To Dine on Mountains High

[Arabella Darkhold]

That went well didn't it. She smiled shaking her head watching him go. She knew he had to have a drink not for the sake of getting drunk no there was more to it than that. Anyone who knew him well...that was...enough people to be counted on one hand.

The Winter Palace was lit up there was an event, aww feth. She maneuvered the ship and got them on the ground. Sighing heavily she leaned back in the seat looking out at the lights of the palace. It was so bright it served as a beacon to anyone coming near. She could see the entry way the chandelier that hung there which a thousand twinkling lights all meant to dazzle impress and remind them they were in the snow.

Bella loved the cold she never understood why. It felt clean. She looked back she'd give her Dad some time to do what he needed to while she stared at the lights thankful that she had her family.

[member="Garith Darkhold"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"],

"I am the Iron Lord Protector of Abregado, representative of free droid city-ship and nation-fleet interests."

HK introduced himself although he tried not to put too much fanfare for once, as much as he enjoyed theatrics and being the center of attention, sometimes he knew how to be more subtle as well,

"I remember you, from Geonosis. You showed up there to intervene with the latest incarnation of the Confederacy when they attempted to gas the citizen population there. You bit someone's neck during the fight."

The droid recounted, of course the machine was there although he did not really intervene, instead staying on the stands of the area and witnessing the whole event unfold.

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

"A fancy title, though I doubt that there's any part of you that is really Iron."

Amelia said with a soft smirk, thinking it funny herself though not outwardly showing such a reaction. Taking another sip of her wine, she set the glass back down before smirking softly. A hint of her fangs showing as her golden hues fell upon the droid. For a moment she would close her eyes as she took a slight breath, finding her words as she so often did before returning her attention to the droid.

"Yes, the Confederacy. Not the first of its kind that I've seen or had dealings with in one way or another."

It took her a moment to remember Geonosis, and honestly she didn't really care much about what had happened. An upstart government attempting to show itself as better than those in the galaxy only to turn around and gas the citizens in attendance. A soft smirk returned to her lips when it was mentioned that her actions had been witnessed.

"I did."

She spoke without blinking or trying to make some excuse.

"You need not worry though, you're kind do not have the required 'energy' my kind feed upon."

[member="HK-36"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith was going to break protocol, "excuse me" she made her way towards [member="Makai Dashiell"] she wanted to be sure to speak with him and if it meant this small misstep on her part she'd let the naysayers have their moment.

She walked slowly to give the young man time to notice her approach after all he wasn't too far away and he spoke with two of her honored guests. Ana had started to walk with her and began to fill her in that "Mam the security camera's have picked up a man and woman rummaging your closets."

A look of disbelief, "Really and who is this man" Faith smiled and whispered.

"It's [member="Jack Sparrow"]"

Faith laughed a bit too loud a few heads turned Faith just smiled turning her head to whisper to Ana. ""my closets" Faith put her right hand to her throat as she pondered what to do. Jack was a friend but going through her closets was a bit odd..

Who to send, her children were no where in site, her mother was occupied, her husband was....she looked back looking board. "Maybe Draco could go and guide Jack to dinner. [member="Draco Vereen"] .

Faith shook her head she had some truly unique friends [member="HK-36"] with his changing faces, Jack in her wardrobe, and where was [member="Alexander Sannes"] at she had something to discuss with him as well.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Being ignored by is 'older sister' and her new lady love, Makai had taken up residence by himself near the fringes of the crowd. Drink was in his hand, he was pretty sure it as non-alcoholic. Iced azure eyes examined the fizzy substance in the fluted glass before taking a sip. Broadening shoulders shrugged, as if commenting to some internal monologue.


Lost in his own world, Makai nearly jumped at the sight of [member="Faith Organa"] moving towards him. In clumsy teenage-boy fashion, Makai struggled to place his glass down to engage in a proper greeting.


"My Lady...uh...Your Highness....Good Evening." Confusion crossed his face briefly. "Can I help you?"

 

[HK-36]

[member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"],

"Well the title comes with the job, ever heard of the Iron Knights?"

Of course the Knights HK was referring to were most commonly known as Shards who inhabited droid bodies to move around, however the droid would often spin a different tale concerning them,

"Besides, I do not exactly have a name, just titles that describe me, and no I do not possess much iron, I carefully selected to be composed of metals that do not naturally interact with magnets."

When Amelia mentioned the energy HK would need to possess for her to feed on him, the droid gave out a mechanical scoff,

"Do not presume you would be quick enough to get close in the first place, there is more to me than it seems."

Although the droid would probably not demonstrate his more special abilities there and then, for one thing it would disrupt the party, for the other it would give away one of his more favorite tricks he reserves for actual battle and gaining an upper hand in a duel, but as he often liked to describe it, "he was beyond the Force" but possessed many skills that could emulate it in some regards.

"As to the Confederacy, I met with their previous incarnations, in fact I came to clash with them in battle over the years in their every variant, the latest one included."

 

[Alexander Sannes]

Alexander had disappeared from the gathering, choosing instead to find an alcove where he was away from the others and carrying his case beside him. He needed some peace away from others, feeling wrong in this place now that he was no longer a senator. He hated feeling out of place and that was probably why he enjoyed being in the streets, just one of the crowd who's names did not matter and he did not have to impress anyone. He could just relax and be one of man thousands moving along and living the normal lives they had. There were times when he enjoyed things like this, times when he enjoyed being around those who could speak and debate, admirals or statesmen were both interesting to Alexander but today was different. Something about this party was off and he needed to calm his nerves with some fresh air, the loosening of his collar, and some music.

Taking a seat on a bench, having found a secluded part where he could play without disturbing the celebration that Faith had gone to the effort of putting together, he would open the case in his lap. Inside was the wooden instrument he so loved, a bow placed on the top of the case while within its bottom was the instrument itself. Drawing out the violin, Alexander drew his hand over it and smiled before plucking one of the strings and just listening to the sound created, staring at it before bringing it to his shoulder, putting his chin into place and grabbing his bow from the case. With a long movement, he began and closed his eyes, playing a song that would fill the air and reach the ears of those who might have strayed too far from the hall where most of the guests were. Alexander did not mind having spectators or entertaining people, or even if not a single ear heard. He simply enjoyed the cool air, the feeling of the instrument in his hands, and the peacefulness.

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh1m3vCCGdA

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza took the proffered card from [member="The Slave"], a curious lit in her eyes before slipping it between her bosom for safekeeping. “See you around, Johnny.” Her voice held a teasing edge to it, preferring to use the name that Hazel had come up for him on the fly—John Doe, of course. She wasn’t partial to calling anyone slave and perhaps she’d forgotten about Paxton Bon. Regardless, she gave the man a salute with the wine glass in her hand as he meandered back into the crowds. Little did she know that their next encounter would involve little to no hip gyrations.

Turning back to the twins, she smiled.

“Inside joke.”

With a sip of her wine glass, her attention was back on [member="Theo Vereen"]. “You’re right about that, Prince Vereen.” A sigh escaped her lips. “Unfortunately I have yet to find someone to treasure like that.” Well, she sort of had but then she’d sort of killed him. Relationships were complicated!

“It’s been a pleasure, Prince Vereen.” She gave a dip of her head as the prince excused himself, leaving her alone with [member="Laira Vereen"].

“He’s cute and he gives good lap dances. Why shouldn’t I have the right to get attached?” Joza mused, smile edging onto a smirk as she idly swirled her glass of wine. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that you and that prince are more like twins.” A sly comment given that she figured that something was up—bad idea trying to lie to a Zeltron—but she wasn’t about to call Laira out on it. One, she wasn’t exactly sure what was going on. Two, this was way more fun.

“Yeah? Would you do her?”

 

[Garith Darkhold]

Away from his daughter, Garith leaned upon a cold durasteal archway that had divided the corridor and his sleeping quarters. His face buried in his arm. There was no sound that came from him. The only sound around him was the hum of the transport.
He needed this moment of privacy, this small moment. “Center yourself”, he said quietly to himself. “upon whom they remember.”

Garith looked down at the unopened bottle in his hand, "The father they remember and not the monster you are. Share drink with your son in-law? That would defiantly be the Garith they remember.”


He turned about, then walked down the corridor and into the cockpit where [member="Arabella Darkhold"] was.


“Look at that”, Garith said to Bella, “A party, why not?”

His head motioned in the direction of the doorway behind him, “Let’s go celebrate!”

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"A lady never tells." Laira grinned ear to ear with her father's roguish grin that he wore when he was being flirtatious and mischievous, "But I've spent a night or two in the Princess's bed." Not untrue, it was just her bed she had slept in since she owned it and there was no one else in it.

"Well, same age. Spent a lot of time growing up near each other. I can see the sibling-esque appearance others see when they look at the Prince and I." The redhead walked through the threshold into a study off from the guests, her Father's study naturally. Not a lot of books, lots of antique weapons true to the Mandalorian heritage he'd developed. Only a couple pictures stuck on the shelves and desk in the private room. one of he and his family on Eriadu before the First Order burned the world and killed them along with many others. One of he and Faith when they were both newlyweds, and then a few of the Mandalorian with his family on Alderaan at varying ages. "I'm actually about sixteen minutes older than he is."

She waited until the Zeltron was through the threshold and then closed the door, locking it. Sure she liked the Zeltron, but trust? Trust was a lot harder to come by. Her father had claimed to be able to wipe minds at one point, but that was a long time ago and might have been a story told over dinner or at a noble boy in a threatening manner. "So, there is a secret passage behind the desk that goes to the Queen's bedroom or to a hidden single shuttle hangar in the mountain's roots." Not true. Not true at all about the destination. "Which do you wanna try out?" Laira batted her eyelashes with her head tilted downwards, holding her hands together in front of her.

[member="Joza Perl"]

 

[Isar Kislo]

Isar had arrived to the planet late the prior evening. Though Isar carried an invitation to the soiree with an internal pocket of his tailored suit jacket, he hadn't actually been invited. According to the invitation, his father, Marcello Matteo, had been invited by the Queen. Inscribed within the invitation was a small hand-written note imploring his father to visit.

When Marcello had passed the invitation off to Isar, he'd noted there was little purpose behind him attending the event. No longer the King of Naboo and hardly involved in the political landscape of Kiffar, Marcello would have nothing much to offer. In the course of the very same conversation, Isar's father had, of course, gone on to say that it wouldn't be healthy for him to merely fight all the time. He needed social interaction and to consider not only his future but that of the two houses to which he was the heir and all kinds of other information the younger Matteo didn't remotely want to hear.

The story of his father training the Captain of the Royal Guard as well as assisting a member of the royal house in increasing her mental defenses seemed...a touch out of character for his father. Then again, he'd only very recently started to actually 'connect' with the man. The overwhelming majority of what he knew of Marcello was built in rumors and, he was sure, no small amount of embellishment.

Leaning stood rigid near the bar, it was obvious that Isar had never really been trained or around 'high society' in his life. Yes, he wore a well-tailored, expensive suit, but his mannerisms and expressions did not match. Long strands of blonde hair frame his face, partially obscuring one of his eyes and the scar that ran underneath one of the light blue orbs. Gazing down at the crystalline glass in his calloused right hand, Isar allowed himself to sink into internal thought for a few moments before placing the glass to his lips and swallowing back the entire content of Whyren's Reserve.

"You...need another sir?"

Isar allowed his eyes to lift just enough to glance at the well-dressed bartender. "Yes." Once he had his drink, Isar relocated to a more tactical advantageous position in the room - a point where he could clearly see the majority if not all of the exits and had quick access to cover should it become necessary. Exhaling softly, he downed his second glass in one gulp before quietly cursing under his breath. Why did people like these stuffy affairs anyways...

[member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

"I can not say that I have, though then again I am sure if asked you would likely say that you've not heard of the Righteous Flame."

Amelia gave a soft smirk, her fangs flashing for a moment as she chuckled to herself. This droid was a rather interesting one, and the simple fact that he was trading jabs just as much as she kept her attention rather than causing her to wander off. Taking another sip of her wine, she set the glass down before her golden hues fell upon the droid once more.

"Yes, I've witnessed a Confederacy of Independent Systems, though that was years ago and two Carbonite slumbers between."

The woman smirked, thinking back to a time when the Galaxy was very much as it was now, with conflict tearing it apart and spreading from world to world. Closing her eyes, she took a soft breath before opening those golden hues once more. Her attention never leaving the droid as she lightly brought both of her hands to rest upon the table.

"Now then my dear droid, I believe you mentioned a free droid city?"

She inquired, bringing one hand up as to rest her chin upon it while a smirk crossed her lips.

"How long shall that last without protection?"

[member="HK-36"]

 

[Rashae]

Rashae had to take a step back as the throng of people surrounded Faith. The Doctor stood to her side more or less but even she was feeling the pressure of the throng. She followed Faith’s eyes towards the front as she also saw something that triggered a memory. She hadn’t seen Prince Darkfold since she was a child. She looked at Faith to catch her eyes. House Lovous made every attempt to be as annoying as possible to be in royal presence in hopes of catching their attention. They never did aside from minor things, but they were persistent back then.

Rashae didn’t know what to say or do actually. Her eyes then turned to those who were around the Royal couple providing an appraising ice blue eyes and a polite smile. The Doctor took a moment to rub her right side gingerly. It was mostly healed but still ached a little. She had confidence in the Alderaanian special forces and knights in this regard. In open city of Alderaan maybe not. Her eyes drifted back to Myles as she hoped he would take her invitation.

Those same piercing blues would land on each person close by as if to secure them into memory. She could hear what they say to the royal couple but since none of it was directed to her, she didn’t interject or apply any conversation. The sparkling wines this year was absolutely delightful It seemed as she looked at the bubbling effervescent if only to then come to lay his eyes on Prince Darkfold as the Dowager queen attended to the wayward Prince.

[member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"] [member="Isar Kislo"] [member="Laira Vereen"] [member="Garith Darkhold"] [member="Joza Perl"] [member="Alexander Sannes"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Arabella Darkhold"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Myles Davorak"] [member="Garith Darkhold JR"] (everyone else)

 

[Myles Davorak]

Myles observed the Doctor once more who seemed to be making mental snapshots of everyone, either that or she liked to study others around her. I gotta get in touch with her administrator later.

At this time, Myles was holding a glass of wine which he wasn't much of a wine drinker but that seemed to be the popular contender tonight. Gotta blend in with these people, I look like a spacer that fumbled in drunk from Mos Eisley.

Downing the wine in moderation, he grew to like the drink which surprised him. The crowd on the other hand, surprised him even more as he could spot a droid in the background, an HK model looked like. A lot of interesting faces shared the same room, perhaps he would meet other interesting people as well?

"You alright Doctor Lovous?" Myles added. He was comfortable talking to the Doctor, maybe it was because he was already talking to her. I need to socialize with others too, I look too stand-offish.

[member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"] [member="Isar Kislo"] [member="Laira Vereen"] [member="Garith Darkhold"] [member="Joza Perl"] [member="Alexander Sannes"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Arabella Darkhold"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Garith Darkhold JR"] (anyone else)

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Makai Dashiell"]

He was nervous for certain, Faith reached over to steady him, "Relax Mr. Dashiell everything is well." Ana stepped back knowing that Faith had this in hand, "You're representing your company here tonight yes?" She smiled hoping she was putting him at some ease, "I would think that means you are looking for a contract of some type."

A waiter came by and Faith turned to pick up a glass from the tray holding the glass between her fingers her brown eyes resting on Makai she knew she needed to do something to help him not be nervous. "So tell me about yourself. I'm from Alderaan don't know if you know that. I'm part of a large family, bossy brothers and sisters. What about you?" She wanted to give him his turn.

This was something she had learned long ago get someone to talk about themselves inevitably they would relax.

Ana looked down at the registry leaning over just to whisper to Faith softly in her right ear "[member="Isar Kislo"] is here representing his family." Faith nodded, "I'll see him next.."

Faith's attention returned to young Mr. Dashiell.

 

[Arabella Darkhold]

[member="Garith Darkhold"]

Yes it was a party Bella was having one of those moment that said no turn back now you know what will happen. Instead of listening to that little voice shouting loudly in her head she kept moving forward.

"I've always liked parties. So much fun, meeting new people, seeing old friends. " Course right now Bella believed she had the biggest surprise going, she didn't realize her brother was inside and he was just as much a surprise as her father was.

"Yes let's celebrate." She tried to let go of the anxiety in the pit of her stomach it was holding on tightly. Deep breath, they were passing into the great hall now and anyone nearby would see them arrive, a bit under dressed, and fashionably late. So what did one do at parties like this, hold their pinky out?

 

[Makai Dashiell]

[member="Faith Organa"]


"Not necessarily. Often times networking and putting a name out there can lead to equal results."


Makai repeated the words his father had told him before the trip. While a contract with the Alderaan Royal House would be a interesting one, Dad had reminded him to pay attention to others in the room. Most in attendance were business owners, government officials, royalty or other larger players in the 'verse that could prove just as valuable.


"Sounds like you're always busy then, especially if you have a pack of bossy siblings to worry about." That was something he had a hard time wrapping his head around. "I'm not all that interesting your Highness. Born on Ceto, only child, divorced parents."


Broadening shoulders shrugged.


"I see you're busy....and popular. I don't envy it." Head nodded to the crowd. " We can always speak later, or not."

 

[Arianna Organa]

[member="Garith Darkhold JR"]

Arianna walked to the center of the room and looked about, "Excuse me I'd like your attention please. This is my son Garith returned home after an absence of 18 years please welcome him." Arianna smiled.

Whatever she had to say could wait and yes right now her son would need to play the part of Prince of Alderaan. She kept hold of his hand as guests around the room came closer to greet the prodigal son. She still couldn't believe her eyes looking at him, how tall he was. How grown up. Well she knew she had to find him a wife, get him settled on a planet with his own court..so many dreams she had for each of her children. She wanted them safe, and happy. She would once again look to the system of Aldera or perhaps there was another royal that would fit to him.

She smiled, a mother's work is never done.

[member="Jack Sparrow"] [member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Makai Dashiell"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Elpsis Elaris"] [member="Myles Davorak"] [member="Taryc Ap'Irae"] [member="Rashae"] [member="Isar Kislo"]

 

[Garith Darkhold]

Strolling through the palace corridors Garith at one moment had looked over to his daughter [member="Arabella Darkhold"]. It happened so quick, he looked shock then his icy exterior returned.


‘I could not do it’, silently he voiced his concerns to himself. Normally he would conceal his darkness to not alarm guest at these functions. However he could not now. It was because all his memories were restored. Well it was the catalyst, the root cause. How it was possible he would have to figure that out later.



Yes, to celebrate…

With a full unopened bottle of whiskey in hand, he and Bella walked into the great hall? Just in time to hear. Hear his son Garith being welcomed back by his mother [member="Arianna Organa"].

“Yes, Garith”, the Elder Kashi said to his son [member="Garith Darkhold JR"]

Knowing his son well enough, he knew his son was already embarrassed by his courtly introduction. The young man was probably already terrified he had to give a speech or something. It was the fatherly thing to help end his son’s suffering, right?


“Welcome home son”, it was the first time the Sith Lord and ever said those three words to his son.


[member="Jack Sparrow"] [member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Makai Dashiell"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Elpsis Elaris"] [member="Myles Davorak"] @Taryc Ap’Irae [member="Rashae"] [member="Isar Kislo"]

 

[Garith Organa]

Walking into the center of the room? The young Jedi was slightly confused. He though his mother [member="Arianna Organa"] was going to bring him over to his sister [member="Faith Organa"]. His confusion was very short lived as he started to hear his mother introduce him to the entire court. She did not just here is my son I would like you all to know him. She mentioned he was gone for eighteen years.


With his checks flushed, Garith waved to everyone that was looking. He knew he was supposed to say something but what. Yes everyone sorry but I was called into the void. That’s right I have spent the last eighteen years where living people was never meant to go to while living. How would you even start a conversation like that?


Fate would have it he would not have to give that speech. Did he just hear his father’s voice? “Dad”, the young Jedi looked over to where he had heard the voice. There was his father [member="Garith Darkhold"] standing next to his sister [member="Arabella Darkhold"]. They were undressed for the occasion and something else stood out Garith could sense….his father’s full presence within the Force.



[member="Jack Sparrow"] [member="Amelia Sorenn-Syrush"] [member="HK-36"] [member="Makai Dashiell"] [member="Draco Vereen"] [member="Elpsis Elaris"] [member="Myles Davorak"] @Taryc Ap’Irae [member="Rashae"] [member="Isar Kislo"]