ACT II: A Protectorate Story

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar hummed softly to himself as he moved up to the checkpoint before the ball itself. He saw a fair number of guards and soldiers, the majority of which seemed to be checking for invitations, weapons, and all the goodies you don't want an individual walking into a ball with. Fortunately for the half breed, it wouldn't be much of an issue for him. He took up a position lazily striding after a group of well dressed party goers as his hand slipped behind his back and flicked a switch on his belt at the base of his spine. Without hesitation he disappeared from view, the armor he wore quite literally turning him invisible. He passed the checkpoint without a second thought, his blasters and lightsaber still hanging comfortably at his side, where they belonged. His blind gaze peered into the force and studied those surrounding him. A fair number of folks were sensitive, that he could tell, though he was confident there wasn't another in the hall who could challenge his might if need be. Getting the lay of the land was a habit of his he refused to break.

It was an assumption that most folks would arrive to this ball well dressed and well groomed. This was the second ball he'd attended recently and he couldn't be bothered to dress well enough to fit in. He wore a weathered, brown leather jacket that hung just above his hips. Comfortable, designed to take blaster bolts, kept him warm. Everything one could desire for an evening out. Beneath his jacket was his battle armor, though it was designed to appear lackluster and boring so one could very easily overlook it. His hair was well kept, face devoid of facial hair.

Moving through the crowds wasn't difficult and without a sound he deactivated his stealth suit, reappearing among the masses. His appearance hopefully wouldn't warrant the attention of many. Taking yet another precaution, he blanketed himself with the force and completely hid his signature, now appearing to be a force dead individual among the masses. Perfect. Resuming his hum, Vaulkhar strode towards the bar and offered the keep a nod. He swiped a card and ordered himself a drink. He turned upon his heel and watched the ball as it progressed, taking a drink of his beverage every so often to keep up appearances. He wasn't sent with any objectives in mind, he opted to come of his own accord, gain more information that could one day be useful.

 

[4ND-R0]

A white sphere descended from the sky above this Protectorate's world. It was, to some, obvious to be Kaminoan design. It descended further, before landing down where the other guests' of the Primarch's ball. The spherical shuttle opened itself up with a hiss, a tall figure exited the pod. Armored and cloaked, appearing very intimidating, with his armor giving off a menacing orange light. The figure approached the bouncers guarding the outside of the building. His helmet opened up, expelling depressurizing gases. The helm folded and retracted, seamlessly becominig part of the shoulder armor.

"I am Namtaru Khaal. Your...master, one named Iedolas, has beckoned me here." The pale-blue Rakata addressed the mere creatures before him, "His instructions told me to present this."

The titanic alien moved to his belt, presenting a holo-emitter disc. Activating it, a hologram was presented to the guards. An invitation, same as many other patrons. Genuine, and not counterfeited. Looking at the invitation, the guards let him through. The Rakata strode into the ballroom, sticking out like a Tauntaun on Tatooine. He looked upon the view of the ballroom, narrowing his fiery, yellow-orange eyes. It seemed like it was only a few days ago that creatures such as this were under the shackles of his people, or their food. The descendants of slaves, vermin in his eyes, we now the masters of the Galaxy. All the while, his people were crippled and devolved to mere savage, severed from the very power that made them conquerors.

Namtaru set off to the side, awaiting some representative of the Primarch to approach him. The former Predor now had to play the game of this new order. Yet, this Iedolas appeared to be powerful individual, one of high authority. A gateway, perhaps, to consolidation of a new power. A reclamation, however minute, of the dignity of the Infinite Empire.

[member="Archmage Madylina Isurius"] | [member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"] | [member="Ceres Cluvius"] | [member="Jegan Ekall"] | [member="Primarch Iedolas"]

 

[Lunafreya Solidor]

As soon as they left the room, the black shadow of the tailring landed on her shoulder. The sand dragon called Aether growled for Akabane, chirping soon after, like he was saying hello.and cursing him at the same time. The two vornskrill, the bioengineered pets she bought from a company named GenPas, both elegant and fierce, walking alongside the two sentient beings. Guard dogs those were and Lunafreya was the one that bought them and they trained them to accept her as master, they stopped walking once she did the same, her hand slowly grabbed her Heartbeat Faster from her pocket, spraying the thing in both sides of her neck. That beauty from the Zeltros planet had helped her in the past with conversations and negotiations with many other members of the opposing sex.

Ignoring his commentary about the kiss, Lunafreya continued to walk. She was starting to get used to his way of dealing with things, that stupid light headed way to see the world and those who live in it, for those were the things that ruled the galaxy, titles and money, no matter where you went, titles and money were the only two things everyone had in common. But in Kaikielius, nobility was taken a little more serious that in common areas of space, like the one the Silver Jedi and the New Republic had, for the Tapani area had a long history involving nobles in the Inner Rim or Colonies as they were called once. In there, it was a big game, the Grand Game, were nobles drank and eat, laughed and talked about fleeting things but plotted behind their backs, schemed to make more money or get more power, everything was legal in that matter. Murder, treachery, gossip if you were not found out. For that was the key about description.

“Don’t get cocky and keep your eyes open.”, she said in a low tone with her husky voice. Passing her sharp violet eyes over friendly faces looking at her and nodding, or servants getting affected by the pheromones in her body lotion, stopping her work to look at her. The princess ignored them all, calling Akabane and her dogs to accompany her as she crossed the crowd towards the familiar face and presence she felt in the air, one that she already know who it belonged. Walking through the crowd, the Solidor could a lot of friendly faces, her brother [member="Prince Vayne Solidor"] talking to some Arkanian daughter of the Baron Damascus, the friendly and stern face of the [member="Tiali Orazio"] speaking to a unknown creature to her ([member="Cai Kal Rus"]). Strange faces of aliens were also present, some with green skin ([member="Zechariah Matrix"]), others tall and with menacing looks in their faces like [member="Namtaru Khaal"], of a species she had no idea which one was it. Not far from that tall and handsome figure next to the other Barons and Dukes, Lunafreya had no idea a 'human' could grow and become that tall like [member="Vaulkhar"] and when Lunafreya passed them all and turned her head to look at her target and approached [member="Archmage Madylina Isurius"] from behind, she showed enough respect to homage the head of the Magisterium in the Enclave as to bend her body over and making a curtsy to her. Pulling the end of the suit Akabane wore to the same, respect after all was something he should know of.

“Archmage Madylina.”, Lunafreya said standing up, “It is a pleasure and a surprise to see you in here. I never knew you had any interest to come for this kind of events.”, raising her forearm and showing her hand towards the handsome buffoon at her side, she added to her words, “This is my personal knight. Sir Akabane of Tolos.”, the word meant fool in some foreign dead language, one that she learned as a child some words thanks to her many tutors that tried to teach her to properly behave as a elzeri princess, but Lunafreya was a rebel and wild thing as a child.

[member="Akabane"]

 

[Vaulkhar]

Slowly but surely the half breed's drink was emptied by he who held it. He wasn't drinking for anything more than to "look the part" of a party goer, but he had to admit the drink was tasty. He set the glass down and slid it back to the keep before turning back to face the crowds. His arms crossed over his chest and he rested comfortably against the counter. As the seconds ticked by he continued to lazily study the crowds, searching for anyone of interest who could maintain his attention for longer than a passing second. Unfortunately, the crowd appeared devoid of anyone who could. He pushed himself off the counter and began to make his way through the crowd once more while continuing to seek out some semblance of entertainment. A glass of some unknown liquor was plucked from the tray of a nearby servant as he passed, downing it in one go before placing it on another server's tray in silent passing. Before the worker in question even realized what had occurred he had gone, deeper into the throng of people.

Eventually he decided it was probably time to give up, pick a secluded corner somewhere and drink the night away. However, the arrival of a certain princess pinged his senses in the corner of his mind. His ability to feel and see through the force far outclassed his normal senses, giving him a near bird's eye view of his surroundings. Through the use of the force and his remaining four senses he could perfectly construct his surroundings in a way that only he could pick out, which had come to aid him in more than one encounter in his life. So when a force sensitive individual of some note strode through the crowds, reeking of power near his own, it caused the faintest twitch of his lips. Into perhaps... a smile? His head swiveled to face the direction she strode, though his gaze seemed distant, not quite locking onto anyone.

Those around her were read and Vaulkhar committed their skills and signature to memory before he settled his gaze onto the Princess herself. In that moment he locked eyes with the woman briefly before she moved on to the Archmage. Though for the young half breed it didn't matter all that much. He could tell by the aura that surrounded her and the entourage that dogged her she was in a position of royalty, very much like himself. Though he simply moved on, beginning to make his way towards the exit.

 

[Kyyrk]

As Dorin stood in the great hall, he wracked his brain to remember the last time he had been at a large gathering such as this. Only thing he remembered was the Ceremony of Masters, but that was a quaint farmland gathering in comparison. Fortunately, Dorin wasn't completely out of place in a scenario such as this. After all, the best paying contracts were among nobles that had little to no skill in matters of his expertise.

Dorin had checked his sword and helmet at the door, opting instead for his polarized Visor, but otherwise maintained his full working appearance. The armor had been cured of all battle scarring, and shined to where one could use it as a mirror. The organic looking scale plates along his right arm, a stark silver contrast to his otherwise black armor, shone in the light, up to the dark pauldron that raised off of his shoulder. On his left shoulder, as it was not his dominant sword arm, sat a pauldron that was more ornate in nature, though still functional, featuring an ornate ridging pattern down the center line. The boots featuring an equally ornate-yet-functional armored plate covering the shin, stretching as far to include a knee-plate in the single immobile sheet of armor. Finally, a collection of fabrics hung from the armor, in this instance, a set of dress silks, soft purples inlaid with a faint golden design near the edges. Two hung from his waist, front and back, draped between his legs down to the middle of his calves. A third hung from his right shoulder, a cape of sorts, reaching down to his waist. The final, a long scarf, secured neatly around his neck, and hanging down to the heels behind him. Pale white skin thoroughly washed, and short brown hair, shaved along the sides of his head, pulled into a neat pony tail at the back.

Dorin, of course, made something of a meandering bee-line for the drinks. Alcohol had a way of loosening tongues and pocketbooks that was unparalleled in all the galaxy. He strode with purpose, head held high surveying the crowd around him. Not in a hurry to get anywhere, but not lazing about either. His head turned, as did those around him, to witness the arrival of a noble woman, escorted by....some mass of what might have been a dress tunic, Dorin wasn't sure. Nobility sure did dress funny these days, but then you wouldn't catch him saying that aloud. Dorin felt the hints of a grin creep into his features when he noticed the twin Vornskr trailing behind the noblewoman. Perhaps he was in good company after all. Either way, it was time to chase down a drink...

 

[nightimer]

Jegan departed from the Primarch's chambers immediately after receiving his Majesty's commands. He knew Lord Cluvius was a handful, but the grasp of the Kaikieli ruler was not to be second guessed and the Lord-Commander was needed elsewhere. The crowds had nearly doubled by the time the Elzeri reached the public halls of the Palace and with a few quick orders down his own chain of command, he ensured that [member="Archmage Madylina Isurius"] and [member="Duke Roman Cadriaan"] were under the watchful eyes of his Artirian Legion. [member="Prince Vayne Solidor"] and [member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"], however, would receive his direct attention.

The guardian's eyes scour the masses from behind the tinted visor of his armour as he weaves through them, enroute to the last reported locations of the Primarch's children. Just as a small crowd shuffles to the side to allow his passing, Jegan catches the sudden resurgence of [member="Vaulkhar"] in his peripheral vision and stops dead in his tracks. His head snaps to the side, assessing the suddenly visible and armed individual -- Force Dead, yet in the possession of lightsabers. The man did not match the description of a bounty hunter, but certainly some nobles have fancies for such items. Regardless, the situation required his immediate attention.

"Your weapons," Jegan's voice addresses the young Sith as he closes the distance, approaching him directly with his right hand rested casually on his own hilt ​"they are not permitted on the premises."

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar rolled his eyes as he moved through the crowd, feeling the man approach before he could even clear the gap between them. Even the simplest of evenings were filled with the most troublesome of scenarios for the young man.

I just can't catch a break, can I?

After Jegan spoke he continued on forward for a second, pretending he hadn't even heard the man. Though the hand upon the hilt of his saber caused a hint of concern within his mind. It was clear the individual in question was willing to be violent to ensure his demands were met. Unfortunate for the evening's affairs most likely. The half breed paused and turned to face Jegan, his brow perked. His body language spoke of a trained individual, poised to strike if need be, though his attention seemed elsewhere. The man who was so clearly blind peered about with a perked brow. His arms hung comfortably at his side, hovering a few inches from the saber hilts themselves, though his hands and fingers appeared relaxed.

"That's going to be a problem. I don't intend to give up my belongings," a hand moved from his side to scratch at the back of his head. Though the blind man appeared aloof by his face alone, it was evident he was far from it in the moment. Vaulkhar squared his soldiers before the hand scratching at the back of his head clicked a button. A small black visor stretched across his face from behind. At that his gaze finally stopped upon the man, his attention appearing locked on him as if he was fully able to see. However, that was far from what actually occurred. The device stretching across his gaze was currently collecting data and transmitting it to a droid currently in his ship. The assassin droid in question typed tirelessly at a terminal, speaking to the young man through a communications device located in the visor itself, hovering just over the ear.

"Collecting data on who is armed and who is not as we speak, Master Vaulkhar. An escape route is being mapped as well," the droid paused, a series of clicking noises could be heard by the half breed before it spoke once more. "It appears the heartbeats of several life forms surrounding you are elevating due to the exchange between the two of you. Expect the arrival of possible hostiles at a moments notice."

All the while Vaulkhar kept a calm smile tugging at his lips.

[member="Jegan Ekall"]

 

[nightimer]

No notable difficulty navigating the crowds and an apparent confidence in his ability to defend himself -- yet his eyes failed him. This combination only enforced the Lord-Commanders speculation that this enigmatic figure was not to be taken at face value. Despite this, his fingers remain relaxed as they rest on his saber. The body language was not a facade; Jegan was well aware that a fight in the Palace halls was far from ideal on any occasion, much less one of such importance to the Protectorate.

"Well, considering you've made it this far I am to expect you've been invited as a personal guest?" he had not been informed of such a guest and doubted as much. It was not an absurd thought, but [member="Vaulkhar"]'s questionable means of maneuvering through the Palace certainly didn't lean to its likelihood.

 

[Placeholder 0128]

Cedric did not like going anywhere without the Blade of Ruusan hanging from his belt, but politics often required one to embrace uncomfortable states of being. To travel without the ancient weapon left the Jedi Master feeling almost hollow, though he filled the void it left in his heart with the warmth of the light.

The New Republic needed to show support to its allies, and the handful of Jedi left in the galaxy needed to make a few more friends. Cedric viewed himself as a representative of both, though he had little intention of being particularly social this evening. The Jedi Guardian had come to the ball alone, and received more than a handful of odd looks for his attire.

He'd entered the premises clad in the traditional battle plate of his people, and had wrapped the dark robes of the Essonian Jedi Temple around the hard metal. His cowl remained drawn over his visage, and his features were further obscured by the emotionless mask of his past station as Archlord. It was his way to remain faceless: a servant to the people and the Jedi as a whole, and not a creature of his own selfish proclivities. It was the giving up of a personal identity in the name of eternal service, and the mask represented as much - he wouldn't remove it for a party.

Alone, Cedric Grayson watched as the nobles bickered and the more common folk gathered at the bar. Not for the first time, Cedric found himself wanting for the company of one of his old companions, and found the absence somewhat lonely despite the sea of people flowing around him. Pressing such thoughts into the back of his mind, the Jedi Master strode quietly along the edge of the ballroom, evidently content to simply observe the proceedings for the time being.

 

[Ashelia Solidor]

Going back home was never easy for her. Looking at Enfer was something that always gave her goosebumps, the palace reminded her of the life in court, a life that Ashelia despised. The nobles in Kaikielius had a thing, a game they called, something they learned from their neighbors in the Tapani Sector and perfected on their own, something that involved inductions, plots, schemes, backstabbing and murder, things that were all available if one desired to ascend in society. ‘Weed out the weak, keep the strong’ her mother once said about this game when she was young enough to start inquiring about this to others. After all, this planet had so many titles and ‘levels’ of nobility that one could not understand how civil wars were occurring between the nobles for control and more power. The game stopped them from doing that, for it was more fun to do those things instead of leading rebellions and planning major conquests.

As she entered the palace, after receiving a suspicious look coming from the gatekeeper, her mind was taken, reality was overthrown by the past, like she was opening a photo album from that same ball once again before her very eyes. New faces were associated with old ones, while old ones got even old, from the lowest aristocrats to the highest nobleman, she could see them all. Knights wearing the colors of their new or old families, chevaliers and dames well dressed, lords and ladies dancing and laughing in chambers around the palace, the Barons speaking loudly in some private area, gendry lurking around trying to fit in and reserve their own positions by pleasing the lordships they serve and the Dukes of the Nine Houses. Three of them, that she knew ever since a child, did not even cared to nod or look at her, for she was not dressed with anything that showed she belonged to the ‘old blood’ as they called themselves. With the exception of her pendant, the silver pendant of the coat of arms the Solidors had, the two snakes dancing like symbol displayed in every wall on that palace.

Ashelia could not blame them, dressed in long dark robes made of ankarax leather, the Solidor looked more like a Warden from the Enclave instead of a true noblewoman. As she walked through the great hall, her violet eyes saw so many people gathered there, she could see Marquis Ondore talking to some lords and ladies, the young knight that came to see her in the hangar alongside her sister. Her dreadful sister, a sight that made her turn her back before the demon princess saw her there and rushed to eat her before supper. As she turned, Ashelia saw the friendly bald head of [member="Jegan Ekall"], the Lord Commander of the Artirisian Legion speaking to a strange human male, someone that was clearly not from the Tapani Nobility. Or so she thought while gazing at @Vaulkhar.

Her eyes were actually noticing the strange presence of a human boy, with fiery red hair eating from one of the table. A boy (@Tulkas) with grumpy and cold eyes, dressed in a strange way, wearing noble silk but with no coat of arms visible. Slowly she began to walk back without looking to where she was going, eyes still seeing that boy right there, out of the blue, her feet stepped over a hard marble thing, one that she thought while turning to face it as she was falling over, that belonged to a statue, for it was tall as one.

“Who puts a statue in the middle of the hal...l…”, she stopped talking, her voice slowly fading away, for now she was looking up and noticing that it was not statue, but a strange alien in armor, almost as tall as a rancor and not any less dangerous as one. Ashelia never saw a rakatan in her life, she heard of them when a child but nothing that prepared her for when she gazed her eyes at [member="Namtaru Khaal"] for the first time in her life. As a kid, she was taught the Infinite Empire had died a long time ago.

 

[Vaulkhar]

"Hmm, an invitation," Vaulkhar dug into the bag hanging at his side for a moment before pulling out a small holo-device. He activated it and before the form of Jegan Ekall a familiar individual sparked within the holographic display. The Primarch himself appeared and seemed to offer the half breed before him a personal invitation along with a small speech, declaring he was excited to house the son of the Emperor of the Sith Empire and Arch-Prince of the Pacanth Reach during this celebration. At the small speech came to a close, the image of the invitation everyone else presented as well flashed, turning a full 360 degrees before flickering out and dispersing. He slipped it back into his bag before setting his gaze onto the Lord Commander with a faint shrug. "I think I'm a special case, guest of honor, whatever you deem to call it. I am here to discuss diplomatic relations, I mean no harm. I just did not deem it necessary to bring a defensive envoy to a party, so as I stated before... I will not be relinquished of my belongings."

He spread his hands and offered a shrug to the man before allowing his arms to fall back to the side. His gaze flickered to Ashelia as she passed, another individual strong with the force, though she carried herself differently than many of the folks within the ball. Interesting. He hummed faintly before turning away from the Lord Commander to set off into the masses once more though he paused and turned back to him. The visor he wore receded backwards and lowered back into his armor at the click of the small button on the back of his neck.

"Ah yes, it was suggested I seek out either the Primarch or one of his many heirs. Perhaps you can point me in the direction of one before I begin another fruitless search?" Vaulkhar's demeanor was relaxed now to an extent, a faint smile on his lips.

[member="Jegan Ekall"] | [member="Princess Ashelia Solidor"]

 

[nightimer]

​A Sith -- it made sense to him now. Jegan stares at [member="Vaulkhar"]'s invitation with an unenthused expression. It appeared to be legitimate. The Arch-Prince of the Sith Empire? It appeared [member="Primarch Iedolas"] had grand intentions for this formal gathering. "Well," his voice speaks up as the holographic display of the invitation vanishes and the Sith finishes his words "given the circumstances, your request is acknowledged and approved. I will ensure the Palace's security and my Ostirithine Guard are made aware. However," he removes his hand from the dangling saber, dropping it to his side to take his more natural postured stance "I will advise you to avoid the use of your cloaking device while within the Palace. You are a welcomed guest, and as such there is no need for its use."

 

[Vaulkhar]

"I'll keep that suggestion in mind," Vaulkhar offered a wink before turning to make his way through the crowd once more. His joyous demeanor quickly soured, even as he lifted another glass of generic liquor from a tray as it passed by him. He was for the most part annoyed he had to continue to search for someone of importance within this ball. Within itself, it was enjoyable. The music, the people, dancing, food, drink.... He could go on and on about all that was interesting about this gathering, though he wasn't here for a fun social event. Vaulkhar Zambrano was on official business and the longer it took the more difficult he found remaining in place to be. His gaze flickered from side to side as he sought out a force signature worth note. While many gathered were powerful, he wouldn't say any matched that of his own, let alone his father's. Picking out a nobleman in a crowd of nobles was bothersome as it was. And considering he didn't actually know what the Primarch looked like made it an even more challenging task.

He downed his third drink before setting it aside. The alcohol he'd chosen thus far weren't particularly strong drinks. They had a bit of a kick to them but nothing he couldn't shrug off.

[member="Jegan Ekall"] | [member="Princess Ashelia Solidor"] | [member="Primarch Iedolas"]

 

[King Iedolas Solidor]

(For: [member="Cai Kal Rus"] and [member="Tiali Orazio"])

Tall he was, elegantly he dressed to be among the nobility of Kaikielius and the Inner Rim. Corona was getting used to the lifestyle the nobles had, once he used to judge them and curse their names for they had it all, but now he understood how good that felt. To possess wealth, to hold such power and influence over others and even bend the law to do its own bidding, he was small in court, but he did not cared, he had time and will to ascend even more in that planet, as long as he did his job and buyed his time to outsmart his fellow nobles. ‘The Lapdog’ he was called for his ‘demeaning’ task as Guildmaster of the Dark Moon Club and sudden appointment as ‘lord’ of a small piece of land in the north of the planet, they thought he had to kiss some royal asses to get his title.

“There it is, the alien I was looking.”, he said out loud more to himself than to the alien, approaching the funny looking Pyke from behind, holding a gentle glass of champagne in his left hand, “You must be Cai Kal Rus, correct? I was looking all over the palace for you. Luckily for you I saw you talking to Sir Tiali Orazio over there.”, he started to talk a lot more, now that his job was to keep criminals happy and deep in the pockets of the club, to be used in some ‘missions’ by his boss. Or His Highness. “I’m Lord Corona Bartus Marian.”, his red hair falling around his eye covered the cybernetic he wore to cover the empty eye socket. “I’m pleased to see you got my invitation.”



(For: [member="Vorkaliin Barass"])

As he walked around, Halim nodded to many of his fellow. Some with more prestigious titles likes Dukes and Counts greeted him like a equal, all respected him not for his last name, ‘Ondore’, for he was Halim Ondore IV, a mere clone of the first, made to serve his elzeri master as he would not live for hundreds of years due to being half human and half vahla. There were not many ‘Marquis’ or ‘Marques’ as they were sometimes called around the planet, those titles were rarely given by the kings of old, since they meant the nobles did not had to pay any tribute for any of the higher nobles to keep his lands intact due to services provided for the crown.

“Excuse me, gentleman.”, his voice was the first sound he made, while his cane stumped in the floor echoing to attract the attention of the fellow Chistori in the room. He was the only one of his species in Enfer and probably in the whole system, for they were a race that had few mentions in the archives that the Rogue Jedi and the Tapani Kingdom had provided them long ago. He knew that, for he checked. “I’m Marquis Halim Ondore. His Majesty’s Steward.”, also called Vizir two generations ago, he almost said, “My lord, the Primarch asked me to personally discuss with you some of the glorious terms he came with your organization. If you may be so kind as to follow me.”, he said, lifting his arm and showing the way to a more private area of the great hall.



(For: [member="Prince Vayne Solidor"])

It was always good to leave Stormhold to come to Mensonge. His private ring city was a wonder, a space port, a merchant village and home for House Farrah, as one of the Barons, he could almost go everywhere he want it in the planet and it was a long time ago since he was summoned by the Solidors to come for such events. Not even a dinner party in the past three years was he invited to attend, or at least no one told him of such events, Ragez Farrah knew he was not the most pleasant elzeri to be around. He was fat, old, proud and rich, filthy rich for the shady deals he still had selling spice for so many small crime bosses, but no one had any need to known such things he did to pass away the time. As he walked, his eyes met with a strange and tall familiar face of the proud elzeri trait of House Solidor, with the beautiful face of Prince Vayne. He never met his mother, Ragez never knew for sure how many wives or affairs did Iedolas had in his life, but he knew that Vayne was half something. He just did not knew what it was.

“Your Royal Highness.”, Ragez said bowing to make a small reverence to the eldest son of House Solidor, his King has seventeen kids and he was not sure that he knew them all. But Vayne on the other hand was one that he knew pretty well. “Never imagined you were one to come for such events.”


(For: [member="Cedric Grayson"])

The Archigos in the Church of the Word was never dear among the nobles in those events. After all, he was but a half miraluka and half vahla noble that rose from the gutters in the Barrows to become the leader of the greatest religion in all the Inner Rim, Orlandi Calibrecca, was a mutant that knew his place in society. He had very weak eyes thanks to his father and had to use a brand in black glass to protect them from the light, walking through the nobles and visitors making them signs of blessings, dressing his white and grayish robes through the hall, carrying his long marble staff with the silver symbol of the Church in the top, walking around the area until he noticed a strange humanoid dressed with alien clothes in one of the most important and high events in all the planet.

“Nine Blessings, child.”, he said walking in front of that human, curious to what or who he was, reaching out his hand with rings to offer a blessing for the human. “I don't believe we met. It is quite the ball this one, but a human such as yourself is attracting quite the attention for yourself.", he said noticing how some elzeri and Arkanian royal Barons and rich bourgeois looked at him from far, it was quite rare too see humans in such events.


(For: [member="Vaulkhar"], [member="Jegan Ekall"], [member="Dorin Arkx"], @Tulkas)


After finishing his business in the private chamber not far from the great hall, Iedolas started to whisper orders as suggestions in the ears of his subjects. Never play a single role, his father said to him long ago, play as many roles as you can and if you can't, at least chose the rest of the cast to play them for you, for Primus was quite the player in those days on the 'little game' that was the daily life in court. In Kaikielius, for a monarch to stay in power and ensures his children would also ascend for the throne with his passing, he needed a lot of wisdom and wits to dance in politics with the other nobles, something his father understood well enough when they almost lost that position due to his grandfather, the late King Gerun of the Open Hand, famous for giving titles and lands to all those that pleased him well, to lend money and never collect that back. A elzeri that almost destroyed what the Solidors now held for six generations, much his father had to do to make sure the Sanctum would appoint him the new king, he had to sell offices and titles to half the Dukes to ensure votes, he made the second son of the Duke in House Kummar the new Archigos, ensured wealth and titles for the brilliant scientist heir and daughter of Duke Eddard Adasca all done in the name of his legacy and his ambition. Something he should understand pretty well for the little game he was playing in this hall, inviting a famous Jedi Master to join the celebrations at the same time a proud member of House Zambrano that ruled the Sith Empire, almost a invitation for carnage. One that if he was right in the information he had received this afternoon, was not that far from happening.

The symbol of House Solidor, that resembled like two snakes entangling themselves like so many people loved to say behind his back, was actually a idiosyncrasy. That symbol was chosen by the founding member of his House, a knight and chevalier called Sir Rasler Heios Solidor, a elzeri so devout to Tiamat, the Three Headed Dragon with two tails that he chose as his personal 'sigul' a symbol that resembled eternity in devotion entangling both tails of Tiamat to make a honorable crest for him as his kin. Some say the original word of his family were 'Out of night; comes light', something well intended about the great conquest his ancestor had enjoyed by butchering the Praji to extinction, but time changed that, perverting the words carved in stone to something more popular to the times they lived, 'From the night, comes the bite', although many of his ancestors left different words to follow, he would love to live something like 'To thine own self be true', but he was certain that they would say something more like, 'If aim to cheat the devil, must make him a offering', although that was something too long for them to remember and the thought of that made him smile as he approached Jegan from behind and whisper at his back with a calm tone of his voice.

"Lord Jegan... Have you checked on Tulkas already?", that lull natural tone his voice had in public places had many ways to be interpreted, especially if one knew when he was actually not calm at all. "I would suggest you do that, my lord and on your way... Make sure too check for weapons with a man walking around in armor and sharp look in his face called Dorin. Speak to him and find whatever you can about his intentions of working with us.", the man in question was someone he heard about possessing great skills. Such that would prove quite useful in the challenges ahead and what he had in mind for his apprentice, his dear and wild boy, and everyone who knew him well enough, if there was such person, knew he was not speaking about his son. "Escort that man to Prince Vayne and... find Tulkas.", saying the last two words looking the man in the eye as his smiled, nodded with his head and parted ways to who he was already watching closely since he arrived in the ball. The smile left his eyes as he noticed Vaulkhar Zambrano standing there alone, slowly he approached behind the Epichanhtix male, almost the same height as he was, perhaps one or two inches taller, but even so, Iedolas could see pretty well what he was looking with those gray eyes of his, his own face taken by what he was looking, or better yet, who he was looking with that blond pale hair and fair skin of hers. His lips did not smiled, for his visage was taken by curiosity while the mind thought and tried to forsee the possibilities that could come of this devious thought he had, only if he had the same gift as the [member="Archmage Madylina Isurius"] to see the future that the goddess Vahl could show to those that worship her, but he had only himself to ask for help in those cases.

"I must say... Is quite the taste you have, my lord.", his voice started in a low tone of voice out of his lips, now turning to a grin as he approached to face the male face to face. He knew very little of Vaulkhar and his history, he only knew what his spies in the PIB (Protectorate Intelligence Bureau) told him so and the ones he paid a lot of money in the Underworld to acquire information for him. "I'm flattered you accepted my invitation to attend this occasion in Enfer. My own masked balls pale in comparison to the one your Emperor had. not long ago.", he had no need to present himself, he could figure by the way he dressed who he was. No crown said that, but his robes were longer than the other nobles wore in court and seemed more 'royal'.

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar stopped mid step at the Primarch's approach, his gaze narrowing slightly as he peered off into nothing. He took a deep breath before he straightened and set his gaze on Iedolas. He scanned the man, finding his presence lacking entirely. The man left a near dead zone in the force which caused the hair's on the back of the young half breed's neck to rise in discomfort. It had been many years since he peered upon such a sight. Vaulkhar took a deep breath before rolling his shoulders into a shrug. There was nothing he could do except deal with the individual before him. The Primarch's interaction with Jegan meant little to him, as he expected such behavior from noble blood. The man reminded him somewhat of his father, not really in strength or in stature, more so the way he carried himself.

"I am unsure you know my taste, Primarch," he crossed his arms over his chest before setting his gaze roughly on the man's face. "However, I am glad to of been invited. It would not bode well for a Son of the Sith to refuse such an invitation. I am sure we have much to discuss in regards to the matter's of galactic politics," his gaze lazily drifted after the princess as she ran into the large armored form of Dorin.

[member="Primarch Iedolas"]

 

[Akabane Jarvik]

The princess brushed off his jesting, and Akabane formed a frown. Events like these appeared to be so serious. He wasn't a kid but he tended to stay out of things because it was boring. Conversing and drinking was fun but never when two nobles went at it. That could've been said for any two people who argued or discussed a serious topic though. In that case, he would still think the same. He somewhat felt like there was a time when he did participate in something important, or perhaps many times. Akabane had this happen regularly on multiple occasions. The actual memory always avoided entering his mind but he certainly felt like there was something hidden. Despite the seriousness of today's event Akabane would fulfill his duty as Luna's knight. She was cruel and evil, undeserving of his commitment but he signed up for it. Akabane greeted the guardian dragon respectfully with a bow.

As they walked to the party Akabane became confused because she told him not to be cocky. He laughed afterwards losing the baffled look. Clasping his hands together and resting them behind his back, he got close to Luna's ear. "I only show off for you, my love." He whispered those words and expected a nice reaction, but wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't one. She ignored his previous joke so he wouldn't be so ignorant to legitimately think she'd react. However... getting so close and talking in such a quiet voice should've thrown her off. Either way, he was letting her know he would behave. Talking to nobles didn't excite him one bit anyways, he'd be lucky if he could breathe properly after today. It just drained so much from him.

Akabane appeared to have caught a whiff of the princess's perfume when he tried to tease her. At first, he only enjoyed the fresh aroma. Then... he felt strange and Luna slowly started to resemble a goddess. He shook his head in attempt to see reality again, believing it to be a trick on his mind. The young man had never dealt with this before so he was slightly worried. Akabane wasn't sure what to do and honestly, he wanted to hug her. Deep breath. Deep breath Acting like a fool all of a sudden wouldn't end well for him. That was for a couple reasons but mainly due to the presence of dragons. He restrained himself until the very end.

While the princess did her thing - being a princess and stuff, Akabane was focused on keeping ahold of himself. The warm affection he had for her grew stronger and stronger. Losing himself now would especially cause problems. Focus. Focus. He had no idea what was happening to his body but the source of it was clear. Riding out this would probably be his most difficult battle. Akabane heard Luna speak to someone and he typically followed, but he kept looking at the floor. Hopefully the stuff would wear off soon or he'd have to run off.

[member="Princess Lunafreya Solidor"] | [member="Archmage Madylina Isurius"]

 

[nightimer]

Objective: Ensure there is no trouble, locate contacts.
Location: Palace of Enfer, Great Hall, Bar
Interacting With: [member="Dorin Arkx"] ​

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Jegan gave a subtle bow of his head at his Primarch's orders, his amber eyes glancing to the Sith one last time before turning to separate from the two. Unsurprisingly, the glimmer of light from mirror-like armour made Dorin the first target to catch Jegan's eye as he purposefully crossed the great hall. The Lord-Commander analyzed the brown-haired individual as he made his approach, taking note of it's ornate designs and near-pristine condition. The hunter's equipment was certainly nothing to scoff at, but it was his skill that would decide his value to the Protectorate.

"Dorin Arkx," he states confidently as he comes to a stop behind the force hunter's position, not expecting his arrival to have gone unnoticed "I am Lord-Commander Jegan Ekall of the Artirian Legion." The Elzeri's eyes make a quick glance to the man's drink, but he shows no change in expression.

 

[Kyyrk]

Dorin turned to the man, taking a final gulp of his drink before setting it down. [member="Jegan Ekall"] certainly looked impressive, but his appearance was soured slightly by the announcement of his title. Nothing good ever came from being told to speak with the general. "A pleasure to meet you, I suppose. Dorin, will do. There's no need to bring the good house of Arkx into our dealings."

Dorin folded his arms over his chest, now visibly looking the man up and down. "I suppose your superiors are too busy to speak with me in person? Or was I given an invitation to this gathering for your benefit alone?"

 

[nightimer]

Objective: Ensure there is no trouble, locate contacts.
Location: Palace of Enfer, Great Hall, Bar
Interacting With: [member="Dorin Arkx"] ​

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Jegan's jaw tightens at the man's words. Insolence. Such a tongue was not worthy of the presence of the Sanctum. "You are some form of hunter, 'Dorin'?" he asks with an unenthused tone, disregarding the questions that had been presented to him. Very few in the Protectorate were above the Lord-Commander; only the Noble Houses and the revered Sanctum itself. It was an honour for this outsider to be greeted by him directly, but Jegan found comfort knowing it would be Prince Vayne who'd have to bear a full conversation. The bald elf's eyes examine Dorin now that they're squared with eachother, taking in the details of the foreigner's strange armour. "I have been advised that you have the intention of working for our great Protectorate."

 

[4ND-R0]

The Rakatan soon felt a nudge into his titanic frame. He turned and faced the source of the bump. He soon saw a female of the elfin kind that seemed to saturate this world. He initially bared his teeth in annoyance, before noticing the Primarch's sigil on her wardrobe. Too casually dressed to be some sort of royal guard. A daughter? Every ruler has their progeny to eventually to supplant them.

"Princess, I pressume?" His demeanor relaxed some, "I seek your father. He is the one who summoned me here. I would very much like to know why."

The tone of his voice sounded slightly annoyed. Once more, his superiority complex came out. Any time away from consolidating a renewed Infinite Empire was time being wasted in his mind. He would not allow his people's legacy simply that of a great empire that fell and devolved to tribalistic savages. Yet again, these maggots could allow a form of power to allow these goals to move forward. Until now, he had been worming his way through the underworld. Very few leads, aside from a couple fanatics who sought to see his people at the helm of the galaxy once more.

"Unless you feel ypu are confident and knowledgeableto represent your Primarch's demands of me?" Orange, dark side filled eyes narrowed at the elf princess, as if to judge her.

[member="Princess Ashelia Solidor"]