A Celebration of Sorts

[Seto du Couteau]

Location: Widek, Country Estate of Du Bellay
A Harvest Day Party

Spoiler: Outside View

Clear water sparkled from the light of the setting sun, a beautiful sight that nearly obscured the painful realization of Seto’s current predicament. Realistically a pretty waterfall aesthetic could never distract him from his present issues, but at least it would had taken the focus off for a few moments.Though now a low beep sounded off behind him, and the young Du Couteau heir turned around and moved back to his closet.

His infiltration droid hovered nearby, unsure of what to do, less so as to why it became active in the first place. They were, after all, in a large mansion and Seto had readied himself for a party. Well, not really a party, more like a room packed with people I never thought I’d see again. The soft sigh followed a sharp intake of air as he turned around and straightened his shirt and suit.

Spoiler: New Suit

​

Seto looked at the mirror and offered himself a dissatisfied look of annoyance, and even his fingers traced along the lines, his annoyance only grew. He slowly approached the door and waved back to his droid, as it beeped gloomy and patrolled his room for the time being. Old habits die hard after all, and Seto imagined he would be seeing plenty of old haunts today.

==

The invitation came out of nowhere in Seto’s eyes, and he had all but assumed he would had been left alone from his parent’s family after both the funeral and his sale of their company. Stranger things have happened I guess. Seto nearly threw away the message but considered it for a moment and mused that nothing really could be lost by going and he could possibly gain something. Or maybe earn some extra credits from the local casino, a win win scenario in his mind.

His Uncle and Aunt were hardly considered close, and even before the funeral, Seto had only seen sparsely. Their need of a Du Couteau nephew gave Seto some concern as he had doubts there was any family emotion involved with their invitation. Was there some trust fund my parents left me? He wouldn't put it past his extended family to act suddenly concerned if such were the case.

Seto approached his relatives with a smile, they in turn greeted him “-Sethy, my dear Nephew.” Seto’s smile grew slightly crooked. “-Come and meet some close friends of ours.” The young Du Couteau heir wondered if there was a sewer drain nearby so he could throw himself in and hide away.

“Also, a dear friend from our bank delivered a package. We’ve been trying to get a hold of you for quite some time, they say it was a gift from your parents.”

This day certainly provided him with no end of challenges to keep his smile up. Seto felt a muscle in his cheek begin to ache.

(OOC Note: Feast and be merry, for what else are the holidays for if not for parties?)

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

[ darth lolcat theme ]​

​

After the Commenor affair, the young Cathar had found himself in the company of the First Order.

[member="Seto Du Couteau"] was one such member of their Order. One of the storied Knights of Ren, the man had been passable company when the First Order embassy on Commenor had been breached during their evacuation from a planet whose usefulness to the Sith had run its course.

The Sith Emperor was satisfied to let the Commenori twist in the solar winds, and so it would be.

A Cathar tunic hugged the youngling's torso, the hem hanging to the knee like a skirt. The boy's bare legs displayed the same tabby pattern as his head and arms. His tail trailed behind him, at times flicking from side to side. Large, triangular ears framed either side of his tufted head, as the child's amber catseye gaze seemed to prowl over the harvest festival like a predator.

So this was Widek.

...no, he'd never heard of it either.

Apparently, it was one of the Core Worlds. A center of nothing on some hyperlane alternate route that probably next to no one knew. Except maybe [member="Taeli Raaf"] because she was the Lady of Knowledge. She probably knew all about this Farlax... Snarlax... Snore-lax or whatever the Hutt this system was called.

On the plus side, it was already interesting getting to play with younglings who were not actually trying to kill each other. Much easier to actually enjoy harvest games without looking out for the Sith wannabe trying to get extra credit for some bonus elimination round.

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Equipment | Dress & Hairsticks
Location | Country Estate of the Du Bellay, Widek
Allies | [member="Seto Du Couteau"]
Nearby | [member="Micah"]
Status | Wondering if she should rescue her brother

[SIZE=11pt]Marriskcal watched with keen eyes as her brother approached the older couple, two individuals whom he deemed as ‘family’. As someone who was raised by numerous caretakers, instructors, and alongside other younglings, the notion of being bound to someone who shared a lineage through the ties of blood was… strange. Because what if you discover you did not like the people you were bound to[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]? If sharing the same blood was a prerequisite for being a family, it would be hard to find people you actually liked with such limited choices.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]But as these people were part of Seto’s life, Marriskcal has made a promise to herself that she would be at her most charming. [/SIZE]Even if the heels she wore were pinching her toes and she wanted nothing more than to unlace them and kick them over the balcony. Even if the layer of delicate pink that painted her lips and the shimmering bronze sweeps on the lids of her eyes made her want to furiously rub at her face. Even if the dress of electrum and ivory she wore meant that she was unable to keep her weapons on her person without it being apparent.

[SIZE=11pt]While Marriskcal knew her manners well and was able to play the part of a noble flawlessly, her nurture disapproved of such frivolity.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Just a few hours, Marr.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As the thought crossed her mind, the blonde caught the faint faltering at the corner of Seto’s smile.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Poor Seto…[/SIZE]

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

Several months earlier

The First Order had found her unconscious, deep within the spires of hell. The smoking corpse of a twisted beast lay nearby, its white sinuous body consumed by fire. In her hand lay clutched the broken pieces of some force artefact, destroyed beyond recognition.

Had the team not consulted with the members of Ren, they might not have found Kaiah at all. The team had ventured to the site of the ramp and rappelled down to her position. They awoke her to find she had been crazed, her body lit ablaze with spectral fire. It took all of the team’s manpower to subdue her.

They had brought her before Sieger Ren, and the man had repaired her broken mind. Collapsed on the ground, she had thanked him and asked what he wanted in return. ‘Your unwavering loyalty and service’ was the reply.

- - - - -​

Present

She approached the door to the estate, knocking politely on the frame. A servant opened the door, giving her a wary look. “Greetings” he said cooly. “Do you have business here?”. Kaiah smiled and nodded. “I’m looking for Seto Du Couteau, I was told he would be here”. The servant frowned. “And you are?” “Lady Kaiah Nihl, First Order ambassador to Nagi” she replied. The man squinted and furrowed his brow, as if he was considering shooing her off. Eventually he sighed and opened the door to let her in.

The estate had many guests, all of which Kaiah failed to recognize. They stared, subtly, and whispered as she passed. She had expected as much. Many of those here were dressed in ornate and colourful clothing, made of fine materials. Kaiah, on the other hand, had adopted a simple white robe and left her feet bare. On Nagi, less was more and it was disrespectful to try to out-dress your host.

She spotted the young Du Couteau, engaged in conversation with others. She decided it would be better to wait, and approach when he was not busy. Instead she went searching for food. A table was nearby, full of sweet pastries and cakes. She made a face, moving past most of the food until she came to the fruit. Pointedly ignoring the glares of nearby guests, she picked up a goodly amount of fruit, cradling it in her arms. From there she went to mingle.

She had spotted a familiar face in the crowd of strangers. It was fortuitous, as she had intended to seek out the woman after she had met with Seto. She approached the blonde. “Miss Lati, a pleasure to see you again”.

| [member="Seto Du Couteau"] | [member="Micah"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] |​

 

[Seto du Couteau]

Nearby: @Micah | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Kaiah Nihl"]

The Game's afoot.

Through smile and all, Seto nodded happily to his family as they continued exchange stories of the most mundane but somehow the young Du Couteau heir could not shake off the feeling of normalcy. Did I miss all this? The lone thought encouraged him to think a tad further but as his Aunt's conversations drew to a close his Uncle turned to address Seto proper.

"Your grandmother would be spinning in her crypt if she saw you without a heir you know-" The words attempted to hold genuine concern but Seto felt only the edge of the claim rather than the hidden question. I think she would rather see her daughter and son in-law than a great grandchild.

Seto forced his cheeks to stretch his small smile slightly, which had grown smaller over the passing seconds since his Uncle spoke. "You mentioned the banks brought you something for me? Perhaps you can give it to me now-" Seto asked, his eyes squared in on his Aunt who glanced back to her husband with noted curiosity and uncertainty.

His Aunt cleared her throat, "-Well, it's quite a large package, we stored it below in our private offices. After the party we shall guide you to it, as the Bank had provided us with quite the sophisticated lock along with the gift." She explained pointedly, and Seto's Uncle only nodded in agreement with a cough of his own.

Seto bowed deeply, his hand flared outward to his side, "-Well then, I shall engage myself with the rest of the guests-" Seto stood back straight and with a twirl he made his leave before slightly turning his head, "-I see plenty of our friends arrived, perhaps one of them would make a lovely Niece for you," Seto offered. And get you off of my back. He understood the game his family wanted to play, if he died without heir it would grant them access to his parent's title and stake in whatever companies Seto hadn't sold off yet. Least now they'll stop mentioning it in sake of keeping me a bachelor.

Or they try to kill me. Honestly, Seto wasn't entirely sure which would be the likely case, he had heard stories after all.

Away from scheming family members, Seto spotted perhaps a spot to regain some sanity and patience. And perhaps a quick snack. Seto approached his two sisters, one appeared ready for his family's types of parties and the other- Well, Kaiah will be the talk of the night.

The young Heir approached them quickly, his smile brightened out of pure reflex without conscious aide, "Lovely to see you once again Kaiah, do pardon everyone's stares. None would dare venture the outside world without at least wearing five different colors and at the very least thirty accessories." Seto explained with a small smirk that tugged the corners of his lips.

Seto beamed at Marr, "-And careful with the green eyes from others, not many could say they were personally invited by the last Du Couteau heir." He chuckled at the silly notion of being such a bragging right. Seto looked at both and with a quick bow he excused himself, "-I must make the rounds now with the rest of the guests, but do enjoy the food and sweets. Some I personally suggested." Seto twirled around once again and headed off, now refreshed and his cheek muscles no longer strained.

His eyes scanned for the best guest he could meet first, Perhaps one too distracted with- oh. Seto noticed a rather familiar set of ears and a very familiar tail. Well, I did make sure to order plenty of baked goods.

The young Du Couteau heir approached his Sith acquaintance from the Embassy. Seto quickly shortened the distance, he weaved past several other guests (And attempts of grabbing of his attention) with as much grace as he could muster to avoid a scandal.

"Micah tol Powl, I am happy to see you healthy and well." Seto bowed, "-Do not fret over a possibility of running out of sweets, treats or cookies. Most people here watch their figure with zeal that stuns me." Seto gestured towards another row of tables, "-I asked for there to be Chocolate fountains, it's rather amusing to see so many wishing for some but fearing for their clothing in case even a drop dares to land on their clothing. Scarring them for all entirety."

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Equipment | Dress & Hairsticks
Location | Country Estate of the Du Bellay, Widek
Allies | [member="Seto Du Couteau"] & [member="Kaiah Nihl"]
Nearby | [member="Micah"]
Status | Trying to learn more about her new sister

[SIZE=11pt]She was along amongst members of the peerage and magnates, a refined smile perpetually etched on her features for any who happened to glance her way. Marriskcal could sense their idle curiousity and disgraceful envy lapping at the edges of her consciousness as they speculated on her identity. She was content to wait, patient in the way she seldom was as she wondered which one of these exalted beings would be the first to surrender to their inquisitiveness and approach her for a duel of words.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]It was then that a faintly familiar presence trailed through the lavish room. The polite smile that she wore for the sea of strangers curved into something more genuine even as a spark of warmth found its way into her blue eyes as their new sister stepped into view. And just like that, the rest of the room faded into obscurity, for Marriskcal only ever held enough affection and care for the rare few she allowed to come close. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She made a little sound of disapproval even as her beautiful sister affixed an honourific to a family name she never cared for and barely acknowledged. “Kaiah,” she started, wearing a petulant pout as she drew even closer to the older female. “None of this ‘Miss Lati’ nonsense, please. You are my sister now, and it would please me if you were to call me Marr.” Though none of the warmth and verve were considered unusual for Marriskcal, it was probably strange for the Nagi, who has only experienced the veneer of careful formality she has worn back on the Spires of Hell.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The approach of their brother only made her smile glow all the more incandescent, and while she remained quiet as Seto greeted their sister, her eyes gained a mischievous gleam at the remark he imparted. It was just like her brother to craft words that were sharp and cutting, but yet polite and subtle enough that it was hard for those who were burned to find fault without appearing petty in the eyes of their peers.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]When he turned towards her, Marriskcal lowered her gaze in an act of faux demureness. But when she raised them to meet her brother’s own blue eyes, there was a predatory cast to her features, one that she usually only revealed when she was in pursuit of insurgents and traitors. “I welcome their attempts,” she said pleasantly. None of these soft and spoiled civilians strutting about the vast halls of the Du Bellay estate in their self-presumed importance would be able to oust her from her chosen brother’s side.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Now and forever.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]And Marriskcal took promises very seriously.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]As Seto continued on his way to greet the rest of the guests, the blonde turned back to Kaiah. Their brother’s parting mention of ‘sweets’ reminded her of the white chocolate ice cream that she had enjoyed immensely back on Bespin. Stealing a glance at the armful of fruits she cradled, Marriskcal arched a brow at her sister. “Why did you pick only the fruits[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]?[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]” Did the other not realise how delicious desserts could be[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]?[/SIZE]

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

“Marr it is then” Kaiah replied, biting into a strawberry. The fruit was delicious and sweet. “I, too, understand the burden of heritage” she continued. “I carry it in my eyes as well as my name”. Orange eyes were not natural for Nagai after all.

Marr was quite friendly, a trait that made the Nagai woman uncomfortable. She was still learning much about the culture of those who dwelt deep in the galaxy, and such a tactile and expressive nature between friends was unusual to her. She was comforted by Marr reassurance that they were akin to a family, however.

Her new brother was approaching now, and she turned to give him a small bow. “Likewise, thank you for having me” she replied. At the mention of his absurd guests Kaiah’s expression turned into a scowl. “I know not why they stare. They are the strutting peacocks, not I”. With her grey skin and white robe, the only colour in her figure was her orange eyes. She then took notice of Seto’s garments and those orange eyes narrowed to a squint. She appreciated its asymmetrical design, but otherwise it was too much for her tastes. She wondered how long it took him to don his garment; it had taken her less than a minute to affix her robe. Marr too was wearing something intriguing and bizzare. A bright, flashy garment; Kaiah wondered if the reflective parts were to distract opponents.

Seto turned to talk to Marr, and Kaiah turned to devouring her sweets. She made short work of a pear and viciously dug into a mango. She just finished the sweet orange fruit when Seto excused himself. She felt the sticky juice flow down her chin and summoned a small flame to evaporate the liquid. With the stickiness gone, she breathed in and swallowed the flame, feeling a heat in her stomach that gradually cooled to match the rest of her body.

Marr turned to ask Kaiah about her choice in food. “Because” Kaiah said, through a mouthful of Kiwi fruit. “I must grow if I am to fit into my new role” She gestured to the table of food. “Pastries and cakes are always made the same, but fruit is grown towards a greater potential”. When she was young, she had gorged herself on fruits and vegetables, hoping to be taller than her brother. The plan had worked, at 6’2 she was 1 cm taller than Raziah.

It was her turn to talk now, but she was always bad at small talk. She fidgeted nervously, unable to think of what to say. She had finished her haul of food as well, much to her dismay. She conjured up a conversation from her childhood, where her Mother had taught her how to entertain dignitaries. She was meant to talk about inconsequential things like: the weather (ugh) or duels. The dueling scene seemed pretty stagnant at this party, and everyone seemed fixated on each other’s appearance. Perhaps the latter was supposed to be the subject of conversation. “Interesting shoes, Marr” Kaiah said sweetly. “Are those heels designed to kill annoying suitors?”

| [member="Seto Du Couteau"] | [member="Micah"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] |​

​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Equipment | Dress & Hairsticks
Location | Country Estate of the Du Bellay, Widek
Allies | [member="Seto Du Couteau"] & [member="Kaiah Nihl"]
Nearby | [member="Micah"]
Status | Grouchy because of her shoes

[SIZE=11pt]Eyes… and name?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]From what Marriskcal could remember from their excursion on the Spires of Hell, Kaiah was a member of the peerage back on her homeworld. But being unfamiliar with the Nagai, she had not known of the significance of her sister’s vividly coloured eyes. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]And as much as the young woman would like satiate her curiousity, she also knew better than to wander into matters of the personal nature in a place where it may be overheard by unwanted ears. There was always a later, so Marriskcal kept the piece of information at the corner of her mind for now.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]When Kaiah answered her query from before, Marriskcal blinked in reply. That… made a lot of sense. But considering that her sister was already almost as tall as her counterpart, the blonde found it a little difficult to believe that the Nagai could grow even more from this point. “But a celebration is the only time you are allowed to have treats…” she trailed off, wearing another small pout even as her eyes glanced longingly at the delicate desserts. Now that she was reminded of her stringent dietary requirements though, the blonde felt faintly guilty. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]But surely one or three would not hurt?[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]The mention of her heels, however, distracted the praetorian from her dreams of sugar and cream. The corners of her lips twitched as she held back the snarl that threatened to escape at the thought of the impractical shoes that were the current bane of her existence. Though they were pretty to look at, wearing them were akin to balancing on a pair of thin stilts. Due to the sharp arc, the balls of her feet kept on sliding forward, allowing for the thin gold straps to squish and pinch her toes. And it did not help any that the counter of the heels continued to chafe at her ankles with every small movement she made.

“Wearing them would certainly drive someone to contemplate committing mass homicide,” she muttered, her voice pitched low enough for Kaiah to catch while she maintained her polite veneer for the rest of the room. If any one of these cretins approached her and tried to make her walk more than ten steps, Marriskcal will certainly be most tempted to test if these ‘stiletto heels’ lived up to its name.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“In a way, I envy that you thought to dress in a simple garment,” the blonde lamented. “But I did not want to draw the attention of these civilians on myself by dressing differently from what is generally expected of these… events.”

Speaking of which. “How would you usually dress for a formal event on Nagi, Kaiah[/SIZE][SIZE=11pt]?” Marriskcal took a longer glance at her simple white robes and bare feet.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]… Surely not?[/SIZE]

 

[Kaiah Nihl]

She hadn’t seen so much loathing for footwear before, it was truly intriguing. But then, she usually dismissed wearing something so complex. It did indeed look uncomfortable, and perhaps she would be driven into a bloodthirsty frenzy if she attempted to wear them. “You are a woman of great restraint then” Kaiah replied. A small part of her was disappointed, weaponized shoes would make for an impressive display.

She caught a young man staring bashfully at her, his lopsided grin timid yet wide. She bared her teeth at him in a viscous snarl, which startled him to a point in which he dropped his plate and fell to the floor. She turned back, grinning at Marr. “You should not envy the way I dress, I did not come prepared for this type of hunt” Kaiah explained. “A true predator blends in with the surroundings, remaining hidden before striking. In a habitat like this, I stand out”. She gestured to the man sprawled on the floor, cake smeared over his colourful clothes. “They are wary of me, they don’t understand me, which frightens them”.

A gaggle of young socialites helped the man to his feet, several of the ladies giving her venomous looks. She gave them a wave, imitating the dainty motion they made with their hands. “You have my respect in blending in so well, Marr” Kaiah said, turning back to face the woman. “However, what you would hunt here, I do not know”. Perhaps the ultimate goal was to steal some of the Du Conteau’s sweets.

“As for Nagi” Kaiah continued. “Well, I cannot speak for the other Nagai. We are a complex people, with traditional and modern technologies intertwined into a culture of war”. Her eyes took on a far-off quality as she talked about her homeland. “Each Nagai varies in style and taste as much as one would with personality. Some would wear coloured garments like those here, others would never dare remove their armour”. She had once seen a woman with ridiculous hair, half a metre long and spiked up into the air. “Some groups, such as my village, believe that simple outfits show that you have nothing to hide. Had I carried my blade today, I would wear it visibly”.

Kaiah paused, pondering for a minute before saying: “I didn’t answer your question” she said, blinking. “I would wear a thicker robe, maybe simple shoes. It is cold during the night in my village”.

| [member="Seto Du Couteau"] | [member="Marriskcal Lati"] | [member="Micah"] |​

 

[Marriskcal Lati]

Equipment | Dress & Hairsticks
Location | Country Estate of the Du Bellay, Widek
Allies | [member="Seto Du Couteau"] & [member="Kaiah Nihl"]
Nearby | [member="Micah"]
Status | Sheepish

[SIZE=11pt]Perhaps if she possessed a little more care when it came to societal norms, Marriskcal would have chastised her sister for her mischievous deed. But in her eyes, Kaiah’s amusement was placed at a much loftier position compared to a cretin’s delicate feelings. Perhaps if Seto were to catch a glimpse of her thoughts, he would shake his head at her in a disapproving manner. But since their brother was not here to ensure that she was on her most charming and ladylike behavior, the blonde merely gave the Nagai a conspirator’s grin of approval.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]It was not like her brother cared for the most of his peers, after all~[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]Because if Seto did, he would not have mentioned anything about their envy to her. By doing so, it was almost like he was inviting her to amuse herself with their pitiful presence.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“There will always be a next time. You will soon discover that people will find and use any occasion as a reason to hold a celebration,” she said, punctuating her words with a weary sigh. “And pay those silly people with their soft lives and lack of sensibilities no mind. After all, no bantha would ever understand a krayt dragon.” The dismissive view she held was the only reason why Marriskcal was able to continue to hold her head high and proud even when she stalked through the corridors of a star destroyer with wisps of wariness and suspicion trailing in her wake.

“If you would ever like to learn, I can teach you.” Even as the words left her lips, the young woman found that it was something she looked forward to. Despite disliking such frivolities, it was the thought of being able to impart what little knowledge she had that pleased her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“You could say that I am hunting for green-eyed banthas. But alas, the reality is more mundane and I am only attempting to act in a manner that would not displease my brother’s family expectations.” Oh, Marriskcal knew full well how she appeared to the older couple – pretty, delicate, refined. She allowed them to coo over her when they were introduced only because Seto seemed to hold some lingering sentiments to them. “I adore Seto,” she said unabashedly to Kaiah. “And because I care for him, it is no trouble for me to pretend to be someone I am not and wear uncomfortable clothing for a few hours.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]She fell quiet as her exotic sister began to speak of her people, her interest piqued. Though the First Order contained many worlds, Marriskcal seldom found the time to visit them. Her knowledge of worlds were mainly from datacrons and stories from people who were kind enough to share them with her. From Kaiah’s retelling, Nagi seemed like an interesting world, with people of colourful characters and quirks, and each with their own beliefs. It also allowed the blonde to understand her preferences for a simple ensemble.

“It explains why that you have opted to wear just a white robe for tonight. Please forgive my ignorance,” she apologised sincerely, feeling ashamed for her earlier thought. For someone who has yet to experience much of the galaxy, Marriskcal made the mistake of thinking that Kaiah was more well-travelled than she was.[/SIZE]