Public New Year Gala | Kingdom of Naboo

[Danger Arceneau]

N A B O O
OBJECTIVE I: Great Ballroom | Objective III
Open for interaction or chatting| Glistaweb Outfit & Items | x | x | x |
Valery Noble Kahlil Noble | Eventually Makai Dashiell for my whiskey

​

Without Makai's presence nearby to distract her, Danger's eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the vibrant color and styles of the reveler's outfits. A few guests took the liberty of coming to Danger to express their condolences on Alric's passing. In the moments between polite conversations and graceful murmurs of gratitude for condolences, Danger felt the echo of Alric's absence. The mask of composure she wore concealed the storm within -- an intricate dance of grief and strength.

I was expectin' this, she thought to herself.

Yet, the Queen of Trade hadn't expected it to be so hard. Was it because she was older now? More cognizant of the loneliness that came after the stark reality of death? Alric had been her best friend, lover, and, afterward, her husband. They shared a life for over fifteen years. It was a lot to take in to move from that. It made her wonder. Made her think. Made her muse over the options and paths that lay before her. What will she do in the interim and the future, and how will she ensure Myra, Rue, Lily, and Rose are properly taken care of?

Perhaps, in living for those children, Danger could find renewed purpose. In the past, she had no lover, kin, or family to fill that space. And while she knew Alric would never love her as much as his first wife, Silara, he had been there to provide his affection, companionship, and support.

At this point, at her age, those qualities are sufficient.

As another business acquaintance left after providing their condolences, two figures caught her attention heading her way. As Danger had spent most of the last few years working with charity in the Tingal arm, she had yet to familiarize herself with new faces. Of course, there were a few, however, that required keeping up tabs.

A genuine cordial smile drew over Danger's full lips as her gaze settled upon the wonderfully pregnant Valery Noble , accompanied by her husband, Kahlil Noble .

Well, look at that. That expectant mama's radiance is spreadin' like a Tatooine sunset across the horizon, she mused to herself, amused. The crinkles in Danger's emerald eyes relaxed as her gaze softened, seeing how carefully attentive the Grandmaster's beloved cared for his wife. As always, an ache of loss and longing shot through Danger's heart, but it was duller now, no longer biting her with the jealous amphistaff poison of the loss of two babies to stillbirth, miscarriage, and the curse of her subsequent infertility thereafter.

No, this time around, the redhead could genuinely be joyful to see another woman so blessed to be able to bring forth such a miracle into the 'verse. Life may not have allowed Danger to bring life from her womb, but it did bring into her circle children whom she loved no less than if they were her blood.

"Greetings," Danger's smooth, honeyed drawl would float to the pair with genuine pleasure.

"Hope ya'll both are enjoin' yourself this mighty fine evenin.'" her attention fell to the woman's full plate, noticing a trend with the mound of jelly. The corner of her mouth perked. "And that the jelly is to your likin'?"

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

​

Wearing: xxx
Equipment: Lightsaber
Tag: Corazona von Ascania Makko Vyres fyi, Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira


“Ah!” Brandyn said with a perhaps overly friendly expression and appropriate shaking of hands, “Makko. It is a pleasure to meet you, good sir.”

“And Corazona…of Ukatis, you say?” He said, smiling but granting her attention as he seemed to be looking for someone, “my sister… Briana Sal-Soren …is in charge of the family financials on Naboo…if…I can find her…we might be able…ah never mind.”

Money matters could be resolved later.

”It is a pleasure to meet you both. Brandyn Sal-Soren…of Naboo…Hapes…Coruscant…I don’t really know where I live these days,“ he said with a wave of his wine filled goblet, “let’s say Brandyn Sal-Soren of that rusty old Jedi Shuttle out the back, hmmm?”

His attention was redirected to a red-eyed man and his blonde arm candy across the room. It didn’t take Jedi senses to determine that the man was of a certain darker mindset. “Marr, you say?” He said with a tilt of his head towards Makko, “the only thing marred is his sense of fashion. The man looks like a mortician’s assistant. But! That is on parr for Marr and his ilk…no doubt.”

Glancing back towards the lady Corazona, Brandyn added a further jibe towards the one’s he knew nothing about. “But at least King Marr’s fashion sense is good for something…it elevates that fairly average number his blonde companion chose to grace us with.”

Just then, a woman entered with an elaborate hat that bore feathers from some surely exotic and endangered bird. The head decoration shot up almost as high off her head as the woman was tall, and she wasn’t on the shorter side. Brandyn’s eyes widened as he looked from Makko to the hat, and back to Makko, trying to draw the man’s attention.

”The Lady Flen’Darsoon of Enarc, and her pet…Mumu…”

Brandyn found himself mouthing the word Mumu. The announcer had seemed almost reluctant to say it. Perhaps the Lady had insisted. “That…everything about it…is an affront to decency and the very notion of civilisation…on a conceptual level.”

Spoiler

OOC: No ill intent intended, nor personal opinion expressed about chosen clothing for hightlighted characters. Just some snarky fashion snobbery that is intended for humorous purposes. But if it riles you up, we can talk retribution threads. I will let you hurt Brandyn in payback for his sassy attitude.

​

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

Objective II
Attire: xxx
Tags: Anodyne Lyori​

"Are you reading my mind?"​

“I’m afraid that is beyond my capabilities,” Sycorax said with a half-smile. She gestured toward the door leading to the crowded ballroom. “I find it a bit much myself.”

"I was just brooding on it. Although I would've used the word 'absurd' rather than 'silly'. How is it that these groups can stand each others' presence? How can anyone stand the presence of, well…"​

Sycorax’s eyebrows rose as the woman trailed off. “Politicians, Jedi, Sith, and other genocidal maniacs?” she finished for her. Then, after giving the question some thought, she added, “‘We live inside a dream.’ Life is full of absurdities and abstractions. The only way we make sense of it is through intuition, and intuition is hardly rational. This gala, where sworn enemies meet and mingle, is not rational. But neither is razing a planet, or falling in love.”

"You're not a Sith are you?"​

Sycorax laughed. “Certainly not. Though I can’t blame you for suggesting it. We Necropolitans tend to be rather spooky as a rule.” She gestured toward the woman. "Where do you fit in this rogues' gallery of colorful characters?"

 

[BB-610]

IN YOUR HEART SHALL BURN

| LOCATION: Naboo |
| TAG: Jasper Kai'el | Braze |

"It's nice to meet you. I think I recall seeing you on Ilum during a small mission I was on."

If BB-610 had eyebrows, they'd have perked up in surprise, the droid calmly retracting his utility arm after their handshake. He'd gathered that his rather shortlived appearance on Ilum had gone unnoticed, especially after being barred from entry. The day's events had left a sour taste in his mouth, but a subsequent visit to the planet's caves with Valery Noble had given him the happiness his previous expedition had not.

The droid nodded, chirping happily, his anxieties all but washed away - it seemed Braze's energy was the perfect remedy for a skittish astromech's fears. BB-610 cooed, a gentle little sound as he listened attentively, intrigued by what was seemingly an AI housed within a mouse droid. The mental image was - truthfully - a little funny, but he couldn't quite say that he'd like to be stuck inside one of those himself, so any visible sign of amusement was quickly dashed.

Giving a brief glance back to Jasper, BB-610 bweeped excitedly, saying that he could try and help with any modifications as well. Astromechs were quite handy little mechanics, after all, and Braze was right - he was quite fascinated in meeting this Aether.

For now, though, BB-610 would drift his gaze to where Jasper's eyes landed, humming. The droid didn't need to eat, but he quite liked his company, so there was no issue in following them over. There was something BB-610 had been itching to show off, at any rate, should they make their way over to the concession stand.

With another coo, the astromech popped one of his tool-bay discs open, and with his utility arm, BB-610 gingerly exposed a small, glowing teal kyber crystal. Smaller than most, its shine was immaculate, laying flat in the palm of his claw. The droid bweeped proudly, claiming that he'd earned it on Ilum by talking to the Force through Valery.

He wasn't sure if he was the first droid to ever earn their very own kyber crystal, but he was certainly pleased with himself all the same.

 

[Lossa Aureus]

Objective: 1 - Dance Hall
Wearing: Dress and Heels
Tags: Gatz Derrevar Briana Sal-Soren Aiden Rennek

A playful roll of her eyes met his own amused sentiment.

"A scandalous idea to be sure." She hadn't expected the flourish Gatz put on taking her hand. Placing a kiss against her hand before speaking. It wasn't just the action that made her wide eyed, or his words. Sure they'd been flirting with each other, and he did lean into his scoundrel tendency when dealing with her.

But her skin didn't help to hide the sudden deep rosy color that stained her face.

It had been a long time since she'd felt caught off guard. Or had her heart flutter in such a way. As much as she was leaning into the game, he'd caught her by surprise, and left her wordless as their arms linked. Still blinking as he guessed where Briana was.

The wide eyed surprise shifting to a wry smile at the irony of finding Briana at the bar instead of herself.

"Liquid confidence, especially with the variety of... attending parties." She was fairly certain she'd heard more than a few mentions of Sith titles passing through the doors earlier.

The idea of leaving Briana alone with that crowd less than ideal as she pressed them onward with a thousand yard stare beyond the assembled bodies around them.

Leaning into her abilities a bit as the feeling of irritation and displeasure formed a bubble around the two of them.

"Just look official... or scary till we find them. Well," A small pat of reassurance against his arm in case he hadn't been prepared for pheromones to be used so close to him. A teasing smile as she gave him a sideways glance. "Official works better."

Acting as a spear for their trip to the bar through the gathered crowds.

 

[Djonas Vile]

Naboo's skyline whizzed by as a luxury airspeeder ferrying Djonas Vile towards the Royal Palace. The New Year Gala was in full effect. Djonas had seen so many queens of Naboo come and go. From Queen Jamie the Kind to Queen Liviana the Eternal, had been there serving under them all. Now, Queen Kalantha had ruled. It would be against Djonas' principles to not make an appearance at such a gala. He wore standard formal wear, 3 piece suit in all black with a splash of gold from his shirt. Simple, yet regal. Especially how he wore it. He decided to accessorize with a pair of Gunray-Bans, matching the rest of his outfit, of course.

Upon arriving to the Royal Palace, Djonas looked out through the viewport at all just outside of the palace. He brought his airspeeder to a slow halt and stepped outside of it. He straightened out his suit before he made his way to the palace. Djonas is well known among the Royal Security Forces, thus allowing him certain privileges. He was able to keep his lightsaber, safely tucked and deactivated within his jacket.

"Entering Naboo's courts, Master Djonas Vile. Proprietor of Bittie Land Hero of the Cataclysm!"
​

Djonas turned to glare at the announcer.

"Man, I really wish you ain't do that." Djonas locked his eyes on that of a delectable liquid resting in a glass carried upon a silver tray. He followed it until it was within his grasp. "Sweet nectar." he whispered to himself as he grabbed the glass. He took a sip and instantly recognized the taste. "Rummy Tonic. Not bad, Queen Kalantha. Not bad." He looked around the ballroom, spectating those dancing and those who were not equally. So many faces. So many stories.

One face did catch his eye slighlty more than the others. Not a pretty one with long legs, however. One that looked more like his. He approached, slowly. He finished his drink before speaking up.

"Aren't you a sight for these tired eyes? Tahraqos Yvarro. My son. Welcome to the Royal Palace. You've brought friends? I would have dragged your aunt here, but she would have caused more trouble than she's worth." He'd extend a hand towards Kurayami. "Pleasure to meet you. Djonas Vile." He looked over at Ivalyn. "I know a Yvarro when I see one. You must be ... Ivalyn, no?"

Tahraqos Yvarro | Kurayami Bloodborn ​

 

[Diantha]

IN YOUR HEART SHALL BURN
Ballroom ☛ Royal Palace ☛ City of Theed
Kalantha • Aiden Porte​

As the last gala hadn’t been attended by the Queen, Senna Trozky had been free to do as she wished, but tonight she was on duty as the Royal Handmaiden Diantha. Kalantha was not the first queen she had served; Senna was older than the young teen by a number of years which was a boon to the elected royal’s protection, and it meant that she was well-accustomed to following the dictates of someone younger than her… something your average person might bristle at.

Dressed and made up so as to be indistinguishable from her fellow handmaidens, Diantha followed the comings and goings of those that approached Kalantha solely with her eyes, moving nary another muscle. When the Sith party approached, she held onto her composure regardless of how their disgusting presence felt, and delicately swallowed the frisson of fear that cropped up, unbidden. Her intensive, at times gruelling training had seen to it that she could handle herself masterfully, and she has years since to perfect her various skills. Including not being a slave to her emotions.

Only when the teen royal addressed her directly did the Handmaiden turn her head, only a fraction to direct her ear to Kalantha’s orders but her eyes never left the backs of the dark ones, narrowing slightly in time with the command, as the Sith party moved on and away from the dias. Diantha inclined her head in silent acceptance of the task, and resumed being a living statue.

With any luck, everyone here would behave within acceptable parameters. If not… well, she wouldn't recommend it.

 

[Vera Mina]

A beauty in violence? Yet they abhor death?

Vera didn't sigh despite badly wanting to. His people had the right idea halfway, but left out the fun latter half of that equation. The equation that runs most action films. Why wouldn't his society want to go full action film? Madness, utter madness, Vera mused.

"As someone who has argued for the death penalty against certain defandants, I am exposed to both sides...often."

(Cutaway of J Jonah Jameson laughing uncontrollably)

"Oh, and I very much doubt your suspects have ever been legally counseled by me. My practices these days are restricted to the core worlds for the most part."

Her face lit up as he accepted her invitation, explaining he was the first Valde in centuries to dance. She took his hand and led him to the floor, where she began a well honed waltz type dance with Vulpesen . She danced like she had been doing so for years, but in truth had had the programs downloaded into her only a few weeks ago, in anticipation of this particular event. After all, so many rich figures will always be in need of a smooth talking lawyer.

Who knows, If Vulpesen ever fethed up like Romi Jade had, she would be more than happy to offer her services. Force User types rarely see the inside of a courthouse, with most being killed in combat, but there was always a chance...

"You are an excellent dancer, Valde of Veradune..." she complimented as they danced together. The dance was not salacious, but formal, but Vera, due to being so fine that Mister Palmer himself couldn't have told you where the money went, drew stares like crazy, her muscles flexing with each movement through her white dress. She would have preferred being able to dance with Nathan though, but she understood his scheming bastard-ness and the need to avoid making things public, because she was a scheming bastard herself.

Still, the fact she was dancing with a complete stranger and not her fiance sent a moment of pain through her that she was unused to, but didn't display to Vulpesen, due to not wanting to ruin the dance...

 

[Anodyne Lyori]

Sycorax Laveaux - Open​

Not a mind reader. Good. That put Anodyne notably more at ease. "I was thinking Sith, specifically, but yes." She listened as the other woman rationalized the absurdities as a simple fact of life. Anodyne twisted her lips in dissasifaction, "It's a nice platitude, but I hardly think those two examples are… comparable," She glanced back towards the ballroom, "This… falls somewhere in-between."

"Where do you fit in this rogues' gallery of colorful characters?"

"I'm an ambassador. For Jelucan," The half-sephi dipped her head, bangs bobbing with the movement, "Anodyne Lyori."

 

[Valery Noble]

Naboo

​

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

"I know you arranged the jelly and jams, you know." She had actually swallowed her bite before speaking this time and looked at him with an appreciative, loving smile, rather than the brief death glare she fired away to warn him. With their bond, there was no way he could hide having done something so sweet for her, and it filled her heart with warmth. To think that this entire Gala now served jelly because of her food cravings was also pretty funny.

So, she forgave him for snickering at the thought of er eating with her hands again.

"Oh? You know her?" Valery tilted her head curiously. Usually, it either meant he had met her during his time as a smuggler, or worse, he knew her from his time as Sith. Either way, she was far more interested in meeting the woman now, and perhaps learning more about her.

"Good evening," Valery began when the redhead addressed them. "So far, it has been a lovely evening. I hope nobody is keeping you waiting?" Valery asked but in a playful way. As if she'd fight whoever kept such a lovely woman waiting on her own. Danger then noticed the plate of jelly, and Valery couldn't help but smirk, while she tightened her hold on her husband's arm.

"It's the best. My beloved husband here made sure they had it for me." She glanced up at him with a smile and leaned into him just a little more.

 

[Ijaat Mereel]

Nodding to Mairéad Solus , Ijaat took note of Mia Monroe 's eyes, but let the issue go. Elise Ahana-Gwyneira could associate with Dark Siders like whoever Darth Malum of House Marr or otherwise. As long as she didn't cause him to lose face by being too besotted and he didn't take her for that kind. A brief grin and flash of heat to Mia said he had his own ideas on later, and he dipped his head.

"Aye, I'm familiar. We owe you thanks for your investment. I hadn't intended the title to be so blatant, but the invitation was addressed to such..."

With the addressing of the rather obvious misplacement of his title done, Ijaat nodded to those further in.

"I think we have some expecting us, if you'll excuse me. And my throat could use more than wine... But first, an old acquaintance. Please find us again later, or on Mandalore. Even the Sole Ruler is eager to know you better..."

Inclining his head, he made his way with Mia closer to Djonas Vile and Kurayami Bloodborn and company , speaking in a quiet voice so as not to cause too much interruption.

"Kurayami.. It is good to see you still alive... And for once not on a battlefield... Though you may not remember me after this long..."

Mairéad Solus

 

[Makko Vyres]

"It's alright," she said, voice low and soothing. "He's not here."

Makko gave a small, apologetic nod. He hadn't meant for it to be so obvious, but they had both become quite attuned to one another. There was no point hiding it. He might have been ready to hear more about that time, but he was not ready for a surprise face to face meeting.

Their wager on spilled blood was interrupted by a brief speech from the queen.

"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."

Perhaps because of this, Brandyn changed direction.

”It is a pleasure to meet you both. Brandyn Sal-Soren…of Naboo…Hapes…Coruscant…I don’t really know where I live these days,“ he said with a wave of his wine filled goblet, “let’s say Brandyn Sal-Soren of that rusty old Jedi Shuttle out the back, hmmm?”

His attention was redirected to a red-eyed man and his blonde arm candy across the room. It didn’t take Jedi senses to determine that the man was of a certain darker mindset. “Marr, you say?” He said with a tilt of his head towards Makko, “the only thing marred is his sense of fashion. The man looks like a mortician’s assistant. But! That is on parr for Marr and his ilk…no doubt.”

Glancing back towards the lady Corazona, Brandyn added a further jibe towards the one’s he knew nothing about. “But at least King Marr’s fashion sense is good for something…it elevates that fairly average number his blonde companion chose to grace us with.”

Makko chuckled softly, placed a hand over his mouth to prevent it becoming a laugh and let his gaze roam.

"Damn. If we're doing people watching and judging I am...entirely here for it," Makko replied. Cora enjoyed the gossip, though he imagined she preferred to be less crass than to speak of it so openly.

He looked around. He had nothing to say on the subject of the Dark Lord's newest entourage member; that golden mail dress was striking.

"Ah, I spot sunglasses indoors with a suit. Must be a celebrity," Makko said as Djonas arrived.

"Never met your sister," Makko said, "But Lossa talks about Briana quite a bit..."

 

[Teresa Zambrano | Darth Pellax]

Outfit: Blood infused Liquid Laminanium Bracelets, Earings, Dress
Zambrano's: Darth Carnifex | Lucia Naberrie | Darth Xyrah
Others:

Watching Him accept the other half of the treat she wanted to share left her with a pleased expression. Her outward display of affection was a first. To her it was like a calm outlet that did not cause more ire than their presence already gave. "No, I did not expect it at all. I knew it was possible but it surprised me." How was one able to predict such a thing, it took expect the unexpected to a whole new level. "But, despite how I feel, I know I want this."

​

"They are here," He looked back to Teresa. "The two of them are here, this should quite be interesting."

Her head lifted up as if it was on a swivel looking at where he mentioned. there they stood over the other side of the table furthest away. Of course she had at least heard of them both Valery Noble and spouse Kahlil Noble , there was a striking resemblance between father and son. Teresa quietly chuckled just as Darth Xyrah showed up late.

The dazzling golden chained dress drew her attention quickly. She found it somewhat captivating at times how their natural beauty could be paired beautifully with carefully chosen outfits and accessories. "Mmmnf,~" quickly she swallowed down the mouthful. "Saryn heyy, you look stunning. I'd hug you but I don't wanna let go of either of these." Teresa said in simple compliment and honest words. Allowing her Master and his wife to converse.

As the Blackened Valkyrie nursed the large serving bowl of custard pudding the spoon began to move on its own. Spoonful after spoonful Teresa could not resist nor hold back the greedy indulgence of the delicious treat. The guests of the room began to quieten to soft mumbles and murmurs as Kalantha made her speech. Had it not been for the food filled cheeks Teresa might have laughed loudly, peace was a wish weak hoped for. Yet conflict was so easy, all it took was a nudge.

Even here it was possible. A room full of enemies and all headed caution. Even if it was to turn a bloodbath, Teresa's evening would not be spoiled by matter, only be elevate it. Yet here she was one arm linked and a quarter of the bowl was already gone.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

He would never confirm nor deny his involvement with the jams here, and even went so far as to keep his mind still on just what exactly he might be feeling. Instead it was just a calm smile on his face as he looked to his beautiful wife. All that mattered was she enjoyed this evening. Whenever they went out, there was always some kind of trouble that followed them.

But not here. Not even with the other problems that might actually exist.

"I know of her. There are few people in the galaxy that my father respects. Though I don't mean she's an enemy or anything." It was complicated to explain, even with his own thoughts, but he did respect someone who didn't worship his father's very existence to the point of reverence. He offered a simple bow of his head to Danger. Smirked.

He really couldn't hide his involvement with the jelly could he?

"I can't deny a mother the foods she's craving, could I?"

Valery Noble | Danger Arceneau

 

[Aveline Cuiléin]

(wrong account, my bad)

 

[Caelia Lamora]

​

Objective 1 | Tag: Todblaz Graker | Wearing: x

"But then it's not truly authentic" she interjected softly and with a smile. "But you're right. As a noble, I should know. We all wear masks. People get good at telling lies, and at some point it becomes hard to tell the difference" present yourself a certain way too long and you can't help but have it rub off on you. Tod made a good point, though, and she liked that he disagreed with her.

On the rocks, she repeated in her mind, nodding as if she was slowly peeling away another layer and getting closer to understanding who he was. It was a comment that could mean absolutely nothing, it was a comment that could mean he didn't concern himself with feigning masculinity by forcing himself to drink it neat. Caelia didn't know, it wasn't her field, but it reminded her of something her uncle had said once.

He was right in his assesment of her, her eyes and laughing smile said as much "You're right. But I won't say no to wine. Red. Keep that in mind if you go hunting for my refil" she teased and raised her glass ever so slightly.

The event so far appeared to be a success. She was shocked not a drop of blood had been spilled before the end of her first glass.

On the topic of her work ethics, he brought out another laugh and she unconsciously rested a hand on his forearm, amused by the surprising turn his comment had taken. "Oh really? I bet you're right. Alcohol makes me an absolute delight." And in the context of a diplomatic encouter, it likely would make everyone more relaxed. As if keen to take her unspoken advice, she took another hearty sip.

"Tod, can't you tell? I'm always trouble" she answered lightly to his next question. The real trouble was was realizing she'd actually not given him her name yet. Hopefully he would forgive her, as her writer had accidentally left that part out of last post's edit. "Actually no one calls me that. I'm not very good at my job, see. My name's Caelia. Caelia Lamora" it was a name that meant much on Orocco, but here she didn't expect anyone to be familiar.

Caelia couldn't help but bring the conversation back to something they had said earlier. Despite having said it wasn't his job to read people, she was about to make him. "So, what about me? What do I reveal about myself? Mask, or authentic?" The glass inched back up to her lips as careful examening eyes were placed upon him, ready to judge and hopeful he would rise to the challenge.

 

[Clarron Vall]

Objectives: 1 & 2
Open​

Unfortunately, the cyborg trooper found his previous resolution a little harder to stick to than he'd imagined. He was as good at having fun as a gundark was at being an opera singer. He spent a good amount of his 'fun' time people-watching as he occasionally flitted back and forth from the indoors to outdoors. Normally, he didn't care much for the doings or opinions of others, but the night had yielded at least a few crumbs of valuable data. Data, he noted, was something he was short on, and flying blind around an unfamiliar galaxy would likely not end well. He'd end up breaking some obscure law that hadn't existed in his time, or cross into a restricted zone in space and be blasted for his trouble. Much as he was fond of it, he was sure his ancient, moldering TIE Phantom couldn't stack up to whatever was being flown now.

Best as he could tell, it was the same old silliness as always. Something of a student of history, it seemed to him that the galaxy would never escape the cycle of two different sects of dogmatic lunatics wrecking the place again and again and again. Even his beloved Empire had been founded by one, though it had outlived him on its own merits. He saw little value in the Sith themselves. Madmen, warmongers, and children grasping for temporary greatness. Those present were no exception, though they seemed more... sybaritic than he remembered.

Those darksiders he had been exposed to in the past had seemed to care for little more than personal power. The great warlord present, Darth Carnifex , was never without a small gaggle of bizarre creatures that he guessed were as much concubines as bodyguards. He clearly saw himself as the sole great power in the universe. Maybe he was right. Vall was not so easily wowed by such theatrics as others.

Still, the Sith were right about one thing, like a broken digital chronometer displaying the correct time once per standard day. Somebody had to rule. Vall had been young during the days of the Republic, but even a child could watch a screen and see the corruption, stupidity, and inefficiency on display that had flourished under its democracy. Allowing the gormless masses any hands on the levers of power was a foolish idea. They lacked the discipline, wisdom, and foresight to rule themselves.

Certainly, they at first preferred it, much like farm animals loosed by mistake into the wild. And like those same animals, the fun ended quickly when reality set in, and the carnivores smelled easy prey. They were far better off in pens, whether they liked it or not.

That was where the dark ones' virtues began and ended, in his eyes. Rulers were needed, yes, but he had seen how their sorceries clouded their judgment and warped them in mind and body. It was a shame, he thought again, that the galaxy couldn't seem to shake itself out from under the thumb of the Sith or their Jedi counterparts. Tyranny was a reality of sentient life on the social level, in his opinion. If a vacuum existed, it would be filled. He simply regretted that no others had ever held the reins for long beyond megalomaniac sorcerer-kings or foolish, idealistic monks and their puppet republics.

He had considered grasping for those reins himself once, but came to the conclusion he was no ruler. He was a warrior, nothing more, nothing less, made to follow his king (or emperor) into battle. In this age, with the Empire he had known dead and gone, he'd found none he deemed worthy of following. Not yet, at any rate. He wandered from world to world, taking petty work where it came to feed himself, just like the scum and bounty hunters he so despised. It was a big galaxy, though, and he had nothing but time.

He realized his thoughts had drifted back into duty again. It was hard to break that conditioning, nor did he entirely want to. Maybe duty was his fun? That was a sad thought, but probably an accurate one, he decided. Letting out a rattling sigh, he leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes, meditating and blocking out the noise around him for a moment so he could think.

 

[Sycorax Laveaux]

Objective II
Attire: xxx
Tags: Anodyne Lyori​

It wasn’t a platitude in Sycorax’s eyes, but by now she was used to people disagreeing with and dismissing her. She wasn’t going to change for them, and certainly not for the sake of maintaining this conversation after the last one ended poorly. But she did let the subject go.

“Sycorax Laveaux, Senator of Dahrtag. Better known as Necropolis.” She gave Anodyne a nod. “How do you find being an ambassador so far?”

 

[Tahraqos Yvarro]

Raqos watched as his cousin nursed her flute of champagne. The young man only chuckled lightly, and responded to Kurayami, "sounds like mum, yeah." He wasn't at all surprised his mother always wanted to make sure someone had eyes on him. Unsurprisingly, the man answered his question about just how he managed to stay alive for so long. "Whot? Tenth time you get a free pass? Do they stamp a card for you, 'ere you go mate, 'eres your free pass, welcome back." He knew his 'uncle' had a few stories under his belt but the Netherworld? That felt only slightly wild to him, and even then it wasn't so wild compared to other stories that floated around the family. "That's right, the magic flask, the one ol' grandma Fio got for you, right?" That wasn't surprising, grandma Fio had quite the infamous reputation.

He felt the Corellian's hand on his shoulder, "now listen, uncle. Just a bit of teasin' nothin' ol lady Ivalyn 'ere can't handle."

Ivalyn shot daggers back in his direction with the way she looked at him. "Whot? Not old? Aren't you 3-" She nabbed a biscuit off a roving tray and shoved it into his mouth. Raqos just ate the biscuit and chuckled. "Least it was a good biscuit, now, am not tryin' to rile 'er up, just be glad Matt and Ethan aren't here, yeah?"

"Balance be praised," remarked his cousin with a sarcastic tone, she went on, "that I only have you here and not the whole fam damily, mhmm?"

She had opened her mouth to respond to Kurayami but then decided against saying anything and simply went back to nursing her flute of champagne. It wasn't long after this that Raqos heard them announce his father, of course, this was after the Queen of Naboo had had her say addressing the masses that had turned up for the event. Now it was his turn to be nervous, although his cousin had much more class and grace than he did. "You going to be alright, Raqos?" She asked, concerned for his well being.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm good," Raqos answered as he knocked back the flute of champagne and set it on another roving tray. His father approached him, his cousin and the Corellian uncle. The young man took a deep breath and exhaled, he wasn't nervous, nope. "Yes, my cousin, and this is Mr. Kurayami Bloodborn, he's a friend of the family." He cleared his throat whilst his father talked to Ivalyn a moment, although the comment on aunt left him to wonder if his father meant his mother, or Ivalyn's mother. Either way, he wouldn't have been wrong, the only one worth bringing was probably auntie Lucinyia but she hardly travelled beyond the Commonwealth's borders these days.

Ivalyn smiled politely and answered Djonas, "indeed I am, a pleaure to see you Mr. Vile."

"Waitaminute, someone who isn't related to the family, actually knows you?" Raqos asked with a bit of a surprised tone when he noticed Ijaat and Mia approach, the former speaking to Kurayami directly. "My apologies, Raqos Yvarro, this is my father Djonas Vile, my cousin Ivalyn Yvarro." He extended a hand toward Ijaat and then to Mia.

Ivalyn settled her now empty flute of champagne on another roving tray and mirrored her cousin, "my cousin and I mean no disrespect, we've known Mr. Bloodborn for quite a number of years, he's been an important member of the family. A pleasure to meet you both."

Djonas Vile | Kurayami Bloodborn | Mia Monroe | Ijaat Mereel ​

 

[Todblaz Graker]

Objective 1
Tag: Caelia Lamora
Outfit: xxx

Listening to her invite him to take care of her next drink had him keeping his grin, finding the conversation more fun as time passed. "I'll make sure to hunt down a glass of red wine when yours runs empty," he replied. Tod never much liked red wine, but tolerated drinking it for formal events. He found it too dry and preferred the sweeter white wine.

Tod complimented, "Well, Ambassador Caelia, that is a lovely name, and based on this interaction, I would think you'd be a darling to negotiate with." Despite not being familiar with the ambassador's name or family title, Tod intended to maintain formalities unless instructed otherwise, as he viewed it as a courteous way to engage while getting acquainted with someone. But his writer did have a good laugh at her apology and does forgive her writer.

In response to her question about authenticity, Tod took a subtle step back, visually assessing her for a few seconds. "I reckon I'm not the best at reading people, but my intuition tells me I'm seeing more authenticity than mask." His eyes returned to hers as he returned to where he was standing. Admittedly he had limitations in the art of discernment of masks. He also wasn't as adept at playing with a guise like politicians could be, he preferred to keep his mask mostly off.

"Now it's your turn," he continued, spreading his arms slightly to open up more of his body. "What about my authenticity? Do I reveal anything?"