It was clear that, if nothing else, she was not going to catch up with her mystery golden-eyed fellow. Felicity huffed, platinum blonde bangs fluffing above her narrowed eyes from the puff of hot air. Her most recent attempt left her close again to the various tables of goods for auction, and she finally relented to just take a look at them instead.

Perhaps with her attention diverted, the stranger who continued to stare at her--she could feel that weighted gaze so much heavier than any other, for some reason...--would drift close enough for her to catch..?

It seemed reasonable enough to her, and Felicity pursed her lips, heels clicking against the floor as she approached the tables. Donations of all kinds were displayed brilliantly over numerous tables. There was an attempt, at least, to organize things somewhat into themes and related materials. Antiques were more brought together over a few tables, clothing on staged mannequins displaying the use of ornate or time-worn simplistic furniture that ranged from tables and desks to lampshades and bookends. Accessories were draped delicately against fake hands and cloth that accentuated bold colorings. More modern designs were treated similarly, again displayed beautifully in artistic and practical means to entice and lure in potential bidders by inviting them to picture how they would utilize the pieces. Paintings and sculptures were put up on pedestals and against boards to lift them from the table surfaces, allowing the illusion of showing how they might look against the wall of some room at one's home or otherwise. Handwoven blankets and mats were kept off the ground, but still tactfully displayed while allowing viewers to grasp their comfort or usefulness. Ornately carved wooden combs and brushes, glass spun into rich figures of flora or fauna all sparkled beneath the lights.

From a purely design and marketing perspective, Felicity was absolutely on board for the displays. They were engaged to her, attracted her eye and imagination beyond the obvious beauty of the items collected. Cards with information concerning the sources of various items--who donated what, where things originated from beyond that if they decided it was of particular value such as craftsmanship or trade--were discrete but offered generous information about the items.

There were more than a few one-off specially designed dresses, shoes, and purses from famous designers in the city that she had her eye on and would most certainly be tossing in bids for. Though Lydia hadn't wished to comment on it, Felicity knew her father was there, along with his wife since their divorce, and various other ex-stepfathers. People that, though Felicity knew the game of how Lydia used them for her own continued gain of fame and fortune, still maintained contact with the woman for personal or professional reasons. And maintained contact with Felicity for purely personal reasons. A few of the guys had, without question, come to see her as a daughter, and though she certainly didn't hold the same sentiments... well.

She wasn't remotely against using their money to buy things. And buy things from this event, with their aid, she would.

Felicity continued to wander slowly, eyes grazing over displays and objects at her gradual pace. Her fingers trailed against the table she walked before, the smooth surface cold beneath her touch, before she winced at a sudden snap of heat.

She stared down, eyes going wide as a rush of emotions coiled and tangled in her chest--mine-- you b*****d how could you-- traitor-- hello, old friend-- mine--and hissed and spat at one another. She could barely tell one tendril apart from another. A golden snake lay around a fake neck display, diamonds glittering where its eyes stared back at her. Black stone was carved delicately to make up the slender belly of the snake and its inner mouth, tiny details that were highlighted by the high quality of the craftsmanship. She stared where the mouth of the snake hung only partially open. Some part of her... knew it could open more than that, and that something lay within its throat. But from where she stood, she could see the crevice within was empty, and that tangled, coiled mess of writhing emotions in her chest snarled all the tighter till they were white-hot with rage.

Her pulse boiled and thundered in her veins, and she set her jaw as her back straightened, blue eyes sharp on the glittering diamonds of the snake. She would be leaving with that necklace that night.

If she didn't, well. Felicity gave a small laugh to herself, a little chuckle that was bright and cheery as the twinkle of the lights off the cold metal and stone. Delicate fingers flipped her long locks over her shoulder as she turned to head back to her table, and Jai.

She'd merely take the snake from whoever was idiotic enough to take it from her. Their starseed would be adequate payment for her troubles, she was sure.



wc: 837 Charity Benefit pt. 3