Public New Year Gala | Kingdom of Naboo

[Kalantha]

"Politics is an ancient and noble calling. Without politicians our societies would descend into anarchy."
- Padmé Amidala

OBJECTIVE 1: In Your Heart Shall Burn

After weeks of preparations, the New Year gala was finally upon the people of Theed.

The capital city of Naboo was ravaged by a brutal sundering known as the Cataclysm, an event that destroyed lives and razed cities. The years that followed saw a sudden insularity of the neutral Mid Rim world, but during that time, the Naboo came together to heal their broken planet. Theed was rebuilt with the help of a new Engineering Corps. Humanitarian projects offered much needed relief to the people. The newly elected Queen, Inara Kalantha, restored the treaty between her people and the Gungans.

Naboo was on the cusp of a new golden age, ready to rejoin the galactic community during its unprecedented era of peace.

But all of that changed when a triple-front war between the Galactic Alliance, Mandalorians, and Sith broke out. The era of peace was over, heeding to the cyclical nature of galactic warfare. Neutral worlds were swallowed by the Enclave and Sith Order, slowly closing Naboo into the heart of a triangle between the three superpowers. For now, the Queen and her people are safe from the war, but it encroaches upon them every day. With their neutrality under threat, the Queen of Naboo seeks allies who can keep her people safe.

Kalantha's face was placid beneath her pale white makeup, but on the inside her heart was thumping against her ribs.

She was certainly no stranger to large celebrations like this. Even before taking the Crown, Kalantha - then just Inara - had attended many noble parties and galas as a member of House Berenko. But never had she been surround by so many people and so many factions. All the major players of the galaxy seemed to be here tonight, to make connections or vie for partnership with Naboo. Dozens of agendas and personal itineraries swirled around the young Queen, and it fell to she and her Handmaidens to keep them from clashing.

Kalantha turned her head to speak with one of her robed bodyguards, but a sudden chill ran down her spine, freezing all but her curious mind in place. A shadowy figure had entered the ballroom, looming over the aura of the evening with his presence. She didn't need to be a Force-sensitive to divine the inky blackness of the Dark Lord Darth Carnifex and his cadre of Sith. His presence alone was a clear identifier, and it filled the young Queen with a sense of dread she hadn't felt in a long time. It reminded her of the numbness she felt in the hours and days after the Cataclysm that struck Naboo. When she lost her father.

Carnifex kept his gaze locked on her as he approached and bowed with hollow grace. She listened to his words but did not speak, giving only a silent nod to him and his dark followers. When the uncomfortable exchange was over, Kalantha turned to Diantha and Aiden Porte with a seriousness in her eyes.

"Keep them in your sight. Report anything suspicious the moment you see it," she whispered. Carnifex knew better than to engage any of his innumerable enemies tonight, but it wasn't the threat of an attack that worried Kalantha. Sith thrive in the dark, and there were many shadowy corners in the Palace tonight.

She hid that fear well, though, keeping her demeanor calm. The Queen withdrew into her thoughts, offering the visitors who came next a steady stream of passive head nods as she contemplated the web of intrigue Naboo found itself in.

It was the calming "Your Majesty" from Jedi Master Jasper Kai'el that allowed the Queen's heart to rest. She bowed her head, both as a welcome and a sign of gratitude for pulling her back to attention. "Welcome, Master Jedi," she offered warmly. He seemed a man of few words, but his presence - and that of other renowned Alliance Jedi - calmed her nerves. She was truly grateful for their attendance.

* * * * *​

He was followed by a peculiar little droid, who studied her as much as she studied him. BB-610 beeped his salutations and gave a rather impressive fireworks display in the form of a holoprojection. For the first time tonight - and judging by the alarming number of Sith in attendance, perhaps the last - Kalantha giggled. "It's a pleasure, BB-610." The Queen watched with a kind smile as the little droid rolled away, following his friends. If only she were so free.

* * * * *​

Next was one of the famed (or infamous, she wasn't sure) Mandalorian warriors, Jenn Kryze the Forgemistress. Kalantha couldn't help but feel a bit leery of the warrior, but those feelings were quickly dismissed. It seemed that just as the Mandalorians might have misjudged Naboo, the Queen too misjudged Jenn. "The honor is mine, Forgemistress," Kalantha said with a nod. She hoped the warrior felt welcome in Theed, no matter how different it may be from her home.

* * * * *
​

Natasi Fortan was the next guest of note, an esteemed senator of the Galactic Alliance with what appeared to be an intriguing past with the First Order. Imperials were common to find in Alliance politics, this much Kalantha knew from her time as a junior legislator with the Academy. But a true Imperial, from the First Order? That was a rarer specimen. The Queen bowed her head in gratitude, pleased to see a member of the chamber she'd been working to ally herself with. Her eyes scanned the line of guests for Alicio Organa but it was futile to scout one man among hundreds.

If the senator of Alderaan were not in attendance, Kalantha supposed the senator of Aegis would be a good friend to make in his stead. The status of Naboo's Defense Pact was of great import for the Queen, and she surmised it made little difference which member of the Senate pushed the treaty through.

"It's an honor to have you here, Senator Fortan," Kalantha said gracefully.

* * * * *​

When the line dwindled and the guests had made themselves comfortable, the Queen rose from her throne, the silken layers of her jubilation gown cascading like the waterfalls of the Cliffs of Theed. A pair of hooded Handmaidens appeared on either side of the throne, then a third emerged with a glorious spherical artifact in her hands - the Globe of Peace, a physical embodiment of unity and trust among the Naboo. It stood as a symbol of the accord between her people and the Gungans, and now that it has been recovered, Kalantha hoped it would represent the same between Naboo and the rest of the galaxy.

"Guests and visitors, friends of the Crown and allies of Naboo, I welcome you to our New Year gala. The city of Theed is pleased to receive you, and it is my wish that you enjoy yourselves tonight. May this new year be one of peace and prosperity, of kinship and progress. May it be fortuitous and bountiful. May it be free of strife and hardships."

She glanced to the third Handmaiden, who passed the Globe to Kalantha. The Queen accepted it with a nod, then raised it for all to see. It's brilliant chromatic glow shined vividly in her hand.

"Naboo is a friend to those who stand with the fount of justice, peace, and integrity. This relic, the Globe of Peace, represents brotherhood and unity. It is a symbol of hope in the darkest house. May it remind us all of what is at stake should we descend once again into an age of darkness."

Spoiler: RSVP Tag List

Kalantha | Lossa Aureus | Gatz Derrevar | Briana Sal-Soren | Jace colis | Darth Carnifex | Lina Djo | Jalen Kai'el | Marlon Sularen | Darth Malum of House Marr | Diantha | Mia Monroe | Ijaat Mereel | Rulonom Laborr | Aiden Porte | Jenn Kryze | Corazona von Ascania | BB-610 | Judah Dashiell | Natasi Fortan | Brandyn Sal-Soren | Gerwald Lechner | Vizion Trozky | Rik Perris | Katarine Ryiah | Noah Corek | Makai Dashiell | Ivalyn Yvarro | Danger Arceneau | Azula Tindara | Makko Vyres | Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax | Darth Xyrah | Kurayami Bloodborn | Astor Daaray | Salara Zambrano | Valery Noble | Justice Lesan | Lily Decoria | Kahlil Noble | Aeris Lashiec | Treoff Kellak | Mellifluous Magenta | Velda Nar-Donna | John Locke | Osiris Thul | Caelia Lamora | Elise Ahana-Gwyneira | Todblaz Graker + Anyone else I forgot!

 

[Todblaz Graker]

Objective 1
Tag: Caelia Lamora
Outfit: xxx

Tod reluctantly accepted an invitation to the party from a friend who was making an appearance. Normally, he would decline such social gatherings, but with a free schedule, he decided to attend. As soon as he and his friend entered, however, his companion vanished into the crowd. Letting out a sigh, Tod began to navigate the room, attempting to strike up conversations with various people, yet none seemed to extend beyond a few lines.

Approaching a passing waiter, he casually plucked a tall glass of a fizzing drink from the tray. Taking a sip, he discovered it to be more bitter than anticipated, opting to hold onto it until an opportunity to dispose of the glass presented itself.

Continuing his exploration, Tod paused beside a lady in a stunning dress. Turning slightly, he complimented, "I love the dress; it looks fantastic on you. Unfortunately, my style isn't as refined as yours." He added a slight chuckle, introducing himself, "I'm Tod."

A passing waiter with an empty tray offered Tod a chance to relinquish his drink, which he promptly did before turning back to the conversation. "So, what brings you to this party?"

Surveying the mingling groups, Tod observed the diverse assembly and couldn't help but wonder why the galaxy couldn't function in a similar way. The party seemed to demonstrate that different factions could coexist, at least temporarily. However, he quickly dismissed any attempts to figure it out, acknowledging it was not his responsibility, and his usual way of life often existed outside the confines of the law.

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

Objective I
Attire: xxx
Tags: Treoff Kellak​

“If it was meant as a joke, then as a great comedian once said, ‘brevity is the soul of wit’.”

His sighing at the mere mention of religion nearly made her laugh, but she continued with her explanation nonetheless. Treoff was not receptive to it. While he had done his best to ensure he was not misunderstood, he appeared unwilling to understand points of view other than his own. A shame, but hardly uncommon.

“I don’t always side with the Alliance either,” Sycorax said. “And don’t worry, Mr. Kellak—I’m not afraid of you. There are much worse things in the galaxy than a morally confused mercenary. If it’s any consolation, I don’t regret defending you from that white-knighting Jedi, either.”

She waved goodbye to him as he left, before heading out to the gardens.

Anodyne Lyori
​

The gardens were a nice change. Sycorax strolled down the walkways, enjoying the breeze. She was content for now to revel in solitude, but curiosity soon prompted her to socialize again. A young woman emerged from the ballroom at around the same time she did, looking overwhelmed.

"Rather silly, isn't it?" Sycorax remarked. "Sworn enemies gathered together to do battle on the dancefloor..."

 

[Darth Xyrah]

One fashionably late arrival to the festivities was the presently most famous member of the Naberrie household, Darth Xyrah, reigning Monarch of Eliad and spouse to Darth Carnifex himself. His arrival had been delayed by an impromptu assassination attempt during his journey. Only a trifling distraction for Xyrah, however. Xyrah entered the chamber, garbed in an elegant golden chainmail dress, made from Cortosis Weave and only the finest Shell Spider Silk.

He politely greeted many nobles as he made his way through the hall, before coming to the side of his husband, Darth Carnifex. "My love! I apologize for my delay. I had a slight entanglement with some assassins on the way here. A trifling distraction, as per usual.", he said with absolutely no hint of concern in his voice, his face plastered with his usual charming expression. "Have I missed anything exciting?"

Darth Carnifex
Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax
Lucia Naberrie

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

Her forehead was pressed on his shoulder, so Malum would not be able to see her face. The wild blushing on her cheeks, as she entertained what his voiced desires could look, feel, like. She gulped, listening to his soft whispers, voicing his emotions, and telling her that despite it all, because it all, what he wanted most was her.

Elise looked up, tears shining in red scarlet eyes as she leaned into his face, her lips only millimeters from him. Her longing, her ache, was in his voice as she said his name, "Malum..."

She had been about to do it. She had been about to risk another psychometry episode to feel his lips against her's. But she was stopped by booming introduction in the background, made known to her.

"Ijaat of House Mereel, Manda'lor the Rekindler and Mia Monroe of Clan Ordo."​

Oh. The grownups were here.

"Kark."

Elise hissed the response, pulling away from the intimate hold she and Malum had on each other. She could sense, moments later, Mia's ire against them from across the room. They had been caught.

Elise clenched her fists, looking away with a clearly bitter expression. She whispered her displeasure again. "Kark it all..."

She sighed, smoothing out her dress and adjusting her hat. She gave him a dainty bow, a public showing that the dance was over. "I think I need some air, lord king. It has been a pleasure."

She mouthed something more to Malum, the words made obvious as they silently drifted across Malum's mind. "Meet me outside? There's too many karking eyes here."

She turned around, trying to make it less obvious. She once again swerved to the refreshments bar, grabbing herself a rather large portion of food. It was quite alarming to onlookers, to see such a small, petite girl shoving little sandwich bites into her mouth. She made a casual stroll, hoping to look as if she had meagerly... wandered, into the garden. Hopefully, she would make it out there easily enough, and continue their wonderful conversation out there. After all, Elise always had loved gardens. It was perfect...

Darth Malum of House Marr Ijaat Mereel Mia Monroe

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Objective : I & III | Danger Arceneau | Grand Ballroom

"I know full and well you can handle yourself, perhaps I'm more concerned for those who try to cross you."

A boyish smile at his own words. Makai wasn't concerned about Danger in terms of being able to handle herself, to work a crowd seamlessly with a smile. It was more so the toll it would take, the concern some prick would purposely say the wrong thing to her to draw ire.

He wasn't so sure she was ready for such a thing. The Danger before easily could. The Widow? Makai was still trying to figure her out.

"A drink I can do. I would say I'll be back in a flash but this is the most crowded event I've been to outside a Southern Systems Auction. Might be a moment or three."

The half-Galan leaned close to the Trade Queen, placing a kiss on her cheek, much in a similar fashion a son would do to a mother. It would be clear he had great hesitation to leave her side, despite stating otherwise before entering the event of the season.

"Try not to get into too much trouble while I'm gone."

A teasing grin before disappearing onto the edges of the dance floor, working his way towards the bar.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

N A B O O
OBJECTIVE I: Great Ballroom | Objective III
Open for interaction or chatting| Glistaweb Outfit & Items | x | x | x |

​

"Thank you, darlin'," Danger returned the kiss with one of her own on Makai Dashiell 's cheek, scrunching up her face in delight as she patted it with her warm hand thereafter. He was, after all, her son by nurture if not by nature, and oh, how she dearly loved him so—these few weeks with him back on the farm had been a godsend after Alric's death. Truth be told, she wasn't certain how she'd been able to focus and continue had it not been for Makai. Not that Judah didn't deserve some credit as well.

She only wished that Judah Dashiell would wake up and see what he was doing with his relationship with Makai. Whatever stirred between them, she could only hope it would get cleared up.

"If'n you see anyone you want to chat with, take your time!" The redhead called out to him, watching the younger Dashiell weave his way into the crowd to brave the distant bar.

Alone with only her thoughts, Danger perused the great ballroom. More guests arrived of different flavors, each with their own agenda or itch to hold sway. The music was lively, and the venue was impeccable.

Now, to see what or who was out there to bump into...It was either that or go out to the garden or balcony and sneak a smoke.

 

[Jasper Kai'el]

Naboo
Tags: BB-610 , Braze

​

"I'm sorry, buddy," Jasper sighed, trying his best to consol the droid. "Lets try to take our minds off all that for now. They win by getting in our heads after all. We know the truth. That's all that matters."

They had to stay stalwart in the face of darkness. It was hard, but Jasper had spent his entire life preparing for this very thing. He wasn't going to let any Sith here occupy his thoughts. They just had to ignore them and focus on the light. That was going to be harder now that Jasper had finished his drink. He didn't even feel a buzz.

"Right now, he's encased in a mouse droid, though, exploring the temple back on Coruscant."

"Yeah, we'll have to fix that," the knight noted. "I'm sure we can find a good unused frame for your shard friend."

He turned, eyeing the concessions on the other side of the venue.

"Hey, lets go get you something non-contaminated," he decided. "We can talk while we eat."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"There certainly is a colorful cast here on Naboo."

It wasn't surprising, but Kahlil just shrugged as squeezed her hand. They were going to enjoy the evening, that's all that really mattered. "It just means we can choose who we interact with. Why don't we see what sort of jam they do have offered here first, mm?"

Then they could dance, as he was certain she wanted to. Not that they could dance the way they usually did with her being as pregnant as she was, but they'd still enjoy the evening.

Valery Noble

 

[Anodyne Lyori]

Sycorax Laveaux - Open​

Anodyne glanced up at the other woman, blinking, "Are you reading my mind?" She scoffed in dry amusement. This woman didn't seem like a Jedi or Sith, though. In fact, she seemed vaguely familiar, "I was just brooding on it. Although I would've used the word 'absurd' rather than 'silly'." The ambassador sighed, her gaze examining a weathered marble column as she spoke, "How is it that these groups can stand each others presence? How can anyone stand the presence of, well…" She looked around conspiratorially, then nervously at Sycorax, "You're not a Sith are you?"

She couldn't claim to be an expert on such Force traditions. But she knew the reputation a Sith had, and she wasn't interested in getting on the bad side of one.

 

[Valery Noble]

Naboo

​

Outfit: Dress | Wedding Ring
Tag: Kahlil Noble Danger Arceneau

Valery grumbled along with her stomach when he mentioned sweet, delicious jam again. She had hoped to just focus on dancing or socializing. Perhaps even on bullying the Sith who had dared to show their faces here. But the mention of food had her snatch her husband's arm, before she walked surprisingly quick for a pregnant woman on heels. The two made it over to the long table with all kinds of snacks, and it didn't take her long to spot a huge tower of jelly.

This time, however, she suppressed her inner gremlin and neatly took out a plate and silverware. She scooped some onto her plate, shot her beloved husband a preemptive glare, and took a bite.

"Hnnngh," Valery groaned in delight and quickly took another bite. "This one's amazing." She chuckled and looked up at Kahlil with a warm smile. Her eyes then started to wander, and after a moment, she picked up on a woman standing alone. Valery tilted her head, recaptured her husband's arm and gestured in her direction.

"She looks like she could use some company. Let's socialize before we dance, hm?" Valery leaned into him, and allowed him to guide the way over towards her.

 

[Caelia Lamora]

​

Objective 1 | Tag: Todblaz Graker | Wearing: x

Caelia turned to face the man addressing her. She was partial to flattery, so he was off to a good start. "Thank you. I agree" she replied with a feigned playfulness that came all too natural. "We all have our tastes. Who cares for refined?" Caelia cared. Caelia cared a whole damned lot. "What matters is what it reveals of our character, its authenticity. Don't you think?"

The manner in which he got rid of his glass without having made much of a dent in it wasn't lost on her. "Let me guess, whiskey - forget the rocks?" she chuckled, as she tried to assertain where his taste was.

"Besides the invitation? I'm an ambassador, I suppose. Here to foster good relations, broker alliances and trade agreements." her tone, sarcastic and dry. "I thought the best way to go about that was to stand drinking in a corner. What do you think of my worth ethics?" she laughed, the kind of laugh where she clearly expected him to join in.

"And you? Are you the one we run to when things here inevitably gets out of hand, Tod?" He did have a certain 'Outer Rim justice' look about him.

​

 

[Rayth]

GARDENS

"So," he began, glancing at Rayth. "I hear you're our vampire Sith. There's always at least one bloodsucker in every new generation of acolytes..."

The weird tension between the two girls was broken up by the arrival of Ansisa's master, prompting the Chiss to depart. Just when things were getting interesting, too. Marcus sighed. "Can you eat real food?" he asked the vampire. "Or just blood? Because this pasta is fantastic."

Rayth started to look up.

He continued looking up until he eventually met the gaze of the towering Sith.

Rayth sighed. He'd spent most of his life not knowing what he was. Now it seemed everyone else did. He had been alone in the dark with only his hunger.

"I eat," he said with a shrug.

Living alone and feeding off those who made the mistake of walking the night streets alone had not made him a sparkling conversationalist.

She would leave him to it for a little bit, he needed to socialise. But she pulled out her holo and sent him a little message. Before blowing a kiss in his direction.

Rayth offered a brief smile. At least Annika's least favourite Chiss had gone.

"The food is back inside?" Rayth asked.

"I'm Rayth," he offered. "Which I guess you knew."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"I'm sure it is, love."

Did he have a hand in what might've been sent here for jelly and jams? Absolutely. Did he himself actually want to eat them? No. No he did not. Jelly ad jam was for his wife, in abundance. He was most certainly jammed out by this point. At least she wasn't eating it with her hands this time, which she certainly seemed to think the same by the glare sent his way.

Kahlil just snickered.

Then glanced to the woman in question. Valery was much like their daughter in making friends, it seemed. Though he did raise a brow right up on who it was she pointed out. ".. Well, I shouldn't be surprised she's here. Yes, let's go say hi."

Valery Noble | Danger Arceneau

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi took her hand back after the shake.

"It was important for me that yo didn't think I was some kind of lunatic, staring daggers at you from across the room like -- well, like some kind of lunatic," the Supreme Leader said, her voice turning wry. Not at all the cold, hard weapon she wielded while in Mandalorian custody, nor the the chilly, bureaucratic voice she used in the Senate, nor the fervent speech-giving voice she had employed. Countless millions had heard Natasi Fortan's voice over the decades, but Jenn Kryze was now one of the comparative handful that had heard -- if not the real Natasi, then about as close as one typically came.

"It is... foreign," Natasi conceded the woman's response. "But I meant what I said. It is lovely. Well, you can see that I'm not one for modern fashion, so perhaps I am inclined to a more ancient style." She gave a charmed shrug and turned toward the bar, lifting a delicate hand to signal to the bartender.

"May I have a gin and tonic, please?" she asked the bartender demurely, before turning her dark eyes back to Jenn. "What will you have?"

When the drink orders were settled, the Supreme Leader turned back to the mystery woman.

"I don't know that it's possible to be bored with history," Natasi went on, tugging lightly at her glove again. An absent-minded motion. "It's critical to know it, so as to avoid repeating it, don't you find?" She paused a moment, one eyebrow lifting subtly. "I'm sorry, I have the strongest sensation we've met before. I'm afraid I didn't catch your name."

Jenn Kryze​

 

[Jenn Kryze]

Jenn's time with this version of Natasi Fortan was finite, and she knew it. Eventually, she would be figured out, and her demeanor would change entirely. The regal individual before her would dispense naught but cold, dismissive words and excuse herself, reminding her of what she had done to her - or perhaps simply alluding to Mandalorian barbarity, as she seemed so prone to underline whenever she got the chance. Perhaps that was why she chose not to present her name, drinking in every word uttered by the royal before her as if it were the finest of wines, selfishly indulging in a rare moment of... something resembling normalcy. Here she was, being treated as a lady, sharing a rather pleasant conversation with her enemy. It only made her realize just how dearly she longed for a touch of simplicity in her life, a chance to get out of the armor every once in a while and be known for more than what she was.

"I would hardly ever think of you as a lunatic, your majesty", came the siren's polite response, that cryptic smile of hers never quite leaving her. In spite of all of the morose thoughts and the impossible tension of when she would be found out, a part of her enjoyed the thrill of it. It was something rather distinctive, really - separate from the thirst for battle she sometimes felt, but no less... enrapturing. "I will freely admit that I am not quite knowledgeable when it comes to fashion and the latest trends. But I do find your ensemble to be wonderful."

And she meant every word of it. As the bartender arrived and the good Senator ordered a gin and tonic for herself, she suddenly felt... a touch self-conscious, and her features betrayed it, if for but an eyeblink. "A glass of water will suffice, thank you. Alcohol is, unfortunately, particularly inconvenient for me and my kind." Jenn could barely hold her liquor before her transformation - a single glass of champagne would be enough to destroy any composure she managed to muster. This was neither the time nor the place. But, if anything, it gave her a measure of comfort, realizing that her gills remained imperceptible at first glance! Either that, or Natasi had politely chosen not to remark on her near-human nature.

Just as she went to respond to her comment on history and its importance, the Mandalorian realized just how perceptive the once-captive monarch was, capable of vaguely recalling the two meeting. Try as she might to mask her reaction, there was no truly no mistaking how her pleasant smile fell, and her gaze suddenly left the Senator's own, choosing to scan over the crowd instead. Anything was better than seeing those eyes grow hard and cold, even looking over the latest pretender to the title of Mand'alor as he entered. Crestfallen as she was, she remained committed to the truth, steadfast in her beliefs... even if it meant that a just punishment would be meted out upon her. The perpetrator of a war crime had no ground to complain when their victim held them in contempt, after all.

"My name is Jenn Kryze", spoke the Alor softly, as if the words might cause her to spontaneously combust. What right did she have, to be so mournful? Even now, she felt a pang of anger towards herself. Things might have remained like this if she had only shown more moral character. This was nothing more than the consequences of her actions.

And yet, she inhaled sharply, her gills flaring as she did so, and turned to face Natasi. She had no right to shy away from her gaze.

"I never had a chance to apologize to you. Not that I particularly deserve your forgiveness for my actions."

​

Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Marcus Dinn]

"The food is back inside?"

"Yup. I haven't tried any desserts yet, but they look incredible too."

"I'm Rayth. Which I guess you knew."

Marcus nodded. "And that's about the extent of what I know about you. Which is strange, because the visions usually tell me plenty. More than I'd like to know, sometimes." He took another bite, slurping up a stringy stray noodle before it could escape his mouth. "I don't know where you come from, why you're a Sith, who your master is or whether you have any allies. Although judging by the fact that you're still here after Ansisa has gone, I take it you and Annika have... something."

He licked his lips. "Oh, and the name's Marcus Dinn."

Rayth​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Of course," Carnifex purred, "Did you expect otherwise?"

He chuckled dryly. To Him, this was nothing out of the ordinary, His prowess for siring children was part of His immense legacy. To her, this was a lifechanging occasion. Never before had life grown within her, for her powers lay within the realm of destruction; not creation. She would, of course, be given all the benefits and privileges that come with such a condition. The Malsheem had a well-stocked staff of nursemaids, midwives, and other servants whose entire existence revolved around the maintenance of children.

Unsurprisingly, her appetite had increased as well. She made a quick advance on the nearest buffet table, sampling many of the delicacies placed out for the enjoyment of the guests. Darth Carnifex had no true desire to consume food for fuel, He'd bypassed that basic necessity a long time ago, but He still enjoyed the sensation; especially now that He was one with His senses again. He accepted the offered denta bean bun, and ate it without much fanfare. He'd tasted much like it before, and it was quite good, but He was more of a proponent of meat laden with spices than simple pastry.

He doubted they had it, but a Krayt Dragon heart slowly roasted over an open flame was one of His all-time favorites. When cooked just right, the meat was so tender it practically melted in your mouth. Not only that, but the sheer effort expended in harvesting such a delicacy made the meat taste all the more succulent.

His eyes wandered the gala, spying faces both familiar and foreign. His mouth curled in a smile. "They are here," He looked back to Teresa. "The two of them are here, this should quite be interesting." He was about to elaborate more, when Darth Xyrah finally made his entrance. The small heir of the Naberrie family wore a flattering dress of golden rings, perfectly formed to his lithe body. He was quite ostentatious at every time of the day, but for such a spectacle as this gala on his homeworld, Xyrah had truly gone above and beyond.

"Nary but a trifling matter with a young Jedi, Saryn my dear. It was handled forthwith. There are quite a few enemies gathered, all of them clenching their teeth and tightening their fists. They seek blood, but cannot do so. The Queen watches them all with a careful eye, especially us. She is smart." He looked back to the Queen, who had just given a speech about peace and unity; things that mostly went unheard by the Dark Lord. Such formality needn't be entertained, not by Him at the very least. "Did your family know of hers before she was elected, my dear? I'm not all that well-versed in Naboo politics."

Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax | Darth Xyrah | Lucia Naberrie
Kalantha ​

 

[Todblaz Graker]

Objective 1
Tag: Caelia Lamora
Outfit: xxx

Tod considered the question about authenticity, taking a moment to reflect. "I partially agree; clothing can be a good judge of a person's ideals or accomplishments, but I think that people reveal what they want. But it ain't my job to read people." In truth, he held a more skeptical view, believing that people often chose their attire to project a specific image, which might not truly reflect their character. However, he acknowledged the that some were different, recognizing that some simply wore clothing because they liked it, irrespective of its outward appearance.

Placing his drink on a passing tray, he responded to the new question. "Close, I prefer mine on the rocks, smoother that way." He grinned, adding, "I'm guessing you're more of a champagne gal?"

Tod joined in her laughter with a playful chuckle remarking, "Once you have a few more drinks, your work ethic will be more proactive."

Continuing the banter, Tod responded, "Unless I'm the one causing it, I guess I would be someone to run to." He grinned mischievously, making it clear he was enjoying the conversation. "Why, do you plan on starting any trouble?"

With a touch of humor, Tod said, "So, Misses Ambassador, is there anything you go by, or does everyone run around calling you that?"

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Wearing: XoXo | Equipment: Lightsaber | Location: Naboo | Tag: Aiden Rennek , FYI: Lossa Aureus , Gatz Derrevar ​

The gold trimmed bar was a hive of frantic activity, much to Briana's chagrin. Apparently, she wasn't the only one who felt like they needed something with a little more potency than the aromatic blossom wine being offered by the circulating servers.

After what felt like several minutes, fortune finally provided an unoccupied space at the counter and Briana swiftly moved to seize the newly vacated space before another opportunistic patron decided to try and weasel their way in, first. Taking her place, Briana didn't let her gaze drift or linger, deliberately avoiding any curious eyes that might try to meet hers. Save for the bartender, who fixed her with a knowing glance, his voice cutting through the ambient noise. "What'll you have?"

"A silver sea martini please," Briana replied decisively. Uncertainty had never been a failing of hers.

The bartender gave a slight nod, then set off to prepare her drink.

"You weren't thinking about a dance without me, were you?"

Briana practically tripped with how fast she whirled at the sound of that familiar, deep timbred voice that materialized out of nowhere, her cerulean eyes lighting up as they settled on those dangerously chiseled features. "Aiden," she breathed softly, a hint of disbelief tinting her voice. "You were supposed to be... How did you...?" Her questions fell away and she shook her head, taking in the sight of him. The military dress suited him, and she couldn't deny that there was a certain... thrill of seeing him in his formal uniform, maybe even more so than the bespoke suits she'd designed for him in the past.

She didn't dwell on how he so effortlessly managed to slip by her undetected, chalking it up to the fact that they were in a sea of force users. It wasn't exactly easy to parse when you weren't the only empyrean presence, and you weren't looking for someone specific. However, now that she knew he was here, that easy connection snapped into place. A vernal energy that washed over her like a warm spring rain.

"You look beautiful, babe."

"Mmm, do I?" She began, flashing him a coy smile. "I had this dress custom designed with you in mind, you know." She knew he wouldn't have guessed that, but she couldn't resist dropping that little seed of information and letting his imagination grow from there. Her arms slid around him tightly as he turned to welcome her into an embrace, burying her face against his chest and breathing in the familiar scent of him; that touchstone to reality that confirmed he truly was there.

She leaned back just enough to look into his eyes again. "I'm glad you're here," she whispered softly, the teasing tone from before fading and allowing a touch of vulnerability, which she reserved solely for him, to seep into her gaze before leaning up to plant a gentle kiss on his lips.

​