<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=106394.msg4710509#msg4710509">Quote from: DemonWing01 on 29-05-2011, 22:56:48</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Mira fidgeted around with her hands a little bit when it seemed like they were getting close. She took a deep breath and convinced herself to stay calm, and that everything would be okay once they got there. She was about as new as one could get to this sort of scene, so it was understandable that her nerves would start to build up at this point.</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/>The hovercar arrived at the gate leading into the estate where the party was taking place. Crowded outside were a number of photographers, who immediately turned their attention to the new arrivals when their vehicle moved toward the opening gate. “Guess there’s a lot of famous people on the guest list, to draw this crowd,” Beth noted. “At least that takes some of the pressure off us.” She smiled and waved slightly as she was recorded—Beth did not appreciate the invasion to her privacy, but it was easier to just put up with it cheerfully than cause a scene.<br/><br/>After passing through the gate, the hovercar continued up the hill toward the manor. In front of the main entrance Beth and Mira exited the car, with Beth turning control of the vehicle over to the valet. The women were just about to step through the entrance when someone behind them called out. “My goodness, is that Beth Raines?” Beth stopped and turned to see the approach of Sardar Sangma and his girlfriend of the hour, actress Sally Green.<br/><br/>“How did you know it was me?” Beth had not thought she would be recognizable from behind, especially given how rare it was for her to dress this way.<br/><br/>“Please, my dear—I’ve studied you too thoroughly to miss you from any angle.” He gave a charming smile, but Beth just rolled her eyes. Sure, he was handsome and had an English accent—having learned the language while living in Great Britain—but he was an arrogant womanizer when one came down to it.<br/><br/>For her part, Beth had soundly defeated the Indian pilot in her first prelim, and did not mind rubbing it in a bit. “I’m surprised you’ve returned to the States so quickly after I kicked your ass back to New Delhi.”<br/><br/>Sardar arched an eyebrow at her. “You wound me—but I’ll let the blame lie with your frightful accident yesterday.” He now looked past Beth to Mira. “Aren’t you Mira Malrain? I’ve never seen an image of you that does justice to the exquisite beauty that stands before me.” He grabbed one of her hands and leaned down to kiss it delicately. Beth covered her mouth with one hand giggled slightly—she was well aware that Mira was not the type to appreciate the aggressive and overconfident approach. Meanwhile, Sally Green watched the conversation with growing annoyance.