H-227: Captree, Platters on The Esplanade

Raina’s rosé is a special order, but Benino seems more than happy to accommodate one of his VIPs, and Lia soon has a glass in hand.

Lia is browsing the smorgasbord for edibles, when it’s likely that she notes the couple finishing at Raina’s table and departing with tall blonde Charlemayne for a dark corner of the room.  Raina finishes her drink, pours herself another.  Lightning flashes outside as she stands and makes her way to the front of the room, glass in hand.  The background music drops to be replaced with subtle amplification of her deep, clear voice.

“Bluevening Mers, welcome, and thank you all for coming…”

Raina’s speech is engaging and entertaining, at turns serious and funny, she notes that everyone is here because the event is a celebration of their various talents and successes.  She takes the opportunity to rest her dark eyes on several places around the room, including making eye contact with Lia at that point, glitter in her eyes and a quirk at the corners of her mouth as she does so.  She makes light of the ‘lottery win’ that is the ostensible purpose of this event.  She takes time to note that even the service staff and ‘other hosts’ – presumably Esha and her ‘crew’ – are respected members of the gathering, thanks Benino.  She encourages everyone here to celebrate themselves and enjoy the evening, finally raising her glass in a toast to those present.  She gestures with the vessel to several points in the room, the final one being directly at Lia… or possibly at someone directly behind her.