Mob Council (Open to all Mob members and Rogues)

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

There was already tension in the air as the leaders of Gotham's mob families began to settle into the back room of the Iceberg Lounge.

Harvey Dent was first to arrive, flanked by his twin bodyguards and accompanied by one of his most trusted lieutenants. His split suit was a stark black and white affair, his hair combed sleekly back from his forehead, onyx and pearl cufflinks gleaming at his wrists. He began to roll his coin over and over his fingers, deep in silent conversation with Two-Face as he leant back in his chair and waited for the others to arrive.

He stood to greet the Chechen with a decisive handshake, then turned to the leader of the Crisantemos Rojos, holding a brief conversation with him in Spanish before he returned to his seat.

Harvey had seen the shape of the Mob in Gotham start to change. It was a transformation that would perhaps last forever - certainly for as long as he himself was alive and in power. He was quite sure today's meeting would be evidence of that.

[Suzume]

Suzume had dressed to impress, knowing how important this meeting would be. She needed to make herself known as a true presence in Gotham. Suzume wanted to dress innocently and exotically to draw the intrigue of the men in the room.

When she entered, heads turned and jaws dropped. She wore a gorgeous white kimono with faint embroidery of tree branches. Her obi was also white and the layers beneath were black. She had opted to paint her face like a geisha, knowing that the exotic flavor would entice the men. Her hair was also done up elaborately with a cherry blossom headpiece sitting to the left of her hairstyle. On her feet were the traditional geisha shoes, high and very difficult to walk in.

The mob didn't need to know she'd spent the past week learning to walk in them without breaking her neck.

She shuffled in, keeping her head slightly bowed and her eyes low. She went straight for the man in the split suit and bowed. "Dent-sama, a pleasure as usual to see you."

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

Harvey's chin lifted as Suzume entered the room, eyes sweeping over her elegant and slender form. She was stunning... though no less dangerous for that. His face was carefully neutral, hiding the anger which had sparked in him when the acid-scarred head of the Triad had been delivered to Arkham

~Oh, Jailbait. Been spending your allowance on a new prom dress?~

He stood as she approached him, and gave a formal bow, matching the level to which she herself had bent forwards. He'd found the books on Japanese culture and etiquette that he'd been reading fascinating. Two-Face had sneered, but that was nothing new.

"Tora-San, " he said quietly. "You are very welcome here."

[Suzume]

Suzume whipped out a fan and flicked it open, demurely hiding her pleased smile. "That is so wonderful to hear. It gave me such joy to receive the invitation."

She glanced around at the other mob bosses, noting which ones were still openly staring. "I see several empty seats. Where would you prefer me to sit? I am unfamiliar with the protocol of seating arrangements in American meetings."

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

Two-Face fumed silently as Harvey spoke with Suzume. It was his considered opinion that mob councils were a load of hot air, and that the best negotiation was done with a gun in each hand.

"Anywhere you like, Tora-San. We have no protocol of rank here. If we tried to decide between us who gets to sit at the head of the table we'd never discuss anything else."

[Logan Grey]

When Logan awoke that morning he couldn't help the feeling of excitement that washed itself over him. It wasn't long before Christmas-which to him was a very, very good thing, considering the fact he loved Christmas. For him, it was the one holiday of the year he did enjoy. Around ten years ago this time of year his father would be in Sicily, either dealing with business matters or blood family matters. The only people who'd be spending the festive holiday in the Grey residence was him, Amelia and their mother. The day both started and ended pretty well.

He was also looking forward to the upcoming meeting, simply because it had been a long time since he'd partaken in a full mob boss meeting. He heard there wasn't going to be the threat of a conflict breaking out, it all sounded fashionably civil. He dressed into the classic three-piece suit. The only change to the usually worn attire was that he accessorised it with a festive tie decorated religiously. After all, he was Catholic.

Exiting his home, he slipped his hands in his pockets and retrieved a pack of cigarettes. Surreptitiously, he lit one then began smoking. A sleek black Rolls Royce awaiting him. Smiling a litte, he opened the door to see his advisor (or as he preferred, consigliere) Lavinia.

"You got the materials?" Logan asked, sitting down on the biege leather seat.

[Lavinia Howards]

((Sorry for the sheer overwhelming length of this post, if anyone feels the need to skip a few paragraphs in the middle I won't be offended, just felt a bit of context was necessary for the means of Lavinia being present XD))

It was early morning when Lavinia practically skipped out of bed.

To say she was looking forward to the day ahead was an understatement. At the same time, she was quaking in her socks and galvanized at the thought of meeting Gotham's many mob bosses. Logan had put her in a very trustworthy position (and why shouldn't he? The two had known eachother since their sophomore year of high school) even more so in that she hadn't taken an omerta to the Grey cosa nostra. It was impossible for the young consigliere to have any ethnic or national descent-especially Sicilian, so holding an oath to the Mafia was out of the question. But that didn't stop her from studying Italy in university-plus there was her own knowledge of experience.

She spent a long time on her appearance and making sure she was presentable for the meeting, eager to make a worthy impression. Women in the mafia weren't exactly regarded highly, Lavinia was more than aware of that fact and she was just as aware that she could prove that fact wrong. Her outfit was clean-cut with a slightly comical effect on her earrings to fit the scenario ahead. Hopefully that would make a few faces smile.

With her caper laced with joy, she exited her home and entered the Rolls-Royce that exuded pure class, accented with a grille. She'd organised for the transport to arrive early enough to her liking but late enough for Logan's. She positively beamed when a Dean Martin melody began playing on the radio and began tapping her foot, discretely singing along to the track. It wasn't long before the car arrived at the Grey household and Lavinia was greeted immediately by Logan with a question. Typical.

"The gifts are in the trunk along with a few pieces and ammo, just in case." Lavinia replied. Her and Logan had decided to give out some presents in celebration of Christmas. The two shared the same religious views so each were keen in feeling the festive spirit. She was required to research on the various likes and dislikes (with the help of a few sources) of each mob's leader and conjure a gift. Luckily, she didn't have to use her own money. Everyone seemed to have pretty expensive tastes.

Hearing a ring sound it's way through the car, Vito-who was driving the automobile-picked up the phone and held it in the air for Logan to retrieve it. For the whole trip to the destination he was negotiating over ammunition with his supplier. One of the few in Gotham city who still specialised in making bullets for out-dated Thompsons and Smith & Wessons.

Soon the car came to a halt outside the entrance of the Iceberg Lounge. Lavinia presumed Logan was a little busy with his conversation so she proceeded in getting out of the vehicle, opening the trunk and fetching the gifts. Inwardly, she was sweating bullets. What if they don't even want gifts? What if they all think it's some sort of bribery? She'd have to convince them otherwise. Never the less, Lavinia put on a warm smile.

She felt all the more uneasy when she walked through the doors, there were so many faces she'd seen on paper but never in the flesh, she opted to approaching a fairly familiar one. In one hand she was holding a large Louis Vuitton bag that held many gifts for each attendee of the meeting and in the other was a large, wrapped gift.

"Mr. Dent? I would shake your hand if they weren't full, means like this require a civil greeting after all," Lavinia greeted the split-suited man in a professional manner, knowing there wasn't any other way, "I'm Lavinia Howards, Logan Grey's advisor. Unfortunately he's discussing business with his weapon supplier at the moment although it won't be long before he joins us." It was hard not to notice the Japanese, fair eyed woman next to him, whom Lavinia had come to learn about over the past few weeks with her family's arrival. Lavinia bowed her head politely, "Miss Takenaka, you look dazzling. It's a pleasure meeting you and welcome to Gotham city."

[Suzume]

Suzume laughed softly. "Of course. I understand that Gotham's Underworld isn't very organized at the moment. No matter, I'm sure things will change."

Suzume returned the polite head bow, eying the woman curiously. "I thank you. Your outfit is quite exquisite in its own right. The earrings are a particularly nice addition." She snapped her fan shut and slid it back into her obi. "Lavinia, you said? That is an unusual name. I like it."

She moved over to an empty chair and sank into it, keeping her hands folded in her lap. Pale eyes swept the room, taking in all of the details and the expressions of the mob bosses. She had decided to play quiet and sweet for the evening. It would be interesting to see how long that lasted.

[Oswald Cobblepot]

Penguin had gone all out for this occasion. One of the reasons he didn't mind backing Suzi(as he had taken to calling her in his mind) was that he did have wealth to spare. The walls had been repainted gold and red. It seemed bigger in there then it had when his had his first visitors. The TV and the little table had since been removed. A long, elegant table made for dinner parties and mansions was placed in here. All the seats matched the new painted job and had wonderful upholstery.

Originals lined the walls. There was a Van Gogh, a Degas, a Monet and even a Picasso. Henchmen, whom Penguin had dressed as butlers, were accompanied by penguins to take drink and food orders if needed. He had since become aware of the fact that Suzi didn't eat or drink anything unless it had been poison tested for her first so he ordered one of his men to offer that to her.

Penguin smiled to himself and entered the room from the front. He had been monitoring everyone's entrances and was satisfied that he'd done well in his preparations. He quietly entered, tapping his umbrella on the ground before him like a cane to draw a little attention to himself. He was in the finest tuxedo he could buy, a top hat to match and even a monocle he had taken from his father long ago. He felt good. He made his way over to Suzume and bowed.

"How does the evening find you, my lady?"

He stood back up and glanced in Harvey's direction, keeping most of his attention on the Yakuza in front of him.

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

Harvey shook Lavinia's hand. He was pleasantly surprised to see Logan had a female consigliere - it had always been a source of frustration to him that women were sidelined by the traditional mafia. They were just as capable and ruthless as men. The only reason he himself didn't have any female lieutenants was because Two-Face didn't trust Harvey to not fall in love with them. Which was probably a fair enough accusation.

"It's good to meet you, Ms Howards. Logan said you've known each other since you were children, is that right?"

When the Penguin entered the room, Harvey politely excused himself for a moment and went to greet him. "Oswald, I'm glad you're here. I think you'll find it a very productive day."

[Lavinia Howards]

((-insert warning about riciculously long post again-))

Lavinia couldn't help the genuine smile that crossed her lips when Suzume complimented her appearance. She wasn't expecting much hospitality from anyone - although she definitely hoped for it.

"Many thanks, Miss Takenaka. I was hoping someone would pick up on the earrings, after all they fit the occasion." She replied then she suddenly remembered the large gift under her left arm, "In celebration for Christmas, Mr. Grey and I would like to give you a present," Lavinia offered Suzume the wrapped box. Beneath the paper, wooden container and velvet bedding was an immaculate steel Sicilian duelling knife. "It's called a Rasolu, from Mr. Grey's native country. We thought you would enjoy it but if it's not to your liking feel free to trade or sell it." Lavinia knew if a member of the mob didn't like a gift they'd throw it anywhere they pleased, without permission or not. But she just preferred to be polite.

"Mr. Dent, Logan has told me a lot about you," She lied a tad bit but managed to hide that with a bit of graceful charm, Logan had told her about Harvey a fair few times but it was her who had recieved the message about the mob gathering and who was hosting it. "Yeah, that's right. We've known eachother a pretty long time - it was the reason he offered me this job. Your probably familiar with La Cosa Nostra and it's customs to treating women, don't get me wrong, they respect them - Hell, they'd shoot a rapist having their way with a red-blooded Italian dame in broad daylight - as they already do. I just mean, all their wives and mistresses have this unspoken understanding - 'If all the fish in the sea kept their mouths shut, they'd never get caught' Logan's old man use to say. But I guess I was just a little too curious." She was well aware that she was rambling but she couldn't help it, the subject was a passion of her's. Again, she remembered the bag in her hand and it's contents.

"Merry Christmas, please don't think we're trying to bait you into anything with these presents. It's just how Logan and I treat the holiday," She smiled gently. Harvey's gift was a small collection of early vinyl Frank Sinatra records; Songs for Young Lovers and Swing Easy - both retro from 1954. There was also the single It Was A Very Good Year from '61 joining the package aswell.

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

Harvey smiled widely at the present. "Thank you so much. I'm a big Sinatra fan - Logan must have told you. Will you both be joining us Joker's Ball? He's organised a masquerade for Christmas night; I hope you'll be able to join us. I'm afraid I didn't bring any gifts with me today; I was planing on giving them out at the party. So now you have to come."

Harvey looked around the room. There were still a few to arrive, but they might as well make a start.

"Shall we begin, ladies and gentlemen?"

The table came to order with a scraping of chairs. Eyes turned to Harvey, some with mistrust, some more guarded in their expression.

"I hope nobody minds if I begin proceedings with a topic I'm sure has been on your minds in the last few weeks and months. I know its been on ours. The Batman."

[Suzume]

Suzume didn't rise when Penguin approached her, but did smile as warmly as she was capable of when he bowed. "A pleasure, Pengin-sama. I thank you for your hospitality. The poison testers were a very thoughtful touch. You are too kind to me."

When she was presented with Lavinia's gift, Suzume was surprised. She hadn't expected to receive a present, but was honored. Upon opening the box, her eyes lit up. "Oh!" She exclaimed. She rose from her chair and removed it, swinging it experimentally. "The weight will take getting used to, but it is beautiful. I thank you, Howards-san. I will enjoy testing it."

She sank back down and watched Harvey through curious eyes. It would be interesting to see how Gotham's mob worked from the inside.

[The Joker]

A fresh coat of make-up had been applied to a pale, gaunt face. Dark under eye shadows had been hidden behind smudgy kohl. Full lips, flanked by ugly scars had been enhanced with bright red lipstick.

The wiry body had been covered in an outfit sure to get the attention of anyone he passed. Dark purple pin-striped pants, loud socks and scuffed brown shoes were just the beginning. The thin torso was covered with a blue shirt covered in an interesting geometric pattern, a dark green vest and a long purple coat. An ugly green tie was done up loosely at his neck.

Skin tight, purple leather gloves fit snugly over hands with unkempt nails and years of blood covering them, though the blood was unseen. He was ready.

Joker, a man who was determined to make his mark on Gotham City, stepped out of a 1937 Rolls Royce Phantom III. He straightened his coat and made his way carefully across the icy ground to enter the back room of the Iceberg Lounge.

He entered, unseen just as Harvey made his opening address. Joker began to laugh slowly, the eerie sound progressively getting louder as he walked in, black eyes taking in every face. He saw the disgust, confusion and anger make their way across the members in the mob. He basked in it.

"Gooooooood evening." Joker said, voice nasally and enunciation more unusual than when he typically spoke. After all, he was putting on a show.

There was an empty seat next to Harvey which had presumably been left for him. It was on the long side. An African American man that Joker recognized as Gambol sat at the head of the side of the table he was closest to. Joker strode up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. "Uh, excuse me, I wanna sit there."

[Harvey Dent/Two-Face]

The movement of Harvey's coin over the backs of his fingers sped up slightly as Joker entered the room. He was used to the clown and his dramatic entrances of course, but that didn't stop a slight chill running through him at the sound of that voice and its mirthless laughter. It was almost inhuman.

He sat back in his chair as Gambol sneered at Joker.

"This ain't no kid's party, clown. And I'm not giving you my seat. Who the fuck is this, Dent?"

Harvey flicked the coin to his other hand and began to walk it back and forth.

"A friend of mine," he stated.