First Order: A Rose In Her Hand

[Natasi Fortan]

"Actually," Sioux said. "I'm still pretty hungry. Shall we go into the dining room? I think I saw some go through there." She pointed in that direction and when it was all settled, the pair strolled over and were seated at a table. There seemed to be a fixed menu; they were offered the choice of meat, poultry, or fish. Sioux requested meat, because she liked meat, and soon they were dining on their first course, a soup. No, she amended herself once she put her spoon into the bowl, it was bisque. Lobster bisque, to be precise.

"Not to put too fine a point on this," Sioux said, licking the back of her spoon. "But I love lobster bisque. It's like -- it's like lobster, right? But you don't have to go to all the trouble of cracking that sucker open. Oh, that part is so gross. I can do without the more murdery parts of food consumption."

The PPS leaned back in her seat, resting her wrists on her table. "I didn't mean to come off as some sort of class-envying jerk before," she told Roderik.

[member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"]

 

[Ludolf Vaas]

Ludolf wouldn't have minded if the dance continued. It was a simple activity, though it required some of his concentration, and Ludolf relished the simple connection he felt with Marzena as the two glided around the dance floor, even though not a word was said between them. All communication done between the two of them happened in their eyes. When the dance ended, Ludolf let Marzena's hand down gently.

"I wouldn't protest," He said, also not minding Marzena's suggestion to go back to Skye either. Part of him yearned to experience those moments over again. In fact, he believed that their vacation to Skye was likely where their child was conceived. At least, the math seemed to add up.

The Field Marshal turned with Marzena and exited the dance floor, only seconds later being approached by [member="Sentiri"]. Vaas knew who she was, although he had never had the pleasure of actually meeting her until tonight. As a Chiss, Sentiri was easy to pick out from among a crowd in First Order space, a fact that was exceptionally evident tonight, as she seemed to be the only non-Human in attendance. The Chiss were viewed favorably by the First Order, mostly due to their long and storied history with the Galactic Empire of old.

"Deputy Director Sentiri, it's a pleasure," Ludolf said as he returned her bow with an incline of his own head. Then, he turned to [member="Marzena Choi"]. Not only did the two seem to already know each other, but he noticed the peculiar way in which Sentiri had addressed her. "Something I should know?" He asked, with a hint of amusement in his face.

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena smiled as she stepped off the dance floor, and she cast a glance over her shoulder at the other couples following suit. Her dance with [member="Ludolf Vaas"] had done wonders to improve her mood; she was almost beginning to forget that anyone had even mentioned the name Anna Yun. Almost. It felt like such a shame to leave the dance floor so early in the evening, but she aimed a sidelong glance at Ludolf... perhaps they would find their way back before the end of the night.

A flash of azure immediately caught her attention.

It wasn’t long before she realized that Deputy Director [member="Sentiri"] had just made her entrance. And what an entrance it was. Marzena watched her move through the sea of party guests. She doubted that Sentiri would notice, but she had attracted a number of approving looks – and not just because she was a Chiss, but because she looked fabulous. As Sentiri approached, Marzena took in the other woman’s appearance.

Sentiri’s hair was pulled back; much like it had been the day they met. This time, the Chiss wore a fashionable black dress, and it highlighted her trim figure very well. Marzena might have been a tiny bit envious of the Deputy Director’s small waist. Her eyes shifted down to see how Sentiri had completed her look – a pair of expensive heels. Marzena was nearly speechless.

She offered the woman a polite nod, and stood in stunned silence for a moment. Marzena waited until Sentiri and the Field Marshal had exchanged pleasantries before commenting.

“It is lovely to see you again, Deputy Director.” Marzena’s smile grew, “Of course, I approve. You look amazing!” She meant every word. Marzena offered Ludolf a small shrug and an enigmatic smile. “Oh, we’ve met before – that’s all.”

She sent a sly wink Sentiri’s way. It was a bit curious, the three of them standing there like they were. Marzena had a feeling that Sentiri knew things about her relationship with the Field Marshal. But she wouldn’t mention anything now, and though she would have loved to stay and chat, there was suddenly a more pressing issue at hand.

“If you two will excuse me for a moment,” She offered an apologetic smile, “I must run and powder my nose.” Marzena gave Ludolf’s hand a squeeze before letting go, and she paused before moving by Sentiri. “If I don’t catch you again before the end of the ball, I do hope you have a fantastic evening. And we must make plans to go out shopping again!”

Marzena then sped on her way towards the ladies room, thankful that there didn’t appear to be a line.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

While [member="Pierce Fortan III"] went on to offer the services and rooms of Chiltenham to [member="Darell Irani"] and Natasi to stay if they ever wanted to visit Galidraan -- since Herevan had been wrecked in the fire -- Natasi spotted a flash of color and movement and turned to see [member="Marzena Choi"] heading away from her group. Instinct took over. She swallowed and broke into the conversation to pull a kerchief from her decolletage, then used it to wipe an imaginary trace of her lipstick from her cousin's cheek. "I'm so sorry, Pierce, I seem to have smeared my lipstick on you. Oh, I am sorry, but I've got it all, see?" She held up her kerchief and then tucked it into her clutch handbag. "I'll just go and freshen up, shall I?"

She disengaged from the group, giving Irani's forearm a gentle squeeze just before she moved out of range. Natasi Fortan had said some things during her last encounter with Marzena Choi that she hadn't meant to say, and she had some things that in retrospect, she wished she had made more clear. Her heart thudded out of apprehension as she followed Marzena, and hesitated when she saw that the singer had darted into the ladies room. It seemed rather common to have some sort of an altercation in a restroom facility, but this was an opulent hotel, so the restroom facilities would probably be rather nice here, so it was worth a shot. She didn't even have a plan of attack, and was working off pure adrenaline as she pushed the door open, and walked over to the sink area, setting her clutch on the vanity and withdrawing a small makeup kit. While she waited for Marzena to emerge, the least she could do was touch up her makeup.

She started with her eyeliner, touching it up lightly. It hadn't come undone during the evening, but she noticed as she was looking in the mirror that the line thickness didn't match exactly, so she redid it as she waited for the singer. Natasi couldn't imagine that the woman would leave the room without washing up; it seemed the perfect place to ambush corner meet up with her.

 

[Ria Misrani]

Anna decided it would be best to try and get feel for the First Order, rather - her new audience. She purchased her ticket and left a sizeable donation, the pop star walked into the ball and sighed with some relief when [member="Marzena Choi"] was not spotted. No one here would know - or rather they shouldn't know who she is, at least, not yet tucking strands of loose hair behind her ears. She opted to head upstairs to gain a better, view. Taking a deep breath she recalled the conversation with Valessia Brentioch, Representative, Scion and something, something Order? First Order. Pursing her lips together the Seoularian waved to those who smiled at her.

No signs of her former friend turned rival. And then someone approached her, asking if she was Anna Yun if she had been part of Diva Machine a few, several years ago. She had, and so she signed the autograph. Anna quickly distanced herself walking around the upstairs balcony as it were, looking down she could see people dancing, the orchestra playing people at the bar, others were eating - but overall, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"I don't like to brag," said Pierce casually to [member="Darell Irani"] as he leaned forward. "But Chiltenham is lovely. It's set up in the mountains, so there's snow almost all year round. Lots of towers and spires things. You know, I was thinking of having the family Life Day there this year. It's an awfully long way to travel, admittedly, but by tradition we usually go to Herevan. I'm sure Natasi has told you all about Herevan. Anyway, Chiltenham is more than large enough for everyone, and there are stables and the lake freezes over nicely and there's usually a good bit of pheasant shooting that time of year."

His mind flashed back to his years growing up at Chiltenham, with his father as the Baron. For being in perpetual winter, he had nothing but warm memories there. The fireplaces in each room bathed the house in light and warmth. The castle wasn't the largest on all of Galidraan, but it had its charm. The winter garden was second only to Sterandel.

"Do you know if Herself," he hooked his thumb towards the direction in which Natasi walked off, "has made plans for Life Day this year? I'd hate to step on her toes. Or -- well -- yours, for that matter. Assuming you're the type."

 

[Ria Misrani]

[member="Matthias Hux"]

Aria was reading over a contract for her boss Ms. McBose when she heard someone say something, it wasn't until after he tried to correct himself that she heard him. "Mhmmm?" Lifting her gaze she turned to the man, "I'm sorry were you talking to me?" She asked him and then looked over her shoulder scanning the crowd for her brother and father, [member="Viktor DuSang"] and [member="Avicus DuSang"]. Looking back down at her tablet she closed it off and told the man, "excuse me." Aria headed toward her family and tucked her tablet under her arm. The song was changing and she quietly crossed the large ballroom. "Daddy," she says softly with a hand to his shoulder, "hello." She says to the woman and then turns her father, "daddy I bought you a raffle ticket, two I think." She opens her clutch and shows him, "and was Viktor dancing with the President of Commenor?"

Her brother sure had plenty of 'friends,' in high places, but then she supposed that's just from who he was and how he interacted with others. "Do you want me to leave them with Viktor? I might head home and try to get some work done." Once more, Aria was going to bail on any large social engagement - granted, she had taken her medication. So technically she was fine for a large event. Still, the inner worker bee was telling her to go home so she could sort through all the contracts.

 

[Quietus]

A grand thing indeed. To be certain, this form of gallantry had been lost on the woman in the past decade or so. Between the writhing corpse of the Galactic Republic and the ashes of the One Sith, Kuat had seen very little in the way of a proper overarching regime beyond what the Sovereign brought through her own rule. She'd played party to idiots and savages alike, neither of which left her feeling any small degree of economic, bureaucratic or intellectual satisfaction.

But the First Order? Frankly it was a breath of fresh air, though she could hardly speak for their own flavor of indoctrinated Force zealots. The Order of Ren outclassed the Jedi only in their choice of wardrobe and the Sith in their selection of etiquette if what her children had reported was true. Regardless of either, she couldn't personally subscribe to the tunnel-vision that was their creed.

Nobody, but nobody was perfect.

Not even Viktor DuSang, apparently. Green eyes surveyed the scene of the boy losing his dance partner after a particularly flamboyant display of power. Gifted, clearly, but still with much to learn.

"Can't imagine where he gets it from," her gaze cut back to Avicus, arching a brow at the man with some intrigue at the offer, "very well. Though I am..." a young woman approached Avicus from the side, calling him daddy. Lorelei's other brow lifted to join the first, "...out of practice. Hello."

Green eyes honed in on the young woman, unblinkingly scrutinizing. This was not a Maurow.

[member="Avicus DuSang"] [member="Aria DuSang"]

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Valessia looked into Sumiko's eyes and replied softly, "maybe, if you behave." She says teasingly and listens as Sumiko talks about the sentient sword known as Souldrinker. She laughs a little but her heart catches in her throat. Would it have been so terrible? Sumiko has ambitions, ambitions that Valessia delights in and wants to help Sumiko achieve. She swallows hard she agrees, "I know if I were stuck in a dusty old tomb for a thousand years, I might be worried about that, too." But with you, I wouldn't need to. She doesn't say it, not aloud anyway. Here she is at a ball, dancing with [member="Sumiko Tanaka"]. A woman who's faced more horrors, and has given out more than her share of it. A woman who doesn't do well with emotions, or even want to deal with them period.

And yet.

Something inside of Valessia tells her that this one, this one. Could be something more, happy endings are not meant for the villains, no. They're never supposed to get them, but would it be so terrible? So terrible if for once, if just once, they did. And so as they dance, the music plays on, slowly, as the diminuendo continues. "Then perhaps those expectations could be raised? After all, competition will make for the best." When the music comes to a close, she turns to the stage as an announcer comes up.


"And now, ladies and gentlemen it is time for the couples' dance. If all the couples will please proceed to the dance floor."

Valessia looks at Sumiko, holding her hand. Squeezing it gently as people move on and off the dance floor. They were a couple, right? Whatever that was supposed to mean in their world, on their terms. "Can we stay?" She asks softly, is it so terrible to want to be loved? To be wanted, to know that at the end of the day there is someone you can call your own? "Please?"

"The First Imperial Orchestra presents to you, Mister Laan Kenmen who will lead the Orchestra for tonight's couple dance. Following Mister Kenmen, will be Mister Noj N'Claughlim and his song, So Close - for the Emperor and Empress's Waltz."

​

"Good Evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am Laan Kenmen, and tonight I bring before you a beautiful orchestral suite which will be played for you tonight by your very own First Imperial Orchestra. Tonight's numbers are what I'd like to call Sweetheart Pieces, a collection of songs put together into a medley for you and your sweetheart, enjoy."

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

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Spoiler

OOC, grab your sweethearts, or grab a sweetheart and get onto the dance floor. If you want to. ​

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[member="Marzena Choi"] | [member="Sentiri"] | [member="Avicus DuSang"] | [member="Lorelei Darke"] | [member="Ludolf Vaas"] | [member="William Kerkov"] | [member="Roderik von Brinkerhoff"] | [member="Darell Irani"] | [member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Viktor DuSang"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Sioux Chambers"] | [member="Asharad Graush"] | [member="Sara Lee Jones"] | [member="Pierce Fortan III"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Horus"] | [member="Val Kordova"] | [member="Nils Brenner"] | [member="Cyrus Tregessar"] | [member="Cait Falcor"] | [member="Greta Kohler"] | [member="Zee"] | [member="Rolf Amsel"] | [member="Serah Oricion"] | [member="Charlotte Miraak"] | & everyone else here, apologies if I missed anyone.​

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[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena emerged from the stall, her dark eyes immediately catching sight of [member="Natasi Fortan"] standing in front of the mirror. Her lips parted in a silent gasp, her heels refused to take another step forward, frozen to the spot. She was shocked, and maybe even a little bit scared to be facing the Grand Moff again. Marzena could feel her heart pounding hard in her chest, and a wave of anxiety washed over her. Quickly, she turned her gaze towards her own reflection, and made a show of smoothing down the front of her dress. With her clutch tucked safely in the crook of her elbow, she approached the sink to wash her hands, avoiding Natasi’s eyes. But as she turned slightly to dry her hands, she chanced a small glance over her shoulder.

She did feel awful about their last conversation, especially since she had punctuated her points by bringing their friendship to an untimely end. But what could they possibly say to each other now?

Of course, there was an apology on the tip of her tongue, but her stubborn sense of pride kept it from escaping just yet. Marzena opened her clutch, pulled out her signature red lipstick, and dabbed a bit of color onto her lips. In the moments that passed, she had time to gather her thoughts and compose herself again. On the inside, she was shaking, and there was part of her that wanted to try to slip from the ladies room without a word to Natasi. However, that would have been terribly rude – and she really didn’t want to sink to that level.

With her makeup stowed away in her bag, she straightened up and turned slowly towards Natasi.

“Good evening, Grand Moff Fortan.” She spoke finally, bowing her head politely.

Her tone wasn’t cold, but it was quite formal, the kind she normally reserved for acquaintances. Slowly, she let her eyes meet Natasi’s gaze, for the first time in weeks.

In the background, she heard a voice coming over the speakers to announce a couples' dance. Marzena’s eyes shifted again in the direction of the door, an excuse to make a speedy exit – should she need one.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

"Good evening, Ms. Choi. I would be grateful," Natasi said, her voice crisp and chilly, like the air of a late-autumn Galidraani morning. "If you could indulge me for a moment. We both have people waiting and, I'm sure, wondering what's taking us so long." Though her tone was controlled, it was somewhat dull -- no, not dull. Businesslike. "I won't keep you longer than absolutely necessary." In all this time, she hadn't looked away from the mirror in which she was now carefully reapplying mascara. "Now. We both said things last time we crossed paths, in the heat of the moment. In the cool light of day -- I realized that I had failed to make myself absolutely clear. Not in the same way you did."

Natasi lowered her brush and studied her reflection in the mirror. The mascara was perfect now. She screwed the cap back on and tucked it back into her handbag before finally turning to face Ms. Choi. She studied her for a few moments, and when she spoke, her tone was again businesslike, her face entirely neutral, as if she were presenting a budget report to the Finance Committee. Her words were concise and took barely thirty seconds to spill out.

"You were hurt and angry. So was I. But -- not today, probably not tomorrow, but some day -- we will need to find a way to exist together. You said you have a future and I respect that. But so do I -- and a past. I was here before you, and unless I die, I'll be here when you're gone, and in the meantime, I have an empire to run. [member="Ludolf Vaas"] is crucial to the running of this empire. Our being able to work together is crucial to the survival of this nation." Natasi sighed quietly as she applied blusher to her pale cheeks, again turning back to the mirror to do so. "I wish you the best -- as hard as it may be to believe -- but frankly your happiness means very little to me compared to the agenda of the First Order. I can't have my best military commander distracted by a comparatively insignificant conflict. The First Order is bigger than you, or I, or Vaas. And what's more, Ludolf Vaas was at one point my closest friend and confidant. Things have changed between us since ... you ... but I fully intend to re-establish that camaraderie. So I suggest that we both start getting into a place where we can begin to see over the top of this thing between you and I."

[member="Marzena Choi"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

As the music stopped for the announcement, Kay stopped dancing. [member="Viktor DuSang"] had gone rather quiet. Perhaps he didn't like the answer that she had given him. Was he still attempting to court her? Oh she hoped not, for he was far too young. She was probably closer to his father's age than his.

Then the announcements came. A couple's dance? Oh boy. She didn't belong to anyone yet, nor was she even thinking about it. There was too much going on already in her life for her to have to worry about a romance that would more than likely put that someone in danger. So she just bowed her head and stepped off of the dance floor while others were heading onto it, weaving her way through them until she was safely away.

Perhaps some air would do her nicely. Kay walked over to the veranda and stood out on the balcony, overlooking the city while the music played behind her. Could she ever live here? No. The atmosphere, the way of life, was different than she was used to. But that didn't mean that she wouldn't visit from time to time.

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Sumiko's lips curled into a predatory smile. "Indeed. A competitive spirit between them is healthy, if it increases their utility to me." There was no love lost between Sumiko, Zyanya and Illyria. All three viewed the other two as means to an end, tools to accomplish their respective agendas. These tended to boil down to power, revenge and so on and so forth. Needless to say this arrangement possessed a certain degree of instability, but it was predictable. It also meant that Sumiko could forego pep talks.


"To us," she added, a bit more quietly. The music came to a close and the announcer stepped forward, proclaiming that now all the couples should take to the dancing floor. Sumiko stiffened a bit, experiencing a feeling of discomfort. She felt out of her element. Feelings were so messy. Especially if you were a Neutral Evil sociopath who played with evil Sith artefacts.


She felt like taking off and leaving. Since when did she care about feelings? They made you weak and easily exploited, for they represented leverage.
Then Valessia squeezed her hand and spoke. She could see longing in these eyes, and so Sumiko's decision was made. "Yes, we can stay for a bit. Would you care to dance with me?"

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"I would love to," Valessia replies as she slips her hand into Sumiko's and they find a place on the dance floor. The music begins to play and as it does her heart feels like it's going to burst so she won't admit that she loves this. Dancing with the woman who has made her heart feel again, a tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme... True as it can be. The lights on the dance floor were adjusted as the couples danced beautifully around it, just a little change small to say the least both a little scared, neither one prepared. There's a look in Valessia's eyes, as if for the first time in her life. She finally had someone to dance with for the couple's dance. Ever just the same, ever a surprise ever as before ever just as sure as the sun will rise. Tale as old as time, tune as old as song, bittersweet and strange finding you can change learning you were wrong. Of course in the world that Sumiko and Valessia have created, these heartfelt meanings did mean something else, but ... Would it be so terrible, if they had found comfort in one another? If at the end of the day the one they could turn to, to have and to hold - was each other? Certain as the sun, rising in the east tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, Beauty and the Beast. ([member="Sumiko Tanaka"])

---

---

---

[member="Rolf Amsel"] had asked for the Major's name, and so she obliged, "Leona Eldrel," she told him and smiled softly, "and you?" She asks him softly as they break in a dance or two. And then the music comes down slowly, and it was the couple's dance. Well, they had just met no need to make presumptions. "Ah, the couple's dance," the Major gives a wink to the man. "I'm afraid this is where our dancing time must end, but would you care for a drink or even a chair." Leona gestures to the tables.

At a table where Admiral Fiolette Yvarro and her daughter Lucy are sitting, Fio gave her daughter a look. "Go on, go find some desperate enlistee."

"Nah, it's okay," Lucy shook her head and kept her hands in her lap, "but one day."

"One day you'll be the dancing queen?" Fio teased with a look and Lucy flushed a few shades of red, "young and free, only seventeen."

"Mom," Lucy took a breath and looked over her shoulder and watched the couples on the dance floor. "Too bad you and daddy can't be out there, dancing."

Fio took a breath and looked at her oldest daughter. "Lucy, I-" And then there was a tap on her shoulder. There was a small audible gasp from Lucy, and it was now Fio's turn to flush a few different shades of red. Slowly she stood up, and looked at the man before her. "Josef?"

"One dance?" He asks, and Fio looks at her daughter as if she'd set the whole thing up. "I'll bring her back, Luce."

Lucy sighs happily and waves them off, as her mother and father take to the dance floor.

 

[Darth Caecus]

"Zee, you okay? Hey, Zee....."

"And now, ladies and gentlemen it is time for the couples' dance. If all the couples will please proceed to the dance floor."

It wasn't actually until that voice came booming over the loudspeaker that Zee shook her head, snapping out of it.

Her hand was shaking as she put her drink, still untasted, back on the bar. The petite blonde looked as though she'd seen a ghost- in fairness, she essentially had. Not only in Avicus himself, but in his remembrance of her. The ghost of Xyra Sizhran hung over her like a icy shadow.

"Cait we have to go. I'm sorry, I know I promised you, but- but I can't stay here. We have to go. Now."

While the only person who knew her was busy, Zee practically fled.

The weight of the past was too much. She wanted it too badly. But it also horrified her, that deep and pulsing desire.

She wanted to stay too badly. So leaving was the only option.

[member="Cait Falcor"]

 

[Marzena Vaas]

Marzena stood still, close enough to [member="Natasi Fortan"] to have a conversation, but a distance that still spoke to the strained status of their relationship. As she heard the Moff’s voice, cool and collected, she drew in a slow breath to steady herself. She watched silently as Natasi continued to touch up her makeup, even though her face already looked flawless. A hand rose to tuck a few strands of dark waves behind her ear, and she gave a tiny nod to signal that she would listen.

It was the least she could do.

She inched towards the sink; her hand fell gently onto the counter top, preparing for what was to come. For the moment, she remained silent, only listening as the Grand Moff spoke. Though Marzena had seen sides of Natasi that the public would never see, the woman standing before her now was very much the Grand Moff portrayed for them – strong, clear, and full of conviction. And as she stood there, she found her eyes flickering down towards her shoes. Marzena didn't want to admit it; she knew deep down that Natasi was right. Though, there were a few points that were like tiny needle pricks into her skin.

Of course, the conflict between the two had obviously taken a toll on the working relationship between the Grand Moff and the Field Marshal. But Marzena felt sadness inside to know that her presence had placed a wedge between the two, long before that emotional night. Neither one had ever mentioned their long history to Marzena – it was a very recent discovery. Her hand gripped the counter top, and she drew in a breath.

“I understand and I agree.” She said, looking up. “I know you and the Field Marshal must work together, and I don’t want to stand in your way.” Marzena refused to let her inner diva get the best of her tonight, and pressed her eyes shut for a moment. “It was never my intention to end your friendship with Ludolf,” She exhaled slowly, “And as for our friendship...” Her dark eyes looked intently at Natasi, softer now.

Marzena’s lips parted to continue, but closed abruptly as the door swung open behind her.

Two giggling ladies bustled quickly into the room, nearly pushing Marzena out of the way so they could have their turn at the mirror. The words felt stuck inside her throat, or maybe it was the fact that she was now on the edge of tears. Perhaps her apology would just have to wait. There was much more that she wanted to say, but it would be impossible now – with the two cackling hyenas next to her.

In the meantime, the Grand Moff and the Pop Star would just have to make it work.

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Sumiko was not a particularly emotional person. The Inquisition tended to burn the warm fuzzies out of you. It expected its acolytes to function and fulfil their duties with ruthless efficiency. Still, it had been a family of sorts, albeit a twisted one. Until Archangel destroyed it...though in a somewhat twisted way the Purge had also broken her chains and set her free. She held Naamah Aesham in disdain for her inability to build her own destiny and break free of the hold [member="Mirien Valdier"] had over her. Truly a pity. The girl had potential, but her own slave morality held her back.


Her hand slipped into Valessia's and they found a place on the dance floor. Just another couple among many, to all intents and purposes. The ice that encased her heart was not broken, but it melted a bit. Just for a few moments, she could allow herself to forgot power plays, desires for revenge and so on. Just for a short interval, she could feel something beyond that and focus solely upon the beautiful woman in her arms, even if she'd adamantly deny that she was being even remotely mushy and all that!

 

[Ophelia DuSang]

Seated in the back of her repulsorlimo, Ophelia retrieved a compact and lipstick from her clutch. Holding the mirror at a distance, her chin turned up and she painted her lips a shade of rich scarlet. The Rosamund Hotel was aglow at night. Lights streamed in through the lift’s tinted windows, aiding her in her application and illuminating her snowy complexion. She had left the privacy patrician between the driver's and passengers’ cabin down. The chauffeur glanced at his rearview, watching for a moment before he spoke, “I hope we haven’t arrived too late, my lady.”

The young countess pressed her lips together, returning her makeup to her purse before donning a gracious smile, “Terribly late, I’m afraid.” Her words were cool and casual with just a touch of cheer, “But it isn’t your fault, Giles. I tarried too long at that gallery.”

Before closing her clutch, Ophelia bent it toward the light and searched its contents until she saw the sheen of a credit chip. An hour prior, when she drifted from the canvas of a local impressionist and realized the time, she had decided that her unpunctuality was inconsequential. Her only imperative was placing a donation in the First Order’s capable hands. Everything else... well, would just be icing on the cake.

Ophelia was the daughter of an admiral. As such, she felt a sense of duty to support his administration and his politics. Her brother, too, had taken a position at the side of the First Order’s celebrated Grand Moff. Who will they have on their arms tonight? She wondered blithely. The men in her life were such notorious lady killers. In the figurative sense, at least. It was always critical to make that distinction when speaking of Sith. Her thoughts then turned to fair Aria. So lovely and so serious. Had she even made it to the ball? She hoped so as an evening out would do her wonders. Poor darling. Perpetually shackled to your work.


Giles stepped out of the limo and came around to open her door. The tall, lean man offered his hand to help her and she accepted it, “Thank you.” Her words were spoken through a winsome smile as she stood. The chauffeur stepped back and respectfully bowed.

“My pleasure." He replied, "Have a splendid evening.”

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There was a singularly soothing sensation when walking into an event. It was like moving through a dark night and into the glow of a bonfire. Hundreds of spirits were blooming in a room. The romance and intrigue. The mirth. The emotion. Ophelia paused atop the hall’s lazily sloped staircase and steadied herself on the railing as she allowed her mind to wade. Waves of energy from the ballroom. Molten gold poured over her heart chakra and she sighed. For an empath, it was enough to get drunk on.

To drown.

But now is not the time. Ophelia reminded herself, continuing her descent.I’m late enough as it is. Strolling to the registry table, she fished in her purse for her Dosuun-issued identification. While she offered it, she listened politely as the gentile staff pitched raffle tickets, “Yes, by all means…” She agreed, deciding to purchase three. An auspicious number. One for herself and her two siblings. Tucking her tickets away, she walked through the reception area and into the ball.


@Viktor DuSang | @Aria DuSang

 

[Ria Misrani]

"Oh, Phie's here," Aria said with a smile waving to her sister, "and I am so sorry, hi, I'm Aria DuSang - Avicus' daughter, oldest daughter anyway." She said to [member="Lorelei Darke"] and then her eyes looked at [member="Ophelia DuSang"]. "Excuse me, I'm gonna go say hi to Phie. When you see Viktor you can send him my way, daddy." Aria gave her dad a kiss on the cheek and a squeeze on his shoulders before vanishing into the crowd.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen it is time for the couples' dance. If all the couples will please proceed to the dance floor."

Aria sighed, she should've invited one of her two best friends with her so they could dance. Still, "Phie, hey how are you?" She's able to greet her sister, "glad you could make it, wasn't sure if you were going to be here, I just showed up but I think Viktor's been trying to schmooze Lady Kay over there." Aria who was mostly reserved, became rather chatty with her young sister whenever the two were able to get together. Their professional lives usually kept them apart these days.

 

[Ophelia DuSang]

Standing on the perimeter of the dance floor, five or six meters to the left of the door, a familiar presence caught her attention. Ophelia spun about and straightened, balancing on tiptoe at once point, before she saw her sister’s beautiful visage in the crowd. Aria. Thank the Gods. It was usually excruciatingly difficult to get the most reclusive of the DuSang clan to go anywhere. Seeing her there, a pearl in an ocean of strangers, was therefore an unparalleled delight.

Ophelia surveyed her situation. Everywhere she looked there were cherry cheeks and half-full tumblers. It was late and the libations had been flowing for hours. “Excuse me, monsieurs.” She passed between a pair of young uniformed officers who were chatting and chuckling over their drinks, “Pardon.” She spoke with a civil smile, attempting to navigate a path through a cluster of silver-haired well-to-dos. They were all talking at and over one another, scarcely aware of what their peers were saying at all.

Just as the couple’s dance was called, Ophelia had managed to make her way to the edge of the circles and cliques. As [member="Aria DuSang"] closed the distance between them, the younger sister moved to open her arms draw her in, but she unexpectedly had a lot to say. Phie's eyes went wide for a moment. She leaned back, smiled and listened. How are you… Glad you could make it… Viktor… Lady Kay…

Ophelia’s hand rested on her stomach. She felt as if she was swallowing a bout of cheerful laughter. It was so good to see Aria gabby that she just wanted to clap her hands and celebrate. Aria may have taken a good-hearted giggle the wrong way, though, and this side of her was something Phie certainly wanted to encourage. Biting her lower lip, she breathed and let the impulse pass.

“First things first…” She said, stepping in and wrapping her arms around her sister’s shoulders, “… Mmm, it is so good to see you.” She hushed against her ear, holding her warmly for a moment more before leaning back. The glow from her smile reached her eyes. She touched Aria’s pretty chin, “You are beautiful as ever.”

“I’m so sorry I’m late. No excuse for it.” Ophelia explained. She tucked her clutch beneath her arm, allowing her hands to be more expressive, “Now…” She began in a mischievous little whisper, “… who is schmoozing with whom?" Her brows were raised and her smile, impish, "Tell me everything.”