The Wedding of Danger Arceneau

[Darth Carnifex]

Yet not all attendees were as welcome on this day as the cold wind of the Dark Side began to spread a frigid chill through the crowd. Party banners fluttered as an encroaching darkness, diminished in its presence, made itself known to all with a degree of arrogance that could only belong to a member of a most sinister order. From somewhere at the far edge of the congregation emerged a being swaddled in fine silk vestments that cloaked his entire form in violet that smelled faintly of vanilla, and golden jewelry tinkled with each purposeful move. His hood was drawn back revealing a face unmarred by damage, yet his eyes shown with decades of experience that belied his younger appearance, but those yellow irises were overshadowed by an all encompassing hate that drove his existence. Behind him trailed two diminutive eunuchs carrying an ornate chest whose eyes were perpetually cast down towards the ground, their movements jittery as the intimacy of the crowd began to fray at their already shattered nerves, yet they remained silent and obedient.

A small graced his lips as he beheld the bride and groom, both of whom he knew but had not interacted with on a personal scale save for a chance meeting several years prior on Csilla and Kuat respectively. He raised his right hand in salute to the happily married, his cloak parting to reveal that he had brought no material weapon to this event. Yet even in his calm state a dark power seethed just beneath the surface of his skin, and already malignant thoughts of slaughter and mayhem began to tease his violence-addled mind. Yet, he was not here to cause a scene or ruin this happy occasion, although his mere arrival may trigger some sort of discomfort within those attending. But he made up for this with what was contained within the box handled by the two servants behind him, for he had brought gifts of exquisite nature for the bride! Not so much the groom, but then again the rich did not require much.

He jabbed an authoritative finger towards wherever the gift reception table was located within the plaza, and the two creatures quickly moved with a surprising burst of speed to surrender the presents over to whatever individual was manning the gifts or to just simple sit it next to or near the other gifts before disappearing into the shade. The Sith Lord, however; took up position at the rear of the party with a daring grin plastered across his pallid features as his eyes meticulously scanned the crowd.

[member="Danger Arceneau"]
[member="Alric Kuhn"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Silver-green eyes drifted in the direction that [member="Amorella Mae"] rather suddenly retreated towards. It followed on the heels of [member="Alric Kuhn"] ushering them all to enjoy the festivities. Ordinarily, that would set the Sith Lord's mind to the massive spread he was sure had been prepared for the event. However, before he could completely form the thought of desire, his gaze caught the visage of the young girl Amorella had departed to interact with. [member="Kaili Talith"] may have looked older, more mature, but she was still Kaili. The baby of the family.

A thin smile touched Cameron's lips as he casually came to his feet. Though his movements were fluid and casual, he didn't cross the room to the young girl's location with quite as much zeal as Amorella. Just before he'd arrived, he noted a slight, gently shifting in the Force. He'd not have noticed it at all had it not been for the reality it was the only other truly dark presence he had yet to feel. A brief chuckle was the only response he had to Kaine's actions as he continued his stride towards Amorella and Kaili.

Shifting his gaze back to the two women he was approaching, Cameron allowed his silver-green gaze to take in Kaili's attire. He certainly did not have the relationship with the girl that his chosen partner enjoyed. The Sith Lord was...less a mentor and more a tormentor to the Talith children. Certainly...both roles were important, and the pair played to their strengths. Amorella ever the nurturing, but not compromising, steady hand, and Cameron the harsh, almost brutal consequence of failure or lack of preparation.

There was an exception. [member="Micah Talith"] just seemed determined to follow the Sith Lord around at every possible turn, bothering him with lore about this and force manipulations of that. All of the Talith children were incredibly competent, and Cameron was a bit less surprised at Kaili's presence at this particular affair than Amorella perhaps.

Arriving just at the tail end of Amorella's questions, Cameron offered a shallow nod to Kaili, though his thin smile threatened to pull back into a warm grin.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah recognized several faces from Southern System Bazaars or various news outlets. He didn't know them personally. Contrary to popular belief, there was no "Owner" or "CEOs Only" resorts in which they all hung out and barbecued while talking shop. The Corporate Alliance holo-call had been the closest to such a thing and most folks had been concerned with rollstomping the Galactic Republic.


His only company was [member="Makai Dashiell"] . To be honest, he would take chatting with his son any day instead of a some wannabe businessman trying to impress him. Their banter continued into the reception. There was some non-alcoholic Jaffa juice drink floating around that seemed to be popular. Soon he and Makai were downing the sweet drinks.


"What do you think of those coins? Might be more valuable than Republic credits at this point."


Too busy with his son, Judah soon bumped into [member="Kaileann Vera"] at a higher than average velocity. More than a simple bump, he had managed to avoid spilling the incredibly sweet drink on the woman. Makai artfully dodged the spill, a small splash landing on his shoes instead.


"Excuse me Miss. I should have been paying attention...my apologies..."

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Judah Dashiell"]

The coin slipped from Kaile's fingers.

It flipped and twirled, flying high in the air. Kaile's red rimmed eyes grew wide, and a sharp intake of breath at her surprise and sudden panic filled her. It was as if it was all in slow motion. Stumbling forward, the coin in the air, the scent of sweet juice splashing. Then finally, her hand reaching out to try and catch the coin before it fell...

Only to have it slip right past her fingers and fall right to the ground, where it bounced once, twice, landed on it's side and began to roll.

No...

"Oh stars no!" the fervent prayer ripped from her lips in her growing panic. She didn't even notice the apology, she didn't notice man nor the child. No her entire focus was on that singular coin now rolling away towards one of the balcony's edges. Kaile went scrambling forward, no shame whatsoever, bumping against other guests as she got on her hands and knees to try and grab at the coin before it reached the edge.

No.... no.. nonononononono non no!

She couldn't lose it. No. She couldn't. Not... no..

But it was too late. Just like before, as if Fate would mock her, the platinum coin went rolling off the edge down to the river channel bellow.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]



Judah watched the panicking woman with great interest. She was literally scrambling on the ground towards the river, all because of a bump. He knew weddings could make folks a little on edge but never something like this. Was the woman going to jump into the river? Seemed possible, especially given her overall despondent look.


Exchanging a glance with Makai, the youngest Dashiell shrugged his shoulders. If his father didn't know, how was he supposed to know?!


Walking to the woman as if approaching a cornered bantha, Judah looked at the woman than around at the crowd.


"Really bad spot to fling yourself into the river. Can't say I've ever had a reaction like that..."

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Judah Dashiell"]

Kaileann felt numb.

It was gone. I almost had it too. Just a few more centimeters. If she had only been faster. If she had only been more careful. If --

In a swath of a frilly pink dress, Kaile turned in place. Her face was stunned, and she sat herself down despite the odd looks and murmurs.

"I almost had it." she whispered hoarsely, her small hands fisting tight. Her lower lip trembled, and a great big shudder took over her frame. To most it may seem as if that was a rather odd and crazy reaction to a platinum coin. Some might even call her a golddigger in that. But no, it was more than that. That coin held a small measure of hope.

A tiny, little hope. A wish, perhaps, what you may call it. One that perhaps she'd be able to show it off to Kurt one day. That maybe.. just maybe, they would see each other again and he'd hug her. And that she could show him how thoughtful and pretty the coin was. And then he would laugh at her and agree, giving her a small kiss on her temple. Then he'd suggest they go get something to eat, and it would be like old times and --

The tears fell from dark lashes soundlessly. For a Lorrdian, she could cry as silent as the night. But right now, right now... she felt utterly wretched. She lost the coin. It was gone. She could only have one.

And now she didn't have it at all.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Kaileann Vera"]


"Almost had what Miss?"


Judah hadn't caught the flash of silver in the scramble and commotion that had gone on. Instead of answering him, the woman appeared to be frozen, staring off in the distance. Alcohol? He had heard before that weddings were a great place to meet others. If one was single and 'looking', Judah could see how alcohol could quickly lead to some miserable, self-hating spiral.


Not that he was certain that was happening in this case. The woman appeared to be ignoring his presence.


Hand went to the breast pocket on the navy blue suit. Handkerchief was produced, holding it at a respectable level for the woman. It was one thing to cry in public. It was another to do it at a wedding when it was going to spread like wildfire as gossip.


"You may want to stand up."

 

[Allyson Locke]

Looking through the invitation she wondered what it would be like to have had a wedding like this. Would people have come? Would [member="Kamon Vondiranach"] approved of Ashin taking his daughter’s hand in marriage? Would he have walked her down the isle? All of these questions worked through her mind as she walked through the modest sized kitchen. They had returned to their loft on Annaj – the place where they had originally made their home, where they had raised [member="Ibaris Varanin"], and lived their marriage life together. Never once had either of their parents or family come through to visit. It was just something different, they lived in their own little world. Despite all of that, she wouldn’t have it any other way. To have a place to call her own with her wife – the person she loved more than this galaxy and her best friend, it was priceless.

Spencer stood in front of the fridge wearing a tight black dress with accents of white along the edges. In all honesty, she wore the dress for Ashin and evenings like this was so they could just take a break. Though, she was happy for just any time with the woman – they were busy. Opening the fridge she smiled seeing that they had milk and the only thing that was in the cabinet was two boxes of their favorite cereal. Grinning, she grabbed the milk pulled out two bowls and set them on the counter. Pouring a bowl of her fruity o’s with taun taun marshmallows, she couldn’t contain herself. Grabbing the other box of grain squares with cinnamon and sugar, she shook it.

“Ashin! We’re going to be late!” When the woman made her way to where Spencer was she shook the boxes and smirked. “So Holoflix and Chill? The Kid won’t be coming around for a few weeks”

[member="Ashin Varanin"] [member="Alric Kuhn"] [member="Danger Arceneau"]

 

[Kaili Talith]

The kid nodded with even more pride. Yes indeed, she had made Henry who was very much a he and fully aware of what the redhead was saying. His software scanned the stranger’s appearance and much to the droid’s suspicion this one was the person Kaili had filed as Aunt Amo in his databanks. The girl’s datapad chimed up and a notification giving a brief overview on who her aunt was would be displayed. Not that it was very in-depth, Kaili had never been bothered with such things.

[member="Amorella Mae"]’s hand was planted on top of the blonde girl’s head and before long they were talking grown up talks. Paychecks and jobs, being responsible and proper.

“Not really.” Kaili shrugged. “I undersold my ability on purpose for the sake of ensuring I was the one they would pick, but the potential gains of work like this outweighs the paycheck substantially.”

Such as access to the footage captured. [member="Cameron Centurion"] approached and with a small, very hesitant nod Kaili smiled at her childhood tormentor.

“Cameron.” She flashed a feigned, yet very business-like, smile. “I don’t know yet. More droid parts, I think. I have started creating droids on demand for paying customers. You wouldn’t believe some of the requests I get.”

“It’s a very small thing, but it’s a thing. I made a droid for Micah a few months ago as well. A sort of hovering library of lore and history of several different cultures long lost by any official educational literature.” She looked to Cameron and smirked. “You might have seen her.”

Meanwhile the camera drones proceeded to stalk and follow the bride and groom while also taking in the sights. The sights at the moment were the extravagant entrance of a hooded figure, something that would send a vile shiver down the spine of everyone his presence. Kaili would not know that it was [member="Darth Vornskr"], but the droids would make sure to get him on tape nonetheless.

Outside the figures of [member="Kaileann Vera"] and [member="Judah Dashiell"] caught the attention of one droid. Tears weren’t part of the things intended to make the cut for the grand wedding, but the footage could prove invaluable to someone else nonetheless. No. Kaili gave the pad a quick glance and with another gentle tap at the robot’s chassis she forced him to leave the couple alone. They were looking for the happy people. As much as she hated to see a grown woman cry Kaili wouldn’t be able to help her. She couldn’t help everyone.

A small knot tied itself in Kaili’s stomach before she turned back to Cam and Mae.

“Sorry, had some problems with one of the drones. What were we talking about?”

 

[Alric Kuhn]

The party would continue, and Alric would lead Danger over to one of the tables in the front of the main reception area.

Cloud Nine would now slowly begin to erupt into one massive festival, a series of fireworks ringing in the air, food and drink being distributed everywhere and general cheer taking over the entire expanse of the city. There seemed to be a great clamor for it all, a massive roar of the crowd that was taken up at nearly all corners of the place. Alric could only smile, really, watching everything unfold around him and holding Danger's hand even as they sat down at the table. There was food enough to feed anyone ten times over, and the waiters made sure that everyone had their preferred meal.

The entire thing would cost a fortune, but then again he and Danger combined had more fortune than a star system.

No expense had been spared, and by the opulent visage of the entire city that much was clear.

The former Titan squeezed Danger's hand as they finally managed half a second of peace, his eyes casting over towards her to see the smile that was on her face. He was almost entirely sure that any moment they would be approached, perhaps even swarmed by people. He had already spent most of the day with well wishers and other folk, though that had been to be expected. This event had been for the galaxy, Danger and Alric having had their own, more private ceremony earlier.

"Come on dearest wife." Alric said the words with a smirk. "Better eat something while you have the chance."

At least they had their choices of what, to put it mildly. On their table alone Alric saw Bantha, nerf, some kind of fish, some other kind of fish, an entire vegetable dish and some sort of...bird that he couldn't quite identify. He supposed that's why the caterer had been so expensive, they'd provided everything.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Judah Dashiell"]

It was the handkerchief that did it.

That measure of kindness. That olive branch that someone, even just a tiny bit cared.

The tears began to fall faster, and her shoulders shook.

"T-Th..." she couldn't even finish, grabbing onto the folded bit of cloth and covering her face with it. Murmurs grew louder, and she began to sob. Not loud, obnoxious wails, but pitiful, shuddering tears.

Woe be that the CEO of Salacia Consolidated would be so cursed to be prone to weeping women.

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Cameron's silver-green gaze lingered over [member="Kaili Talith"]'s facial features as she offered a clipped greeting. A brief chuckle escaped the Sith Lord's lips. One day, she would realize as most of her siblings had that Cameron did in fact care for their well-being. Whether it was enduring the endless prattle of [member="Micah Talith"] with an attentive, intrigued ear, or being brutal enough to push [member="Aela Talith"] and teach her what he could about the Sith and their methods...or just doing whatever random thing [member="Maleah Talith"] desired, the Sith Lord quite certainly did care. When he confronted them on the battlefield, he made a show of creating opposition to test them more than anything.

It would be pathetic to believe that Cameron had issues killing children in general. [member="Amorella Mae"] knew the truth of that part of his life...vivid memories he'd passed to her of him crushing the skulls of infants with his boots. No, the Talith children merely enjoyed a place in the heart he kept so closely guarded and hidden. It was a small but fiercely intense part of his soul.

Kaili eventually shifted the conversation to the droid she had created for Micah. Yep. Cameron...definitely...knew it, and the predictable eye-roll was merely a confirmation of that fact. When the young girl's attention returned to himself and Esmae after briefly falling upon something else entirely, Cameron allowed his lips to contort into a subtle smirk. "Mostly just the questions adults ask when children they know are simply growing up too fast."

Leaning down to Kaili's ear, Cameron whispered something to her. "Seems like you were simply demanding cookies at every turn but a few days ago." Standing back to his full height, Cameron shifted his gaze between Amorella and Kaili briefly. "I'm sure you two lovely ladies would prefer to catch up alone. Also...I'm about to do work on all the food they prepared for this event." A genuine smile touched his lips this time just as he excused himself from the women.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger's brows would arch at that. It was strange, to have Alric call her by the term.

Wife.

I am his wife.

The corners of her mouth drew into a wider smile. Her arms came to drape around his shoulders, curving around to loop and bring him closer to her. "Well I reckon I am a little bit hungry," she'd laugh, murmuring against his lips. A quick kiss turned a bit more passionate much to the hollers and cheers from the wedding guests around them.

It was such a curious thing. Everything was surreal. Made one want to pinch herself to check to see if it was true. All in all, Danger was happy. It was evident in the glow of her face.

For now, both she and Alric would make their rounds to be sociable. Who may come over first had yet to be decided.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Driftwood colored brows knitted together as the woman cried more. Who could cry at the wedding of [member="Danger Arceneau"] ?Makai was most interested in the prospect of food. Food that was laden down on endless tables, rows and rows of it. Adults were milling around, talking about the bride or groom or some piece of intergalactic gossip.


"I'm going to get some food."


Edging away from his father and the odd crying woman, Makai made his way to the food tables. He walked hands in pockets scoping out everything on the tables. That was, until he spotted the crowning glory. Crab puffs sat down at the end of the line. Searching for a little plate, soon the tasty little morsels were covering every square inch of the platter.


Wandering back to where his father was, at least he could watch the woman cry and not be hungry at the same time.

 

[Lord Ghoul]

"What's a wedding without me?" Pondered the specter, enjoying these brief moments of lucidity far from the maddening nether. Hell's chains grew slack around his legs of late, letting him roam farther. Did it ever cross his mind to question the source of his newfound freedom? Perhaps, but Mikhail Shorn did not make himself known for deep thoughts, unless they were in conjuring up excuses for misbehavior.

"I didn't want to."

"I couldn't help it."

Best of all was when he made no excuse at all and admitted to himself what those feelings really were deep inside. "I enjoy it." And because he enjoyed it. "I deserve this."

The burning. The torture. The madness. The voices. The insatiable thirst. Forced to wander for an eternity, tormented by all his failures. Ah, but now he had an opening.

The chains, as said, had slipped.

So now a ghost of a Sith Lord, dead these past six years, spied upon the living. Visible only to those he wanted to see, or to those whose power overreached his own.

[member="Judah Dashiell"] might have caught a glimpse of something in the air behind [member="Kaileann Vera"]. A silvery coin, dancing through ethereal fingers. He certainly would have felt a chill in the air. And if failing that perception, sweetest Kaile might hear that delicate ping as her coin - not so lost after all - hit the ground and began to roll off into some darkened corner, far from prying eyes.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric leaned into Danger, holding her close and leading her over to one of the tables. They had been on their feet for most of the day now, it was time to sit down and enjoy some food. The people who wanted to talk to them could come over and engage in conversation, it wasn't like they weren't approachable. He just didn't want Danger passing out in the middle of talking to someone, food was important after all and on a day like this...well it was important to forget.

He pulled out the chair for her, Danger sitting herself down and Alric leaning over to give her a quick peck before sitting beside her.

"What will you have?" The former Titan asked her, surveying the table for all it had to offer.

Nearly every table really was a banquet in it of itself. There were mountains of food piled on each and ever one, waiters and waitresses walking among them to serve drinks and fetch any extras that anyone might want. He briefly wondered just how many storehouses they had entered to make the entire party this full of food, especially since...well this was happened all over Cloud Nine, not just at the reception. He wouldn't doubt it if they had single-handed driven up market prices for most foods within the sector.

"I think I'll have nuna steak." He said with a smile. "Something filling."

 

[Judah Dashiell]

It seemed over the past weeks he had a knack for making women cry. [member="Thessa Kai"] had been his first victim. [member="Kaileann Vera"] was next. The woman in question was crying into the handkerchief, holding onto it like it was a lifeline. Makai had been lucky enough to escape and grab some food, taking a break from the sobbing woman.


"You can keep that..."


Did he just see a flash of [member="Mikhail Shorn"] ?The day was quickly escalating from bad to worse. First the crying woman and then an annoying dead Sith Lord that expected his daughter be watched after. Judah was quickly coming to the realization it may have been wiser to mail a toaster oven to the bride and groom than deal with the more colorful guests found in the crowd.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger couldn't seem to keep her hands off her new husband. Not that one would imagine her to be so forward in public, but more to the point that she couldn't stop embracing him. There was always at least some measure of touch between she and he. It could be the brush of her hand upon his shoulder or arm. The press of her side against his in a half hug. The jovial laughter and then quick kiss of his cheek in between conversation with guests.

By far, this gave a most intimate portrait of the Queen of Trade few ever had the luxury to see. She was in love. It radiated from her very being, glowed upon her skin. It illuminated her eyes to a vibrant green, blessing it with a liveliness of a woman a least ten years younger.

"I'll take the nerf steak. Medium rare," she would finally indulge Alric's concern. Danger knew well that he was simply looking after her. Making sure she was at her best. The concern. The fact that this man loved her with all his being and wanted to take care of her, filled her with a warm glow.

"So what do you think of the wedding so far Mistah Kuhn?" she would drawl out, chuckling as their order would be prepared for them.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"Well." Alric began, his food being placed in front of him in record time, Danger's food finding it's way over towards her only a few seconds later. He would have to remember to pay the catering company extra well for this, perhaps make sure that all the servers were tipped handsomely. Briefly he wondered just how much money he and Danger had spent on this wedding. Oddly enough they hadn't bothered keeping a running tally, finding that such a thing was somewhat unnecessary.

They really were stupidly wealthy.

"It's a bit too posh don't you think?" He mused outloud, leaning into her and giving her a peck on the cheek again. "I mean, where I grew up we had simply desert weddings. Something like this? Pff, Forget about it."

Alric offered her a grin.

He was of course, making fun of their two origins. Alric had come from money, power, influence, royal society on Empress Teta. Danger had grown up on Tatooine, one might argue a world that was exactly the opposite of what Alric was, a world that he hated in fact, but one that he would embrace for her.

 

[Kaile Vera]

[member="Mikhail Shorn"] [member="Judah Dashiell"]


A loud sniff, the rub of the handkerchief against her face.

"T-tha.." Kaile couldn't even finish the sentence. Her right hand gave a gesture, signing her thanks but it likely would go over Judah's head. Now a wider circle began to grow around Kaile. More curious murmurs, a few points of fingers, the queries behind their hands. Kaile slowly became aware of it all, watching from over the strip of fabric she was using to wipe her nose and dry her eyes.

Now she was starting to feel even worse. In the spotlight. What are you doing Kaile?! This was an utter mess. I'm an utter mess!

Maybe it was the fact that she was coming to the realization of what she was doing, but in that instant, she heard a distinct ping. Mid sniff, Kaile turned her head. There was a slight flash. A glint of silver.

Wait.. what was...

Kaile didn't even hesitate. Latching onto that desperate sliver of hope, the Lorrdian scrambled to her feet. In an instant, she was off following the glimmer of silver as it went down a dark alley.