The Empress' Ball (PM for Invite)

[Nimue Stormson]

When [member="Cryax Bane"] had come to the dance floor a servant stopped him, only because he was to wait until the Empress was done. Sensing that she was about to be finished with a twi’lek noble she was currently dancing with he brought Bane forward before allowing him to cut in.​

​

Seeing him Empress Nimue smirked before bow her head to the twi’lek before he was escorted off. After that she bowed it again to the chiss before taking his hand and starting to dance. She was quite for a moment, looking into those deep red eyes of his. They felt so alluring and yet so blaring. Made it hard to tell what he, or any of his species, were thinking.​

​

“You know, our people tell stories of blue skinned beings from the skies.” She began. “I wonder if the chiss ever visited Effekt before.” She smirked, trying to show this was a means of keeping the conversation going, before saying “I don’t think we’ve met, Mister…Bane was it?” Once that was confirmed she asked “And who do you come to represent? Your people or some group looking to make a deal with me?”​

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(Just to make things go faster I'll keep the posts between you and me for now, Bane lol. So feel free to respond when ready.)​

 

[Armand Temi]

Luckily the two guests Armand had stumbled over didn't appear too disgruntled except for a slightly rude comment which well... he kind of deserved. He decided at that moment to go easy on the fire-water. The one closest to him who introduced himself as Jalek was rugged looking and seemed slightly out of place among the lavish and decadent backdrop. The Chiss was more groomed and with an excellent tailor, he noticed. The blue-skinned, near-human was also a bit standoffish, his red eyes darting around the room presumably seeking more important guests than himself. Then surprisingly the Chiss gave him an all-business handshake and introduced himself as Cryax Bane. The name was familiar but he could not think of why.

When he went to shake Jalek's hand, the young man leaned closer to the Chiss to say something to him which Armand could not hear with the din of the party behind him. They exchanged a few more words conspiratorially and a kiss between them. Then Bane strode off and marched right up to the Empress, a bold move for sure.

"What brings you to the gathering?" he asked Jalek. He could sense that the fellow was unimpressed with the surroundings so he added: "Or are you not affected by all of this pomposity?"

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

 

[Jalek Sathora]

Merely shrugging in response to the two questions posed to him Jalek put out his cigarette before throwing it away in a nearby trash can. Exhaling the last tendrils of smoke from his lungs, he considered the man that stood before him for a moment. "It's Cryax that brings me here, I guess. You're right about all of this." Here he gestured to their surroundings, indicating the formality of the entire thing and the fact that, much to his dislike, it was required to attend in some time of formal wear. "I don't do parties. Or at least, parties like this." His idea of fun typically involved copious amounts of alcohol and often spice in some bar on another backwater planet with like-minded individuals. Never had he dreamt of stepping foot in an event like this.

There was a moment of silence in which he studied the man for another moment, able to tell that he was in the presence of one that at the very least knew how to pretend to be comfortable in scenarios such as this. But he would place more credits on him belonging to this or that noble family than any other solution that he could come up with in the moment. Everyone around here seemed to fit in better than he did, not that the fact bothered him any. He'd rather be the odd one out than act like everyone else in the galaxy. "How about you?" Another pause, and he assessed the man briefly through the Force as well. "What brings a Jedi to something like this?" His guess might not have been spot on, but the other man's presence was benevolent enough to suggest as such.

Unlike most others he was intent on getting right to the point of things and not bothering with small-talk. It wasn't as if anyone actually liked to have to go through that anyhow, and if they claimed to they were only lying to everyone involved. "I never did catch your name."

[member="Armand Temi"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax wasn't much of a dancer. In fact, a Kowakian monkey lizard clearly had more coordination than the well-heeled Chiss. But Cryax had been to enough fancy parties to get by on a ballroom floor. He wrapped one arm around the shapely Empress and placed the other hand in hers, leading her as best he could. His smiling red eyes met her gaze as she talked about him like he was some kind of mythical creature. They sure were out here in the boondocks of space. Visiting Antecedent would probably blow her mind. Still perhaps he could use his exotic looks to his advantage.

"There's a first time for everything," Cryax said with a chuckle. "And yes, it's Cryax Bane, Lady Stormson. I'm rather surprised you haven't heard of me or of the group I lead, the Red Ravens. I suppose I should come right out and tell you that the Ravens are quite notorious for doing some very bad things in the galaxy." He paused and then gave her a roguish smile. "And everything they say about us is true."

Grinning, Cryax dipped the Empress dramatically. Just a little something he'd learned dancing with Zeltron showgirls at the casino. "I would indeed like to talk to you about business sometime. As long as you have no qualms about consorting with galactic criminals."

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Given how well he was keeping up with the music the Empress was a little surprised by the chiss’ very charming nature. He was so human and yet he wasn’t, she didn’t know what to think. Though given his look when mentioning how her people thought them some fairytale creature she could see how she needed to travel more; part of why this ball was held in the first place.​

​

When [member="Cryax Bane"] had mentioned the Red Ravens Nimue didn’t really know what he meant at first. It wasn’t until he’d said how they were an organization of criminals that it became clear to her what he was talking about. The closest the people of Effekt had to criminal organizations were the pirates in old history, and some who still existed now, who pillaged and stole and all other immoral acts. While some would be offended the Empress had seen opportunity.​

​

“I may not be familiar with your little group,” she began “but I do like the name. ‘Red Ravens’. Sounds like some rare bird of myth men would wander for days looking for but never finding.” When he’d dipped her she let out a little “ooo” of surprise before he held her back up. An amused smile cracked against her face before saying “I’ve never had dancing like this before. You’re full of surprises, Sir Bane.” When he mentioned him being a known criminal she chuckled in her throat and retorted “In all honestly I have certain plans for my people’s arrival in the galaxy. Some I’m sure those with more noble agendas would disagree with.”​

 

[Armand Temi]

Armand ran a hand through his long hair which still had stray rose petals in it from the earlier procession. He sensed a warmness from Jalek that his blue companion lacked. The young guest was clearly comfortable in his own skin but uncomfortable with the surrounding grandeur.

"My name is Armand Temi," he said nodding at him in lieu of a handshake. He felt a Force connection with Jalek and with his nascent abilities tried to sense what the young male was thinking, if he was calm or fearful inside. As he gently probed telekinetically he noticed the young guest's tattoos. And suddenly he didn't feel like getting into his family's connections and his stuffy upbringing which he assumed would only bore Jalek.

He smirked, "I'm here like you. Not really of my own accord." Armand tilted his head and added, "And I'm only a Jedi Padawan. The Force is something that of which I have only a minuscule grasp."
Armand craned his head and looked around, this time not at party guests. He turned again to Jalek. "Surely there's some type of open air pavilion we can go to in this palace. Would you like to go get some fresh air?"

[member="Jalek Sathora"]

 

[Cryax Bane]

Cryax chuckled when the Empress called him "Sir Bane." He was a dirty criminal from Antecedent and not at all accustomed to being addressed that formally. Holding the Empress closely against him, the Chiss raised an eyebrow at Nimue's mentioned her ignoble agenda. "And what are your plans for your people's arrival then, Lady Stormson? I'd like to hear more about your agenda, and about how our organization can help your kingdom."

As they moved across the floor together semi-gracefully, the Chiss cast a glance around the room, keeping an eye on his red-haired lover. He was engrossed in coversation with the long-haired noble named Armand, and he had no doubt that Jalek was sarcastically telling him to sober up. Once he ascertained that his lover was safely out of trouble, Cryax turned to the Empress again. "Of course, we'll also need to talk about how your kingdom can help the Red Ravens. After all, with so much saber rattling in the Mid Rim lately, our backs are in dire need of a scratch." He raked his hand lightly along her back to punctuate his thought, to the dismay of her advisors, especially Sir Cueball who looked aghast at the Chiss's bold actions.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

As they danced and [member="Cryax Bane"] asked his question the Empress kept her footing with him while answering “I’m trying to show my world that there’s nothing to fear from going outside their doors. Or more actuality going outside our own system. And some of that involves making deals with the lesser known aspect of the society people tend to forget or try to avoid: criminals.” She looked to him and smirked before saying “You’re obviously the type of people to do the things politics and people like me wouldn’t want to. And you seem the type of ‘business man’ I can reach agreements with.” As they continued, the people taking note of how well the two seemed to dance together, she finished with “And as per Effekt helping you, how would you feel about a large sum of gold, silver and other fine treasures as a start?”​

​

During the conversation Nimue took note of the man Cryax looked to now and then. A handsome looking human that Nimue began to suspect meant a lot to the chiss. “He’s handsome.” She noted. “Family member? Or maybe a lover.” A few more moves before glancing back at the boy before asking Cryax “You don’t think he’s jealous of our dancing, do you? I wouldn’t want to interfere in a romance after all.”​

 

[Cryax Bane]

Gold and silver treasures sounded tempting, Cryax had to admit, but the one thing he really wanted more urgently than any baubles was loyalty. The Chiss needed powerful individuals who had his back in a time of war. There was only one way to find out if the Empress could fill that role. "We would kindly accept any treasures you'd like to give our organization," was his answer. "However strongly money can talk, what I'm looking for transcends beyond mere credits." He squeezed her hand and dipped her again, smiling widely. "I would like you to come to Antecedent. Let me entertain you at the casino and show you everything the Ravens have built from the ground up. Let me show you our kingdom."

When she asked him about his handsome boyfriend, the Chiss blushed. "That red-haired Morellian standing over there in a suit I almost had to force him into is the love of my life," he pronounced. "I would do anything for him." When she asked if he was the jealous type, he shook his head. "It takes alot to make him jealous so don't worry, my dear. He's probably over there laughing his ass off at my horrible dancing." Cryax let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "What about you, Lady Stormson? You're a beautiful and wealthy Empress? No Emperor in your life? Or are you just not the marrying kind?"

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

As he talked of accepting her riches but wanting more Empress Nimue’s perked with interest. What a crime lord could want of her, she wondered greatly. Another dip that surprised her before he told of how he wanted her to come to another planet. She gasped into a smile before he brought her back up to eye-level.​

​

“You’re inviting me to visit your planet?” she asked, bewildered. “To travel beyond my system? Sir Bane…you had me at ‘come to Antecedent’.” Her dancing had a little more ager step in it before she said “How I’ve longed to finally see more of what’s out there in the galaxy. You don’t know how happy this makes me to hear, Sir Bane. I can promise you a hearty reward for being the first among these guests to actually make such an offer.”​

​

After that she listened to him explain about his lover, the man they’d mentioned earlier. She wasn’t surprised to hear they were lovers, and it didn’t bother her much either; unlike other she knew would object. At mention of [member="Cryax Bane"] saying he’d do anything for him the Empress gave a more sympathetic look.​

​

“Keep to that promise, Sir Bane.” She said. “If you love him that much, then give everything you have to hold that promise for the rest of your lives.” Her message seemed both serious and passionate, a hint at a past incident in her life.​

​

Then came the funny quip about his lover laughing at their dancing, to which she said “Perhaps he should come and see what it’s like. Oh do try and get him to join me, Sir Bane. I’d love to hear his side of things.” Her tone indicating she was truly interested in meeting him.​

​

Then came him asking if she was married, the Empress looking a bit saddened by the question, before answering “I was married once…” It was obvious it was something painful to bring up around her.​

 

[Cryax Bane]

"There will be a penthouse suite at the casino just waiting for you when you're ready, Lady Stormson." He said with a nod of his head. "Just say the word and I will send a luxury transport to Effext to pick you up."

The look on the Empress's face when Cryax asked her about marriage told him that there was a very painful story in her history. Cryax was curious but he didn't want to pry or open up old wounds, so he merely nodded his head solemnly. Perhaps she would be more candid with him the better she got to know him. The Chiss let out a surprised laugh when she mentioned dancing with Jalek. "Why don't we go ask him?" He offered, and bowed to her politely as they finished their dance.

Hooking his arm around hers, the Chiss then led Empress Stormson to his Morellian lover. "The Lady is requesting a dance with you, Red." he said to Jalek. "What do you say?"

[member="Nimue Stormson"] [member="Jalek Sathora"]

 

[Jalek Sathora]

It was obvious, at least to Jalek, that Armand was used to encounters with those akin to nobility, and not those of his caliber. Which was to say men that had been raised by nothing more than a number of gangs on a lawless city-world with no idea of proper morals or how to behave in a anything even remotely similar to a formal court scenario. The slight degree of discomfort that the other man displayed was something he could almost empathize with, as he was out of place in the surroundings as well. That didn't mean he would show it. "I wouldn't mind some fresh air. There has to be some place we can head outside around here." He glance sideways at Armand. "And you can stop with the trying to be formal bit. It's not like you have to worry about impressing me or anything."

No more time was allotted to continue in that vein as they were approached by both Cryax and the Empress. Something told him he'd been a topic of conversation between the two, otherwise they wouldn't have bothered to break away from their dance and likely business dealings so soon. "Miss me that much, Blue?" Here he smiled crookedly, switching his jade gaze to their royal company. Unsure of how to respond for a moment he eventually decided to talk to her just like he would everyone else, but perhaps with a degree more of respect. "No promises about me being a great dancer. I didn't really get the chance to perfect my dancing, growing up on Taris." Wasn't that the truth.

Deciding to at least attempt to diffuse a bit of the awkwardness left in the wake of his lack of formality he continued, "And whatever he said about me probably isn't true, depending on what it was." He glanced to Cryax with an almost secretive sort of smile, allowing his tongue piercing to click against the back of his teeth. "I say probably, because you never know when he might have a change of heart."

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

 

[Nimue Stormson]

When [member="Cryax Bane"] had told about having a private transport awaiting her whenever she wished Empress Nimue’s heart lit up. It was so exiting to know that she would have the chance to one day go beyond the stars and visit a whole new planet. It was so great she couldn’t help but plant a kiss on the chiss’ cheek.​

​

“Thank you, Sir Bane.” She said, her warm smiling lips curling up from his offer.​

​

After he’d suggested the two of them speak with [member="Jalek Sathora"] in person about dancing she couldn’t help but giggle and nod an agreement. While other danced the two of them walked arm-in-arm off the dance floor and towards the chiss’ lover. The crowd gathered around the sides parted for them, some muttering to themselves about whoever it was they were about to see. When they’d finally arrived Empress Nimue bowed her head to both Jalek and [member="Armand Temi"] before hearing Cryax tell of how she’d wanted to see him dance.​

​

After Jalke tried to defend himself by saying he wasn’t a good dancer she smirked and said “And yet he was so sure you would think you’re better at it than him.” She held her hand out and said “Care to prove him right or wrong, Sir Sathora? Don’t worry, I don’t bite.” She gave a coy wink to add to that comment before he then said how whatever Cryax said about him might have been a lie. “Really? And after all those nice things he said about you. What was it again, Sir Bane?” she looked over and winked at him to indicate to play along. “Was it his hair? His smile? Or something around his nether region you claimed was so great?”​

 

[Cryax Bane]

As the Empress' lips grazed his cheek, Cryax blushed. He was enjoying the company of the green-haired royal beauty, and relished the way her guests glared at them with envy.

As they approached Jalek, Cryax smiled widely at his boyfriend, "Of course I missed you ch'eo ch'acah. I miss you ever time you go away, and fall in love with you all over again when I see you." Sure his sentiments were cheesy, but he meant them with ever fiber of his being. "I insist that you dance with Lady Stormson, Sir Sathora, and I won't take no for an answer."

Gesturing to the nobleman Armand, he added, "I"m sure Mr. uh, Temi wazzit? He can keep me company right?"

At the Empress' mention of the discussed topics regarding Jalek's "assets," Cryax laughed and spread his hands. "Guilty as charged. But let's not make his head balloon up bigger than it already is. He's already insufferable enough as it is." He winked at Jalek again and gestured with his head, nodding towards the dance floor.

[member="Nimue Stormson"] [member="Jalek Sathora"] [member="Armand Temi"]

 

[Jalek Sathora]

His only response to Cryax's teasing was to simply kiss him flush on the lips in full view of everyone, letting the embrace linger for as long as he would allow before pulling away, a slow smile forming. "You don't take no for an answer with a lot of things. It's about time I take you to one of my parties, and then we'll see what happens. I think you'll find that our idea of fun is just a bit more separate than you thought. But don't worry, I wouldn't let anyone hurt you." Here his smile turned a bit more crooked. "It isn't as if I'd let them get close enough to try." Jalek had a bit of a protective streak when it came to Cryax, something he'd deny when confronted with, however obvious it was.

It seemed he wouldn't be getting out of this one quite so easily, but then again, he hadn't expected to. Though selfsure about a number of things, he knew full well that his skills in the more refined sides of life were severely lacking. That didn't mean he couldn't try, or at least pretend he knew what he was doing until he caught on. Similar strategy hadn't failed him before, and he didn't see a reason as to why it would now. "The day he starts complimenting me left in right without throwing in some other remark for good measure is the day I'll know something's seriously wrong." He winked at Cryax, knowing the man wanted to see him out on the dancefloor.

Not bothering to stall any longer, he looked again to the Empress, his smile just a bit more subdued. He might not have been a noble, his tattooed and shaggy-haired visage all testament, but that didn't mean he couldn't at least try to act the part for a little while. Even if he knew that Cryax would have a number of comments for him later. "Shall we?"

Another final glance to Cryax. "Try not to have too much fun without me."

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

 

[Armand Temi]

When Jalek said,"It's not like you have to worry about impressing me or anything" Armand opened his mouth to protest that he was wasn't putting on airs but then his companion Cryax Bane came over with Empress Stormson. First things first, he bowed deeply to the Empress and hoped he may be on the list next to dance with her. Then as he rose up he noticed just how smitten Jalek was with the blue-skinned Chiss. And it did appear the feeling was mutal on Mr. Bane's part. But those red eyes didn't give much away.

Armand gave a side glance to the Chiss when he insisted that Jalek dance with the Empress. As reluctant as he seemed to do so, he went willingly. This left Armand with Cryax Bane who was smaller in stature but a bit more intimidating for some reason. And unlike with Jalek, the Hapan noble didn't feel like hiding his affluent background as much with the Chiss.

"I can certainly keep you company, Mr. Bane." he said. He took two glasses of champagne off of a tray which an attendant brought near and handed one to the Chiss. He tried not to slur his words too much when he asked, "And what do you do when you're not invited to these grand parties?" Armand's gaze was firmly glued on the dance floor to Jalek and the majestic Empress Stormson.

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

 

[Nimue Stormson]

When [member="Jalek Sathora"] had kissed [member="Cryax Bane"] in full view of everyone at the party there were a few gasps and disinterested looks. Empress Nimue, however, smiled at this. Part of it was how bold and sweet it was for two young lovers like them to show their affection in public without caring what others though. Another part, however, thought that this was Mr. Sathora trying to one-up her for having kissed him on the cheek. After Jalek gave his comment about compliments from Cryax the Empress couldn’t help but chuckle at it. ​

​

Finally as he took her hand she smiled and gave a small bow of her head to both Cryax and [member="Armand Temi"] before walking with Jalek out to the dance floor. Once they were back in the center the Empress took his hand and waist before they began to move back into the rhythm of the music.​

​

As they did Nimue had begun with “You’re a very lucky man, Sir Sathora. From what Sir Bane has told me the two of you are nigh inseparable.” A few turns before she added “And you’re handsome enough that I can see why.”​

 

[Jalek Sathora]

It was odd for Jalek to be sincerely complimented by anyone, especially if they'd only just met him. There were many talents he could call his own, but drawing the good kind of attention from anyone wasn't included. It was a change, but one he could appreciate, even if he had a feeling it was all being said just for formality's sake. "I don't think it's my looks that caught his attention the first time, but they definitely didn't hurt. We've had a bit of a different relationship right from the start, to say the least." With their meeting through his attempting to crack into one of the Ravens' networks, albeit successfully, and only continuing to get back at each other through less than conventional means. Their one-upmanship had continued even when their status as a couple had been confirmed, again less than typically.

Surprisingly enough he wasn't doing too terribly bad when it came to dancing, and had managed to not step on any toes, both literally and figuratively, just yet either. Of course, he still wasn't completely comfortable with the entire scenario, but with the so far nice enough company he'd managed to keep it was easier to adjust. "Believe me, I think you'd be a bit surprised. I don't tend to get along so well with people once they get to know me, and even before, but Cryax is a bit of an exception." He flashed a smile, knowing that what he said was perfectly true in nine out of ten scenarios, especially when it came to those that considered themselves nobles or some type of royalty.

"What he probably said about forcing me into the suit is true, too. I don't really do dances like this." His smile was almost sheepish, or as much as it could be when he really wasn't one to get all that easily embarrassed. "Not that I can really say much, with such company." He might have been completely smitten with Cryax in all sensibilities, but figured a bit of flattery couldn't hurt. And, well, he had to return her compliments somehow, even if he wasn't quite sure how, being unused to making any kind of remotely polite flattery.

[member="Nimue Stormson"]

 

[Nimue Stormson]

Giving a bit of history into how they met Nimue kept her full attention. Her curiosity on how Cryax and Jalek met was obvious but, of course, she didn’t want to pry too much into it. Though given his talk of having a ‘different relationship’ upon first meeting was something Nimue could sympathize with. When she’d first met her future husband she was a servant, and of course he treated her like one. It was a matter of time that had helped for both of them to see each other beyond status and the like. Obviously the same sort of situation had to happen for the two criminals turned lovers.​

​

When he made his comment about not getting along with others, Cryax being the exception, the Empress responded with “That only proves how much you two are meant for each other. Sometimes you think you go your whole life knowing anyone and everyone you’ll ever meet. Until the day when you meet that someone who makes you rethink a few things. I think the two of you are perfect together.”​

​

After that, when he mentioned not wanting to be in a suit or dancing too well, she chuckled and said “You’re being far too modest with yourself. I think the suit makes you look more charming. And you haven’t stepped on my toes yet. So far that’s better than half the partners I’ve had.” Given the way she said it, it was hard to say if the empress meant dance partners or the more sensual types. When he’d made the comment about sharing company with her she smirked again and said “See? Charming. The suit really does it.” After that she couldn’t help but ask “I noticed you looking at that blonde girl earlier? Someone you don’t like I take it?”​

​

[member="Jalek Sathora"]​

 

[Josh 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"]

Finally, once they were a good ways away, the Jedi Master would turn to address his former Padawan, taking a breath as he would fiddle a bit with his own strands of blond hair, a bit fussy about how he looked with royalty around. Impressions, impressions... Finally, he would fix that before speaking with a sigh.

"They have" He would respond calmly with a small smile. "I've had a lot of time to empty my mind of everything that bothered me. Saorise's death, the demise of the true Jedi Order, worrying about the emergence of the Sith, worrying about the Jedi... Worrying about the Republic, losing Aleidis, Tallia cutting off contact all of a sudden, among other things... I've had the time to clear all of them away and become a new man. And I'm proud of it. I have cleared my mind of emotions and troubles and become the Jedi that I've always been capable of being if I just let everything go" He would reveal.

"As for you... You haven't changed at all" He would joke towards [member="Gherron Vael"] cheekily. He was kidding, of course, but oh, that line jumping...