To prepare for the party.

Some days later, and after much effort on her part, and not a little bribery, Cathy was ensconced in a fine coach, dressed in a fine dress of black and gold silk. With the assistance of her unnamed backers, she had also secured a false identity, that of Madame Du Plessy of Bolvourach. Cathy’s luxuriant red hair was pinned in the prevailing style, and she paradoxically brought one or the other of her hands to it, to check that not a single strand was out of place as the carriage bounced along rutted roads and cobblestone streets. Despite having taken far larger risks in her life, Cathy was nervous.

The estate was lit with large torches and massive candelabras. Everything was bathed in a seductive yellow light. As she exited the carriage, Cathy was met by a footman, who led her to the main entrance, where a large cluster of well dressed and beautiful people stood waiting to get in. It didn’t take long to get through the line, and after presenting her invitation, her arrival was announced to those gathered in the massive hallway.

As she stepped away from the reception area, she scanned the crowd for any sign of the hostess. As she looked, a servant dressed in rich finery approached her will a silver tray filled with tall, long stemmed glasses, each of which was filled with a deep, red liquid. It seemed to Cathy as though the servant was specifically heading for her, and in fact she saw several guests try to signal the man to stop, but he paid them no heed, moving through the crowd like an arrow towards its target.

“Drink, madame?” the tall, good looking servant asked.

“Of course.” Cathy replied, taking one of the glasses. Each of the expensive glasses was covered with condensation, and Cathy took a large swallow of the crimson beverage as the fellow turned on his heel, and then made a beeline towards another guest. A young occidental, beautiful, with silky black hair worn down and dressed in the ornate green fabric known to be favored by the wealthy of her region. She took the long stemmed glass, and drank its contents in one long swallow, and then setting the glass back on the tray laughed melodiously to those guests who were gathered around her.

Cathy watched as the servant repeated the process, approaching in each case attractive woman. None refused him, and in at least two cases he seemed to insist that the female party goer accept the drink he offered. He was not refused, and he continued until his tray was empty. As she could see nothing odd other than the man’s single mindedness, she finished the savory beverage and mingled, keeping her eyes out for the Regent. Who, she had learned prior to her arrival at the estate was named, Amaleen of Shaya.

Cathy moved among the crowd, exchanging pleasantries, and in the ballroom dancing with beautiful partners of both sexes. She was dancing with a pale blonde, dressed in a blue dress with a scandalously plunging neckline. As the two danced, she began feeling a bit light headed, as though she’d been drinking all night. She knew that she hadn’t of course, and had only had one small glass of wine since being served the red liquid earlier. The blonde must have noticed something in Cathy’s manner, because as they stepped in to the dark shadows of one portion of the dance floor she grabbed Cathy’s breast, and squeezed it gently, even as she kissed Cathy on the neck and nibbled on her earlobe.

“Let’s find somewhere more private. I guarantee you’ll enjoy it” the blonde whispered. And then almost as an afterthought added, "My name's Kari"

It was then Cathy saw the Regent enter the room. The crowd parted for her, and briefly, the music stopped before she signaled for it to continue. She was dressed in red and black, and her blonde hair was streaked with red as well. Two young women who appeared to be twins attended her. They were dressed in simple earth tones so as not to detract from their mistress, but of the highest quality fabric. The two whispered back and forth to each other as they walked along side her.

“This is a good time to go. I have some things I brought with me, I think you’ll find them as amusing as I do” Kari said as she pulled back from Cathy, but continued massaging her breast.