[HIGH STAKES] IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Caustic on 11-01-2007, 14:38:38</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[HIGH STAKES] IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>11-01-2007, 14:38:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				An edifice of decadence, this high-class hotel rules the low-class town of neon abandon; Babylon, USA... Las Vegas.<br>The Executive Suite awaits.&nbsp; For access, one must present his or her invitation at the lobby desk, and will be given a card-key with elevator access.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>12-01-2007, 08:31:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The automatic glass doors slide open for Sally, emitting a blast of refrigerated air that almost sets shivers down her spine after the long walk across town in the oppressing desert heat.&nbsp; The bottle of water in her hands has been refilled twice since she set off from the bus station where she crashed out for the night, and it's dry again now.&nbsp; The dry heat seemed to sap her moisture even more than in her native west Texas, but she was accustomed enough to handle it... but the air conditioning was enough to give her goosebumps, harden her nipples under the thin cotton shirt and brace she wore... she hoped the effect wasn't too obvious as she swayed her way up to the consierge, whose eyes widen a bit at the sight of her.&nbsp; In Vegas, she'd learned, she could get away with dressing just about any way she wanted... at the bus station this morning, she was labeled a vagrant or a whore, avoided or stared at, because she used the pay-shower and dressed in worn-out clothes and boots, but here at the most expensive hotel she'd ever seen, she was automatically assumed to be some trophy wife, or rebellious daughter, and those worn-out Levis must have really been designer... the wear was sooo realistic...<br><br>She reached into her hip pocket, watching the consierge's eyes from behind the rims of her reflective-lensed shades as he checked her out... she smiled very faintly at the attention and passed the invitation.&nbsp; "Is this legitimate..?" she asked, skeptical and stone faced.<br><br>He nodded... "Congratulations, miss... this is indeed a registered private event.&nbsp; The game, I'm afraid, is one I'm not familiar with, and evidently, the details are kept well under wraps at this time.&nbsp; I can tell you that, while affiliated with the hotel, those coordinating the event are not employees, and the hotel is not legally responsible for the game's results."&nbsp; He smiled a bit.&nbsp; "Is there anything else I can do for you, madam?&nbsp; Another water, perhaps?&nbsp; Or I could have a porter take your bag."<br><br>She shrugged the one-strapped, leather messenger bag that held her possessions-- all of them, except the guitar that was stolen.&nbsp; Her precious guitar.&nbsp; "No, thanks... I'll hang on to it."<br><br>As the consierge nodded and bid a welcoming... goodbye?... she headed for the elevator.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>17-01-2007, 12:52:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She almost tripped when she walked through that doorway.&nbsp; Cynthia had never even stumbled in heels before but today she had almost taken a plummet against the expensive carpet.&nbsp; These weren't even high for her, but the stumble had come regardless.&nbsp; Nerves she warned herself, simply nerves that were now wanting to take this chance from her.&nbsp; That was why her hands were shaking when she clutched the thin strap of her bag against her side, commanding it to stay close as if it were her only friend.&nbsp; Right now she guessed it was about the closest thing she had to one.&nbsp; Straightening herself in the doorway, she flashed her gifted smile to dispel any worried eyes coming to her.&nbsp; <br><br>She was alright, she could do this.&nbsp; No she would do this.&nbsp; Cynthia was going to be alright and would show the world that risks were not just for the bold.&nbsp; Bottled up too long, kept inside her little cage for so long she couldn't even look a man in the eyes anymore.&nbsp; Once she had stared them down, dared them to make the first move and claim her for reward.&nbsp; Now she just sat on the sidelines, cheering on one player while he looked at the cheerleaders.&nbsp; That gave her strength, allowed her to stand tall in the hotel lobby and make forward.&nbsp; Hips moved within the tight confines of her khaki capri pants.&nbsp; Nothing was shown as the pink material of the cashmere sweater kept eyes guessing at how low her pants hung on those hips.&nbsp; The occassional sway dipping under the top to let them know the distance from navel to belt was great indeed.&nbsp; <br><br>While peeks at her flesh were hard under the folds of her sweater, it's drape down neck allowed others to see the full but modest size of her breasts.&nbsp; Rich skin did greet onlookers though from her face and hands.&nbsp; Thick and filled with a dark creaminess that promised an exotic night, she had laid dormant too long.&nbsp; Long lashes folded down as she approached behind the young woman before her, awaiting her turn to present the invitation.&nbsp; Once there she gave a hard swallow when the consierge's eyes politely took her in, giving her a once over she hadn't noticed since college.&nbsp; Nervously she passed the invitation forward, long fingers almost failing to release it and her id.&nbsp; Her head ducked down, almost wanting to hide behind the curls that came to her defense in that brief moment.&nbsp; Clutching her purse, she lifted her head only when the two items were handed back along with directions to the game.&nbsp; She stepped away quickly to take the elevator to the indicated location.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>17-01-2007, 14:36:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning, seeming a little startled by the woman being so unexpectedly behind her, Sally flicked her eyes over Cynthia and gave her a smile that was salty and sweet before stepping past.&nbsp; She waits by the elevator until it becomes available, and-- upon entering, notes that Cynthia's checked in by the time it arrives.&nbsp; She holds the elevator for the woman, dark eyes glimmering faintly under her down-tilted hat as she figures out the card-key slot on the elevator console... a faint, gold light emanates from the display, showing '32LS'... luxury suite?&nbsp; or lost souls? as the elevator begins to smoothly glide up the shaft.&nbsp; She adjusts her jeans, taking the opportunity of her down-tilted hat brim to check out the other woman's curves... a little jealously, her own tan skin covering a less dramatic body... before lifting her face again and brushing her fingers over her almost makeup-less face.&nbsp; "You goin' to the game too?" she asks with a soft West-Texas drawl.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>17-01-2007, 18:21:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi strides confidently into the lobby with quick, long steps.&nbsp; If she feels intimidated at all by its luxury, she hides it well.&nbsp; Once she's made her name on the pro circuit, places like this will become her home.&nbsp; Her clothes are simple, casual, and common - but she knows that it is all about the confidence you project.<br><br>She wears a open-knitted pink buttoned sweater over a simple white blouse, comfortably worn and faded blue jeans, and light gray and blue sneakers with ankle socks.&nbsp; She has a Boston Red Sox cap pulled down over auburn shoulder-length hair.&nbsp; Observant people will notice an unusually shaped ring on her right hand, and knowledgeable people will immediately recognize it as an MIT class ring.<br><br>Andi is about average height for a woman, with a slender build, and appears to be in her mid-twenties.&nbsp; The jeans are snug on her, but not skin-tight, showing a small firm bottom and subtly curving hips that have neither the traditional hourglass shape nor the boyish angles of a skinny model.&nbsp; The combination of the sweater-top and blouse acts to disrupt the shape of her upper torso a bit, visually minimizing her fairly small chest.&nbsp; Her neck is graceful and long, her complexion smooth, her features somewhat angular with a small nose that would be downright cute if she wasn't so serious looking.&nbsp; It appears she wears no makeup.&nbsp; Her lips are somewhat narrow, but some of that appearance may be from the slightly introspective or pursed look she maintains.<br><br>She has a small white leather purse, from which she produces her invitation and her driver's license to present to the concierge with a businesslike smile and a perfunctory "Good Evening".<br><br>"Ah yes, thank you Ms. Bestinghouse" he replies politely.&nbsp; "The express elevator here will take you to your game."&nbsp; He hands her the elevator swipe-card.&nbsp; "I'm afraid two other players just took it up, so it will be a moment.&nbsp; Can I help you with anything while you wait?"<br><br>"No thank you.&nbsp; The invitation mentions that the game will be a poker variant, but not which one.&nbsp; I don't suppose you know more?"<br><br>He replies politely, but it is clear that the line is scripted and legally quite specific from his delivery. "The game is one I'm not familiar with, and evidently, the details are kept well under wraps at this time.&nbsp; I can tell you that, while affiliated with the hotel, those coordinating the event are not employees, and the hotel is not legally responsible for the game's results."<br><br>That minimal smile crosses her face again.&nbsp; "Thanks anyway".&nbsp; She recognizes that even if he knew more he wouldn't be allowed to tell her.&nbsp; Discretion is, after all, something she would expect from someone in his position.<br><br>She steps towards the elevator, glances at the lit numbers above racing skyward, and decides to take a seat in a leather chair a few steps away until it comes back down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-01-2007, 02:27:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Strolling along, relaxed and easy, the Cowboy makes his entrance.&nbsp; Smiling politely and nodding to the security guard by the main door, Texas Jim waves to the concierge and hollers out to him in a way that makes the poor fellow wince.<br><br>"Evenin', Pete.&nbsp; How's business?"<br><br><em>"Well enough.&nbsp; I take it you're here for the special event?"</em>&nbsp; The concierge gives the Cowboy a tight smile.&nbsp; Rumor had it that he was on the guest list...and the invitation which the man produces from his shirt pocket confirms that guess.&nbsp; <em>"So it seems.&nbsp; Not going to try your luck on the roulette wheel again tonight, I take it."</em><br><br>"Oh, no.&nbsp; Mrs. Bannerman may've raised a smart-alec, but she tolerated no fools," Texas Jim laughs quietly.&nbsp; "Am I the first hombre to show for the round-up?"<br><br><em>"Not precisely.&nbsp; Mister Jones,"</em> the concierge flags a passing security guard.&nbsp; <em>"Kindly escort this gentleman to the...special event.&nbsp; Good luck...sir."</em><br><br>Digging in his pocket, Texas Jim produces a $50 chip and flips it to the man.<br><br>"Here ya go, Pete.&nbsp; Lead on, Jonesy.&nbsp; I'm hankerin' for a little card action."<br><br>With barely disguised annoyance, the guard escorts him to the elevator...and the young woman standing there.&nbsp; The Cowboy doffs his hat as if by reflex and grins pleasantly.<br><br>"Good evenin', Missy!&nbsp; Going up?"<br><br>The man joining her is possibly mid to late thirties, and definitely dressed with the Garth Brooks Clone motif in mind: black stetson, black jeans, black vest over white long-sleeved shirt, rattlesnake hide boots, belt buckle in the shape of Texas...laughing blue eyes, gingery brown hair touched with grey at the temples, and a mustache that flanks his mouth to join a neatly-trimmed goatee.<br><br>If not for the security guard hovering at his elbow, he might be just another guest...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>19-01-2007, 10:11:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The curl bounced as she came for the elevator, falling in waves around her shoulders while she raced to hault the woman from taking off in the vehicle.&nbsp; Cynthia wasn't sure she could muster her nerve to continue waiting here, she may leave before the cards were dealt.&nbsp; She was fairly confident that once she was in the game, there would be little risk of her backing out.&nbsp; Quitting was never a problem for her, it was the showing up part that often got her in trouble.&nbsp; So with valiant effort she moved forward with her open-toed heels on, forcing her body to move in a manner most appealing to onlookers about.&nbsp; Her breasts bouncing lightly even in her bra while the twists of her hips served to tighten the material around them.&nbsp; When she reached the elevator, a hand filled with delicate fingers grasped the edge.&nbsp; A hurried thank you whispered as she ducked into the small chamber of the vehicle.<br><br>Cynthia had no problem with the woman's gaze, her own moving to look across the youthful figure before her.&nbsp; When the hat dipped down, her eyes lighted across the rich skin and figure untouched by age.&nbsp; Time was a horrible beast and so she admired the woman's young shape and spirit.&nbsp; Once she had been so bold, but now she felt the need to hide inside her purse.&nbsp; When the question was asked she simply ducked her head down a little and answered.&nbsp; "Yes I am, but I have to confess being a little lost on the rules of the game.&nbsp; The invitation is a little vague."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>19-01-2007, 14:22:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Nodding, Sally readjusts the leather-strapped knapsack on her back.&nbsp; "I think we're all a little lost," she says softly, smiling faintly and humming 'Like a Rolling Stone' to herself.&nbsp; "I just... hope it works out."&nbsp; The elevator opens, and (unless prevented) Sally steps out first.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>19-01-2007, 14:39:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The elevator opens directly to the suite foyer as the the only door is standing open.&nbsp; Within, the sunlight outside is blocked by vertical blinds and thick, velvet curtains, and the ivory tile of the foyer leads to a vivid, tasteful red and gold, wall-to-wall carpeting, thick sofas and end-tables decorated with original artworks of modern sculpture-- a black, ovular column wound from a stretching woman, a painting of a cityscape in early-modern Prague-- and a stately, curling-sculptured black card table, its red felt top cleared of all contents... for now.<br><br>"Welcome," comes a surprising voice from one of the adjoining rooms... a thin, red-lipped, green-eyed girl in a black coctail dress and high heels-- quite attractive, everything about her seems more expensive than it should be, from the subtle diamond studs in her ears to the Prada heels, "to the Wild Card Stud debut event."&nbsp; She walks up to the two women and, tilting her head subtly aside, extends a French-manicured hand toward the two women, "Your invitations please?"<br><br>Once they are presented, she will collect them, withdraw a slender gold pen from her cleavage-- ample, but not exhorbitant-- and write a few indistinguishable notes on each. "Thank you both.&nbsp; Would you care for a drink, or some hors douvres?"&nbsp; She pulls out one of the high-back, leather-padded chairs from the table, gesturing for them to please make themselves comfortable (quite a great deal is conveyed with very little movement, there...)&nbsp; before turning her twenty-something face toward the bar where a rocks-glass of some clear liquid waits-- was the girl drinking vodka?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>19-01-2007, 15:11:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally looks the hostess up and down, smiling faintly... wow, Vegas was nothing like west Texas.&nbsp; "Uh... yeah, I'll have one of those..." she tips her head at the glass, before settling on the first chair that was offered.&nbsp; She doesn't sit yet, but perches herself on it and starts to reach for her ID in her backpack.&nbsp; She hopes the fake will pass... 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>19-01-2007, 15:38:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The waitress all but rolls her eyes at Sally's move for her fake id.&nbsp; She opens the bottle of Absolut from its perch on the middle of the shelf, amid dozens of other bottles... at least three of them vodka.&nbsp; "And you, madam?"&nbsp; her warm voice purrs as she turns to Cynthia.&nbsp; She sets a few cubes of ice into a rocks glass and pours it half full, adding a fragrant lime wedge from a silver drawer on the bar, not even looking as she prepares the drink, merely watching Cynthia and Sally with a coy, knowing smile.<br><br>*<br>The elevator, by this time, arrives in the lobby, the signal bell intoning once.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>19-01-2007, 15:42:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the arrival of the elevator, Texas Jim pats the security guard on the shoulder.<br><br>"I think I can behave myself from here on up, Moose.&nbsp; Here.&nbsp; Fer yer trouble."<br><br>He hands the man another $50 chip, then tips his Stetson to the pretty young thing present.<br><br>"Ladies first."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 14:21:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Good evenin', Missy!&nbsp; Going up?"<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"Yes."&nbsp; Her simple reply not being particularly conversational.&nbsp; Andi takes in the Cowboy, her face showing that she was somewhat bemused despite attempts to remain cool and neutral.&nbsp; She's seen such a range here in Vegas that she's not sure if he's for real or not.&nbsp; In some way, he sets her at ease by his dramatic persona - and whether it's real or not doesn't even matter.&nbsp; As the elevator opens and he makes the gentlemanly offer, she rises off the chair, that half-smile tweaking at her lips, "Why thank you", and proceeds into the elevator.<br><br>Her eyes bear straight ahead - into the almost mirror-like polished metal of the back wall of the elevator, where she curiously watches what transpires.&nbsp; When not playing poker, one of Andi's favorite ways to pass the time is simply watching people.&nbsp; The little quirks and signals that we all have and give off.&nbsp; While that happens to also be useful with poker in the form of tells, it also fascinates her.&nbsp; Her introverted nature makes her perhaps more of an observer than an actor anyway.&nbsp; Here she finds herself curious about a number of things.&nbsp; How will the security guard react to the bribe?&nbsp; How will the Cowboy handle the guard's reaction?&nbsp; And on a more self-centered note, she wonders if either of the men will have a tendency to stare at her bottom as she walks away from them - it'd be a normal male thing to do, but will that impulse be greater or less than the need to resolve the potentially troublesome matter of the bribe.<br><br>These are the ways that Andi's mind races, all in that brief moment.&nbsp; Then she turns, her gaze flicking from the Cowboy to the guard, and her hand rises to pause before the buttons, wondering what will happen...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 14:47:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The guard accepts the chip with a wry smile.&nbsp; "You try not to have too much fun up there, Texas Jim."&nbsp; Tipping his formal hat, brass shining only slightly less than the twinkle in the gambler's eye, he turns away, casting a momentary backwards glance at the woman entering the elevator... precisely as expected.&nbsp; As Jim enters the elevator, there's a littl twinge of jealousy... dismissed quickly.&nbsp; He moves along as the elevator doors close slowly between them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 15:08:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim, entering the elevator and reaching over to the buttons (regardless of whether or not they've already been pushed), rocks back and forth on his heels for a moment, chuckling to himself.<br><br>"Might fine night, ain't it?"<br><br>He gives another soft laugh.<br><br>"Too much fun, he says.&nbsp; Hell, it's only poker."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 17:48:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi leans back into the wall of the elevator, trying to look casual.&nbsp; Her baseball cap shadows her eyes a bit from the overhead light, though the polish of the walls keeps her curious eyes from going into darkness entirely.&nbsp; She crosses her arms over her chest.&nbsp; The contrast of her loosely-knitted pink sweater and white blouse is pretty striking compared to his cowboy garb.<br><br>"I'm hoping it will be a lucky night - I'm glad I got the invitation - I guess I'll take the luck of the draw for that against the luck my opponent had in drawing to an insight straight.&nbsp; Were you in the tournament too?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 17:59:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The Cowboy gives her a slight grin.<br><br>"Which one?&nbsp; I play a lot of tournaments, Missy.&nbsp; Sometimes I even win a little.&nbsp; But how I wrangled an invite to this here hoe-down, now, there's a story."<br><br>His grin widens.<br><br>"Won it in a hand of poker, would ya believe?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 18:20:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now Andi can't help but smile fully at the Cowboy.&nbsp; "Did you now?&nbsp; I suppose I'd believe that if the story was good."&nbsp; Her tone is pleasant, even playful, breaking the cool, collected composure she was trying to maintain mere moments ago.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 18:23:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"The only thing I have to say in my defense is that it weren't Indian Poker.&nbsp; Or th' H-Bomb, neither.&nbsp; Just good old Night Baseball.&nbsp; Ain't really my game, but there you are."<br><br>He stretches, making sure to keep his arms well clear of her so that she doesn't mistake his movement for something unfortunate.<br><br>"Now, if my hand'd been Aces and Eights, that've been something.&nbsp; Six-four low flush."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 21:34:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not for the first time, and certainly not for the last, Andi doesn't know whether he's lying through his teeth or not.&nbsp; Night Baseball?&nbsp; It's an almost completely random game, hardly worth being called poker.&nbsp; She once tried to figure what odds would be like for it in college and ended up with nothing but a headache - the fact that this was during a party involving scotch didn't help.&nbsp; But then, real pro players had been known to bet on stranger things - there even was paradoic tournament of Indian Poker at the WSOP.<br><br>She shakes her head.&nbsp; "I thought they were just random boobie prizes for getting kicked out of the Golden Chip No-Limit Hold'em tournament.&nbsp; It's a block or two down the strip.&nbsp; I got bounced out and was handed the ticket as I left the table.&nbsp; To be honest, I was so zoned out by thinking through the last hand I barely noticed whoever it was that handed it to me."<br><br>She pulls the invite out from her purse.&nbsp; "I can't say it's clear to me what the game is, but the $10,000 sounds good."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>22-01-2007, 21:39:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"There ya go."<br><br>Texas Jim tips his hat, a touch melodramatically.<br><br>"I got a feelin' this here game's going to be a bit more serious, though.&nbsp; They don't let just anyone up here."<br><br>His grin approaches Cheshire Cat proportions.<br><br>"I'm a bit surprised they let <em>me</em> in here, for that matter.&nbsp; Ah, well.&nbsp; No point in wasting the chance, right?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 14:31:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi smiles at him as the elevator chimed to announce its imminent arrival high up in the resort hotel.<br><br>"Well, Good Luck to you."&nbsp; With a push of her foot stops leaning against the wall to stand more straightly beside him.&nbsp; She holds out a hand.&nbsp; "My name is Andi."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 14:57:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				He takes her hand, shakes it with surprising gentleness.<br><br>"Texas Jim Bannerman, at yer service.&nbsp; Pleased ta meet ya, Andi."<br><br>He gestures for her to lead the way out of the elevator, then ambles out after her, looking around at the decor with a carefully schooled expression of nonchalant boredom...taking in every detail, noting the probable locations for the security cameras, sizing up his opponents.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 15:10:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the elevator doors opened, the woman's eyes narrowed in order to better take in the surroundings.&nbsp; This would not be just another card game with the few women her age and by her house.&nbsp; Women of suburbia retired too quick from their lives of being single and forced to share cards when "knitting" and having a book club.&nbsp; Dark eyes focusing on the arriving waitresses and her curls ducking down as she avoid a direct confrontation with them.&nbsp; Her hands clasped the purse to her side when she stepped forward after the other woman.<br><br>"A cosmopolitian please."&nbsp; The words spoke of a demure nature, straining to emerge from those pleasantly full lips.&nbsp; She took a strong breath into her lungs and looked up, tossing back her hair with both the momentum of her head and the digits of her hand.&nbsp; Ruffling the confines a little, she allowed herself to relax.&nbsp; Cynthia had come to have fun, not sulk in her own body.&nbsp; <br><br>"Make that a shot of bourbon."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 17:27:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi steps through the suite foyer into the main room, and her stride slows as she looks about at the decorum.&nbsp; &nbsp;She'd expected something like this, but it still was impressive to see in person.&nbsp; Her face fades into composure and calm as the reality of the game to come returns to her mind and the breezy light humor of Texas Jim is pushed to the back.&nbsp; The smile he saw was an unguarded and open aspect of her, and that is something she didn't want to allow while playing poker.&nbsp; Now her mind was set back to business.<br><br>Her eyes then trail from face to face of the three women in the room, from Sally to Cynthia then coming to meet the eyes of the woman who seems most likely to be the hostess.&nbsp; The invitation still dangles from her hand from when she had pulled it out in the elevator.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 18:13:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Welcome to the Wild Card Stud debut event," calls the waitress as she strains the last of the cosmo into its long-stemmed martini glass... had she started mixing it before Cynthia had ordered it?&nbsp; She sets it down on the tabletop with a warm, ingratiating smile... something inviting and daring in those eyes... "Your invitations please?"&nbsp; After checking Jim and Andi's invitations and making a few notes, she smiles that 'just for you' smile and winks at Jim.&nbsp; "Care for a drink before the dealer arrives?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 18:25:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim, never one to forego the pleasure of a pretty woman's attention, smiles even more broadly.<br><br>"Why, thank you, darlin'.&nbsp; I'll have a neat whiskey sour, please."<br><br>He looks around.<br><br>"Darlin', are my eyes blinded by the beauty before them, or am I truly the one and only hombre in here just now?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 18:48:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The waitress's brow arches prettily, and suggestively, at Jim's observation.&nbsp; "It certainly appears that way... you mave have pulled three aces without having even anted up."&nbsp; She winks once.&nbsp; "But I haven't checked them to be sure they're genuine... I leave that up to you."<br><br>She hovers at the bar, looking across the gathered as if she wouldn't mind ensuring that herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 18:54:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, don't that beat all..."<br><br>Texas Jim politely removes his hat and smiles at his competitors for the evening.<br><br>"Evening, ladies!&nbsp; This here's kind of an unexpected development.&nbsp; Which ain't the same thing as unwelcome, no, sirree..."<br><br>He turns back to the hostess and sets his glass carefully on the counter.<br><br>"Better top this off for me, darlin'."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>23-01-2007, 20:57:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi looks the waitress over as she and Jim chat, and that gold pen appears and disappears down into the woman's dress.&nbsp; While she tries to keep her composure steady, her mind is quipping catily to herself about the overtly sexual waitress - perhaps she was a showgirl (or something even less reputable) as her "day job".<br><br>She drifts away from the bar (and Jim and the waitress), to settle at a chair between Cynthia and Sally, at least temporarily until the dealer arrives and randomly reallocates people to their proper seats.<br><br>"Hi, I'm Andi."&nbsp; She extends a business-like hand to each of the women.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>24-01-2007, 00:08:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally tips her hat at the girl sitting next to her, smiling faintly-- and suspiciously-- at Jim's arrival.&nbsp; As a Texas native, she's a little... off-put... by his exhorbitant demeanor.&nbsp; "Nice to meet ye'all."&nbsp; &nbsp;She sips her drink and watches the preceedings, curious about just how this game's gonna go.<br><br>Cynthia seems a little more shakey at the table... confident, bold by nature, but not entirely sure of the situation.&nbsp; On the other hand, Andi seems all business... the brown eyed girl eyes her up a little, but remains polite.&nbsp; <br><br>"Nice place..."&nbsp; she sips the vodka, feeling the liquid fire spill down her throat... feeling a little out-of-place in her dusty jeans, she hangs her hat on the back of the chair and watches.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>28-01-2007, 21:21:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hostess slips the gold pen back into her brassiere-- or where it should be-- and nods to the players.&nbsp; "We received word that the fifth player would be arriving later than expected.&nbsp; The dealer, however, has offered to begin the game without him, if you all consent."&nbsp; <br><br>"Actually," a warm, rich voice fills the room effortlessly.&nbsp; It comes from the west bedroom, where the daylight streams through vertical blinds like blazing gold fire before it is cut off by the heavy oak and brass door.&nbsp; Each player could have sworn that the room was empty before...&nbsp; "There's a lot of action in this room already." <br><br>He is a tall, lean silhouette as he saunters closer, wafting forth the faintest redolence of clove oil, musk, and... myrr?&nbsp; The dealer wears a black suit-- designer-familiar will recognize it as a Michael Bastian-- with a white, button-up silk shirt open over a thin ball-chained silver pendant.&nbsp; "We won't need a fifth."<br><br>His age is hard to place... eyes of a pale, almost amber-brown sparkle delightfully in a face of toned, honey-pale skin, touched by pronounced cheekbones and a strong jaw, a neatly cleft chin and perfectly disheveled, ebony hair.&nbsp; Something about his movements are effortlessly graceful, and his build is that of a panther in a designer suit.&nbsp; <br><br>"Lucan," the dealer says with a broad, easy smile, reaching one long-fingered, strong hand toward the first chair's occupant-- "You must be Sally, then?&nbsp; I hear you're quite the singer..."&nbsp; He takes her hand gently, giving it a light shake, "And you are... Andi, isn't it?"&nbsp; He shakes her hand, tipping his jaw to one side for a moment's consideration.&nbsp; "Pleasure to meet you... tough luck in the tournament... the river wasn't kind.&nbsp; But you'll show them."&nbsp; He winks, the gesture warming and strangely, simply, provocative.&nbsp; "And Cynthia, how are you enjoying Las Vegas?&nbsp; Anything we can get for you?&nbsp; Another drink?&nbsp; Please, have a good time this evening... you deserve it."&nbsp; He smiles fainter to Jim, shaking his hand firmly, smiling.&nbsp; "And Texas Jim, a regular man-about-town..."&nbsp; his amber eyes blaze with awareness, familiarity.&nbsp; Knowing.&nbsp; "I hope you'll enjoy the game... it's not your usual..."&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-01-2007, 21:37:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tossing his drink back, winking at the hostess, Texas Jim makes his way over to the table just in time to hear the dealer's speech.&nbsp; He grins back at Lucan.<br><br>"Do I <em>have</em> a usual game?&nbsp; Granted, this ain't my usual venue, or my usual competition, but I ain't about to argue."<br><br>(And yes, Sally can easily tell he's about as Texan as salsa made in New York City...)<br><br>"Just lucky I ain't one of them sexist assholes won't play poker with a woman."&nbsp; He chuckles.&nbsp; "Remind me ta tell y'all about that, sometime."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>29-01-2007, 08:50:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cynthia let her fingers curl around the stem of the glass, coaxing it upward and to her lips for a tenative sip.&nbsp; While she often had a glass of wine at home, being out on the town was a fond memory.&nbsp; The warm taste of the liqour on her lips gave her a bit of strength again, reminding her why she was here.&nbsp; Low end wine from the winery did not compete with what was in her hands now.&nbsp; Staring down at the rippling liquid, she gave a quiet nod to herself.&nbsp; This was going to be a fun night out for herself, a chance to meet new people and see what she was missing.&nbsp; Another sip was taken of her drink, a larger one than before.&nbsp; She left her limps numb this time and the imprint of her lipstick hung on the rim like a ghost.&nbsp; There was a glisten to her lips now, reminents of her drink and her past.&nbsp; Setting the long stemmed glass down, she then set herself down in a chair to play.<br><br>Her purse was like a leash, connecting her to her life and the security of it.&nbsp; That purse was now tucked under her chair, set aside for when she might need its protection.&nbsp; For now she didn't want its burden as she seemed surrounded by characters both unique and intriguing.&nbsp; Those green eyes were now dark, their depths increasing as they were sent to collect more information.&nbsp; In the elevator Sally could have sworn her eyes were lighter, but now they born the mark an emerald's inky depths.&nbsp; A quiver touched her lower lip, a shiver running up her spine when she accepted the woman's hand.&nbsp; Her grip was not firm, but quite feminine and proper as she was taught to be.&nbsp; Fingers touching the other's skin, gracing it and then sliding away.&nbsp; <br><br>"Cynthia and it is a pleasure to be here with everyone."&nbsp; The words were true for the most part, ringing with the purity of excitement that came from new expierence.&nbsp; When the dealer entered, that shiver turned into a tremor.&nbsp; The time had come for her to stick by her choices and this required another touch of her cosmo.&nbsp; As it settled on the table, she automatically grasped the lime garnish at its rim.&nbsp; Touching her full lips to the fruit, letting them natural suck the soft flesh into her mouth for a sample.&nbsp; A wrinkle appeared between her eyes, a cute tightening of her features when she felt its flavor on her tongue.&nbsp; Eyes lifting to the man as she removed the item from her mouth, giving a slight smile.<br><br>"I'll probably need another, but I'm fine for now.&nbsp; Thank you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>29-01-2007, 18:45:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi feels an unexpected flutter in her chest at the man's voice and touch, and finds herself at a loss for words.&nbsp; Instead, she merely gives a weak nod and a smile as he continues on to the next woman.<br><br>She regains some of her poise after Texas Jim's comment.<br><br>"Yes, eh Lucan, can you tell us more about this game?"&nbsp; Getting down to the game will help her get into her groove, she thinks.&nbsp; She takes what she hopes is a disguised deep breath.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>29-01-2007, 21:34:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a sidelong smile and an easy poise, Lucan settles upon the high-backed dealer’s chair opposite the four players’ seats with a smooth grace, his right hand e extended, without looking, to accept the glass of iceless water that the hostess places there.&nbsp; “Straight to the point, I see… that’s the nature of it….&nbsp; The game.”&nbsp; He stretches his neck for a moment, his eyes twinkling, darkening, then flashing with the smooth chatter of a practiced dealer.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>“The game is simple,” he says with a polite smile as he tears the shrink-wrap plastic and gold foil seal from a strange deck of playing cards.&nbsp; “But you’ll find it far more personally challenging, exciting, and unique than any you’ve ever played… we call it ‘Wild Card Stud’ for now.&nbsp; But if you’ve any It is a casino game for elite players… VIPs, socialites, and the most highly ambitious players of the world such as yourselves... The game is 5 card stud, simple enough, but with Wildcards….”&nbsp; He arches, fans the deck, and clearly it’s no traditional poker deck… perhaps a Bridge deck?&nbsp; But it’s at least twice as thick as a standard poker deck… he arches the cards, does a table shuffle, and smoothes the deck back to a neat pile.&nbsp; The card backs are exquisitely detailed red and gold patterns of dancers, jesters, Adonis and Venus, lords, ladies… intricately rendered with the detail of artistic mastery.&nbsp; <br><br>“The wildcards are plentiful in this deck,” he continues in his wormwood-thick tone, his flashing eyes alighting on each player with the friendly regard of a former lover, “and each Wild Card provides a choice… an opportunity for a bonus payout from the pot, or as a direct payout.&nbsp; The choice is what gives this game its… “ his eyes dart flirtatiously upward, as if searching for the word “…charm.”&nbsp; <br><br>With one hand still holding the glass—was it there the whole time?&nbsp; Did he just shuffle with one hand..?—he tosses out a pair of face-down cards to Andi, followed by one face-up, the queen of spades.&nbsp; “We don’t bet on each round, we just continue to ante… if Andi continues, she will add another twenty-dollar chip to the kitty.&nbsp; But as the game progresses, you have face-up wildcards and face-down wildcards.”&nbsp; <br><br>He drops another card, and—in illuminated script it is labeled ‘WILD’, reversed on the opposite side of the mirror-image artwork… a cloud-whisp figure f a mermaid, rising from the ocean in a crisp cascade of silvery water.&nbsp; “And face up wildcards present an immediate opportunity for a bonus.&nbsp; Would you read the card, Andi?&nbsp; Aloud, please.”<br><br>The card reads, <em> “collect your ante from the house if you know WHICH BEATLE WAS ‘THE WALRUS’.”&nbsp; </em><br><br>He smirks, the gesture smoky and haughty.&nbsp; “And if you knew John Lennon, you could have this…”&nbsp; he flicks one smooth nail over a stack of the blue-edged chips beside his left hand, and the chip rolls casually over to Andi, spinning itself to a stop right in front of her.&nbsp; “And it doesn’t HAVE to go back into your stack… that’s your choice.”<br><br>He grins.&nbsp; “The face-down wildcards,”&nbsp; he drops two more cards and sets the deck aside and reaches over to Andi’s hand, cartwheeling it.&nbsp; Of the four… a 7 and Jack of clubs, and a 4 of hearts… there is one wild.&nbsp; A different painting is on this surface… a cherry tree, growing in mirror from its own knotted roots,&nbsp; a downcast face in its bark.&nbsp; In the space around it is written another prompt, <em>“FINISH SOMEONE ELSE'S DRINK and you will collect three times your ante.”</em>&nbsp; <br><br>He grins.&nbsp; “They can be a little mischievous,” he grins like a sedate, well-fed cat, then sips from his glass and sets it, finally, aside.&nbsp; "Face down means you have the choice to reveal it and get your prize right away, or to save it... but if the hand ends, you lost your chance."<br><br>He looks back to Andi.&nbsp; “And you finish with three queens, Andi… not a bad hand, but with wild cards, of course, anything is possible.”<br><br>The hostess refills Lucan’s glass from a clear pitcher of ice water, not one cube of ice passing the rim and not a drop being spilt.&nbsp; <br><br>“So who’s interested in playing..?”&nbsp; Lucan sweeps Andi’s cards back into the deck mix with a slender hand, stirs the cards in a Caribbean shuffle and reforms the deck easily.&nbsp; “Any takers?”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-01-2007, 21:38:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim lets out a long, low, almost reverent whistle.<br><br>"Deal me in," he says.&nbsp; "Hell, this can't be any weirder than that game I heard about out in the Estates last year...some hombre ended up with lung cancer, a curse that made him talk like a Chinese fortune cookie fortune, and a head full of static.&nbsp; Got hisself locked up right quick."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>29-01-2007, 23:57:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tipping her drink back for another sip, Sally admires the cards, finding them as intriguing as the strange dealer… was that why they chose her..?&nbsp; They had some kind of interest in the music scene..?&nbsp; Maybe this was more than just a ticket to New York… maybe it was a ticket to fame.<br><br>She looks the dealer up and down, letting the glass rest at her lips to hide the faint little smile that she can’t help but let cross her lips.&nbsp; “Deal me in too.”<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>30-01-2007, 14:45:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi's brow furrowed.&nbsp; Five card stud would have been easy to calculate odds on with a standard deck, which is one reason it wasn't that popular in the casino circuit.&nbsp; But it was clear that this wasn't quite a normal deck, and the wildcards made it moreso.&nbsp; But even as her MIT-trained brain tried to estimate the size of the deck by comparing its height to a normal 52-card deck, her competitive heart was ready to go.&nbsp; Depending on how much of her starting stack would be eaten by antes, she could start out cautious and get a feel for the game, though with only five people she'd probably need to go aggressive pretty quickly.<br><br>"I'm in.&nbsp; How many chips do we start with and what's the starting bet?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>30-01-2007, 18:13:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a casual, confident smile, the dealer sets out a mostly-empty chip tray with five horizontal stacks of the red and black "$20" chips and six stacks of blue and black "$50" chips.&nbsp; "$2000, with a $20 ante and fee per hand... for now."&nbsp; He quirks one brow, the gesture challenging, but playfully so.&nbsp; "It may sound like small potatoes, but the payout should be worth it."&nbsp; He grins.&nbsp; "And it's all about the game, is it not?"&nbsp; He reaches for his water glass for another long sip, then sets it aside and, from under the table, draws four more trays and sets them before each of the player's seats.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>31-01-2007, 18:56:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim barely seems to notice...<br><br>"Back when I was just a young pup, I got the opportunity to play with an old pro.&nbsp; Hombre was a crotchety old bastard by the name of Brownsville Smith.&nbsp; That right there tells y'all something.&nbsp; Anyway, one evening as Brownsville and the others were fleecing the naive college boy..."<br><br>He grins, clearly implicating himself with that description.<br><br>"We got ourselves a visitor.&nbsp; Pretty young thing.&nbsp; Barely looked old enough to cross the street by herself.&nbsp; She gave us this cute little giggle and asked if she could sit in a couple of rounds.&nbsp; Old Brownsville wouldn't have any of it, but we finally talked him into it.&nbsp; She lost every hand for the next hour or so.&nbsp; The old man finally decided to spout his opinion that women couldn't play poker worth a damn."<br><br>He chuckles.<br><br>"Y'all ever see Maverick?&nbsp; The new movie version with Mel Gibson?&nbsp; Over the next hour, she cleaned his clock good.&nbsp; Turned out she was a double-major grad student: Statistics and Psychology..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>01-02-2007, 00:49:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucan stares back at Texas Jim, the same wry grin on his face, unflinching for the story.&nbsp; Then, unbelievably unenthused, he pauses for a good three or four seconds before he remarks, "What an incredibly interesting tale, Jim.&nbsp; But one thing will be different about this game..."&nbsp; he flicks the cards back and forth in a smooth bridge from hand to hand, their rifling eerily silent, like moth wings.&nbsp; "This game, you will find, is more about the player than any other... more about you," he passes his gaze from player's eye to eye, significance on every word, "and you, and you, and you.&nbsp; What are you willing to do to stay in the game, to drive it on, and to drive the others..."&nbsp; he flicks up a deuce of clubs without looking.&nbsp; "...out?"<br><br>He reshuffles, sets the deck before the players, and leans back smoothly, slowly, patiently... waiting for the cut.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>01-02-2007, 01:46:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally thumbs her hat from her head and leans forward onto the table, running her fingers along the tray of chips as if in disbelief... more at stake here than just money... she sets the stacks up at her place at the table and sips her drink again, then watches the dealer.&nbsp; She knew enough in her relatively few years to avoid a guy like that, but she couldn't help but feel a little thrill when he looked at her, like she wanted him to keep looking... she snickers at his response to Jim, then winks over at the other player and cuts the deck halfway through, setting the top toward the dealer before drawing back her hand and leaning far back in her chair, one boot propped under the table and easing her chair back.<br><br>Not bad for a kid from Andrews, she mused... and she knew that even if she failed at this, she'd have something to write about... if she ever got the courage back to sing it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>01-02-2007, 03:50:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>Deserved?</em>&nbsp; The word hung in her mind like a warning sign, saying that she was walking down a trail haunted by predators.&nbsp; Some might say that she was only feeling the hungry look of other players, but Cynthia knew that feeling from playing in college.&nbsp; That word made her stop touching the stem of her drink and focus upon the man named Lucan, eyeing him curiously.&nbsp; In thought she unconsciously pulled her lower lip back into her mouth.&nbsp; How did he know that she deserved something like this?&nbsp; Truth is she did not even know how that invitation had found its way into her hands, but a new expierence was now being promised.&nbsp; She needed that.&nbsp; Lifting her head just a little higher, she gave a slight nod of ascent to the terms and to deal her in as well.&nbsp; She didn't trust herself to speak just yet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>01-02-2007, 14:38:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi starts removing the chips from the rack and deftly stacking them.&nbsp; Her fingers were long and dexterous, but unadorned by any nail polish - in fact her nails were kept quite short.&nbsp; Her only ring was the squared off, strange brassy looking ring.<br><br>She looked up at Lucan, "Maybe I misunderstood - can we raise after each card, or only meet the ante or fold?&nbsp; What are the raising limits?&nbsp; How can we drive people out if we can't raise them."&nbsp; Her face was genuinely curious and throughtful, her mind running over permutations.&nbsp; For the moment she was thinking more about the game than about anyone at the table, largely tuning out Texas Jim's little tales.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>01-02-2007, 23:05:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucan smiles at Andi, somehow appearing that he enjoys looking at her immensely.&nbsp; "Meet the ante or fold, until all five cards are down.&nbsp; Then, ordinarily, you can raise..."&nbsp; he grins over at Jim, offering a subtle wink, "...til the cows come home."&nbsp; He turns back to Andi.&nbsp; "However, as this is an exhibition event, out maximum bet is one hundred... for now."&nbsp; He shrugs.&nbsp; "We know that the 'all in' is critical for most card straight poker games, but... we don't want anyone going home too soon, do we?"&nbsp; <br><br>Lucan sits back, stretching his neck and looking from face to face once more... the deck sits before him, still cut, ready to restack and deal.&nbsp; His lean jaw flexes once, then he goes stoic but for a faint whisper of a smile at his full lips.&nbsp; "Let's play."<br><br>He sets the front deck on the back, completing the cut, and tosses out a $20 chip... it bounces once, then lands on its end, standing up straight.&nbsp; He begins to deal, expecting antes before the cards are touched.&nbsp; Each player gets one two cards face-down, then one face up...<br><br>*****<br>CHAIR 1: SALLY..........XXQs (Queen of spades)<br>CHAIR 2: ANDI............XX9d&nbsp; (9 of diamonds)<br>CHAIR 3: CYNTHIA.......XX4d&nbsp; (4 of diamonds)<br>CHAIR 4: JIM..............XX4c&nbsp; (4 of clubs)<br>DEALER: LUCAN...........XX5d (5 of diamonds)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>01-02-2007, 23:28:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"As a reminder..." he sets the deck aside, where it can be clearly seen, and doesn't bother to look at his cards, "if you have a face-up wildcard, you can either take the bonus now, or lose it.&nbsp; If it's face down, you have until the hand is over to complete it for a bonus... so you don't have to 'tip your hand' right away."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>02-02-2007, 01:30:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi puts in her ante, and then looks over at the other players, hoping to see their faces as they look at their face down cards, then peeks at her own.&nbsp; Without hesitation, she tosses in a second $20 chip to indicate she's remaining in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>02-02-2007, 02:18:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim calls, tossing his own $20 chip in after the ante.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>02-02-2007, 03:17:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally peeks at her down cards, lifting them from the table just enough to read the faces, then presses them flat and tosses in a chip.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>02-02-2007, 14:51:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Assuming, for the moment, that Cynthia's in...)<br><br>A ghost of a smile flitters across Lucan's eyes, matching the one already at his lips.&nbsp; "Anyone's game so far..."&nbsp; He deals out five more cards, shaping up the hands further...<br><br>*Now showing*<br>CHAIR 1: SALLY..........XX Qs Kc<br>CHAIR 2: ANDI............XX 9d W!<br>CHAIR 3: CYNTHIA.......XX 4d 3s<br>CHAIR 4: JIM..............XX 4c Jd<br>DEALER: LUCAN...........XX 5d 7c<br>**<br><br>Among the elegantly painted faces this round is, dealt to Andi, a wildcard... it depicts two serpents of black on a red background, eating each other's tails in a perfect circle, and in illuminated script at each right corner: <em>"collect twice your ante if you can sing a song, or recite a poem, that uses the word 'BLOW'."</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>03-02-2007, 18:48:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi laughs, a bit nervously.&nbsp; "Blow, huh?&nbsp; And I have to do it right now.&nbsp; Okay."&nbsp; She muses in quiet whispers "blow me down, blow me a kiss, gotta be something there.&nbsp; something that I heard just a while ago in the casino...."&nbsp; She starts humming, at first fairly tunelessly, then starting to come together.&nbsp; She starts signing, at first hesitantly then with a bit more confidence and speed:<br><br>"Luck be a lady tonight, luck be a lady tonight.&nbsp; Luck if you've ever been a lady to begin with, luck be a lady tonight. Luck let a gentleman see just how nice a dame you can be.&nbsp; I know the way you've treated other guys you've been with, luck be a lady with me.&nbsp; A lady never leaves her escort - it isn't fair, it isn't nice.&nbsp; A lady doesn't wander all over the room, and blow on some other guys dice."<br><br>She trails off, hoping that's good enough.<br><br>Her singing voice isn't very practiced, though her voice is fairly clear and pleasant, but she is off on several notes - plenty good enough for the song to be recognized, better that much of what you'd hear at a karaoke bar, but not enough to want an encore.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>05-02-2007, 18:50:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim grins.&nbsp; This game was definitely not his normal stakes...<br><br>And he adds another $20 chip to his ante, tossing it as casually as he did the first two.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>07-02-2007, 14:56:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a wry chuckle and a subtle wink to Andi, Lucan passes his splayed hand before Andi-- between her and the pile-- and leaves behind two twenty-dollar markers.&nbsp; "Absolutely... thank you for breaking the ice."&nbsp; He grins and returns to the deck, preparing to deal the final card of this hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>07-02-2007, 18:46:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi smiles and lets out a little breath.&nbsp; She hadn't expect to end up singing for the game, and wondered where else those wild cards would take people.<br><br>"My pleasure.&nbsp; Now I just take these chips - they don't raise the bet, right?"<br><br>She moves to pick up the chips, normally a taboo thing in the midst of a normal game, but if the chips aren't actually in play then she figures they shouldn't be hanging around next to live chips.<br><br>"I like it - my stack is back to full and I'm still in."&nbsp; She grins.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>08-02-2007, 03:58:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucan lifts his fingers in a gesture of copasthetic agreement.&nbsp; "Pocket them if you wish.&nbsp; Or... add them to your stack.&nbsp; The choice is yours."&nbsp; He tosses out the next series of cards in an articulate spiralling flip... the cards whirling in complete rotations vertically and end-over end before landing, face up, next to each player's hand.&nbsp; <br><br>Faintly smiling, Lucan takes a moment to review each hand as it is shown...<br><br>CHAIR 1: Sally..........XX Qs Kc 4h <br><br>"Aw, drat... that blew your possible straight... No straights for you, darling."&nbsp; There's a mischievous lilt in 'straights...'&nbsp; <br><br>CHAIR 2: Andi............XX 9d W! 2d<br><br>"Wild cards turn the tide, do they not..?&nbsp; Andi, you're showing us a possible flush... is she holding all the diamonds..?"<br><br>CHAIR 3: Cynthia.......XX 4d 3s 8h<br><br>"Again, the straight doesn't favor you, Cnythia... but beware, children, she might have three of a kind."<br><br>CHAIR 4: Jim..............XX 4c Jd w!<br><br>Jim's Wild card lands on its long edge, flopping down gently to a face-up position after the briefest of perfectly-balanced pauses... sloppy dealing, or genius?&nbsp; It depicts a rose spiral that blossoms and wilts at the same time, and the caption reads, "Name YOUR FIRST lover, and you may choose a new seat.&nbsp; Describe your first LOVER'S CHARMS, and receive your ante in bonus."<br><br>Lucan quirks a brow at that, once the cards have all fallen, but he leaves it to others to comment.<br><br>"That could come in handy..."<br><br>DEALER: Lucan...........XX 5d 7c Ks<br><br>The suicide king of Spades has a cigarette dangling from his lips, a pistol to one temple, and a lovely woman on one arm.&nbsp; "Smoke if you got 'em..." Lucan jokes.&nbsp; "But no help."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>08-02-2007, 04:09:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=8473.msg312311#msg312311">Quote from: Caustic on 08-02-2007, 03:58:11</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">CHAIR 4: Jim..............XX 4c Jd w!<br><br>Jim's Wild card lands on its long edge, flopping down gently to a face-up position after the briefest of perfectly-balanced pauses... sloppy dealing, or genius?&nbsp; It depicts a rose spiral that blossoms and wilts at the same time, and the caption reads, "Name YOUR FIRST lover, and you may choose a new seat.&nbsp; Describe your first LOVER'S CHARMS, and receive your ante in bonus."<br><br>Lucan quirks a brow at that, once the cards have all fallen, but he leaves it to others to comment.<br><br>"That could come in handy..."<br><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Texas Jim smiles.<br><br>"Her name was Heidi Sue Blanchette.&nbsp; Hair like gold, eyes like big blue marbles, and the sunniest smile you ever did see on a little girl.&nbsp; But, alas, she broke my heart of glass when she preferred Bobby Tyler, who was in the third grade.&nbsp; I swore off women that day, for all the good that did."<br><br>He laughs.<br><br>"What?&nbsp; We were in kindegarten.&nbsp; I like this seat just fine, thanks."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>08-02-2007, 14:26:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a second look at her hand, Sally can't really supress a slowly bubbling laugh at Jim's story... it's like the slow start of a boil in a pot of warm honey.&nbsp; It passes with a slow shake of her head, and she scrubs her fingers through her short black hair.&nbsp; "I'm in," she drops a pair of $50 chips, lowers her hat brim.&nbsp; "That's the limit, right..?"&nbsp; She stares steadily at Lucan, full, youthful lips and dark eyes still clinging to the remnants of a pretty smile.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>08-02-2007, 15:19:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oooo...heatin' things up already, darlin'?"<br><br>Jim meets her bet...and raises another $50.<br><br>"I'll take that and bump ya another fifty."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>10-02-2007, 23:01:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally nods and sees the $50.&nbsp; "Have it your way, <em>part'ner</em>."&nbsp; The last word comes out dripping with teasing sarcasm, and she adds a subtle wink.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-02-2007, 02:13:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Why, little lady, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that was sarcasm..."<br><br>Texas Jim grins at her.<br><br>"Course, I'm just a simple cowboy."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>11-02-2007, 02:19:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=8473.msg313469#msg313469">Quote from: MadPanda on 11-02-2007, 02:13:45</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"Why, little lady, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that was sarcasm..."<br><br>Texas Jim grins at her.<br><br>"Course, I'm just a simple cowboy."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"And I'm mother superior, pleasure to meet you," Lucan says with a warm, steady smile.&nbsp; "Now, the Bid is $150, ladies.&nbsp; In or out?"&nbsp; He tilts his face to the side, seeming to meet eyes with both Cynthia and Andi at once, radiating a warm, predatory heat and calm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>11-02-2007, 20:18:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"How could I stop now?"&nbsp; Andi gives a simple smile and meets the bet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>14-02-2007, 00:54:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm called."<br><br>Sally drops her hand.&nbsp; Qd 6c Qs Kc 4h.<br><br>"Just a pair."&nbsp; She shrugs.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>14-02-2007, 05:01:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Sorry, modded wrong post earlier.&nbsp; ONCE MORE, rolling ahead, barring divine intervention)<br><br>Tilting his face to one side with a pleasant, curious smile... "And, the dealer is in as well."&nbsp; He lifts a few chips from the top of a stack and sets them in a neat column alongside the others' in the pot.&nbsp; "The last chance for hidden wilds is now passed, the last call has been made."&nbsp; Lucan nods to Sally.&nbsp; "As seat 1 for this hand, you must show first.&nbsp; Other players aren't required to show their hands if they lose."<br><br>With a faint gleam of pearly teeth that can almost be called a satisfied grin, Lucan sits back at the table... the pert-bodied hostess reappears.&nbsp; She still wears the cocktail dress and fine heels, but it seems to be riding a little high on her slender thighs.&nbsp; She doesn't seem to notice if she's noticed, but does make a momentary eye contact with Andi, then Jim, then Sally, then Cynthia in turn.&nbsp; "Did you pick these players, Lucan?&nbsp; You devil.&nbsp; All so attractive, aren't they?"&nbsp; She places a black-papered clove cigarette in his lips for him, and he makes no move to resist... like he expected it.&nbsp; She lit it, then, with a smooth flick of a long, thin, silver-plated Zippo. <br><br>The lighter then dissapears where she had been keeping her pen... in the neck of her dress.&nbsp; She slips it low... very low... was she wearing a bra?<br><br>Sally must show first.&nbsp; (send me a PM if you don't want your hand showing)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>14-02-2007, 17:09:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And quite the pair at that."<br><br>Texas Jim grins broadly and lets his eyes wander over Sally's ample charms as he turns over his two hole cards...<br><br>"Guess I caught the case Jacks.&nbsp; Dang wild cards."<br><br>Js&nbsp; Jc&nbsp; Jd Wild 4c
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>14-02-2007, 22:59:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi, Cynthia, and Lucan each drop their cards in turn.&nbsp; "Well played, Jim."&nbsp; He notes the pot had reached 750... bringing Jim's total up nicely.<br><br>"And that's how it's done, gentlemen and ladies."&nbsp; With a tip of his head, Lucan sweeps the cards to center table for a series of rapid criss-crossing shuffles.&nbsp; "The lead, this time, is with Andi."<br><br>He allows a cut, then, with the same dry smile and a long, crackling draw on the clove cigarette that dangles at his lip, he deals the next set of cards for each player.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>14-02-2007, 23:05:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				CHAIR 1: S..........XX W!<br>CHAIR 2: A............XX 10c<br>CHAIR 3: C.......XX 3s<br>CHAIR 4: J..............XX 4s<br>DEALER: L...........XX Ac<br><br>Sally's Wild Card depicts a Jester in Renaissance garb with red and black motley trading hats with blue and gold queen.<br><br>It reads, "Trade shoes with another player for your ante in cash.&nbsp; Trade shirts for double.&nbsp; The other player gets the same."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>15-02-2007, 03:46:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi mucks her cards, and her face takes on a very cool composed look.&nbsp; If Jim's a much of a card player as he acts like he is, then he could make a good guess that he just beat her out.<br><br>The cool look does crack into a smile as the wild card description is read off.&nbsp; Andi laughs a bit as she looks over the other players as if sizing them up.&nbsp; "I'd say swap with Jim just to see him try to fit into it, but it his shirt wouldn't do anything for you and I'd hate to see him get any more money."<br><br>She winks lightly at Jim, as if to take the edge off the comment, as the smile fades back to that barely-there thin line of her lips.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>15-02-2007, 03:52:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally holds the card up closer, as if studying the words for a hidden clue... where's her secret decoder ring?&nbsp; <br><br>She sets it back, face up, and glances over at Andi.&nbsp; "I get the feeling that this game is really, really going to be... different."&nbsp; She tips her hat back, rubs her eyes as if fighting back an urge to giggle.&nbsp; "Well, I ain't givin' my boots to anyone, so... you wanna trade shirts, Andi?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>15-02-2007, 04:08:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi freezes for a briefest of moments, suddenly thinking about what that means.&nbsp; Her eyes look over Sally's chest in a calculating manner before moving up to the other girl's face.&nbsp; Her mind seems to be clearly clicking over it.&nbsp; She hasn't lost that much money yet, and the ante is pretty small.&nbsp; Does she really want to be taking off her shirt to swap with a stranger for that?&nbsp; On the other hand, the t-shirt would fit her fine.<br><br>"No, I think I'll keep my shirt.&nbsp; I've lost my shirt at enough games without ever actually losing my shirt."&nbsp; She tries to make it a joke, but it falls a little flat, a quiver of nervousness there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>15-02-2007, 14:19:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a soft laugh, biting her lip in mild embarrassment, Sally tilts her face to look down the table.&nbsp; "How 'bout you, Cynthia?&nbsp; Jim?&nbsp; Anybody?"&nbsp; Guessing at how silly she must seem, she sits back in her chair again.&nbsp; "Well, so much for that ... maybe I'll get one that'll just ask me to sing a song."&nbsp; She sips her vodka again, feeling a little embarrassed, and lowers her hat over her brown eyes again.&nbsp; "Movin' on..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>15-02-2007, 16:13:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Much as I wouldn't mind the view, darlin', I gotta feeling that I'd be gettin' the worse end of the deal.&nbsp; Ain't you got somethin' with sequins and rhinestones?"<br><br>He chuckles, then checks his hole cards.<br><br>"But no pink.&nbsp; Ain't got the right complexion ta wear that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>18-02-2007, 19:29:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sorry Sally."&nbsp; Andi says quietly - then a bit louder.&nbsp; "Well, I must say I'm wondering if I should even try with a wild card out, but let's see."&nbsp; She chucks in the ante.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>20-02-2007, 02:43:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(sorry for the delay.&nbsp; Have a look, final cards in 1-2 hours.)<br>Once the antes are all met, Lucan tips his head and passes a chip between his knuckles, rolling it over each finger to the groove between with the smoothness of a waterfall.&nbsp; He deals with the other hand, not bothering to look at the cards as they fall... only watching the eyes of each player.<br><br>CHAIR 1: S..........XX W! As<br>CHAIR 2: A............XX 10c Jc<br>CHAIR 3: C.......XX 3s 4d<br>CHAIR 4: J..............XX 4s Kc<br>DEALER: L...........XX Ac 10h<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>20-02-2007, 02:56:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With deliberate casualness, Jim folds.<br><br>"If y'all'll pardon me, I'll just go get myself a refill and be back in time for the next hand."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>20-02-2007, 07:31:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally watches Jim rise from the table... not even waiting for the river..?&nbsp; Could be anything.&nbsp; "Still in."&nbsp; She drops another chip and sips the vodka... kinda nice, actually...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>20-02-2007, 08:25:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucan's clove trails a long, oily ribbon of sweet-scented smoke up to where an unseen filter whisks it away.&nbsp; "Don't go too far, Jim... these hands hold a great deal of promise...&nbsp; Darling?"&nbsp; <br><br>The well-proportioned hostess watches Jim rise, and her coy smile hints a knowing approval.&nbsp; "Texas Jim, why wouldn't you let me take care of that for you..?" <br><br>Lucan tosses the cards without even lifting the deck... he just rests his fingertips on the top card and flicks it... each sails, landing perfectly face-up next to each player's hand.&nbsp; "Hush, darling, we have--"<br><br>CHAIR 1: S..........XX W! As 9c<br><br>"A pair of Aces showing... no help there..."<br><br>CHAIR 2: A............XX 10c Jc W!<br><br>"A possible Straight Flush... hell, a possible ROYAL flush... on a wildcard... what ever could that be..?"<br><br>The card depicts a desert and ocean flanking a crumbling tower.&nbsp; It reads, in bold script... <em>Collect an ante from every player at the table, including the house, if you kiss them.</em>&nbsp; <br><br>Lucan rolls his eyes.&nbsp; "Better act fast, because if a bet's made, you lose the wildcard bonus."<br><br><br>CHAIR 3: C.......XX 3s 4d 4c<br><br>"And Cynthia is showing a pair.&nbsp; Perhaps 4 of a kind, a full house?"<br><br>DEALER: L...........XX Ac 10h 10d <br><br>"And the same for me... a pair, maybe more."<br><br>He glimpses comically at his cards, rolling his eyes wildly.&nbsp; "Whatever you're going to do, better do it fast."&nbsp; He grins broadly, taking a long drag from his black-papered clove.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>20-02-2007, 15:09:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim grins at the Hostess.<br><br>"I'm never one to turn down a pretty woman.&nbsp; If you don't mind, then?&nbsp; I'll just go watch the dust settle."<br><br>He returns to his seat, scooting his chair back from the table a bit to make it clear that he isn't still in this hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>20-02-2007, 16:11:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi has to smile at the wildcard.&nbsp; "Just a kiss?&nbsp; sure..."<br><br>She walks over to Jim, puts one hand on his shoulder, and bend to give him a nice kiss on the cheek.<br><br><br>OOC: I figure I'll pause there to get people's reactions and such, particularly in case someone tries to make the friendly kiss something more by turning into her...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>20-02-2007, 16:15:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Does that count," Jim asks Lucan.&nbsp; "I folded."<br><br>He grins.&nbsp; "Just wondering, of course."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>20-02-2007, 21:27:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi moves over to Sally next, bending down next to her likewise with a hand on her shoulder so as not to surprise her.&nbsp; She plants a gentle kiss on Sally's cheek, her lips soft.<br><br>She looks up, heading towards Cynthia next and then Lucan.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 09:01:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=8473.msg318262#msg318262">Quote from: Silkcat on 20-02-2007, 21:27:48</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Andi moves over to Sally next, bending down next to her likewise with a hand on her shoulder so as not to surprise her.&nbsp; She plants a gentle kiss on Sally's cheek, her lips soft.<br><br>She looks up, heading towards Cynthia next and then Lucan.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>To Jim's question, Lucan laughs gently.&nbsp; "I suppose that it counts for something, doesn't it?"&nbsp; He laughs, waving away the 'penalty' ante.&nbsp; "You fold, you're gold.&nbsp; This time." <br><br>Around that time Andi made her way to his seat.&nbsp; "Well, I won't discourage free enterprise."&nbsp; He taps the ash from the long, black-papered clove that smolders sweetly in his fingertips.&nbsp; "But a kiss on the cheek, I won't accept.&nbsp; We are already introduced... it'd be like getting paid for a hand shake."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 14:17:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi feels a bit nervous in his presence, but there's some excitement in the nervousness.&nbsp; She smiles, even as one hand can be seen to shake a tiny bit.<br><br>"Okay."&nbsp; she says, a bit of flutter in the voice.&nbsp; (Oh come on, it's not like you haven't kissed guys on the lips before) she berates herself.<br><br>She leans into him to kiss him on the lips, her eyes closing, her lips lightly held shut...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 14:39:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=8473.msg318594#msg318594">Quote from: Silkcat on 21-02-2007, 14:17:53</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Andi feels a bit nervous in his presence, but there's some excitement in the nervousness.&nbsp; She smiles, even as one hand can be seen to shake a tiny bit.<br><br>"Okay."&nbsp; she says, a bit of flutter in the voice.&nbsp; (Oh come on, it's not like you haven't kissed guys on the lips before) she berates herself.<br><br>She leans into him to kiss him on the lips, her eyes closing, her lips lightly held shut...<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Without closing his eyes, or showing any gesture of acceptance other than to move his clove cigarette out of the way so as not to burn her with it, Lucan watches her stoop close and press her lips to his.&nbsp; His own lips move, very subtly, to meet hers, in a mild, but still sensual, kiss.&nbsp; <br><br>What should have been exceptionally simple and forgettable feels, instead, like the nervous, inner vibrations of a first kiss when the hormones of youth overwhelm the rationale.&nbsp; It even comes with the nervous shame of having done something wrong... strangely enough...a combination of shame and arousal.<br><br>His lips linger on hers, but he makes no move to try to steal more of a kiss, or press the contact... To an outsider, it seems he simply returns the kiss and, a moment later, watches as she draws back.&nbsp; For some time, however, she will have the distinct impression that she can still feel his lips on hers, and that they would feel absolutely remarkable elsewhere, or for longer.&nbsp; And she will feel his gaze burning hungrily into her from time to time... strange, because this will happen at moments when he is not even looking at her, as when he might be turning a joke, speaking directly into the eyes of someone else, or turned away from the table momentarily.<br><br>She can feel the bulge of a chip, where there was none before, in the hip pocket of her taut jeans.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 14:46:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally doesn't duck away, but she seems a bit perturbed that <em>she</em> has to pay up this time, but Andi passed on a chance for their <em>mutual </em> benefit earlier.&nbsp; "Well, I guess that's the rules," she says with a tight-lipped smile and tossed a chip at Andi's pile before turning back to check her hole cards... <em>she's in it to win... so's Jim,</em> she thinks to herself.&nbsp; <em>If I have a chance here, I'll have to start using the rules to my advantage as well...</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 15:21:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim shrugs when Lucan informs him that he need not pay, in a manner that suggests that he would have done so if required...but having set the precedent that folded players are not included in the consequences of the wild cards may be more than worth the trouble.<br><br>Instead he folds his hands over his stomach and watches the rest of this round unfold, a tight half-smile on his face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 16:02:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi takes her seat fairly quietly, her look a bit defocused, pulling the chip out of her back pocket as she walks (unobtrustively, she hopes) and slipping it back into her stack along with the others she just gained.&nbsp; There is a thrum through her nerves from the kisses - such a simple thing, that seemed so relatively innocent and easy at the time.<br><br>She straightens her sweater over her chest as she sits down, certainly not against any chill, but almost unconsciously to cover her own arousal despite the fact that her multiple layers keep the usual signs hidden from the view of the other players.&nbsp; Somehow she feels like Lucan can see anyway...<br><br>"Okay, so is everyone else in?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 21:58:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His eyes flicking over the table, then blazing up to the other players.&nbsp; Assuming the max raise is reached... "Show us what you've got."&nbsp; His voice is like wormwood and honey... smoky and livid, despite the simplicity of his words.&nbsp; <br><br>The cards turn.&nbsp; This time, Andi-- being called--&nbsp; has to show first.&nbsp; <br><br><br>CHAIR 2: A............ Qh Ad 10c Jc W!<br><br>"The wild card sets your highest hand as a high straight... Ace to Ten."&nbsp; He nods.&nbsp; "Impressive."<br>Cynthia turns her cards in face-down... despite showing a pair, evidently she couldn't beat the straight.<br><br>Since Sally can't beat the straight either, I assume she'll fold face-down as well.<br><br>Lucan watches Andi, a wry smile on his face, and turns his hands over as well.&nbsp; "Well played."<br><br>Once Andi's raked in her chips, Lucan begins reshuffling the deck, and is prepared to deal once the antes are in.<br><br>In the meantime, the hostess generously fills Jim's glass, watching him from the corner of her eye as she turns her hip toward him, then, without warning, takes a little sip of it.&nbsp; "Did you ever read much history..?"&nbsp; She smiles.&nbsp; "I always liked it in school... particularly ancient history."&nbsp; She still holds on to the glass, swirling it... "Emperor Nero, evidently, liked his wine to be seasoned with... natural flavorings."&nbsp; She grins, offering him the glass back.&nbsp; "Let me know if I can do the same for you."<br><br>"Enough of that," murmurs Lucan from the table.&nbsp; "Jim's expected, poppet.&nbsp; Can he come back and play with us for a while?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 22:02:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Can't say I've got a head for historical stuff, darlin'."&nbsp; Jim accepts his drink and smiles.&nbsp; "And I do believe the man's expectin' me, but hold that thought and maybe we can talk about it later."<br><br>So saying, he winks and returns to the table.<br><br>"Natural flavorings?&nbsp; Hell, I like a dash of mint in mine..."<br><br>Setting his drink safely out of the way, he tosses his ante in for the next round.<br><br>"Let's play some poker."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>21-02-2007, 22:46:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The hostess places a silver and red coaster on the table next to Jim's drink, moving his glass to sit atop it.&nbsp; This, of course, affords her the opportunity to brush one side of her ample bosom against his shoulder and whisper as she draws back.&nbsp; "Don't play coy... I've got more than mint at my bar." <br><br>Lucan pretends not to notice, and as he exhales another deep drag from his clove cigarette he stubs it out into the tray.&nbsp; The sweet smell lingers in the air heavily, though the smoke is filtered away quickly by the hidden air purifier.&nbsp; "Poker it is, Jim.&nbsp; Good luck."<br><br>The cards fall quickly.<br>[note: I am assuming that all are in after the first card.&nbsp; If I'm wrong, let me know.&nbsp; Also, I am showing order of bid below.]<br><br>CHAIR 3: Cynthia.......XX Js Qc<br>Luc shrugs.&nbsp; "Possible straight..."<br><br>CHAIR 4: Jim..............XX 3c Ah<br><br>Smirking.&nbsp; "Another possible straight..."<br><br>DEALER: Lucan...........XX 10c 7d<br><br>Rolling his eyes.&nbsp; "Yes, another possible straight."<br><br>CHAIR 1: Sally..........XX&nbsp; 3s 5d<br><br>"You get the idea."<br><br>CHAIR 2: Andi............XX 5d 2s<br><br>"SO, nothing but 'maybes' all around, ladies and gentlemen. Cynthia, your bid?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 19:02:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When it comes to Andi's turn, she meets the ante, keeping her head down for a moment.&nbsp; Then she looks up, and meets the eyes of each of the players, trying to feel where they're at.&nbsp; Finally, she looks to Lucan, feeling as if he was already looking at her.<br><br>Her face is composed, but for those observant types, there seems to be a bit of extra color in her cheeks.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-02-2007, 19:05:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim antes with a flourish...and glances at Andi.&nbsp; Then he gives Lucan a knowing smirk and waits for Cynthia to either open or pass.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>24-02-2007, 00:46:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After the antes are in, Lucan lets his tongue graze very lightly over the glinting tip of a canine tooth before settling into his impeccable, unaffected, and wry little smile again.&nbsp; "And so it continues..."&nbsp; <br><br>He lets his fingertips rest lightly on the top of the deck, flicking cards without lifting them, sending each flying in a small loop-- their symmetry like little coordinated stunt planes as they each land, face up, alongside each player's hand.<br><br>CHAIR 3: Cynthia.......XX Js Qc 4c<br><br>Lucan clucks his tongue... "No help there... best hand is three of a kind."<br><br>CHAIR 4: Jim..............XX 3c Ah 9s<br><br>"Likewise, the strait's busted... but three aces would be dandy..."<br><br>DEALER: Lucan...........XX 10c 7d W!<br><br>"Goodness... still a straight in the works, or maybe even four of a kind..."&nbsp; he chuckles wryly.&nbsp; <br><br>His wildcard shows an octopus rising from the sea, depicted in the style of 18th century engravings.&nbsp; It reads, "You may double the ante for every hand from this point forward... if you choose."<br><br>Grinning, he eyes the players.&nbsp; "I'm willing to hear your opinions on this..?&nbsp; Moving on..."&nbsp; The cards keep flying. <br><br>CHAIR 1: Sally..........XX&nbsp; 3s 5d W!<br><br>The wildcard depicts the skyline of a Louis XIV's palace at Versailles, with a massive, red moon behind it.&nbsp; "Burn an offering of silk for 5 times your ante."&nbsp; <br><br>Lucan lifts a brow.&nbsp; "The question is, do you have any..?&nbsp; Or are you going to have to try to buy some from another player?"&nbsp; he grins broadly, offering a seductively slow wink.&nbsp; "And no synthetics, either.&nbsp; Real only."<br><br>CHAIR 2: Andi............XX 5d 2s 2d<br><br>He smirks.&nbsp; "Four of a kind, potentially... lots of that going around."&nbsp; His gaze lingers on her for a moment longer, a moment that, recollected, must have taken only a half of a second, but at the time seemed to be a full minute.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>24-02-2007, 02:52:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She blinks at the numbers... does it say 5 times..?&nbsp; Talk about throwing a wrench into the game... anyone trying to 'read' Sally's face wouldn't be sure if she's reacting to the bonus or the hand that the wild card makes.<br><br>"I have to burn something made of silk..?"&nbsp; She blinks rapidly, trying to remember what kind of underwear she's wearing... fuck, anything silk? Looking around the room, she notes that, even though the suite is luxurious, silk sheets or pillowcases would be simply too much to ask for... "Look... here's the deal."&nbsp; She passes her eye from player to player.&nbsp; "First person to give me a scrap of silk gets $50."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>24-02-2007, 15:58:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi analytical mind made her blurt out.&nbsp; "Is that five times the ante before or after you double it?"<br><br>She too starts looking around - all of her clothes were simpler stuff, cotton blends and denim.&nbsp; Cynthia seems like the type to have silk on her somewhere, and then... her eyes hesitate on the hostess.&nbsp; Somehow she bets that she would be the kind to be wearing silk panties.<br><br>She looks over, catches Sally's eye, and flicks her gaze towards the hostess and back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>24-02-2007, 16:21:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=8473.msg320074#msg320074">Quote from: Ixy on 24-02-2007, 02:52:41</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">She blinks at the numbers... does it say 5 times..?&nbsp; Talk about throwing a wrench into the game... anyone trying to 'read' Sally's face wouldn't be sure if she's reacting to the bonus or the hand that the wild card makes.<br><br>"I have to burn something made of silk..?"&nbsp; She blinks rapidly, trying to remember what kind of underwear she's wearing... fuck, anything silk? Looking around the room, she notes that, even though the suite is luxurious, silk sheets or pillowcases would be simply too much to ask for... "Look... here's the deal."&nbsp; She passes her eye from player to player.&nbsp; "First person to give me a scrap of silk gets $50."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Lucan lifts his empty glass toward the hostess, who fills it from a condensation-laden pitcher of water behind the bar.&nbsp; He continues, not even acknowledging her.&nbsp; He narrows his eyes at the players, smiling devilishly.&nbsp; "I'm betting that Jim's been known to don silk boxers from time to time... but is just as likely to go commando as not, so it's anybody's guess."&nbsp; <br><br>He tilts his face toward Cynthia, who has been excruciatingly silent.&nbsp; "I'm guessing that you might have worn something silk under there today... it is, after all, a special day, is it not?"<br><br>Cynthia, seeming mortified-- why, after all, should she be?&nbsp; Unless she is aware of something the others are not...<br><em>"Excuse me," she speaks, the words only half-formed from her distraction.&nbsp; She looks slightly flushed, and folds her arms over her chest as she heads to one of the adjoining restrooms.&nbsp; "I'm... not feeling well."&nbsp; She closes the door.&nbsp; </em><br><br>He turns his gazed levelly to the youngest woman again, his warm, dark eyes flashing with the seeming good-nature of his comments.&nbsp; "You know, Sally, I was in a relationship once... different time, different place.&nbsp; I won't bore you with details... well, I hope not, anyway..."&nbsp; He sips from the glass and watches her over the transparent rim.&nbsp; Light glints from the surface like diamonds.&nbsp; <br><br>"But my..." he twists the next word like a teasing pinch at delicate flesh, "<em>lady</em> friend had a bit of a garment collection.&nbsp; And I, of course, spent a reasonable amount of time focusing my attention on her undergarments."&nbsp; He sips briefly.&nbsp; "Laundry days, you see.&nbsp; And she had a particular collection in a shell blue, ivory white, classic black and Valentine's red that, for some reason, remind me of..." the unspoken 'you' is as clear unsaid as if projected onto the wall, "...this moment.&nbsp; You see, while being lace-- and quite lovely, might I add-- they had a very tiny silk waistband..." he draws a line with thumbs and forefingers just apart, indicating the delicate garment's hem, "and a little silk bow, smaller than a thumbnail."<br><br>His eyes burn into hers for a moment, then he relaxes.&nbsp; "Wouldn't that be some coincidence?"&nbsp; He leans back to wait for the bets.<br><br>"Oh, and, as for my wildcard, I truly would like to know if you all want to double the bets from this hand out."&nbsp; He smiles to Andi.&nbsp; "It hasn't been doubled yet..."&nbsp; Noting her glances toward the hostess, he smiles very faintly and sits back.<br><br>The hostess might, indeed, be wearing silk.&nbsp; Best to ask.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>24-02-2007, 16:43:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At Lucan's words, Sally at first seems amused.&nbsp; She smiles appreciatively at Andi's non-verbal suggestion, and smiles very faintly as she turns toward the hostess... about to speak, she freezes.&nbsp; Something about Lucan's words cause her to reconsider him, to listen again.&nbsp; Aware of a spreading warm flush-- which is not obvious on her complexion-- she leans back.&nbsp; <br><br>She knows she doesn't own anything the likes of which he's described.&nbsp; So why does she feel... different now?<br><br>Her tongue trailing at her lips in thought, she reaches for her hip pocket and pulls out a pocketknife... not a huge one, mind you, she's not Crocodile Dundee, but a slightly larger one than you might expect a girl barely out of high school to carry.<br><br>Unfolding the case knife, she turns her questioning eyes back to Lucan before gingerly opening the button on her low-riding jeans.<br><br>Her self-consciousness seems to have faded with whatever realization she's had, and she slides the zipper lower by an inch, then looks down furtively.&nbsp; The breath she's been holding escapes in a soft puff of surprise.&nbsp; Though it must look-- awkward-- she presses her thumb to the tip of her knife and-- barely out of sight-- nicks something from her underwear.&nbsp; She folds the knife, puts it away.<br><br>Saly looks up at the hostess.&nbsp; "Ashtray, please?"&nbsp; When it arrives, she sets in it a tiny, black-silk bow.&nbsp; "Guess I forgot," she whispers, utterly unconvincingly, and takes a long, slow swallow of the cold vodka beside her hand, finishing the glass.&nbsp; She lets a cube of the ice roll around in her mouth, clicking it lightly against her teeth.&nbsp; "Now I need a light."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>24-02-2007, 20:05:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim, who has remained strangely silent during this conversation, watching the byplay with a smirk on his face, clears his throat.<br><br>"Why not?&nbsp; Double up the ante.&nbsp; Won't hurt nothing."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 15:05:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi looks rather confused as she watches on.&nbsp; Sally had seemed like a more rough-and-tumble girl, but the idea of carrying a knife was about as foreign to Andi as could be - it just did fit with her largely protected and academically-driven world.<br><br>"Yeah, I'm for doubling the ante." she gets out hesitantly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>25-02-2007, 23:51:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucan slides two $50 chips to Sally, seemingly amused at her sudden befuddlement.&nbsp; "Don't take it so hard... come now, who hasn't forgotten what kind of underwear they put on in the morning?"&nbsp; <br><br>He grins, nodding to the hostess, who makes a written note in her small ledger.&nbsp; Lucan turns back to the players.&nbsp; "The ante and bet is now at $40 per hand."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>26-02-2007, 16:43:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm in", Andi says, her voice still sounding of a bit of surprise and confusion.&nbsp; She pushes the $40 in chips in front of her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>26-02-2007, 16:48:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"In...and I'll raise you forty."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 22:11:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally checks her hole cards.&nbsp; "In."&nbsp; She tosses out the $80 in chips.<br><br>She tries not to consider that she's never had, or risked, as much money as she's playing with now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 22:33:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'll raise that up to the maximum bet.&nbsp; Another $60 to make it $100."&nbsp; She shuffles the chips out, then slowly inclines her head to look at Jim.&nbsp; Her expression is calm and appraising.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>27-02-2007, 23:31:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I call."<br><br>Texas Jim lifts one eyebrow, a smirk dancing at the corner of his mouth.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>28-02-2007, 05:13:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lucan nods at that.&nbsp; "You've been called, Andi."&nbsp; <br><br>Assuming all are in... we'll take it from Andi's hand on down... and get no farther.<br><br>CHAIR 2: A............ 2c 2h 5d 2s 2d<br><br>With four of a kind... no one else need show their hand.<br><br>"Congratulations," smirks Lucan as, without his seeming to ask, the hostess places another of his black-papered clove cigarettes between his lips.&nbsp; Without looking up to acknowledge her, Lucan places a hand on her hip and draws her a bit closer... his eyes seem fixed to Andi with that wry enjoyment unwavering, and once the hostess has returned the slim, gold lighter to its rightful place she turns away, swaying gently back to the bar.&nbsp; "Two in a row... quite a lucky girl."&nbsp; He winks, the gesture oddly condescending and seductive at once.<br><br>"Any comments on the game so far?"&nbsp; He solicits their opinions casually, as if he will listen, but isn't eager.&nbsp; <br><br>**************<br>STACKS (NOT including WILDCARD bonuses... if you want them in your character's stack, let me know.&nbsp; I advise against it unless you get desperate...)<br><br>S: 2000 -140, -140, -160.... 1560<br>A: 2000 -140, +520, +640.... 3020<br>C: 2000 -140, -140, -160.... 1560<br>J: 2000 +560, -100, -160.... 2300<br>L: 2000 -140, -140, -160.... 1560<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-02-2007, 15:04:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim just nods thoughtfully.<br><br>"There you go."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>01-03-2007, 06:37:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sweet, oily smoke curling from his clove cigarette, Lucan shuffles rapidly and professionally, smiling at the players.&nbsp; "No one's busted so far, and we've survived three hands.&nbsp; I hope everyone's having a good time..?"&nbsp; With a sweeping smile, he sets the deck on the table toward the new top-seat holder, Jim, who will have first play in this hand.<br><br>"Remember that anything can happen here... just play like... oh, I don't know..."&nbsp; He grins at Jim.&nbsp; "Like you're playing with someone <em>else's</em> money."<br><br>The cards fall in rapid succession.<br><br>CHAIR 4: J..............XX 9s<br>DEALER: L...........XX Ks<br>CHAIR 1: S..........XX&nbsp; W!<br><br>Sally's wildcard depicts an angel with bared breast suckling a wolf pup.&nbsp; Inverted, the angel has a wolf's head, and the cub is a halo-bearing child.&nbsp; "Collect your ante amount from every player with a black-card as their top face card.&nbsp; Give your ante amount to every player who <br>has a red top card.&nbsp; Give a garment you are wearing to any player with a wild top card."<br><br>CHAIR 2: A............XX 7s<br>CHAIR 3: C.......XX 5c<br><br>By the time Sally's finished reading her wild card, the other cards will be dealt... certainly causing a moment's alarm, and-- probably-- relief at the fall of the cards... "Looks like you lucked out, Sally."&nbsp; Lucan finishes with a wink like a camera shutter and passes her two $20 chips from his stack.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>01-03-2007, 14:34:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi beams briefly at the wink.&nbsp; "Thank you everyone."&nbsp; She pulls her stack together and stacks the chips neatly.<br><br>After the wildcard, she passes chips on to Sally.&nbsp; "That was a stroke of luck, could have been awkward."<br><br>(OOC: Sorry for the brief post, bleh, see Apologies&amp;Absences.&nbsp; On the wildcard wins, Andi would probably put them right in her playing stack so far.)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>03-03-2007, 20:34:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"And, moving right along..."&nbsp; Lucan finishes his second clove cigarette and stubs it out in the tray before reaching for the waterglass again... taking a long, slow sip with his right hand, he sends out four more missiles with his left, each landing at the player's hand face-up and well-placed.<br><br>CHAIR 4: J..............XX 9s W!<br><br>Jim's is the first returning wildcard of the deck.&nbsp; It shows an octopus rising from the sea, depicted in the style of 18th century engravings.&nbsp; It reads, "You may double the ante for every hand from this point forward... if you choose."&nbsp; <br><br>Lucan lifts his eyebrows, as if to say that this card is playing with fire.&nbsp; "Goodness... this could get out of hand..."&nbsp; His lean, angular face tenses into the briefest smile.<br><br>DEALER: L...........XX Ks Js<br><br>At his own hand, he smirks.&nbsp; "And, as unlikely as it seems, my face cards hint at a possible straight flush."&nbsp; He chuckles, shaking his head.<br><br>CHAIR 1: S..........XX&nbsp; W! W!<br><br>"A dangerous hand indeed, having two wild cards... Well, they were gracious to you so far, weren't they?&nbsp; How about this one...?"<br><br>The cards depicts a half-nude geisha, depicted in the painted style of 17th century Japanese scroll work.&nbsp; It reads, "<i>Cue music for a stripshow.&nbsp; For every article you doff, collect your ante from the house.&nbsp; Tips are not included. </i>"<br><br>Lucan lets that one... set in.&nbsp; Moving on...<br><br>CHAIR 2: A............XX 7s 7d<br><br>The pair of seven cards criss-cross like swords on the table.&nbsp; "Hm... no nudity, but a pair of sevens showing.. might not be bad..."<br>He winks.&nbsp; The gesture sears her inside.<br><br>CHAIR 3: C.......XX 5c 6d<br><br>Clucking his tongue, Lucan eyes the new hands... "this one could get ugly..." and rolls his gaze back to Sally, who is, undoubtedly, staring at the cards and trying, to make a decision.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>04-03-2007, 02:49:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim chuckles.<br><br>"With great regret, I must decline to double up again.&nbsp; Not so soon, anyway.&nbsp; Best to let things heat up all nice and normal-like for a spell."<br><br>After a moment, he adds...<br><br>"This time, anyway."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>04-03-2007, 03:39:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi at first seems to register that Sally has two wild cards, rather than the special benefit of the latest one.&nbsp; Her head churns for a moment, then she folds her cards.&nbsp; "I'm sure I can't beat anything with two wild cards."<br><br>Then she leans back, folding her arms over her chest.&nbsp; A student of people watching might note that her arms cover her breasts, defensively, rather than support or bolster them.&nbsp; She looks over at Sally, wondering if she'll actually use the wildcard.&nbsp; If Jim had doubled the ante again, now that would have been something, and Sally was facing a dwindling stack.&nbsp; Andi was glad she didn't have to think about whether to take that option.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>06-03-2007, 06:33:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally lifts the card, her mouth pursed as she studies it, almost furtively considering it...<br><br>She sets the card down, feeling the eyes burning into her... what happened to this poor girl from West Texas, came to Sin City to hit it big and wound up broke, that'd make her scoot back her chair with her jean-clad thighs and stand up, in front of a room of total strangers..?<br><br>Curling one beckoning finger at the waitress, she whispers into the girl's ear and watches her go with half-veiled eyes... if the hostess is compliant, she'll dim the lights a little and cue up some music.&nbsp; 'Something slow,' Sally'd requested in a soft, husky voice, re-donning her hat low on her forehead.&nbsp; <br><br>The moment is fragile, hovering on the edge of a knife... too much, and she'd draw laughter.&nbsp; Too little, and she'd look pathetic.&nbsp; But if she can commit to this moment, feel it, believe it... then maybe she could make the others feel it, and believe it, too.&nbsp; Just like when she plays her music... the way she can make the audience nod through the red heat and smoke and say, <i>Damn, that's beautiful...</i>&nbsp; Just like when she learned to make love to a boy... how much she'd savored every twitch of his muscles, every flutter of his breath... how powerful, how beautiful, yet how subservient to the emotion she had felt... a maestro, a slave, and an artist in one.&nbsp; Conducting.&nbsp; Feeding.&nbsp; Releasing...<br><br>The music begins softly, fading up to a slow, droning hum.&nbsp; It's "Wandering Star," by Portishead... one of Sally's favorite songs.&nbsp; It's one that's always affected her in a surreal way.&nbsp; It's affected her since she first heard it in the ways that senses can capture a moment; the way that sourwood honey and clean, sun-dried sheets carry her back to her Mama's yard over 10 years ago, and make that moment more real than the reality that surrounds her.&nbsp; But the song isn't a vivid, sun-bleached memory... it's a place in her heart, a dark, warm, and cozy place that, when she hears the low, droning humming of that bass line, the thrumming rhythm as it takes a slow, steady, biological tempo up from nothing to the burning core of her desire... it helps her reach a part of her that not everyone sees... some don't even have.&nbsp; A pitch-black zen of heartless, thoughtless pattern whose only desire was to take and be taken.<br><br>She begins swaying in a steady, languid half-tempo, shifting her weight as she rolls her hips and shoulders in a subtle shifting grind, then arching her back little by little, drawing her legs together in an almost demure, Marilyn-esque swivel as she bends at the waist and lets her short, black hair fall across her face before drawing herself up in a long, smooth roll of the upper body... serpentine in movement and grace, betraying an appetite for the carnal as she slowly straightens and lets her fingertips trail up her legs and lower torso... <br><br>The hat rolls smoothly into her open hands before she places it back on her head, higher this time as she cranes her neck up gracefully to meet it, thus stretching her lithe midsection in a long, gentle arch before flicking, almost accidentally, to loose the top button of her jeans.&nbsp; &nbsp;One boot meets the table then, not shaking the heavy surface, but certainly capturing the attention of those not watching closely... she meets the dealer's eyes then, staring him down as she trails fingertips lazily down from her hat across her smooth, youthful face... pausing to tease at the bee-stung lips as if to chew at one long-fingered tip.&nbsp; With a twist of her supple leg, she points her toe and slides her foot out cleanly-- a fascinating trick for those familiar with boots... hard as hell to get off... and leaves that boot to topple to the floor on its own.<br><br>The scratching sub-layer of the music settles in, hissing and whooshing rhythms flooding from a deejay table with the subtlety of the hissing winds of some distant void.&nbsp; The singer's voice-- mournful and wanting-- echoes something in Sally's own heart.<br><br>She steps out of the other boot as easily, leaving bare feet to carry her across the rug.&nbsp; Swaying her shoulders and lower body now, she falls into a charmed-cobra like sway, her long-lashed eyes fluttering shut as she grinds her way lower and lower, twisting her lean, feminine frame into a shrinking stance that reveals her incredible sense of balance.&nbsp; She works her way closer to Andi and Jim, and-- tipping her head forward, lets her hat fall over Jim's shoulder with careful grace... as if she'd done it every day... as she straddles his thigh with her long, slim-muscled legs.<br><br>The crotch of her jeans-- form fitting over her small body-- settle onto his knee as she twists and dips her shoulders and back, writhing in tidal currents that ripple from her upper to lower body and back.&nbsp; She wraps one hand around Jim's neck, leaning closer to the lean-jawed 'cowboy' from anywhere but the West... and grinning like a malevolent girl she hooks one long-fingered hand into the hem of her t-shirt and hitches it up past her navel.&nbsp; Then, she seems to changer her mind, and theatrically releases the garment again and, as if scolding herself silently, she straightens her upper body with a dramatic pout and stands again, turning back to the open floor where she'd begun her dance. <br><br>(pausing here to let others have a chance to roleplay too... well, that and I'm tired.&nbsp; LOL)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>06-03-2007, 15:15:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jim's grin, usually broad, seems to freeze on his face as Sally dances...and his ears burn when she singles him out for a little attention.&nbsp; He shifts a little at first, then holds still so as not to interfere with her dancing.<br><br>Is he sweating?&nbsp; Apparently he is.&nbsp; And from the subtle way he's shifted his hat from his head to his lap, he's obviously affected by the young woman's performance.<br><br><em>Hot damn...</em><br><br>He glances at Andi, giving her a wink.<br><br><em>Poor girl must be horribly flustered by all this.&nbsp; I wonder just how far this'll go?</em><br><br><br><br>(OOC: An <span class="bbc_u">excellent</span> choice of song!&nbsp; Granted, I bought the album for Sour Times...'cause nobody loooves meeee...&nbsp; ;D )
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>06-03-2007, 18:00:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi watches wide-eyed as Sally sinuously moves on the open floor.&nbsp; It looks like she was almost hesitant to swivel her chair to watch, but then can't tear her eyes away.&nbsp; Her face flushes pinkly, her arms remaining hugged over her small chest.&nbsp; She stares at Sally's eyes, then as Sally's hands wander down her own body, Andi's eyes follow.&nbsp; When the boot meets the table, Andi audibly holds her breath briefly with a little gasp.&nbsp; Her eyes follow up Sally's legs as she stretches and rolls over to Jim, then up and over Andi's curves, her eyes catching on the toying with the edge of her shirt.<br><br>As Sally strolls back to the center, Andi wriggles a bit in her seat, her eyes casting down for a moment, perhaps embarrassed that her own reaction to Sally has been so visible to others.&nbsp; When she looks up again, her face has been pushed into greater composure, though her cheeks are still quite rosy.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 02:12:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally begins to notice their reactions, and, without having planned it, finds it incredibly arousing.&nbsp; It spurs her on, makes her want their reaction more than she wants to win... makes her feel that flush of energy that comes from the awakening of the senses and passions of others.&nbsp; She begins a slow, steady undulation in her hips... left, right, left, in perfect match to the droning bass notes of the music.&nbsp; Letting it carry her almost to the floor, she opens a button, then two, on her jeans... her head thrown back slowly in a slow, ecstatic roll of her neck, she drops to her knees and skins the jeans from her hips.&nbsp; When she arches her back, her ample breasts-- perfect to be cupped in the hand-- strain against her shirt, and visible peaks arc upward where her nipples must be.&nbsp; <br><br><i>Wandering star... for whom it is reserved...the blackness, the darkness, forever...</i> she slips the jeans over her thighs, then rises, slowly, leaving them behind.&nbsp; Her legs tone, defined in a delicate combination of feminine muscle-- honed from hours of walking, dancing, running and climbing stairs to offices, studios, apartments... accentuated by her golden-hued half-Indian skin.&nbsp; Her panties hug her hips low, with two silk straps holding a lacy covering... the lace opaques in an inverted triangle over her nether region, but through them is visible the smooth contours of her hips and inner thigh, the youthful pubis of a nubile girl scantly clad.&nbsp; <br><br>Barefoot and bared, she twists and grinds in the middle of the room as if riding an invisible lover in ecstasy; her full, pink lips half-open and eyes half-veiled by black lashes complete the image.&nbsp; She arches her back then, stretching her body and every muscle in her calf, thighs and buttocks, turning round... the panties are scant in the back, her egg-shaped buttocks arch firmly up as she sways away toward the far wall and drops, as if a doll, to the floor.<br><br>Had she stopped...?&nbsp; Not quite... she still sways her shoulders in half-time to the rhythm, arches her back and rises as if to greet some invisible black sun, peeling her shirt over her long, lean abdomen and delicately shadowed back... exposing her sinewy, lithe back and shoulders, up over her head-- the hat comes off, resting on the floor before her, and she picks it up to her breasts as she turns, extends one arm, and dangles the doffed shirt from her fingers like a trailing feather.<br><br>Standing there, wearing her hat and panties, she watches their reactions and dips her head... the performance done.&nbsp; She turns, showing them her bare back again, and pulls the shirt back over her head.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 15:32:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jim claps softly, almost reverently.<br><br>"That earns it, sure enough!"<br><br>He gives Andi another wink.<br><br>"Enjoyed that a bit too much, honey?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 16:34:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi could only dream that she could be so graceful, so sensual, so smooth.&nbsp; Sally seemed so effortless there, her very movements musical.&nbsp; It hooked Andi somewhere deep inside her as she remembered the first time she had fallen for another woman, a private part of her life she normally kept under clear control.&nbsp; The loss of her own composure was only made more embarrassing by Jim's comment, particularly because of its truth.&nbsp; There was something different about the atmosphere here, something she never would have expected to find at a poker table, a place where normally her mind ruled over her emotions.<br><br>She swivels her chair back around, not wanting to respond to Jim, and moves her hands through the practices motions of riffling a stack of chips.&nbsp; It is a calming motion for her, so practiced and smooth, her head down and her baseball cap covering her eyes (though somehow it felt that Lucan was watching her).&nbsp; It also helped her resist the temptation to look at Sally, for her eyes to be drawn to those points shadowed on her chest - a weakness of Andi's own preferences and why she keeps her own so covered.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 16:36:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim, blissfully unaware of just how close to the mark his comments were, returns his attention to his cards...and tries to think of baseball statistics or something so that he doesn't have to keep his hat in his lap for the rest of the evening.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>07-03-2007, 21:18:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi suddenly wonders what would happen were Lucan to receive such a wildcard.&nbsp; Would he actually use it?&nbsp; Would he direct the hostess to follow it?&nbsp; Her wandering and wondering thoughts makes her glance up at him, as if she'd see the answer there.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Caustic</strong> on <strong>08-03-2007, 14:06:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Applauding softly, Lucan sits forward in his chair and takes a long sip of water from his glass.&nbsp; "You are quite a performer," he intones slowly and steadily, seductive on the verge of menacing.&nbsp; He turns slowly to Andi, smiling very subtly, 'That depends on the dare,' she seems to hear.&nbsp; "Since we all thoroughly enjoyed that..."&nbsp; he sets out pairs of chips, "... boot 1, boot 2, jeans, shirt, and... well, I suppose hat as well."&nbsp; $200 in chips slide over to her ad the gentle push from his fingertips. "It could have been more, you know."&nbsp; He winks again.<br><br>"So, moving on to the matter at hand?"&nbsp; He asks, not bothering to watch Sally get dressed again.&nbsp; <br><br>CHAIR 4: J..............XX 9s W! 6h<br><br>"Hm... possible straight?&nbsp; A pair showing, at least, but with a wildcard... who can say?"<br><br>DEALER: L...........XX Ks Js W! <br><br>The wildcard depicts Atlas, shouldering the world, but weakening and showing physical failure... the earth tips over and spills water like a pitcher into space.&nbsp; It reads, "shoulder another's burden... Choose any one wildcard currently in play, or for the next three rounds, and duplicate its act for the same bonus."<br><br>Lucan smirks.&nbsp; "Hm... this should be intriguing..."<br><br>CHAIR 1: S..........XX&nbsp; W! W! Kh<br><br>"Three kings showing.&nbsp; At least."&nbsp; He clucks his tongue.&nbsp; "With my having King number 4, we know the best she can have is... five of a kind."&nbsp; He laughs.&nbsp; "Keep your fingers crossed, ladies and gentlemen."<br><br>CHAIR 2: A............XX 7s 7d FOLD<br><br>"I admit, that's disappointing... especially--"&nbsp; He tosses Cynthia's card.<br><br>CHAIR 3: C.......XX 5c 6d W!<br><br>"Considering..."<br><br>The wildcard depicts a mermaid stretched on a rock, sunning topless in the light of a collapsing sun.&nbsp; It reads, "Show your courage by giving the person to your right leave to touch, or see, any part of you they desire, and receive twice your ante in compensation."<br><br>He looks to the bathroom door.&nbsp; "If Cynthia comes back, Jim, you might have an interesting turn of things..."&nbsp; He laughs.&nbsp; "Possible straight, by the way."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>08-03-2007, 14:54:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You ain't kiddin'."<br><br>Texas Jim grins.<br><br>"Any part I like, huh?&nbsp; Well, now.&nbsp; I suppose I could be a slobbering chauvinist pig about it, or a chivalrous sexist.&nbsp; Depends on how bad I want to be resented in the morning, don't it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>08-03-2007, 19:18:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi kept riffling the chips, her control returning.&nbsp; She made sure her breathing was nice and even and could feel the warmth fade from her cheeks, though there was a warmth deeper within her that refused to go away.&nbsp; She crossed her legs under the table, as if that would change anything.<br><br>She watched the wildcard come down on Cynthia's spot, and was glad she had folded.&nbsp; She would feel uncomfortable passing on another wildcard while other people were using them, but even more uncomfortable to surrender such control to someone else.&nbsp; Would Lucan have made her offer that up to Jim in Cynthia's absence?&nbsp; She couldn't tell for now. She wondered if Cynthia would return.&nbsp; Soon enough her stack would be exhausted anyway, particularly if another ante-doubling wildcard came along.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>10-03-2007, 19:27:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having wriggled back into her jeans and t-shirt, Sally sits at the table barefoot and looking slightly flushed.<br><br>She collects the chips from the house, setting them aside from her stack, and pushes in the next round's maximum bet.&nbsp; She seems... soothed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>19-03-2007, 08:07:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The bathroom was calming, a sanctuary to be savored for its ability to be quiet no matter the noise.&nbsp; Even amidst the chaos of being crowed, there was always an elemeny of sacred privacy.&nbsp; Cynthia had heard different from friends with many siblings, of constant fights and battles over the bathroom but for her it was a matter of security.&nbsp; The door could be locked and none would miss her for the time away.&nbsp; All things were easily explained away by the mysterious door of the bathroom.&nbsp; Cool tile under her fingertips and the even cooler water filling up the basin before her.&nbsp; Alongside of the watery depths lay her cellphone, a pink razor from her husband.&nbsp; She did not particularly care for it, but he had figured it cute.&nbsp; Truth be told she'd have rather been without, especially for tonight but habit compelled her to bring the leash.&nbsp; The vibrations had awoken her from the game and clued her into the subtle comment of the dealer.<br><br>Water was a soothing sound, more so than the clanking of plastic on tile as the phone shivered once again.&nbsp; He was calling her and it was not from their hotel.&nbsp; Sorry honey, got lost on the way but I'll be there tomorrow.&nbsp; The notion forced her to drive her hand against the phone, knocking it into the basin and drowning out its noise.&nbsp; Let him keep calling, she was tired of being pulled away from her moments of freedom.&nbsp; Her mother had often recounted stories of their ancestors, freeing themselves and singing their music in defiance.&nbsp; Though it was a small comparison to make, she reached into the water and grasped the phone.&nbsp; The little beast thrown down into the darkness of the trashcan.&nbsp; Slipping a towel from the rack, she cleansed herself of its filth and the water's safe grasp.&nbsp; Tossed aside, she abandoned the sanctuary for what lay ahead.<br><br>Though what she discovered was indeed different from what she had left behind.&nbsp; From cutting a small portion of underwear to now seeing the young woman she had accompanied wiggling back into clothes.&nbsp; The air of the room had changed from challenge to a different sort of excitement, money was not the only item up for bidding now.&nbsp; Slender fingers curled about the chair while her cards fell on the table, eyes darkening as she witnessed the voluptious mermaid depicted on the card.&nbsp; Slowly the words sunk into her mind and those green orbs flashed to the man that would be volunteering his services to fulfill the card's description.&nbsp; Some may perhaps be timid with such a proposal and in truth she felt that nervous touch on her spine, but that is why she had come here.&nbsp; She had wanted something different, something to remember when she could no longer claim beauty or youth as her own.&nbsp; So instead of a nervous smile, Texas Jim was created with a coy challenge.&nbsp; Her demure features lifting while her eyelashes descended, following her form as it fell into the chair before him. <br><br>One leg pressed lazily against the floor and those perceptive could sense her anxiety, but also her determination.&nbsp; Her body reclined in the chair, legs tucked to the side to reveal the length of her profile to the man.&nbsp; The movement took her longer than most women who were aroused by the situation, as she was forced to overcome her own habits.&nbsp; Once she may well have started to offer him suggestions, but that was too much right now.&nbsp; Slowly she shifted in the chair and relaxed, allowing the idea to fester in her mind and become appealing.&nbsp; Part of her was indeed excited by the notion of his hand on her, letting everyone else watch as she was touched and exposed.&nbsp; Laid out for his discretion she continued to hold that challenge on her lips and slowly draw her eyes up over his body.&nbsp; "Well Tex, time to see what I'm going to be saying about you in the morning hmm?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>19-03-2007, 15:21:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Texas Jim blinks, then smiles lazily.<br><br>"I guess I'll just have to be typical about it, won't I?&nbsp; Got any tattoos?"<br><br>He leans back in his seat, relaxed and confident.<br><br>"Wouldn't mind seeing 'em, if you do.&nbsp; Otherwise...I'd like to see your breasts."<br><br>The merest hint of a blush hits his cheeks.<br><br>"Wouldn't mind touching them, either, but the card said either or...not both."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 07:01:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally tips her hat low on her forehead, but can't hide the sparkle in her eyes as she hears Jim's proposal to Cynthia.&nbsp; She chews her lower lip unconsciously and turns her face back to the table, but can't help but let her eyes roll gently in that direction as she half-closes her exquisite black lashes.&nbsp; Without a hint of self-consciousness, she shifts slightly in her seat and, while the table is distracted by the dare, seems to position herself more appropriately, so that she can watch without having to crane her neck.&nbsp; One long-fingered, short-nailed hand rests gently on Andi's knee, as if by accident... it doesn't grip her, it just... sits there.<br><br>Sally's long, sandstone-colored neck turns very faintly away, as if she won't notice whatever reply this elicits from Andi... her full lips-- the color of blood mixed with sand-- part very slightly in an anxious exhale as her brown eyes challenge the returning player.&nbsp; Encourage her, perhaps.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 18:45:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi looks over her shoulder to see Cynthia return, and then hears Jim's call on the wildcard.&nbsp; Soon, it seemed she'd be the only woman who hadn't bared herself at the table - the hostess hardly counted, particularly since that outfit practically showed her off anyway.&nbsp; Somehow the idea of showing some skin was sounding more exciting.&nbsp; She did find herself a bit disappointed that if Cynthia revealed herself to Jim while at her seat then she wouldn't be able to see much, since she sat on her other side.&nbsp; Just as she was thinking this, Sally's hand came to rest on her knee.<br><br>Andi froze for a second with a light holding of her breath.&nbsp; How much had Sally noticed about how the dance affected her?&nbsp; It took a lot of control, but she slowly inclined her head towards Sally, her eyes running from Sally's hand to her arm to her chest (couldn't resist) to Sally's eyes.&nbsp; There is a faint, nervous smile on her lips and her eyes are questioning.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Pumpkin Seeds</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 21:41:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a thrill as he spoke his wishes to her, a thrill that hung on each word that left his lips.&nbsp; A wonder about what he would want to see her do and the knowledge that she would indeed perform the deed requested.&nbsp; Between her breast she felt a flutter as he announced a desire to see beneath the protective covering of her sweater and bra, a peek at a portion both intimate and familiar to men.&nbsp; Cynthia had known he would ask to see them, though such certainity did not help push down the sudden nervousness that threatened to engulf her.&nbsp; That insecure spark causing her fingers to shake while they reached to grasp the edge of her sweater.&nbsp; Soft material, like feathers and clouds, floated between her fingertips while she rolled it upward.<br><br>Jim would be able to solve the mystery of how low the woman's pants were worn first, as it was evident she must shave for them to remain at their current height.&nbsp; He could see the pink of her sweater dragging upward, across the taunt muscles of her stomach and exposing a glittering jewel at her belly button.&nbsp; Dark flesh curling around the navel, holding the tiny gem possesively in its grasp.&nbsp; Shoulders rolled forward and the muscles rippled beneath the exotic skin.&nbsp; A quick pull upward brought her sweater to rest above the fullness of her breasts, unveiling a sleek bra of white to contrast her natural tone.&nbsp; Tilting her chin down to hold the sweater up, making her seem all the more submissive and demure, she brought her hands together at the center of her chest to unclasp the forward hook of her bra.&nbsp; Defetly she undid the bindings and parted the material, allowing the full mounds to spill forth.<br><br>Though not ample, each mound was more than a handful for the common person to hold.&nbsp; Her flesh lightening to a more creamed color along the underside and curve of each, darkening as the nipple became the focus.&nbsp; Full and round, her breasts rippled slightly at the abrupt departure from their secure bra.&nbsp; They did not fall far, still held upward by the power of youthful vigor.&nbsp; At first the nipples did not lay exposed, though tenatively she crooked a finger under each.&nbsp; A nail drawn down along the underside so that the darkened tips would emerge.&nbsp; Jutting upward in welcome to the man before her.&nbsp; She spared a glance upward to see his reaction, allowing him time to consider what lay before him.&nbsp; Only when minutes had passed and the stillness was too much for her did she bring the clasp together and drop the sweater down across her chest.<br><br>"Guess you'll just have to get lucky with the cards again."&nbsp; Long legs turned the chair back to the table, a distinct blush rising on her cheek as she turned her head downward.&nbsp; Curls gliding down like curtains to cover her face while she considered her cards as if nothing had happened.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 21:51:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jim sits transfixed, an almost reverent look on his face.<br><br>"Magnificent," he breathes, his accent slipping for a moment.&nbsp; "You're a very pretty woman, Cynthia.&nbsp; Thank you."<br><br>He holds his glass up, as if toasting her, and turns to the hostess.<br><br>"Could I get this topped off, please, darling?&nbsp; I'm going to need a stiff drink to keep me well-mannered for a bit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 21:52:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally's dark eyes flash back warmly, and invitingly, at Andi's coy response.&nbsp; Her bee-stung lips curl at one corner, very slightly, and she flickers her gaze over her in reply, as if silently asking, 'what did you expect..?'<br><br>Not to be discouraged, she gently glides her fingertips along the inside of Andi's knee, hinting toward her thigh before returning to their original position.&nbsp; She mouths words without voice, letting Andi alone see... 'did you like me?'&nbsp; <br><br>It is then that Cynthia moves... and Sally responds in turn... her long, pale-nailed fingers grip Andi's thigh firmly as the excitement of an anticipated arrival comes over her... she shifts slightly, stealing a faint peek, and from the brush of her thin, healthy shoulder against Andi's arm, she means for the other woman to do the same.<br><br>Her eyes widen, almost imperceptibly... black-lined whites showing the full diameter around her chestnut irises before she resumes her calm observation... hopefully, she doesn't have as clear a tell for excitement at a poker hand that she does at the sight of Cynthias lean, lovely body, and the momentary glimpse-- half-obscured by Jim's shoulders-- of two smooth, coffee-colored mounds of feminine flesh... knowing that peeking on Jim's dare might not be encouraged, she settles her jeans-clad bottom a bit more snugly into the chair and releases Andi's thigh... her fingertips trailing away slowly like reluctant youths from the ocean's sand.<br><br>She laughs lightly, playfully-- not mocking in the least, but rather mutually affected-- at Jim's response.&nbsp; "I'll have whatever he's having, then... my manners are slipping as well."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [HIGH STAKES] IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Silkcat</strong> on <strong>20-03-2007, 23:18:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Andi's eyebrows raise, for a moment a wanting look, as she mouths "Yes".&nbsp; Her legs part a bit as Sally's fingers tighten and slide inward, instinctive perhaps, or inviting.<br><br>She leans with Sally, inhaling to see if she catches a scent - for her own part she is a simple girl, and there is only the light scent of a cucumber bodywash.&nbsp; The inhale becomes a bit deeper as she too glimpses only a teasing bit of Cynthia.&nbsp; Then she turns her head in towards Sally's ear, and lightly breathes again "Yes" as if wanting to make sure that she was heard.<br><br>Andi sat back into her seat, wondering what a girl like her is doing amongst two beauties such as Sally and Cynthia, but feeling that she certainly is in a place where letting her enjoyment of both sexes be known for once will not be scoffed at or worse.&nbsp; She smiles, as much to herself as anyone.<br><br>"I'll take what they're having."<br><br>She never drank while playing.&nbsp; It was a basic rule.&nbsp; She didn't drink that much at all, but drinking while playing was just shooting yourself in the foot.&nbsp; But somehow this felt like it would be different, and she could use a little something to loosen up right now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [HIGH STAKES] IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ixy</strong> on <strong>24-03-2007, 14:48:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Sally turns her eyes slowly back to the table, re-positioning herself languidly so that her bare feet curl under neath her in the chair.&nbsp; The gesture is appropriate for her age, making her seem innocent and playful, but is a tempting contrast to her casual bawdiness before.&nbsp; <br><br>She turns her cards...<br>CHAIR 1: S..........&nbsp; Kc Kd W! W! Kh<br><br>"Assuming that 'unnatural' hands are legal, this would be five kings."&nbsp; She doesn't smile as she sips her drink, but watches Andi through half-closed lashes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: [HIGH STAKES] IC: Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>24-03-2007, 18:35:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, nuts."<br><br>Texas Jim heaves an overly dramatic sigh and flips his cards over, face down.<br><br>"Beats me.&nbsp; All I had was trip nines.&nbsp; Oh, well...easy come, easy go."
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>