First Order: A Herevan Rose

[Valessia Brentioch]

The long and somewhat narrowed corridors, behind the concert hall led back to that door, the authorised personnel door. Where Valessia could once more enjoy the ball as an attendee and not the hostess. Passing by the dining room she smiled as people were being checked in, coats taken to the coat room the open bar opposite of the dining room would begin serving tea and desserts. Everything was running smoothly as far as she could see, holoscreens above displayed Mr. Laan Kenmen and the First Imperial Philharmonic Orchestra as they played into the next piece. Making her way through the crowd, Valessia climbed the grand staircase heading back for Colone Creed and her much overdue date with him. Thankfully, he understood the nature of her position and what it meant for her to host the evening's events.

It was just as she began to ascend the stairs that she heard the conductor. Turning there on the stairs, hand on the rails she watched.

"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have prepared for you a suite. A romantic suite for those of you who have brought someone special, or perhaps you've met someone special." Conductor Kenmen takes a moment to let the orchestra get ready. "And now ladies and gentlemen I present you an Avalonian Evening."

The couple's dance, Valessia with one hand grabbing her long flowing dress the other on the rail. Rushed up the staircase and to the balcony, there she found Creed sitting in the secluded area she had left him. "They're playing the couple's dance, c'mon." Extending her hand out to him, it was clear that if there was going to be at least one dance she would have tonight, it would be this one.

[member="Gunther Creed"]

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[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFSqCFAWC90[/media]​

 

[Mishel Kryze]

Mishel untangled herself from the other Rens, and looked at Sam. "If this is not proper 'dance,' then perhaps you should instruct me." It was one thing to tell the young Ren what was not something, and what was. It would be better to show her, "if this is not as you say, then you should show me."

At that moment, the screens changed and she saw a man, older - with thinning gray hair. "A romantic suite?" She blinked, "how does one pack romance?" It was a genuine question followed up by, "is an Avalonian Evening not an evening in Avalonia, the capital of Dosuun and of our Imperial Society?"

And then the music began to play and Mishel looked at [member="Samka Derith"]. "Perhaps Sister Ara and Kaalia shall make instruction as well?" As in, perhaps they too could show Mishel what a proper dance was.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

"She's the latest in our fold." Kaalia said to [member="Ara Ren"] as they made their way to [member="Mishel Ren"] and [member="Samka Derith"].The screen now displayed the conductor of the orchestra, introducing the couples dance as the romantic music started playing. Mishel's questions were quite amusing, and the redhead was tempted to try to answer them. She'd leave that to Samka though, the answers would undoubtedly lead to more questions. It was a rabbit hole that the woman didn't dare enter, especially with the alcohol flowing through her system. "I'm sorry Mishel," she then said, answering the question if she and Ara could show what 'proper' dancing was, "I am not a very skilled dancer myself. Ara could definitely show you however, I'm sure." The woman turned to her friend. "Right?"

"I still need to tell you something, and sooner rather than later." was whispered in Ara's ear right after, Kaalia's words carrying quite a bit of weight. It obviously bugged her, seemingly getting worse now that the couples in the room started dancing to the romantic music. "Preferrably before you start looking for a dance partner for me."

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Matsu Xiangu"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]​

​

If this was any other day he would have moderated his drink order.

Probably something light, maybe a bit sparkly, but not something that would really put him down on his ass. That just wasn't responsible and Darell Irani was a responsible man, was he not? At least these days, after everything that had happened. But today, the former Sith did not wish to be responsible.

He wanted to enjoy himself and so the CEO shrugged.

"I will have the same." Right after Xiangu, so a whiskey sour it was. Glass in hand he turned his back to the bar and let himself enjoy the bite of the drink, while studying the crowd. Fortan was a focal point in the bust and bustle, it made his expression turn downwards for a moment, before taking another sip.

"That is sweet of you to say." Took him some force of will to pull himself away from that view and returning to a more pleasant affair right next to him.

"But I think just Irajah has gotten the better of me." Light blues studied the doctor calmly, just a little grin tugging now again with the whiskey buzzing. "You look exceptional, I would have said something sooner, but I did not want to immediately intrude on your moment."

 

[Ara Zambrano]

Ara laughed as they were semi-dragged into the strange dance of the Zobra with [member="Mishel Ren"] and [member="Samka Derith"]. She hardly knew the steps, but could follow along with the best of them, watching to gauge [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]'s reactions.

When the music changed and Mishel began asking about proper dance instruction, the Disciple couldn't help the wicked grin that crossed her face. Her expression aimed at Kaalia didn't bode well for the nervous girl, an idea forming in Ara's mind. As her friend leaned in to whisper in her ear, Ara's expression fell to one of serious contemplation.

As much fun as it would be to convince Mishel and Kaalia to dance during the slow, romantic tune, her friend was obviously distraught. She nodded once, sharply to the redhead, turning and bowing politely to the other Ren.

"I'm afraid Kaalia is not feeling well, I'm going to take her upstairs to relax. But I promise we can continue your dance instruction some other time. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mishel, and to see you again, Samka."

With one more bow, she took her friend's arm and steered them away from the dance floor and out of the ballroom.

 

[Kuzo]

Irajah accepted her drink from the bartender with both hands, a little surprised by the sheer heft of the glass. The frozen concoction was offensively pink, and her grin widened as she nodded to the bartender.

With [member="Matsu Xiangu"] and [member="Darell Irani"] leaning against the bar, Irajah perched herself on a barstool between the two, her back to the gathering and facing the pair. She was about to take a sip of her drink, poking the umbrella out of the way with her pinky, when the compliment came from her newest acquaintance. She laughed, shaking her head, though by the crinkling at the corners of her eyes, she was clearly pleased.

"I feel like a child playing dress up compared to Matsu," she said with a chuckle, a sparkle in her eyes. "Usually I'm in lab coats, so this is a delightful change of pace- I don't get many chances to get dressed up, so thank you for letting me know that I'm doing something right. And I agree with Matsu, you cut a rather dashing figure."

She winked, still smiling as she finally took a sip of her drink. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. Sweet and tart, she didn't recognize the fruit the bartender had used, but it was delicious. Something in it fizzed on her tongue despite the heaviness of the cocktail.

"Mmmm..... oh, what is this called?" She asked, leaning over to catch the bartender's attention.

"You'll have to tell me," he said with a grin, pouring someone else's drink. "I just made it up."

"Matsu, Darell, you have to try this," she practically bubbled as she passed the glass to Irani. She waited, expression excited and expectant as she waited for him to taste what she was tasting.

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Alone at a party... don't be so silly. It's one thing to eat alone at home, another thing to eat out alone." He smiled lightly, almost like he held concern for [member="Lady Kay"], beyond not being shot or poisoned that was. Then the unfortunately small servings of food were served, and he took a bite of his own. Well, neither of them were choking, that was good. And the food was as well prepared as Kay had suggested it would be.

Still, he was more interested in what Kay was saying than the food itself. Leaving soon, as she felt out of place. He understood it of course, the woman had dealt with some horrid situations recently, even he himself couldn't imagine feeling at home, well, anywhere really. He put his fork down and wiped his mouth with a napkin before speaking. The least he could do was look professional. "Crazy? Hardly, you're a far cry from a mad queen. However if you need help to ease your stress, I can think of more than one way to handle it."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay didn't often eat out. Or let alone leave her home around a meal time. Meetings were always held within the Palace. Was it always that way? That was difficult to say. Her memory wasn't at all what it was. But some day, she'll get it all back.

She finished her portion and soon after, dessert, tea and coffee was served. Kay took the tea and had a sip. Oh it was good! Not quite like her Sapir tea, but it certainly did the trick.

[member="Valessia Brentioch"] 's voice was heard in and amongst the chatter. A couple's dance? Oh boy. She started on her dessert and looked up to [member="Darlyn Excron"] as he spoke of helping her to destress. "Oh yeah? And what ideas would that be?" She wasn't exactly confident in what he would propose. Most propose her having a fling for the evening. But that'd be as useless as getting drunk. She'd only feel like crap in the morning, not to mention cheap.

 

[Aran Piett]

"They aren't rumors, I was given the orders from Starfighter command just earlier today. I'm a little surprised that they didn't inform you first though."​

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Aran smiled, it was a little shocking to him that she only heard this as rumors, but then he wasn't in charge of Starfighter assignments to his ship. He had to wait for the higher up to assign them to him. So it wasn't a shock things hadn't trickled down to lower commands yet, but still she was a Squadron commander, so it was a bit off.​

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"For now I believe things are still in motion for the Accuser, as it is still in the process of being built. However with my promotion we will have a temporary duty to the Indomitable which is a Resurgent class, at least until the Accuser is finished."​

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[member="Sara Lee Jones"]​

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Darlyn chuckled a little bit and sat back, taking a cup of tea for himself. He'd never been one for coffee, too strong, and desserts only made him sick on flights. Tea though, he'd started to grow fond of. Not as much as a good night out at a cantina, but it worked well. "Well, that would depend. Are you opposed to sunlight, or physical activity?" He smiled kindly at her as he set the cup down, stretching out somewhat. [member="Lady Kay"] had to be well aware how strange it was for Darlyn to be seated as long as he had, the man was always doing something at the palace.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay started on her dessert. It was a cake of sorts, with many, many layers. Some were so thin that they were but a line. After the first bite she knew that it would be filling, even more so than the meal. It was sweet, but not overly so. The tea helped to combat it nicely.

She raised a brow at the mention of sunlight and physical activity. "No, not at all. I used to go for plenty of speederbike rides in the Twin Canyons. What is it exactly that you're suggesting?" It could be anything really. Swimming, going for a run, training. There were plenty of things that he could be suggesting. It was nice to see [member="Darlyn Excron"] settling into his role. Perhaps the responsibilities suited him and gave him more of a purpose in life.

 

[Sara Lee Jones]

[member="Aran Piett"]

command is...I guess slow then again they were probably getting ready for the ball as well, either way it'll be a honor to be part of the tie compliment of your ship I don't think I'd have it any other way

She said as she gave a smile, truly she had heard very little but that meant nothing, now knowing she'd be part of his ship brought...well least she thought it would be easier on her each time she got off a mission or such...being able to see him each time...

congratulations on that promotion by the way, and good thing to hear, I can not wait to see this accuser......I will not say who but rumors have come to me about it

 

[Matsu Xiangu]

She was glad for Irani. It was rare to see him hurt after a relationship. Well, to be fair there weren’t many serious relationships to see the aftermath of but regardless - that he had stopped to dedicate himself at all had been interesting, and watching it come apart had been painful from afar. Watching him get back to some semblance of his own self, even if there was a lapse or two whenever he had a reminder.

When Raj’s drink was offered for a taste, Matsu had to steel herself. The color was almost...unnatural. She imagined the irony might be funny to her enemies if they could hear her thoughts but it really looked like it might melt her insides to slop if she took a sip. But Dr. Ven didn’t seem to be suffering any ill-effects and so she took the glass after Irani handed it to her after his sampling.

It was good.

It stuck to her teeth and tongue, cloyingly sweet in the way that made one’s mouth feel numb. But the bite of booze came in afterwards to wash away the momentary flavor, a small reminder to be careful because something so tasty could easily sneak up.

“Delicious,” she decided, surprise and delight in her opinion. “I’ll have to get one of those next.” And that would be soon. The whiskey drained quickly, as it was wont to do in her hand during good conversation. It flowed freely between the three of them as they shared more pleasantries and then dove deeper, warmth settling in from drink and comfort.

“So Irani, obviously she’s exceedingly modest but Dr. Ven has a brilliant mind. I bet she could help you improve the bacta-delivery systems on some of your equipment. Not that it’s lacking, of course,” she mentioned with a grin, about to continue when what appeared to be an extremely drunk Epicanthix sidled up behind Irajah.

“Eeyyy, I’ve been watching you all night beautiful lady,” he slurred, apparently unaware ‘all night’ had been about two hours since the ball had started. Time had to be relative at that level of intoxication. “I need to know your name, gotta know it.”

Matsu pressed metal fingers to her mouth in an attempt to stop the laugh that threatened to bubble out of her at the man's attempts at being a lothario.

[member="Darell Irani"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]​

 

[Samka Derith]

[SIZE=11pt]At this, Sam smiled. “Gladly.” Not only had the humiliation stopped but she finally had the opportunity to dance for the first time tonight. She took Mishel’s hand so as not to lose the girl again and began to lead her to the ballroom, offering an understanding look at [member="Ara Ren"] and [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] as she did so.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“A pity, you’re welcome to join us whenever you please,” Sam nodded her head respectfully at Ara. “I hope you feel better soon, Kaalia Voldaren.” Were they in private, Samka would have had more words for the young women but with so many prying eyes around she left with just a few polite words.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“Now,” Sam began to explain as she pulled [member="Mishel Ren"] to the ball room. “As you have no experience, I shall take the lead. You need to have a firm but gentle grip and copy my movements.” Sam had been smiling this entire time actually. A rare earnest, enthusiastic smile which lit up her face. This wasn’t the sadistic pleasure she often took of inflicting pain nor egomania of proving her supremacy. It was simple joy at the opportunity to pursue one of her favourite hobbies just as anyone else may.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]“So like this, I put my hand on behind your back, resting on your shoulder blade, you see? Your hand goes on top of my shoulder, resting on my arm.” Sam snorted slightly, she was significantly smaller and the more dainty of the pair so it felt slightly silly for her to be taking the lead like this. She took a half-step closer to lessen the gap between the pair, “a ballroom dance has you follow the movement of my body, not just my hand. You have to feel where my torso goes,” Sam explained. “In this moment we are one and the same. One body and one movement.” She offered a reassuring smile, perhaps the first glimpse of kindness she’d shown this evening. “Don’t think too much and just go with the flow.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=11pt]It was only after they’d started, once they’d begun the steps that Sam noticed who else was dancing… and the choice of music. She let out a little groan and her lips thinned in irritation. She’d brought Mishel up to dance together… during the call for the couple’s dance. While her body was still instinctively moving to the rhythm, her eyes were skimming through the crowds for anyone she knew, anyone who might spot them and misunderstand just what she was doing with the newest, naive and slightly intoxicated member of their Order. Then her eyes flickered back to Mishel’s face. Well it wasn’t as though the girl looked like she was a vulnerable, vat grown teenager. To the unknowing eye, they could be any two people with nothing extraordinary about them. In fact, Sam remembered as a lock of blonde hair from her fringe was barely visible in her peripheral vision, she wasn’t even her as herself.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=11pt]So, she concluded, the misconstrued thoughts of the ignorant masses, the likes of which she’d probably never see again, were not going to stop her enjoying her first dance of the evening. Couple’s dance or not.[/SIZE]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

"Well, telling you would ruin the fun of surprises, wouldn't it?" He chuckled lightly and politely declined the dessert when it was offered again. No point in taking more than he knew he could take, given the length of their flight home. Even so, it'd be worse to take it and never eat, than it would be to simply decline. "I can assure you it will be quite relaxing. Assuming I have your permission to take care of setting it up for you. Shouldn't be more than a few days, and I know you have quite the open day, what is it, a week from now?" He smiled at [member="Lady Kay"], the sort of smile that indicated he fully intended to prepare it whether she outright agreed or not, at least to amuse the woman.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked. It was a surprise was it? She didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. But being her Head of Security, it was his job to make sure that she was safe, even when on a vacation of sorts.

She finished her breakfast and then settled back in her chair, nursing her tea in her hands. Another smirk was given as [member="Darlyn Excron"] pointed out that he knew her schedule. "As far as I know, I have the time to spare for myself. Whether or not it stays that way remains to be seen. But you certainly have me curious."

 

[Asharad Graush]

A'sharad received an impression from [member="Aria DuSang"] when he mentioned his Father, and the company that he was no running. The faint smile that were upon his lips broke apart to widen a little. So she was interested? At that moment, he planned to keep that in mind, though likely it'd be brought back to his attention before the night was through. He had an issue when it came to his memory, typically revolving around whether a subject or topic was important, and if it weren't, well, they were forgotten.

Like the face of the person he had killed to acquire the lightsabre that was currently on his face.

The short man? Was he shorter? Most certainly, he remembered their scuffle being quick, but that was relatively it. Regardless, that dead man's lightsabre was his now.

Back to her being interested, but before he could act on that point, she made mention of having a reason to live a life outside of the military. Immediately his mind went to the core, specifically to Koros Major and its Empress of [member="Lily Kuhn"], before he offered a casual shrug of his shoulders. "One day, I imagine, there will be someone - or thing to draw my mind from safeguarding the people within the borders of the First Order," he said with a smile before she went into depth on her apparent company.

Aria Insurance?

Well, it'd be difficult to not know who ran the place, especially if she looked like this.

"Health insurance?" He made a light inquiry, making a show of glancing to the cybernetic that had become his right arm. A clench of his fist, which would've brought about a flexing of his arm. Without his real, natural arm, it merely gave him the appearance of testing the metal, even if it was covered by the sleeve of his Army uniform.

There was a shrug of his broad shoulders. Of course he could've said something, anything to sway her opinion on trivial pursuits, as to how it was subjective to every person. Love? Could he even say he loved someone? A thing that's sole purpose was to slay the enemy of the Sith, the ancient Jedi? Instead, he offered nothing in response to her statement, or was it an inquiry?

"Would you consider this Ball a trivial pursuit?"

 

[Jairus Starvald]

[member="Matsu Xiangu"] | [member="Irajah Ven"]​

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The drink was pushed into his hands unceremoniously and he eyed it warily.

If it was not a liquid, but some kind of food, the former Sith probably would have poked at it with his finger. To see if it wasn't actually alive and gonna be twisting and turning inside his mouth. But by the looks of it Irajah wasn't gasping for air or dying from liquid lava, so there wasn't much else to do than take a sip. It's sweet taste threatened to overwhelm his taste buds, until the burn sizzled past his teeth and send a grin straight to his lips.

"Now this is something else." Irani mentioned, before passing along the glass to Xiangu and enjoying the after-burn in his mouth. "I, too, shall need one after this glass is empty."

Only moments later Darell eyed his glass which seemed to be way less full than he expected it to be.

But that was the way of things when you were having fun, when the alcohol flowed proudly and time folded into itself, making you think only five minutes passed... when in reality already two hours were gone into the wind. Perhaps it was a sign that they were having fun, but the warm feeling in his chest would probably have tipped him off on that regard regardless.

"Oh, reall-" Before Irani could say anything else, he was rudely interrupted by a very drunk individual. He exchanged a look with Matsu, the look, before grimacing in sympathetic pain and taking another last sip from his glass.

"Her name is Bethina d'La Croix." He piped up from behind his glass, face impassive and expression completely serious. "Fourth in line to the throne of Jaminere and you, my friend, are currently breathing into her personal space."

 

[Kuzo]

It was impossible to miss their wariness, but it didn't shrink the smile on her face. And as they shared what she had, if anything it brightened, and she actually laughed, a single clap of delight as the expressions on their faces changed from 'are you crazy?' to 'oh, I'll have one of those, too.'

The conversation flowed easily from there. Irajah was a social creature by nature, and the good company (perhaps helped by three of those nameless beverages) meant that the time positively flew past. She was happy to participate in the casual discussions, but also grinned and chuckled when [member="Matsu Xiangu"] and [member="Darell Irani"] casually traded friendly barbs. She recognized the vast ocean beneath the surface of their words, years of shared experience, even if she couldn't see into its depths.

Once or twice, in those moments, she felt a pang. Even the people who she was coming to know, to get close to, none of them had that depth of casual understanding. A history that lasted more than a scant few months. She had lost that, when she'd lost everything else. It hadn't hit home before, but watching them illuminated a hole that she had been comfortable to ignore.

It was in one of those heartbeats that the trio was intruded upon, and it took a moment for Irajah to blink fully out of it. Or, maybe it was the drinks.

"Me? I. Er-"

Flustered and taken by surprised by the sudden interaction, her face flushed and she would have continued to have a problem if Irani hadn't stepped so smoothly in.

She stifled a giggle, then immediately lifted her chin, trying her best to look haughty. Someone sober would have seen through it immediately. But fortunately, the Epicanthix was deeply inebriated in addition to being conditioned by the particular royalty of his own home world.

His eyes widened, and he bowed, a bit noodle-necked, almost hitting his head on the corner of the bar.

"My ap-apologies," he said, words a little slurred. "Your majesty."

Irajah almost lost it then. Her free hand went up to her mouth to physically stifle the laughter as he backed away. It wasn't until he had turned around (she could see how red his ears were) that she burst out laughing. She guffawed so hard that she actually had to lean against Matsu.

"D-Darell," she almost choked, her face red, finally finding the words. "Why in the Maw would you say that?" She paused, unable to contain the smile on her face.

"He's going to say something, and either to someone who will KNOW I'm not Ballerina La'whatever, or worse, to other people who will believe it- see? Look what you've done!"

She gestured, still laughing and obviously not actually angry, at the Epicanthix who had returned to his group and was gesturing in the trio's direction.

"We are about to be positively inundated with drunk," she paused, taking a moment to clearly enunciate her words, " - drunk and unreasonably tall men who think I am royalty and I do not think I will be able to keep a straight face."

She tried to give him a stern look- the illusion was ruined by the fact that she couldn't really stop laughing.

"There is nothing else for it, we shall have to flee into the night to avoid such a fate."

 

[Zeradias Mant]

Special Forces was a fitting department to be in for the sergeant. The man always had a knack for tact efficiency on the field and a lethal reputation. Sig might have to augment himself onto one of his operations, and conversely, he might have to have Kad join him on a sting or two. He nodded in acknowledgement as Forgrin spoke.

As the crowds began to thin, he took a sip of his drink before pushing himself off the bar as if he was about to join them. After a brief moment of contemplation, he leaned his back against the bar.

"How you want to play this? Find some ladies, kark around with some officers? Maybe jack some junior enlisted's seats?"

[member="Kad Forgrin"]​