Royals, Knights and Cake (PM for Invite)

[Nimue Stormson]

If ever the people of Effekt had celebrated this much none could truly remember it so well, for the grand celebration taking place today was to last for the new five days as a new celebration honored by the Empress herself. While everyone celebrated in their own fashion throughout the planet the true center of all this hullabaloo was at the capital city where everyone from the highest to the lowest was preparing for the grand event. It seemed like so much to celebrate in so little a time. That was why Empress Nimue Stormson had insisted the first two days of this new celebration were spent preparing for the next three more days. And what celebration was so grand it needed this much time and effort?​

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It was the birthday of Morgana Forceborn, the long lost princess of Effekt. But much more then that was that this was also to celebrate her knighting as a Jedi. ​

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In truth this entire thing was like an elaborate gift for the Empress' daughter, yet always she would insist it was what she deserved. This of course showed how devoted the Empress had been with her child. And, of course, what better way to involve more people than by doing what the Empress was best known for: throwing the grandest parties the galactic community had ever seen. ​

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Given the elaborate history between Nimue and Morgana it might have seemed to be more then that. Morgana was in fact a specially made genetic hybrid child crafted from the DNA of all of the Empress' secret lovers. When the child was born she was smuggled off to be raised by the Jedi on Ossus, mainly because Nimue had feared for her child's life due to the extreme traditionalists who still had political pull on Effekt. These had been the same men who attempted a coo on Nimue and in the process started a civil war that spanned the entire planet of Effekt. Instead of dealing with the pain of her people fighting each other again Nimue had to make the hard but necessary choice. When Morgana was finally old enough she learned the truth and, of course, needed time and effort to fully accept that. After meeting with all the men who were basically her fathers Morgana had agreed to accept who she was, while keeping her Jedi name. After that Nimue had made a false statement as to the origin of Morgana, saying she was actually the child of her late husband, Emperor Victor Stormson, and had been raised in secret to avoid being known by her enemies who would seek to kill her. Enough evidence and subliminal messaging made that all the more reasonable for the Effektians to believe. ​

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So, in truth, this celebration was also for the return of Effekt's long lost royal daughter and future ruler. That would further explain why the Empress had insisted that everything be set and ready to the fullest for the party taking place today. Large banners decorated the royal palace's walls both inside and out. All throughout the city people were dancing and singing and feasting. The large main hall of the palace was lined with the large banquet tables along with a few round ones to fill in the gaps. The only space was the middle where a red carpet lead from the door to the throne. There was still room for there to be a dance floor but that would not be until later. Servants had trays of food and drink ready while the cooks had brought out large servings of meat and fruit and the like, laying them on the long tables for people to enjoy. The casks of the finest ale of Effekt, called "Dragon's Honey", were open for any to drink. ​

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The Empress herself was seated at her throne overlooking the entire room. She was excited to the point of barley being able to sit. Two smaller chairs were at the side of the throne, one for Morgana and the other for Nimue's commander and personal love [member="Asterion"] . She'd asked Asterion be with her once the guests started arriving while allowing Morgana time to be ready. She knew the handmaidens would see to her being dressed appropriately for the party but that didn't stop her from feeling so anxious about it all. ​

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She'd reached over and took his hand while saying "It's happen, my love. It's all really happening." She gave a little excited noise before adding "Can you believe it? Morgana's going to be so happy when she sees her presents." ​

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[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Solan Charr"] [member="Mak Manto"] [member="Jericho"] [member="Sempra the Hutt"]​

 

[Aithne Charr]

Solan Charr leaned back for a moment before looking at his daughter and sighing. It hadn't been long since Sleheryon and he could tell she was not faring well after what happened. Even if she hid it. His voice sounded the moment he turned to her and straightened out her outfit. "Hey, you excited to see Morgana again? Im sure shes going to be happy to see you." He wanted to hold his daughter still after what had happened on that damned planet, if there was anything he would do before he died it was make sure that hutt paid. He reached up and tried to help fix what hair she had left and for the time couldn't bring himself to even look at her hand, the one missing a finger.​

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He himself was wearing his normal clothing. Tan trousers, a dark blue shirt with the Viola trenchcoat around him. He carried no weapons nor would he to this place and the only other thing on him were his glasses which he kept in a case in his pocket. His hair was short as always, a dark brown to it and his blue eyes scanned over his daughter once more. He was more protective than ever of her and for a moment he wanted to hold her again.​

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But it was a day to be happy and he glanced over to the other person with them. One [member="Seanna Vel"]. He decided he needed a bit more in his life, something else to look to and she was the closest thing he had to that something more to look too. He she was here as his, for lack of a better term, date but also to see for him if he was comfortable having others get close around him. It was one thing for him to hit on people but to actually care was another. None the less she was there and they were approaching the home of [member="Nimue Stormson"] quite quickly at that.​

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[member="Evania Charr"]​

 

[Mak Manto]

Slithering in, he took a quick glance around before taking off his hat. It had been a long time since he had been invited to an event of such a nature. The last one he could remember was the wedding of Hawk, but that had been before his cryostasis. Wearing black robes with gold on the sides, he slithered around slowly, seeing more people come in, all who were important in Morgana's life, along with the locals if they had been invited by the Empress.

While he would never do anything to ruin her day, he wasn't so sure about the empress. Passing by her had made him notice the darkness, but she had invited him as a guest, and he still remembered what Morgana had told him during their mission about caring about those in your life.

Maybe she didn't know, but she had taught him some lessons along the way.

That was when he noticed the ale. Cocking his head, he slithered over, picking up a glass and taking a deep sniff before he took a sip, his eyes going wide.

What in the world is this? Some kind of magical ale that had been made by the greatest people in the Galaxy?

Taking a deeper gulp, he looked down at the glass, wondering if his love for Corellian scotch had been downgraded by the ale. Well, whoever this empress was, she certainly had the best taste for alcohol in his opinion.

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Using his days to train and work with the palace soldiers and guards, Asterion certainly had keep himself busy leading to the day his daughter would celebrate her birthday and knighting as a Jedi. While he wasn't fussed about the latter, the former was still as important to him as were she his own naturally. He had missed out on so much, but it wasn't his choice so guilt wasn't even an emotion he felt - he had bonded with Morgana and been a presence around the palace to be a shoulder if she needed it.

[member="Nimue Stormson"] would have seen a shift in his outlook to things, and the stormy events of the past seemed to be dying down.

Seated beside his love, he felt a little out of his depth. While he wasn't going to be in the spotlight, he was still a figure standing beside the Empress and his daughter, and that was enough for him to be dressed in black and muted forest green jacket, khakis and tunic that bore the colours of the Effekt. He was representing the Empress, and standing beside Morgana, so he had to look the part.

Taking her hand as she spoke, Asterion kissed it gently and looked over to her.

"You have done her proud, my love. Everything you've done for Morgana comes to fruition today and you must be nothing but proud of her and yourself."

He glanced back to the hall.

"Do we really have to sit here and wait for the freeloaders coming for your bounty of food and drink? Can't we...take a walk or something?"

A grin broke over his face, as he kissed her hand again and settled back in the chair.

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Solan Charr"] | [member="Mak Manto"] | [member="Jericho"] | [member="Sempra the Hutt"]

 

[Seanna Vel]

Even those she didn't know much about this Empress [member="Nimue Stormson"] heard enough from her date for this birthday. Then why would she be so nervous. Many reason she didn't do well in crowds or was there another reason far. After all how many times did she have to look herself in a full view mirror before stepping out to let Solan see what she was wearing to the Birthday party. Just to see him speechless about the dress was all she needed to know she made the right choice. Even then dress and shoes wasn't something that she uses to wearing but when he told her where they was going what kind of people would be there she knew she needed to look like she fit in.

Hearing his sigh brought her back to the present, looking down at the other side at @Evaine Charr giving her one of those warm smile. Knowing that she been through a lot. Not being able to get to help Solan in his time of need. Bending a bit in the waist to Evaine as she kissed her forehead. "I just know this going to be fun, I remember when I was your age and going to birthday parties, enjoy yourself..oh don't eat to much cake that you get a stomach ach." giving her a wink.

Straightening up looking at [member="Solan Charr"] with a smile, "Promise nothing but to try and fit in, sweet pea.", as she gave him a peek on the cheek.

[member="Asterion"] [member="Mak Manto"] [member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Evania Charr]

Evania tried not to flinch as her dad's hand brushed through her now short hair. She clung to his leg and tried to pretend she was anywhere else. Ever since she had been kidnapped, Evania had begun spending most of her time in her room, hiding from everyone including her father. She didn't trust people anymore, but when her father had told her they had somewhere they needed to be she had simply sighed and put on her usual blue and white dress. She would suffer through anything for her father, but she wished she could have stayed in her room. When Seanna bent down to kiss her forehead, the little girl whimpered and gripped Solan's pants tighter, hiding behind him even more than before. She simply nodded at Seanna's words before going back to staring blankly at the ground. [member="Seanna Vel"] [member="Solan Charr"] [member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Ras'kala'han]

Joryn Kaylem held little love for the trappings of royalty. He preferred to decorate his offices with historical paraphenalia as opposed to the more luxurious things some other senators favored. He seldom had time for celebration. This was an exception - an opportunity to impress the Empress [member="Nimue Stormson"] also. He wondered whether the party would be an enjoyable diversion or an excercise in patience.

That will depend, he thought, on the guests. His hair, usually tied back, hung loose at his shoulders. He wore a slim, red tunic and his right arm and shoulder were decorated with the ceremonial armor of his office. When assembled, the armor proclaimed "Here I rule and stand unbroken". In this gesture of formality, it instead seemed to proclaim, "I carry the burden of leadership with dignity".

He caught sight of [member="Mak Manto"], drinking. He himself had a glass of sparkling Muja fruit juice, but walked near to him to make some idle conversation.

"It looks like our host has spared no expense." He said casually.

[member="Evania Charr"], [member="Seanna Vel"], [member="Asterion"], [member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Mak Manto]

Seeing [member="Cloudstrider"] walk over, Mak downed the rest of the drink before picking up another, pulling out his pipe and lighting it. Sighing contentedly, he nodded to the man.

"I haven't had a drink like this in a hundred years. Makes me think I forgot that there are other types of alcohol out there beyond whiskey." Stretching out one of his four hands, Mak gave a small bow.

"Mak Manto, Morgana's former master."

 

[Nimue Stormson]

As she sat there and listened to him Nimue giggled a bit when [member="Asterion"] seemed more eager to try and leave for more "Private occasions". He kissed her hand as she hummed a bit in happiness. But, of course, when he insisted they go for a walk she was quick to put is hand down to make the rest of him follow in remaining in his seat.​

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"Now, now." she began. "We still have the guests to attend to. Don't worry though." she whispered into his ear. "We'll settle all that tonight, my love." She then smiled and shared a quick kiss on his lips before turning back. ​

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As she did her force senses picked up first above anything else. Force signatures aside from Asterion had come, some more familiar than others. The first she had caught were from both [member="Mak Manto"] and [member="Cloudstrider"] , whom she assumed to be Jedi at least. It was good to see some of the Order had come to pay respect and homage to their newest knight. It was then she caught sight of her old friend and closer to heart ally [member="Solan Charr"] , accompanied by what almost seemed like a family of his own. Instead of awaiting him to fully reach the throne she instead stood and walked down to meet him halfway. Whether Asterion followed or not was his choice, but the Empress had obviously wanted to break usual protocol to say hello to Solan and company. ​

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Approaching the ruler of Kesh with open arms and a war smile she called his name before approaching him and kissing both cheeks. "So glad you could make it, Solan. Morgana will be so happy to see you again." After that she joked about him having a decent present before her attention turned to [member="Seanna Vel"] , whom Nimue asked "How to you do. And you are?" After introductions were made Nimue had given a slight bow to her and listened to both herself and Solan for a moment. Of course her attention was soon drawn down to the little child hiding behind Solan's leg. She smiled and asked "And who is this pretty, little thing hiding behind your leg?" Nimue found herself dropping to one knee to be at her level before waving a hand and adding "Hello, dear. No need to be shy." ​

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[member="Taeli Raaf"] @JoshuaDragonsFlame​

 

[Ras'kala'han]

The man took [member="Mak Manto"]'s hand for a firm handshake. "Warden Joryn Kaylem, Lord of Ord Radama." He said, invoking his full title. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Master Jedi." He sipped his drink. He didn't need to reach out with his perceptions to feel it - the entire room teemed with the power of the Force. He glanced over towards [member="Asterion"]. "The Empress must be quite the ruler if she can bring Sith and Jedi together under the same roof." The dark warrior had, for the most part, been at [member="Nimue Stormson"]'s side.

Of course, if his affection for her is anything more than a ploy, he's far from the typical Sith.

[member="Evania Charr"], [member="Seanna Vel"], [member="Solan Charr"]

 

[Aithne Charr]

[member="Nimue Stormson"] [member="Evania Charr"] [member="Seanna Vel"]

Solan shrugged at Seanna, smiling as she pecked him on the cheek. "Now now, i know how to fit in quite well, id be more worried about you my dear Vel." He grinned at her as they were up and inside by that point with Evania still clinging to his leg. He sighed as he barely saw her when home much less when away from it handling business and it made him sad to see her like this. If he ever got the chance he would make that hutt suffer a million times more than he had done to Evania. It made him sick the moment that he had gotten her back to find she was scarred and harmed in such a way and his hand came around her as she clung to him. "Hey, you get to see Morgana through Evania... do you miss her?" He asked her before noticing someone coming up to them with a raised brow and a smile.

"Ahh, Nimue, a long time since we last met..." His eyes traveled for a moment to [member="Cloudstrider"] who seemed to come up to Nimue's side, he was a new one to be sure. "This is my daughter nimue, you know minus the situation concerning Morgana... shes a bit timid right now because of recent events so don't try to rush her into conversation. Morgana already met her when she had come to Kesh last, and i was wondering where she is so that Evania could say hi."

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

To be frank, it was most likely a good thing that someone had pulled Joshua aside at some point and explained the truth behind why Morgana hadn't even met her mother until recently - because at this party he'd been planning to give Nimue a piece of his mind!

Alas, the Jedi Master had arrived at the party. With no real fanfare or announcement, he'd just casually walked in, in the same suit from the last time he'd attended a party here, and just casually walked around, admiring the decor and the food. He didn't recognize anyone ye-Oh, there was Morgana, and [member="Nimue Stormson"]. [member="Solan Charr"] was there as well, as was the Sith nutjob @Asterion.

He smiled faintly, noting they all seemed to be busy. He didn't bother them for the time being.

 

[Seanna Vel]

[member="Nimue Stormson"] @Cloudstrider @Solan Charr [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]


Giving a smile then a big in take of her breath trying to soften her harsh accent of hers. "Miss Seanna Vel, I'm came a Solan Charr as his date." as she watch her go to her knees to miss Evaine. As she looked on to here another speak on the matter. Letting herself listen to what this one that seem to come over to where they where standing now.

"Yes she must be something, I look forward to knowing better.", if not here at the Birthday part then maybe sometime about making a dealing for her own Company. Couldn't help but eye the bar with the drinks that seem to be flowing out from it.

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Asterion lowered his head with a smile as [member="Nimue Stormson"] began to welcome guests; dignitaries, old friends, new face and great warriors. All beyond what the Sith knew, but he was here as a representative for Nimue, and father to Morgana. It would be interesting to see how many faces were here with good intent and lavish gifts for the birthday girl, to see if they knew the truth behind her heritage.

Taking a slow walk around the room, sticking to the outskirts with Nimue always in his sight; his time as a guardian and protector always in motion, he exchanged nods with those who want to acknowledge him in the royal colours, and happily ignored those who didn’t.

The Force was present around many, and the Jedi also – something he wasn’t at all happy with, but right now, it wasn’t his duty as lover and father to lash out. That would come later. And, inside, was he ever happy in the knowledge he was a Sith? Could he call himself a Sith still? It had been a lifetime since he had taken a blade to a servant of the Light.

He had the knowledge and training of the Sith, so at the end of the day, the Sith was currently all he knew.

Hands behind his back, Asterion kept his pace steady and gentle, observing the drinking freeloaders, the Jedi-looking ones and a few attractive female dignitaries that caught his eye as he passed.

[member="Seanna Vel"] | [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] | [member="Solan Charr"] | [member="Mak Manto"] | [member="Cloudstrider"] | [member="Evania Charr"]

 

[Ras'kala'han]

Joryn enjoyed his idle conversation with [member="Mak Manto"] - the company of Jedi in general was something of a comfort in territory outside the Republic. For once, their presence didn't reopen the raw wound of his separation with their order. Here, he wasn't an ex-Jedi, but a dignitary, a welcome guest. Maybe it was just a temporary pain. Regardless, he sipped a small portion of the "Dragon's Honey", far stronger than anything he was used to, and resolved to enjoy the night.

Scanning the crowd, his eyes briefly met with [member="Asterion"]'s. He felt a cold shiver down his spine. Quickly returning to his discussion with the Master next to him, he poured a bit more drink into his glass. Enough to warm his fears.

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"], [member="Seanna Vel"], [member="Solan Charr"], [member="Nimue Stormson"], [member="Evania Charr"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Jedi Master would stop when he came face to face with one man - [member="Asterion"]

He stopped, staring the man down for a moment in silence. But finally, the tension was cut with the proverbial knife as the Jedi Master would do something unexpected. He would smile!

"You surprised me, Sith" He would speak, finally. "You really did. After your little... Outburst, last I saw you, I expected you to abandon Morgana and flee like a coward. But... She told me. That you've been a father to her, at least in some aspect. That's a hell of a lot more then I expected"

Joshua took a breath, before doing something stunning in the form of extending his hand.

"Since you're here often, and able to be there for her... I just wanted to say thank you" Josh would speak softly. It was a surprising reaction from the Master, especially considering who he was talking to. But Morgana took precedence over any status anyone might have. "I wanted to apologize for the ridicule I shot before. I only had Morgana's interests at heart, and I was trying to goad you into being a father for her. I don't know if that worked or not, but no matter how it came about, you still have, and I'm thankful for it"

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Nimue Stormson"] [member="Morgana Forceborn"] [member="Asterion"] [member="Solan Charr"] [member="Cloudstrider"] [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] [member="Seanna Vel"] [member="Mak Manto"]

Taeli was running a bit late for the party, but it was probably to be expected. She was in the middle of important research and hadn't been able to leave when she wanted to. She was getting ready for a little trip, but wanted all her t's crossed and I's dotted before leaving on it. The Kathol Rift could be a rough place after all.

Still, as she landed her ship on Effekt, she had made sure to get Morgana something nice for birthday and for celebrating her being raised to a Jedi Knight. It was nice to see her advancing in her studies to this point, maybe now Taeli could start showing her a few advanced techniques at some point. Carrying the box that contained the present into the palace, she could feel a party atmosphere around the entire city and within the opulent palace, along with several familiar presences.

She just hoped Morgana would like the gift, and it would be nice to see Nimue again.

 

[Nimue Stormson]

After [member="Solan Charr"] had explained why his daughter, [member="Evania Charr"] , was so shy due to recent events it was no wonder she was clinging to him so tightly. The empress gave a sympathetic "Poor thing." After that she stood back up again and leaned in to whisper to Solan "Hopefully she can cheer Morgana up as well. She's been a bit...off, about this whole party." After that she spoke aloud for everyone to hear "Morgana's still getting ready. But she'll be here soon." She then looked to Evania and asked "Unless you want to go and see her first, little deary?"​

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After this she had heard [member="Seanna Vel"] introduce herself as Solan's date. Nimue gave a small surprised look before coming back to Solan with a smirk. Given that the statement had proven this girl was not Evania's mother and Solan's current love it only bemused Nimue to think Solan had such "beautiful tastes." She only nodded again to her before seeing [member="Asterion"] wander about the place. When their eyes met she would nod to him, indicating everything was fine, before going back into the conversations. She kept looking around at the others present, [member="Cloudstrider"] and [member="Mak Manto"] . It was soon after she'd finally seen [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] , however he was already in conversation with Asterion at this point. She was a little worried but had hopped both of them would remain mature enough not to start anything on today of all days. ​

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Then Nimue had felt the familiar presence of [member="Taeli Raaf"] just before she'd entered. Looking past the others she smiled at the sight, having felt as though she'd not seen her in a long time. She excused herself from the others before hurrying over to her with open arms. Upon reaching her she embraced her for a good long moment before holding her at arms length. "I almost thought you would be too busy to visit." she smiled. ​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Not paying attention to much around him, bar [member="Nimue Stormson"] and the main door, he failed to see the figure of [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] move before him. Neither spoke straight away, and the last time they had come together, it was for the benefit of his – their – daughter. The Jedi spoke first and he seemed almost peaceful and content, offering goodwill and a truce.

A truce with a gentleman’s handshake. But Asterion wasn’t a gentleman…was he?

Morgana was the most important factor between the two men, and Nimue to Asterion. He could brush DragonsFlame aside and ignore him, but what would that mean to Morgana and Nimue if it was evident this rift existed?

He didn’t want to spend time swapping stories and building bridges, but at least Asterion’s position had been acknowledged. Not that he needed a Jedi to acknowledge him.

Still. Asterion was a man of principal, even if it was buried beneath the brawn. He extended his hand and shook tightly.

”Don’t let my daughter down in anything you do for her.”

Without thinking, the my claim came out; she was his daughter. Not shared – the others could address her how they wished, but Asterion would be her father in conversation to any of the others. The handshake was firm and full of intent. The Sith nodded once to the Jedi before releasing his grip and moving on, exhaling quietly as he walked away.

How he yearned to just smash his face in with the drinks tray on the table beside them.

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Seanna Vel"] | [member="Solan Charr"] | [member="Mak Manto"] | [member=Cloudstrider] | [member="Evania Charr"]

 

[Evania Charr]

Evania tried to smile up at Nimue but it just looked fake and forced. She really didn't want to be here. The idea of seeing Morgana again did make her quite happy, but that did nothing to alleviate her fears. The young girl had Solan's pants held in a death grip as she cowered behind him. She didn't want to leave his side at all while they were out in public. She was too scared of what might happen. @Asterion @Nimue Stormson [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Seanna Vel"] [member="Solan Charr"]