The Red Plom Bloom Charity Gala (FWC, Open to everyone)

[Preliat Mantis]

[member="Maeve Ar'klim"] approached him. And the weight of guilt came down on him like a falling avalanche. For a moment, he saw Jasper in her eyes, in her cheekbones. He saw her mother in the slender way he walked.

His hand shook, and then the space between them was closed enough to where she could hear him. Preliat spoke in a voice slightly below a talking voice, betraying his size and bulk. He was softspoken, a voice hoarse with years of strain from war cries and screaming.

"You know who I am, do you not?"

It was a fair question. Not many knew him face-to-face. They only knew him by his armor.

 

[Maeve Ar'klim]

[member="Preliat Mantis"]

She could not help but know who he was she nodded and at the same time answered in a soft voice. "I do know who you are." Sadness filled her eyes she could say to him You took someone precious to me away.

But she had already resolved that she would not remind him there was a haunted look in his eyes that he tried to hide. She didn't know if it was for her father [member="Ordo"] but she would comfort herself and think it was.

"The Coalition is raising funds for refugees. Have you come to offer a contribution? Supplies, Credits...something else?" She had dreamed of this opportunity to say what she thought and yet she knew it felt it as tangible as if the emotions were fruit on a tree ripe for the taking. She tamped them down though her father he wouldn't want her to dwell on such things. It bore no fruit did no one any good.

 

[Preliat Mantis]

He leaned into her ear and whispered a number- with a healthy amount of zeroes.

"Nothing I have can replace what I have taken."

It was the horrible truth.

[member="Maeve Ar'klim"]

 

[Maeve Ar'klim]

[member="Preliat Mantis"]

The amount was ridiculous but it was his to do with as he pleased, "that will help a great many people" what should she call him, Preliat? Ner Vod Mantis? No she couldn't none of those made her comfortable for now perhaps nothing would do.

What he said next though nearly broke her resolve. She swallowed hard and clenched her teeth she looked up to up from under long dark lashes inherited from her mother. She took a deep breath one he could hear.

"If you speak of what was taken from me, and my family. You're right there is nothing of value that can bring my father back." She forced a smile as a few guests got nearer she did however have one question since he had brought it up.

"I would ask one thing though....." she hoped she could get it out before she lost it.

"He didn't suffer did he?" that question had haunted her at night that her father had lingered in pain waiting for death to claim him. Had Preliat given him a swift death? Maeve found herself staring up at Preliat as she wondered where her courage came from to ask the question.

 

[Preliat Mantis]

"There was not a single person who did not suffer for Mia's treachery. We all suffered. The only difference between your father and every other Mandalorian is that his suffering ended."

He didn't die peacefully, and he didn't live peacefully. Preliat wouldn't lie to her, nor to anyone else about that.

"I gave him a warrior's death. It was quick."

But that man suffered and was in turmoil the last moments of his life. Because of Preliat.

[member="Maeve Ar'klim"]

 

[Maeve Ar'klim]

[member="Preliat Mantis"]

It was quick. Part of her felt great relief but that other part lingered on the thought, it was quick. She could only nod at this point her sadness her loss struck her hard as she stood there. She wasn't sure her feet would move. But she would move her father taught her how to smile even when your heart broke. Her mother taught her what strength could really be. She was their child and she had nothing to be ashamed of. Maeve lifted her chin.

She finally managed to nod, "Can I interest you in a drink?" She felt like she needed one to at least steady her nerves. She should hate this man standing there. "We have heard many things about the mando'ade. Many of my clan did not agree with what Mia did, or the way she did it, or any of it. It's made things worse maybe. I don't know. I feel worse. I know that isn't everyone. but I feel worse. Some of my friends won't talk to me anymore. They think we are all traitors."

She smiled nervously, "I don't feel like a traitor." She then shrugged looking around at all the pretty dresses, and people having a good time. Doing a good thing. She felt so separated from it all.

 

[Chikako Liona]

---

Chikako kept an ear out for the many conversions happening around the room, but ultimately was drawn back to the small group in front, taking in the small bits of information here and there. This talk about a New Republic seeming to be something of interest, more so since the Galactic Alliance was basically the republic, in her mind a bit better than the old and seeming to be corrupt democratic government that had fallen many times over, but an interesting prospect, perhaps a potential ally for her house some time in the future.

As for [member="Faith Organa"]'s question about the CIS and herself more the rather,"Ah, as you wish my Queen, as you probably have guessed I amd an Echani as well, from the noble house of Liona, which has fallen on... bad times. As is stands I am its current heir and inheritor, but problems at home have prevented me from returning". That was putting it rather lightly, probably best to leave out the assassination attempt on her family ship killing everyone on board except herself. "As such, following in the foot steps of vice lord Srina Talon, joining the confederacy and working my way up it's diplomatic ranks, soon myself going to be assigned as a Viceroy Assistant of sorts until I am old enough to rule a planet".

She would have loved to keep talking but soon her silver gaze fell upon someone else, a man Chikako recognized, though maybe for all the wrong reasons, [member="Muad Dib"]. She was unsure why the Sith turned spell caster was here, but all the more exposure for the CIS, she just hopped the man did not start a fight or something. "I beg my leave for the moment my Queen, senator and minister, a friend of mine has seemed to have arrived", giving another small curtsy Chikako excused herself quickly walking over to Maud Dibbies. "Well mister Dib, I honestly did not expect you of all people to show up here, was more expecting your brother Derick then anything else, come to crash the place or does this charity ball have a different meaning to you".

---

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith nodded to those there, "thank you for telling me" Faith couldn't help but look at where [member="Chikako Liona"] was going course she was caught off guard seeing [member="Muad Dib"] there. But then Bella said he had a kind heart.

She looked at those still with her, "We must talk more about the Sovereignty perhaps a meeting between the Coalition and them would help to start a dialogue about trade"

Yes trade they all needed trade.

Then she caught the eye of some who nodded to her. She nodded back to the odd looking man, perhaps she should go and introduce herself.

Perhaps.

 

[Muad Dib]

Glowing eyes watched [member="Faith Organa"] and [member="Chikako Liona"] speaking nearby. Both women's eyes had fallen upon him where he stood observing the gathering of disparate individuals all gathered for seemingly "humanitarian" reasons. As the Echani moved his way he turned sideways, watching the lithe form cut through the crowd to his side to offer him a question.

"Why can't it be both? Or neither? Perhaps I'm here to visit the peace loving Organa's. Or maybe I've come with an ingenious plot to collect the donations made, for my own coffers. Or there's the possibility I've come to destroy the party, slaughter the people, and intend on creating a force Nexus due to the slaughter through the Darkside. Aye, or there's always the chance I'm merely here to make a donation."

A cold smirk crossed his face as he quietly responded to Chikako. Eyes flicked back to the Queen for a moment before returning to the pale haired woman. He found it curious that the small woman spoke to him in such a free manner. He was not Derek who was the politician and balanced individual. His brother was the one with the welcoming smile and demeanor who was quick to offer a kind word. Muad was not. Yet unlike his brother who was exactly who he appeared to be, Muad had many different facets that one could never truly predict. And only a few knew who he truly was behind his blazing, blue eyes.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"If you two gentlemen would allow me a moment of leave, I've some matter that may need my attention" She begged her pardon to her new found fiends, Jim and SN-1411.

Something told her the air were changing, like that of a storm nearby...a tempest that could change course at any given moment. It were in the air and the chill she had gotten earlier were now ripe with it. Marina couldn't understand these sensations. It were like the smell of ozone in the air...the storm.

Her view of the queen didn't give her vantage point as to what were surrounding this feeling...this intuition that stirred the atmosphere. Marina weren't force sensitive, nor had the amount of midicloreans rivaling a squirrel. But she had intuition...a rare form of human sense that had nearly gone, dissipated from humans since the inception of midicloreans that had spread like a virus across the galaxy, at the dawn of recorded history. And she had discovered such text. A book older than that of jedi archives. It had given insight on the virus and it's effect on humans..then later the consequences..and potential spread to the galaxy. It had not prophesied wrong. Still...there remained a few not so easily manipulated by the force and that one individual were Marina.

Marina exchanged flutes when a passing servant came about with a tray. She took a small sip of the golden wine and proceeded in closing some of the gap between her and the queen.

 

[Chikako Liona]

---

Chikako had not really interacted with Dib that much in the past, the only real time the two talking was when the man had done some silly dating app prank where he had made an account under her name, making the duchess rather mad, but at the same time laugh at it's creativity. "Well you are more fun to talk to then your brother, your idea of amusement is very exciting I must say, I would be nice to add some more people to my list of kills, but perhaps that should be held off for another time".

If Dib was listening carefully he would have been able to note Chikako's voice slip from that of a child to a more sinister one, quickly reverting back before the end of her sentence. "Well regardless it is nice to see you here, give the CIS more exposure and all, unlike you I am still a newbie to the government stuff, people usually have to ask about my intelligence, but you". "All they have to do show up and people know the CIS is here to help, well most of the time, but I have a feeling you not here to kill anyone".

Perhaps in time she too would claim enough fame to properly represent the Confederacy, in time perhaps become a powerful witch, but she was still young, still plenty of time to work her way up the ladder of authority, but dam did it take a long time. "So mister Dib, how have things been on the front line? The military is probably putting your skills to good use during fights and training new student, I am sure your apprentice has a blast of a time learning from you".
[hr[

 

[Alexandra Porte]

Alexandra had never been to Alderaan in all her travels as a starfighter pilot either with the Republic or Alliance, nor had she ever known any members of this royal family. But the call to help refugees had made an impact on her and compelled the Taanabian to attend the Red Plom charity gala hosted at the New Aldera Palace in New Aldera.

Recently, Russo had moved back to her homeworld; buying a farm for sale near Taanab's capital city of Pandath and setting up a permanent residence there. She should have been well-married by now, but best laid plans sometimes come upon snags. Her fiancé, Jedi Master [member="Kahne Porte"], had one of his dreams and well he was compelled to go in search of the meaning of it. The wedding, which was to take place on Monastery, was put on hold until his return. She didn't blame him, and would never make him choose between his duties to the Force and her.

Alexandra though didn't want to stay there by herself while he was away. And now that she was in the second trimester of pregnancy full of vim and vigor as opposed to tired and sick, it was the perfect time to make the big move home. If Kahne didn't come back soon though, the poor man would miss out on the benefits of extra hormones and energy. And to all accounts, that would be a shame.

Being this trip had been a last minute decision, hopefully the retired commander's folly would only make her seem a bit fashionably late as she arrived to the gala unescorted. With cape given to the attendant at the entrance to the ball room that covered her evening gown, Alexandra made her way inside to the festivities. A flute of sparkling water was chosen off an offered tray of drinks by a passing waiter. The tall brunette took a small sip, then proceeded further into the crowd to mingle and network with some of the patrons gathered; brandy brown orbs searching for any she may know off hand.


[member="Faith Organa"] @Any

 

[Faith Organa]

The conversation have died down with the little group Faith excused herself and began to look about the room again for someone to talk to. Her gaze fell upon an unfamiliar face not that there weren't many among the crowd she couldn't help but to notice her gown, her figure.

What woman wasn't drawn to another who was expecting? Faith moved through the well wishers to greet [member="Alexandra Russo"] Faith herself picked up a glass of emerald wine. "Good Evening, Welcome to Alderaan. Do you need chair?"

She knew from her own that sitting sometimes was a welcome diversion.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

So many dignitaries and guests of various factions were about, that at a blink of an eye, Marina lost track of that cold chill.
That chill, as she knew it, was not force connected, but some other primal sense that somehow had been lost to force users...intuition.
Marina casually looked around but could no longer feel it. It couldn't have just dissipated, no. It had come suddenly like through an open door and just like that it receded back. Perhaps for the moment whatever it was had stayed it's purpose...for now.

This put marina in the middle of a crowded assembly alone, just holding her flute. Not until her eye caught what she perceived as a familiar face, yet Marina had never met the woman before, and couldn't place her exactly. But she was certain somewhere, some time ago, they had crossed paths somewhere. For the moment, it evaded her memory. But her queen certainly knew her, and it drew Marina's curiosity, inadvertently walking toward the two.

Finding herself inadvertently next to her queen, marina had no recourse but to make her presence known so as not to seem eavesdropping.
"Your majesty..." Marina curtsied, when Faith offered the woman a chair to sit and their eyes met.

Marina along with the queen's other aid, were more than happy to fetch whatever her majesty required for her guests.
And since the familiar woman was currently in mid-intro with the queen, Marina would have to wait for proper introductions. Perhaps the name would ring her memory. She would have to wait and see...

 

[Alexandra Porte]

As Russo walked through the crowd she made small pleasantries, but no lasting conversations. Most were already preoccupied with other guests so Alex kept things light and moved on until she came to the other edge of the gala. It wasn't but a few moments later she was greeted by the Queen herself along with another of the court or handmaiden perhaps?

The Taanabian was in great shape though being pregnant and with twins no less did make for one's back to ache by the end of the day. The offer of a chair to rest upon was gladly thought of.

​"Your Majesty, you are too kind. A chair would be most appreciated," the brunette answered with a respectful bow of her dark head to [member="Faith Organa"], then a small cant of it to [member="Marina DeVoe"].

"I am Alexandra Russo of Taanab," she smiled. "I have recently just moved back to my homeworld, and wanted to find out how I may help the most with the refugees."

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"I will attend to that, your majesty..." She said without hesitation when the woman who introduced herself as Alexandra Russo graciously accepted the queen's offer of a seat.

She touched the queen's secretary's arm and whispered.. "I got it, Bekka...stay with our queen...." and with a smile, went to acquire for a good chair.

She took the opportunity to locate a good cushioned chair from one of the ornate walls, as they were the most comfortable of all. But at the same time maybe she could see if she got that chill again as she made her way past a few other guests.
Needless to say, she didn't get that feeling on her way to the chair. With some effort, Marina managed to move the chair away from the wall. To maybe perhaps a half meter, before realizing it weighed a ton.

"Oh dear..." She found herself at an en-pass; how in blazes were she going to drag the lead chair all the way back to where the queen and Lady Russo of Taanab were? It was indeed one of the most comfortable antique chairs, made of solid carved hardwood and silk tapestry, but it certainly felt like it could as well have been made of lead. She mimicked cracking her knuckles, which by the way they didn't, and once more took hold of the chair. This time with both hands and managed to drag it a meter this time. Lucky for her it made quite a ruckus as it resisted her across the marble floor, sounding off it's objection for a young lady to be handling it. And sure enough a gentleman's ear caught the noise of the chair being unsuccessfully being dragged and came to her rescue.
He offered to assist her in her effort to move it ...where?

"Oh...yes, thank you. " She stepped back with a smile.
"I need it taken to where her majesty, Queen Organa and her current guest are. You see, the woman is with child-..." She were about to explain when the gentleman chuckled and said he understood. Then with little effort he picked up the heavy chair and gestured for Marina to lead the way.

"Yes, of course...this way.." And she took lead, graciously begging some guests part the way for the man carrying the chair.

"Your majesty..." Marina then said as she made it to the queen, slightly stepping aside for the gentleman to place the chair where Marina gestured with her index. Which of course was pretty close to the woman bearing child.
"Lady Russo...greetings. " She gave a light curtsy to the lady guest.

"Your chair..." Marina said, as the gentleman held it in proper form for her to seat. Naturally, he didn't need to hold the chair, as it would not move too easily. But he was a gentleman, and he did so.





[member="Alexandra Russo"]
[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Muad Dib]

[member="Chikako Liona"]

As he absently scanned the room he listened to her words comparing him to his brother. Wasn't hard to see an obvious difference between the two. Like night and day usually. But as her young voice dipped into a different tone bordering on dangerous he looked back to the Echani. Her remark about killing intrigued him into thinking perhaps there was more to the pale haired youth.

Her assumptions about his reputation bolstering a Confederate presence almost had him rolling his eyes. Aye, he was affiliated with the CIS, yet his reasons for being here had nothing to do with them. It was purely personal reasons. He cared little about flaunting the Confederacy. That's what the politicians and military were for. Or the Witches and Acolytes. He was none of the above. Just a like minded individual who had found a mutually beneficial opportunity. For the moment. Who knew what the future held.

He sensed the quiet longing in her as with most young men and women. The chance to be something or someone more. The opportunity to prove themselves. To find their purpose and calling. It was equally endearing and annoying simultaneously. When she mentioned his apprentice he let out a laugh.

"My apprentice? You would most likely have to go to the Geonosis arena and ask him. He probably still rotting in the sun."

An amused grin flitted across his face.

 

[Chikako Liona]

---

Chikako cocked her head to the side at the man's apparent silent nature, unsure of what he was thinking about, hopefully not torching this place to the ground, now that she came to think about is the Sith turned Witch Elder was quite the pyromancer, a skill she too sought to master. Perhaps she would be able to learn a thing or two from the allusive and dare say slightly crazy man, well that if he was not already busy with CIS life, but considering her rather private arrival on world she assumed Muad had plenty of time to spare.

The question was why? One soon answer by the rather gruesome, but also humorous comment about his student, "Ha ha, did he not quite stack up to your expectation, or just take a long sun bath"? She replied once again in a innocent voice, one that masked her more sinister thoughts, "Guess that would explain your rather free time table to do as you please". If that were also the case maybe the man was also seeking a new student? she herself yet to gain a master despite constantly asking, a rather annoying state of affairs.

---

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Alexandra Russo"] | [member="Marina DeVoe"]

All Faith had to do was turn her head and motion with her hand, but Marina was on it already. "Oh...ok..um...yes " She looked at Marina hoping to hold her still for a moment and smiled, "This is Marine Devoe of House of Devoe. She's part of our explorer corps, and my diplomatic intern. And it would seem she has aspirations of learning how to move furniture a real how do they go getter." Faith was teasing of course it was one thing about being Queen, but she had a feeling in this case it was more about the pregnant woman before her. Marina had disappeared quickly.

Faith contemplated the name "Alexandra Russo, I'm sorry I'm not familiar with your name." She leaned towards her a bit, "This means you will have to tell me about yourself so that I am familiar." She pulled back.

The chair arrived and all was well. A few other guests were looking over to see what the commotion was Faith however kept her attention on Alexandra and Marina.

 

[Alexandra Porte]

The sight before her brandy brown eyes amused Alex to no end yet she would never let it show out of manners. The effort to which [member="Marina DeVoe"] attempted to get the oversized, ornate chair over to the Taanabian's location was endearing to say the least. It spoke volumes to the blonde woman's call to serve and duty as well as her stubbornness. A trait the former starfighter pilot knew only too well.

After the gentleman carrying the chair placed it down on the marbled floor, Alex gave him a nod of appreciation. "We thank you, kind sir," she offered, placing her hand lovingly upon the baby bump that jetted out forward. To the brunette her belly seemed huge, but in actuality it was only going to get bigger as she still had several weeks to go before delivering the twins. A fluttering inside was noted as the babies moved excitedly about. If only [member="Kahne Porte"] was here to experience the precious wonders of his unborn children with her...

Alexandra turned her dark head towards Marina and flashed the young woman a friendly smile after she sat down upon the well cushioned chair. "And thank you as well, Miss DeVoe. This chair is well worth the effort you put into acquiring it for me."

Finally settled and very comfortable, the Taanabian addressed the Queen's inquiry about who she was unconsciously playing with the diamond engagement ring that adorned her left hand; a nervous habit as of late.

"Well Ma'am, I am but a farmer's humble daughter given the opportunity to fly and serve along with the best of the best, and now blessed to be a mother," she expressed to [member="Faith Organa"].