The Emperor's Ball

[Muad Dib]

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


The connection surged between himself and the Director when their eyes met, before contact was broken. Just as surely as he knew her face and reputation, Muad had the feeling that the woman knew him as well. It could be disconcerting yet he felt a certain elation. New and dangerous avenues and liasons. The possibilities of the future was exciting. Would they be foes, allies, or something in between. His lips twitched in amusement as he turned his focus back to the Sith Sorcerers. The possibilities.

The frown was etched on Adrian's face a few moments more at the words spoken by the Mad Master. But as he watched the frown turned to an angelic smile as he spoke to Muad about the potential dangers of crossing a Sorcerer. The hard glint within Adrian's eyes as he spoke revealed a depth that Muad had been keen to observe. A ferocious and subtle response. As the other man chose a glass of Corellian whiskey Muad nodded to himself, a small smile creasing his face, as he raised his own in a kind of salute.

"Aye. I've seen apprentices overcome masters, students surpass their mentors, and the prepared overcome the pride of the haughty. Though existing within a vat of nutrients would be a nice reprieve. Hypothetically."

He chuckled as he made eye contact with Adrian, an acknowledgement and respect gleaming within his glowing eyes. The Sithling may be young but there was beskar in his spine. He had not retreated from the verbal sparring offered to him, instead returning with a thrust of his own. Adrian just became more intriguing, dangerous, and proven. Muad inclined his head subtly, a nod of respect earned. Which wasn't easy when it came to the Mad Man.

Vereshin, however, was much easier to read and the righteous anger, justifiably so, flowed through him like a torrential flood. Silence was followed by a vile smile. Then the thinly veiled comparisons of warrior and mando'ad being perceived as easier targets. Interesting enough Muad had thought Vereshin would be the more apt combatant upon the field of civilized verbal sparring, yet the man's emotions spilled over to his words and actions. Scratching his chin lightly he found himself wondering what else he had incorrectly assumed of the Sith Sorcerer.

Then another joined the trio, called Lady Raaf. Curiously he looked the woman over as Vereshin introduced himself along with Adrian then, seemingly begrudgingly, Muad. Amusement danced across his face as the Sorcerer did not divulge the latest line of conversation. Sliding one leg out he gave the Lady a bow of Adumari origins before straightening, his eyes never leaving her form.

"A pleasure Lady Raaf. As to our most current conversation, we were discussing suitable specimens for altering. I mentioned Sorcerers as a viable choice, already steeped on the Darkside of the Force and potentially having knowledge that one had not already attained. Vereshin here prefers mindless brutes, warriors. Adrian pointed out that some things are not as they seem, which I agree."

Muad gave a slight nod to the sorcerous duo before turning back to Lady Raaf.

"Take you for example. Some would see a beautiful woman and immediately begin to compare you to certain stereotypes. Weaker them a man, perhaps less intelligent as some words promote, an easy target. Much like a mindless brute or a young Sorcerer would be to some. Yet observation reveals unnoticed or ignored truths that belie the reality. The comfort of your gait as you move through the diverse and powerful attendees. The fluidity of your movement, graceful even. The deference given by Knights. The ease of conversing with powerful individuals, such as the aristocratic noble from Serenno over there. The details one observes would imply that you are not an easy target."

He smirked slightly as he glanced at Vereshin and Adrian.

"Just as a young Sorcerer may have innate abilities and knowledge that transcends them from prey to predator. Or how a ... hypermasculine brute with no manners may be a false veneer, a visage constructed of illusions. I believe the lesson is never judge a book by it's cover. Then again, sometimes a brute is just a brute."

Smiling wide he took another drink from the glass.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Galidraan​

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Blakeslee Falls Estate​

Ballroom > Vestibule​

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

Interacting With: [member="Adrian Vandiir"] | [member="Vereshin"] | [member="Taeli Raaf"]​

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"Pardon me," Fiolette excused herself while she carried Taeli's refreshment having had hers already. The Rear Admiral spotted her beau within the crowd and made her way there, while still attempting to make herself scarce from the Governor. "Darling." Fiolette quietly whispered as she managed her way into the group where Taeli was just speaking with several people of whom she did not recognize. "Water?" A question and a hand off of the glass as the redhead noted the change of song, a tango, how lovely. And then her attention back to the group, well, here they were does she introduce herself - wait for Taeli to introduce her? Ah, bother, she could introduce herself, "pardon the intrusion everyone. Rear Admiral Yvarro, just here to bring this one her drink. I'll meet you in the gardens, love."

Right. That's how this 'social' part went, yeah? Fiolette hadn't really socialized in quite some time most of her socialization resulted in making military or shipwright connections. She then excused herself from the group at large and decided a headstart to the gardens and outdoor bar might be a good idea. Now, of course, this meant having to manage her way through the crowd once more. "Bollocks." She cursed under her breath, it was worse than port right after BMT. "Excuse me..." Fiolette stated as she started her trek through the throng of people.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Enjoying the music, enjoying the dance​

Ballroom​

[member="Ishana Pavanos"]​

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"That means it's time to see if my practice over all these years has paid off."

With a healthy amount of anticipation Kaalia guided her wife onto the dancefloor while the music that played transitioned into a melody that instantly seemed to change her mood. Having found their place, which would become their own little world for the time they would spend there, she glanced towards Ishana with a sulty smirk and in a telegraphed move, so that it wouldn't be too sudden to give her no time to react, turned her full body towards her and pulled the brunette closer. With that same look she kept her there for a short moment. In that moment the encounter with Krest mere minutes ago completely faded from her memory, as it retreated to the far back of her mind to worry about in the future. It didn't matter right now, not in the slightest.

"Yes?" the redhead's answer sounded to the verbal intent to ask a question before moving forwards and carefully guiding her through the dance. She sounded a bit playful now, which went perfectly with how she led Ishana in translating the music that filled the ballroom into movement. Something was on the Balmorran's mind, no doubt; perhaps things were finally starting to fall into place. Was it time? No, the timing had to be perfect.

"Nothing that I know of," Kaalia decided on when they stood face to face again, "I doubt it's anything worth worrying about." She was sure she would be forgiven by the time the reveal was made, but until then the woman would have to play her cards close to her chest. It was nearly time to reveal the winning hand, and she awaited the moment with a poker face disguised as a smirk befitting the mood. "Here, how about this to clear your mind?" Ishana would be guided through a twirl, a maneuver she had been on the other side of quite a number of times before.

 

[AMCO]

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

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Smiling amiably, eyes focused, pose relaxed, Adrian nodded in agreement towards his fellow Sith Sorcerer. "Certainly, though I'm not a specialised Alchemist, per se. More of a generalist, with a leaning towards Sorcery at that; that being said, I have spent a great deal of time creating and modifying items and creatures using both arts." Yes, that certainly held promise. He was always eager to learn from the methods of others, study their peculiarities in order to more finely hone his own technique.

Smiling enthusiastically, he shook his head. "Not at all. Your first suggestion I have already put into place, for everything from the airspeeder I arrived in, to entire structures and even capital ships. The corpse idea, however, is quite novel. Would likely be a waste of resources, most of the time, but if there was something particularly special about the specimen... perhaps. It would likely require extensive preparations, though." Preparation that likely wouldn't be worth it, especially when compared to purpose grown bodies, but he could not dismiss the idea. Not outright. Perhaps if he were to use the bodies of deceased force sensitives. A way of recycling lost potential, perhaps?

Eyes glittering with amusement, the young Knight smiled once more, the expression a mixture of amusement and expertly hidden suspicion. As he considered a response, he turned towards an approaching presence. The Lady of Secrets herself, quite the surprise. Allowing his companions to take the word first, he bowed deeply, an obvious respect marking his features. "Lady Raaf, your presence is unexpected yet welcome." Eyes catching a second female figure approaching, he nodded respectfully to her as well. Quite the list of accomplishments, that one, enough for him to feel a genuine sense of respect for her, despite her lack of force sensitivity.

Mouth quirking upwards with amusement at Muad's explanation, he allowed himself a moment of exaggerated thoughtfulness. "Indeed, though one might point out that unaffiliated Darksiders would make better test subjects. Less infighting that way, you see." Smiling innocently, he shrugged noncommittally. "Hypothetically, of course."

 

[Astrid Gray]

Location: Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate - Ballroom | Main Floor
With: [member="Khonsu Amon"]

"Oh, the pleasure is all mine." With the smile still on her face, Astrid accepted Khonsu's hand and the duo made their way towards the dance floor. Their path carved through the crowd, parting it in some areas as folks moved out of their way.

Astrid took that time to look around, her gaze catching those that were watching them. From her own admirers to the scornful looks aimed towards the Gilded Mercenary. The fact they were solely from the gathered Echani, caught Astrid's particular interest.

She only had a vague knowledge of the rivalry between the Echani and Thyrsians. Enough to know it had stretched across millennia, even before the galaxy had plunged into darkness.

Astrid filed it away as something to research at a later date.

Or directly ask about, depending how things went tonight.

Silence fell as they stepped onto the dance floor, the previous song reached its end and allowing the chatter all around the ballroom to take over. Several people departed, while others like Khonsu and Astrid took up a spot. The orchestra were quick to shift themselves for the next song, and soon enough the dance floor was abuzz with activity.

It took hardly any time before Astrid was moving to the music's beat. Using all those dance lessons from her childhood that were never completely forgotten. It reminded her of a time when things were much more simple, and happier. When she could focus on a hobby without worry, or having anything holding her down. She hadn't danced in years, and it brought a bright smile to her face.

But then the mask quickly concealed it, as Astrid moved back to Khonsu and the pair danced in unison.

"So tell me, Mr. Amon. How have things fared since becoming 'Twisuns Praetor'?" Astrid was a creature of habit, and with SINN she was a hoarder of any and all information she could get her hands on. She had done her research, through both public sources and more private avenues, one's that she was able to discreetly open. But in this moment she cared little for the publicity or facts.

She was more interested in what the man himself had to say about it.

 

[Anden Fancelo]

Anden Fancelo​

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Gardens, Blakeslee Falls, Galidraan​

Objective: Socialize.​

Interacting with: [member="Tamara Wren"]​

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Anden nodded in agreement to her statement, within that moment of silence after his last few words. Even considering the fact that he's speaking to a mandalorian, however this one was unlike the one he dreaded. He'd recall the time at the Acerbitas, remembering the band of mandalorians he killed. And the one that survived, the one that almost killed his best friend. The one that extinguished so many lives with fire and blaster, and laughed. The thought on it bothered him lightly, quickly setting it aside. It's not the time to relish on such things in a time for good, and positive celebration. He then glanced up as his attention was caught by her question, regarding anyone's presence.

He'd glance about but shook his head lightly, answering. "No."

He had a gut feeling someone left, but no one was around. He was rather unsure, and shrugged. "It's... just us." He said, a bit quietly. As she made her apology, Fancelo raised his hand lightly and shook it, gesturing once more that there was no need.

"No need to apologize, I figured the same, it got me looking about."

 

[Tez Bola]

Galidraan
Blakeslee Falls Estate
Interacting With: [member="The Major"], [member="Shoma Ike"]
In the Vicinity: [member="Muad Dib"], [member="Fiolette Yvarro"]
Status: Calm(ish)

Pine colored eyes narrowed as their owner slowly sipped from her glass, senses heightened by tapping into the spiritual energy which filled the room. Tez noticed- felt, rather- in that moment a slight change in Sybil’s demeanor. Right before her cringe inducing joke at the Prince of Artisia, Tez bore witness to an ocular exchange betwixt her tutor and one of the men the prince had previously been speaking with. The man’s stance and mannerisms intrigued her- what had Sybil called him? The Mad Mouthpeice? He certainly had the potential to become a valued ally in the event of this evening turning dangerous. Not that she wished it, but in a room full of war mongers, sorcerers, and tacticians, there were several different ways in which this night could end. Best to start strategizing before Sith hit the fan.

“Sybil Dear, don’t scare the Prince off,” Tez chuckled as she looked up at the darkly attired man once more. He was now engaged in conversation with additional outliers, looking rather pleased with himself. While Tez had difficulties overhearing what was being said over the combined din of voices and music, she was rather curious about what was taking place just a few feet away. Ultimately, Tez was interested in what had transpired between Sybil and him. Tez slightly raised her voice and added, “You’ve got to be careful about what you say in places like this! Who’s to stop his inconspicuous bodyguard over there from peeling you off the lovely parquet floor if he even gets whiff of a threat? Surely not I!”

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Fiolette Yvarro"] [member="Vereshin"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Adrian Vandiir"] [member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Darth Prazutis"] [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Adara Raxis"]

An odd choice for conversation, and the responses from the two Knights to the Mandalorian bespoke some tension here. Not unreasonable as their guest for the evening was mentioning how he believed Sorcerers would be ideal test subjects. And his initial observations on her told her plenty about the man himself as well. Observant for one, cautious, always looking to engage and study reactions to what he said or did, especially if it meant learning more about, as he said, a target or such.

"Thank you, dear, I'll see you in a bit," she said, accepting the water from Fiolette, giving her a small kiss on the cheek in return before she returned her attention to the conversation at hand. She hoped the Galidraani woman had someone to socialize with here. Maybe some old allies or even making some new ones.

"You bring up interesting points, Mister Dib," she replied, giving him a small easy half smile. "A great many books can sadly be known by their covers, or at least what is written on the inside flap. During my time with the Jedi, I was never disappointed in that regard. However, you are right that sometimes a book's cover is deliberate, a choice to obscure the facts and story hidden within the pages. As for test subjects..."

She trailed off, her eyes glancing around their small group.

"A test subject should be what you are interested in studying at any given moment. Whether that be a brute, a young Sorcerer, a man masquerading as what he is not, a lady, Force user, non-Force user or even an animal. However, I would say that experimenting on someone who can undo your work as you go would be counter-productive. After all, a sufficiently trained sorcerer like Knights Vereshin and Vandiir might know how to undo or obscure what you have learned or done."

She took a sip of water, enjoying the clear taste of the spring water from the northern mountains.

"But the pursuit of knowledge always requires experimentation, even on those who command the dark side like we do. I've found that when you are approaching that subject, consent is always useful. Make it beneficial for both parties. If not... well there is always the coma bloom."

The last part was added with a laugh, a joking tone there... or at least what appeared to be one.

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

The Outer Rim, Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate, The Ballroom, Unspecified Time
Inside | Interacting with [member="Irella Vizsla"] | [member="Koda Fett"], [member="Tamara Wren"], [member="Vilaz Munin"], [member="Briika Munin"], [member="Preliat Mantis"], [member="Silas Mantis"]

Many had been forced to put up with his... prodding.

Koda had it the worst.

But his reactions amused him the most as a result. Oh, anyone else would never have noticed it when the helmeted visage shifted, when the anger was sending micro-shakes through his frame as he tried to fight for control. But Vizsla saw it all... and he thought it was hilarious. Even here Ronan saw the squinting from Irella. She was not amused by his declarations.

Wisely kept it to herself.

Anything else would only have played into his hands. "For as long as the money flows and our interests do not conflict." Zambrano and him had an understanding in this situation. Vizsla would not break the tenacious alliance between the Empire and the... Empire. But neither would Kaine expect him to play nice with them.

As long as it didn't strictly get attached to the Sith.

That worked fine for him.

"You have." Agreement, a rarity between them, before he took a gulp of his own. "You will survive stronger." The bite didn't seem to faze him.

"Have you been to these sort of things before?"

The question seemed sudden.

 

[Irella Toldreyn]

The Outer Rim, Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate, The Ballroom, Unspecified Time
Scarlet | Interacting with [member="Ronan Vizsla"] | [member="Koda Fett"], [member="Tamara Wren"], [member="Vilaz Munin"], [member="Briika Munin"], [member="Preliat Mantis"], [member="Silas Mantis"] ~ Hushh ~ "I won't say it's safe this time."
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"First time, actually." The classic sardonicism of Irella had returned in force, but there was truth in it. Gutter rats, as it turns out, do not find themselves among the cats often, "I assume you have? Before?"

The way she said that made it seem like the manner in which Ronan had attended previous affairs like this were likely violent in some manner. No doubt as a conqueror seeking to ruin the evening, but here, he had to play nice.

It was almost startling to see, but she knew to keep quiet and drink the drink he had given her.

What did show evidence of surprising her was his agreement with her earlier statement to try and assert a bit more dominance in their dynamic. Perhaps she wasn't giving him enough credit; their first interactions had been mainly detrimental, mainly him berating her. If Tamara proved anything, despite her anger, it was that perhaps Ronan could manage to not be a complete and utter piece of osik. He had that side to him that intrigued her, when it really, really should not. Like catching sight of a predator in the forest and instead of running, you turn deeper in the hopes of seeing it once more.

He no doubt could tell. There wasn't a thing about her to be found as 'intriguing', though. She turned to gaze out at the ballroom, noting the other armored figures, "Many friends here tonight." She muttered, soft, mostly to herself.

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Evening Wear Attire

 

[Abel Forsworn]

Location: still kicking up our heels
Objective: don't get a thigh cramp from those high kicks
Dancing partner: [member="Lady Kay"]


"Perhaps you do make me nervous. A beautiful, powerful, and influential woman with beskar in her spine. How could I not be nervous?"

He smiled at the woman dancing with him. It wasn't flirting so much as stating the obvious. Well, maybe a little bit of flirting, as he let a roguish grin that he knew many Corellians wore better cross his face. The truth was that Lady Kay was royalty, whether her people were free at the moment or not. And he was a soldier. There was no shot with the married woman nor would he entertain thought that he stood a chance. Well, maybe a few errant thoughts.

"The thing to know, which you do, is that darkness thrives in the shadows. But there are those who aren't evil that have lived and operated in the shadows too. Sometimes you need a bright and shinning lightsaber to push back the darkness, something people can see that brings inspiration. Other times you need a vibroblade in a dark alley where no eyes will witness what occurs. I'm the vibroblade."

He smiled, warm and comforting, yet when he got to the part about being the vibroblade his eyes turned hard as he looked upon the inhabitants within the Ball. Just as quickly as the change within his eyes occurred, they flickered back to jovial and seemingly carefree. Turning his head back to Kay he laughed.

"I've never had tea, seemed too tedious to make, and I know some cultures have meaning on the way you hold the cup, stir the cup, turn the cup. Seemed to dangerous for a man like me to even attempt it. Maybe it's the company, but I'm willing to take a chance at tea. Would you want to slip to the gardens, maybe catch up to your niece, and have some tea away from unpleasant company in the ballroom?"

 

[Kay-Larr]

Lady Kay laughed. [member="Abel Australis"] wasn't the first to admit that she made them feel nervous. Others had too, but that was moreso due to her position than anything else. "Trust me, you've got nothing to be nervous about. You haven't wronged me nor my family, nor my people." But she had those that cared for her that were tougher than she was, and much more willing to fight.

He spoke of shadows and light, darkness and lightsabers. She felt herself to be more of a candle flame for others than anything else. She was trained for a time to be that hidden vibroblade in the dark, but that life was over. She tucked those skills away.

Kay just smiled, shaking her head a bit as he spoke of drinking tea as though it was an art form. "I'm not picky like that when it comes to making or drinking tea. It may be hard for you to believe, but I've not been sheltered all my life. But yes, I'd love to go to the gardens and see what Yasha is up too." Hopefully [member="Kaine Australis"] was being sure that [member="Yasha Mantis"] was safe. With [member="Alvarex Zambrano"] with her, Kay wasn't so certain.

When the two stopped dancing, she hooked her arm in Abel's and led him out to the gardens. She knew exactly where the tea was.

 

[Abel Forsworn]

Location:headed through the gardens
Objective: drink the hell outta some tea
Drinking partner: [member="Lady Kay"]
Nearing: [member="Kaine Australis"] , [member="Yasha Mantis"] , [member="Alvarex Zambrano"]

With the Queen of Commenor's arm resting in his, the two made their way from the ballroom to the gardens. His head inclined as he listened to the Lady speaking of not always having lived a sheltered life. While she assumed it was hard for him to believe, that was far from the truth. Very few born to position and authority have ever felt the pangs of hunger, the ache of loss, the throes of despair. And those who did we're not able to overcome it. He'd seen this many times during his tenure on Corellia. Rich, spoiled high class socialites who couldn't deal with the realities of daily living.

No, he didn't think she was one of those. She had a strength that came from hardship and difficulties, which is why she was able to even attend the Emperor's Ball. He admired that. Then she spoke about what the Mand'alor was up to. Laughing heartily he muttered.

"Probably some cross pollination going on."

Realizing that one, he had spoke out loud and two, he just made a comment that was unsuitable to such esteemed company, he coughed loudly in his hand.

"Umm, cause pollen is ... ugh, bad ... for my allergies. Yeah, bad allergies."

He coughed again as if to prove his point, the flush in his cheeks surely being from those dastardly allergies inflamed from the mentioned pollen. Turning his face toward Kay he gave a sheepish grin.

"So, about that tea? Is it hot? Cold? Room temperature? Please, let's talk about anything but pollination .... I don't think my fragile masculinity can take being manhandled a second time on the same night. Or maybe it can?"

He winked at her as he smiled jokingly.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked at his cross polination remark in regards to [member="Yasha Mantis"] and [member="Alvarex Zambrano"] . Oh they had better not be doing that! Fortunately [member="Kaine Australis"] was there on hand with them. Or at least he was supposed to be.

"Allergies to pollen?
Don't most people sneeze with that?" She poked fun at his coughing with her words as they stepped further into the gardens. Kay led him as she knew where to look. And right now she was happy to be in Abel's company. He made her almost forget the cloud looming over her since her arrival.

He asked about the tea then, and just when she was about to respond, he added in the comment about manhandling his...oh my! Even though it was a joke, her cheeks turned a touch shade of red that her make-up couldn't hide. Now it was her turn to cough. "Ha ha...the tea is hot. Usually. Though you could have it either way. I prefer it to be hot. It's soothing and comforting like a warm hug...." There was little of that these days. At least on Commenor where she spends most of her time confined to the Palace.

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

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

If I told you, I'd have to kill you.

The Atrisian teen flashed a genial smile in the direction of Director Shepard even as an awkward silence seemed to permeate for a moment before Tez chimed in.

The most awkward thing about the entire encounter was that Shoma wasn't sure how to take that. Was she joking? The First Order had a reputation for indiscriminate killing, so it was a remark taken in poor taste in the best of circumstances.

"Who? Maud?" the teen asked, turning slightly to glance back at where Tez's attention seemed to have gone in the crowd. [member="Muad Dib"] seemed to be the one to whom she had been referring. Turning back toward the two women, the boy deadpanned dryly, "I think you'll find him the consummate gentleman."

Gentleman? Gentlemando?

Was that too much of a contradiction?

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

Galidraan

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

Ishana's face contorted with a mix of confusion and relief. The Balmorran wanted to ask something else but before she could fire off the question, she was twirled. Oh, oh that's dirty Ishana thought. Her wife had used her very own move against her, okay, that's... that's. She wasn't sure if she was proud or put off or maybe both but whatever this was. Whatever Kaalia was up to, defnitely had the former TIE pilot on edge but in a good way. "What are you up to habibi?" Ishana wondered aloud as she moved back into Kaalia's arm.

The music continued on the tango was soon to fade but as it did Ishana followed Kaalia's lead. The wheels in the Balmorran's mind turned, she tried to add it all up and part of her wondered if what they had attempted, was successful. On her part she didn't want to get excited only to be let down. It was something the two women had been working on for a little while. In between campaigns of war and death, the other part pushed it aside and enjoyed the dance. Curiouser and curiouser she thought to herself her smile widened. Her eyes softened as she admired her wife, and she concluded that if what Kaalia had been meaning to say was true. Well then, who was she to ruin the moment.

Music faded, and changed a transition into another waltz - whether or not the Pavanos would remain on the dance floor had yet to be determined.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRM42SUFHUA[/media]

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Surprising someone​

Ballroom​

[member="Ishana Pavanos"]​

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Sometimes, the patience a surprise required became too much to keep it to oneself. Although Kaalia had been able to keep her lips sealed until now, she felt the cracks in the barrier in her mind that kept her from spilling the still-secret starting to form. It wouldn't be long, perhaps that was a sign this was the right time. Yes, she told herself, it was indeed time. The seeds had been planted, there was no doubt the hints had been picked up on. It all seemed so cliche, but the woman had to admit to herself that she had been enjoying every moment of it, and the payoff hadn't happened yet. Secretly she wondered how Ishana would react, yet every scenario she could imagine was amusing and worth the buildup. It was going to take much longer to find out how it would play out in reality.

The brunette's thought said out loud was met by not much of a reaction other than another wide grin. The dance continued to give her a bit more time to leave her wondering, while Kaalia indulged herself in the smile on her wife's face. It never failed to make her look even more beautiful, and when the curiosity began to show on her face once again she almost felt a little bad about keeping the secret for as long as she had. After letting herself get lost in thought for that short moment, the music began to transition.

There was no point in waiting any longer.

Along with the music itself, Kaalia transitioned the dance into one befitting the waltz that had begun to play. "Well, I suppose there is something," she said, as though she was making a confession, "I just wasn't really sure how to bring it." In fact, she had been unable to find the right words at all, even before the night had started. The words had to come from the heart, she supposed, and so she looked into her eyes one more time. A little bit of doubt wurmed its way through that she had made it a bigger deal than it was worth, but there was no backing out now.

"I know you wanted to schedule another appointment with the doctor, hoping the third time's the charm." The redhead had 'coincidentally' been 'busy' at all the available times, but letting her know what was truly going on would've spoiled the surprise. She slowly leaned in closer, and into Ishana's ear. To say she was nervous was a great understatement, but on the surface she barely showed it. "You don't have to hope on that."

"You're going to be a mother, miala."

 

[Abel Forsworn]

Location:headed through the gardens
Objective: drink the hell outta some tea
Drinking partner: [member="Lady Kay"]
Nearing: [member="Kaine Australis"] , [member="Yasha Mantis"] , [member="Alvarex Zambrano"]

"Yeah ... But I'm not like most people."

To prove his point, ridiculous though it may be, he coughed lightly into his hand once more. Turning his head he caught the blush of her cheeks and light cough and grinned, his teeth flashing white in the moonlight.

"See? That cough, it's the allergies. And I do enjoy that shade of pink to your cheeks, your highness."

Again he gave her the customary scoundrel grin of Corellian origins. As they continued their walk arm in arm he sighed as he had to agree with her sentiments.

"It's been some time since I've been able to relax in the presence of such enjoyable, feminine company. Usually it's a shoving match, or headbutts, or other less relaxing activities with most certainly less refinement."

Turning his eyes toward hers he took on an infatuated look.

"I think we've been dancing around the subject since we were thrown together. It's time to be honest. We are both craving this. We both want it. Yes it could be dangerous with the heat of the situation, but I'm willing to take that risk with you. You can't deny that you've been longing for it all night, desiring it."

His gaze looked longingly into her eyes for another moment before he let out a laugh.

"So what are we waiting for? All this talk of hot tea has me in an adventurous mood and I've got to try it! What, you thought I was speaking about something else?"

He gave her a joking grin and wink as they continued theough the gardens.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Oh man! [member="Abel Australis"] caught the blush! Kay glanced slightly downward as they walked, moreso in an effort to hide her expression than anything else. She smirked a little when he mentioned having to be so refined here. Well it was a ball. Most were supposed to be on their best behaviour. Words were the weapons of choice here. Not daggers or blasters.

She caught Abel turning his head to her from the corner of her eye, so she turned her head to meet his gaze. Oh that look in his eyes! He sure played the part well! Maybe too well. As the words of honesty and desires poured out of him, Kay felt her pace slow down a little while she shrunk down a little inward to herself.

Just as she was about to respond, he broke out in laughter. The breath that she didn't realize that she was holding was released. Tea! Of course he meant tea!

Kay caught that wink and smirked as she carried on. "Oh you got me there, Abel! But yes, let's get some tea. I could really use some now." She led him directly to the table where a variety of tea pots sat. Kay knew which pot to go for, yet still she lifted the lid to be certain. The smell of Sapir leaves was unmistakeable. She unhooked her arm from his, picked up the pot and poured some into two cups. "I tend to have my tea on it's own. It's sweet enough already. But I'm not sure what your tastes are like. Give it a try and then see if you need anything added to it." She handed him one of the cups.

 

[Ria Misrani]

In the gardens the air was cool enough that it bristled through the Prince's suit. He listened a moment as [member="Yasha Mantis"] mentioned [member="Caz Australis"], [member="Kaine Australis"]'s wife. He was quiet as she spoke of feeling the wind without armor. A life without armor he wondered what that felt like for her, he could hear it surely but to know the feeling? Well that was left on him, something he would have to learn. Alvarex amused himself with thought for another moment, his surprise did revolve around something about armor he'd been working on it for a little while. It was personal, meant for his time with Yasha and eventually the Mandalorians and if something were to happen he'd wear it anyway.

Almost suddenly Alvarex was pulled by Yasha to look at flowers, she spoke in depth and at some length about them. He knew nothing of them but, was certain, his mother would have enjoyed the conversation's content. Rather than be standoffish or indifferent, the young man took an interest. "A heliocanthys ... ard-." A hand as he tried again, "heliocanthys arduentara. Did I say that right?" He wondered with honesty, blue eyes a glow as he leaned in a little to look at the flower. "How delightful," he observed of the flower. The Prince had not realized the shift in hands but noticed hers on his a little more, "mhmm." He agreed.

"You know you mentioned feeling the wind without armor, and I did have something to show you. Your Warmaster is more than welcomed to join us, I... I did a little research on my own, a dangerous task I know." Alvarex started and then continued, "it is um, well it is something to do with armor..."