Topic: Red Carpet Premiere at the Shanachie Theatre

Lelah

Date: 2011-12-03 21:32 EST
An elegant former mansion house, reminiscent of the early Victorian era on Earth, the Shanachie Theater sits in the midst of a wide, cultivated park. Sweeping curves of grass and gravel paths wind from the street and the carriage/car park toward the majestic sight of the theater itself, uplit by golden-shell gas lamps as the sun goes down.

Tonight, the Rhy'Din skies are lit up by search lights, panning from left to right above the Theatre. The curved drive that leads up from up the street has been blocked off, the cordon manned by two giant orcs in bespoke tuxedos who check everyone's invitations before letting them past the velvet ropes. A red carpet runs the length of the drive to the elegant glass double doors, and both sides of the drive are peopled with a mass of eager, screaming fans and that loathsome beast known on Earth as paparazzi. Their camera flashes pop with sometimes blinding light and reporters in their midst scream out questions to the passing stars and famous faces, hoping to speak to one of the film's stars or producers or some other famous person. Sometimes a reporter will snag someone's attention for longer than a smile and a wave, and catch a sound-bite for their news outlet.

Passing up the stone steps and through elegant glass double doors, you find yourself in the foyer of the theater, a wide space that can easily accommodate a milling throng waiting to take their seats for the evening's premiere. The carpets are rich, deep crimson, as are the velveted wallpapers that cover the walls, offset with the dark sleekness of gold-painted mahogany along rails and cornices. To the right and left stand the ticket offices, built out from the walls in that same mahogany, windows shuttered for the evening. It is from the foyer that you may step through to the lower bar and stalls, or take the wide curving stairs to the balconies and upper bar, which are cordoned off tonight, denying access to everyone but theatre employees, VIPS, and event planners.

Through another door of elegantly carved wood and etched glass, you find yourself in the lower bar of the Theater, a space smaller than the foyer, but large enough still to accommodate a sizable crowd. A small number of chairs and tables are set along the wall to your right and left, the majority of the space left uncluttered to allow for thoroughfare from bar to auditorium. The bar itself is again of rich, dark mahogany, running a full fifteen feet, well-stocked to provide for even the most acquired of tastes. It is here that orders may be placed before a show for interval drinks, and here, also, that a passerby on a warm day may stop for refreshment, as this lower bar acts as a cafe during the daytime.

Tonight, the bar is manned by two tuxedoed bartenders, slinging any kind of drink imaginable. There are also plates of finger-foods, delicacies like crab-stuffed mushrooms, tomato-basil bruschetta, foie gras, and of course, Russian caviar on black bread toast points. Guests tonight would be wise not to fill up on finger foods or drinks while in the Theatre, as an elegant spread is awaiting them at the after-party, which is being held at the Imperial Grand Rhy'Din.

The auditorium itself is decorated in the grand baroque style, continuing the theme of crimson and gold. The seats are deeply cushioned, designed with comfort in mind above all. Four tiers of seating are available - the stalls, the royal balcony, and the second circle, above which also lies the gods. On either side of the stage are two banks of private boxes, climbing to the second circle, each enclosed from the rest of the theater and provided with staff to attend to the needs of those within. These boxes tonight are peopled with the VIPs?the actors, producers, director and their guests.

The stage is set with a proscenium arch, decorated in the same gold baroque style, as is the railing that surrounds the orchestra pit. When the house lights go down and the stage is illuminated, neat construction tricks make certain that the glint of gold in that shimmering stage light is never seen or perceived.

((Please use this thread to post your character's outfits for the film premiere. Also, feel free to have your character respond to any (or all!) of the following questions, hurled at them from the press gauntlet as they walk up the red carpet to the theatre.

1. Who are you wearing tonight?
2. Who are you here with?
3. Do you think Rhy'Din was the right place to film this?
4. Are you excited about the film?
5. What kind of thoughts do you have about AMOC based on what you've already heard?
6. Who are you most looking forward to seeing on the silver screen?
7. Who are you most looking forward to seeing in person tonight?

A giant thank you to the player of Mataya for writing most of the description of the theatre and to the player of Darien Fenner for the press questions.))

Riley ORourke

Date: 2011-12-03 23:42 EST
As Riley made her way through the shouting, screaming, brightly lit crowd that lined the red carpet, she found herself clinging a little too tightly to David's arm. Sure, she was relatively used to camera bulbs popping in her face and reporters screaming questions at her, but she hadn't faced a mob of press since leaving Tucson almost three years ago. It still surprised her that the five or so minutes of screen time she had in A Murder of Crowes would garner this much attention.

"Riley! Riley!" shouted a vaguely familiar looking woman in the crowd. "A moment of your time for some questions?"

Riley's brows raised and she glanced at David and shrugged, before making her way over to the woman, whom she finally recognised as a reporter with Rhy'Din Entertainment Tonight. "Sure," the Cat said. "I've got some time."

"Great," the reporter said with a big smile, holding a mic out in front of Riley's face, while a camera man miraculously appeared over her shoulder, the lens pointed in Riley's direction. "Who are you wearing tonight?"

Riley glanced down at her dress and then back up at the reporter, trying to forget that the camera was there. "The dress is Alexander McQueen and my shoes are from Yves Saint Laurent." The camera man dutifully shot Riley's dress and shoes before moving back up to her face.

"Do you think Rhy'Din was the right place for this film?"

Riley's brow rose a bit and she smirked. "Yeah, actually I think it's the perfect place for a film like this. I heard they saved millions on effects by using an illusion mage. You certainly couldn't do that on Earth."

"Was this your first time making a film?"

"Yes, it was. I've done stage, though mostly ballet obviously. It was fun."

"Will you leave dance and become a full-time actor?"

Riley snorted indelicately and shook her head. "No way. Acting is harder than it looks. Long days of mostly standing around and waiting for things to happen and then short, furious periods of activity. Nah, not my thing. I much prefer the ballet." She glanced towards David again and saw that he was anxious to go, so she turned back to the reporter and excused herself, moving down the carpet and reaching the doors of the theatre with a heavy sigh of relief. "Christ, she said to David. "I don't ever want to do that again."

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David Lo

Date: 2011-12-04 00:21 EST
As he passed through the velvet cordon, David paused and looked at the immense mass of people lining the drive, then shot a quick look at Riley. He really wasn't a big fan of crowds, but with the Theatre, the movie, and the Hotel, he was getting used to having a lot of people around, people with a lot more curiosity about his and Riley's daily life than he would have been comfortable with a year ago. He'd learned to just smile pleasantly at them, answer a few questions if he had to, and not worry about it. And, he reflected, it looked tonight was going to be another of those times. He could tell Riley was feeling pretty much the same thing he was, though, by the grip she had on his arm, hard enough that it was a good thing he healed pretty damn fast these days, or he'd be sporting some lovely bruises for a while. He gave her a quick, reassuring smile when the reporter started calling Riley's name from off to one side. Almost as soon as Riley started answering questions, another reporter appeared and called out ?Mr. Lo! Can I ask you some questions??

He stood up a little straighter and smiled politely at the woman. ?Go ahead,? he said

?Thanks!? she replied, motioning to her camera man who trained his camera on David. Look at us, he thought. A camera on each of us, two different reporters asking us questions. It's like we're famous or something. He held back a laugh as the reporter started her questions. ?We've seen you in the media more than once now, and you always dress so well. Who've you got on tonight??

?You can thank my gorgeous wife for that,? he replied, nodding in Riley's direction with a bigger smile. ?It's all her doing. This is an Armani tux, the shoes are Gucci, and the tie is Hermes.?

?And you two always look great together,? the reporter said ingratiatingly. ?What do you think of a movie being filmed here in Rhy'Din? Is this the right place for it??

?Sure,? he said. ?Why wouldn't it be? It's a big place, there are tons of talented people around, and it's a completely open market for movies.?

?How excited about this premiere are you??

?Well, as you know, my wife is in the movie, which makes me both excited and proud beyond belief. Ms. Rivka is a friend of mine, too, so it's fair to say I've got high hopes for the movie.? He glanced over at Riley from the corner of his eye, wondering how her grilling was going.

?How do you feel about seeing your wife on the silver screen? Is it strange??

?Strange? No, I wouldn't say strange. It's thrilling. I'm incredibly happy for her.? He looked straight into the camera, giving it a big grin. ?I mean, look at her. She's beautiful. Who wouldn't want to see her in movies??

?Do you have any plans to try out acting yourself??

?Well, anything could happen, but I wouldn't count on it anytime soon. Ms. Rivka has approached me about the possibility of being a fight choreographer for upcoming films, though, and I'd be more than happy to do that.? This interview had gone a little longer than he'd really wanted, and he shot another glance in Riley's direction?this one a bit more obvious. Luckily, she caught the glance, and they were able to excuse themselves from the reporters and continue on inside.

"Christ,? Riley said to him. "I don't ever want to do that again."

?Tell me about it,? replied, shaking his head a bit. ?I doubt we'll be so lucky, though.?


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Siouxie

Date: 2011-12-04 07:06 EST
There was something very strange about all this furore over what Siouxie saw as simply being a performance that could be repeated on whim for the rest of time. Being a bard, she certainly wasn't used to this sort of reception, feeling really rather relieved that no one actually knew who she was. Her picture on the posters wasn't the clearest, and never forget the fact that her ears had been artificially rounded for the film.

Still, it didn't stop the press from waving to get her attention, most probably because she had dared to turn up alone and unescorted. "Miss Telaera! Siouxie!"

Turning, she blinked in astonishment at the sudden fireworks in front of her eyes as flashbulbs went off from all around her, laughing at the mania that the press intrusion was creating. After all, she had safely navigated the crowds outside, who were all waiting anxiously to get their glimpses of the stars, the director, even the backers, all of whom were at least known to them. Siouxie hadn't expected to be ambushed like this inside the cordon.

"Who are you wearing tonight, Siouxie?" an aggressive female voice made itself known, and she found herself focusing on a human who was even smaller than her, wielding a pen and notebook as though it were a sword and shield.

"Wearing? Oh, you mean the dress," she laughed at her own misunderstanding, the sound a gentle peal of amusement in the midst of the aggressive interest. "This is a traditional court gown of the Summer Kingdom, more commonly known as Tir na n'Ar, made for me almost forty years ago by the seamstress Helevaer Nil'dalion."

"And your shoes?"

"What shoes?" With another laugh as the sheer insanity of the situation started to get to her, Siouxie lifted the hem of her gown to show off her bare feet, twinkling with jewels. "These are the work of Treasures of the Sea Jewellers, right here in Rhy'Din."

"Siouxie," another voice, male this time, caught her attention, turning her away from questions about fashion as she reassembled her smile into something a little less panicked. "Who are you most looking forward to seeing on the silver screen?"

"If I am very honest, I would have to admit that I am looking forward to seeing everyone on screen," she smiled, just about managing not to blink as yet another camera flash went off in her face. "I have never actually seen any form of moving picture at all, I'm quite excited to see how we all came out."

This seemed to surprise quite a few people, but it wasn't more than a second before another question was rushing her way. "And who are you most looking forward to seeing in person tonight, Siouxie?"

"Everyone!" The half-elven bard chuckled, shrugging one shoulder. "I wasn't required for more than a couple of weeks, which means I've barely seen any of them since. They've been so busy, and I, of course, have had my day job to deal with. I'm very happy to be able to say that everyone here who even had the remotest job on the film is someone I am very much looking forward to seeing tonight!"

Some sort of commotion at the cordon drew the attention of the press junket, and Siouxie took the opportunity to slip away from them. So much fuss over a story, she thought to herself. How insane will this all become when Lelah and Jon arrive?

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Olivia Storm

Date: 2011-12-05 09:29 EST
"Lasse Kolehmainen's car is just pulling up."

Discreetly, Liv raised her inner wrist to her mouth, murmuring into the microphone secreted in her bracelet. "Please move Daniel and Ibrahim on from the press junket," were her quiet orders. "And ask Ali and his guest to take their place."

"You got it."

She watched from her position of carefully unassuming importance at the top of the steps into the theater itself as ushers and security men moved to do as she had asked. She was dressed to fit in with the red carpet walkers, but even her gown was as understated as she had been allowed to get away with. Lelah had vehemently vetoed a pants suit, likewise anything unadorned, which had resulted in Liv dressing herself in the most modest gown she could find, albeit one that sparkled as she moved.

It figured, of course. She would be working on the studio's big night, but then, no one expected Lelah to stay on top of all the details and keep things moving smoothly. Liv was the obvious choice, and since she had no escort to chat with while taking drinks in the interval between leaving the red carpet and actually going in to watch the film, it might as well be her.

It was a simple process, really. She just had to keep people moving; so long as there was constantly someone speaking to the press, and others keeping the fans waiting outside the cordon happy, it was a success. The procedure went like this - the star, or guest, or whatever, stepped out of their car, and was expected to spend a busy few minutes signing autographs and generally making themselves seen. Then, at a word from Liv, one of the ushers would gently suggest that they make their way through the cordon and be charming for the press. Once there was someone else in the queue to be interviewed, they could then escape into the theater itself. All very simple.

Unfortunately, it was becoming something of a nightmare to get certain people away from their fans. Marco Papilio, in particular, had shown his colors by outright refusing to be moved on, intent upon enjoying his limelight for as long as it lasted. Liv was just hoping that he decided to play along before Lelah and Jon showed up, or he was going to be overlooked by press and fans.

Speaking of which ... She spoke softly into her bracelet mic once again. "Does anyone have a twenty on Tulip and Smoulder?" she asked, inwardly cursing the code names that had been forced on her earlier that evening. It was hardly as though this was royalty, after all. Everyone knew who Tulip and Smoulder were.

"Contact from Smoulder's driver says they're just picking up his guest," the crackling voice answered directly into her ear through the piece hidden there. "Car was just sent for Tulip and Growler. Should be picking them up in twenty minutes."

"Well, at least everything is on schedule so far," she murmured to herself, and squeaked in surprise as Wo Chen, one of the stars in the film, suddenly appeared out of her peripheral vision and heaved her off her feet in a warm bear hug.

"Quit frowning, Liv, you'll give us all a complex," he chuckled, gently chucking her cheek before disappearing in through the doors.

Turning back to face the red carpet, Liv felt her heart sink as she noticed several members of the press now looking directly at her while she smoothed her gown nervously. Wo Chen had just succeeded in making her interesting. Muttering to herself promises of retribution, she attempted to restore her calm under the sudden flash of camera bulbs, hoping like hell that Ibrahim was up to the challenge of engaging everyone's attention before she broke someone's livelihood.

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Mataya

Date: 2011-12-08 07:41 EST
Unlike some others on the red carpet tonight, Mataya was in her element. She hadn't realised how many of the fans outside the cordon would be interested in her, admittedly, but it hadn't stopped her from making her way happily along the lines, signing whatever was pushed in front of her and posing for photographs with some of the more confident hangers on. She had no doubt that Max was doing exactly the same thing; they had both attended enough red carpet events to be completely at ease in the screaming, cheering hurly-burly. Most of the pieces held out to her were programmes from the Shanachie, but to her surprise, several of them had been autograph books, and even press photos from her early days in film and theater on Earth. Laughing and smiling, she was more than happy to stay right where she was for however long she was needed to, content with answering fans' questions, however strange.

And just like a well honed tag team, Max and Taya worked the crowd, slowly making their way upwards towards the theater. They started in the center of the red carpet with a pose and a wave; the perfect photo op. Max's smile brilliant and unforced as his hand rested upon Mataya's waist. Then they separated. Max signed autographs, posed for pictures and somehow ended up with bright red lipstick on his left cheek. After a few minutes, they met in the middle of the red carpet for another pose, this one a bit more humourous with Max stooping behind Mataya and resting his chin upon her shoulder. When the photos were taken, Max planted a kiss to Mataya's cheek, then they separated again. This time they worked the opposite sides of the carpet. And so it went; lather, rinse, repeat.

All too soon, however, it had to come to a close. The press were waiting, and Liv seemed to have a firm hand guiding the various difficulties of the event to a logical conclusion. A gentle hand on her back brought 'Taya's attention to the security guard shadowing her, his voice quiet in her ear as he passed on the message that the press junket were ready to interview she and Max as soon as they left the heaving masses out here. With a nod and a smile, she passed back the programme she had been signing and stepped away, waving to those she had not managed to get to as she made her way to Max's side, looping her arm about his back with an exhilarated grin. "I'd forgotten how much fun these things can be."

With his own security guard shadowing him, similar words whispered into his ear, he turned to make his way back to his fiancee. It had been a long time since they'd worked a red carpet. Max had nearly forgotten how alive and happy it made him feel to simply watch her as Mataya never failed to please her fans.

There were familiar faces among the photographers and journalists, people who had been with Max and Mataya right the way through their careers so far, attesting to the interest garnered on Earth by Lelah's latest movie. Old pro's, they took their places front and center for best effect, posing for the initial photographs before both of them were caught into answering questions from the various media types jostling for attention.

As if a signal, the moment that Mataya and Max had their arms about each other's waists, the questions began. "Mataya! First, can I say how great it is to see you and Max out and about the way you used to be?"

Laughing, 'Taya gently squeezed Max's waist as she answered that rather endearing, if slightly mercenary, compliment. "Thank you very much," she replied to the reporter in question, that kilowatt De Luca smile on full display. "I think I speak for both of us when I say it's great to be here!"

The charming but aggressive voice of Roan Jivers caught her ears, flickering her gaze to where the RE Tonight presenter was grilling Max with all the alpomb of her counterpart on Earth. 'Taya was just thankful it wasn't her having the close up on camera. "Max ... we haven't seen much of you in the past couple of years, and all of a sudden you spring up here on stage again! What's with the hide-and-go-seek routine?"

Max smiled proudly, his eyes shone with it as he listened to Mataya field the first lob of questions. And then it was his turn. "Let's just say that I got my act together and took it on the road." He smiled his million dollar smile and nodded, as if to confirm.

"'Taya, how did work on A Murder of Crowes compare to other films you've produced?"

Distracted from Jivers' reply to her fiance's comments by another question for herself, Mataya turned on her charm once again, not comfortable with comparing LeeLee's biggest project to date with other movies made by the established elite. "Well, Crowes is the first film I've ever produced, so you could say it was simply the best!" she chuckled, before settling to actually answering the question. "What Lelah has done here in such a short time is absolutely incredible, and as much as she might want to push the attention off herself and onto the backers tonight, the credit for 21twelve studios and the finished product we're going to see tonight falls entirely on her. Without her enthusiasm and vision, I would never have invested in her idea, and I don't think the others would, either. It would be doing her a disservice to compare the amazing progress she's made over the past ten months with the establishment over on Earth."

" ... always were a naughty boy, Maxie. What kind of thoughts do you have about A Murder of Crowes based on what you've already heard?" The microphone was thrust in front of Max's mouth once again as the inimitable Roan assumed her customary expression of fascinated constipation.

"Actually, the only thing I've heard is the title. It's a rule with 'Taya and myself: if we're not on the same project, we don't talk about it, we don't share and we don't listen to previews or movie critics." He paused for a moment to look lovingly down at Mataya. "I'm truly excited about being here and seeing the movie. I mean, look at the cast, director and producer. That's a winning combination in my book."

"Was this the first time you've worked with Lelah, Ms De Luca? Will you do it again?" This was presented to the smiling theater-owner by a small young man with a scrubby beard who couldn't be much more than twenty years old. His expression of exhilarated excitement, however, more than made up for how old his youth made 'Taya feel.

""Uh, yes, actually this was the first time I've had the opportunity to work with her," 'Taya nodded, leaning into Max in the age-old signal between them that as much as she enjoyed the attention, the flashing bulbs were beginning to get to her again. "I've been a great admirer of hers, even more so since she began writing and directing, and we have a mutual friend in Jonathan Granger, though I didn't actually meet Lelah until she came to the Shanachie to pitch her idea to me. As to working with her again ... that's a no-brainer." She laughed merrily, laying her loose hand on her hip as a recognisable magazine photographer finally made it to the front ranks, his camera held high. "I would love to work with Lelah Rivka again, in whatever capacity. You never know, she might even manage to entice Max and I back onto the silver screen!"

" see you're here with your lovely fiance, Mataya De Luca," Roan Jivers was turning up the heat on Max without mercy tonight, and it was inevitable that she was going to ask about their relationship. What was unexpected, however, was the blunt way in which she did it. "Is this the fairytale second time around, or can we look forward to another scandalous break up? And who will get custody of the little girl I understand you are both in the process of fostering to adoption?"

"She is quite lovely," Max knew was was coming next and he gently squeezed Taya's hip with a press of fingertips. "I'm sorry to disappoint you and your viewers, as intelligent as they are ..." Max smiled, continued to smile. His cheeks were going to hurt later, but he'd be damned if he was going to let her pointed questions get to him. "While no relationship is perfect," he paused and gazed into Mataya's eyes and spoke from the heart. "What we have is perfect for us and we work hard to keep it that way." He deliberately left Juno out of it. No sense in answering a question that he really had no answer to.

For the briefest moment, 'Taya took the opportunity to brush her lips against Max's cheek, pointedly staring Ms Jivers down until the woman offered an apology for her rude question, before yet again having her attention whisked away by yet more questions of her own.

"Do you think Rhy'Din is a good place for a Hollywood-style film studio, 'Taya?" This was from an old friend in the press, the lazy delivery taking Mataya's gaze straight to where Matthew StJohn was lounging on the very edge of the area set aside for his colleagues. She laughed with delight on seeing him. surprised he still had the energy to keep up with the bright stars of tomorrow at his age. He had, of course, asked a question that was difficult to answer, looking smug at the moment of confusion that crossed her eyes.

"Well, that depends what you mean by a Hollywood-style film studio, Matt," she answered him honestly, her smile still in place but the intelligence behind her eyes sparking up in protest at the unexpectedly challenging question. He never let her just be the vacuous airhead most of the media like to portray her as. "The Golden Age is long gone, and rightly so. Too many lives were damaged by the strict control the studio heads had over them, and frankly, in Rhy'Din's outspoken society, that just wouldn't work anyway. Lelah's studio is still feeling its way, but I think we're going to end up with a healthy combination of the Hollywood studio and the independent film company right here on our own front door. A good outlet for the creativity that is just begging to be utilised in this city, in a medium that until now hasn't been available to them. I think this studio will do very well. A so-called Hollywood studio would crash and burn."

Having been reprimanded without words by the stars she was interviewing, Roan Jivers seemed to have reassembled some of her common sense in time to ask Max one last question. "So when will we get to see you two side by side on the silver screen again, Max?"

Max chuckled at the question and leaned to trace the softest of kisses to 'Taya's cheek. "You never know, m'friend. I hear that the ValuCinema plays our movies once in a while." He winked playfully; never give out your career strategy.

Another gentle touch to Max and 'Taya's backs told them they had run the gauntlet and could now escape into the theater bar for a stiff drink before showtime. Thanking the press gathered in front of them, they were just turning to leave when a strident voice yelled out in panic, "What are you wearing, Mataya?"

Laughing, 'Taya paused to look back at the questioner, one of the less-outspoken journalists who was going to have to learn how to make herself heard rather than wait for her turn to speak in the clamor. "Caroline Herrera and Jimmy Choo," she answered the panicked question, twitching the hem of her dress up to let people see the shoes. "And my handsome fiance here is head to toe in Gucci, as always. No one dresses Max like Frida Giannini."

As 'Taya fielded the final question from the reporter, Max cast a gaze downwards. He remembered her dress well, every tiny sequin and rhinestone burned into his memory. The day she'd worn it last and the true happiness they felt in those simpler times. "No more questions," he lifted his free arm and steered Mataya to follow the security detail.

Leaving the clamor behind them, they made their way up the steps and into the relative quiet of the Shanachie, both heading for the bar. The red carpet was always fun, but what a way to start an evening.

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Jonathan Granger

Date: 2011-12-08 14:08 EST
Jon and Vicki were scheduled to arrive nearly last, just before Aimee and lastly, Lelah. Well, Jon anyway. No one really knew he was arriving with Vicki in tow. He knew there would be questions, lots of questions, not only from the press, but from friends and family, as well. His last two relationships, while serious, hadn?t lasted, and though he could hardly remember them, the press rarely forgave and never forgot.

Unlike some in the business, Jon didn?t particularly relish the limelight. Being on stage performing was a far cry from having cameras flashed at you, microphones shoved in your face, and reporters shouting questions, which, in his opinion, sometimes bordered on rude and insensitive. But this was the price one paid for fame.

Ironically, Jon had returned to Rhy?Din to escape fame. He?d experienced all that already on Earth, and all he wanted was to live a quiet life and hone his craft in the theater. Accepting Lelah?s offer to co-star in Crowes had changed all that, but if he were to do it all over again, he?d do the same thing. He believed in the movie and in Lelah?s dream, and he had no regrets. Besides, if it hadn?t been for Crowes, he might never have met Vicki.

No expense had been spared for the evening. Jon was decked out in an Armani tux, the Bentley left home in lieu of a Mercedes limousine, complete with chauffeur. Sapphires and diamonds glittered against Vicki?s neck, a gift from Jon to show her and the world he was serious about their relationship. It wasn?t a ring, not yet. He was taking things slow. No mistakes this time. He wanted to be sure.

The limo pulled up in front of the theater, and Jon took a final swallow of his champagne to bolster his courage. The place was crowded and charged with excitement, and Jon couldn?t help but feel that old familiar rush of adrenaline that always accompanied an event such as this. He was filled with excitement, anticipation, nervousness, and just a little fear. In a way, it was like running the Gauntlet, trying to get past the crowd of fans and the media without being eaten alive.

And then, there was the security to worry about. He didn?t remember the shooting, but he knew the perpetrator was still out there somewhere. He tried not to think about it, but it was always hovering at the back of his mind. Even with all the security, it would be easy to blend into the crowd and take a potshot at someone during an event like this. He?d said nothing to Vicki about this particular worry. She had enough to worry about, and it was yet another price one paid for fame. He sometimes wondered if she really understood what it was to be with someone like him. If she didn?t already, before the night was through, she most certainly would.

Jon asked Vicki if she was ready and gave her a final kiss for good luck, before the chauffeur opened the door to the throng of people that stood waiting outside the barrier, cameras flashing, voices shouting, fans screaming. Jon climbed out, turning to take Vicki?s hand as she climbed out behind him, and offering her his arm. ?Stay close,? he whispered protectively as they started up the red carpet that led to the door of the theater.

?Jon! Jon!? Reporters shouted, from the sidelines. ?A few questions before you go inside!?

Jon smiled and waved a hand at the reporters to acknowledge them, but first stopped to sign a few autographs. Not too many or he?d be there all night, just enough to appease the throng of fans and keep him in their good graces. All tolled, the fans were just as important, if not more important, than the press. The fans were the ones who bought the tickets and came to the performances. Without fans, you were nothing.

Security was tight, and so far, things were going amazingly well. As Jon signed a few autographs, he heard a few comments from some of the women in the crowd and smiled in amusement, especially at the comments he caught that revolved around the mysterious redhead who stood beside him.

?Who is she?? ?She?s gorgeous.? ?Is she his new girlfriend?? ?I?m so jealous.? ?I wish I was her.? ?I wonder what he?s like in bed.?

Jon had to suppress a little laugh at that last comment, wondering how Vicki might answer that if she caught wind of it. She was no shy, timid flower who?d wilt in embarrassment, quite the opposite. In fact, it was her bold assertiveness that had first attracted him to her. If not for that, they may have never dated at all.

Once he?d signed a dozen or so autographs, Jon muttered his apologies to a collective half-sigh, half-groan from the crowd, which consisted mostly of women, and flashed an apologetic smile at Vicki, re-taking her arm as if to claim her and dropping a quick kiss against her cheek. If she still loved him after all this was over, it would be a miracle.

The gauntlet of reporters awaited, and Jon drew a deep breath to gather his courage. He knew he had no choice but to answer a few questions, but he had no idea what questions awaited him.

?Jon! Jon!? came the shouts from the press as he led Vicki up the carpet toward the awaiting press and the doors beyond them.

?Who?s the redhead? New girlfriend? Anything serious? Are your playboy days over??

?Miss, what?s it like to date one of Rhy?Din?s most eligible bachelors?"

Jon lifted a hand to silence the sudden barrage of questions that came at them from the press. ?One at a time, please.?

?Jonny, congratulations on being part of Rhy?Din?s first major film! What was it like working in your hometown? Did you enjoy making the film? Would it do it again??

These were questions Jon was expecting and had prepared for, and though he felt like a bundle of nerves on the inside, on the outside, he appeared to be calm and collected. ?To be honest, this role was completely unexpected. I came back to Rhy?Din to do theater. Theater is my first love, and I wanted to get back to basics, but when Lelah offered me the role, I couldn?t help but accept. It?s a great movie, and I?m honored to be part of it. And it?s nice being able to go home every night after work.?

?Will you do more films for 21twelve in the future??

?I?m not opposed to doing another film, if the right opportunity arises.?

?Did you enjoy making the film? What was your favorite scene??

Jon paused a moment before answering. Considering everything that had happened, he wasn?t overly keen on vampires at the moment. Some of the movie?s plot had hit a little too close to home, at least for him, but that had been no one?s fault but his own. ?Yes, I enjoyed it very much. I believed in the script, and I believed in Lelah?s talents to bring the story to life. There?s much more to it than just a vampire story. At the heart of it, it?s really a love story. I think people will be pleasantly surprised.?

?Do you think Rhy?Din was the right place to film this??

?Why not? If the film is successful, and I?ve no reason to believe it won?t be, it could signal the start of a new industry here, one which could bring new jobs and opportunities to Rhy?Din, the start of a new and exciting era in the entertainment industry. I might add that the Studio isn?t interested in competing with the theaters, opera houses, and playhouses already in existence in the city. It?s all about expanding our horizons and being able to reach a wider audience, making drama and entertainment accessible to every segment of the population.?

?Jon, I know you don?t like to answer personal questions, but is there anything you?d like to tell the public about the shooting or about your past problems with substance abuse??

Jon felt Vicki give his arm a reassuring squeeze, and he visibly tensed, his jaw clenching a moment before offering an answer. He could have ignored the question or even told them no comment, but he wanted to set the record straight, once and for all. ?An alcoholic, whether he drinks or not, will always be an alcoholic. I made some mistakes in my past, but I can unequivocally tell you that I am clean. I haven?t used in over two years, and I have no desire to return to that lifestyle. The past is the past, and there?s nothing I can do to change it, but I?m moving on. As far as the shooting goes, I?m fine. Never been better.? He flashed a strained smile, hoping that answer would suffice and they?d move on to something else.

?Jon, rumor is you and Lelah are close friends. Have you ever been more than friends??

Jon laughed a little at that question. There had been rumors of a past relationship, as there almost always were when it came to a close relationship between a man and woman in a position such as theirs, but their relationship, though close, had never been anything but platonic. ?No, we?re just good friends.?

?What about Aimee? Is it true you and Aimee were having an affair during the filming of Crowes??

?No, that?s absolutely false,? Jon answered bluntly.

And finally came the big question, the one he?d been waiting for, the one that would announce to the press and his adoring public that he was officially off the market, a bachelor no longer.

?Who?s the drop-dead gorgeous redhead, Jon? A date for the night or something more serious??

Jon smiled proudly and slid an arm around Vicki?s waist, turning to look at her with adoring blue eyes. ?Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce Miss Victoria Marshall. She?s the Art Director for 21twelve, and yes, it?s serious.?

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Victoria Granger

Date: 2011-12-08 14:31 EST
There were several words Vicki could have used to describe the bedlam that erupted around them the moment Jon stepped out of the limo, but unfortunately none of them were permissable for red carpet use. Revealing that Jonathan Granger's new girlfriend had a mouth like a toilet wouldn't have done much for his image, so she buttoned her lip and plastered on a smile as they headed straight for Jon's clamoring fans. The smile didn't stay plastered on for long, though - some of the not-so-subtle comments being passed between Jon's amorous following soon set her to laughing even as she chatted amicably with one of the other unknown carpet-walkers, feeling very out of place here in this glitzy, glamorous world.

Her fingers toyed with the gorgeous necklace that hung abut her throat, the only adornment on her besides the dress, as she watched Jon ply his charm on young and old alike, focusing on how proud she was of him rather than how petrified she was that someone might actually want to speak to her. A teenaged boy offered her a shy wave, and Vicki sent him a smile and a wave back, fascinated by the way he blushed, glanced at Jon as though expecting the actor to attack him, and disappeared into the flailing crowd once again.

However, she couldn't quite keep the spike of jealousy down as she noted the familiarity with which some of Jon's female fans greeted him. A kiss on the cheek, a hug, these were fine, she could deal with these ... but seriously, who wrote the rule that said they could cling on like they owned him? And some of the looks she was getting would have been a little intimidating, if she hadn't already made up her mind to find all of this utterly hilarious. Scott Campbell, the assistant director on Crowes, did a double-take as he walked past her, a wide grin crossing his lips as he swooped to hug the film's art director in greeting, taking her mind off vaguely murderous scenarios involving several of Jon's fans, and a large machete.

As Jon reclaimed her, she smiled to her boyfriend - her boyfriend! - looping her arm through his for the walk past the cordon and into the part of the Gauntlet she was most dreading ... the press. Thankfully, Roan Jivers and her camera crew had been distracted by another couple, which left only the news and magazine reporters and photographers to deal with. Thank goodness for small mercies, she thought to herself, quite content to stand just behind Jon's shoulder as he fielded questions ranging from his work to his personal life.

And then, of course, the big moment arrived. As soon as the question was asked, Vicki felt her stomach lurch, knowing with more certainty than ever that it was definitely too late to back out now. Not that she wanted to back out on Jon, but she hadn't actually realised how crazy the interest was going to be in his new relationship. Without realising how loving her expression was in answer to Jon's smile, she allowed herself to be drawn in close to his side, her own arm looped about his back as her free hand rose to rest over his heart.

Of course, the manic cheer that rose from the fans craning to keep their darling Jon-boy in their sights for as long as possible slightly ruined the romantic effect, since Vicki then burst out laughing, but the press got the point, turning their questions now onto her.

"Miss Marshall! Can we call you Victoria?"

Chuckling still at how insane all this was as she tore her gaze from Jon's, the redhead looked toward the reporter who'd got there first as she answered. "Actually, I'd rather you called me Vicki. Victoria makes me sounds like a sensible old lady."

Pens went to paper, no doubt noting her accent and extrapolating her English origins from there, as another waving hand caught her attention. "Vicki, how does it feel to be dating one of Rhy'Din's most eligible bachelors?"

"D'you know, I have no idea," was her sharply-witted answer. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm dating a handsome, funny, intelligent, loving man called Jon Granger. He just happens to also be Jonathan Granger, one of Rhy'Din's most eligible bachelors and the entertainment industry's darling."

"How long have you been together? Did you meet on set?"

Vicki's hand fell from Jon's chest to lie instead over his fingers where they rested on her hip. ""Yes, we did meet on set," she admitted with another smile, feeling the ache in her cheeks starting up. She was going to pay for all this smiling for camera later. "Although for obvious reasons, we didn't start dating until after shooting had wrapped. I wanted Jon, but not enough to risk my job!"

Even as she laughed with the reporters, her fingers gently squeezed Jon's. He was more than worth risking her job for, she just didn't want the press thinking that either of them were unprofessional enough to jeopardise Lelah's pet project.

"Why the secrecy, Vicki?" a warm voice asked from the jostling group before them as a particularly bright flash dazzled her eyes into crossing. "What did you have to hide?"

She tensed at this question, not particularly liking the tone of it, but for Jon's sake, she was going to answer. She had warned him beforehand, however, what might happen if she felt things were getting too aggressive.

"We don't have anything to hide," she answered, forcing herself to keep her smile in place. "The beginning of any relationship is a rocky few weeks; why should anyone have to forfeit their privacy during such a delicate time? And yes, while celebrities are in the public eye and their private lives are open for a great deal of speculation, someone has to draw the line somewhere. Our relationship is established now, and Jon has just invited everyone to take a good look at it. Before tonight, it really wasn't any of your business whether we were together or not."

Before another question could be asked, she looked up at Jon with a surprisingly confident smile. "I think we're done here, love," she said warmly, leaning up to brush her lips to his affectionately, throwing a bone to the reporters she had just offended en masse before taking the lead in the escape to the theater itself.

"I need a drink."

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Lelah

Date: 2011-12-08 15:11 EST
"You look luscious," Lelah said for the hundredth time since they'd left the carriage house.? "Quit fussing with your jacket.? It's Marc Jacobs and it's expensive."? She slanted a wry smirk in her companion's direction.

"Thank you.? I suppose I'm just not entirely used to wearing this sort of thing, yet," Daniel answered, dropping his hands from the lapel of the jacket.? "It's very...confining."? If he had to Shift now, he'd end up doing a credible imitation of the Hulk bursting out of his clothes.

As they waited for their limo to pull up in front of the Shanachie, Lelah reached over and stroked the velvet jacket's arm.? It was amazing how similar it felt to his Leopard's skin.? They'd been waiting for 20 minutes already; Lelah watched as the stars of her production had climbed out of their own limos and ran the gauntlet of fans and reporters.? She'd commented on each outfit, too.? "God, Riley looks beautiful and David looks so comfortable in his tux.? Siouxsie is bare foot!? Wow.? Who knew that Aimee could look so glamorous?? Oh, my god!? What is Wo Chen doing?? Liv will be mortified!"? Lelah realized that her constant chatter was covering for a major case of the nerves and shut her mouth immediately.

A soft purr rumbled deep in chest in response to the stroking; he couldn't help but respond when she touched him.? He could smell the nervousness coming off of her, and tried to say something in response to each of her statements, hoping it would help to calm her.? "You and Riley share the ability to look perfectly lovely in any outfit.? David takes everything in stride?he's one of the least flappable people I've ever met.? I wouldn't mind going barefoot, either, but I suppose that's out of the question, hmm?? You wouldn't have cast Aimee if you didn't think she could look good, after all.? Poor Liv," he chuckled.? "Still, it would do her some good to relax a tad."? He reached over and took her hand, giving it gentle squeeze, then leaned in to kiss her cheek, careful not to muss hair or makeup.? "Relax, love," he said quietly.? "It's going to go smashingly."

"Smashingly," she repeated thoughtfully as their limo inched forward.? "That's what I'm afraid of."? They were third in line now and up ahead Marco was working the crowd, grinning from ear to ear and refusing to budge.? It took three security guards and two ushers to force him to move down the line and speak to some reporters.? Then the limo in front of them opened and Jon Granger emerged.? Lelah grinned.? "God, he's hot," she said distractedly and then gasped.? "Ohmigawd!? Is that...? Holy sh*t, Jon is doing Vicki!?"

"That means it'll go well, my dear," he said dryly.? Then he smirked at her amazement.? "For more than a month now.? I'm astonished that you haven't noticed."? He patted her hand.? "Though I realize you've been rather busy."

She turned a stunned face on him, her jaw wagging in the breeze.? "What?!" she managed to squeak out.? "How did you...but why wouldn't they...? Oh, hell," she finally settled on, her lush lips forming into a pout at being kept out of the loop.? "My best freakin' friend and he doesn't even bother to tell me he's schtupping my art director.? Bah."? She turned back to the window now and watched Jon and Vicki move up the line, pausing to sign autographs and speak with fans and reporters.

"I'm sorry...I'd assumed you knew, or I would've mentioned it sooner.? I'm sure he'd have told you if either of you had had the chance to spend any real time together lately."? He stroked her dark hair softly, catching the mingled scents of hurt and guilt wafting from her.? "It's not your fault, Phula.? The two of you lead very busy lives."

She nodded and turned back to smile gratefully at him before their limo inched forward to the head of the line.? A tall, overly-muscled, sunglasses-wearing man without a neck, but who was in a tux opened their door and handed Lelah out.? She stood for a moment, her body aligned to perfectly display the lines of the couture gown she was wearing while the crowd, which had not yet recovered from Jon's appearance, whipped itself into a frenzy of screaming, crying sea of flashing camera lights.? Lelah felt instantly at home, smiling coquettishly at the crowd, waving to people, before moving out of Danny's way so he could join her on the red carpet.

He took a deep breath before exiting the limo, telling himself firmly not to react to the almost overwhelming cacophony of sounds and scents that poured over him as soon as the door was opened.? Leopard growled in the back of Daniel's mind, feeling dangerously trapped by the mass of people all around them, and it was only a combination of willpower and ingrained stiff upper-lip habits that kept the snarl from his face.? Despite his efforts to act normal, the stalking quality of his movements was decidedly more noticeable than usual as he went to join Lelah.? He took her hand, clutching it with mildly desperate force.? He wished he had her poise and the easy way she handled the crowd.

She whispered in his ear, knowing his superior hearing would easily catch her words, "I love you.? You'll be fine."? Then she led him over to a tight little group of young girls who were screaming her name.? After taking a brief moment with each of them, graciously engaging them in conversation, signing autographs, and posing for photos with them, she moved on to a second then a third knot of fans before heading up the red carpet.? When she let go of Daniel's hand, it was only long enough for her to scribble down her name before she slid her fingers with his again, lending him whatever strength she had?a definitely interesting turn of events.

He'd been reassuring her that everything would go well moments before, now the tables were turned.? He took great comfort from her constant touch; she knew well how important contact was to him, and slowly he began to relax slightly.? His sensitive ears continued to ache under the constant screaming assault, and his nose was about ready to give up entirely, but at least he didn't have to urge to growl at people anymore.? Even Leopard settled down somewhat, sitting back on His haunches, though His ears remained flat against his skull.? Daniel managed not to look like he was in pain when they posed for photos, and he even signed an autograph or two, though he was surprised anyone cared for his signature.? "Thank you, love" he murmured to her in a moment of relative quiet.?

Finally, they reached the part of the evening that she both hated and adored the most - the press junket.? Paparazzi screamed her name, trying to get her to look at them so they could snap her photo and sell it for thousands of dollars; reporters screamed her name, trying to get her to come over to them and give them an exclusive soundbite or a blurb for an article, and all the while, the studios' press people were moving her along, giving her five minutes with The Post, ten with RhyDin Entertainment Tonight, three with The Examiner, and steering her away from the The Tattler entirely.

"Lelah! Lelah, over here!" shouted the girl with RET. Lelah smiled and moved a step or two closer, standing so the photographer with the reporter could get a few score photos of the dress she was wearing. "Who are you wearing tonight?" was the reporter's shouted question.

"Georges Chakra," Lelah answered, "from his Spring-Summer 2011 couture collection, with Prada heels, and Sandra Dini Fire Opal jewelery." She moved slightly, glancing a different way, arranging her limbs so that the stunning necklace and earrings flashed in the light.

While the majority of the reporters were far more interested in Lelah than himself, Daniel did get several questions flung at him.? For Lelah's sake, he made an effort to answer most of them politely, if a little shortly.? He held onto Lelah's hand whenever her could, only moving back when someone wanted to get a picture of her alone.? His patience frayed a bit when one reporter, an especially aggressive man from the tabloid The Tattler shouted out "What's she like in the sack?"? He didn't even try to stop the snarl this time, baring an impressive number of too-sharp teeth, accompanied by a deep, chilling growl that seemed to bypass the conscious brain and curl directly around the spines of those in earshot.? The man fell back, mouth dropping open in shock, and for a moment, the press of people around them eased slightly.

Lelah shot Daniel an amused look, while the security escorts hired by the studios' insurance company took a couple of steps back, clearly seeing that it was ridiculous to even try to protect these two.? They didn't need it.? Lelah moved away from the RET reporter and spoke to someone from Page Six, on Earth.? "Lelah, how was filming here versus filming back home?"

She smiled and said, "It wasn't much different, actually.? We still had a strict schedule and professional people working with us.? In some respects it was easier.? Our FX budget, for example, was a fraction of a similar film's back home."

"The use of magic for special effects was certainly an innovative decision. Do you think it's the way of future for movies?"

Lelah nodded emphatically, still gripping Daniel's hand tightly.? "Yes, I do.? Especially in this town where mages and other magic-users are so abundant.? I predict that CGI and prosthetic makeup are going to go the way of the dinosaur in the next two years."? She flashed that million dollar smile at the reporter and moved down to another one, posing for more pictures as she went.

"Lelah, how does it feel to be working with Jonathan Granger again after four years?"? asked the next reporter.

Considering their recent discussion about him, Daniel was curious to see how she'd react to that question, glancing over at her, even as he pasted a pleasant smile on his face. She smiled, a genuinely happy smile.? "It's been wonderful working with him again.? He's my good luck charm, after all.? He's a phenomenal actor, a warm and generous person, and a loyal friend."

The reporter seemed pleased by that glowing response, immediately asking another question.? "Is he going to act in the studio's next film?? What is the next project for 21twelve studios?"

"I honestly don't know if he'll be in the next picture.? He's very busy with the Shanachie Theatre, doing quite a lot of their productions.? But if there's a part for him in the next project, you can bet I'll move Heaven and Earth to get him on board again."? She paused for a moment and then glanced at Daniel.? "My next project is going to take a holiday in New York over Christmas and New Year's.? When we get back, I'll sift through the scripts and pitches and pick something perfect."

A PR rep from the studios' whispered in her ear that there was less than half an hour now before the screening was to begin.? Lelah nodded and waved one last time to the thronging crowd of reporters and photographers and cameramen before taking Daniel's hand firmly and walking purposefully towards the theatre's lobby. Once there, she pressed a kiss against Liv's cheek and whispered, "You're getting a promotion and a raise.? You have outdone yourself, Lady Liv.? Great job."? Then she and Daniel slipped through the doors, leaving behind the screams and bright lights of the red carpet.


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((Thanks to Daniel Tej for this scene. It was nice to get back into the saddle, so to speak. Let's do it again sometime. :-) ))