Floating Peace

[Ahron Rol]

Ahron Rol furrowed her brow, looking a little frustrated. Then she looked down at her hands. "Blaster metaphor. Tool is only good at one thing. Is the Battlefield the only place you think that. Community and Society create the citizen they want. Warriors are weapons, but not all weapons are warriors. Are you capable of doing something that is not associated with battle..." She said, counting off each summarized phrase on one hand. Then she looked at her other hand.

"I do not think I am, there for I am not. Those who think they are, have no honour. Life is a battle." She said snorting. It was more of a nasal annoyed huff than anything. "Part of me thinks there is a language barrier here," She sighed, looking at Thandra. "The point of what I said, if you boil it all down, is a Warrior is more than a weapon, because a Warrior has passions, and talents, and other such things, that do not focus on just fighting. Hence my offer to sit down and stop being prepared for battle," She chuckled. "And a Warrior can also note that there are more battles than just battles of the physical being," She smiled, taking her bottle from her belt and dropping a tablet into her muzzle.

"A battle of word and wit can be just as deadly, as a battle of flesh and steel. You seem to think my words imply battle is a bad thing. They do not. They simply imply there is other things outside of it, that are just as meaningful," She said softly. "Of course, if you wish to, you can say everyone is a warrior. A farmer is a warrior, as they battle with the soil and nature itself to get it to grow food for them. A wood worker is a warrior, as they battle with a piece of wood to create a piece of furniture. A poet is a Warrior, who battles with words and emotions themselves to have them elicit a feeling from the listener," She said, scratching her neck.

"Of course, we, are also in battle. A battle of ideas. A similar battle of words, our arguments our sword and armour, and our skill in how we deploy them being the true point of victory, defeat, or stalemate," Ahron offered, leaning on the tree, her tail swaying behind her as her body seemed to release a level of tension it had grown over time. "We know a good politician from a bad one, as they do not need to ever lift a weapon against their opponent, and yet they battle for the very future of those they wish to represent, or control. All those people battle for notoriety, as to them, the one with the most money and influence has the most honour and power," She said, pointing towards the ballroom.

"So, if everyone is a warrior, no matter how they react to the act of physical combat as some may jump into it without a problem, and others may freeze in terror, soiling themselves at the prospect of death," Ahron asked, also looking up towards the sky. "Is what you say a fact of life, or a fact of culture, or just easy words that are difficult to refute as they rely on personal teachings and belief mechanisms, which are instilled through, yes, personal experince, but primarily hammered in by the setting you grow into. I could also explain how you were made a warrior in much the same way a boy can turn into a thief, and how calling him a dishonourable curr would be not only cruel, but hypocritical."

 

[Chikako Liona]

​

Objective: Relax and possible meet people
Tags: TBA

War, it had been quite talk lately, the CIS seemingly intervening in many far away conflicts for different reasons, some she was in favor of like the liberation of Eshan from Mando rule, other more 'recent ones' she was skeptical of. Regardless anyone could agree that putting aside ones arms and some sort of relaxing was long overdue. Even if she personally had not been present at these battles she was at the aftermaths, her plant offering aid to those in need and homes for those wanting to leave their war torn planets, even if it was just temporary.

So, it was quite the welcome experience to be invited for a ball and not regular Viceroy duties, war counties or other relief work, not to say she was trying to skip out on such matters, but to most other political leader Chikako was still a child. It would be cruel to expect someone as young as her to constantly be on the job, no? Regardless she was here now, though judging from the state of people around and the food table ways away the party had been going for some time, just another of her fancy late acts.... okay maybe not so.

still there seemed to be plenty to do, the young princess stepping into the well lit and decorated room, her usual attire present, the long white dress just reaching above her ankles accompanied by the stylish blue corset on her upper figure, below long gloves ornate with sapphires and other small tassel like extras. Now, she just needed to find someone interest in talking, perhaps another political figure from elsewhere in the galaxy or travelers for which to swap stories with, she was still quite new to social events like this.

 

[Tanith Alde]

This matter was quickly turning into one of philosophies and ideologies. Thedra had fallen out of favor with the Prophets of her homeworld do to such things, even if she wasn't quite willing to admit fault for that one. In her view, she'd been lied to about the purpose of warfare. About how it paved the way to divinity through battle. So she'd had to build her own philosophy about it. Without that, how exactly what she meant to live with herself ? Without a purpose to it, it all became so much meaningless slaughter. No, glory and honor were very real concepts to the Xanti. Battle could be it's own purpose, because without it, who was she really?

"You may think differently than I on this..." She began, willing to concede at least that much. "But I do not see your problem with battle lies. Why cannot a warrior exist for battle? Why must I do something aside from it? Would you go to the painter and ask him to build you a house? Would you ask the Durasteelworker to cook you a meal? Would you ask the chef to make you a weapon? No, You would not. Battle is a form of art. Combat a way to express yourself through the purity of form, and to prove your convictions through it. Battle has meaning to me, is that not enough"

She asked, finally turning her attention back to [member="Ahron Rol"]

"There are many things to do outside of battle, but they are not for me. If I felt the call to write, I would write. If I felt the call to create, I would do so. I do not. I am who I am, and I am satisfied with that. I long for little more."

Even if she might not have found her place in the Galaxy after her exile from Xantos, At least she'd long ago found herself. And that was perhaps just as important.

 

[Calixte Diantha]

Location: Ballroom proper
Wearing: Dress
Company: [member="Caesar Kenway"]

------------------------------------------------------------

At first it had seemed like a mistake to venture away from her had-been perch in order to make her way downstairs. The wait staff were all mulling about, busy now, and Calixte had yet to catch one of them to get a refill for her glass. Not that it really bothered her, she could always meander her way over to the bar and get something from there, but she wasn’t particularly feeling that adventurous just yet. A fact which may or may not have paid off. The redhead had shifted herself to get another casual glance around the room, and when she did she found herself being beckoned.

For a mere moment Cali had debated with herself whether or not to appear as if she had missed the gesture, though she was quite aware of how rude that would be, and even she had no desire to step on toes or egos tonight. With that in mind, her body shifted about the rest of the way so that she could walk the paces back towards the base of the stairs, though she wore what could almost be considered a suspicious smile as she approached.

“Minister Kenway,” she greeted him casually enough, though Calixte would be the first to admit that, that was about the extent of what she knew of him. The redhead had always had a disinterest in politics, and therefore hadn’t bothered to follow them, save for the whole who is who of it all. “You look very much so in place among the glitz and glamor this evening,” It was a compliment just as much as it was a statement. “Was there something I could assist you with?” There were plenty of bodies in the room after all, so curiosity as to why she had been beckoned to him had naturally welled.

 

[Ahron Rol]

Ahron laughed, audibly at this. "And I!" She giggled, note clutching her sides "Am asking you to relax! Not bake a cake or write me a sonnet! Sit! So being so uptight! By the force itself if anyone needs drugs to relax it's you!" She laughed, and laughed, sitting down next to the tree again. "A task any creature in this universe can do. That is what started this while conversation! Stop being so alert, and... Suspicious! The world is not always trying to kill you, you know."

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

Wearing: xxx

w. [member="Naedira Darcrath"]​

---

​

---

​

Gerwald was silent as two fingers pressed against the back of his hand. The gentle touch contrasted the violent flashes of memory which dropped into Gerwald's mind. Eshan had been exactly what Naedira had suggested, and even more. Still the memories did not phase him. All it served was to reinforce all the reasons why Gerwald believed he should have been there. Certainly Nae would have known that her efforts would not have swayed Ger's opinion. If he was anything, Gerwald was stubborn. The giant wolf man was consistent in one trait at east, even if it was one of his worst qualities. It was not until he saw the images of children clinging to their parents that Gerwald seemed to flinch. The pups were too young to have lost them, and he hoped there were efforts to help them. One single tear fell, but that was all, it was enough to show that Gerwald felt deeper than he let on.

"It is part of the job, but not all of us handle it the same. If you need someone to talk to, or if you just need company you can rely on me."

There was not much Gerwald would not do for his friends or family. Naedira was close because of the battle meld. Whether that was an unintended side effect or she knew it would happen, Naedira was as close to him as any he would consider to be family. It was an odd bond that Gerwald didn't know what to do with, but he was happy for her friendship nonetheless.

He smirked when she called him a thief and told him that he owed her one. It was silly, but Gerwald offered a small wink.

"I could say this is what you get for bringing a large man a girly drink. If you had been on Stewjon then you should have known I could never drink that."

Of course there was a great amount of jest and sarcasm in his voice. Gerwald was never one to back down from teasing his friends either. He certainly did appreciate the fact she let him keep the whiskey, however she did not have to. Gerwald enjoyed his mead, but he could not remember the last time he had actually spent any time near a bar or public house. This was likely a good thing that Nae had convinced him to get out of his bubble even if did not want to admit it. Alwine had been the same, dragging him places until the day he found out about Madalena. It was all complicated, and while Alwine tried to understand, she had not experienced it specifically. Naedira had. First there had been her husband, and more recently the missing Viceroy. Once again his world was leaderless. Perhaps it was time for Ger to like suits.

"I do not intend to carry anyone else's pain, Nae. You and I both know that I am not that kind of person. Any weight I carry is mine, whether I should keep it or not. I just really do not know what to make of everything for now. Maybe we will talk about it soon, but as long as she is here, it is best to leave the subject alone."

Ger simply nodded when Nae suggested that they could dance if wanted. She eventually placed the glass down and slid into his arms. They naturally fell into place one in her hand and the other along her back as close to her waist as he could manage comfortably. He simply stood for a moment listening to the rhythm before his feet began to carry them away with the sound of the music.

"We don't need whiskey to face the crowd, just good dance partners. You certainly are the most stunning woman here tonight. We would have everyone's attention. Perhaps the next song and next dance we should show them why every good warrior should also learn to dance."

As the music raised to a crescendo, Ger dipped Naedira, then raised her up again as the song came to a close. His eyes met hers with a soft smile on his face. SO he could dance better than he would ever admit.

 

[Pom Stych Tivé]

Location: Ballroom
Tags: Azura



Drink in hand, the Sorceress glanced around the room and headed for another table. She suddenly found her’s unappealing.

“Really! No flowers?!” she snapped within earshot of the closest waitstaff.

She saw someone who seemed as entertained as herself, [member=Azura].

“Isn’t it stuffy in here? Look at them all,” she commented about no one that she knows in particular, twirling around on the dance floor. “Either they are the best of friends or just strangers preparing to share a plate of waffles tomorrow morning. I am neither of those types!" Of course!

“I found my date for the evening,” she said standing near the new face, while Pomsty held up and eyed closely her champagne glass. “It’ll be a slow death, much like love often is, but I am determined to make it work.”

Drinks therefore, being that is all she is permitted to ingest tonight, shall indeed be had!

"Wait staff!" she beckoned that another drink be placed in her hand.

 

[Prennis Keeoli]

{ Equipment: Dress, pager, holographic disguise matrix (hidden) }

{ Objective: Mingle / keep an ear open / standby medical care ​

Keep self together }​

{ Tag: [member="Voph"] }​

Open to Interact!​

~ † ~​

Prennis stepped back with a saddened sigh. "After Mercy, I was glad it was over," she began. "But I suppose your line of duty extends past Commenor." She offered a small smile. "You are a good protector and I'm glad both you and the Exarch are relatively well."

Suddenly, upon mention of her old Order, her face fell, if only momentarily. She recovered rather quickly, trying no to appear as pained as she was as guilt bubbled up from where she had hidden it deep inside her. The nurse cleared her throat before answering, "Something like that, yes." Now, what specifically had brought her to Confederate space? She stood there for was seemed like an eternity, trying to remember through the haze that was currently threatening her mind, looking blankly at Voph. "Um..." She was about to admit her forgetfulness, but then she remembered. "The Silver Jedi offered me a medical apprenticeship. I would be able to finish my masters' under their supervision, maybe faster than I otherwise would."

And then Prenn glanced again around the room. "That it is. Very much so..." Looking to the gathered crowds hadn't been such a good idea; she had thought averting her gaze might help, but it only stoked her anxiety. She trailed off to feel her heart beating harshly against her chest. "I'm...sorry. Excuse me."

With that, she began to walk away. Weaving behind a nearby group, she disappeared in the direction of the botanical wing.

 

[Kyyrk]

Location: Entering the Ballroom
Wearing: Voph's Admiral Armor, Ring of Blades, Cloak of Eshan
Tags: [member="Prennis Keeoli"]

Voph's brow furrowed as Prenn began drifting off. First Order. She hadn't liked it when he said that. Probably some past trauma with them, if he had to guess. And he didn't want to think on the implications of that. As she excused herself, Voph turned, and set his glass down on a passing tray, before moving to follow Prenn. For such a large individual, he moved through the crowds with ease, locked on to the woman's signature in the force. Mentally, he was cursing himself for having caused this kind of reaction in her. But how could he have known? He couldn't have. Didn't make him feel any better.

As he drew near the fleeing woman, he placed an arm on her shoulder, gently. Not trying to guide her anywhere, just a reminder that he was there. "Breathe. Just breathe." Voph spoke in a low tone, his head bowed to be nearer her ear. "You're safe. You're with friends. You're going to be ok." While Voph may not have seemed to posses the most caring demeanor, his concern was...genuine. Voph only attempted to guide her as they neared a place to take a seat, away from the prying eyes of the other guests. "Here, sit down a moment. Deep breaths..."

He never did like dealing with PTSD. His, or anyone else's. But he was all too familiar with what Prenn was likely going through at that moment. He could sense her anxiety clear as day. "I'm...sorry, I did not realize that would cause such a reaction." Voph looked at Prenn, his brow tightly knit together. His mouth opened as if to say something, but he paused. She wasn't a soldier. He didn't know how to comfort someone like her. "I..." He started, then shook his head. "What do you need? What can I do to help?"

 

[Kaili Talith]

[member="Runi Verin"] // [member="Quintus Kuat"] // [member="Kirat Raithe"]
[member="Daerian Kent"] // [member="Darth Metus"]​

There was an influx of sounds, smells, and sights all around her. If Kaili closed her eyes she could hear the way people whispered to each other and got quiet as she passed them by. A lot of the whispers seemed to be about Kuat and Eshan as well as some of the more recent developments in the Confederacy. The name Verin dripped from the tongue of the occasional would-be courtier with an equally curious and indignant undertone that made their station all the more evident. No doubt some of these ‘would-be courtiers’ had considered themselves or someone close to them ‘should-be CEOs’ too.

The further away from the back Kaili got, the more of the room she could see. Some were taking up firm spots in the center, others clung to the walls with a solid grip on the railing, although most kept themselves in the ever desired middle ground. Large parts of the crowd seemed to glance away at the arrival of the Vicelord. Kaili gave the man a quick glance before she shook her head and pushed on towards her target.

Runi Verin was not a hard woman to spot. From the way everyone seemed to look at her to the fact that they shared an unseen bond. Her presence was hard to deny, and without much effort Kaili found herself looking at someone in a dress, work boots, and with a belt to match. While Kaili found herself somewhat unsurprised at the sight she was still taken aback, even if only to admire the ‘integrity’ of her friend. Yet as Kaili was on the approach she quickly found out she was not the only one heading straight for the newly appointed KDY CEO.

Three people, two of which wore suits. Board members? It didn’t matter, the bigger surprise was the Vicelord himself though Kaili took that one to be a courtesy more than anything; a greeting to a guest of honor given the Confederacy’s interest in Kuat as of late. No, intruding upon the conversation at this point would have been rude. She circled the outskirts of their talk to find a better, if not more appropriate opportunity to strike.

At the off-chance of catching Verin’s attention she smirked at the woman while giving her a small salute much like the one that Virou would have given her. Index finger and long finger to her temple, fired off like a gun towards Verin before she continued on her way towards the bar.

 

[Talon Rahl]

The ballroom was filled with people Talon should have known, vague faces, every so often he thought he caught a glimpse of a faded memory fleeting as the thought entered his mind. He had hoped at last one person would have sparked an emotion or even a feeling. Now he was just a face in the crowd.


The battle was over and he had absolutely no recollection it ever took place, factually the last five years have been completely wiped from memory to the day he first joined the confederacy. At one point he could have known everyone here, now they are a mystery to him. A server droid came to offer him a drink,Talon politely declined.


He was dressed for the occasion, black leathers, with a collared shirt, a designer leather jacket. He preferred the button up type, he always thought zippers were tacky, and snakeskin shoes. A brand new haircut, freshly styled, he always made sure he more than presentable.


From his persona most thought he was Jedi Knight,he had the morals of a jedi, but down to the core he went dark through trials and disagreements with the order itself and its self righteous hypocrisy. There was a time he would have followed the code to a tee, down in his soul he felt they have failed him, the knowledge he had learned over all the ordeals had only made him stronger, still not even a glimpse of a memory.He felt something what it was he had no idea, he paid little attention until it became wave of awareness he could not deny.A feeling he knew someone.

 

[Ciri Jade]

​

Location: Entering the ballroom - Upper balcony​

Attire: This​

Objective: Relax and mingle​

Tags: TBD​

​

The atmosphere within the ballroom was unlike the usual events she had attended back home. This was something much more refined to say the least. To say that the Confederacy knew how to put something like this together would be an understatement. For once, she had left her encrypted datapad behind and chose a more fitting outfit instead of her usual casual style, it felt only right to dress for the occasion. However, the support being shown for Kuat took her interest. Thoughts of allocating some of her own credits towards the restoration effort crossed her mind.

As a serving droid passed, Ciri took a glass as one was offered. Surely the selection here would be of decent quality compared to certain cantinas. Moving through the room, her eyes glanced about at those who were present. Taking time to enjoy her drink, the slicer took in the atmosphere, keeping an eye on the executive types though it was a force of habit.

Leaning against a railing overlooking the dance floor, she kept her weight balanced observing the dancing below.

"Looks like fun."

 

[ToKola Bakari]

​

As Madalena spoke to Cardinal in that low purr, he could not help but smile at the woman's words. He leaned forward, pressing his lips to her cheek before whispering into the woman's ear. The words were for Madalena and Madalena alone. A low sultry tone that told the tale of future ambitions. Once he had spoken, he would kiss her cheek, albeit softer than the moment before. As Madalena asked Cardinal to dance with her, he paused to eye the room before him.

The man took Madalena's hands, pressing his lips to her hands as he gave her a nod.

"Then we'll dance." He promised as he led Madalena to a nearby table. Cardinal toyed with the buttons on his blazer, unfastening them and pulling the blazer from his back. As Cardinal laid the blazer on the back of the chair, Cardinal pulled Madalena close to him. His hand rested on the small of her back as he looked into her eyes for a fleeting moment. "I'm ready to leave." He said in a soft tone, though he did not speak with malice or even speaking about their current situation.

"I almost lost you...I'm eager for some more time alone." He admitted as he led Madalena to the dance floor. "Soon."

[member="Madalena Antares"]

 

[Madalena Antares]

Location: Ballroom
Wearing: This
Tags: [member="Cardinal Vi'dreya"]

Every time he touched her, Madalena thought her body would burn from within. There was a freedom she had gained in her new body, one that was not there before, a freedom to love him, to touch him, to be touched, and to respond to all of it fully and completely, without invisible barriers. The freedom to love him, as one should love a partner to the fullest meaning of the word.

She beamed at the promise for a dance, and followed Cardinal, her eyes gobbling him up as he removed his blazer. Her hands were already all over him when he pulled her close and she inhaled the scent og him, brilliantly shining at just being so openly close to him.

"Alone, around others," she said softly, "I'm yours, Cardinal. You are never going to lose me. Make sure I don't lose you either."

With that, she took his hand, and pulled him to the dance floor. Her motions were at last fluid enough to satisfy her. The time for bracers would soon be coming to an end. Her body pressed against his once more and her hips moved with the music, dragging him along for the ride.

 

[Tanith Alde]

[member="Ahron Rol"] was of course correct, the Galaxy wasn't always trying to kill her. But, much as the code warned, the Gods helped those who helped themselves. There were other reasons too, why she didn't sit, for one her particular anatomy made it rather awkward to sit and rise again, from a flat surface.

"I've no trouble relaxing, when the time comes for it. I just do not consider this place relaxing. When I've time to spend as I see fit, I will relax. I consider this a duty, one that risks failure and corruption should it fail."

Perhaps a bit more flowery than need be, but it got the point across. She was here because it was part of her duties to attend and represent the Confederacy's military forces. Had she been left to her own devices, there were countless other ways she would have rather spent her time. Such as via sporting or other physical event, something to keep her fit and active. And to keep the blood flowing. Such slow, sedate ceremony, outside of religious service simply did not sit well with her.

 

[Malok]

Location: Ballroom​

Tag: [member="Runi Verin"]​

Viceroy.

The voice of his daughter was just as short as ever. But, it was far and above an improvement over that day. The Sith had made every effort he could to bridge the gap between them; and, to date, felt that the curt greeting was a solid uptick. After all, it beat a wintery laugh in the face. That day, when he and Izevel spoke to their daughter together...well, it was one of the last times he saw the CEO's mother, but thankfully not the last time he saw his daughter. Nonetheless, he was genuinely thrilled to see her. And he tried his absolute best not to let his pride in her make the smirk on his face idiotic.

"Chief Executive Officer." he replied, amidst a half-chuckle. Clearly pleased with himself, he indulged in a sip of the bubbly beverage within his own grasp as she voiced her thoughts on the selection. To this, the man waved his offhand whilst the sip yet raced down to his stomach. "If," he began, "I gave out my good stuff at the start, there wouldn't be anything left for the folks who actually want to be here. You know, save the best for last and all. But, for you, I can make an exception." He offered the woman a wink as if he were doing some "large" task by getting the CEO something decent to drink. "What's your poison? I'll have it brought up."

Recompense. Business had worked its way into the conversation, to which Darth Metus raised and lowered his shoulders all the same. "Officially, the Confederacy would love today to be the start of a thriving relationship with Kuat - and by extension KDY. If you want, we can chat through business and work something out tonight. Unofficially? We avenged our fallen and aren't about to leave you with the mess. Just make sure some tihaar is in the basket and I'm golden."

Simple enough, right?

 

[Naedira Darcrath]

Location: Ballroom - Mezzanine
Tag: [member="Gerwald Lechner"]

Naedira had tempered the images she transmitted into for Gerwald. The gritty harshness had been dulled, buried, beneath her perspective. Still, his emotion pulled forward, and when she noticed a tear fall, she withdrew her hand. She hadn’t meant to make that happen. Eshan was simply something one needed to see to believe. She saw it. Now, so had he. Now, he understood. The long-haired man shored up his sentiments quickly and almost immediately offered to be there for her.

It was no small wonder that he seemed to attract every woman in the universe. He was sincere, uncomplicated, and dedicated. A brief smile touched her lips. The edges were sad, touched by memories of war, but she smiled for him nonetheless. “I know you are.”

Not only could she hear the truth ringing in his words from her training as a Knight, but, she could feel it. Just like she felt his distance. Sadness, guilt, and pain. Honesty was also on the docket.

Thankfully, so was changing the conversation.

Nae could only stand discussing such dire subjects for so long before gray matter started leaking out of her ears. He teased her about the drink with the umbrella, and slender shoulders shrugged teasingly, before she defiantly took another sip. “It’s not my fault you have such a tender palette.”

The auburn-haired woman fell silent while Gerwald began to explain away most of what she had spoken. He was both right and wrong. He was not the type to deliberately carry someone else’s pain but he went through extreme lengths to caretake those he loved. He would take the pain of a spurned lover, far easier, than he had taken a sip of the fru-fru Tatooine Sunrise. Regardless, she did not respond. Not out of rudeness, or disinterest, but simply because he had asked it of her. Naedira respected his decisions, past or present, completely.

Even if they were dumb boy decisions.

At any rate…Discussing such painful topics when they were suddenly standing so close? Not ideal. It was easier than she thought to breach his personal space, or, to let someone else into hers. Naedira wasn’t used to friendly contact. Not anymore. Most of the time, when someone put their hands on her, they were usually trying to break something. Eventually, Gerwald found his footing, and she leaned forward to allow the gentle sway to take hold. “Flatterer.”, she commented with a little laugh, though chestnut eyes remained alight with amusement.

“There are plenty of high class ladies here tonight. We both know I just clean up nice.”

He offered to let them join the rest of the group without making a fuss. Naedira overlooked the soft, harmless flirtation, and read what existed behind it. More or less, Gerwald, was ready to face the galaxy. He was trying to show that he was all right. That he could face the socialites below. He would just much rather have a friend with him to do it. “If you’d like—We can. No pressure.”

Her breath caught momentarily when the guiding hand on the small of her back led her into a rather smooth dip. There was a momentary sense of fear, a stray thought of, ‘If you drop me I’ll kill you’, but before she could verbalize it the wolf-man returned her to an upright position. The kiss of her mouth quirked just a little when their eyes met. “…You really suck at dancing.”

Sarcasm, clearly.

“At any rate…”, she trailed off, leaving her hand in his, though her other reached up to wrap around the back of his neck. “When you’re ready…Lead the way. I’m just here to make you look good.”

Naedira paused and a little smirk fluttered over her expression.

“And to keep you from getting bored and going home early.”

 

[Bushi Nadora]

Objective: Mingle, Represent, Interrupt
Location: Ballroom
Internal Theme: X
Tagging: [member="Quintus Kuat"] | [member="Kirat Raithe"] | [member="Runi Verin"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Kaili Talith"]

"The Board had, in fact, settled for a fruit basket. I recommended an interesting flower arrangement to decorate its exterior myself."

The dry comment came at the tail-end of Metus' response.

A glance towards the Viceroy. "I have made note of the alcohol requirement, thank you." Then back at Runi, where he sketched a perfectly light bow. Hand pressed to his chest. All crisp and smooth and exactly the type of chit that Runi hated. It was his own personal form of amusement. "Madame Executive, you are looking positively creative tonight." They both knew that her choice of wardrobe hackled him personally.

They also both knew he would never say as much in public. Or private, really. There were far better ways to make one's indignation known.

"Viceroy, the Board of Kuat Drive Yards would like to extend their appreciation for the vouch of support the Confederacy has extended. The rebuilding of a nation is not a trivial matter and neither is your support." Then stepping slightly to the side, gesturing with a flourish towards his other two companions. "This is Quintus of House Kuat, the ruler by blood and right. And lastly Kirat Raithe, exceptional soldier of fortune and our escort for tonight."

As the greetings began between the two sides Kent took a step out of the way.

While he had his doubts with Quintus' credentials? He was certainly the ranking voice alongside with Runi here. Which meant he could simply sip his champagne for now. Hopefully they didn't kark it up too much.

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

Wearing: xxx
w. [member="Naedira Darcrath"]

---

Her smile made him smile. There was something about how friendly it was, unassuming and expecting nothing from him in return. Gerwald had always had people in his life which expected things, but Naedira simply wanted his friendship with nothing behind it. There was no veiled desire, and even if she tried to hide it their bond would not allow it. It was easy to be near her and to be her friend. Gerwald needed easy.

“My palette,” he protested with a raised finger, “is not used to so much sugar. I much prefer the raw flesh of a fresh kill.”

Gerwald smiler with a hungry look in his eyes at the mere thought of the iron heavy taste his mouth imagined. Blood dripping through his fur as fangs tore into hot flesh was a feeling that his wolf plagued his mind with constantly. Yes, the wolf often threatened to take control. It was his dominant nature, but Gerwald had spent his life hiding it, forcing it into submission, and those habits died hard. Perhaps it was why Katrina had been a natural choice. As much as he told Scherezade it had not been because of it, Katrina being a Lupine was a factor. Gerwald did not want someone who just accepted him, or loved all of him. He truly didn’t know what he wanted anymore.

He was happy that his love life was no longer a topic of discussion either. His emotions were unchanged, and the empath certainly would still feel his inner turmoil. The conflict of what he needed to do and wanted to do were different, and it left him confused.

“I do not flatter,” Gerwald said, and she would know he was not lying. “I mean it, even if I am a biased friend.” Naedira could accuse him of that. “And you do clean up better than me. And no, the tie would not have been a good idea.”

Gerwald let them get caught in the moment of their dancing. She had suggested they could head to the floor if he was ready which was only answered with a small nod. The dip had delayed them from heading in that direction, and the look in Nae’s eyes was well worth it. Her tease was also something Gerwald had enjoyed. It was lighthearted, carrying with it the joviality of the moment Gerwald had created.

“I would not have come had you left me with a choice, but I am glad you made me. However, there is nothing wrong with going home early, ever.”

Ger smirked as his feet began to move them toward the stairs. They would dance until they reached them. Once they arrived at the curved stone stairwell Gerwald paused and offered his arm.

“There is no way I could possibly look bad tonight. C’mon, let’s go live a little hmm?”

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Location: Ballroom
Wearing: Dress
Tags: [member="Gerwald Lechner"] [member="Naedira Darcrath"]

Alone. There was no other way to describe it. Scherezade had been standing there for most of the evening thus, occasionally chewing down on a cube of meat or cheese as she looked at everyone. People were having fun. People were interacting with each other, talking, smiling, dancing. She had none of that. She could see her sister and her man dancing, her sister positively beaming. She knew [member="Gerwald Lechner"] was there because she could still, after all that time and after all that had happened, still sense him anywhere when they were on the same planet.

So many pieces of her wanted to grab the drinks that passed by on waiter's trays. All it would take for her would be to reach an arm out, take a glass with this or other liquid in it, and drink it down. She could empty entire trays of the stuff before anyone would even notice, before she took a single misstep.

But she didn't.

Why? That was a good question. One she was not certain she had an answer for. It would be so easy to just take a glass and try to numb everything again. So easy to forget that the problems that had existed prior to her attempt to remove herself from existence itself still existed. Easy to forget that even before that, no amount of drinking had actually successfully numbed her emotions. So easy to forget… Almost anything, except the pain.

It had never been a question of power. Scherezade knew with every breath that power was something she had; she had found a key to save a species, she had brought over a soul from another dimension, she had been to the space between dimensions. Her brain created endless Blueprints of Doom, mostly focused on destruction, but she could create as well. It was neither power nor technical ability that she lacked.

What she lacked… The only thing she had ever wanted, was to be accepted and to be loved, as she was, for what she was, without needing to constantly need to prove that she deserved it. To love and be loved. But what others received for free seemed to be something that would never be within her grasp. And she did not know how to change that. Doing nothing got her nothing. Doing everything got her nothing.

Perhaps it was time to use her new position, not merely to perform the services and duties that were expected of her there, but to also use the reach to see what else was out there. Perhaps… Perhaps despite everything, the Confederacy was not the place for her. And barred from her home planet… What else was there to do but find a new place to try to build a home?

Someone was smiling at her.

Scherezade looked up, trying to wipe the surprise off her face. She did not know that man, did not know that person, but he was smiling and waving. Perhaps he had known her as Madalena? Scherezade took a step forward, bringing the sweetest smile she could to her face, ready to start a conversation, ask if he was interested in a dance, anything to save her from the horrible state of being a wallflower. But someone swept by her, a woman in the most gorgeous of dresses and she half ran into his arms.

Not her, then.

Scherezade grabbed a piece of cheese and chewed on it, eyes glancing at the time. Maybe in a little bit, she could just leave. Either way she remained a mere few feet from the staircase, trying to ignore the sense of him approaching with another, her eyes glued to the dancers.