The Emperor's Ball

[Yasha Cadera]

“Shake on it?” Adara offered her hand, waiting to shake Alvarex’s around before smiling and giving a tiny nod before being taken off. “Deal. See, Baba? I helped!”

“I wonder who’s mother would win in a competition on disciplines, the Empresses or my sparky Panathan ballet taskmaster... in Hell.” Yasha winked and her smile once more burst upon her face. He took her bumbles and made something of them, dressing her faux pas in the gossamer of good mannered fun. “Ah, battle. There will be plenty more dances of that nature, my Pepper Prince.”

It was all well, when fuggin’ Strabo’s drinking buddy [member="Abel Australis"] bumbled up to give [member="Alvarex Zambrano"] some kindly advice. Amber eyes glowed with a rousing ire. Before Abel could finish, the Dark Lord’s son once more showed his quality. An honourable, if quietly forceful man.

[member="Kaine Australis"] rushed his younger brother, hand ready to yank him by the neck. But Alvarex was faster at the draw.

“Thank you, Rex. That’s enough. If you would give my vod and I a moment.” The Infernal cast a glance behind her to Alvarex, yanking Abel’s left hand into a hammer lock and pulling the man to the side.

“So help me Abel this is the first night in three years I’ve been able to go somewhere the event entertainment wasn’t us fighting for our lives so you will continue to shut your mouth about my celibate specifics and dance with my Aunt like she’s the Queen of fething life, or I will personally shed the meat from each of your bones one by one and crack them down the middle so Ambrose can lick the soft and mushy marrow clean, then sew you back together with cured bantha bacon and throw you in a den of starving nexu as bait for some creeped out ad’ika’s Verd’goten. Elek? You copy, Captain Trident? Nod for me.” Yasha slowly pulled the hammerlock down, to bend Abel back until his neck was near the level of her chin. That way, she could look him in the eye.

“Make Kay laugh, there’s a bottle of old cask tihaar in it for you. Make her smile and forget her problems for a minute? I will personally purchase your legion enough mead to have a good time.” Yasha’s eyes narrowed. “Do not sass me, Abel... but thanks for... you know... protecting me and having my back. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to have my first date in five years that didn’t include an overprotective Kiki staring him down with her gun sights pointed six inches below his navel.”

The hammerlock disentangled, Yasha straightened herself up and nodded to Kain’ik’s younger brother.

“Right! So! Abel and Aunt Kay, have a fantastic dance. That leaves..... Kain’ik, Alvarex and I... to walk alone in the garden... together.” Sliding her hand into Alvarex’s arm, Yasha offered Kaine a smile. “Where’s [member="Caz Australis"], Kain’ik? Your wife go off to admire the scenery again? She might like to join us.”

The garden air bristled with a cooling breeze. Yasha stood enraptured at the sensation of wind on her face, eyes drifting closed for a slim moment.

“I don’t feel wind in my armour... I’d forgotten... that is lovely. Kaine, the wind... can you feel it, too?” The whisper passed as a dream, Yasha swathed by something as simple as an evening breeze. How much of her time did Yasha spend encased behind beskar, and a Mask? The arm in Alvarex’s tightened, skin mottled by goosebumps from the unfamiliar, yet welcome sensation.

Amber eyes opened to scan across the garden, and went wide. “Oh... oh! Look!”

Yasha pointed at a bush, which blossomed with pale blue flowers, pulsing with purple light. She grabbed Alvarex and Kaine’s hands, dragging them both towards it. “A Heliocanthys Arduentara! The petals shift in colour depending on the level of ambient noise! I’ve never seen one before! Look!”

Coming to the bush, Yasha released Kaine’s hand, to stroke the leaves of the seemingly mundane plant. The hand around Alvarex’s tightened, “Oh, it’s warm.”

 

[Vaulkhar]

Vaulkhar's attention shifted from the various individual worth noting, though it never strayed too far from his father. As much as he intended on doing something else with his evening, he couldn't keep himself from checking in on the elder Zambrano from time to time. It was a curious and amusing gesture to say the least. The half breed didn't seem to show much emotional attachment to the man he considered his father, though the responsibility of ensuring his father weighed upon him, as any order would. As Lady Kay returned in the room, his gaze drifted from his father to her, a frown tugging weakly at his lips. His heart went out to the Queen of Commenor, interestingly. Many were subjugated to the Sith and rarely did he care, though for his own personal reasons he allowed his gaze to linger seconds longer than it should of. Without a care in the world he passed over the leader of the Mandalorians, his disinterest in the people he considered little more than savages visible within his blind gaze.

As he was tugged towards the dance floor, he offered Dae a smile at her words. Very few showed interest in the young man beyond his last name or his capability with a saber. An accomplished warrior, capable force user beyond the threshold of master, very little held him back beyond his own lack of ambition. His eyes momentarily dropped down to the woman's. Perhaps a pointless gesture considering his lack of vision, though it seemed well practice by the half breed.

"More about me, hm?" the question sat within the mind of Vaulkhar for several seconds as he considered the answer. "Well, I was born on Junction and lived there for the first few years of my life. A woman adopted me when I was abandoned by my mother and I was taken elsewhere. By thirteen I was inducted into the One Sith Academy upon Coruscant where I spent several years training under the former Sith Empire. Planets were subjugated, others defended... Generic life of a soldier I imagine."

He was pulled with ease, the half breed not seeming to contest her actions. At this point he noted the direction they were traveling, particularly the duo he moved towards, though he said nothing. As they settled on the the dance floor, he slipped a hand down and gently placed it against her lower back. His other hand slid up her arm to take her hand within his own, a smile growing on his face. It had been years since he'd been able to dance, something he was excited to do to say the least. With a deep breath Vaulkhar began to lead the woman in a traditional waltz.

[member="Dae"]

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

Galidraan

---

---

---

Blakeslee Falls Estate
Outdoor Dining Area > Vestibule
[member="Kaalia Pavanos"]


Ishana looked at her wife and narrowed her gaze a bit and then relaxed, she slid her hand in Kaalia's. "Habibi." The Balmorran's word was firm as they walked away from the dining area. Crossing the beauty that was the estate, crossing the beautifully maintained hedges and the row of flowers. "I'll be fine, but thank you." Did it feel terrible to be helpless, of course. But she could either dwell on it or move past it and find a way to be productive. Ishana laughed a little, "I'm fine." She knew that passionate look well enough, "please."

The pair walked into the vestibule and Ishana's eyes almost popped out of her head. "Wow..." her voice escaped itself almost, lost in a whisper. The Castle definitely did not disappoint, "yeah dancing, I think is that way." As she shook herself of the trance as it were. The vestibule was crowded and between the guests and the waiters, Ishana gave Kaalia's hand a squeeze. "Also, before we were so rudely interrupted um, what's with the no booze thing? Like you could probably trip over someone carrying the stuff." Not that Ishana didn't mind, "like are we doing some sort of detoxifying thing that I'm not aware of... again?"

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Galidraan​

---

---

---

​

---

Blakeslee Falls Estate​

Ballroom > Vestibule​

In Vicinity: [member="Tez Bola"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Shoma Ike"] | [member="Muad Dib"]​

Dancing Partner: [member="Taeli Raaf"]​

​

​

​

The musical sounds of the waltz faded and as the soft jazz began to pick up Fiolette and Taeli made their way off the dance floor. She laughed a little when Taeli pointed out how a ballroom might clash with such a lovely vacation home. "Ah yes, you are absolutely correct how silly of me." A pause, "then perhaps I should acquire an estate, no, a castle such as this." A look from Taeli. "I say this in jest, now then I shall be off to fetch your ladyship her beverage." Fiolette gave Taeli a small kiss on the cheek before she started on her way to the vestibule.

Blakeslee was crowded now more than ever and Fiolette felt some manner of pride. Even if she held little in regard for her homeworld, the redhead noted that many of the officials such as Governor Parlow and his Sith-Imperial Advisory Council were speaking about the distinct lack of represenation from Herevan. Fiolette scoffed and kept her pace, she took a moment however to head up to the Hall of Nobles to freshen up. As she headed up the steps the Rear Admiral was impressed by the amount of portraits that hung along the walls. Certainly a stark reminder of what life was like here, and also a reminder of the prejudice that came with it. Fiolette let out a sigh as she went about her business, it would not take her all that long - to be honest the line to get into the powder rooms were longer than the time spent in it.

Refreshed, the redhead descended the stairs and unknowingly came into view of the FOSB Director.

In the ballroom, the music would once again change and at the request of the Empress [member="Invicta Zambrano"], the waltz that was to play next had been taken off the list and the tango piece began to play in its place.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXAxP-w7tbg[/media]

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

The Ballroom
Wearing: Zhongshan Suit, Shimmersilk Cape, HoloLink
Interacting with: [member="The Major"] | [member="Tez Bola"]

Director.

That was an unusual enough title to cause the boy to raise an eyebrow. Sure enough, the woman dropped the other shoe and identified herself as the Director of the First Order Security Bureau, a position that caused the teenage noble to raise the other eyebrow.

What was the expression? May you live in interesting times..? It seemed as though Shoma had quite literally stumbled upon either outrageous fortune or most auspicious happenstance. "Director Shepard, I am most pleased to make your acquaintance," the teen offered, with a bow toward the woman.

Yes, he was Atrisian. The bowing never really stopped. If anything, it only became more frequent.

Straightening back up, the youth again bowed with respect to the other woman. "Miss Bola. Dozo yoroshiku ne," the teen obliged, slipping momentarily back into his Xiaolang dialect. As he straightened up from this second bow, the youth seemed to nod appreciatively at how Director Shepard so succinctly described just what Tez was up to. "I'm rather in a similar situation," Shoma stated candidly. "Having grown up within the Alliance as one of their ambassadors, I'm more familiar with who the players are outside of the Sith Empire and First Order."

Gesturing to indicate the party around them, the teenage prince said, "This was an opportunity to start getting to know who's who in the Empire."

Who's who in the Empire. A Sith Knight who was presently engaged in a socerer's cabal debating topics of experimentation that Shoma couldn't decipher as having been conversation in Basic.

"And apparently the First Order," the boy amended, with a nod toward Shepard.

When Tez asked him to describe his world, the boy played it off. "A minor world on the edge of the Core Region," the youth answered nonchalantly. Former capital of the Galactic Empire, but there were a number of worlds that could make that claim now. "We are quite fortunate to have the First Order as newfound friends," Shoma opined, deflecting the question about his homeworld back to the First Order. "But, you should visit. The islands of my home are really quite beautiful this time of year."

Turning his head, the youth turned the conversation toward the other woman.

"And you, Director, from where do you hail?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay wasn't sure of what to make of all of this. First [member="Abel Australis"] came in and made a fool of himself with both his mouth and his kneeling before her. And then both [member="Kaine Australis"] and [member="Alvarex Zambrano"] took care of him in their own ways. But no sooner did that happen that [member="Yasha Mantis"] got involved. What exactly her niece had told him, she wasn't so sure. This was the first time that she had witnessed her anger in such a degree. It was no wonder that she held a firm grip on some of her people.

She glanced arpund to see if anyone else took notice of what was going on. It was then that she spotted [member="Vaulkhar"] looking in her direction. Yes, someone surely noticed alright. Just who she was, Kay had no idea. Most of the people here were those that she didn't recognize. She hadn't even seen Abel or [member="Jor Kvall"] before until tonight.

After Yasha's quiet outburst or threat, whichever it was that was given was over, the air about the room seemed to change. Or perhaps that was Kay just imagining it. Everyone that she trusted were leaving and here she was being requested to dance. She couldn't change her acceptance of it. Unfortunately. Perhaps it wpuldn't be a long song and the two of them could get back into good company again instead of being in this den of darkness.

Kay took Abel's hand and followed him to the dance floor, half of her bouquet of blue roses remaining in her other hand. "Tensions are high here, for some of us. So...sometimes jokes are taken too personally.
Are you okay?"

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Looking forward to dancing​

Vestibule -> Ballroom​

[member="Ishana Pavanos"]​

---

---

​

---

​

With the comforting sensation of her hand being intertwined with Ishana's, Kaalia let out one more deep breath to let the remaining weight fall off her shoulders and a smile began to form on her face once more. She wasn't as good at putting feelings of worry behind her than other emotions at times, something that was amplified by the fact the source of her worry was her wife of all people. Ishana was strong, she knew that, but logic did not always dictate one's feelings. "You know how I get," the redhead said as she took in everything around her while they walked towards their destination. The flowers in particular grabbed her attention- she found them to be quite beautiful to look at. "Being a bit too... intense, about wanting to keep that smile on your face, it's something I do too much." A chuckle followed. "I sometimes forget you're more than capable of doing that yourself." In fact, Ishana was the reason she herself was able to remain stable in the face of turmoil.

When they entered the vestibule and Kaalia saw Ishana being awestruck at the sight, she was unable to hold back a bit of laughter. "It's beautiful, isn't it? Makes you wonder how much it all cost." It was definitely more than what most would ever see in their lifetime, there was not the slightest bit of doubt. After that short moment they would begin making their way towards the ballroom, carefully maneuvering through the mass of guests and waiters who took up much of the space. Before they got there, however, the brunette had a question to pose. "Not really, no. It's just that things are going to get very busy really soon and I want to stay sharp. Trust me, if I could I would've helped myself to a nice glass of wine already, but it's for the better this way for a little while."

Finding the ballroom was not all that difficult and as they drew closer the music became more and more present, reaching a crescendo when they stood right in front of the entrance. With her free hand, she gestured for them to join the crowd. "Shall we, Miala?"

 

[Muad Dib]

Location: Ballroom
Interacting with: [member="Adrian Vandiir"] , [member="Vereshin"]
In the vicinity of: [member="Shoma Ike"] , [member="Tez Bola"] , [member="The Major"] , [member="Taeli Raaf"] , [member="Fiolette Yvarro"]
Wearing: Suit

It was frightening. To be amidst such powerful and influential beings of the Galaxy, to be conversing with up and coming forces of nature. To be cast into a dentist of lions, serpents, and seemingly walking deities. It would cause the marrow of any warrior to freeze in their bones, the blood to chill, the heart to beat rapidly and threaten to burst from one's chest. And to be there apparently alone, most would falter in their resolve of attending such an event.

Of course most individuals were sane.

He smirked at the inner monologue and flicked his eyes between the sorcerous companions he was engaged with. Taking another drink he found he had nearly reached the end of his 'spirits' as well as his new compatriot. Nodding to a server nearby he raised his glass and nodded at the near empty flute of Vereshin. Refills and a drink for Adrian was requested with a glance. As the server returned to the bar he went back to the conversation.

"Aye. Sentience and living beings offer many opportunities to alter, as do the spirits of deceased intelligent creatures. Yet I've found the best specimens to bend to my will through the Darkside."

He paused as he grinned widely.

"There's nothing better suited for such pursuits then Sith. To break a Darksider, to bend their will, to impose your vision upon them ... There is nothing sweeter. And their predisposition to darkness makes the effort even more rewarding. Oh, a Jedi is a nice thing to play with, but the struggle of ripping the light away, infusing them with darkness, to promote your goals upon them are less efficient, even if it's more fun. No, to take let's say, a Sorcerer for instance, to take one of these and rip their knowledge from them to augment your own, to feel the sense of dismay and defeat as you turn them from free practitioners to your servant and vassal, to alter their very DNA and spirit to fulfill your desires ... That is true poetry."

He laughed then, the amusement of what he was suggesting while standing amidst Sith getting the better of him. His eyes scanned those nearby feeling the power that crashed over him in waves, and he could not deny the attractiveness of his thoughts. Imagine the fun to be had succeeding in doing that very thing to one of those in attendance. The very thought was intoxicating.

"Though of course one wouldn't want to start with a master, perhaps a knight who shared your own interests. They may know something you do not, so delving into their mind could be both, a learning experience and more apt to succeed. Hypothetically of course."

His smirk and the twinkle in his glowing eyes were both warming and maniacal. The server returned with the tray and Muad placed his empty tumbler there on and collected one identical to it. Raising it he took a sniff and found the dry, nutty aroma of Whyren's Reserve assault his senses. He gave the server a satisfied nod and tilted his head for the man to serve the drinks to the duo of sorcerers.

Glancing over he watched as the Prince began conversing with the duet of ladies, a furrow upon his brow as he felt the eyes of one of them leave his form and turn to the Prince. While Muad may not have been a factor in Sith or First Order space, he did recognize the form of the Director from dossiers at his disposal thanks to his loose affiliation with the Confederacy.

Watching as the Prince of Atrisia interacted with those representing the government that had oppressed his homeworld, Muad should have felt the urge to intercede as one of his responsibilities was the Prince's relative guardianship. However he found himself amused by the potential interaction. So he chose to merely observe and listen for the moment as he continued to learn more of the young Prince Shoma.

 

[Abel Forsworn]

Location: an empty portion of the dance floor
Objective: to FINALLY dance

As he took her hand in his they moved onto the dance floor. The hand with hers was raised to shoulder height as his left hand carefully hovered mere breadths from her hip. The smell of the booze he had been ingesting all night was especially sharp at their close proximity. Swaying to the music and what surely had to be intoxication, he laughed and spoke loudly to [member="Lady Kay"] , a definite side effect to being drunk was not having a normal gauge of your senses.

"That's 'kay Queenie. You can step on my feet alllllll you want, I have nine toes that can go. I already lost one dancing with a wookiee once. I'm sure I'll be 'kay."

He laughed the boisterous noise of a drunk who found his own joke amusing. The red cheeks, profuse sweating, and actions spoke of a man well on his way to alcohol poisoning, not to mention the inherent stench of liquor. Yet as he smiled and the corners of his eyes crinkled with crow's feet that came from laughter among friends and the hard squint of a soldier who had spent many a day on the battlefield, Lady Kay would notice his eyes were neither bloodshot nor dialated.

His gaze lazily moved around them to smirk at his triumph of finally dancing, the few couples nearby sliding away to put more distance between them and the drunken mando'ad. Pulling her a little closer he lowered his voice as if he was a lover whispering sweet nothings to his intended.

"The Mand'alor is a fearless warrior and great leader. But her youth and inexperience in certain areas leaves her defenseless at times."

His words were still slurred and his motions were jerky as though his body and mind had a disconnect from the intoxication, but as he glanced down into the Queen's eyes a shrewd and cunning look flashed therein for but a moment.

"I love this music! And look at all the pretty people!"

The louder and obnoxious voice rang out as he laughed. Then he lowered his boice once more as if continuing his wooing.

"She's strong, our [member="Yasha Mantis"] , but she's young. She thinks because we are here with a promise of non violence, dressed up, and everyone is wearing the trappings of civilized people, that this is not a battleground. She's wrong, it's more subtle. As for the Sith Prince, I don't know his game, so I have no opinion, but the Emperor , there is always playing."

His eyes flashed over to Carnifex as the two dancers moved together but definitely not in unison, for how can you when one was most assuredly drunk?

"And don't worry, I'm okay. It would take more then a little orchestrated manhandling to hurt me. What better way to ensure that Kaine, Alvarex, and Yasha were on the same page and together, then anger all three and unite them against me for the moment. Even now they go to the gardens together, hand in hand. And now the Sith get to watch you being tossed around a floor by a drunken mando giant. And their laughter at you should bolster your confidence, Queen Kay."

He nodded to some of those watching from the sides of the dance floor, their smirking grins of opinionated judgement painted on their snide faces.

"What they fail to realize is that you bent to their will, but you did not break. That your family roams free. That Commenor still has friends and supporters. And that this drunken mando is going to romantically pursue you which will give you an opportunity to see me, if you so wish, for information and messages. And this 'drunken mando' is far from what he seems. Being able to detoxify your body of alcohol is one of the first control techniques a Jedi learns, although it's meant for cleansing your body of poison and illness, not self inflicted binges. Though I'm no Jedi, you tend to learn things when you're a cop working closely with the Order on Corellia, the Green Jedi as they go by."

As they continued to dance he gave her a drunken grin.

 

[Tamara Wren]

"It happens a lot," she said with a slight grimace, in response to his comment about it being odd to be meeting someone you'd been fighting a month ago. A reality for the Mandalorians of late it seemed. Even before the Red Coronation though, it had not been uncommon, especially for the more mercenary amoung them.

She'd interrupted him on his way to meet someone, and she had no intention of keeping him further if he had friends to meet. She still wasn't sure where [member="Koda Fett"] had ended up, but if she went looking she was sure she could track him down. Or she could find somewhere unobtrusive to sit until this whole thing was over.

Tamara was nodding, stepping slightly to the side so he could pass and continue on his way when-

Something like ice touched her heel and she gasped softly, stopping mid stride. She didn't see the shadow- didn't know what had caused it. But she felt it, like gelid electricity shooting up. It was gone in an instant, a familiar sensation and then vanished. She blinked, whirling around (likely to the lieutenant's confusion but she didn't care), eyes a little too wide, whites a little too clear in the darkness.

She only noticed the card in her hand then, and she blinked, the confusion clear as she turned back around. Utterly perplexed, she looked around again, then back at Anden.

"Did.... did you see anyone just now?" She asked, hesitant, a touch agitated.

She opened her gauntlet, the card stock reflecting what little light there was. A name, an address.

What the hell?

"I.... I'm sorry I just... I thought there was someone there but..... Must- must be imagining things."

[member="Anden Fancelo"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was ever so glad for the roses being in hand. They smelled so beautifully and combated the smell of booze that wafted out of every breath that [member="Abel Australis"] exhaled. Were they enough though? As he led her to the dance floor, she wasn't so certain, so she made sure that the bouquet face her next to Abel's left ear as she wrapped her arm around his shoulder.

She gave him a small smile at his joke, giving out a bit of a fake laugh. It was clear that she wasn't so sure about all of this. Yet she was urged to take part in this and there were far WORSE guests at the ball that she could be dancing with thanthe seemingly drunk Mandalorian.

Abel's whispered words caught her by surprise. How many times had she heard that about [member="Yasha Mantis"] from other Mandalorians lately? More times than she felt comfortable with. The look on Kay's face was one of utter confusion as she caught that look in his eyes that was quite the opposite of his behaviour.

"OW! Quit focusing on the other ladies and focus on me!
You're stepping on my toes!" Hopefully that was enough of a cover. She wasn't the best at lying when she didn't have all the facts. But who wouldn't be so confused when one was dancing with a rambling drunk?

He spoke quietly to her again and this time in more detail. This ball and the politics behind it was another battlefield. Kay knew it well enough. Fortunately she had been able to avoid people making their jabs at her for having to surrender her planet for the sake of billions of lives. There was a larger game at play here and she was doing what she could to even the odds a little.

The whole idea that Abel was wanting to pursue her romantically, even just as a ruse, caught her off guard. Kay hid her face within the bouquet of flowers as she spoke under her breath. "I may be seperated, but I'm still married.
If Veiere found out...." She could let him in on it. Somehow. She had friends that could reach him and tell him. It wasn't as though Kay was going to let it go too far. He was just going to pretend to be her knight in shining armour, right?

Kay pulled her face out of the flowers and cleared her throat a little before she spoke up. "Alright, I'll give you my advice on how to court someone like me....if you insist." She feigned a sigh. "Try not to drink so much. They'd want to see you sober.
They'd want to feel safe and protected. Sure it's okay to lose it every once in a while, but...well, you don't drink like this all the time, do you? And keep your eyes focused on the woman you're trying to court. Don't let your eyes sample the other ladies as it sort of defeats the confidence a little...How's that? A good enough start?"

 

[AMCO]

Location: Ballroom
Interacting With: [member="Muad Dib"] & [member="Vereshin"]
Wearing: Custom Suit with Shimmersilk Half-Cloak.

---

---

---

An interesting development, this, though not an unwelcome one. He was, after all, always eager to discuss the nuances of Sorcery and the depths of Alchemy. The mixture of high society and his favourite "sciences", how could he not be ecstatic?

"Necromancy? Interesting, very much so. I've never had the time to truly pursue that art, though I have been in contact with Sith Spirits; it certainly would have come in handy then." A slight pause, accented by a warm smile in Vereshin's direction. "Especially if someone more specialised towards that branch of Sorcery blazes a trail first."

Waving his hands dismissively at Vereshin's self-conscious tone, he smiled amiably. "I've always found that, in most cases, Sorcery is more about what you can do than what you possess. Talismans are certainly an exception, but they are by most accounts utterly priceless." Pausing slightly, he smiled impishly. "That being said, coffee table rituals are new to me." Allowing himself a short chuckle, he continued. "As for my current projects, my most recent success was the creation of my Tsudakyr, wonderful little creatures: Hyperintelligent brains, completely bodyless, with a resistance to mentalism and a reaction speed that would give most force sensitives a run for their money. Hopefully, what I learned from that will bring me one step closer to creating the perfect being."

Smile briefly morphing into a frown as he listed to Muad's newest eccentricity, he couldn't help but disapprove, though not necessarily for the reasons the Mad Master might think. In the eyes of the young Knight, Force Sensitivity, and by extension those who possessed it, were precious. Superior beings in every way, compared to lesser lifeforms. Of course, not all were worthy of that gift, but he nonetheless found the exploitation of fellow force sensitives for personal gain slightly... distasteful. On par with genocide, even.

Smiling innocently, Adrian spoke with calm tone. "Perhaps, though Sorcerers are hardly easy prey." A vicious gleam entering his eyes, he continued. "You never know what plans they have in place, and before you know it you're living out your days in a testing-vat. Hypothetically, of course."

Taking the glass of Whyren's Reserve from the waiter, he deeply inhaled the smell, a genuinely pleased look on his face, even as the malevolent glimmer in his eyes remained. Ah, real Corellian whiskey. The apex of quality, no less. He would need to compliment whoever had decided what to serve on their taste, if given the chance.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Fiolette Yvarro"] [member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Darth Prazutis"] [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Adara Raxis"] [member="Lady Kay"]

While Fiolette went to seek Taeli's and her's refreshment, Taeli made her rounds of those assembled in the ballroom. She exchanged pleasantries with a few nobles and officials, all of them wanting to get in her good graces. Given her reputation, she was starting to understand more about how the Emperor and others went through such events. She met them all with an easy smile, a polite laugh here or there at some comment or joke told, and of course the endless requests that she should visit insert estate name here or planet or city here.

Her ears perked up as she caught the sounds of two of her favorite subjects being discussed, science and the arts of sorcery and alchemy. Purples eyes scanned the crowd, alighting upon the small grouping of [member="Vereshin"], [member="Adrian Vandiir"], and [member="Muad Dib"]. Excusing herself from one of the dukes of Serenno present, she made her way over to the group just in time to hear the last comment of Knight Vandiir.

"Forgive me, but I couldn't help but overhear parts of your conversation," she said, nodding her head at the three. "Knight Vandiir, Knight Vereshin. I'm afraid I do not know your name, sir."

 

[Irella Toldreyn]

The Outer Rim, Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate, The Ballroom, Unspecified Time
Redrum | Interacting with [member="Ronan Vizsla"] | [member="Koda Fett"], [member="Tamara Wren"], [member="Vilaz Munin"], [member="Briika Munin"], [member="Preliat Mantis"] ~ Hushh ~ "So hold your breath, dim the lights."
——————————————————————

Ronan Vizsla, flirting? If Irella had not been the exceptionally unlikely recipient of it, she would have laughed.

No, she still felt like laughing. Everything seemed like a strange joke at the moment.

The touch would have jolted her had it been skin-to-skin; Beskar'gam to beskar'gam was a lot more different, safer, a little more clinical but nonetheless a certain kind of awkward. Cool eyes watched as he shared his drink, the bloody red cocktail passed to her and she took it gingerly, even more carefully avoiding the potential of it slipping right out of her grasp. All that red would not paint a pretty picture across the ballroom floor.

Or would it?

Either way, she sipped gingerly and sucked air through her teeth at the sharp taste. Like a shotgun kicking back into your gut, except it was down your throat, or a stream of fire and gasoline. His jabs and gaslighting about Jedi seemed to not affect her, though, perhaps her mind was reeling from the strength of the Kri'gee. He did get a pointed look for his efforts, a sleeping lioness poked. She hadn't missed it entirely, simply chose to not offer defiance. For all she knew, that was what he wanted, he certainly enjoyed pushing her buttons in that odd round-about manner.

"Then I suppose we will get along swimmingly." Irella dryly noted, to his point on Sith about killing. There was still no way she'd trust one of them farther than she could throw them, and, well-- She couldn't throw them very far, but they had gotten this far.

"It's strong," The new Vizsla mused, raising it for a more proper sip, "But I've survived stronger."
——————————————————————
Evening Wear Attire

 

[Aedan Miles]

Aedan Miles sighed as he strode up the stairs towards where the ball for Emperor Carnifex was being held an eyepatch hiding his left eye leaving the right one to gleam violet as he strode calmly up the steps. Surprisingly to many who knew him and worryingly to those who knew him well the young Pirate King was sober at this time his black hair pulled back into a loose pony tail to keep it respectful for that was what he had for the man who was being celebrated here. As he neared the top of the stairs he stopped and took a moment making sure to run a hand over the dress uniform he wore making sure that everything fell into place accordingly before he took a deep breath and centered himself opening his eye to reveal almost complete apathy. He would not allow any emotions to be shown tonight unless he felt the need to show them placing what he hoped would be a true smile on his face he strode forward walking into the ball and looking around calmly. Finally his eyes came upon the Emperor and he calmly strode over his movements calm and slow as he approached before stopping at a respectful distance and offering the man a polite bow in greetings before finally speaking his voice smooth and calm as it left his lips. "Emperor Zambrano forgive my late arrival I was held up by business. It is my honor to be here at this event and I thank you for all that you have done for me in the past as well as look forward to any business between us in the future." Slowly Aedan straightened up as he finished talking his one eye calm as he looked directly at the man before him with nothing but respect for him this man was one of those who had in the past helped him to get to where he was now and this was not something easily forgotten.

After a moment Aedan took a step back offering a half bow before he went to find refreshments knowing that if the Emperor wished to speak with him than he would make this wish known. Instead Aedan strode away towards where he saw a bar calmly weaving his way in and out of the crowd effortlessly as he finally reached it and held up a hand calmly ordering a drink before turning to lean carefully against the bar top while waiting for his drink to arrive. His eyes tracking over the assembled guests slowly offering a slow nod to Mand'alor as he spotted her nearby with others from the ME. He had been working alongside them lightly for a time finding it an agreeable arrangement for all involved at the moment. Turning his attention back to those present he felt an eyebrow rise as he noticed Fiolette Yvarro a renowned shipwright in her own right as well as someone who looked familiar but he could place a name to the face at the moment. As his drink arrived he turned taking it before turning back to face the scattered gatherings his eyes tracking over the groups that were divided if not by affiliation than by social rank.

[member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] [member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Yasha Mantis"]

 

[Abel Forsworn]

Location: an empty portion of the dance floor
Objective: to court a Queen

His boisterous laughter rang out at [member="Lady Kay"] and her accusation of roaming eyes and big feet. Shaking his head ruefully and mayhaps as a drunk trying to clear the cobwebs from his mind, he continued his dance with the Queen of Commenor as her words rolled over him. Her questioning demeanor followed by offers of insight and advice made him grin once more.

"Does your riduur trust you? I mean your husband. Then would he not look at the love and trust you both have for each other and with hold judgement? And yes, part of the ruse would allow for messages to be relayed."

They twirled upon the dance floor, alone in their gilded cage of observation for the Sith Empire. A supposed broken queen and a worthless drunk mando. He gave a little drunken wave at the spectators before turning back to Lady Kay.

"Do I drink like this all the time? Depends on your definition of "all the time". Don't drink so much? That's asking a lot. But I guess I can make that a temporary sacrifice."

He laughed. His flickered around ensuring they were still secluded in the sea of activity.

"I can do that. Also, for most men their constant roving eyes is probably then checking out other women. For a mando'ad, it's most likely they are looking for threats, assessing danger, watching their aliit. But for our game I will temper my constant browsing. So easy on the drinking and the browsing. First lesson complete. So what's the service lesson? How to drink tea? I have to warn you that I have big hands. Might look quite ridiculous in my beskar'gam, a tiny teacup in hand, and armored pinky sticking out."

As he spoke he mimed his words, a pinky extending from the hand that held her's loosely.

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

Galidraan

---

---

---

Blakeslee Falls Estate
Vestibule > Ballroom
[member="Kaalia Pavanos"]

Ishana raised a brow, the answer she got was very cryptic. "Okay..." Her voice trailed off a moment. The music drew louder as they got closer to the ballroom, the two floors were tremendous. The high ceiling with the chandelier she could only imagine that this part of why the venue had been chosen, and as they approached the song changed to something of a tango. "I will follow your lead." The only kind of dancing Ishana knew happened to involve a pole back when she worked in the Cantinas on Nar Shaddaa. The former pilot waited until her wife took them to the dance floor and without hesitation followed the redhead's lead.

"So..." her voice trailed off, as she was trying to put together all the information from the evening thus far. Aside from the rude interruption by an unwanted third party, the evening had been going well. Still, her wife's seemingly starving appetite, no booze - the Balmorran was at a loss as to why. And why were they going to be busy all of a sudden? The woman wondered if it was that crazy cult, the one that only just now started to get into the whole let's worship the Fire... whatever it was they called her. "Gotta say Habibi, the music's nice and the evening's wonderful but I can't help but wonder if I'm missing something there?"

 

[The Major]

Galidraan
Blakeslee Falls Estate
Undisclosed Hour, 853 ABY
Interacting With: [member="Tez Bola"] | [member="Shoma Ike"]
Nearby: @Maud Dib | [member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Fiolette Yvarro"]
Morale: Neutral (rising)

As the young prince spoke a bit to Sybil’s accomplice her dark blue eyes, glittering in the soft lights above, scanned hither and thither amongst the crowds. What was remarkable was how disparate the groups present held themselves, from Mandalorians who always gave the impression they would be more comfortable in a waist high pile of gore and mud to the Thyrsians whose intelligence was only matched by their sheer arrogance -from sith alchemists enraptured with twisting their magics to what the Director could have sworn was one of the galaxy’s oldest shipwrights: although this particular Galidraan born woman looked different from what could be recalled. Change of features? Surgery? Old photos? Who could say? It never paid to stare for too long in such a magical world of friend and foe. The Fallanassi’s attention slanted left, back across where Prince Shoma previously retreated from.

For a brief moment the Security Bureau Director caught Maud looking and in the shortest of moments she managed to catch him right in the eye just long enough to throw mutual acknowledgment of formal recognition. She sensed a great potential to achieve a greater kind of chaos: a skew, a chance to throw an extra pair of dice to shake up the various stagnate interdiction fields that marred the galaxy. Maybe not today, and maybe not too soon, but Sybil could feel something rich to gain from some sort of cooperation between two very distinct types of agent. Alas, such hunches could prove disastrous. But she would find out.

...All in due time…​

The Prince politely asked question of Lady Shepard, and keeping in the spirit of light conversation, the Major replied.

“Oh dear, Prince Ike. I’m afraid where I come from is classified information. If I told you I’d have to kill you!” She teased, smiling brightly at what was obviously one of the worst, if not the worst, jokes an international woman of mystery could possibly muster.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded a little as [member="Abel Australis"] asked her if her husband trusted her. He did. But she knew that he wouldn't be very keen on the whole idea. Still, it wasn't as though she'd let this 'romantic pursuit' go too far anyways. Whomever put him up to this idea, she had no idea. It was very possible that he cooked it up on his own.

She glanced around at the others in the room, not recognizing most of them, which didn't come at much of a surprise. [member="Taeli Raaf"] she had met once in a business meeting. Something to do with genetics, if she could recall properly. Though there was plenty on her mind right now that helped to muddle her memory.

Kay did her best not to step on Abel's toes as he twirled her, the many layers of fabric that made up her gown billowed. "If it's dangers and threats that you are keeping an eye out for, then by all means do so. This hall of Darkness is filled with it. Even the shadows seem to have a mind of their own." Of course she knew that to all be a trick of intimidation by the Sith Emperor. "But as for the drinking, I think that I'd just feel...safer...if you had all of your wits about you. That is unless I make you too nervous?"

She laughed a genuine and hearty laugh as Abel spoke of drinking tea in his armour with his little pinky in the air. It felt good to laugh and she just couldn't help it as she visualized it all in her head. "Tea is my addiction.
I'll not force it upon you. However I could teach you how to make a proper cup, whenever you feel so inclined."

 

[Vereshin]

Location: Ballroom
Interacting With: [member="Adrian Vandiir"], [member="Muad Dib"], [member="Taeli Raaf"]

The ends of Vereshin's mouth turned upwards as he listened to Adrian's thoughts regarding necromancy. When the other young knight mentioned him conducting a trial run for him to analyze, dimples etched into Vereshin's cheeks as they simultaneously turned purple. He smoothed down the front of his cravat and diverted his gaze from Adrian's, looking around for another waitress from whom he could pluck a glass of wine.

"It would be my pleasure to run a trial for any projects you may be considering." Cocking his head sideways, the chipper smile he wore lowered as he watched Maud smirk again. Swallowing his distaste, he turned back around to Adrian and laughed as he responded to his comment regarding the rituals he conducted on his coffee table. "Oh they're very pleasant with candles and tea." He smiled and allowed for a brief pause. "Speaking as a mage who was never very good at crafting items, I'm inclined to agree." Vereshin said in response to Adrian's idea that sorcery revolved more around practice, rather the possession of items.

"Perhaps somebody much more well-versed in alchemy could assist me in that regard." Extending a hand, Vereshin lightly brushed the side of Adrian's shoulders in a display of friendly affection. When Adrian mentioned his own project, Vereshin raised an eyebrow in intrigue. "Very impressive, could these brains be connected to an inanimate object in order to give it the ability to think? That could be a charming alternative to software." He cupped his chin in thought. "I don't trust computers, you see?" Without knowing the intricate details of the project, Vereshin merely offered his muse. "Forgive me for not being privy to the core mechanics, I'm only asking out of curiosity." He expressed in a genuine tone.

"Or even used to reanimate a corpse?" Looking slyly towards the wall, devious thoughts now ran through Vereshin's mind as he thought about Adrian's project. "Perhaps I'm just being silly." He laughed as he waved a hand dismissively at his suggestion. When Maud described in detail the prospect of capturing Sith sorcerers and experimenting on their life essence, Vereshin's eyes narrowed in silent anger. Any fool could realize that the comment was directly referring to both Adrian and himself.

While the notion of experimenting on another sentient being, sorcerer or not, did not bother Vereshin, the act of threatening a fellow guest under social circumstances when they had treated Maud with courtesy, was rude beyond measure. As Adrian subtly threatened Maud in return, a wicked smile crept onto Vereshin's features. The end of his hooked nose looked Maud up and down in disgust as his fellow sorcerer provided an elegant retort. Adrian seemed to have more skill with words than Vereshin, who was predominantly an introvert and rarely attended social events.

"Personally, I would prefer a warrior." Narrowing his eyes with menacing intent, Vereshin spoke in a monotonous tone. "Maybe teach a hypermasculine brute some manners." His voice remained still, never faltering beyond a syllable. "Not Sith, of course, it's against Imperial law to experiment on fellow Sith, I was thinking a Mandalorian." A pause held the air following the sentence. "No thank you." Vereshin stated coldly in response to Maud offering him a drink. That the man directly threatened him prior to offering him a drink, aroused dreadful suspicion within Vereshin. "I'm not really a whiskey guy." As Vereshin dismissed the offer, a powerful presence approached the group.

"Lady Raaf, my goodness, it is an honor indeed." Vereshin blushed fervently as he greeted Taeli. He brushed back his already slick hair and plucked another glass of wine from a waitress passing by. Taking a sip, he savored the calming effect and extended a hand for Taeli to shake if she wished. "Yes, we were discussing my work as a sorcerer and Adrian's work as an alchemist." Hiding behind the glass of wine, Vereshin shifted his gaze mischievously between Adrian and Maud. "This is Maud Dib." He decided not to mention the threat and introduced Maud plainly.