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The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

WWXXXI: Recording the Wolf - Take Two


Ayshela

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Take Two on the Game thread, since the first game ended so abruptly.

 

OOC thread is here, and the original game thread is here.

 

Our current cast list is:

 

 

Mardrax - Carrie Dee (taking over Mynx's character)

Savage Dragon - Mr. Coolio

NightFae - Alexia Lee

Gryphon - Seth Able

Giles Jordan - Giles Jordan

dragonqueen - Charmaine Meeks

Tanuchan - Vanessa Lochmond

 

 

Copying over the first couple of posts of the previous thread, to get us to the party where characters are introduced.

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Philip brow furrowed as he sat staring at the growing pile of charts, new releases, and projected releases. Small record labels were bound to have a smaller percentage of market share, but this was preposterous! He stalked down the hall and burst into the Sheila's office waving printouts angily.

 

"One song in the Top 40? ONE?! I thought you were marketing our artists, or isn't that what the Marketing department does?" he snarled.

 

Sheila looked up at her boss, wondering again if he'd left bodybuilding for the music business. The dark hair falling into his face didn't, however, disguise the flash in his brown eyes or angry flush darkening his deeply tanned face. She took a deep breath and calmly replied, "It would be easier to market artists if we had new music TO market. Three of our bands got better contracts elsewhere, so we couldn't re-sign them. One of our artists is in the hospital, and the others are either between albums or on tour. We don't HAVE anyone else to market right now. What else can I do?"

 

Philip sneered at the slightly plump blonde behind the desk. "I know you're not as dumb as you look - or as you play at being, and I didn't THINK 28 was too old to party. Get on the phone to the agents. Mix at parties. Do whatever it is you do to find hopefuls and bring them in. If you can't market thin air, then I suggest you find something to fill it." He ignored her glare and stomped away, slamming the door behind him.

 

Sheila considered throwing something at the door, but since she couldn't throw HIM, she decided against it. She thought, and thought, then slowly grew an evil smile. "You wanted a party? You'll GET a party," she purred.

 

 

 

OOC: You are now at a huge party which has been billed as "Private" and "Exclusive" so that everyone will want to go. Most of the label's A&R staff are here, unusually willing to check out the plethora of hopefuls as well as circulate with agents they know and trust - more or less. You're in a small city, in a hotel ballroom, dress-code semi-formal.

 

Meet and mingle, and if you need to invent NPCs feel free, just let me know.

No PM alliances - any alliances must be formed in game via RP. If you need to PM to coordinate movements for any reason (or for any other game related reason) please CC the PM to me, so I know what's going on and don't cross you up in my posting.

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Sheila wove her way around the room, a drink in her left hand leaving her right hand free to flutter overly cheery waves to people she recognized or a brief touch on the arm of those she knew so that her presence would be generally recognized. The slightly dim lighting was nice, giving an air of intimacy to what was, essentially, a meet-and-greet. She stood back for a moment and looked over the gathering crowd. This should be a good chance to meet some potential clients. Now, where to start?

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Carrie stood leaning against a wall, hiding behind a glass of water, and behind a group of tall people.

She had already decided she didn't like this party one bit before her second visit to the bathroom in the half hour she had been inside. Vanessa, her agent, had said she'd be here a few hours earlier, when they spoke to eachother on the phone.

 

Nessa had asked (more like told) her to wear this ridiculous outfit. Who ever came up with the idea of wearing a black bra under a white top anyway? A man, probably, with the same frame of mind as the one who had first made these ludicrously short miniskirts. The thought sometimes occured to Carrie if she'd ever get up on a stage higher than three foot wearing this, she'd get all the attention Vanessa wanted her to have. Then again, that was her entire point.

 

As she thought of her agent, she quickly emptied the glass of water, pulled her skirt down for the somanieth time and walked to the bar. She ignored the collective stare of a group of middle-aged men as she passed them, and oredered a rum and coke, resigning herself to an evening of mild nausea as she probably did no more provide a living illustration for Nessa's praises.

 

She turned around, leaning on the bar with an elbow while cradling the new glass in the other hand, and resumed the search for a familiar face.

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Mr. Coolio had arrived early, as usual, to avoid the usual swarm of people that crowded around him at these things. He'd already made a quick visit to the buffet table, made a trip by the bar (only to say hello to the bartender he knew, everyone knew Mr. Coolio didn't drink), and was now talking to the DJ at the edge of the room, an old freind he was reliving old memories with.

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The casual chatter of the growing crowd was pierced by the eruption of a shrill argument. Sheila squeezed through the growing crowd, making her way to the disruption as quickly as possible - though with the dozens of people in front of her, that wasn't very fast. She recognized the voices before could see anything but the well tanned back of the underdressed hopeful in front of her, and tried vainly to get their attention.

 

"How COULD you?!" Kristin shrieked. "You said you were going to HELP! You said -"

 

"And I did help. Before you hit me again, how about you tell me what I'm supposed to have done?" Troy sounded wearily amused, though there was a tinge of anger to his voice.

 

"My best friend got a special pre-release CD at one of the promotions, and came to ask me why it sounds so bad. It's not bad, it's AWFUL! And look! It has your contact info! They said they got them from you for the promotion, and they're awful! I sound like a chipmunk now! How could you?!" Kristin burst into tears as she threw the CD at him.

 

"Whoa, wait a minute!" Troy ducked the flying CD. "I haven't done any pre-release promotions yet this year. I don't know where they got those CDs, but it wasn't from me."

 

Sheila had finally squirmed through the crowd and broke into the argument. "Kristin, calm down, I'll take care of this." She turned to Troy and said "I'm glad to finally catch up with you. Mr. Asmundson wants to talk to you about your contract, and the disruptions you've caused." She waved away his arguments and spoke over him. "Your excuses mean nothing to me. Your calendar lists you as being at - and running - the promotion for Kristin's album, and those CDs are definitely substandard. You've violated your contract by detrimentally impacting the marketability of our client, and Mr. Asmundson wants to talk to you - NOW." She turned Troy, now stunned and mute, around and pushed him gently toward the elevator where Philip stood awaiting him.

 

 

 

OOC: Troy has been framed. It is Day Phase, and you have 48 hours to try to find the person who did it. Happy Hunting! ;)

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A voice sounds from the shadows over near the bar carrying clearly (if slightly alcohol slurred) to those nearby.

 

"Well done Vanessa."

 

A few people turn to see who's doing the speaking as Seth continues.

 

"I knew that Carrie and Kristin weren't getting along too well but I never suspected you'd actually have the guts to drop a pre-release version of Kristen's album on the market, and to frame Troy for it... Definitely a master stroke."

 

Seth has attracted a small audience by this stage waiting to see what else he's going to reveal.

 

"Ya know... suddenly all that time you spent asking me about how the storage and editing equipment works makes a lot more sense. I should've known you weren't really interested in helping me put together any demo tracks."

 

Seth gestures drunkenly with his beer.

 

"So here's to you, you... ah crap, spilled it."

 

Vanessa is forgotten by Seth as he wipes ineffectively at the beer he's just spilled on his jeans, giving it the attention only someone who's a little too drunk can.

 

~~~

 

OOC: Accusing Tanuchan - Vanessa Lochmond.

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Carrie arose from her leaning position on the bar, her head turning around the room once again to try to spot anyone familiar, Vanessa in particular. From her vantage point though, she still could catch a glimpse of her, although apparently she was in the room somewhere.

 

Carrie turned her head at the drunken man a few feat away from her, who had adressed her agent so blatantly. She pulled her skirt down again and walked right up to him. Loud click from the high-heeled shoes she was wearing echoing around the suddenly quiet room with each determined step. The crowd surrounding him carefully stepped aside before she had to push through.

 

"Now listen to me buddy!" She shouted, one finger pointing straight into Seth's face. "I know Vanessa isn't the most giving of agents, but she certainly wouldn't stoop anywhere near that low! I don't know what your idea is, but she was with you the other day because we are working on a demo tape for me! And yes, I can prove that, actually she should be carrying a bunch of copies of them if she'd ever show up here.

So please, unless you have some proof, or even just a little bit of viability hidden behind that drunken gaze of yours, maybe you should just go home, or just shut up at least. Order a few pints of water, that might do more good for you than just washing your pants.

Isn't there a bouncer around here to escort people out who've had just a bit too much drink?"

 

She removed the finger from Seth's face and planted it firmly on her hip, taking a big gulp from the glass she'd been holding in her other hand. She shivered as the drink went down, her throat warming up, her stomach filling with that nauseating feeling she'd grown accustomed to when drinking.

As the hand went down, she placed the glass on the bar and planted the other hand on her other hip, trying to hide feeling as small as she did with a gaze straight into the drunkard's eyes.

 

~~

 

OOC: Accusing Gryphon - Seth Able

Edited by Ayshela
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Seth and Carrie's argument had carried far across the ballroom, attracting Sheila's attention where she spoke with Philip about Troy. Sheila and Philip exchanged speculative looks. Troy was indicated, but was he working alone? Was it even him? There were too many questions as yet unanswered.

 

Sheila nodded briskly and released the elevator door. "I'll take care of it," she said, turning to drift closer to Carrie and Seth. She had spotted Vanessa and was about to move in her direction when Alexia Lee's comment was just barely heard. "How true?" Could it be? How confusing could this get? Yet the uncertainty changed her tack, and she spoke gently to Vanessa as she walked over to her.

 

"Horrible as the accusations are, we do need to find the truth. I'm sure you don't want any more fledgling stars - or their agents - snared by all this...?" Vanessa remained wary, but murmured her agreement. "Given the public accusations, and the damage such unguarded words can do, we do need to ask you some questions. If you can come now, we can get this done and over with tonight."

 

Vanessa looked around her, finally stopping at Carrie Dee's confused and frightened face. "It's okay, kid. I didn't do it, so they won't keep me. I'll see you tomorrow morning." Sheila and Vanessa moved off toward the elevator.

 

OOC: Vanessa is innocent of all accusations, as an innocent villager should be. It is now Night Phase - and since it is truly night, I'm extending this another twelve hours. Specials, please PM your targets before Saturday noon Pacific Time.

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Carrie walked away from Seth, pushing herself through the crowd that had surrounded them again. In the other direction, but this time all fire from her step was gone.

She didn't think of pulling her skirt down yet again, as it had inevitably crept up over her tirade.

She didn't think of picking her glass up, which was still standing next to the sound tech, unattended.

The click-click-clicking of her stilleto's against the concrete floor could barely be heard over the murmur of the crowd, even by her. But she had other things on her mind right now. With Nessa gone from the hall, she was left facing the prospect of spending the entire night alone. Surrounded by strangers she was supposed to mingle with.

 

She arrived at her old spot on the bar and ordered two more rum-cokes. This time, she needed it.

A minute later, she walked away from the bar, one half-empty glass in hand, the other glass fully empty on the bar. She wandered aimlesly through the crowd, allowing the alcohol a chance to settle in without having her stagger all over the place. Balancing on these heels was enough of an issue as it was. EVentually, she passed Alexia and halted.

 

"Hey there honey. You gotta tell me which agent hooked you up with that outfit 'cause I ain't wanna be havin' whatever he's been havin'"

Edited by Mardrax
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Alexia Lee stood back for a bit, letting someone ELSE have the spotlight for once. She watched Carrie's outburst with a smirk. "How darling. And...How true. Security?" She said softly to no one in particular. She wasn't seriously going to call anyone to escort this man to the door, she was just poking a little fun at drunks in general.

 

OOC: And the dice rolls a vote foooooooor...Mardrax-Carrie Dee

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Trina watched Seth and Carrie's argument from the edge of the crowd. Anyone who looked closely would see that the smile she wore for the world was more of a sneer, but then, most people didn't look closely. She preferred it that way.

 

She was distracted enough that the quiet voice behind her was unsurprising. "Nice," he said. "Get them all fighting between themselves, looking at each other suspiciously, and no one will ever suspect you, right?"

 

Trina's sneer broadened as she said, "Exactly. If they're too busy arguing about clothes and agents to stop and think about music, I can do anything I want."

 

"Really?" The voice sounded more interested. "And what have you been doing?"

 

Trina took a breath and bit off her reply, suddenly suspicious. She turned and faced the middle-aged gentleman in a dark suit. Dismay overwrote the sneer as she stammered, "n.. nothing! Why do you ask?"

 

"Because someone has been causing havoc, and I think you have a part in that. I won't be the only one asking questions, either." He took her arm and quietly led her to a side door where his partner joined him, and they took Trina quickly out of sight.

 

 

OOC: Trina has been taken to the police station to be questioned, and ultimately charged with theft and illegal distribution of music.

 

It is now Day Phase. You have until 6pm Monday to place your votes.

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Seth had watched Vanessa be removed from the party with a certain degree of satisfaction, knowing that even if she were not guilty of releasing Kristen's album illegally, then she was guilty of something else for sure. He let Carrie's tirade wash over him and ignored her for the most part. Too stupid to think of taking down her rival by releasing a bootleg album herself and not good enough an actor to fake innocence convincingly... especially in that skirt.

 

Casting an eye around the party he noticed another prime cantidate for dupious dealings and staggered off to confront someone else, alcohol providing courage, or perhaps an unhealthy dose of stupidity.

 

"Coolio, hey Coolio, yeah, I'm talking to you... Mr Man, think your too good for the starting artists eh?"

 

Seth ignored the looks of disgust or... something... that the DJ and others were giving him and continued shouting in Mr Coolio's direction.

 

"As if Vanessa weren't enough, boy do you got it made! I heard them, offering you favours. Some people would do anything to get you to pick them as the next big thing wouldn't they? See at first I thought it was sex they were offering you, both the boys and girls but then I realised, they were offering you other stuff weren't they? Like system access? Betcha think your so smart dontcha? Huh? You access the system and download pre-release music to mess with the careers of whomever you want to make your clients look sooo good and someone else takes the rap cos you don't have any access of your own."

 

Coolio's bouncer, slow off the mark, finishes forcing his way through to Seth and begins guiding him away as Seth yells back over his shoulder.

 

"Yeah, that's right. Get your goon to remove me just cos I'm telling the truth!"

 

Seth then turns his attention to the bouncer, "Bastard, get off me!", and gets firmly removed to the outskirts of the room where some effort is made to explain how he should be acting though there's a good chance none of it penetrates Seth's alcohol soaked brain.

 

~~~

 

OOC: Accusing Savage Dragon / Coolio. Could be alcohol induced angst about not being tapped as the next big thing, but then again, maybe Seth might just be on to something. Who knows. :)

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Mr. Coolio tried to resume his conversation with the DJ but soon found that he couldn't remember the previous topic, and neither apparently could the DJ. Or perhaps he just did not wish to continue the conversation. Mr. Coolio had an unsettling feeling it was the second. Giving a polite nod, he left the darker edge of the room where he had been momentarily absent from the focus of the room.

 

Mr. Coolio was a little displeased to discover that when he returned to the center of the room, he was not approached by anyone, a rare occurrence indeed. It appeared that his reputation had temporarily been dirtied by this drunken rabble rouser. He decided to let the crowd think what they wanted; his opinion would not be swayed so easily by a man who is so heavily swaying.

 

This drunken fool had already gotten Vanessa into some sort of trouble, a person who, while he saw as an opponent as a fellow agent, he still respected and doubted that she was guilty of anything (except poor fashion choice for her clients). Mr. Coolio went to look for Sheila, he thought he might recommend that Seth be escorted to a cab (he doubted he could make it on his own).

 

OOC: Vote for Gryphon / Seth

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Carrie tore herself from the conversation with Alexia by a profound muteness. The lack of any matching interest quickly outgrew anything to talk about. So soon, Carrie found herself wandering through the room again. What she saw struck her deeply. Here was the same man, again flinging drunken insults at another easy victim. This time, however, his accusations didn't even have a proper base to stand on. People like her, offering things like access into the label's system to people like Mr. Coolio? The idea made her snicker despite herself... Was that THE Mr. Coolio he was ranting to? He had some guts, she had to admit that. Not only would this cost him the rest of the party, it could cost him his career too, if the subject of his tirade wished it.

 

She watched a suit escort the drunkard away, then watched Mr. Coolio for a while as he attempted to strike back into a conversation with the DJ, then walked away into the center of the room.

As she walked back over to the bar to drop off her empty glass and pick up a new one, she continued to look at him from the high vantage point her heels offered her.

 

She had seen him on several occasions, but she had never seen him like this. Alone. She felt sorry for him, reflecting the feelings for her agent upon him in her absence.

 

"Ow! Could you watch where you're going Missy?" "Oh... Sorry, I really didn't mean to..." He was gone into the crowld already. She took another few steps toward the bar, but suddenly felt a thousandfold more wobbly than she did before. Damn. One of her heels had broken off. Three more quick steps towards the bar left her sitting on a barstool, taking the shoes off and leaving them there, on the floor, while heading out to where she last saw Mr. Coolio. Barefoot, with a full glass in hand. She'd have to watch out if she didn't want to end with her head over a toilet before the night was over.

 

He was still standing there, surrounded by people, but impossibly alone. The screaming colour of his suit not at all reflecting the look in his eyes. She walked up to him and placed a hand on his arm. Suddenly, she was at a loss for words, having admired this man so many times, but never having spoken a word to him, let alone touched him.

"I... I wouldn't worry about it too much. A drunkard's words will fade from tipsy minds... Wanna go and ask around for someone to escort this man out before he does his credibility even more harm?" She removed the hand from his arm and extended it to him. "I'm Carrie... Carrie Dee... and you are?"

 

~~

 

OOC: Accusing Gryphon/Seth Able

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The stiffly uniformed security guard interrupted Carrie. "He is - unwelcome here. Mr. Asmundson wants to talk to you as soon as he's finished with Troy. One of your 'connections' at the studio was caught with several pre-release albums, all horribly distorted, and all addressed to you. You might think up your excuses on the way up so you don't waste any more of the boss' time."

 

Mr. Coolio angrily shook off the guard's hand. "I have no idea what you're talking about, and I don't NEED excuses to tell Philip that. He and his publicity department are the only 'contacts' I have here -"

 

"Exactly. Publicity. Now, do you want to come up quietly, or would you rather create more negative publicity for yourself?" The guard stood and waited, looking faintly amused.

 

Mr. Coolio looked around the room, seeing shocked faces among those who'd been trying to gain his favour, and nervously averted stares from those who already knew him. He sighed heavily. "No, you and the drunken rabble here have already slandered me quite enough. Let's go get this whole mess cleared up." They headed for the elevator as a nervous hum of conversation grew behind them.

 

 

OOC: NightFae's vote was sent off-site due to a schedule conflict, making it three votes for Savage Dragon, who was an innocent villager.

 

It is now Night Phase. Since tomorrow's my birthday and I'll be tied up through the evening, I'm extending Night Phase until 9am Wednesday morning. Specials, get your votes in!

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Amidst the hum, Charmaine slips in. She slinks along the wall, wincing with the knowledge that she is unbearably late. Oh well, there was little she could do about it; her plane had been delayed. But contrary to her thoughts, all eyes are not on the latecomer, nor does anyone seem to even notice her. Rather, there appears to be some sort of commotion in the center of the room. Forgetting her shame in curiousity, Charmaine joins the fringe. She hears snatches of conversations, shocked whispers, but is unable to grasp the full story. Frustrated, she says "Wait a minute, what just happened?"

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Carrie looked after the guard, as he led Mr. Coolio away. Her mood had just gotten a whole lot worse. She was gathering her thoughts when a voice emerged from the murmur surrounding her:

"Wait a minute, what just happened?"

She looked around for a source of the voice, then found it. Turning away, she raised her hands in a gesture filled with anoyance and despair.

"Don't tell me every god-damned soul in this room is drunk! Can't anyone control the urge for free booze anymore? Look at you, you're barely my age. You know, people like us aren't even allowed to drink by law, and here you are so drunk you don't even realise what's going on around you!"

She started to walk off, blissfully devoid of the tick-ticking of her heels that had been nagging her all evening, when a hand on her shoulder stopped her in her stride. Carrie whirled around, casting an angry look into Charmaine's face, who started talking to her calmly.

 

"I'm not drunk... really. I just got in here, actually. You know how bad traffic can be." -A smile livened her face up a bit then- "Honestly, what did just happen?"

Carrie breathed a sigh of relief. "This drunken bastard who's just got carried away by that clothing cabinet in a suit. You seen him?" "Yeah, I passed him on my way there just then." "Good. Or, bad really, or really... I don't know anymore! This guy has been causing trouble for the whole half an hour I've known him. Turns out this girl singer, with an even worse outfit than mine, has had a pre-release cd of her stuff released that didn't live up to her expectations of masking her lack of singing skill, so she started flinging accusations. That guy you've seen being dragged away? He continued it. Started spewing venom about Vanessa, I mean, she's my agent and all, ended up in her being dragged away by security. Did you just this man being dragged away by this place's security? That was THE Mr. Coolio. That was also because of his accusations.

If he wasn't as drunk as he is, I would swear he's trying to cover up for himself.

Oh by the way," she extended her hand again, "My name's Carrie. Carrie Dee. And sorry for lashing out at you like I did just now."

 

~~

 

OOC: again, not casting any accusation until some of you get their stuff together ;)

Edited by Mardrax
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Carrie and Charmaine are distracted from conversation by the arrival of - another security agent? He had an air of authority about him, but lacked the uniform. They watched openly, joined by several people who tried to look as though they weren't watching.

 

The newcomer's identity was made clear as he surveyed the crowd and made his way directly to the buffet - where he ignored the food and dropped his left hand on Giles' shoulder. As Giles turned around, the newcomer said, "Giles Jordan, you are under arrest on charges of destruction of property and sabotage, relating to tampering with recordings from your department. I suggest you come quietly."

 

Giles stared in shock for a moment before saying, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, with all that's happened here. You're wrong, but I'll come with you and prove it."

 

The plain-clothed officer read Giles the Miranda warning as they moved toward the door. The growing murmurs behind them were, this time, partially shock, partially fear, and partially annoyance as the number of accused and removed grew.

 

 

OOC: Giles Jordan will successfully prove his innocence - being a villager - but will not be returning to what's left of the party.

 

It is now Day Phase, let the accusations fly. ;) Day Phase will end at 6pm Friday evening. Happy hunting!

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Alexia looked about. "Jesus. Everyone's just getting dragged out of here tonight. Wonder what the big fuss is all about." She overheard a conversation. "Accusations, hmm?" she thought to herself "This should prove to be interesting. Too bad I didn't get to talk to Mr. Coolio about that deal. Shiz."

 

OOC: Sorry I haven't posted. Schedule got really screwy on me recently. Buuuuuut...My vote is for dragonqueen - Charmaine Meeks.

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As the party rapidly descends into small groups all discussing the evening's events in quiet tones sounds of an argument outside drift in to penetrate the party...

 

"Why the hell you throwing me out? Hey? Don't give me that! Why don't you get your worthless corpse back in there and ask her why she was late huh? Probably out delivering some more bootleg albums made by her friends or something."

 

There are some sounds of a low voice speaking intently then a scuffle, shortly thereafter Coolio's bouncer re-enters the party straightening his tie, there is no sign of Seth.

 

~~~

 

OOC: Accusing dragonqueen / Charmaine Meeks as her late arrival at the party is highly suspicious.

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Turning away from Carrie, Charmaine watches the scuffle at the door. Overhearing her name, she frowns. "Suspicious? Of me? How preposterous. I can hardly help it if my flight was delayed, now can I?" she says, turning back to Carrie. "I think you were right. The drink is flowing a little too freely at this party. I've half a mind to leave before I receive anymore drunken accusations. Ah, well. What is the world coming to?"

 

Lost in her thoughts, Charmaine surveys the party. Nothing too suspicious, she thought. Just a bunch of young fools getting drunk and making wild speculations. Still, that girl over there...a bit on the wild side. "I'll bet she's got something to do with it..." Charmaine murmurs to herself.

 

OOC: Accusing Alexia/Nightfae

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