Maiden watched as the final countdown began and preparations were being made. Members of Las Vegas families scrambling around to make the warehouse that was normally filled with product and sweaty men look it's best by hanging balloons, tulle, and placing candles around for a more intimate affair. Today was the day, Dovakhiin had been gone for hours in anticipation of attending a "meeting" with The Godfather of The Strip. Maiden was hoping to expand her business and gain his blessing. Dovakhiin had been quite insistent that she wanted an evening to herself and would meet Maiden when it was time to depart. Until then it was getting ready for what would either be a celebration of life or death by making it as close to a perfect evening for the Boss as she could muster.

Looking over at Indifference wielding kegs of ale and whiskey around like they were filled with air her chest swelled with pride and a lump formed in her throat. Maiden had watched him progress through the ranks with her. They'd become close friends when their parents were working together in Las Vegas years ago. Tonight was a big night for him. All going well he'd be assuming the of Don of The Strip and be taking several of Dovakhiin's members with him to a new location he and Dovakhiin had picked out. She should have called upon Bearski to help with the unloading of the supplies too instead of putting him to task hand cutting the confetti that would be showered upon Dovakhiin as she entered the room. Hopefully, the blood splatter wouldn't be too bad, it would be terrible to "tar and feather" her with the confetti.

Looking at the smiley, happy faces of Shaggs and Yacht as they hung garland from the ceiling together, occasionally fumbling the tape and having to start over again. Maiden knew that things would come together, they always had a way of doing that. At least LaceyGodreaux was overseeing the folly that their decorating had become in between nibbles of cake and sips of champagne.

She scanned the room for Frankie-Messina and found her with a group of younger members teaching them about the pomp and circumstance of a Godfather "coronation" party. What people didn't know was the blood that will be shed in the wee hours. It was never an if, it was always a will or when. The old guy wouldn't go easy, Maiden knew that. The current Godfather was stuck in his ways, hardly around and aloof with everyone working under him. There were suspicions that he rarely used the money sent to him to pay the Mayoral taxes so the Mayor should make things a little easier for Dovakhiin. She was well known to pay her taxes on time, well, other than that ONE time... Maiden had a good chuckle about that and smiled as she made her way to Dovakhiin's office in hopes of hurrying the little lady along in her preparations. Only a few hours now. A few LONG hours.

Arriving at the office she shared with her boss she could overhear singing. Yes, that was it, singing. Maiden pressed her ear to the door, looking around for a glass she could use to amplify the sounds to be sure she wouldn't be walking in on something more questionable than her boss lady clearing her pipes to speak to the most powerful man in the Las Vegas underground. She quietly knocked on the door only to be surprised to see VictoriaValium in the role of songstress while Dovakhiin sat at her desk cleaning her favourite pistols calmly. Maiden smiled at Dovakhiin, she really never was a woman of words as her actions usually trumped whatever needed to be said, often being misconstrued as brooding. Maiden walked over to a wardrobe that had been brought in for the occasion containing all that Dovakhiin would need. A freshly pressed tuxedo dress, holsters that had just been spit-polished, sensible shoes to allow for a quick getaway, and a black fedora for the full effect. The rose she would wear in her lapel in a bud vase on her desk. Classy yet deadly.

"You almost ready boss? It's getting to be that time. Few more hours to go."

Dovakhiin looked up and nodded as she lovingly polished her pistol. A smile creeping across her face, but the shadow of worry present. A glimmer in her eyes gave away her nervousness. They were glossy, but that could have been from the cannabis that had recently been smoked. Ahh, who cares, it was THE night after all. THE NIGHT. As long as her head was clear for the important part, taking an edge off her nerves was understandable. Before Maiden left to tend to other tasks that fell under her purview she gave Dovakhiin's shoulder a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

After making sure the boss' outfit was perfect, Maiden left the HQ for the little diner across the road that would be catering the affair to make sure everything was going well. After having a shoe thrown at her for taste-testing the chocolate covered bacon, she grabbed a few rashers of the ambrosia-like snack and decided it was time to settle her own nerves with a quick nip on the stoop like her grandmother had once sat upon years ago down the road from where Dovakhiin had decided to set up shop. Vegas had always been home for her herd, finally, after the terror-filled reign of Disorder and his cohorts, there would be a good, strong family taking it over. A family that she had become quite proud of in their time together. Noticing the time she pretty much ran back to the headquarters to get ready herself.

At about 2 am Maiden knocked on Dovakhiin's door to help with the final preparations and make sure the woman was calm. They chatted about flowers, cats, and the intense craving for anything curry that they both had suddenly developed. Topics were varied as both women were very nervous. Then came the knock they'd been waiting for.

"It's time Boss. Are you ready? Guns, flask, and a smile? You got this. I know you do." said Maiden in a reassuring, yet nervous, voice.

Dovakhiin went over her own mental checklist and they left, following Yacht, Shaggs, TonyCastelli, and Indifference to a car that was waiting for the pair of ladies. It had been decided that the boys would stay back and make sure nothing happened to those that called Vegas home while the deed was being done. They were not expecting any retribution, rumour had it even The Godfather's men had grown weary of his actions and inaction.

Dovakhiin and Maiden climbed into the car, both armed to the tits literally. It is amazing what a girl can fit in her bra. The ride was quick and no words were spoken. Plans for what happened had been made ages ago, this would happen. No doubt about it.

The car stopped in front of The Godfather's residence and the ladies climbed out, adjusting their clothes so as to not disrespect the old man by appearing disheveled. 

Dovakhiin looked Maiden in the eyes and simply said, 

"Let's do this."

They climbed the stairs together, calmly and with focus. Once they were allowed to enter the home they sighed with relief. HOW on Earth did those bodyguards do such a piss poor job of searching them for weapons? They literally only took one pistol from Dovakhiin. Unless they too were sick of The Godfather's reign? Were they ready to just let it go? This was something Maiden would question later after the deed was done. She escorted Dovakhiin to The Godfather's office and stood outside the door as the lady entered. Maiden was certain The Godfather knew what was coming, who really wanted to live forever?

She could hear loud voices arguing about the future of their beloved Las Vegas. As the voices grew louder she knew what was coming... 

One shot...

Two shots...

She could see the muzzle flash under the door and could only imagine what others were thinking outside as the flash lit up the windows. Her own pistol drawn ready to shoot anyone that came to The Godfather's defense down, but no one came... In fact, when she peered out the window she saw a line of The Godfather's best bodyguards leaving on their own accord. There was no one to defend the old man. Maiden made a mental note to let the guards live, for now.

Then she heard it, the final shot, who fired it? Oh god, please let it have been Dovakhiin. Maiden stood frozen to the spot she had chosen, pistol drawn and pointed toward the door in case it was the old man that survived... 

After what felt like hours, but was probably only a few minutes, the door opened and there stood her Boss shaking with excitement and adrenaline. There were tiny droplets of blood on her face, but hidden by the black fabric of her tuxedo dress, her gun in her hand still.

"It is done. I won't have to look over my shoulder anymore." whispered Dovakhiin as Maiden walked around her to see the aftermath in the old man's office. It wasn't as bad as she had expected, the old man was slumped over his desk, a single shot to the head had sealed the deal. Maiden turned to Dovakhiin and wiped a bit of blood off of her face with a handkerchief she'd remembered for the occasion and smiled with pride before saying, "Let's go Boss, we have a party to attend and dancing to be done. I heard there could be out of town visitors attending as well so you'll need to be a social butterfly tonight, get a bit of rest on the way if you can."

The two ladies walked out to the car with pistols still drawn, but they were unchallenged and climbed into the back seat. As they neared the headquarters the silence was broken. Dovakhiin looked at Maiden and smiled with relief and they started chatting about Dovakhiin's plans for Las Vegas. The car pulled up to the headquarters, they must have known what happened already because everyone was outside waiting for the news.

First Maiden exited the car and helped a weary Dovakhiin to her feet.

"Dovakhiin has taken over as Godfather of The Strip everyone!!! The Old Man is DEAD!" Maiden announced with a loud and joyous voice. "There is something in the air tonight and it's time to celebrate the only way Las Vegas can!"

Cheers filled the sidewalk outside of the headquarters. As Dovakhiin entered the building she was greeted by those who she held close to her and those from out of town with the same joy and relief she felt inside. Dovakhiin entered the warehouse where the celebrations had already begun, a loud rendition of "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow" filled the room as confetti was tossed, balloons dropped from the ceiling, and drinks were raised in honour of the newest Godfather of The Strip, Las Vegas.

Tomorrow would be a new day for The Strip and the entire city of Las Vegas. 

 Shaggs was quick to the celebration as he had been monitoring the situation closely since it began. He really had few worries about the situation but he knew that he was going to have to keep a close eye on it. He doubted that there would be any issues but he could never have forgiven himself if something had happened.

Dova had taken a chance on Shaggs and given him a life he could have never dreamed of. His own family as her captain, where he made so many amazing friends throughout the cities. Then, he couldn't believe his ears when he had the chance to move with Dovahkiin to Las Vegas. Dova had offered to let him take Summerlin when he moved with her. She'd been a beacon of inspiration to him. He knew he wanted to follow her example when he was able to set up his own captain and it was music to his ears when she agreed that TonyCastelli was the man for the job. He wasn't sure if she knew the legacy she was leaving as she left it but he hoped that one day she could look back on everything and be as proud of herself as everyone else was of her.

He made his way into the party flanked by two Bodyguards and handed her a special gift that only a few people would ever receive. It was a gilded key to The Victorian that somehow managed to also work on The Mystery Machine itself. 

Dova this opens the door to my two most prized possessions. It means that you are welcome in to anything I own and everything that Summerlin has. If we can ever do anything for you all you must do is ask.

Shaggs smiled again and nodded to one of his bodyguards as they poured both the Don and the New Godfather a drink. He toasted her loudly.

To Godmother Dovahkiin, our beacon of light in Sin City.

Tony smiled as Dovahkiin and MeadMaiden returned. Las Vegas has seen the rise of Dovahkiin and the celebration was going to be fantastic. He put his hand on Shaggs' shoulder and followed him inside. He listened to Shaggs' toast and lifted his glass as well. Then he walked over to Dovahkiin...

Congratulations Dovahkiin. I am happy to work alongside you here in Las Vegas. I will be forever thankful to you and Shaggs for giving me the chance to run my own crew in Summerlin. I look forward to the future. You know that whenever you need anything that you can always contact me. Las Vegas will do great with you at the helm.

Tony handed over a beautifully carved wooden box, "I had this shipped over from Sicily. It was carved by my grandfather and it has a nice dark purple felt on the inside of it. I thought it would look great on your desk." 

He gave Dovahkiin a quick hug and then made his way over to grab another drink and to catch up with some other members of Las Vegas.

Confetti was thrown, balloons fell, and as was expected - Frankie smiled and sang with the rest of the group.  Her eyes watched Dovahkiin closely, hoping she was alright.  Killing wasn't some people's favorite thing to do.  In truth, she knew Dovahkiin had killed before but the woman was called The Queen of Thieves with good reason. 

Seeing that her boss was more steady than expected she watched calmly from the sidelines as person after person come up to greet, praise, and toast the newest Godmother.  All was as it should be, Meadmaiden had arranged a perfect night for the woman of the hour.  Out of respect she raised her glass to the Right-Hand of the new Godmother Chairman. 

Reaching a hand out to Tony-DiCaprio she smiled at him as they watched the party happening all around them.  Frankie had so much in her heart right now, so many things to say and that she wanted to do - but none of them seemed big enough to honor the woman who had raised her up from nothing and taken her to such heights as she dared not dream.

She squeezed Tony's hand and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.  Her mind wandering to all the things that were and might yet be now that Las Vegas well and truly belonged to The Nightingales and their associates.  Tonight she'd rest easy... tomorrow, it was back to work, on higher alert than ever before.  Gone were the days of hustling to get by... they were on top now.  That meant they had every thing to lose, it was not a reality lost on Frankie.  Focus on protection.  Focus on educating.  Focus on entertaining and distracting to keep the masses happy and free of notions that might lead to rebellion and war.

When Dovahkiin waved her over, she gave Tony a kiss on the cheek and walked to the woman of the hour.  She accepted a glass of wine and smiled warmly.  "Congratulations Godmother."  She said, her brown eyes sparkling with mirth as she kissed her Godmother's ring.  "From this day forward, your coffers shall always be full and your enemies will never know peace.  Your enemies are my enemies.  I come, and go, as you will it; I will pull my gun when you say shoot, and sheath it as you say halt - all without question.  My life before yours.  I am your woman until my last breath." 

Formalities aside, she rose up and hugged the woman who was more than a boss to her, but a friend and whispered into her ear, "I have your gift... but its something for a more private occasion.  I'll leave you to receive the others now.  Have a great time tonight - you've earned it!  If you need anything at all... I'll be just over there with Tony."

Indifference stumbles into the new HQ to see meadmaiden and Dovahkiin disarming after their trip to take out the old Godfather.  It had been a long ride.  Some days felt like a grind, others were enjoyable - but in all he knew there was a special bond with these two fine ladies that he wouldn't trade for anything.  Well - almost anything.  If someone offered to makeover skumbag so he wasn't so fucking ugly, he'd have to think about it.

Nonetheless, this day was huge.  It's something that most little itty bitty gangstas can only dream of, and most never achieve.  Indifference remembered when he was a little bitty baby and his care was trusted to these two fine ladies after his parents were gunned down in a bloody war.  He was kept warm and fed bacon when Meadmaiden was willing to share and began to learn the family business.  

"Ladies - I'm not much for words but this day is important enough to being me out here.  Rather than all that gobbledygook I thought I'd just keep it simple and make a list of promises for you:

1) I promise to keep the old HQ sorta tidy. Indifference makes a note to delegate that task

2) I promise to ensure that there is bacon and lettuce in the fridge in case you come by the old place.

3) I promise to make sure that Skumbag doesn't grovel stupid shit when he's sitting at the family table after he's drank too much.

4) I promise to try not to be too abrasive - but you know.  I really don't give a shit.

5) Lastly - I promise you that this crew will be safe with me, and we will devote ourselves to furthering the prosperity here in the Strip that you've worked hard to achieve!!"

Indifference goes to the fridge and cracks a beer and sits down in a nice comfy chair to enjoy the rest of the gathering.

Dovahkiin had walked into the Godfathers office just another Don in his command.  She walked out with his blood, his title, and his death on her hands, and the smile wouldn’t be wiped from her face for anything.  The ride back to Nightingale headquarters almost felt like a dream.  The whole city was there, either awaiting a tale of her death, or her arrival and tales of her triumph.  She was glad that triumph would be the tone of the night.  Even then, her heart still raced and her hands trembled ever so slightly as she gripped a crystal glass of whiskey in the back seat of her town car.  She had plenty of experience killing, but of all her kills, this one had been the biggest.  It was like the rush of taking down a fearsome predator.

When the car arrived at Nightingale Hall, she left her glass in the car and stepped out, brushing her suit off as though that would remove the dried blood splatter.  It was her badge of honor, the proof of her battle, and she wore it with pride.  When the doors opened and she stepped inside, the cheers that welcomed her filled the massive stone halls, and she couldn’t keep the smile from her face.  Congratulations came from all directions, and quickly a flagon of mead found its way to her hand.  The Dragonborn grinned a little wider when her new Left Hand came over to kiss her ring, and she pulled the younger woman in for a quick hug as well.  Indifference got a firm squeeze on the shoulder and an approving smile after she found him lounging in a chair with a beer.  She knew he would do well here after she got the last of her belongings out.  

By the time the fourth drink made its way to her hands, her head was starting to spin and the lights seemed to glow a little bit.  Even though it was a night to remember, she had a feeling she was going to forget the latter half of the evening.  As the party raged on into the night, the phrase “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” had never been more appropriate.
 

Smiling , almost snickering hearing the live party going on...not sure why, but I knew I would find out as I walked in.. also knew it would be a good reason. I slid my body close to the door, practically making out with it, grabbing the doorknob and slowing turing it...Slowly I pushed the door open, with a slight creak sound.. stupid door needs some oil in the um what do you call it, the um hinges, yes, thats what they were.

I slip in quiet as a mouse, scanning the room, seeing many familiar faces. Evryone's drinking, and having a good 'ol time.. seemingly celebrating.. well who wouldn't celebrate...Then I heard it, we had a new Godfather, errr mother, would be the correct term. How exciting for Las Vegas! I waltzed over to everyone, to make my presence known, and of course congratulations were in order, best in person, of course."Congratulations, Godfather(mother) Dovahkiin! I am pround to still be serving with you, as a pround member of your Nightengales." 

Rays of sunlight beamed through a small opening of a curtain, rousing Yacht to consciousness as he woke up on the floor of what was now Godmother Dovahkiin's residence in Las Vegas.  Rubbing his eyes, he moved them into focus of a crystal decanter and a matching glass that had a hint of whiskey still left in it.  A bad idea, he thought.  The pain in his head would be inclined to agree.  

Getting himself grounded, he headed down the spiral staircase of the residence, being careful not to rouse the dozen or so passed out party-goers that were strewn out over the couches and floor - dead to the world.  He spotted SuperHans passed out, bottle in hand, snuggling up to an unconscious VictoriaValium ; Indifference had approached celebrations with a different tact, carving himself a small kingdom of beer cans that had surrounded his person.    

Finding himself a tap, he helped himself to a glass of water before heading to the front door, finding Shaggs sprawled out in the foyer, guarding the door.  If there's one thing these people knew how to do well - it was party.

"There, there." Yacht said gently as he turned the knob of the door, pushing his body out of the way of the door. Walking down to the sidewalk, he spotted his work van, occupied with two of his bodyguards.

"Boys!"

Yacht whistled and beckoned as the van accelerated into the driveway, quickly flinging the back doors open, revealing two enormous bodyguards who manhandled out a carefully wrapped rug.

"Now that's an authentic Persian Kerman rug from the 1830's.  Incredibly expensive.  Treat it with love, or I'll be getting the whip out.  Up two flights and into the main office."

He directed his bodyguards carefully into the residence, mindful to not wake any of the guests up as they moved their way into Dovahkiin's office.  Yacht knocked gently on the door.

"Whaaaaat?" a voice replied - not Dovahkiin's, but MeadMaiden's.  Yacht opened the door to find MeadMaiden leaning against Dovahkiin's desk, trash can in front of her.  Dovahkiin was in front of her, resting in the office's couch.

"Lean the rug up against the wall in the corner here and keep the van running."  Yacht directed his bodyguards as he examined the office.  Empty bottles, empty snack containers.  Empty.. Pyrex?

"Wait.. what did you do with the brownies I dropped off yesterday morning?"  Yacht inquired, as he started to put the pieces of yesterday evening together.

"What do YOU think?  I passed them out.  We ate them!" MeadMaiden countered, as she put a hand to her mouth as if to vomit. She lifted her hand back down.  Bullet dodged, it seemed.

"..people were only supposed to eat one each and were to be sent off with the leftovers.  I made about 3 dozen of these!  There's a bunch of people passed out downstairs!" Yacht replied.

"You said they were made to have three!" MeadMaiden replied.

"..I said they were made with ghee.  Holy shit.  You brownie'd our entire upper structure."

Yacht took his Pyrex container and shook his head at MeadMaiden as he directed his attention to Dovahkiin - unsure if she was conscious or not.

"Las Vegas hasn't been this bright in a while.  I've left an incredibly valuable Persian rug here..  one of our best hauls yet.  Congratulations on this fantastic achievement, Godmother."

A grunt from Dovahkiin was his only reply.  Yacht turned to MeadMaiden as he made his way towards the door.  

"I have to get an early start on my day.  Give her my best if she doesn't remember any of this."

As he turned the door handle, he turned back to her once more, lifting up the Pyrex.

"Really?"