The Party at the DCMA

Given the commotion that seems to have accompanied court as of recent, Vanessa thought it was a good idea to have a nice, relaxing little get together of just a few Kindred - specifically, those newer to the city - so that we can get to know one another in relative peace.

The Dallas Contemporary Museum of Art, or the DCMA as it is already being called, is a new non-profit organization dedicated to showing local, contemporary artists. "Non-profit", in this case, does not exactly mean cheap. So while the building looks a little like a warehouse from the outside (as is only befitting the "contemporary" part of its title), and the inside walls are all white (as is only befitting the "art gallery" part of its title) those parts of the floor not occupied by sculptures have plush, expensive looking seating.

Anyone arriving after 6pm or so (which is everyone who matters) comes into what is already a building full of mortals, most as - or more - attractive as the art on the walls. A bouncer collects invitations at the door, politely turning away those without one, and gently suggesting that anyone not in formal dress return later when they have had time to prepare.

Inside the building is two stories high, with a distinct industrial look and exposed rafters. Two hundred people could mingle in relative comfort, and maybe half that many are already in attendance. As the host, Vanessa is denied the privilege of arriving fashionably late. She is there as soon as sunset allows.

(OOG: Soft roleplay only, no challenges. Posting may happen over the weeks before the next game, but everything is assumed to have happened the night of the opening.)

Dawn arrives in a large black unmarked van with tinted windows that you expect thugs to bust out of and kidnap someone. But instead, out steps the Malkavian wearing a deep red dress with a black bow, black heels and black gloves that you would expect to see Madonna wearing in 1985. In fact, with how worn they look they probably are from 1985.  She climbs out of the van and gives the key to the valet attendant with a warning not to damage her van as though it was a Porsche.

Once inside she stands nervously at first, not liking the crowd of people. Then her eyes land on the most colorful abstract painting in the place and that is where she will be found with her head tilted to one side as though trying to find the right angle.

Marissa Marcado arrives driving a burgundy Acura Integra, which she leaves with the valet grooms. She is dressed in a slim, classical black evening gown, contrasting beautifully with a white mink stole and some mildly gaudy accessories.

She enters and begins making the rounds, with greetings and general pleasantries for familiar faces. In particular, she is circulating in search of Ms. Clark, to express her appreciation for such a fine evening out.

Vanessa makes a point of allowing her guests to wander the gallery for a little while before she greets them. It wouldn't do to jump down their throats the instant they get in the door. But she is easy to find, and when it becomes clear that the Keeper has the intention of speaking with her she gracefully disengages from her current conversation and meets her out of earshot of her previous companions.

"Ms Marcado" she nods her head with subtle deference. "I am so glad to see that you could make it. I hope you don't mind my bluntness, but I think with everything that has happened you more than anyone can use a night off. How are you doing?"

Thomas J. Baldwin arrives on the scene. As he steps out of the car, he walks around and opens the door for his date with his hand at the ready. After assisting the young auburn haired woman from the car, he hands the keys to the valet and turns towards the building. Invitation is offered and the path to beauty revealed.

The pair peruse the art hanging upon the walls and any sculptures arranged through the walk. As Thomas guides his guest around the museum, he spots a familiar face and slowly makes his way over. Coming to a stop at an interesting abstract painting, Thomas places his date in between himself and his new friend.

"Good evening," he whispers across his companion to Dawn "I hope you're available tonight."
A smile spreads across his lips and the slight hint of a suppressed giggle can be heard. "The brothers and sisters are encouraged for a night out after the event to.... welcome you to the city."

Thomas sets his lips back into the stony position they usually rest in and straightens up. Stroking the slender arm of his date, they continue walking about the museum at a very leisure pace.

*A white towncar pulls up and Dr Belgarde steps out wearing a floral tea length dress, gloves and a fabulous hat. She makes her way inside and seeing her family makes her way over. *

Good evening Dawn.

*She smiles at she stares at the painting*

Lovely choice.

Kara comes walking in via a service entrance. Wearing much what she normally would. Trading in her pants for a red plaid skirt and a plain oversize black suit coat. Wearing knee high chunky boots. She wanders around the exhibit awhile stopping every now and then to stare. Once she notices the Dr she makes her way over.

"Hello Dawn, Dr."

*The doctor inclines her head in greeting*

Good evening Ms. Wells, you look lovely. How is your evening?

It is going really good. How about yours? I love your hat. Its niffty.

Daigon arrives in a Hummer wearing a nice Tuxedo with a green patterned vest and matching tie.  



The driver leaves shortly after Daigon talks to him. (ether gives the bouncer an inventation or bribes him who knows who was watching) Daigon offers a warm smile to everyone as he goes about looking at the "art" HE looks a bit confused by most of the art.

Thomas see's the Doctor Doctor talking to Dawn and gracefully escorts his companion over again.
"Ah, Doctor Doctor, how good to see you here tonight." His lips lift into a smile before dropping again.
He stares at the abstract painting some more, tilting his head left and right. Thomas' eyes seem to lose focus for a brief moment.

"We're coocoo for cocoa puffs at 2am like clockwork."

Regaining his common posture, he starts walking around the gallery again as if nothing had occurred.

*grins at Paul* A party for me? I'm flattered! *She also chuckles at his reaction to the painting* Agreed.

Abraham will arrive in his usual outfit via his own two feet, no difference but a bag at his side, will enter after some words with the people out front, something about a delivery, and wonder about the place randomly but keeping out of the way and unnoticed as best he can.

Marissa greets Vanessa with an enthusiastic smile and chuckles softly at the Ventrue's comment.

"Ms. Clark, a pleasure to see you. Time away from the office makes for a good start to the night. I'm not sure if I'll have the full evening, but I will certainly enjoy what I can of it." *She gestures to the milling crowd.* "The grand opening seems to be a smashing hit, and I thank you for my invitation. I hope you're pleased with how the evening is turning out."

David walk up to the front door looks at the attendant and says. "Mr Starnes and guest."

Not long after the Ventrue followed Thana, wearing her usual attire. If anything she cleaned up nice. Clean hair, no smeared make up. Her scratches had healed up nice, and.. Was that.. Fruity.. Wait. Perfume? Whatever, not really sure about that.
Anyway.

It looked like she walked to the event, not bothering to take a cab or even the driver Mr. Starnes had called for her. It was too nice out to spend it in a car.

"Mr Starnes." She said as she approached him. "How lovely it is to see you this evening. You look f-f-fantastic."

*David turns and looks at Thana* I see you refused my driver and the offer of a dress for the event. *He holds out his right arm for her*

"Far too nice of a evening to drive." She did not even bother to comment on the dress as she took his icy arm. "Oof. So cold." Thana leaned into him as he lead the way, seeming calm and collected unlike what other saw.

Oh the looks the two were getting..

"Very pleased" is Vanessa's sincere reply. "Initially I had planned the night for those newer to the city, but given recent tensions I think a low-key gathering is good for everyone's morale. I do hope you enjoy however much time you are able to spare us, Keeper, feel free to partake of any refreshments." A reasonable observer would assume that the gesture that accompanies that statement was intended to indicate the food - expensive delicacies, and in abundance - on various tables and trays carried by well dressed waiters. An in-the-know observer would not.

With that she parts from Marissa's company, crossing the room instead to greet Mr Starns and Thana instead. "I'm so glad that the two of you could make it! You both look lovely." She steps back a few paces, allowing the lot of them to get far enough from the door not to impede traffic.

*David leads Thana in watching the looks as they go* You are correct it is a lovely evening perhaps later we can go for a walk.

"If you wish it." Thana came to a slow pace when approached by Vanessa, letting David take the lead but still offering a polite nod.

"Th-th-thank you." Her eyes fluttered downward for a moment, her frame still straight as board. This wasn't like the parties she was used to going. Thank God she knew her manners. Well, guess you can thank a well raised grandparent for that one.

*David walks into the party with Thana on his arm. He looks around the room then to Thana.* You can stay near me or go mingle. I just want you to have fun. If you need me I'm here. When you're ready to leave come get me. These affairs can be fun but they aren't my usual thing.

"Mingle with who?" She whispered to him. "I'm nae exactly a welcomed guest, here. Besides." She glanced around before a huge fanged smile flashed over her face. "You should see the looks y-you are gettin'."