#moura

New Colony- New Club

Adora went toward the underground dance club known as Vue Rive with her new friends she had made since moving to this colony in the last week. The club itself was held in the courtyard of an actual underground palace that had been there since the colony’s founding from an original family dynasty of the colony itself, the Vitale Dynasty. The most well known, very well respected, and feared to an extent for the power they had and wielded in this colony. Also a very wealthy family dynasty that "secretly" ruled the colony, despite it being a "democratic republic", a Signoria, the council of elders, just like about every colony had. However, it was, in truth, as Adora was starting to understand, an oligarchy, a council dominated by the Vitale Family Dynasty, whose elderly members took up over half of the council. Because while all the 'original' family dynasties were, by name- represented, the Vitale family had 'consumed' most of the other families by marriage over the generations to the point that while those dynasties were still 'represented' they were done in name only, while actual Vitale members who could only claim those family lines in their ancestry alone to count as a representative of said dynasty in the Signoria itself.

But, colony politics were the last thing on Adora's mind. She didn't even care that the Vitale Family Dynasty owned this club and most of the others in the colony. All she did care about was getting into this club and dancing in it, and leaving all the things that weighed her mind down- at its door, and being able to breathe and just be, and just enjoy the moment, enjoy the scene, enjoy whatever ambiance this club was rumored to have. Enjoy great music in this underground dance club that was under an entire city block.

However, what made this dance club that she was going to- was that this underground dance club specifically played the newest music, that was especially popular and was the most appealing to the teens and young adults of the colony and the greater moura race as a whole, the world over. And it was underground because each generation always thought the next generations' music was 'just noise', irritating noise at that. So underground where it wouldn't 'disturb' the older generations, was the most logical solution for just about every colony. And it did add a certain special association that the club and the music and those there were perhaps subversive. And at these clubs where there were practically solstice level dance parties every night down here. And Vue Rive was the most profitable 'public club' in the entire colony, owned and operated by the Vitale family, naturally.

However, what was supposed to make Vue Rive leagues better than any other? Was because there was an actual and literal DJ down here with a proper sound/music machine and speakers, from the Cosmos Colonies. And not just someone's music bank plugged into speakers on a playlist that was already curated and put together. DJ's were becoming just as popular as the music stars themselves. And the 'friendly competition' between the DJ's could turn into rivalry, really quickly. And DJs were how any moura, with a good ear and was able to either get sponsored, or get a loan, borrow or purchase the actual equipment- could earn family dynasties level- multi generational amounts of wealth in a single generation. But it could also be spent by them just as fast in their own drives to always get the newest, latest and greatest of the trade. Which made most DJ's needing and having sponsors. And who and what could sponsor DJ's? Family Dynasties, who used DJ's and music in dance clubs to make them even more rich than any other monarchy in the supersphere, beyond the Dorierran State itself.

The Cosmos Colonies were a group of colonies that consisted of two groups. The innermost colonies were known as The Moon Belt, surrounded by a ring of other colonies, known as The Constellation Colonies. When grouped all together, they were simply known as The Cosmos Colonies. These colonies were especially known for their technology, advancement and creating and building proper music controllers, multiple types of music and sound decks, sound mixers, speakers, and special lighting units and laser light projectors. As well as the song banks that the mouras seemed to constantly record new songs from both well known and aspiring music artists and music producers who travelled to the Cosmos Colonies, particularly the Moon Belt- from all over the world to record, before the music was released and distributed to the DJ's and every other moura with a personal music bank. 

Adora listened to her new friends, subtly changing her moura cloak that served as her clothing to match the clothing choices here in this colony, to a degree, but still remained very “her” and that “timeless style” her grandmothers had taught her before… 

Adora took a cleansing breath and shook her head to get such sad, bittersweet memories out of her head before she could start to cry as her eyes had already become glassy. She couldn't let them fall, because then the questions these new friends would ask why- would be precious truths she could not risk her life or the lives of her family on- to tell. And lying this early in a friendship would mean that they couldn't trust her, and would get suspicious and weary and would garner distance to breaking such delicate friendships with. They would jump to conclusions that were too dangerous for them to jump to. She had to pass, she had to blend in. She couldn't  afford not to, socially or otherwise, not with so much at stake.  

But, looking down at the dress, it was really beautiful. It was still more ‘colorful’ than perhaps her grandparents would approve of, because she was wearing more than 2 colors at a time, she was technically wearing 4. Practically scandalous, according to her grandmothers at her home colony, who felt that 3 was the maximum limit and was pushing propriety. And that thought did make her smile and huff a small laugh through her nose in amusement. But she felt that her shades of the same tone of blue, green and purple, all complimented each other over the white base of the dress. And the green especially brought out her very vivid green eyes, which were a family trait that they had prided themselves on, always in jewel tones, and always vivid, bright, sparkling, dazzling in sunlight and subtly glowing even in low lights. 

However, once she and her family left their home colony 6 years ago, ‘unsettling’ was how most who had never seen such eyes in person was a criticism she heard way too many times behind her back and would make any 11 year old girl self conscious. She had tried contacts, which her eyes refused to tolerate, veils that only made her stand out and be treated like a nun. Which left her to try special diets that were rumored to achieve that just to see if she could tone down the vividness and the effects her eyes had, which had disastrous results because it only made them more vivid, and made the contrast of the darker rim vs the near neon at the iris more pronounced. Now they glowed in any light and actually glittered! They had brilliance, fire, play of color, scintillation, which was the play of light, and luster like actual gemstones did, making her eyes look like bright, brilliant emeralds. She had tried to explain that it was a recessive genetic trait, which thankfully her new friends here readily accepted and thought they were gorgeous and were playfully jealous, wishing they had such eyes so that they could be noticed instead of ‘blending in with the masses’. 

Yet, for Adora, getting ‘noticed’ could be synonymous with getting ‘identified’ which came with risks and dangers that made her soul shudder in memory of how it had happened in some of the colonies they had gone to- with disastrous results. But she couldn’t think that way, or act like it either. Just keep up the charade of the ‘new family just moved in’ which had a term ‘transplants’ in colonies. Which was technically true. 

Looking down at her dress, Adora thought and felt it was a good blend and compromise. A way to bridge both classic and modern. Still timeless, flattering, becoming, classy, and perfectly tasteful in cut, fit, shape, length and especially silhouette with a fun twist of the front being higher than the back, the ‘high low’ style that was quite popular that she felt was appropriate for her age. And it lent itself to a maturity for its discretion and modesty. Her goal was to blend in, but with the background rather than those in it. The last thing she wanted or intended was to announce herself, or put any kind of spotlight of attention on herself ‘from the masses’. She wished to both observe and participate, but also get mostly ignored. Wallflowers were the safest flower to be in any garden, because the chances of yourself getting plucked were low. However, if she was to attract attention, she wanted it to be a very specific kind, from an equally specific kind of person who would have a similar mindset to herself when it came to dress and grooming who saw wisdom in maturity, modesty and especially discretion.  

Otherwise, she found a special delight in making the continuation of the pattern and print itself continue on the inside of the fabric in the back of her high/low dress, so that it looked continuous besides her legs if she was standing still, but would still move beautifully as she would dance. The 3 colors she used were very balanced in addition to being complimentary and yet bold in the darker, intenser saturations and tones of each color, which was how she was choosing to ‘blend in’ with her new friends who were also in bold colors, among other things. The white silken satin base of the variety of fabric that she loved to wear the most because it would shine in sunlight yet subtly glow in lowlight. It was definitely grounded in the ‘real wealth whispers’ school of thought and mindset which had been instilled in her since infancy by generations of her family. But was practically a foreign concept to most outside of her own colony and its network, especially in this age group, but she refused to compromise on that aspect.  

And this dress had alternating patterns of paisley as a charming, tasteful print that was leaning towards bohemian chic in pattern, but not in expression, in expression it was clearly modern. She also loved the way she expressed this pattern over the white background, where it was ‘heaviest’ in the darkest saturation and tones of the 3 colors at her waist, fading into light pastel tones then out completely at her midthigh length before mirroring the light pastel and then back to the heavy, dark saturation of those colors at bottom edge of the dress while the pattern would fade to light pastels moving up from her waist, then to nothing- at her bosom but the lightest of pastels would return on her neckline with embroidery accents in the place of jewelry, that would look delicate in natural light but much more bold in darker artificial lights, both on the front and the back of her dress in what would be the seductive shape of a deep V on her front and her back without it actually being cut that way. Instead of metallic tones, she chose iridescent, and multichromed effects on the embroidery and if there was black light, the dress's other colors would have effects that would hopefully be surprising and also show off her youthful exuberance- when she wanted it to that is. However the special embroidery that she used as borders of the paisley design and print. 

Her 1 rebellious, very young, ‘flashy feature’ that she could just see in her mind’s eye of her grandparents rolling their eyes and shaking their heads at, but with a fond, loving grin and smile just the same, if they could see her now. She still refused to give up certain details on the inside of the dress that she always liked to have no matter what style she turned her moura cloak into. Like shorts so that no one could see her undergarments or anything higher than mid thigh, that were built into the dress, so that even if she twirled, the bottom of the shorts wouldn’t necessarily be seen but if one tried to look under to see something they shouldn’t even try to, they would be sorely mistaken and disappointed. Plus, it would be easier for her sisters to make her out in any crowd just in case she lost track of time tonight. Because she was, so far, the only one dressed like herself. But that would be a good thing. 

Because everyone else was in these garish, loud, absolutely obnoxious outfits. It wasn't flattering in the sense that they weren't wearing a dress, the dress was wearing them. And it was a sea of it. Masses indeed. All of them were attention grabbing in these super bright, super intense metallics, constantly flashing too that fatigued her eyes, but she would never, ever say so out loud. They were cut, styled and fitted to be “sexy” but it had an aggressively provocative, vulgar, cheapening, depreciating effect that only made the point that while her peers were physically and sexually mature, their mental state certainly wasn't. It screamed and begged for attention, and the only ones who would pay that attention were others with the same mindset and attitudes. Again, things she would not say out loud, because it would be seen as passing judgement that she felt she had no room to give and it would only alienate herself more than she was prone to do. 

And the closer to the club they got, it seemed the numbers increased of young people in her age group who were also traveling in small groups were also travelling towards it and converging as she got to be introduced to others and exchange compliments, which she genuinely tried to do and not offensively say ‘wow you’re brave for trying to wear that like that. Are you sure you want to wear something that revealing? Don't you want to leave something to the imagination?’. Because some of these girls were in skirts so mini, she wondered if they were even wearing undergarments because all she could see was just…brazen, unashamed, overly exposed skin on areas of the body that shouldn’t be exposed, in public especially. And if they didn’t sit with their legs very tightly pressed together, it would expose their most intimate personal areas that for Adora, no one besides a marriage mate, or lover or a midwife should ever see. But perhaps that was the point. Super low cuts in necklines to show off cleavage that the otherwise padded and pushy and tight natures of the tops meant that that cleavage was even more pronounced and provocative, and super short skirts to show off legs and tight to show off derrieres, and slits that exaggerated these effects. They were out to get as much provocative attention as they could. And yet, from her point of view, all it really said to her was ‘I’m sexually mature in body but still really immature and greedy in mindset.’ 

And Adora couldn’t be happier to be just different enough from them that while she was accepted, and not rejected by the group as a whole, she clearly didn’t want to be provocative. The high in the high low of her dress was still at the bottom of her knee caps and the low came to the end of her calves in the back, so that only her lower legs would be exposed while moving, that was all the leg she was comfortable with exposing. And her neck line was the classic boat but sleeveless so her whole arms were exposed, that was all the skin she wished to bear and even now she fought not to make herself a cardigan to cover her arms. And the dress was paired with a rather low but comfortable, wedge like sandal in the same soft white of the base of her dress and whose straps were the same silken satin to match too, that wouldn’t blister her feet for the sake of aesthetic, like these girls in 4, 5, and even 6 inch stiletto heels that barely covered their toes and heels and showed off their higher arched feet and near constantly flexed calves and thighs for leg definition. Yeah, the aesthetic was nice, but at a personal comfort cost she never wanted to pay. 

Although, in trading compliments, the most common ones she received were- ‘conservative’ and ‘pretty’. But always on top of questions like ‘why did you make it so long?’ or ‘why would you wear something that you could wear to the temple, to a dance club?’ or the most common was ‘are you sure you want to wear that in Vue Rive? Aren’t you worried about being mistaken for a rebirthed grandparent or great grandparent?’ 

“It’s just my personal style and one that I’m most comfortable and confident in. I prefer to use my mouth to express my viewpoints and opinions, it does a much better job at it than anything else. Besides, I’m brand new here, I’ve only been here for less than a week. I’m still finding my footing and my stride while getting acclimated to everything here, I don’t want to do either a literal or metaphorical face plant as a first impression especially with my peers that could alienate myself, and that I would only make it harder on myself to disprove later. And don’t want to needlessly complicate that process with trying to juggle any romantic interests and entanglements. I’m only going to have fun, dance and make new friends and socialize with the ones I’ve already made, that's it. I don’t need anyone else’s attention or approval other than my own. If others express interest in me, that’s their choice to make on their own, if not, I’m ok and content with that.” Adora explained with a shrug. 

“And honestly, that’s probably the smartest thing you can do. We’re locals, we all know each other and have a level of comfortable candidacy. You don’t, not yet anyway, but you’ll get there, I promise because we’re gonna help. You’re surrounded by friends, Adora, not fashion critics. Besides, you can wear whatever the fuck you want to. It’s your body, your choice, you dress it however you want to and everyone else can pound sand. Like you said, you’re wearing what makes you comfortable and confident which is the best thing you can do for yourself, especially right now and in this situation in general. And you’re right, the approval you give yourself is more important than any approval by strangers. You’re a moura same as us, you’re owed and should be shown the same respect and kindness and grace, especially since you’ve already shown those things to everyone else, we need to return the favor and add the benefit of the doubt with it.” Fantella defended as she put her arm around Adora’s shoulders as Adora put her arm around Fantella’s waist with a grateful and appreciative smile while Fantella lowered the length of her skirt and raised the neckline and toned down her own outfit in solidarity, which Adora really appreciated and needed to. 

“Thank you. That means a lot to me, more than I can say.” Adora murmured to Fantella. 

“Hey, birds of a feather flock together. If anyone else has a problem with it, tell them to come see me. You need friends in your corner and I’m happy and proud to be your first here.” Fantella beamed. 

“Me too.” Adora nodded with a happy smile. 

“Now if you could tell me how you’re doing that iridescent thing with your embroidery, I’d appreciate it and love you forever.” Fantella giggled which got Adora to giggle before she walked Fantella and the others around them how to mentally manipulate that so they could have the same, which was really cool for them to learn and they were keen to imitate that too, to also help Adora blend in but also, would be eyecatching and attention getting in their own rights once they got inside. And would give them an edge over their peers too.  

“Ok, so we need to tell you more about the club and especially who might be there…” Fantella began before Fantella and their friend group continued to tell her about this club and what they loved about it and what they would order as far as drinks and food and stuff, and what they could order to share amongst their group, as the other minigroups did the same as more and more groups seemed to continually converge as they all walked their way through the maze of streets and walkways that were intentionally built in a multi-layered, multi-story maze to make the colonies especially hard to conquer or infiltrate as a general rule. However because Adora had been to so many, she had noticed there were separate categories and styles of patterns in the maze like architecture and nailing down the category and its style, meant navigation would be much easier and the chances of getting hopelessly lost would go down tremendously. 

However, Adora tried not to roll her eyes at all the native girls gushing about potentially seeing 'The Vitale Gentlemen’ there, and depending on the ages of which ones you were referring to, because there were several so it could also garner the term ‘The Vitale Boys’ one of which was both young enough and old enough to still be grouped in with both groups. But the gentlemen group was the most important because the oldest two of the three were the most powerful of all the Vitale Dynasty as well, outside the Signoria. And they were the most handsome and most important of all, single. Tonight there could be up to all three of them on the weekends, which here, was Thursday through Saturday because Sunday was a holy day of worship and communing with family and friends, as the whole colony went to this huge picnic area, that in fair weather the walls went down, and the ceiling became slatted to let sunshine in, and in inclement weather, the walls came up to have a colony wide potluck, which was a brand new concept for Adora because she had never been to a colony wide picnic that wasn’t for a wedding or a rite flight. But to have one every Sunday so that the whole colony felt more like one community, it helped newcomers be more at ease with everyone. But still, some could still choose to have smaller gatherings among their extended family and closest friends, which was the usual in almost all other colonies as Adora actually made a note in her notebook to make sure she informed her family of and would need to brainstorm ideas about what to make to share. 

Then the group went more in depth of their discussions of each of them. All three of them were, according to her new friends, the most handsome guys in the whole colony. Even though Adora was absolutely certain that their own dynasty, wealth and social status were the largest reasons why they were “attractive” and viewed and treated as such. 

She caught the eye rolls of a few groups of guys who were now intermingled among them too. As she could only snort a laugh and then give the guys a meaningful look of shared questioning and disbelieving doubt of the clear overappraisal those Vitale Gentlemen had among all the girls. They shared meaningful looks as they gave her subtle shakes of their heads to disagree with the overly flattering and overappraisals that it was definitely not true. As she gave them all subtle but solemn nods of agreement with their disagreement as they too mirrored the nod and the meaningful look of relief and gratitude that she had chosen not to be one more ridiculous fangirl of the Vitales. 

“Finally a girl who has a mind of her own and intelligent enough to know bullshit when she hears it.” Many of them murmured to themselves which only made her look at them with a beaming grin. Yes! She had common ground with the guys her age at least, the smart ones anyway. 

“You know, if all of you girls have the absolute and unquestioning belief, that you clearly hold as facts and absolute truths about the Vitale Gentlemen, it’s like all of you share the same one mind about it, such unity.” Adora commented to the others besides Fantella in a tone that while it sounded flattering was actually a subtle dig and critique that went right over those girls heads as they all gasped in delight and eager agreement and echoed her statement while all the guys did their best to keep their snickering laughter to themselves, because they all got what she really meant. She meant that they all shared the same brain. Possibly down to a single brain cell sometimes. 

“Oh, I like her! She’s not brainwashed by the fawning masses and sees through the bullshit too. All hail Adora, the first of her kind.” Most of them snickered and echoed to each other that made Adora even more pleased and proud that they at least gave her a meaningful distinction.

“It’s great to see that she has brains in addition to beauty. Mad respect, even if she dresses more like a matronly nun, at least she’s a fun nun.” The others murmured to themselves that Adora still caught, due to her both genetic and artificially enhanced hearing as Adora could do nothing but breathe out a breath of resignation. Here she thought they’d be more appreciative of her intelligence and chose to instead negate such intelligence and dismiss her and type casted her as they had already judged her more by her clothing choices than anything else. 

Great. 

Adora once again reminded herself that she wasn’t here for them, and didn’t need their approval, only her own. And honestly, by saying and agreeing with such statements, criticisms and judgements, meant that she could do the same to them and write them off just as easily. 

“But, that being said, did you guys see her eyes?! By the stars, they look like emeralds! And they’re not contacts! Those are her real eyes! She said they were a recessive trait in her family. How many girls does her family have again? Four? Sweet. Are any of them as drop dead gorgeous as she is and or older or younger than her and hopefully single? Oh all of them are single? Yes!, and do we know the ages or names? No? Damn. Oh well, I’m sure if they’re anything like her we’ll discover them soon enough.” The other guys commented which actually made Adora roll her eyes. As if her older sisters would ever give those guys the time of day, and her younger one were way too young for them. But she did not owe anyone else any of that information either.

Meanwhile Adora’s new friend group insisted on giving her a full rundown of each of the Vitale Gentlemen. How she wished she had ear plugs for this. But this would probably be important and pertinent information she would need to know, hopefully to avoid them for as long as possible.  

So, the oldest one that should be there, was actually the second oldest son in his family. His name was Nicolo, who his brothers and only his closest friends could call him ‘Nick’. And only his grandparents and their peers could ever call him ‘Nicky’. If anyone else tried to call him ‘Nicky’ it was a guaranteed way of getting on his bad side. Otherwise he went by either Mr. Vitale or Signore Vitale. He was quiet, and very reserved and always so serious, but that was because he handled all the back end of the family businesses to make sure they stayed in the black all year round. He was basically the overseer of the club, even though he was the one who actually did the redesign and made the club what it was now. He stayed the watchful eye to make sure everyone stayed in line. He made sure that every bouncer and bodyguard he hired, had families of their own, so that they, as fellow fathers could also serve as chaperones too. Which, to Adora, was perfect, if only every owner of every dance club had that, her experiences would have been oh so different. 

Otherwise, Nicolo was extremely serious for his age, and acted like he was actually twice his age. And when Adora asked just how old he was, she was surprised he was actually a year and a half older than her eldest sister, Estelle, who had just turned 24 that spring. He was 25 and about to be 26 in the fall. Which meant that his parents met in the Winter Solstice Flight to have children in the fall. As opposed to Adora’s parents who met in the Summer Solstice Flight to have births in the spring. They really only had those six months of only being a year apart, otherwise they were practically two years apart. Huh, interesting. But for him to be that old and still single? That was extraordinarily rare. Perfect if…

But Adora couldn’t finish that thought because she sincerely doubted Estelle would ever be moved to either be or show sincere interest in Nicolo for… her own reasons. But they could probably both sympathize and empathize in their shared loneliness and singleness and weights and burdens put on them by family because for Adora and her enclave it was the daughters who were heirs and spares, not the sons. He made the choice of his responsibilities and obligations to his dynasty over his personal marital happiness. And Estelle’s…was by result of another’s choices, even as cruel and vicious, devastating and hurtful as they were. And she sincerely doubted that Estelle and Nicolo would ever care to notice the other person’s presence in the colony over all. 

Neither were really looking for a partner. Estelle had her grief, Nicolo had his dynasty. He was probably so saddled with responsibility, and obligations that he couldn’t take the chance of his own marital happiness by the traditional methods, potentially costing him his family obligations and duties, and it took a very special kind of woman who probably needed to come from an equally matured, strong and healthy dynasty that she could sympathize with him and empathize with him to then help shoulder the burden with him, and had already built up that strength in herself to do so with grace and patience and understanding. So, it did not surprise Adora to find out that he had yet to marry, and was always way too busy with the family businesses to actually ever court anyone, not that anyone would even bother to try anymore. He was 21 the last time anyone showed any interest in him that he did not return. And he had only gone on 1 Winter Solstice Flight and 1 Spring Equinox flight when he was 18 and immediately began overhauling the colony. And never went on another rite flight after that. Adora actually stopped moving once that revelation hit her as her eyes got marginally wider as she was trying to keep her reaction minimal as she almost stopped breathing. There was no way that was a coincidence. That was when her own family and her enclave began their own work too. Did he somehow get the same warning at the same time?  

“You ok?” Fantella asked as Adora seemed to be stopped and her body reacted as if she had bumped into someone, before Adora blinked and snapped out of it. 

“Yeah, sorry, didn’t want to slip on that cobblestone, face plant, trying to avoid those literally the most.” Adora excused pleasantly with a breathless giggle before she quickened her pace a bit to catch up to where they were in the middle of their group again. 

Adora’s inner mind was whirring so fast. That lined up…that lined up! Oh, he may not have gone on his rite flights because he my have gotten the warning and then to have had heard the whole ‘pilgrimage’ cover story not long after? He…he had been waiting! He was still waiting! Because Nicolo knew that those that left, were also of dynasties, and would actually be a perfect fit for him and his circumstances and because of when they left, which was after the Winter Solstice and that cover story was announced right after the Spring Equinox flight, he would have known it would have been a while before they ever could have made it here. That’s why things looked newer here, he…he had changed his colony to better suit…to better suit them. Even if he had bought that pilgrimage cover story and had just done what he could so that ‘pilgrims’ could find rest here. That was so sweet! He had such a big heart! 

“Did Nicolo ever say why he did the overhaul?” Adora asked Fantella. 

“Yeah, even though he started it before the ‘pilgrimage’ announcement. My oldest sister said that he wanted to keep the colony up to date more, but instead of little changes here and there, all of a sudden, he was changing practically everything. He must have gotten an inside scoop. And then after the announcement he said he did it for the ‘pilgrimage’ because they were all moonlights and he said that he wanted to make this colony as a place of rest for them…” Fantella started. 

“Safe rest, he always called it ‘safe rest’.” Callissa interrupted. 

“Right, safe rest, anyway he modeled the moonlight towers to suit them too, like give them all the amenities that they have in Neveah, and the Cosmos Colonies. And he made it like a huge apartment building. But it’s not like he did it on his own, all by himself. Every equinox, we had huge teams from the Cosmos Colonies come and give a bunch of technology and stuff for like really super cheap too because they wanted to help make sure the pilgrims were comfortable, but they were only one of actually three groups. I think there was a Nevehan group too that would come but Nicolo worked with them directly and the third group that was always lumped in with the Nevehans, while Peirtro always handled the teams from the Cosmos Colonies. But once it was all done, a few from the Cosmos Colonies have always come through, just to see if any moonlights had come yet, but we haven’t seen any Neveahans come through since all the work got done 2, almost 3 years ago, but otherwise- the answer is always no. But they still bring stuff, they bring music that hasn’t been released yet and new cellphones too, especially for the teens our ages, they pass them out, and always exchange them for the old ones, which makes taking selfies much easier. Otherwise, we use the towers as hotels for Equinox Flights, and they have huge event centers that we use for various things too during the other times of the year. All the networks of all the colonies around the aperture did the same and have had the same thing. But it’s been 6 years and not one has shown up here since. Like, it’s been really weird actually, because even for Alessio on his rite flights, he hasn’t seen or heard of any of them either. It’s like they all disappeared? I mean a few got captured in sieges, but that’s it.” Fantella finished. 

“I think they found what they were looking for and decided to set up a new moonlight colony outside the Cosmos Colonies. They might be building just like we’ve been.” Callissa offered. 

“Yeah, I agree.” Adora agreed with a nod because that was actually, mostly true but she couldn’t confirm that without outing herself.

“But last I heard, I think they settled around the middle world’s moon.” Salasia noted. 

“Yeah, I heard that too, probably- the most likely knowing moonlights and their love of all things moon.” Adora nodded.  

“But that’s awesome that Nicolo did so much, even if it hasn’t paid off yet. If the other moonlights were working on building a new colony for themselves, that always takes a while. And they may be done by now and might be in the next equinox flight. I was raised with the belief that a person’s actions speak louder than words. With Nicolo acting in such a huge, landscape changing way, with him being so reserved, he lets his actions prove what kind of person he is. He wants everyone to be taken care of and comfortable, even if they’re not from, even if they’re just visiting. Definitely an example worth imitating and definitely respecting too.” Adora offered with an approving grin and a nod. 

“Yeah. That’s a good point! I’ve never thought about it like that before. But you’re right. That’s exactly what he’s done. Oh man, that does say a lot about him. I just thought he was doing it for the money and a way to keep the colony current.” Fantella agreed. 

“Knowing him? Both.” Callissa snorted. 

“Yeah, with most dynasties, it always seems to be about the money and the power.” Salasia muttered as Adora could see how that was true to a point, maybe she’d be able to observe him more, from a distance. But her intuition told her that it was probably how the Cosmos Colonies viewed it which was why they probably helped. Trying to get ‘eyes and ears’ everywhere which is what all those cellphones with selfies were. They exchanged chatter and information with music and selfies only enhanced facial recognition software that she knew they had been running for decades and only ramped up and intensified, refined and enhanced in the last 5 years especially, searching for her and all others in her enclave, and they had even used AI to try to see what her and her siblings would look like as they grew up and got older and aged. And that was why her and her enclave had their own programs and software and “viruses” that would delete any and all pictures during the ‘upload’ process to help delete all traces of themselves and used a cellphone’s own network and service connections. However, if a phone was on a ‘flight mode’ as in, ‘equinox flight mode’ but also an offline and stand alone mode that included a do not disturb, do not connect to service providers, or the internet or any streaming data or wifi or bluetooth mode when capturing things from her or her enclave, that was a different story and its own danger. However there was now a fail safe, just in case.  

But with Nicolo working with the Neveahans, that was not money or power, that was help, that was safe, that was…perfect. Peirtro was a classic politician. He was very handsome, very charming, very gregarious and gracious and always at ease but even she, from a distance, could see how clever and intelligent he was too. That’s why he could deal with the Cosmos Colonies so effortlessly and probably why they saw him as the “official heir apparent”, and felt he was easy to manipulate. However, with Nicolo being the brains, he probably never let them get very far. But with the Equinox so close, maybe after the Spring Equinox Rite Flight, if they could stay here and stay hidden that long and wait it out below ground. That would work.   

Oh Estelle needed to let go of her grief. Because between ‘safe rest’ and then the colony overhaul and especially that Neveahan connection? Nicolo was perfect. And he was just the kind of man Estelle needed. She needed a lot of love, a lot of healing and they all needed safe rest, and safe refuge. And if Nicolo had been acting like this ever since, he was probably saving himself for either someone like Estelle or any of their cousins Estelle’s age. 

But, because of the long wait, he may have either given up or was close to giving up. He probably felt though, after he reached his early 20’s like 22-24 that he missed his chance. He was single and his peers probably had 5-7 kids already. If they were typical that is, most likely so. He’d probably have to wait for his first rebirth to find anyone otherwise. How sad, and hollow he would feel, and how resentful he would be to his family’s dynasty if that had to be the case that he would have to wait an entire century before he could give himself finding romantic love and try to find what he would need for his situation if who he had been waiting all this time for, would never come, or if they had, they wouldn’t…couldn’t…chance revealing themselves before now. Her enclave had probably avoided all the colonies around the aperture, and their home colonies were obviously working on these, just in case, which is why they weren’t hunted nearly as much in the first few years. But it had gotten so bad the last 2, that was probably when all of this got done. They were probably trying to herd her enclave here. Otherwise, this colony because of its proximity to the aperture, none of them had been pushed this far before. But if she and her family came here by now, maybe in the other colonies in the network? The other networks? Maybe they weren’t the only ones. But because of its location and proximity just might be perfect to… she might be getting ahead of herself. But it was the perfect food for thought and she could reach out to them later. 

Otherwise she totally sympathized and empathized with Nicolo and now, she wished she could introduce Estelle to him if at all possible, because before all this, Estelle was in that same circumstance as the eldest daughter. And oldest daughters were given so much more responsibility and lost out on having the same length of childhood before it was snatched away from them because they were then expected to be the second mothers in their families no matter what kind of person or species of person you were if you had a ‘traditional’ family dynamic. But, that would be taking a huge leap of faith that they would even notice each other in the first place and if either she or he would be brave enough, or courageous enough to ever strike up a conversation with him in the first place. He’d dismiss her as way too young for him if she sought him out.  

Apparently he “liked” his circumstances that way and preferred it, and was happy and content to be single. But Adora could sense that he wasn’t happy or content, he was just trying to be patient and wait, but had been so lonely. Having no word from anyone that they might be coming, or what to look for. Did he even have a reading? Did Neveah at least give him the list of names? Something? Would he even know about her enclave specifically? Plus, it sounded like he was shouldering the weight of the colony and trying his best not to be crushed underneath it and he didn’t want anyone else to be crushed either. He was sacrificing himself for ‘the greater good’ and was trying to save every other typical moura woman from the burden he carried. She could completely sympathize and empathize with him. She had known far too many to sacrifice themselves ‘for the greater good’ too. 

Because, before they had to leave their home colony, her oldest brothers had been saddled with responsibilities like that, and had been at risk of missing their rite flights because of it, and needing parents and grandparents especially to make arrangements for their marriage mates. A practice she and her siblings and cousins loathed and she was happy they had left when they did so that her oldest brothers and all their cousins could do the same. Raph and Leo were so much happier now, with their wives who they freely chose and who chose them in turn. And managed to keep them once those wives found out exactly who and what they married, which was its own victory for her enclave. 

The next younger brother of the Vitale Gentlemen, was Alessio, who according to all of them and apparently the entire colony, was the most handsome being of their generation. And the most charming and charismatic. Famous for being famous and lucky enough to be born in his dynasty as she looked to the guys who had to begrudgingly nod in confirmation. Ah, his handsomeness was the bar by which they were measured up to and apparently found lacking. Not fair at all. But, he was 19- about to turn 20 in the fall and was taking 2 years worth of rite flights ‘to find the right one’, even though he had a plethora of options at home. But, all that only read to her as spoiled, selfish, stupid, vain and in need of constant validation and praise and strokes of his fragile overinflated ego as proof of his self important worth. Ew, gross, may he never see her or her sisters. But there were sisters born between Nicolo and Alessio, that explained the age gap between Nicolo and Alessio while a certain tradition was why there was the same age gap between Estelle and Vahnah. 

Although, Adora was certain that if given the chance, her second eldest sister Vahnah, who had just turned 19, and because of all the constraints they all felt they had to be bound by to stay safe, felt it was way too risky to join the rite flights, because it was too much risk for her to be spotted, found and then practically dragged back, kicking and screaming, if they could manage to overpower her in the first place. But, instead, Vahnah had built herself into a devastating heartbreaker, and she targeted types like Alessio. She would pop that ego, bulldoze and then steam roll his inflated sense of self and it’s worth. Humble the fucking shit out of him and cut him down to size. As was her way. She had a true talent for it and had done it repeatedly in just about every colony since she was 14, almost 15- as her pet project/ hobby that she claimed ‘kept her sane’, and was a way to act out her own anger at the truth once it was revealed to her in addition to being pulled away from their home colony right when she had gotten her first pubescent secret boyfriend, at 13, and that secret boyfriend in the 6 years since- had gotten married and was a father now. So now, Adora felt like Vahnah did it both out of anger, but mostly out of spite. But Adora could still see it was fun for Vahna to continue to do and Vahnah felt it was her calling and her duty to perform in every colony they had ever tried to settle down in for more than 2 weeks. 

Alessio only was 6 months older than Vahnah too, well within Vahna’s range. Which worked out perfectly. Again, if that ever happened. If anyone could strip that kind of guy down to make him feel naked and afraid and make any guy fall to his knees at her feet? It was Vahnah. And now, she was tempted to bring Vahnah to this place, just to see if she would want to, because she certainly could otherwise. Also, Vahnah was fucking gorgeous, almost literaly drop dead gorgeous. She had the most stunning taaffeite eyes, intensity in purples and violets that amethysts could never compare to. Vahnah had used the same eye color changing diet to make her taaffeite eyes much more red, in sunlight they were of course the most intense bright purple, violet and magenta and fuschia, but in other lights, that magenta and fuschia definitely took on a lot more red, especially in lower lights. And it only made her that much more devastating of a beauty and she knew it too, but she weaponized it along with everything else about her. It would take less than 3 seconds for Vahnah to target Alessio, for Alessio to see and target Vahnah, it would be a lightning storm of toxic chemistry as she would rip him to shreds in ways that had them begging her to continue. And it would take about 2-3 weeks before she’d leave him a shell of himself and have to rebuild himself up from scratch. 

Next was the youngest of the trio was Cesario, he was actually only 6 months older than her. She had just turned 17, and he’d turn 18 in the fall. That’s why he could go between his older brother’s group and his younger brother’s group, his next younger brother was 15 and a half though, so instead of having a baby every year, the Vitale’s took a year and a half, almost 2, which is what she and her enclave did too because most typicals had babies every single year consecutively. So, she and Cesario were both 17 right now and they both absolutely could go on rite flights together. As friends though, she felt that technically, she needed to grow up just a tiny bit more before she could confidently claim to be an adult. Otherwise, Cesario was apparently fair in looks as he progressed through his teen years and starting to gain his more handsome adult features that were still slowly trying to transform him. But he was naturally shy, and reserved, and was “still growing into the Vitale charm,”. Apparently he was prone to fumbling- any important roles and duties previously and was now no longer allowed to do any of them until he matured more and grew out of his awkwardness. 

Ok, Adora could absolutely sympathize and empathize completely with Cesario. The poor guy. He was probably the only “normal” one in his family, the only real person among a sea of facades in the rest of his family’s dynasty. And she found that such “faults” were actually signs of genuine character and personality. She surprised herself by realizing she wished that if she could make any kind of real, genuine friendship and connection with him, she would try her best to pass on her “cheat codes” to the kind of grace and composure and the appropriate speech and behaviors out in public that would match everyone else’s facades and expectations. But only so that he would be able to differentiate his true self from it, and not lose himself in it either. Because all of that had been drilled and practically force fed into her, for her whole life thus far, first by her parents and then especially her grandparents and so on since birth.  

Her grandmothers had been helping her and coaching her since she was a toddler of what to do and not do as far as perfect manners and polite and respectful decorum especially when interacting with elders. But at 7 and 8, such training grew more intense because as she was reaching prepubescence, she needed to be guided more carefully to make sure she never did anything that would be an embarrassment later in life. They were the formative years that would shape her as a teen and especially as an adult and a parent too someday. But what was most important was how she needed to start to change her mindset from young, innocent child, to perfectly polite, respectable, dignified, conscientious, discerning, teenager when she would be naturally of age to do so. But she needed to be fully prepared for it in the first place before that could happen and lay the greatest foundation first to build on further from there. But then, it was expected that she would then make her final, graceful, charming transition and debut into a proper and practically perfect young woman of their dynasties and their high society, who any other young man from any other “respectable, and well established dynasty, who should count himself so lucky to have fought and won for her attentions and had fully earned his respect from her first before affections could be cultivated.” 

Ugh, gag her. 

Well, that was what she thought at the time. Once she hit 12, she sorely missed those lessons and instructions because being 11 and away from home, away from her extended family, felt like fledgeling having no feathers and their eyes still shut trying to fly and she felt she proverbially went splat on the ground. Thankfully Estelle was there to pick her back up and try to continue where their extended family left off but in a much more gentle way than how even she was taught. Granted, their lessons were much more hands on and way more experience than anything. But she had learned them well enough by now that she was getting braver and braver trying to at least ‘glide’ in short bursts. But this time. This was her first taste of real ‘flight’ in the sense of doing things on her own, by herself with no one else there to guide her. 

The goal in its method of teaching was while she, in action- would be “naive and innocent” of unseemly, immodest, undignified, inappropriate and improper behaviors. She would never be naive in mind, grasp, understanding, and ability to read anyone else's personality, character and intentions of others- towards herself or others. She was taught how to read subtle to flagrant signs in words, tone, speech, especially double entendres, and body language and behaviors of any man or woman who wished to fornicate with her or anyone else in her presence before marriage. And when she had to leave them behind, where they stopped, when she was 11 when they left and fled their home colony. But she dearly loved and preferred Estelle’s gentler hand, and she responded so much better to it than how Estelle had. And that was why Estelle was now the teacher of that to all of her younger siblings and why she claimed she needed to stay with them for as long as possible.  

Adora had to take one more cleansing breath as her eyes grew glassy as she blinked the tears away before they could fall.  But otherwise, Estelle and Vahnah were actually encouraging her to do the solstice flights because they all knew that if any of them was going to have a chance, even if it was a small one- but a chance all the same at “normalcy”, it was her. Estelle would probably always be brokenhearted, Vahnah would probably be the rageful, wrathful, rebel heartbreaker for at least the next 5 years if she could get away with it and they wouldn’t get caught in between now and then. But she just wanted something, anything as close to the norm of moura kind as possible. To reach and exceed all the milestones. Reach and then exceed expectations. And, if possible, when and if she could ever settle down with a family of her own, safely. Reach back out to her grandparents who she missed more than she could say, just…just to tell them that she was ok, she was safe, she was well cared for, she was loved, she had a family. And while she still debated and doubted she could ever return in person, for… reasons, either to see them as grandparents, or, for trojan reasons at worst, she just…still missed that connection with them. 

And now, she needed to force herself to not cry again. What was with that? Why was she so emotional today? Oh well, she was allowed to feel low, which was why she needed the high of going out with new friends so badly. Thank heaven for Vahnah and Estelle who helped her grow and mature and become fully aware of everything “adult”, so her parents didn’t have to, which would have been more embarrassing. 

So, Adora made up her mind about those Vitale gentlemen. If Nicolo saw and approached her, she would thank him for what he had done and try to see if she could try to tell him that his wait was over if there was any chance they could talk privately, otherwise, she’d talk about her sister Estelle who was his age, and how sad she was about her sister’s broken heart and the reasons she could delicately imply that he should be able to discern and understand to at least keep an eye and an ear out for her, that actually if anyone could be his long awaited wife and partner in life, it was Estelle, despite everything, easily could. But that would only work if they were either attracted to each other or if they could be romantically interested in each other enough to try in the first place. Because the age gap alone would distance them respectfully. 

But if Alessio approached her, she’d treat him as if his faults and flaws were all that she could see and ‘politely imply’ that she was not the one for him. And that while he would probably be handsome, she wasn’t instantly his greatest fan. She just got here, this would be the first time they would ever meet. She could even deny any knowledge about him or his family dynasty, and clearly it didn’t mean anything to her, and ‘technically made him no different than any other moura, the only thing that did, was his family stayed in the same place long enough to be seen as part of the colony architecture’. Oh, that blow to his ego would be epic. It would be very ‘Vahnah’ of her to do. 

But honestly, Adora did not want to be like her sisters. This was her first chance to meet and see and be seen as herself. As Adora, Adorabella if she had to be formal, but a dance club was no place for formalities, so just Adora would suit her just fine. 

But if Cesario ever saw her or approached her, she would welcome it. She would respond with as much genuine friendliness he would show her. She would be kind, gracious, respectful, and treat him with the same dignity he would show her, as was fair to do so. Granted, in a friendly and platonic way. Because she was still a year away from the solstice flights and she would not let another fledgeling her own age push her into a nest neither of them had a hope or chance of building together on their own, like she was still testing out her flight feathers in a ‘level of adult’ maturity sense, she wasn’t that ready to fly her own roost only to practically glide into another before she could fully fly herself. And it would cut out any and all other opportunities for them both of finding the right ones for them. She did not make it this long and this far to be stopped here. 

But if he could be honest and genuine with her, she would be as honest as she could be, but just as genuine back. And give him some much needed validation, empathy and sympathy and peerage that it sounded like he didn't really have on his own. Sure, he had his siblings, and probably the younger brothers of his older brothers’ friends as his own friends, but they were most likely so, just to be more closely associated with Cesario’s dynasty than Cesario himself. Which was sad and pathetic on his friends’ part, but not pathetic at all on Cesario's part. His choices were very few and far between. None of his circumstances or her own was fair at all. But sadly, something to be endured, just a part of life for mouras in dynasties. But she honestly did not care if anyone else was or wasn't in a dynasty. 

Noble character never needed noble blood. 

But such thoughts ran through her head while she was also biting her tongue to keep herself from sharing her experiences and background with other dynasty families in general. The ones in her last colony were rich and powerful too, but also haughty, selfish, and entitled. Especially when the generations that they claimed made them a dynasty family weren't even in the double digits. Adora knew that her own real heritage and the dynasties her parents hailed from and therefore her own heritage, combining all of the dynasties across her parents, grandparents and great grandparents- made her practically a princess pretending to be a pauper. An act she and the other members of her immediate family had perfected over the years as they moved from colony to colony, trying to find ‘the right colony’ to actually safely settle down in for more than a few months at a time at the most, a few weeks at the least, a few hours at worst. Always running from a past and complications  her “extended family” who had designs and plans for her and her family that were too much for them to bear and that they refused to be a part of or do that had ties to things that made her ashamed to really be who and what she was, because those designs and plans, while sounded so lofty, were fates worse than death.

But if she revealed such connections to her true dynastic families, it would probably instantly make her popular and would make any son in any dynasty family, anywhere in the world, fall over themselves and fawn at her feet. But to do so, would also instantly make her a target. Because she'd be identifying herself. It was always better and so much safer to claim you had no knowledge or experience with them, except in passing in the other colonies she had been in- in her life and no connections to any of them, whatsoever. 

But otherwise, she was still safe to do a lira light touch here and to these people, who wouldn't know or care if she was different or special. She and the others had the ability to 'pass' as 'typical' mouras. Typical was good, typical was safe. Except for their eyes, there were other jeweled tones eyes, just not as intense as their enclave was. 

Along the way, Adora got to learn what the cover charge was in order to gain entry. And when she looked at what money she currently had on her, she realized she didn't have nearly enough. She had actually completely spent all of her ‘daily allowance’ and hadn’t thought to ask for more before she left. She only had three coins to use as a mold for her gold. And she couldn't afford to use any of them because this group of colonies actually had printed coinage, and not the typical, ‘thumb print’ coins other colonies used. She would need to 'improvise' and use her solid bar of her gold and make reliefs of the coins because she hadn't made enough in the presses that day that her dad could give a silver overlay to. She kept a good size bar for emergencies and for Adora this counted as an emergency. 

She had a high coin that would be 3 times the fee, and she knew a coin that big, was handled differently than others, and the tone would be glaringly obvious. Way too risky. She had a middle one, she'd only have to make three of those, that was doable, but her lowest coin meant she'd have to make 8 of them- far too many, way too many to see the tone. Three coins it was then. And more if she needed to, for like food and drinks and stuff. So like, 6 or 9 in total. But she could do that later, once she was in the club, in a bathroom stall or somewhere private. 

So, she pinched off three medium sized coins worth from the brick and used one hand to try to make them right in her purse. Plus, she was with enough friends and the group as a whole, that if she put herself in the middle, their coins would most likely cover her own easily without the bouncer at the door to notice. She had done this enough in the past and had gotten really good at it and had gotten away with it every time before. She could do it, use one side of the coin to make a mirror of the face, and then flip it to the back and do the same to the other side of her gold’s coin so that it looked close enough to the real thing that no casual glance should notice or detect the fact that it was the mirrored reverse relief of what it should be. They would either see a face they recognized or the back they recognized. 

All that walking and now, she was in a line to be let in as she looked up at what this palace originally was, and how it had been remodelled and changed for this purpose. It was very well lit in various color changing lights. It was…just gorgeous. The way old art from the old masters was gorgeous. Her jaw dropped in awe and wonder. Very impressed, just by the facade of the building itself that she could see had been updated, and restored to be given ‘a face lift’ in a sense, modernized perhaps. But- some parts hadn’t been on purpose to show just how old and magnificent it was. She bet her mom could look at this and know, immediately exactly what year past the convergence it was originally built, because her mom loved to study architecture, especially moura colony architecture through the ages since the convergence- as a hobby. Adora could only estimate that this was hundreds of years old, like right about 400 years, give or take 50. But, most notably, it did not show any sign of damage from any siege. Actually, Adora realized- nothing in this colony did. Holy shit, she was in a colony that had never been besieged. Other than her home colony, this was the first colony she had ever been to that didn’t have a history of besiegement. However- it was also in a part of the world where there wasn’t a lot of natural resources for much more than small villages to be sustained by. Then it struck her. This colony, and the community of colonies this one was a part of, they didn’t have roads for merchants. That meant that they were fully self-sufficient. How come she was just now realizing that? And then, it dawned on her, her parents knew that his group of colonies were self-sufficient and there was no threat whatsoever for anyone to besiege them. And the only thing that they would have to be careful of, is their own true identity being found out and either be accepted but probably at a dynasty level. Or, probably very politely asked to move on, because the risk of their presence was too high to all the colonies in their network. Which would fucking suck. But hey, she was here now and she was going to enjoy every minute of it while she could. 

Also the club apparently just opened up for the night, and just standing then moving up in line, waiting their turn to be let in, happened much faster than she had anticipated. Barely 15 minutes. Also, it may have been because they were girls, and while the club did have a 'max capacity' there was always wiggle room for pretty girls. Of which, Adora felt she and her friends could be viewed and considered as such, and even from her ever nearer approach to the front door, whenever the door opened to reveal peeks at the club inside, filled her with excitement.

Because while Adora and her siblings had been to many of these dancing clubs in all the colonies that had them that they had been to or visited since they all left home, she and her siblings had their own metrics for what and how these clubs could be measured and critiqued. Her own only had four metrics, but one of them was technically 3 in 1. 

1. DJ with actual sound equipment that was of decent quality and in good working order. With speakers you could feel the beat in your chest were the best.

 A music bank, up to date on all newly released music but connected to speakers was less than ideal but still better than all other alternatives and, if it was someone actively pulling through lists and creating a song que, you could make requests and they were usually granted. Otherwise, if a music bank that was more than three years ‘out of date’ for music that was released 3 years back and farther with no ability to request any kind of song because it was already playing ‘a curated playlist? Not worth it. Better to go home and enjoy dancing in a room with your siblings or by yourself if you got to have your own room. 

2. Enclosed space to make access 'exclusive', vs. open air, for so many reasons. Open air was the worst and the most dangerous because just anyone could fly in and then leave again where crowd control was impossible, and very undesirable. 

But, enclosed spaces usually meant bouncers, which was always a great thing. And the place got extra points if it also had its own security personnel to make sure that if any fights broke out, the aggressors were handled way before anyone would accidentally get hurt. Or if anyone would be found to be drunk to the point that they could misbehave or say inappropriate things, were usually removed before they offended the others in that club with them and made them and everyone around them feel uncomfortable. And it meant crowd control and it controlled the age group allowed entry and whether or not they should have bar privileges or not, because the drinking age for ‘minors’ was 15 in places like this. But that crowd control and target age group would be protected from anyone who was 'too old' and not in 'the target age group' from gaining entry to 'prey' on younger, more inexperienced persons. But more importantly, it would keep any malicious and or unwanted behaviors from being present in the first place. Because the people who could and would, were not allowed entry in the first place. And if the bouncers had a list of persons who were not allowed into the club again, after they ignored the rules, or behaved badly more than once, past any 'warnings' they would get. Usually, the longer the list, the better. And these bouncers had clip boards and dozens of pages worth of names that they were flipping through, just to make sure. Extra points for Vue Rive! Otherwise, if the purpose of that list was reversed, you had to get on the list to be let inside in the first place. But that was usually for very private clubs of every variety. And would most likely not be the case here. But that list meant that the club was safer for everyone inside and could trust those around them to let their guard down- safely. Plus, bouncers and security meant that there was a layer of protection for those that gained access too.

However, there was always an exception and that was if parents came to collect their children, to take them home, just in case they got 'time blindness' or simply lost track of time while in the club. They were always allowed in, no matter what. 

3. Cleanliness, ambiance and aesthetics. That all culminated into ‘The Vibe’. Because all three of those influenced each other. But most of all, it needed to match the music being played too. 

Because some clubs were intentionally 'grimey' to play into that underground, rebellious, dirty underground aesthetic- because they predominately played ‘punk rock music' or especially ‘grunge music’. Most guys tended to go to those- over this kind of pop, hip hop, rap, even pop rock kind of music. Because sometimes you just needed to rock out and feel the teenage angst and turmoil. Adora still shuddered at those memories of those places her brothers and Vahnah liked to go to and had taken her to- 3 times before. Twice, with each of her 2 older brothers and this third and hopefully last final time, with Vahnah so she didn’t have to go by herself.  Otherwise, beyond the vibe, beyond the aesthetic or the type of music or whatever- the cleaner, the better because it meant that when you were done and you came home and you washed all the sweat off of you and probably the body odor of everyone you had been in the middle of very dense crowd or moshpit- that you didn't also have to wash through layers of dirt and filth and grime too.

4. Layout, How big the the space actually was. And the ratios of how much space you gave to every aspect the club was trying to offer. If the dance floor was in ratios to the bar or the tables to eat at or spaces meant for conversation were grossly imbalanced? That imbalance would result in having 'bottle necks' in any or all of those areas which lead to less and less people wanting to go there and pay the fees when all they would really get is hassle and headaches. And most importantly for any and every girl - the number of bathrooms and or large enough bathrooms to have multiple stalls, all with separating walls on either side and a door in the front that you could at least see the feet of whoever was in there to know if that stall was being used or not. Plus- whether those bathrooms were regularly kept clean. Because if a women’s bathroom had 50 stalls and all of them were so gross you couldn’t use them without getting that nastiness on yourself, and only 1 working, stall? You might as well just have a single bathroom with a single toilet in it and use the space some other way. Otherwise, if it was large enough to have multiple stalls, that were all clean and in perfect working order, and if those bathrooms had space to sit and a counter to put your purse/bag onto so you could touch up your makeup, or fix  your hair or whatever, and was very well lit with mirrors- for girls to double check their attire and their person and had enough stalls to make the wait to use them either really short or non-existent?! Congratulations, if you failed in every other aspect of these metrics, you would still get a gold star just for the bathrooms. But bathrooms were part of the layout and ratios of the purposes in the finite space.  

That’s it. Just those 4 metrics for her personally. She did not want to comment on how just about every single dance club she had ever been to had failed to even get 3 out of 4. Usually it was 2, sometimes none. Dark times for her young teenage heart, well, so far anyway. She had only gone to one place in the past 6 years - that was a 3 out 4, and it had been an orchestra with Estelle. Did not have enough bathroom stalls vs mirrored space to double check your person and attire and the wait times meant you missed part of the musical program. 

But, just by those peeks into the club from the doors being opened for others, Adora could tell, this place was going to be one of the better, if not one of the best dance clubs she would go to. If this place got a 4 out of 4, she was bringing her sisters here tomorrow if she could. Because just from the outside, bouncers were no different than any other security guard and vice versa. Awesome. They all worked as a cohesive unit. Oh, that was awesome and epic. This club had quite the pack of watchdogs, constantly moving their eyes, assessing those in the line and around the space, always keeping several pairs of 'watchful eyes' on everything and everyone. 

She did her best to think happy, curious, excited but not overly so, like she was about to explode and treat the club like a kid in a candy store and would try to do everything all at once and cause chaos. Just excited to be here, but in control about it. But most importantly non-threatening, perfectly innocent thoughts so that if and when she made eye contact, they would only read those things in her own eyes and facial expression and posture. She was relieved that she had the neckline she did so that no one on the balconies above her or the ones on ground level would see any cleavage on her either. She gave her best- sweet, perfectly behaved young lady smile, especially in her eyes. She made eye contact with several who were on the second story and third story balconies and gave the same small, but very respectful and polite smile and a nod of acknowledgement, and got several back and they even looked approving too! And none of them seemed unsettled or perplexed by her eyes either. Such a relief. But also cause they were all practically her parents' true age too. Oh, perfect, she passed the first layer. Parental approval even by proxy, even by extrapolation, was always an advantage to get and maintain, just in case. She also probably got the attention of the security guards because she was probably the only one who wasn’t dressed the way the other girls were. But, that was a very good thing. It meant, that the ones who noticed her would hopefully point out her presence to the others to keep a protective eye on her. So just in case anything were to happen, she would be so memorable and hopefully the first memorable attendee tonight. She might be the first person they would think to look for to make sure she was ok. Which she saw the ones she had gotten a nod and a small smile of approval got the attention of the others on the balconies to also take notice of her before she made eye contact and polite and respectful nods of acknowledgement. But then, suddenly- Adora found herself at the front of the line with her friends. She was so caught up in thoughts of her own safety, she hadn’t paid any attention to the line and how quickly it had been moving. Thankfully Fantella was a regular, got recognized and greeted pleasantly and their group immediately let in once they paid their cover fee. 

Adora paid the cover fee to enter with her new friends to the bouncer, hoping he wouldn’t differentiate the tone of the silverish metal of her coins as she put them into his outstretched hand on top of the others, before all the other girls piled on their fees too. Adora passed as just ‘a new friend who just moved here’ and she did not have to give her name, which, was as a point of safety, not great, but for anonymity? Awesome. But that may have been mostly because Fantella had her arm around her shoulders and walked them all very quickly into the club, with the rest of their friends following quickly behind them. She had succeeded because she made sure she was in the middle of the group so that her coins had been immediately covered by her friends coins and they were encouraged to 'party responsibly' by the bouncer and the doorman with friendly, polite smiles. 

That was it! Yes! Success! Hello Vue Rive! 

“Hey, can I just get a minute? To adjust to this? And get my bearings?” Adora asked Fantella as she could peek up and see 2 guards on either side of the Vitale suite. Which meant they were here already. Before she looked around with her enhanced vision to see if anyone threatening was lurking in any shadows or anywhere else but she didn't see any sign of anything. With just a few seconds of quick scanning. Oh good. 

“Yeah of course, you do you girl! Catch up with me once you do ok?” Fantella urged as Adora nodded eagerly before she quickly walked from the entrance and immediately ducked under the walkway, and the moment she could get into a shadow, and knew no one on the inside had noticed her yet or was watching her, she vanished and then stopped time for the area for a minute and stepped out and mapped the north wall.  Now that she could stay still, she could do a more thorough sweep with her specialized senses. Still nothing. Good. But she ran out of time before she could make out the second floor with VIP. So she stepped back into time in the exact place she had previously vanished from and placed herself far enough back that no one casually bending over the railing would see her so she could avoid the Vitales as a whole. That would be too much and too soon. 

But she wasn’t done looking around and taking it all in either. They also had gorgeous high planters that came to waist high potted plants for aesthetics! Throughout the whole club. And the blooms were hyacinth! Her favorite! Well, one of her favorites, like jasmine, gardinia, lilac, stock, dark pink roses and peonies. Until she looked around and actually saw small “trees” that were actually gardenia and lilacs and jasmine. Oh, that’s why this place smelled so heavenly. They had actual blooming flowers. However, she still needed to focus on the physical structure itself and her metrics of it.  

And oh, if this wasn’t a 4 out 4, nothing else would ever be, this needed to be a five out five,, or hell, 10 out of 10! 

1. Dj with actual sound equipment and speakers that she could feel the thump of the bass beat in her chest just inside the door? Check. And the smoke machines, laser lights, occasional strobe light, and synchronized color movement to the music itself? All the extra credit points. 

2. Enclosed and controlled space. By the grace of heaven- there was a perimeter of security guards/chaperones in here just with a few occasionally walking through. She had never felt safer in any other club in her life. And not a single predator in sight. If you weren't the target age group, you were part of the service staff and security. And she knew dads when she saw them. All of them were dads! This was perfect! And Holy Fucking Shit there was air conditioning in here with fans circulating all the air and windows higher up allowing the heat to rise and the cold air to fall down here! Most colonies didn’t even know, let alone have air conditioning. And! There was a “No Flying Indoors” sign right when you entered. Huh.. odd.  

3. A- Ambiance- this was the perfect ambiance, the perfect lighting conditions that you could see and make out everything from a single spot. And there were actually 4 stories in here that the entire main floor used as a space for guests to either eat, drink, dance, socialize- had opened up from the ground floor to the ceiling that was all one huge, gorgeous mosaic! Epic! She’d never seen a mosaic roof in anything but temples before. Oh the wealth that built and maintained this place, mountains of silver, heck a mountain of electrum! And was the best reason ever for having a no fly rule, now that made perfect sense. 

3.B- The Aesthetics! It totally had that ‘private, luxury club’ just on the ground floor. But then! She saw the various stairwells for the four floors above her. Second story? Clearly- the most luxurious VIP section she had ever seen in her life that had couches that looked like you’d be sitting on clouds with fans and mini air conditioners too! In every VIP booth that she could see on the east and west walls and the south wall. There had to be dozens of them lining three of the 4 walls of the entire 2nd story except because the west wall that had clearly marked private bathrooms just for the VIPs and fountains of water, either for drinking or decoration, she didn’t know or care. And a bar in the middle, framed by fountains and brighter lights to see where you were going and there were lights specifically on the top edges of the ‘roofs’ of the each floor that lit up the walkway meaning anyone standing on that walkway, holding onto that hand rail, could and would see clearly where they were going. The walkways were stone, tile if she had to guess. But the railing and hand rail? Wrought iron and stylized. It was both beauty and function and the light to see the walkway was super safe. And 3 dedicated stairwells for the VIP that each had two bouncers with lists. So this quite literally had the private, exclusive aspect. Because you didn’t want to be on the bouncer’s list at the main floor’s entrance, but Adora bet that every person in here wished their names were on that VIP level list. 

All the points, all the extra points!!

This place was earning all the points, this broke her metric system. She would have to rebuild it around this place and she felt like no other club that she knew of, or had been to was ever even on the fucking radar. This was the beacon of everything perfect for a dance club. Adora felt like the fee to get up there to that VIP lounge, if you weren’t already on the list, was at least 2, maybe 3 or 4 of her big coins. Each VIP booth was just large enough to host a small party of like 4-7, 8 would be a little crowded, but still private because they were all separated by either walls or thick heavy fabrics into individual VIP booths that you could clearly see into and out of, or, they had curtains for privacy. 

On the ground floor, on the west wall, there was a huge bar with tons of stools down the whole wall opposite of the door and there were doors for bathrooms in every single corner down here except for one corner when it was to the side of a staircase that took up the entire corner. Otherwise- 4 women’s bathrooms, 4 men's bathrooms just on the ground level. 

She wanted to cry for the sheer magnificence that this club was and the mansion that it had originally been built as. She felt truly honored to be here, yet humbled at the same time. Her true family dynasty purposefully hid away parts of its past that they could not destroy in the first place. Her home colony was always faced to the future and avoided the past at all costs. And she knew and understood why. But, no one in Magnatto seemed to realize just how lucky they were to be born and raised here. To have a past to be proud of, to have a present that was freely accepted and enjoyed. And was still looking towards and moving towards the future. A moura had two hands. And the ones here had a hand hold on the past and the other hand open for the future while happily being in the present. Adora let actual tears slip from her eyes that traveled down to her jaw while a smile never left her face, before she wiped them away. What Adora would give to have this colony be the last colony she would have to move to. After she trojan horsed her home colony if she had to that is. But otherwise, if this club was just one snapshot of the colony, she was eager to see all the others. 

 She had been in places three times this size but with half the bathrooms. It was always a nightmare but this was the dream! And three other exit doors on the ground level vs the one entrance door. One point of control for the flow in, but everyone was free to leave when they wanted to. But, there were dedicated stairwells with no guards that could take you to the third and 4th floors, that also had at least 2 exits to the other levels of the maze like colony, and Adora was sure that there was at least 2 security guards that guarded that VIP entry/exit doors besides the main one on the ground floor. But the VIP had three sets of bathrooms in all the other corners besides the staircase. Same as the 3rd floor, but the fourth floor only had 2 sets of bathrooms. Twelve…12 fucking sets of bathrooms that she would bet all had their own stalls and that the toilet paper on the second floor was probably the softest ever. While everywhere else had decent toilet paper. She had been in stadiums and arenas that would only have 20 sets of bathrooms for tens of thousands of people. This had 12 sets bathrooms for what? Max 500 people? Even though bathrooms were part of point 4, for Layout. It needed to be it’s own category. All the points, all the points just for all 12 sets of bathrooms. Praise the heavens above and watery depths below. 

She even slipped into the closest one and confirmed her suspicions. This bathroom had 2 wings, each wing had double sided bathroom stalls with high stainless steel doors, tiled floors and a giant row of double sided sinks with a counter top between them so you could, once again, put a clutch, a purse, makeup, a phone, whatever on that counter and they wouldn’t get went from the splash of water from the sinks and both paper towel drying stations and air dryers. The newer ones where it was more like a blade of air drying off your hands and each soap dispenser had this pearlized, soft conditioning but amazing lathering soap too that was just as floral scented as the actual flowers and she noticed- that those same blooming flowering plants outside? Were also in here, strategically placed to help keep the space smelling practically perfumed when it was otherwise artificially scented with that ‘clean fresh linen’ scent and this space was also airconditioned too and could be heated just as easily with the centralized air system. These bathrooms also came with water flushing toilets and bidets. And decent toilet paper too. And hooks and mirrors and small trays that folded down from the walls to hold your things like your purse and your phone and your money. And it even smelled clean in the stalls too and it even came with it’s own air freshener above the toilet paper that would suck the foul odor up and back since there was a grate for it above someone’s head when they would be standing in here. And then she noticed at the end of the “wing” of bathroom stalls, there were actual shower stalls, just in case a drink spilled on you or whatever, you could get a shower here. And it came with complimentary shampoo, conditioner, little bars of soap and special facial cleansers too and deodorants and body powders and even lotions and even period products, in baskets in the stalls themselves. And stacks and stacks of towels that had the logo and the name of the club embroidered on them in linen stations between all the shower stalls. This place gave no one any excuse to not be clean. 

Adora started crying. This just took the thoughtfulness and care to levels she had never seen or experienced before. She was so grateful she hadn’t put on any makeup before because she would have sobbed it all off by now,  

This entire bathroom complex was clean, spotlessly so. And at the center of the two wings, was this huge vanity space, with really comfortable cushioned stools that you pulled out from under the counter with the best lighting and before Adora could stop herself, now that she was in here and recomposed, she was actually going to put on just a tiny bit of makeup as she pulled that from her purse, a bit of eye shadow, with the depth being in matte shades and just a small swipe of shimmer and a ‘halo’ of holographic eyeshadow above her iris, a few flicks of mascara and a tinted balm to give her lips and cheeks color and a few swipes of her contour stick and just the lightest touches of highlighter, boom, gorgeous in just a few minutes and then she totally took a few selfies of herself and because the club had just opened, she had this entire bathroom all to herself as she even took pictures of just about everything, all the features she loved. New metrics gained, just for bathrooms because they had their own ambiance and aesthetics too that matched the club itself. She left that bathroom and then took that cleanliness metric back out into the club. 

3C- Cleanliness. Beyond the spotless bathrooms, she looked rather hard, she couldn’t see a speck of dirt or filth or mess or even dust, on anything, anywhere. Because there were epic and amazing floor mats both outside and especially inside to keep the shoes themselves from tracking in anything. The floors were even polished to make clean up even easier. This was cleaner than half the temples she’d been to. All the points for cleanliness. All of them. She wanted to cry again, but this time in awe, and wonder and deep appreciation. Vue Rive was a work of art and a temple unto itself. 

Point 4- Layout. Because there was just so much space in here, not only were the ratios perfect, no bottle necks besides the staircases to the VIP floor. Which would be expected. But otherwise? This place had the most generous ratios and even had huge ‘transition spaces’ that were just open, empty space around each section for easy travel from one side to the other and all around the space. It was the ‘transition spaces’ that made all the difference. Very clear bar area, huge space around the huge circular staircase that was built and maintained in the original stone that this palace was built in. It was a work of art. Plus! There were even private booths on the ground level in the back, covered in black velvet that would drown out the noise and the lights, that would hopefully have their own lights and fans and AC too- behind the DJ booth and the huge dance floor in front of it. Just in case you wanted privacy but couldn’t quite afford VIP. 

The third story opened up a bit more, no booths but over a couple dozen high top tables with high stool chairs, with foot rest bars and backs, that were also cushioned but covered in leather, bless whoever built them and whoever put them there- if you wanted to sit and eat in a few places that had clear ‘transition space’ to what were clearly seating areas for much larger groups than 8, probably up to 15- maybe 20, to sit and socialize but still enjoy the atmosphere and ambiance but get distance from the music that was loud but not nearly deafening because this place had exquisite acoustics. The third story also had its own bar, not nearly as long as the one on the ground floor. But it looked like the third story bar was just one ‘regular’ bar that was repeated three times for the first floor, but bathrooms in three other corners besides the stairwell corner. But the bar on the second floor? She had to switch to eagle eyes/missile hawk eyes- to see that the 2nd story bar was nothing but top shelf alcohol and had bottles of things she had never seen or heard of before that clearly did the whole bottle service judging by how a few booths that had people in them, had the whole bottle on their table in the middle. The 4th floor? A single bench to sit on that lined all four walls and a walkway all around the perimeter. Best up-close views of the mosaic. 

Her eyes went back to that original stone staircase in a large circle, with landings for each level so that those on the levels could go up or down, and there was only 1 guard at that VIP floor landing. But otherwise it was fully open for everyone to climb up and down. It was the most gorgeous ringlet styled very wide, circular staircase that if you took it all the way to the top- led to a private garden/ terrace/ balcony type space - for those that needed a break if they were overstimulated or overwhelmed by this. Beyond perfect. 

Ambiance + Aesthetic = Vibe. Perfect. Vibe.

By now, the friends she had come in with had immediately gone to the dancefloor and were still there but had coupled up for a slower song that just started that would be longer. Yeah, no, she needed a little liquid courage, so off to the bar for a fruity but hopefully strong cocktail as she followed the walkway to the right, to the west and then went south, making sure that people taller than her were behind her to keep her hidden from that north wall as much as possible, changing her shoes to ballet flat style shoes that moved silently across this floor. Hoping to find an open spot before she saw three empty barstools! Perfect! She then quickly moved like water to get to it before anyone else could claim it, leaving the safety of the taller people behind her to do so. Well, she’d officially be out in the open now. 

Ah, success! Scored the spot with two empty stools on either side by taking the one in the middle that could invite others to her rather than her going to anyone else, thank goodness. Ah, they had a really expansive menu too for drinks and food that listed ingredients as well. Perfect. 

“Hi, my name is Archie, what can I get you Miss?” The bartender asked as he came up with a friendly, charming smile as he had seen her looking to find an open bar stool. And had tried to subtly move to where she would hopefully sit as he had called dibs on serving her to the other bartenders the moment she came through the door. Because damn, she was gorgeous. He could see those eyes across the club when she first walked in and they all immediately clocked her- new, just flew into town and fucking loaded. Only the truly wealthy ever dressed like her. Beauty and breeding check, now, did she have any brains to go with it? 

Archie had tried to track her but lost her for a few minutes when others blocked his line of sight. But she came back into focus for the last 30 seconds. Total babe- body paired with a baby face. Her face said 15/16, the rest of her said 18. So the alcohol limit didn't apply to her. Lucky stars, those eyes! Even more epic and breathtaking up close, Archie was doing good to be still standing and able to even get a greeting out. Now that Archie was up close and personal, he had grossly underestimated how captivating they were and just how jewel like they were! As that little detail seemed to scratch at his memory but he couldn’t bring it up and still engage with her at the same time. Plus, those gorgeous jewel eyes had the thickest and longest natural lashes to go with them. Oh with a few bats of her eyes, she'd get anything and everything she wanted and whatever she'd order would be covered by any VIP who saw her and worked up the courage to go up and say hi. And honestly if he wasn’t already married, he’d be shooting his shot with her right now honestly, there was only what? 3 years between them? For her? He’d make that work if was able to. He doubted any of these ground floor guys would ever have the guts to come up to her. But the VIP’s would notice her and it was just a matter of time before one or all of them came. His money was the Vitale’s, they always got deference. Plus, there was no way in hell Alessio would let this beauty slip through his fingers. 

“A purple peach punch please. And can I get that with an extra slice of purple star mango and an extra shot of the strongest… whatever you have to give it the strongest kick you can?” She requested hopefully and as pleasantly as she could. 

“Of course.” He readily agreed with a nod and began to make the drink and was able to use his own earth manipulating powers to bring his cellphone under the lip like edge of the bar. Just in case. 

“So? Just flew in as in- new transplant? Or are you the earliest of the early comers for the Spring Equinox Flight?” Archie asked. 

“Just flew in- transplant.” Adora answered with a nod. 

“Well welcome to both Magnatto and Vue Rive. I take it this drink is for liquid courage?” He guessed. 

“Absolutely yes, oh my heavens yes, you have no idea!” Adora nodded emphatically as her voice went from polite to casual and candid as she softly but delightfully laughed as her eyes seemed to glow brighter and brilliantly sparkle like green fireworks while her laugh was the most heavenly sound Archie had ever heard beyond his kid’s baby’s coos. Married, he was married! Absolutely no flirting. He’d kick his own ass if he strayed. But a man could dream. 

“I gotcha ya.” Archie answered before he realized he had over-poured by almost three seconds, effectively giving her 6, almost 7 shots of the best of the best alcohol he had access to. Well, it was a good thing she wasn’t under the shot limit, which was 4 for under 18, and 2 for under 16’s and only 1 shot for anyone under 15. Because anyone aged 14 or younger should never be in here, but 19/20 was the cutoff age for patrons. But those eyes, it could not be helped.  

“How long have you been- colony side?” He asked. 

“Almost a week.” Adora answered. 

“Hey, you’re really courageous for coming in here so soon then! Proud of ya!” Archie praised as he passed her the drink. 

“Thanks, and this will give me more of it.” Adora agreed as she took a sip and nearly rolled her eyes back because this was heavenly and he obviously gave her quite the generous pour of the really good stuff too as she took one more sip. 

“Is it good?” Archie asked hopefully. 

“It's perfect. I'm not lying or exaggerating. I feel like all the stars are aligning right now. The perfect drink, from the perfect bartender, in the most perfect dance club that caters to my age group I’ve ever been in- in my life! I understand that Signore Nicolo Vitale is responsible for Vue Rive to be as it is now, is that correct?” Adora posed. 

“Yes, that’s true. I’ll be sure to pass on your compliment that you think it’s perfect though. He’s has never had anyone tell him that before.” Archie offered, pleased that this young lady recognized his friend’s genius but could tell that she was about to explain and set his phone to record what she would say, because he had a feeling she was about to drop a bombshell of a take on it as he made the movement look casual like he was wiping down the area around the garnishes. 

“I understand that Signore Nicolo Vitale has younger sisters though. Are they responsible for the bathrooms the way they are? Or was that his genius too?” Adora asked. 

“Both. Nicolo has 1 older sister and 2 younger ones, all three of them demanded the bathrooms to be as they are after the oldest and especially the youngest ones went to Dorierra for the summer solstice flights and then to the Cosmos Colonies on their Equinox flights, they wanted the same for this colony if not better. According to Madellena, who is the oldest daughter in Nicolo’s family, she wanted this place to be a temple of cleanliness as well as music, fun and joy. That’s why the bathrooms are the way they are, that’s why this place has so much greenery and fountains, a blend of both tradition and modernization, but while she helped design the bathrooms, Nicolo doubled her designs and did everything else.” Archie answered as Adora nodded and smiled happily.  

“Vue Rive is perfect. It’s perfect because Signore Nicolo had the best motivation there is to do anything. He has an honorable purpose which is to protect those that come in here- even if it’s from their own immaturity. His noble intent is to help everyone and keep them safe. His ingenious design allows for those tasked with personally helping and keeping the target group safe. Especially as they go through the transition and transformation from early and mid teen to late teen to young adult- which is usually the most perilous time in our lives that too many learn the hard way through painful experiences themselves. But he’s helping them learn such lessons in such a gentle and kind and caring way that maintains respect and keeps dignity intact. Which is such a precious privilege that so few get to have and so fewer ever give, even when it’s so desperately needed. But he’s done it inside a protected, controlled, structured environment too, that both caters to them while also giving them limits, through the rules and codes of dress and conduct, which is also a responsibility he places on them too, that they must uphold if they want to enjoy this space.” Adora appraised fondly in awe and deep respect as her eyes got just a touch glassy, showing how deeply she was feeling all of this as much as she was learning it and taking it to heart before her smile became a mischievous grin. 

“It’s also a playpen but instead of being for babies and toddlers it’s for teens, who also need it, way more than they’d ever want to admit.” She began to giggle which got Archie to chuckle but nod in agreement. Oh, wise beyond her years was such an underestimation. She was clearly a genius too, her own wisdom tempered with a humility and honesty was exceedingly rare but precious. He needed to go find her parents and shake their hands and congratulate them for raising their children right and then ask for lessons on how to be a better dad himself.  

“And where that genius is most inspired in its design is he presents this help, these safeguards, these instructions and lessons all disguised as a dance club that patrons pay to get into. This is basically a huge, very fun school where the students have no idea you’re subtly teaching them but they learn the lessons anyway.” She grinned as she cast her gaze at the crowd and grinned when she saw a guard in chaperone duty enforce the dress code. 

“It’s also flawless in execution through its firm but fair enforcement. Because he’s made a natural law into a natural instinct into a natural action with a natural response that through its execution is practically revolutionary.” Adora praised as she watched the one who got a reminder change their dress and behavior which made her grin prouder. 

“How do you mean?” Archie asked as he leaned forward. No one had ever said that about Vue Rive, about anything in the entire colony actually. Not even Nick had said anything like that about the how, where, why or anything when he was designing and building this. 

“So the natural law is ‘parents care for children, children listen and obey parents’. That is a natural inclination and a natural instinct for both groups. However, this age group is also at that stage and phase in life where they tend to listen and heed their parents less and less. Which is a very stupid, immature thing to do because these turbulent years are when you need it the most. Where it impacts you the most positively and profoundly and shapes you as an adult and defines yourself and your own future and experiences the most as well.” Adora began as Archie blinked in surprise. Holy shit, he had never realized it. That was probably something that Nick thought was so obvious it didn’t need articulation. But obviously it did. And now Archie was looking at his work place with new, enlightened eyes as his appreciation of his friend’s efforts only deepened. Archie’s jaw dropped. Oh, she had brains in spades. Holy fucking shit! She saw all that?! And then articulated it so elegantly, and with a sophistication well beyond her years. And just dropped it like it was the most simple, obvious thing in the world. No one her age had ever been able to do that. 

“Good parents usually only want to help their children because they love them and want the best for them. And they only wish to help change their children’s mindset from them having their parents provide and take care of all of their needs and a fair number of wants too- into the mindset that allows them to grow and mature as they age and take on more and more responsibility that is both appropriate in weight and seriousness.” Adora added before she got that mischievous grin back. 

“They do so, so that their kids don’t get squished like a bug under it.” Adora giggled as she pretended to smash a bug flat to the bar’s surface which got Archie to bark a laugh but nod in agreement. 

“True.” Archie nodded as Adora’s smile turned more somber but still full of awe and deep respect as her features seemed to school themselves again. 

“But at the same time, that load and that weight should also be appropriate for their mental age and mental maturity, their psychological age too, and not just their physical one and the two don’t always match or correlate, but it is expected and demanded of them nonetheless. Parents do this to help them change and evolve and transition and transform from child being taken care of to adult providing that care for themselves, taking responsibility for themselves and their actions and the consequences of those actions, whether positive or negative, and usually both. Those parents want them to be successful, intelligent, mature, well adjusted and self sufficient adults who can therefore grow, experience the world with confidence and the knowledge and ability to both present themselves as such, and protect themselves so that they don’t get preyed on or taken for a fool either. And once they gained that vital experience of being on their own and understanding just how much it takes to do, through mental effort, investment, careful consideration and needing to have a plan to follow to make their dreams realities. Because just winging it without a clue is always a recipe for disaster.” Adora surmised. 

“Preaching to the choir on that one.” Archie nodded sagely in agreement. 

“However, nothing else humbles them, than that either. And they grow so much more appreciative of their parents and what they’ve done for them and then hopefully apologize for being an ass.” Adora giggled. 

“You speak from experience?” Archie chuckled. 

“Look, this isn’t about me.” Adora giggled as she tried to gesture dismissively at herself.   

“But, yes, I do, the vast majority though is on behalf of my two oldest brothers who were those arrogant, rebellious, angsty assholes through and through, who felt that my parents, and I quote- “would never understand what they’re going through”. And they blew my parents off, and claimed they already knew everything my parents were trying to teach them. Even though they proved with their actions that they didn’t know jack shit! And they went out on their own armed with nothing because they refused to learn anything, and life and the world kicked their asses so hard! It forced them to get their shit together and grow the fuck up. It was actually quite glorious to watch them switch their tunes so fast, and go from arrogant to humble, from rebellious to crawling back on their hands and knees and begging for forgiveness and help and instructions because they learned the hard way that they were stupid idiots. And they served as very big, very powerful warning examples for myself and my other sisters of what not to do and it’s been very beneficial so far.” Adora revealed. 

“Yeah, it’s smart to learn from other’s mistakes. And sometimes, for some people, that is the only way they can learn anything, is from the school of hard knocks.” Archie nodded in agreement as Adora nodded emphatically in unison with him. 

“Which is why the guardian chaperone system works so flawlessly in here. These teens likely assume that those tasked with keeping them safe are helping them by intervening- not to ruin their fun, but because they are trying to help them to not make the same mistakes and not have the bad experiences, and not suffer the bad consequences like they did and learn it in a better way. Signore Nicolo was so spectacularly wise in carefully choosing them and then using that same care and thoughtfulness in positioning them, equipping them, empowering them to let them follow their natural fatherly instincts with the authority that demands compliance, expeditiously so too. But they do so to help someone who needs it by whatever means and by whatever manner or methods they know will be the most effective to get the best results in that person’s obedience to the direction given. It gives the guardians the power and ability to act with their own cultivated patience and discretion, kindness, respect and dignity, whether or not it’s given softly, or loudly, gently or forcefully to give the appropriate consequences that match the degree of action when they test those limits and find out that they’re much more firm and hard the more you test them. And their peers also get to learn from their examples too.” Adora appraised. 

“You’re absolutely right, that’s exactly what he said when he was asked when Vue Rive reopened a few years ago.” Archie nodded which made Adora only beam a prouder, happier smile as she nodded. 

“And that’s why it’s revolutionary. Because he made their obedience a natural response for them too.” Adora beamed. 

“So yeah, Signore Nicolo has had the best purpose, the most noble intent, ingenious design, flawless execution with firm but fair enforcement through the best most unified team ever put together because I can see from here how they communicate through silent hand gestures from here, it’s sight, because any sound would be lost under the noise of the music.” She nodded to two guardians make a gesture between them. 

“Congrats, you cracked the code.” Archie praised. 

“Not all of it though. I feel like I’m just barely scratching the surface. However, I must insist that none of this would have these results or this level of success if he wasn’t motivated by his own love for his own colony that he clearly feels so keenly that he’s responsible for, and proves it by his own actions. He has such a heavy weight on his shoulders that he’s bore with more strength than I think anyone else can even imagine or comprehend, and he does it with grace, and patience, an overwhelming abundance of patience. Even when it’s not seen by everyone else, even when it’s not noted or attributed to him the way it should be. He’s done so much work in every sense.” Adora praised as her eyes got glassy and she wiped the tears away from her lashes before they could ruin her mascara. 

“He is so worthy of… everything. All the love, all the respect, all the gratitude, and grace, and kindness, and patience, and care, and pride, and joy, and happiness, and satisfaction, and praise, and recognition, and acknowledgement, and credit, and success, and peace. Peace of mind, peace of heart, peace of soul, perfect peace in all and every sense. And trust most of all. Trust that was very well earned and exceedingly well placed.” Adora praised as she used a handkerchief to soak up her few tears but her smile shamed the sun as even Archie was getting choked up. Holy fucking shit, did she call that. What he would give to have Nick right there next to him to hear this for himself. He’d probably sob as hard as Archie wanted to right now as he could only nod emphatically, because he didn’t trust his own voice. 

“I can only hope he’s found… what he was striving for and what he was aiming for in doing all of this. And I can only hope it’s returned to him a thousand fold.” Adora appraised as she looked bittersweetly at her surroundings again regaining her composure as she did so, sipping on her drink. 

“You are actually the very first guest we’ve had that has been able to see even half of that. It would probably mean the world to him if you told him all that yourself though.” Archie encouraged. 

“No. I don’t think so, because of several things, but mostly the age gap. He’s almost a decade older than me, he’s 25, about to be 26 in the fall, I’m only 17 and have been 17 for less than 2 weeks. There’s no way he’d take that as anything more than me being a snotty little miss know it all, having the audacity of telling him his own business. And again, age gap, if he came to see me down here? New peers would think something’s wrong and either get nosy or weary. Neither of us want or need that. And if I go to see him? Especially in here? How would anyone not assume I have ulterior motives? Or assume things about me and my character that are untrue? Like I know actions speak louder than words and those actions would be screaming all the wrong things about me. Now, if I get a chance to meet him in a more calm, quiet, peaceful and discreet location and time where he wasn’t working that I would be in danger of interrupting him? And in a way less public place without this audience? I could try, if he’d believe me that is. I can simply thank him for making such an amazing place that I enjoyed to the full. Because what I’ve heard is that he’s a private, reserved person and does not like the spotlight of attention drawn to him, because he clearly prefers to live quietly, which I also highly respect as well. And the last thing he needs is anxiety from an audience who has no business being in his business either. This is not the time or the place for that. But, yes, he should be informed that everything he’s done is not in vain, it’s seen, it’s recognized and acknowledged and deeply appreciated and very moving and deserves deep respect that he’s rightfully earned, and not demanded, which only deepens the respect and raises the good opinion that much higher too.” Adora gently countered as Archie once again was struck by her ability to once again discern the situation and all of the variables and coming to the right conclusion that it wasn’t appropriate as he looked out over the crowd and had to admit she was right. 

“But still, wow do you have so much more wisdom beyond your years. Are you sure you’re only 17? Not like, 117?” Archie gently teased which got her to giggle again. 

“Positive, first time being 17, no rebirths yet.” Adora confirmed. 

“Ok, now I gotta know who your parents are so I can shake their hands and congratulate them for raising the perfect young lady and then get down on my hands and knees and beg for help and instructions on how to be even half the awesome parent yours are.” Archie insisted which made Adora smile happily. 

“Their names are Russ and Isabelle and they’d never ask you to actually get down on your hands and knees. If you honestly and genuinely asked, they’d tell you everything they know and have been taught and learned and experienced too. Strong families make strong colonies, and stronger people in general. We just moved into the… oh I forget the name of the quarter. But it’s a very nice place, I get my own room and everything. No complaints. This Sunday will be our first Sunday here and I understand the entire colony comes together as one community to share a big potluck right?” Adora answered pleasantly.   

“Yeah.” He confirmed. 

“I’ll make sure to look for you and make the introduction. What’s your wife’s name? And how many kids do you have?” Adora asked. 

“Oh her name is Novella, we have two and a third on the way. Tullia will be three this summer, Luca will be turning 2 then too and we haven’t picked out a name for the girl on the way yet.” He answered. 

“Aww. Congratulations! Isn’t it amazing how you grow up having your older siblings help raise you so you can help raise your own younger siblings in turn and then you leave the nest and find a mate and that time between that and the birth of your first somehow erases all of that knowledge so that when your first kid comes along you feel like you’re fumbling and you have no idea what you’re doing and somehow shocked and offended that anyone let you become a parent because all that previous knowledge got erased until they turn about a year old and then it all slowly comes back just in time for all of us to remember that the terrible twos start at 15-18 months and then transition straight into terrifying threes, and then fearsome fours and then go to the thrivin fiven soon enough, and then followed by the sticky six-ies. It’s nice that you met your wife during the Fall Equinox Flight though, belated happy anniversary.” Adora nodded in understanding. 

“Thanks, and yes that’s all true. And you’re very frustrated with yourself because you feel like you should know all of this and you’re begging your brain to give your body its muscle memory back. I take it that’s what your older siblings went through too.” Archie ventured as Adora nodded. 

“Oh yeah, both Raph and Leo, that’s part of the reason why they came crawling back, because their wives were pissed at them for not knowing what they should and that they had both been winging it and riding by the bases of their feathers. Raph’s wife, Kuvali called him Handsome But Helpless and Leo’s wife Kaikurra, called him Handsome But Hopeless and to this day, they will answer to Helpless and Hopeless.” Adora snorted a laugh. 

“So did they meet their wives on the Spring Equinox flight or the Summer Solstice?” Archie asked which got Adora to start snickering a laugh. 

“The Winter Solstice.” Adora answered which got Archie to gasp. 

“No! No wonder they were Helpless and Hopeless! They jumped the gun and went early! Man those last three months though. Like, these guys have no idea how big of a difference just those three months can make.” Archie asked as Adora nodded. Technically they went late but the Winter Solstice was technically true. 

“Honestly, most in here have no idea how to do that kind of math to figure things like that- out yet. Like the timing of rite flights and it’s correlation to when your kids will almost always be born, whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter.” He praised as she frowned. 

“I’m sorry what? It’s simple though? It’s math? You just count 9-10 months after? Winter Solstice gives you fall births, spring equinox gives you winter births, summer solstice gives you spring births, fall equinox gives you summer births. Like, it’s very basic knowledge. Obviously mine met during the summer solstice. My mom actually won the Kamboda Championship and got mega phoenix by kicking my dad’s ass who finished 2nd and he thanked her for teaching him to never underestimate any woman and then asked if she’d have the patience to teach him any of her moves.” Adora explained. 

“Oh, the way to a woman’s heart is humility, patience, respect and dignity.” Archie listed off. 

“And sense!” Adora advocated. 

“Yes! The sense of common- the most so.” He smiled cheesily as she laughed and clapped. 

“Exactly. And intelligence, emotional intelligence is the most highly coveted of all because all must bow to sympathy and empathy beyond faith, fidelity, honesty and trust.” Adora admonished. 

“Oh yes, at the bare minimum.” Archie nodded happily. Oh she was a delight!

“Oh, how much do I owe you for the drink?” Adora asked as she took a moment to sip on it some more.  

“Well, since this is your first time here, and especially since you shared all of this mind blowing wisdom with me, that one is on me, but I can always start a tab for you if you’re going to be getting anything else.” He offered as he got the tab list. 

“Yeah, my friends agreed to get food too later, that’s probably best.” Adora agreed. 

“Name?” He asked as he got a pen ready. 

“Like just first and last or all of it?” Adora asked. 

“Whichever.” Archie invited with a shrug. 

“Ok, so it’s Adorabella Balashiri Tatahavahni Castle…ella, sorry, Castella, wow this drink is awesome, I swear I’m not drunk.” Adora offered as her cheeks flushed harder, as she did her best to play off the fact that she nearly gave this bartender her true last name, along with her true first name and two of her 3 middle names, way to nose dive! Holy shit was that extremely dangerous. Hopefully he wouldn’t be sharing that with anyone.   

“Oh, of course not. Now, that being said, wow that’s one hell of a name, that has to be the prettiest name I’ve ever heard in my life, can you walk me through how to spell the middle ones? All I got was Bala…” Archie praised as he did his best to write that down. 

“Aww, thank you, I know it’s a mouthful, so I just go by Adora, but Balashiri is spelled…” Adora spelled out the 2 middle names she gave him.  

“Awesome, well it’s a pleasure to meet you, Adora. So are you here with any older sisters? Or are you flying solo?” Archie asked. 

“Flying solo. My youngest sister is 12, so no. Otherwise I have two older sisters. The oldest is Estelle, well, that’s her nickname anyway, because her name is way longer than mine, you’d run out of ink and paper trying to write the whole thing down but it’s also the most gorgeous name ever, and if I were to try to say it, it would only make every angel in every heavenly realm cry buckets of tears at the sheer beauty of it. And I don’t want to be at the bottom of that particular waterfall. And it’s again, not fair, my name is outright ugly compared to hers. Otherwise Estelle, who is of course, perfect in every way, and is one of high heaven’s favorites and it’s totally not fair. Because she too learned from our oldest brothers’ mistakes. But she was perfect- way before then anyway. She sets the bar high heaven high by which all the rest of us, on top of each other, still can’t quite reach any higher than the skyland.” Adora began as she gestured to various heights with her hands. 

“Of course, isn’t that always the way? But you’re wrong, there is no way your name is ugly, not even a little tiny bit, it’s the prettiest name I’ve ever heard in my life and I kinda want to steal a piece of it for baby girl number 2 if my wife wouldn’t get pissed it came from another woman. Otherwise, I don’t think it’s possible to have a name prettier than yours. Just as pretty? Maybe, but not prettier, no such thing.” Archie playfully prodded and argued with a teasing shake of his head with a bright smile with an easy chuckle as Adora crinkled her nose at him as she giggled. 

“Fine, I’ll let you decide when I come back and try to bring her with me and you can get her name when she comes in then.” Adora offered before a group of girls called Archie over to them.