The Empress' Ball (PM for Invite)

[Cryax Bane]

"The Empress has got nothing on a gorgeous red-headed Morellian slicer that I know," said Cryax with a grin, squeezing the other man's hand. "One that seems to be on his best behavior tonight. What have you done with my boyfriend, you impostor?" joked the Chiss. In other circumstances, he might have yanked the cigarette right out of Jalek's mouth, but Cryax let him smoke without complaint. He was happy to simply be spending time with his boyfriend, a rarity given his schedule in recent days. After brushing his hand gently across Jalek's cheek, he turned back to the nobleman who was hemming and hawing at the Morellian's comments. Cryax's red eyes narrowed in preparation of launching into a verbal assault at Sir Cueball.

Then one of the other Lords walked up and put a muzzle on the Empress's lapdog. "Apology accepted," said the Chiss with a steely tone. He wasn't quite sure how to take the comment about his 'caliber.' These nobles were starting to get under the Chiss's skin. They might have been rulers in their own land, but he himself a ruler of the underworld. Cryax was starting to feel like maybe he should remind everyone just exactly what he was notorious for in the Outer Rim. Still, there wasn't any sense in making trouble over a fragile ego, especially with so many Jedi present in the room. From the look of their clothing, Cryax assumed were Jedi present in the court anyway. He himself was Force dead, so try as they might, men like [member="Gherron Vael"], [member="Joshua DragonsFlame"] or [member="Armand Temi"] would not be able to sense his presence using the Force. Whether or not they would think this odd, the Chiss had no idea.

As the Empress continued greeting her guests, Cryax took a moment to sample the food and drink of the unfamiliar planet. Then he waited nonchalantly outside of the cue of sycophants. She would come say hello to him when she was ready. In the meantime, he would bide his time and enjoy the company of his lover.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Armand Temi]

The party was in full swing now and Armand made his way around the room entertaining polite conversation with many of the nobles in the galaxy. When his glass was finally empty, he took another drink from the one of the many trays that the beautiful attendants held at the ready. And needless to say he was getting a little inebriated. Maybe it was his nerves at so many powerful dignitaries or maybe it was boredom. But either way the fire-water he consumed made the party a bit more tolerable.

Armand finally jostled into place in line to meet [member="Nimue Stormson"] but as he did so he tripped over a handsome Chiss and his companion. "Oh dear, so sorry," he said, bowing at the Chiss. "I am normally not this clumsy but Empress Stormson's presence has me a bit off-kilter. I'm sure you understand."

[member="Cryax Bane"]
[member="Jalek Sathora"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The Jedi Master would let out a laugh when she would decide to take his joking offer and offer her hand. While it was meant as a jest, he wasn't one to leave an empress hanging. The young man would gently, gracefully move forward and take her extended hand, his fingers daintily and gently taking hold of all the right places, keeping a proper grip but a respectful and graceful one as well before tipping his head down and planting a kiss on her hand. It was a new thing to him, truthfully, but of course, this was his first time meeting an Empress or Queen.

Josh didn't mind at all the Empress inviting Gherron to officially join their conversation. She had a plethora of people to see, it most likely would help her to save as much time as possible and get everyone that she could. She would ask Gherron her questions, and Josh would relax and watch, observe as Gherron would describe how it was to be tutored by DragonsFlame. His words were well-spoken, he was right about Gherron... He had learned much. The blonde haired Jedi would nod in approval to Gherron's words. But all good things had to come to an end. When he saw it was their time to go, he would smile at [member="Nimue Stormson"] and give a respectful nod. "I do hope we can speak another time, your highness. I have quite enjoyed our encounter, as brief as it was" He said before stepping away to allow the next person. A woman... With an aura he recognized. He smirked faintly as he closed his eyes and walked away, motioning for [member="Gherron Vael"] to follow. It was time they finally caught up.

 

[Gherron Dragovalor]

Gherron watched between the two, and when DragonsFlame dismissed himself, he made a gesture to him to follow. Grateful, the younger Jedi was right next to him in a few steps, looking around the palace. He had never really been anywhere quite this nice... Waving that thought away, he turned his attention to his old master and friend, he offered a small smile. "I was there when you rode in on that dragon. Very impressive, I almost didn't recognize you. I... take it your travels have done you well?"

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Once things had been settled enough with [member="Cryax Bane"] and his partner, [member="Jalek Sathora"] , Lord Bulkus only bowed and gave an agreeing grunt. The two might not have fully realized it now but it was so very rare to hear Lord Bulus say so much in one conversation; even with Lord Woolson having been there. He was the type to only speak when it was something practical to be said. Obviously breaking up a potential heated argument was such an occasion.​

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As Lord Bulkus walked away he passed [member="Armand Temi"] and only gave a small nod to him. He didn’t see it, but judged by what he heard afterwards suggested that he had just run into the chiss and his friend. Bulkus said or did nothing, only walking quietly back to his place among the other lords.​

​

He’d noticed Lord Tezarus missing but Lord Bulmy pointed out he was dealing with the [member="Tyson"] boy and his cooking behavior; Bulkus being content enough to hear.​

​

When Eriana ( [member="Darth Arcanix"] ) had given her odd comment it had puzzled the Empress at first. But then, upon seeing her eyes flash in that moment, it became a little clearer to Nimue what this woman really was. She’d been made aware of the term “Sith” and how they were enemies of the Jedi. And given that, as she realized this now, invitations had been sent to both Sith and Jedi why one would come under the cover of a different name. The Empress felt a little foolish at first, but given that it was clear to both of them now who she was Nimue instead smirked with interest.​

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“Interesting.” The Empress first said. “You’re talk of weapons and suits and these ‘droids’ I’ve heard of, that is.” Her tone indicating more. “If you would be kind enough, Lady Glasin, to wait to the side here.” She gestured to her left, the opposite side of where the lords were. “I wish to speak more with you after I’m finished with the other guests.”​

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Once she stood at the side she nodded to her, a gesture of thanks for doing so. Truly she was interested in speaking with her a little more privately, but in a way that would, as they say “kill two minocks with one shot”.​

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In the meantime she greeted the others who waited in line, mainly other delegates from nearby systems or the like offering greetings and gestures of good faith and talks of future business. Each of them she dealt with rather quickly until the line was diminished. There were others she’d yet to meet who weren’t in line, obviously occupied with other measures. The Empress felt now was the time to make the party a little livelier.​

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While placing her large scepter aside Empress Nimue stood, clapped her hands three times to gain both silence and attention from everyone, before declaring “I believe we’ve wasted enough time denying our guests one of the main events of a ball such as this. Let the hall be open, the music be merry and the dancing begin!”​

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A collective clap came from a majority of the guests when the announcement was made. Some of the servants ushered people out of the way to show where the dance floor itself was, right in the center of the hall. There’s was still enough room for people to walk around on the sides of course. Once it was clear where people could dance the band began to play their music. By that point some of the guests, familiar enough with the tune, walked out and began dancing with partners.​

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3DMLy6yKhk​

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Empress Nimue descended from her throne, her scepter/staff in hand, before walking towards where Lady Glasin stood. “I believe you and I have the honor of joining the others on the dance floor, Lady Glasin.” She smirked. Two servants walked up, one taking Nimue’s scepter from her hand while the other helped unbuckle her furred cape from the rest of her dress, revealing more of the scaled tunic-dress she wore. Taking her hand the Empress said to Glasin “Nothing to worry about. I’m Empress after all. No one will spread rumors about who I dance with.”​

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Once they were out in the middle, some of the guests clapping to see the Empress joining them, she took the lead and led her secret Sith guest into the dance. One hand on the shoulder and another around the waste before starting to move her feet and sway her hips along to the tune of the music. It was clear the Empress was familiar with how to dance this way, even as she kept her eyes on Glasin the whole time.​

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While the two danced a servant stood on the sides. If anyone else had wished to join the Empress in a dance they would need to wait by him before he would escort them out to join her. ​

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“I would have preferred talking in a secluded room, but then that would look very odd to everyone else. Don’t you think, Ms. Glasin? Or would you prefer a different name, Lady Sith?” she smirked.​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

Taeli had smiled internally as she was asked to wait at the side of the Empress, apparently she had other things she wanted to discuss with her. She had caught the flash of yellow and knew what it meant it seemed. All the more interesting, she thought, as she watched other guests meet and speak with the Empress for a time before she called for the dance. Following the Empress out onto the floor and joining her in a dance, Taeli looked all the world like a polite CEO would if asked to dance by such a dignitary.

"I would have preferred talking in a secluded room, but then that would look very odd to everyone else. Don't you think, Ms. Glasin? Or would you prefer a different name, Lady Sith?" the Empress said.

Taeli, moving with the music, leaned in and whispered, "Arcanix, Darth Arcanix actually."

Straightening, she continued in a hushed voice, "I wondered how you would react to . . . a certain sign. What might this humble woman do for your Majesty? I feel you're very interested in asking me something."

 

[Tyson]

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

He simply shrugged and went off into the kitchen. It was a simple stew. He had done it plenty of times before anyways. "If you'd like a comparison then have your chef also make one. unless you have already?" He looked to the other chef. He didn't need an answer but he had to start anyways.

Once he entered the kitchen he began to prepare a pot and two pans. What he was planning on doing was to cook the meat and vegetables separately. WIth that being done he was going to be able to cook the broth and allow it to be thick enough to be flavorful. The meat was going to be cooked at a fairly high temperature and made as if it was stir fried. The veggies where to be cooked in the same way but with certain sauces to which he could get rather easily.

The chef smiled lightly as he started. "Well here we go." He began by snapping his fingers. The fires underneath all three pots had ignited. He began with the broth that he made partially with the meat. It would take the most time so it would be wise to start with that first. Then he went to the meats. He had out prime beef onto the pan and cut it as he fried it in the pot. Once he finished with that a bit he switched to the veggies. It was made in a similar way but he had added some sauces to give them some flavor.

It had to be scorching hot to be over all of that heat but to him he didn't even break a sweat.

The broth had been close to finishing. He stirred it and allowed everything to blend almost perfectly. Now the Meat, Veggies and broth had been finished. All he needed to to was to add them together. He did just the thing. A hearty and great smelling aroma had came out of the fairly large pot. Once he felt that it should be finished he simply used a spoon to test it out. Once he had tasted it he smiled and his ears perked up slightly. "It came out better then I expected. It's been awhile since I made a stew anyways." He took out two plates and served both the chef and the lord a bowl. "Now then. Try it out and tell me the difference." He took cooking seriously, just as any cook would. If something had gone wrong with a meal then he had to bring it up and, even correct it once it is being made.

 

[Nimue Stormson]

When [member="Tyson"] had gone into the kitchen, making his suggestion, Lord Tezarus had stated “I’ve tasted enough of this man’s cooking to know where I stand. Now it’s your turn.”​

​

After that he and the chef, among some of the other kitchen staff, waited unit, Tyson’s return. It may not have seemed it but Lord Tezarus was a more sympathizing sort that he appeared. As much as he seemed to be roughhousing the boy it was more to try and build up confidence in him for the sake of making him feel proud. In reality he had no idea if the boy’s stew would top the chef’s. Even if it wasn’t he’d act as though he was upset before simply having the boy escorted out before causing any more trouble.​

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When he did return and serve them bowls the first thing Lord Tezarus and the chef did was sniff it. It smelled rather good, but then so did most stews people made. After that they both tried some, a mere spoonful before both were silent. After a moment Lord Tezarus had a happier look to his face, swallowing down the stew. He gave an appeased hum before looking to the chef, who looked as though his whole world was just cut out from under him.​

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“Well?” Lord Tezarus asked with a coy grin on his face. “How’s it taste? Not the same as yours?” When the chef sighed and dropped his spoon back into the stew Tezarus let out a bellowed laugh before saying to Tyson “Son, I’ve seen stew burn men’s tongue. But I never knew any to cut them out.” He reached out and rubbed the boys hair a little rough before clasping his shoulder and saying “If you’re making food like this, I’d be a fool not to have you back in those kitchens and serving for the Empress. So get back there and show these men had to really make a meal.”​

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He gave a hard clap to the boy’s back while letting out another bellowing laugh before he continued to eat the stew. Meanwhile the chef, conciending defeat, handed his bowl to some of the staff to sample for themselves while leading Tyson back into the kitchen.​

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Hearing the Sith’s true name Empress Nimue commented “Ooo. How exotic, and yet sets chills in the skin. Amazing. And hear I’ve heard stories that the Sith were grotesque creatures of darkness. I fail to see where such rumors would come from.” As she continued to dance before hearing [member="Darth Arcanix"] give her little question and comment the Empress said “Ah yes. You’re obviously kill in this ‘Force’ power I hear you call it. My people think of it as magic, something not any are keen about on Effekt. You’re obviously aware of my abilities as I am of yours, which is why I’m wondering if you could assist me. Train me how to become a powerful user of the force like yourself. I’d have asked the Jedi, but I fear they may not be the sort to teach someone like me. At least…not for what I have in mind once I have control of set abilities, you see.”​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

"Ah. What, pray tell, are these plans you have in mind for these acquired skills? And what would I get out of it besides someone new to teach?" Taeli asked with a smile. The Empress was quite connected to the Force, from Taeli could tell, and something felt . . . tinged somehow. The Empress was closer to the dark side than the light, from what Taeli could sense with her suppressed abilities currently. Perhaps after the party, they would be able to discuss things more privately and Taeli could get a better sense of this Empress of Effekt.

"A pity your people fear what they call magic, but the Force is so much more than that," she continued in an undertone while she waited for the Empress's response to her query. Their dance continued, and Taeli wondered what exactly the Empress was seeking, whether to join the Sith or not, she didn't know nor cared. She was more interested currently in building a network of allies and supporters, build her own power base so to speak. Even if the Empress became a Dark Jedi, it would suit Taeli's purposes all the same.

 

[Nimue Stormson]

With a little chuckle in her throat the Empress answered with “Aside from the love of my people, which I have taken great lengths to earn, one of the key things needed to maintaining a throne like mine is power. Effekt is undoubtedly one of the riches planets in the galaxy. For over five hundred years we’ve bought the technologies of the galaxy in order to better accommodate ourselves for when we would finally travel beyond our home. But power through riches isn’t enough. I want to show my people that this magic, the Force, whatever you may call it is nothing to be feared. If they can see me, their Empress, wielding the power, than perhaps they’ll be less afraid to leave Effekt and help spread the influence of my Empire.”​

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There came a point where the Empress spun [member="Darth Arcanix"] around during the dance, only to speak to her once she could see her in the eyes again. “And there’s more. I’m willing to make whatever deal needed to see these weapons and suits you claim to build. If I plan to show my power even further to the galaxy, I believe my armies should reflect that mentality. Don’t you think?”​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

"An excellent choice of words and a strong motive," Taeli said with a slight nod as they continued their dance. "I personally have never subscribed to the more . . . extreme things the Sith have been known for. It doesn't do well to have the population of an empire hate you and wish to see you dead on the ground."

Spinning again, she continued once she could look the Empress in the eye again.

"While I do control L&L Robotics under my Eriana alias, under my public persona, I control one of the Sith's main technology and ship building companies as well, and I would be happy to make a deal concerning all of that later."

She was certainly interested in seeing something this empire grow and become a sufficiently powerful entity of its own, and it would provide a very interesting place for operations. Regardless, there was another matter to concern herself with, something perhaps the Empress would be interested in.

"If you wish to learn from me and become more powerful than you already are, I think we have something else to discuss. I noticed on the flight in an abandoned and ruined city. Mind I ask what happened to it?"

 

[Nimue Stormson]

All this talk of making deals and how [member="Darth Arcanix"] had agreed to want to teach her had excited the Empress. To know that her goals could be accomplished because of making a deal with the Sith, something as easily as that, made her feel all the more grand for it. It certainly built a level of confidence in her.​

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At first mention of the technology she could provide Nimue had said “Ah, grand. My warriors are already among the strongest you could ever hope to find. They live and die for battle, for we believe it means eternal glory awaiting in the realm of the gods. Having them equipped with more modern weaponry would make them nearly unstoppable.” After that, while they still danced, she heard mention of a ruined city. “Ah. That would be ruined city of Kullcor. There’s not much there, actually. It was destroyed long ago by a group of sorcerers who ruled it. In fact my heritage is said to come from one of their members. Though, now that I think of it, I’m sure they were force users; as you would call them. Legend says they were trying to harness some great power and instead it destroyed them and nearly everyone in the city. Quite chilling, isn’t it? We tell it to children to teach them never to go too far with something you don’t understand.”​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

"Powerful warriors are always useful," Taeli said with a nod, glad the Empress was quite ambitious and wanted to learn and grow. It would help her in the long run indeed and as she listened to the story of this city, she started getting more intrigued.

"How very . . . interesting," Taeli said shortly as the Empress answered, her mind churning now. She always enjoyed a good history lesson, as her father had instilled in her, but the mention that a large group of Force Users had caused the devastation and killed everyone in the city almost screamed something else might be lurking there, hidden and dormant, but waiting for someone to activate it. Such devastation would certainly have left a dark side nexus somewhere within that city.

"I think I would like to take a tour of these ruins at some point before I leave your wonderful world," Taeli said, making a decision. "I'm quite a lover of history and archaeology and would enjoy the chance to study these ruins. Although, I will freely admit I suspect something else is there too, but I will say no more for now."

 

[Nimue Stormson]

“As have I.” The Empress stated as they still danced. “If this was caused by some raw power of the force, or magic, of whichever, then there may have been something left behind. I would have gone before, but many people think it’s cursed or beyond saving. It only stands as a testament to the dangers of magic. But with you along, I think we’ll be able to make a decent enough excuse to hold water.” A few more minutes of dancing before Nimue said to [member="Darth Arcanix"] “I must thank you again, Lady Arcanix. To know I have made a powerful friend and benefactor today. I can assure you, you will be well compensated for your help. Whatever you may wish. Richest. Perhaps a private estate. I could call upon some of my finer servant boys to ‘keep you company’.” She suggested before asking in a more alluring tone “Or are you the type of woman who prefers a more ‘familiar taste’?”​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

Taeli smiled as the Empress spoke, but she wouldn't bind herself into what she wanted just yet.

"I think that can be discussed after your other guests have . . . left, your Majesty," she said, not deigning to respond to the more alluring offers, at least not yet. She suspected Ice would be in either hysterics or jealous of Taeli at this point, but that was fine by her. Best to always keep him on his toes, but regardless now wasn't the time to discuss such a thing. As the latest song came to a close, she pulled away from the Empress, for now anyways. They would talk more later, she hoped.

"I hope the remainder of your evening is an eventful affair, I believe I shall make myself . . . scarce and stick to the edges of the party," she responded guardedly. Switching her tone back to her alias, she bowed and said, "Your Majesty, it was quite enjoyable to speak with you and thank you for the dance. A humble CEO like myself rarely gets the chance to interact with someone so regal and beautiful. I hope we have a chance to speak again."

With that, Taeli made her way off of the dance floor and asked a servant where the library of the palace was as she required a quiet place to rest a moment and didn't want to be disturbed by busy bodies. She also made it clear that the servant should inform the Empress where she was going for their meeting later.

Being pointed in the right direction, she left the noise and bustle for the solitude the books would provide her as she learned more about this world and its history.

 

[Tyson]

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

He smiled and grit his teeth. Where the kind man had hit was a scar on his back. It simply felt odd but, it was uncomfortable none the less. "Just tell me what you would like and I wouldn't mind making it." He looked to the chef who was seemingly lost. "You see the problem with your meal was the fact that you don't put any feeling into it. Its all telegraphed. Being a chef isn't simply a job but, its a bit of a lifestyle. You have to love your food and you have to be confident in it. If you have lived as long as I have you would understand that." He chuckled as he got ready to go back to the kitchen. He looked to the Lord with a smile.

"So yeah, I take requests too. Heck I'll even teach this guy a few things." He smiled as he motioned towards the other cook.

 

[Anastasia Rade]

It was beyond Anastasia's understanding as to why she had been invited to a ball by an Empress no less. The Mandalorian didn't consider herself anyone high up in the ranks even if her brother was Mand'alor. She herself was a fairly new rally master and there were plenty of field marshals whom would be better suited to meet with the Empress.

The woman attended alone as her mate, [member="Aaden Renolds"] , was busy with work. If he could come late he promised he would only Ana didn't expect it. Ana understood only she hoped it had nothing to do with their so far unsuccessful project. All the research she had been doing was turning up negatively but she hadn't given up hope.

As she entered the ballroom in her black evening dress she saw many dignitaries already present. Taking a deep breath she glanced around further to see [member="Cryax Bane"] and his boytoy [member="Jalek Sathora"] which made her groan. She wanted a nice evening not this. Perhaps they wouldn't see her.

Shaking her head she made her way to the bar to get herself a drink and not one of those fluffy drinks. A real drink.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

With the Sith already moved on to await her later Empress Nimue allowed her to walk off before another guest was brought up to dance with her. To her surprise and amusement it was an Ortolan. Given how short he was it almost seemed impossible to dance with him, however that didn’t stop her from trying.​

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As they danced some of the other guests chuckled, more at the Ortolan than the Empress. But given that the Empress was enjoying herself enough not to care. Even the Ortolan himself was enjoying the face he was dancing with a beautiful woman.​

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As she danced, however, the Empress had caught sight of a blue human-like man with pure red eyes. She pointed him out to the Ortolan, he not know who he was but identifying him as a Chiss. Intrigued by both the idea of meeting a Chiss, as well as the fact she had an odd sensation about him, the Empress had asked than when they were finished if the Ortolan would send a message to him. The little blue alien was more than happy to accept.​

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Once they finished dancing Empress Nimue bowed, the Ortolan returning the gesture, before he walked off while another guest was brought to dance with her. The little alien made his way over to [member="Cryax Bane"] and [member="Jalek Sathora"] before tugging on the former’s pant leg. He conveyed the message in his own native language before pointing the Empress out to the Chiss.​

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When [member="Anastasia Rade"] had entered one of the nearest servants had a tray with drinks ready for her. Despite if she took one or not he did ask who she was and where she came from, or if she came as a representative of anyone, to confirm if she was on the guest list. ​

 

[Jalek Sathora]

Nobles. They were always so easily offended. Any comments made to them were almost a waste, just because their reactions were so predictable. Almost was the key word there, as it took quite a bit to actively get the Morellian to shut his mouth for any length of time. That was something most learned within seconds of meeting him, but it wasn't exactly his most redeeming quality. Nine times out of ten it was the instigator of this or that conflict, and it seemed that this time was no exception. When another man made his way over and silenced Woolson before walking off himself Jalek remained decidedly silent, watching the two with a faint amused smile but no other indication that he'd heard anything transpire. This party was already starting to be more fun than he'd expected, and neither of them had even really started drinking yet.

It was in the next moment that another man made his presence known in a rather unorthodox manner, apologizing after, to which he only shrugged. It probably wasn't protocol, whatever that was, but he wasn't there to pretend to be formal. Whether anyone else liked it or not, he was still going to behave relatively the same, which wasn't always a good thing. "Nobody got hurt, so I don't see the harm in it." He paused for a moment, deciding that the next thing to would probably be to make introductions. All of this formality business was really a waste of time, in his eyes. What was so wrong with skipping the part where you pretended to like everyone and just getting right down to business? "I'm Jalek. You have a name?" Alright, it might not have been the most polite, but it sufficed, in his eyes.

Through the crowd he spotted a shock of blonde hair that caught his eye, but he didn't pay the woman any further attention than a sideways glance. If she wanted to talk she'd come up to them and do so. Whether she was going to approach or just watch them from a distance was her business, not his. Why more people couldn't just say what they meant instead of beating around the bush was yet another thing about the so-called high society that he didn't quite understand. People seemed to enjoy making things more complicated than they needed to be.

Another individual decided to make their presence known, this one an Ortolan who improptuly tugged on Cryax's pant leg and chattered a sentence or two in his native tongue, gesturing towards the woman he assumed to be the Empress. Shrugging, he flashed a crooked grin and squeezed Cryax's hand in return. "Might as well be off, then. I'll keep our new friend company while you go try to impress the hostess."

[member="Nimue Stormson"], [member="Cryax Bane"], [member="Anastasia Rade"], [member="Armand Temi"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

As someone careened into him from behind, Cryax almost spilled his drink. He raised his eyebrow at the long-haired fellow who looked like another karking nobleman and straightened out his suit lapels. "It's a little early in the night to be three sheets to the wind, donchta think?" he asked [member="Armand Temi"] testily. He thought he'd go easy on the guy though. After all, who knew what kind of powerful connections the man had. After Jalek made his introduction, Cryax also followed suit with a hand outstretched for him to shake. "Cryax Bane." If the man watched any Holonews at all, he would know exactly who he was talking to.

Suddenly, the Chiss felt an odd tugging at his pantleg. An Ortoloan man or woman, it was hard to tell quite frankly, was trying to talk to them in his native language. Cryax didn't speak Ortolan so it was gibberish to the Chiss's ears. When he pointed at Empress Nimue, he understood and patted the little guy on the head.

Turning back to his lover, he smiled and as he squeezed the other man's hand in return, he tilted his head in to press a kiss to his lips. "I won't be long, Red. Try and be good for once." Depositing his drink on a nearby tray, Cryax turned away almost reluctantly, and crossed the room to where the Empress was dancing. On his way, he spied a very familiar shapely blonde in the midst of the crowd. His ex-girlfriend, [member="Anastasia Rade"]. Awkward. As he approached [member="Nimue Stormson"], he racheted his most charming smile up a few notches and spoke. "May I cut in?" he said to the dancing couple.