The Wedding of Danger Arceneau

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

"Simple desert weddings, is it?" oh he was being a smart-ass and he knew it. "Sounds so perfectly lovely. I'm sure the catering would include roasted Womp-Rat and fresh Cavern bat." Danger would say with a tease. Soft curls of steam would rise from their steaks, and Danger now had plenty of potatoes. Plus a kiss.

It was such a curious and odd sight for all the public displays of affection Alric and Danger would express with each other. Yet it gave a visual testimony that this wasn't a business contract or an agreement made by two of the richest corporate entities. No, there was more to it than that. It was genuine affection and love.

How had he done it, some would ask. Mull and wonder aloud and in their minds. The truth of the matter would not be disclosed publicly, that business was their own. For now, it was simply a matter of enjoying each others company. Delighting in the celebration. Around them the party was at full swing. The soft strings of melody from the full orchestra band would play in the background. Beside it, lay a wide open courtyard illuminated by glowing lanterns, basking the dancers with the soft glow of their illumination.

No expense was spared, and all the guests would find their desires catered to. Even the platinum coins distributed would be a curious curio for those who attended, and a pricey one at that.

"Don't forget to leave room for desert," Danger would tease her husband - her husband - goodness, would I ever really be able to get used to that?

 

[Lord Ghoul]

Behind blue eyes, the ghost watched. The specie no longer glinted as it traveled into down one of Cloud Nine's beautiful halls rolling too straight and too far, always a little too fast for Kail to catch, rolling right around the corner and into a dimly lit alcove. Short trees, elegantly hedged into fantastical shapes stood on either side of the recess, which turned out to be a short balcony, overlooking the clouds themselves.

And below? Nothing but a long fall, screaming all way. This was Bespin after all, not some Naboo resort.

The coin revolved there in shorter and shorter circles. A boot stomped on it, stopping it cold.

Careless of the height, he leaned back casually, elbows resting on the balcony. He wore a black jacket over plain clothes. His features were all sharp lines, with skin pale as snow and disheveled, raven hair. Below expressive brows, a long-lashed glacial gaze of icy blue bored into [member="Kaileann Vera"].

"Lost something?" A smirk curved his lips.

 

[Ereza]

"You'll find no shortage of employment with those skills, I'm sure," Amore offered to [member="Kaili Talith"] with a glance up at [member="Cameron Centurion"] as he leaned to whisper something in the young girl's ear. A wane smile settled onto her face, fading as the man excused himself for food. She watched him depart with an amused glance, arms folding loosely at her front, a hope that no one was stupid enough to get between him and his plate evident in her gaze.

"Oh," a quick aside to her niece, "do you know what I just heard? Your Uncle Mero's girlfriend is pregnant. You're going to have a baby cousin!"

 

[Kaili Talith]

“Cookies are good, you know.” Kaili deadpanned back as [member="Cameron Centurion"] took a step back from the young Talith. “Have fun, don’t touch the punch, I caught someone pouring some weird... Liquor-ish thing-whatever, go have fun Cameron.”

And just like that he was gone again. Kaili wasn’t truly terrified of the Centurion anymore. At least, you know, not like she used to be when she was younger. He was a terrifying man by his own right, but once you had seen that tough shell crack just the once, there was no mistaking that the only reason Kaili was at unease was because she never knew what to expect from him. Unexpected and unprepared, spontaneous tests of vigor, perhaps? He hadn’t done one of those in ages, but you never knew.

You. Never. Knew.

The man left Kaili and [member="Amorella Mae"] and all Kaili would do was nod with the utmost pride. Kaili was good at what she did, she had no reason not to be. After all, if you wanted something done then you gave it your all. That was what she had learned at a young age and it stuck with her ever since. Nothing was going to be left half-assed when the final footage reached [member="Danger Arceneau"]. It would be the best damn edit that the as-of-now married woman would see or Kaili would demand that the as-of-now wife got her money back.

Amo leaned in and Kaili perked up in curiosity for what she had to say.

Eyes flashed open, a wide grin and a very ecstatic laughter echoed around the two.

“Yes!” Kaili burst out before covering her mouth with both hands in surprise. She gave the room a quick lookover, nobody looked at her weird. Good. “This means I won’t be the youngest anymore!”

Because there was clearly nothing else to be gained from this.

“Who is it? Is the kid a boy or a girl?” Michael was a good name. No wait, it was definitely a girl. No wait, this wasn’t even Kaili’s decision. “Have they decided on a name yet?! How does these things work?!” The questions were many, the time to answer them non-existent. “Where are they? When did you hear this? Have you told mother? Father?”

Oh she could go on.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Desert?

He hadn't even thought about desert. The food that they had ear was plentiful and truthfully he had never much been one for ice cream or anything of the sort, though he did like cake. He mused for a few seconds, shifting slightly in his seat to look at the wedding around them. He wondered briefly how many people here he actually knew personally. The thought actually brought a smile to his face, Alric quickly realizing that he likely knew very few people here.

That was what happened when people thought you were dead.

"Desert huh?" Alric asked his wife, smiling at the thought of calling her that. "What exactly is for desert?"

A smirk pulled at his lips. "Besides the obvious course later."

He couldn't help himself really, sometimes a man just had to tell a terrible joke, and if he couldn't do it at his own wedding where could he do it? Probably nowhere. His hand came up to very gently scratch at his beard, shifting the thick coarse black hair before smoothing it with the back of his knuckles.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]


"A Redheaded Twist?'"

There was humor in her eyes at the mention of the drink. "Or would you prefer Red Velvet cake?" There were still a few items for them to take care of. The slicing of the cake and the first dance. However, that would wait. For now, it was nice to be here with Alric. To see him smile. It gave her a flutter in her heart.

Her hand would come to rest upon his thigh, where she gave it a little squeeze. It all still felt quiet strange, and even if they were surrounded by so many guests, those who mattered the most were close and near.

"Have you seen Rose and Lily?" Danger had seen the twins earlier during the ceremony. Rose had returned from working in the Outer Rim for the event, much to Lily's enjoyment and Alric's pleasure. They had begun to do more things together, and Danger would like to think that they were getting closer. Time would tell. Danger would never replace their mother, but at the very least she was here for them if they wanted her.

"I wonder how long will she stay this time around?'

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"I could go for a few of those." Alric said with a soft smile, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I'll wait until tonight thought. As for the cake...well we'll see if I'm not full by then."

The former Titan offered her a wink, then shifted his gaze to around the party.

The mention of his daughters had sent him looking through the crowds. The twins had of course been in attendance at the wedding, Rose having come back from the outer rim once more and Lily having torn herself away from Koros. They had spoken with both he and Danger before the actual ceremony, both girls excited about what was going to happen. They had been surprisingly okay with it all, though after all this time he supposed that was to be expected. A smile crept onto his face, remembering how both of them had giggled and laughed with Danger about something he couldn't quite recall.

"Probably not long." Alric said with a small frown. He didn't really like the thought of Rose leaving so soon after coming back, but he knew that she had found her passion, and he was okay with that. A small smile crept on her face.

"We won't be around anyway." Another gentle squeeze of her palm. "Honeymoon and everything."

 

[Ereza]

“Who is it? Is the kid a boy or a girl?” Michael was a good name. No wait, it was definitely a girl. No wait, this wasn’t even Kaili’s decision. “Have they decided on a name yet?! How does these things work?!” The questions were many, the time to answer them non-existent. “Where are they? When did you hear this? Have you told mother? Father?”


Amore's eyebrows continually rose until they all but disappeared into her hairline. This was exciting news indeed - the latest of the Shamalain bloodline after the twins of Quietus and Lucianus that she'd been forbidden to speak of. A difficult secret to keep, if ever there was one, so when the news from her brother made its way to her she was more than delighted to speak on it.

"Just a few days ago. I believe Mero said he told your father. I assumed he would have told you guys already but maybe he was waiting until it was more ... certain. Either way," she chuckled at Kaili's exuberance, "it's still too soon to tell what it is just yet and I'm sure they're thinking of names but they have plenty of time to decide. You should give him a call after you finish up with your wedding work. I know he'd love to hear from you. ... speaking of which, I'm willing to bet they'll be cutting the wedding cake soon. You shouldn't miss that."

The woman's smile broadened to expose the glint of double fangs, "I'll come find you again before we leave. It was so good to see you, Nohei, I miss you guys so much," she leaned in to kiss [member="Kaili Talith"] on the cheek, internally wishing that she'd just stop growing up so damn fast, and leaned up to glance around, "I should go make sure Cameron isn't eating poor Danger out of house and home. Toodles for now."

And just like that the red-haired Shamalain in the blue gown glided off with all the grace of a False God and all the regality of the Queen She Wasn't. Amore stepped off along the walkways to make for the main building but paused at the precipice of a grand staircase that overlooked the banquet hall. Wall to wall glitz and glimmer met eyes of blue and very suddenly she found herself at a loss of appetite. Beaded blue clutch in hand she turned and headed off along the balcony walk.

It was quiet out here. Majority of the guests seemed to have migrated to the source of food and booze which was just as well. She would need a bit more time to acclimate to such a crowd again. The peacefulness of the veranda would be short lived no doubt and it Amore wasn't about to waste the opportunity to take a moment and center herself.

In a silver container within her clutch she found a small, pressed roll of fiber within which she knew to be packed essence of Irnroot. It wasn't Blodwyne but the effects of its use were close enough to keep certain carnal urges in check. Decidedly Amore disliked partaking in public but she disliked causing a scene even more and if there was one thing her mother taught her about public image it was to go with the lesser of two evils when given a choice.

Pinching the roll between her lips she produced a matching silver lighter from her clutch and lit up. Several puffs, and deep inhale and a long, slow exhale of blue-purple smoke from her lips.

[member="Mikhail Shorn"]

 

[Lord Ghoul]

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the goddess herself."

Mikhail Shorn sauntered out of the shadows and onto the veranda. Wisps of periwinkle smoke curled around the lean form. Tendrils that brushed across black leather and caressed pale skin.

A sly look slid across the man's features, glinted in his eyes, as if mischief lay at the bottom of those icy wells. Daring her to drown. Taunting her to linger. A little too inviting to be cautious. A little too cold to be welcoming.

The Thronebreaker casually lounged against a railing, back to the view, elbow nearly touching Amore's arm. He gave her a long, languid look, taking in her figure with a shameless smirk. She wore a gown a shy shade away from midnight, a sharp contrast against flawless ivory skin. Hair like fire, tongues of flame all done up for the festivities. He stared and eyes the color of cobalt stared back. Dilated slightly.

"Like the dress. Really makes your eyes pop." Mikhail glanced at the pipe and leaned forward conspiratorially. "You know those're bad for you."

[member="Amorella Mae"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Honeymoon and everything.

That was to be an event all on its own. Alric and Danger enjoyed traveling, one that had waned in the previous months with all that led up to meeting the girls and the wake of the chaos within the Republic. However, it was Danger this time who insisted that they should remedy that. For the next three months, she would step away from personally overseeing the day to day business of Arceneau Trade, leaving that to Aeri and Alisha'ven's capable hands.

Priorities, is what she had told the Techno Union Foreman.

I have priorities.

The time would be spent traveling the 'verse again, with some ample time spent at home. Whatever sort of emergency could be taken care of if they absolutely needed her, but for the present time, all Danger would focus would be on Alric and those near and dear to her. With half a lifetime already lived, she had much to catch up to. I want to spend it with the people I love.

Reaching out to clasp and squeeze Alric's hand, Danger gave a soft smile. The glow that radiated about her would peel the years away. There was no denying that the expression she gave to the Old Tetan was that of a woman in love.

"That we do." another squeeze. Truth be told, they could have the entire gala but Danger would be satisfied with just this. A small tap of her fingers would remind him of his meal.

"Reckon we should get to eatin' 'fore the 'rounds come to say their well wishes." after that, perhaps they'd be able to slip off and begin to enjoy their time together.

A thought came to her then. I wonder where Makai and Judah went off to...

[member="Alric Kuhn"][member="Judah Dashiell"]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

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


It had felt as if the day had been long already. He had handled that crying girl, only to watch her immediately stop crying and run off down an alley. Judah suspected she was trying to scam something out of him or was mentally imbalanced. Either way, he had been glad to get back into the 'normal' swing of things regarding wedding revelry.


Although Makai had eaten more than his fair share of crab puffs, the boy was still complaining of hunger. His own stomach rumbling, they wandered back to the main reception area. There was a general buzz of conversation and excitement in the air. It was a sight to behold, especially given the amount of sentients present in one location.


Soon enough, he and Makai had found an open spot in the hall and were delighting in what the reception had to offer. Judah cut into a thick nerf steak, watching as his son dug into some type of "meaty" fish. A piece of nerf popped into his mouth, granting a grin towards his boy.


"Isn't that cannibalism?"


"No, I'm eating fish..." Makai chewed another piece until it dawned on him "HEY! I'm not part fish. Thats an insult Dad....like Momma said when people call her Fishy."


"Okay, hey, relax. Joking here..."


"Still....what if I called you....I don't know, meat-bag or something?"


"Well, I'm not sure. Can't say I'd be offended, mainly because its true."


A hmph came from Makai as Judah laughed a little. He had to joke, especially after the first half of their day. Makai chewed on some type of string bean for a second before looking back at his father.


"When can we see Miss Ar-cen-now? Can I still call her Miss Ar-cen-now?"


"No idea, good luck seeing her today. You see this crowd? As for her name, well, you're going to have to ask her."

 

[Ereza]

There was a moment, as the feeling of air in her blood settled in as if she were made of clouds, that Amore wondered if she had been smoking too much...

blue eyes slowly took in the materialized figure of a man she'd not seen since her first death,

...or perhaps she'd not been smoking enough.

A fluttering blink, the woman took a brief moment to consider the roll presently pinched between middle and ring finger, before she settled for a warm, complacent smile.

"False God," a gentle correction with a faint dismissive wave of the hand holding her habit, amusement evident in the glint of her gaze, "but not anymore. I've upgraded to has-been status." I see you have, too, she thought but did not say as that very same gaze wandered the effervescent form of the man once known as Thronebreaker. He commented on her dress and she looked down on it, hips sweeping a degree to send the lengths of material swishing, glimmering. A coy look for the compliment, a raised brow for the following remark.

Roll found painted lips again and lungs slowly dragged in the essence of Irnroot deep down into her lungs where she felt it temper her blood and ease the fire within. A smile of cool mischief split her expression as she pulled her hand away, exhaling plumes of blue-purple through which she peered at the apparition, still not entirely convinced he wasn't simply her addled mind playing tricks on her. Hallucinations were usually saved for the more potent varieties but she wasn't entirely sure she'd not accidentally grabbed one of them in her hurry to leave home...

"Define bad."

[member="Mikhail Shorn"]

 

[Lord Ghoul]

A coy gaze met his own, not so very surprised to see the big bad Shorn after all. Pushing buttons on this woman had never been easy. Not when she could come back from the kriffing dead. Mikhail paused at the thought. Ha, look who is talking.

Dusk fell. The last rays of the sun refracted through Bespin's orange clouds. Clawing at the last vestiges of sinking radiance. Bleeding the sky purple. Night unfurled her wings, oh so slowly, shielding her children from the sun's last vengeful shards of light. Twilight at last. When Jedi folded up their cloaks for the night. And when the Sith came creeping out of the shadows out to play.

"Exciting," Mikhail said after a pause, voice sly. "And maybe a little dangerous."

A cloud of smoke drifted between them. Once more, Mikhail was reminded that he could not smell. Could not feel the cool, refreshing chill of creeping night against his skin. Could not taste. All he could do was feel. And why feel when the only emotion is a slithering self-loathing with heavy doses of anguish?

"So what's a false-goddess like you doing away from the party? Can't stand mingling with the mortals?" He leaned a little closer with a knowing look. "Mid-life crisis?" A wink. "Lay it on me."

[member="Amorella Mae"]

 

[Ereza]

Amore's chuckling response rolled in plumes of smoke from her lips. Exciting was perhaps not the most correct descriptor of what was known amongst her ilk as an Irnroot Sten. Mellowing, perhaps, was more apt. But she did declare the effects it had upon the visual receptors of her brain were fascinating in this particular location.

Mikhail's image shimmered, backdropped by the mists of the upper-tier falls. Beyond the railing of the veranda the sun set upon the numerous buildings of the lower plaza, its pinks and peaches and plums interrupted by tall trunks of water that - if Amore stared for too long - appeared to be fed from the expansive lakes below and not the other way round. Greenery framed structures of off-white, great scooped domes standing upon white-washed walls and stark pillars.

She was faintly reminded of Naboo and for the briefest moment wondered how Tulla the Tuskcat was getting along with her sister Cera.

Blues pooled upon the smirking man, easy in their gaze as with a single fluid movement she lifted her hand to her lips again and took another drag. Amore glanced to the Sten as she pulled it away, blinking at it, blinking at him.

"I didn't want to be rude to the other guests..." a wane half smile pulled at her expression, Amore gently waved a hand through the coils of smoke, "this isn't made for humans. Mortality has nothing to do with it."

"And you?" plumes dispersed through faintly peeking fangs, "Enjoying the wedding so much you're positively glowing," she grinned.

[member="Mikhail Shorn"]

 

[Lord Ghoul]

Her cheeks hollowed as she took another drag on the joint. The smoke billowed out from between parted lips a moment later. Mikhail caught a glimpse of sharp canines as she grinned. For a moment, his eyebrows peeked downward in an expression of incertitude. A child of the night. Stupid. How did I not see that?

It scarcely mattered now. Mikhail's features smoothed into that sly look again, once more the face of a man who seemed not to give two-karks about much of anything. Least of all the opinions of others. The sort of man who might watch half the city disappear in a green rain of Base Delta Zero and scarcely bat an eye.

"Oh that?" Shorn looked down at himself and snorted softly. His form gave off the faintest of shimmers around the edges, an ethereal quality. A trick of the light? An illusion? A cloaking device? None of the above.

"Just a little side effect of death."

He glanced back toward the reception area, lips peeling into another of his smirks.

"You know me, life of the party."


[member="Amorella Mae"]