that you'll have to pay. The bar does not serve blood; it's expected that vampire guests will drink directly from their nearest human.

If you're looking for something a little more substantial, try the tea room where you'll be served tea, coffee or red wine, and a selection of cherry tomato canapes, strawberries and scones with jam and clotted cream.

The main action, however, takes place in the ballroom. Red mood lighting continues the general theme and live music will be playing all night. Professional dancers provide entertainment in the early evening, but it won't be long before the ballroom is crowded with party-goers revelling in the fun, free and wild atmosphere. This is where you may find Raymond, the benevolent host watching over his guests. Drink and be merry. He wants everyone to have a good time.

(You can check the OOC plotting thread for more info and to ask any questions about this event. Enjoy!)

Comments

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"I'm not much of a wine drinker, but I have been enjoying his beer. Although the quality is probably why the drinks are only free until midnight."

Otherwise, with as much alcohol as vampires could handle, they'd likely drink his business into the ground. Not that Thomas had any idea how much this party would have cost, or how much money Cesare likely had. And in his experience, older vampires tended to be fairly wealthy. Heck, even Thomas was, even though most of it was his sire's money.

[outstandingbalance]

"I imagine so," Natasha agrees. Even vampires had limited bank accounts. "But as long as there's amnesty on drinks..." She takes another sip of her own, shaking her head. She'll have to get back to work before long.

Though, Thomas could be be part of her job, too. She'd rather not think of him that way—but she could still multitask. In a light tone, humorous, she ask, "So do they have you shmoozing too?"

They both know what's going on tonight.

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"Oh, but of course. All of Islington should be telling you all about what an excellent idea joining us would be." Sly smirk.

Of course, they all should be saying that. It didn't mean that Thomas was going to make a huge effort to do so with Natasha. After all, if she wasn't interested when they had a seat on the Night Council, he doubted she'd be interested now when things were all going downhill. After all, becoming a target for hunters in exchange for being able to join in on mindless carnage wasn't really going to appeal to a vampire who was currently trying to avoid feeding.

"Although, to be honest, I'd think spending time around my pretty face should be reason enough to join."

There, see? He met his shmoozing quota, like a good vampire. And, honestly, the only thing he could come up with as an advertising point.

[outstandingbalance]

Natasha chuckles, dipping her chin in an expression that's half rueful and half amused. At least they're on the same page here.

"You make a stronger argument than some of the other people I've run into," she says archly. "Do I have to join Islington to get that, though? Seems like so far I've gotten to see you around without having to do much in return. It's not fair to spoil me like that, then change up the rules."

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

He grinned. "Maybe that's our secret plan. Get people hooked on my face, then make them join to get more. Or maybe the real prize is getting to see what I wear during a territory claim."

Even though Cooper made it quite clear he wished Thomas would stop dressing like that. Something about being respectable and not making them look bad. He should probably listen.

[outstandingbalance]

"Now I have to ask, though. Just what are you wearing that it's a grand prize?" Natasha smiles slyly as she asks. "Or do I have to use my imagination?"

Her tone implies that whatever the reality, if she has to imagine it herself, she'll think of something racier. What it will be remains a mystery, but she'll think of something.

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"You see, that's part of the surprise. Just picture me in whatever your imagination can come up with."

Okay, so part of the fun was thinking of just what sort of outfit she'd come up with...and if he could wear something that could live up to the expectations he was laying out. Not that it would matter unless Islington ever fought Redbright. At least, he very much doubted she'd jump onto a sinking ship for amazing abs, though his were truly spectacular.

[outstandingbalance]

Natasha laughs a little at that, a soft chuckle over the top of her glass. She gives him an openly appraising look, for effect as much as anything since both of them are well aware how attractive he is. Vampires tend to be—not coincidentally. Either their makers had selected them for their appearances, or they'd been groomed before being changed—but he still remained notable for his appearance.

"In that case, until I see otherwise I'll assume you go in dressed as sexy cowboy," she tells him. It's the first thing she thinks of—probably because he's American. "In chaps."

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"Hm..." He paused, considering that. "I haven't worn that yet, but now that you've put the idea into my head..."

He could certainly picture himself wearing that. He'd have to keep it in mind for if there was ever an opportunity to wear such an outfit around Natasha. Only fair that she see her brainchild come to fruition.

[outstandingbalance]

"Considering your reaction, I assume I'm right in spirit. Even if it's not what you've actually worn." And in a case like this, that's the most important kind of right to be.

"It's a pity I have to hope I'll never get to see it."

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"Oh," he said with a smirk, "You definitely are."

So picture what you will, Natasha.

"Maybe Islington will host a costume party some time, and you'll get a chance to see it. Although, I can't guarantee if I'd wear that, or my fae costume. Both would be a lot of fun."

And likely largely depend on if the fae were invited to enjoy it. Or be terribly offended by it, as the case would likely be.

[outstandingbalance]

"Fae, huh? Well, Halloween has to happen eventually." She has to wonder just what a fae costume entails in this context, though. "Maybe I'll even be invited. I wouldn't bet on me being on the guest list, though."

Not unless something changed in the next few months.

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"Oh?" he asked with a smile. "But why not? Maybe you'll be invited for 'convincing you to join us' round two."

He wasn't sure how persistent Harris intended to be, after all. And, of course, part of him was hoping Harris would end up dead before then, but voicing that opinion at this party would be suicide.

[outstandingbalance]

"I'm not sure there'll be a round two," Natasha says. At least, she has the feeling that if Harris gives her another opportunity to join Islington, it'll be less of an invitation and more of an ultimatum.

"But who knows? I could be wrong, but I'd be happy to be surprised about that."

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"I have no idea what there will be. I haven't been able to predict much of anything in London since I got here...not that I tried. I'm not much of a planner."

But he'd had no idea Millicent would be killed, or that the next ruler would be insane, or that he'd throw a party when they'd lost their influence. He kind of figured they'd lose their place in the Night Council, though, so there was that.

[outstandingbalance]

"I don't think anyone could have predicted some of what's happened here. Even us planners." Natasha can't feel ashamed at not predicting the situation with Harris. There are so many things that have happened here that have defied the odds.

"Keeps us on our toes though, doesn't it?"

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"That it certainly does." He certainly didn't know what to predict next. "Though I do hope if you don't join us, you'll at least think of the more friendly among us when dealing with those deciding what to do about...well, all of this."

[outstandingbalance]

"I think I can give you that much," Natasha says. She wishes she could say more. It is comforting to know that the faction within the nest who doesn't support this is as strong as she expected. There are those who support Harris, she's sure, those who agree with his goals or who are loyal to him for personal reasons, but at least the people within the nest who she expects to support another candidate haven't disappointed her. "Not that I have a whole lot of pull to make a difference."

[loveconquersdinosaurs]

"It's the thought that counts." He at least liked the idea that someone wouldn't be calling for wholesale destruction of the entire nest. Even if they were still screwed.