Public [Zinder Event] Celebrating Mutually Assured Devotion!

[Everest Vale]

Objective: BYOO
Location: Main Ballroom
Outfit: Dress & Necklace
Tag: Tigris

The invitation came simple and direct, exactly what she needed Tigris to say. Eve couldn't help but let a grin spread across her face as Tigris guided her gently to the dance floor. Her fluttering eyes flitted about the room, as if instinctively looking for a reason to be embarrassed, but Tigris pulled her from those moments of anxiousness that threatened her from the far edges of her awareness.

They found a spot on the dance floor and as the silence before the next piece started, they nestled into their starting position. In that stillness, Eve could feel her heart pound faster than she thought it would, as she looked at Tigris' with sparkling eyes. Her dark, mysterious eyes had softened beyond anything she had seen before in her, and she looked at her in a way that Eve felt was looking directly at her, Everest Vale, the little farm girl from Eshan, in a way nobody had ever looked at her before. It spoke to something deep within her, as if she was reaching out and directly touching her small, delicate heart with the utmost care and nourishment. Despite Tigris' firm and savage physique, she was always so gentle with her. So soft. So warm. She nestled further into her embrace, placing her own palm against hers.

The music set off into the delicate movement of an elegant dance piece that echoed about the mahogany walls of the room, as the chatter of the place calmed to a low hum, making way for the music to flourish. Tigris' motions moved delicately, guiding Eve slowly and mindfully. Eve's motions were less than elegant, her feet fumbling often, but as she followed Tigris' lead she started to find her footing better, nestling more into the rhythm of the music a they circled slowly across the floor.

As comfort in the motions settled in, Eve's eyes locked with Tigris' again, and the rest of the room about them seemed to melt away, leaving only the two of them. Eve could feel the heat of Tigris' body against hers, and the overwhelming sense of safety overcame her. The way Tigris was always so delicate with her — so mindful, so loving with every single way she interacted with her — made her face brighten to a fierce red.

The music seemed to slow to a deeper, more melodic and passionate piece, as if the Force itself was conspiring to make this moment perfect for them. Their faces mere inches away, they swayed intimately together to the gentle rhythms that guided them. A gentle sigh surrendered itself from Eve, as her heart and mind were both serene and running a hundred miles a minute simultaneously.

But as they held one another in such delicate, attentive ways, Eve's small frame trembled slightly in Tigris' arms as a rush of emotion swept through her. This was all so thoroughly new to her, and within the wash of hope and excitement was intermingled the fear of loss, of the unknown, and an anxiety that everything might change once she took that final step.

"T-Tigris..." came a whisper from her lips, delicate as a feather. "I— I'm fearful, I—" She didn't know what she was trying to say, how to formulate such a complex wash of emotions into a single sentence. Fantasies of a life they may have together flashed before her in an array of assorted imagery. It was a wash of warmth and of love and of something truly meaningful. The gentle vision made her more apprehensive at the thought of so many hypotheticals where it all might go so wrong, and a small tear escaped her eye. Finally, the right words came.

"I— I don't want to lose you."

​

 

[Shan Pavond]

"I mean. It is a Jedi trick, but not one that is well suited for me. Vanishing is a good trick for people who want to sneak around. I am not...good at sneaking. Sneaking, lying, that sort of stuff. It's not something I'm suited for."

It was true. It was part of his nature in a way. He didn't want to be the small light you saw in the distance, or the faint warmth you felt in the storm. Shan was the light that lit up his surroundings. The soft warmth that surrounded you. Though he blinked at Eivii's comment about having him at a disdavantage, and the Mirialan gave an embarrassed grin.

"Ah. No. No. You have a...Doctor at a disadvantage. I know plenty of Jedi who could dance the night away...and they could dance this Knight right away by even asking him to."

Another attempt at humour. It was nice. Yet he tilted his head in confusion as Eivii held her hand out towards Shan. They had just had their arms linked up and now she was holding her hand out to him...for what? What was it that Eivii was asking for...

"...Erh...Are you enjoying this? Are you doing okay? Are you...Oh. Yeah. I should ask if you want a dance right?...Erh...Do you want to dance with me?"

 

[Katherine Holt]

Dress: Link
Tags: Dreidi Xeraic​

As Katherine continued to walk around, she could only imagine how ‘lost’ she looked, trying to find her date. She looked the part of a noble lady, albeit with a pair of large wings as an added extra flair.

But either way, she was no doubt quite the sight.

A waiter passed by, offering her a drink. However, the redhead politely declined, determined to find and meet Dreidi beforehand. Though it didn’t take much longer, as Katherine heard an audible cursed grumble from behind.

Sure enough, as the redhead turned around to find the source, she saw her date approaching her.

Katherine immediately took note of the woman’s pale skin, a pleasant contrast to the black, red and gold colouring of her suit. “Yeah that’s me, it’s a pleasure to meet you too, Dreidi.” She replied, an equally warm smile on her face as she shook the woman’s hand. “You look fantastic, the suit well…suits you.” The unintended pun had Katherine’s lips twist into a small grin.

“What would you like to do first?”

​

 

[Dreidi Xeraic]

​

Location: Ballroom
Outfit: Dress Suit
Tag: Katherine Holt

Dreidi chuckles and looked down at the suit that she was wearing and shook her head, "I thought it would be fitting for the style of event this was going to be. Though I was struggling since I have never been a massive fan of Lady Velvet. I tend to struggle to under the appeal of romance novels like them." There wasn't anything wrong with the quality of writing or the premises. Dreidi just couldn't wrap her head around the notion of falling in love with someone that they barely knew most of the time in the novels.

For her, it took so long and a long standing friendship. Seeing it be more instantaneous with others or going from hating someone to deeply loving them. That was a concept she struggled to relate to.

"I do think the cape is unnecessary and a drag but apparently the outfit would look incomplete without it..." Dreidi shrugged her shoulders with a smirk on her lips.

Looking around to see what they could do, "well, did you wish to have something to eat? Or you could grab a glass of champagne if you wished?" Dreidi suggested, she was rather unsure herself since stepping straight into the dancing seemed too bold of a move. It was something she figured they would circle around to when it felt more natural.

 

[Eivii]

Outfit: Dress

Eivii waited, motionless, hand extended to the (admittedly handsome) clueless Miralian.

"...Erh...Are you enjoying this?

Eivii's grin widened, finding his confusion a bit charming - a sign that he doesn't do this often, kind of innocent in a way. He was a doctor, he'd get there...

Are you doing okay? Are you...Oh.

Eventually...

Yeah.

"Yeah"

Eivii whispered, encouraging Shan to ask...

I should ask if you want a dance right?

A slow nod, mouthing "yes"...

...Erh...Do you want to dance with me?"

"Dr. Knight Pavond, I would love to share a dance with you," she said with a pseudo-high-class impression, how she imagined all those nobles and wealthy debutants did in the holonovels.

She took his hand and...

Well... she didn't know how to dance either, but maybe she could fake it better than Shan did.

She led Shan into the ballroom and tried her damnedest not to step on his feet.

Shan Pavond​

 

[Shan Pavond]

It took him a moment, as he focused on trying not to step on Eivii's feet for Shan to realise something. In between all of the little twirls he was trying to do for her, and all of the secondary glances to make sure his feet weren't stomping around...He realised. She was practically doing the same thing! She was trying not to step on his feet!

"...I can't believe it! You don't know how to dance either!"

Shan broke out into a small chuckle at that. It was nice to know that he wasn't the only one winging it when it came to dancing. It also meant that he could relax somewhat. He didn't have to worry about making the perfect steps, or following the music that much. Which was fine by him. It was far more enjoyable to just go at his own pace. Well, and Eivii 's pace as well.

 

[Trayze Tesar]

---

CURRENT MISSION - Love Drives All Men M.A.D.
Immediate Goals -
1: Show your partner a good time.
1.1: Get under Lirka Ka 's skin.
1.2: Kick her karkin' ass
2: Have yourself some fun despite the circumstances.

BLUFOR - Darth Malum of House Marr

OPFOR - No enemies, just annoyances...

TARGETING ACTION(S) - Lirka Ka || OPEN FREQUENCY

---

All was fair in love and war, and the two figures certainly represented those concepts quite notably. However, Lirka had successfully gotten under his skin - he could endure being called a Jedi, despite the monistic morons selling their souls to the Force That Devoured like lemming sheep, they were placid and nominally in control of their passions. But being compared to the Butcher King, to the bloated Tick of Korriban, to him?!

It would be some time before the acidity in his eyes would abide, despite how well he would play the jester.

"Ah would be honored to learn from the best, then..." he answered, testily, denoting his intent that he would have relished the chance to spar - and the paperwork he had signed as well as the public function a poor place for an all out brawl. He would clear his throat, attempting to regain his winsome personality. "However, Ah'd just wager tha' the loser buys the winner drinks."

He registered the other words once more, echoing them, his usual Force-aided intuition rendered largely ineffective due to the once-Sephi's unique biology. Trayze took only one thing as truth, Lirka Ka enjoyed the thrill of the fight - and were she anything other than a one-note slaving Kainite, he might have respected her for that.

He stretched a bit, forgoing any polite sense of formality, perhaps perturbing any passerby's with how quickly the mood of the two changed from aspiring courtiers to stalwart foes.

"For the match... to first blood, or best of three?" he idly wondered, nursing the wound she inflicted but recognizing that she was infinitely more testy. He was in his element here, he actually read the novels, while Lirka overextended herself to spite him. With this in mind, the gears of the Detective's mind began to turn, recognizing a few familiar presences in the Force, noting any possible audience members...

This was as close to home turf Trayze would be willing to risk, and he had to refocus, set the conditions of victory for himself and his current opponent. Denying any sweetness in victory, engendering respect in defeat - that would be his goal...

 

[Lirka Ka]

Such was the grand irony of the Sith. Depending where you sat on the grand spectrum of lords, being to be compared to the Butcher King was the highest of honors or the gravest of insults. Where Lirka sat? It was hard to tell sometimes.

But this time, it offered her the greatest joy imaginable to know that she brought at least some suffering upon Trayze Tesar it was a reminder that she was not entirely defenseless in this mouth hellish of places.

Her words came out, curt.

“An honor you do not deserve.”

Glad to have been free from the man’s foul grip, Lirka admittedly was less than enthused about the prospect of merely sparring: not enough risk in it, and that accursed paperwork had reduced the risk even more. But, if he wanted to wager? Well. She could most certainly wager.

“Drinks? Perhaps. Can see if your taste in booze is as brutish as your speech.”

She clicked a metallic finger against her mask as she jokingly pondered the potential of best of three.

As if that’d ever happen.

It was ironic really, as he stretched and broke away from his facade of loving-suitor; Lirka fell into place, with decorum forgone she could finally do one of the things she did best: fraternize with the enemy.

“To first blood, of course. For what little this bout will show. Perhaps a chance for me to finally wipe that boyish smirk off your face.”

But Lirka was always a schemer, and she had plenty of schemes jostling in her head as she approached to the sparring circle that had been laid out for the pair.

“But I am to understand your world is home to a rather nice arena, Trayze Tesar? A place for one to truly show their mettle.”

Time to see just how much home turf he was willing to risk. Lirka needed a real fight, real bloodshed. She was born in the Pit, and a circle? Well it simply couldn’t compare to that luster.

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

TAGS | Darth Nefaron

Lord.

Cora couldn't help how her smile grew. It curled at the edges in a particular way, as if to say, game on.

He was not the Sith she'd faced on New Cov. No, she knew Kasir's voice and bearing well enough. Her lips pulled further in faint amusement, imagining the stalwart, disciplined Kasir Dorran attending a function like this. She could almost hear him scoff. Frivolous, he'd probably call it.

This man before her had been there, though. Was he one of the Sith sowing chaos across the domed city? Or perhaps...

"I'd be delighted, my Lord. I do so adore plants."

Cora deposited her half-drunk glass with a passing waiter. She preferred wine over champagne. As the unlikely pair made their way from the hall and toward one of the exists to the garden, the Countess unfurled the ornate, painted leaves of her fan with a sharp pivot of her wrist.

"Might I ask," she began, "how a gentleman became interested in the works of Lady Velvet? I figured these types of stories tended to resonate more with women."

 

[Darth Nefaron]

TAGS: Corazona von Ascania , OPEN
EQUIPMENT: Finest Black Cloak, Walking Stick
MUSIC: A War of Words
​

Delighted, Nefaron accompanied his new companion as they made their way to the sprawling gardens. Both received plenty of looks, the Countess stunned would-be suitors while Lord hobbled at her side, the creature that guarded her from unwanted advances.

How supremely noble.

In truth, the Dark Lord wanted the woman all to himself. Unfortunately for her, he had not come to steal her away out of lust.

He would unravel her disguise. He would know this Jedi.​

The walking stick made tapped the stone path they traveled, now free of the gaudy party within and into the fresh air. Indeed this garden was rather impressive, varieties of flowers bloomed and filled the air with the sweet fragrance of life. While it disgusted the Corpse Lord, he cast aside his discomfort to focus on the Jedi and her little game.

"On the surface, they do indeed cater to women. But one must look past the common smut and see deeper meaning. I will admit the works of Lady Velvet came into my possession as part of a larger collection of various texts. As you might imagine, it was quite a surprise to stumble upon them during my studies."

Nefaron chuckled, the fond memory of that day coming to mind as he recounted it. The book dealer who had slipped the books into his collection also found it rather amusing right up to the moment his windpipe closed and he was made to choke on his own laughter.

An overreaction on Nefaron's part.

But enjoyable nonetheless. ​

He admired her for a moment, light gleamed off her elegant attire and fair skin. Despite the title she used being fiction, it was evident that events such as this were common for her. Now what Jedi was used to ball gowns in refurbished manor homes?

Very Few.​

"I must say, Countess, you carry yourself like a true noble. Might you be a member of one of the countless noble houses of Naboo? Or perhaps you have come from a system far from here, descendant of one of the countless Core-World monarchies?"

Neafaron pondered out loud, but he left little time for his opponent to respond before he began again.

"Surely such a place as this is above your station. Or perhaps your sheltered life has had you find an escape in the works of Lady Velvet?"

As he spoke, the Corpse Lord went about the garden, examining various flowers that almost recoiled at his touch. He carelessly picked at a few, removing them from the life-giving vines they relied on before casually casting them aside as he continued to search. Eventually, he removed a flower that seemed to meet his high standards. He turned to face his companion, presenting a Candlewick flower, the rare species that once grew only on doomed Alderaan. Perhaps a sign that Nefaron had glimpsed her eventual fate?

"I'm sure it is no coincidence that you have taken on the guise of Countess Leclerc. Have you come to escape a loveless marriage?"

Nefaron stood in place, watching for a reaction from the Jedi. His dead eyes prodded at her, seeking any sign of discomfort that might reveal more of her true self.

"My apologies countess, I do not intend to open old wounds. It is mere speculation on my part."

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Ballroom //:
//: Naboo, Lady Velvet Manor //:
//: Dress //:
//: Kaila Irons //: Kirie //: Serina Calis //: Tamsin Graves //: Eira Dyn //: Zahari Kaan //:
//: Girl's Night //:

its a long mix so stop when you want

​

Watching and listening to the fearless Darth Anathemous be reduced to the blushing mess from talks of Lady Velvet made the Echani Princess grin. There was something about her tone as she called the Princess her little devil. They were supposed to be keeping a secret that only she, Kirie and the Princess were supposed to know about. Yet, as the evening continued, her inhibition waned. Tamsin seemed to be excited to take her up on the offer. Quinn grinned, "I should just get you the entire collection. Kaila or I would love to explain anything you don't understand." A quick glance to Kaila and then Kirie, "Oh, and I know Kirie is practically a connoisseur on all things Lady Velvet; she's told me so - she knows the plot lines so deeply and thoroughly." If Kirie thought she was safe from the Princess, she was wrong.

The evening's excitement was growing, and champagne and other drinks flowed. Quinn turned the fluted glass upward as she finished an unknown number of glasses. A hand waved, and the waiter from before stumbled towards her and presented the tray with more champagne.

She took another glass and sipped it slowly this time. Her eyes quickly darted to her apprentice. The girl seemed determined to police the Princess, and when no one was looking but Eira, she made a little face with her nose scrunched as if to retort to the acolyte. Eira wasn't wrong; she needed to watch herself.

The gentle smack from Kiri made the Princess smile as she laughed, knowing she was being a terror. Her eyes followed the group as they slowly separated into little pockets of conversation. Seeing all of it made her smile; even with the galaxy constantly fighting, they could find a night just to be young. Turning, she caught the break in Serina's mask, which was just a moment but from feelings deep within. Guilt hit Quinn; her face softened as she tried to understand where the crack had come from. However, before she could say anything, the feeling disappeared, and the woman quickly fell back into the role she was playing. A hand rested against Quinn's face as she turned away, telling herself it was nothing and probably something she had imagined.

Quinn reached quickly to grab a glass of the champagne before the waiter pulled up the tray and brought it to Kaila. A peace offering for terrorizing her moments prior. She nudged gently against the blonde to apologize for the teasing and for having a semblance of physical contact with her. Standing beside Kaila, Quinn watched Kirie interacting with the others. She was happy to see the former slave interact with people, developing bonds outside of Quinn and their home.

Her attention returned to the Vahla woman beside her, another brush of contact between their hands as Quinn moved away, remembering both of the warnings she had received. Bubbles in the champagne had stolen her gaze as she quietly let her mind filter through her thoughts. A soft laugh escaped her as she looked back up at Kaila, her cheeks already flushed from the alcohol or the thoughts she allowed to roam freely. "I'm sorry I embarrassed you," Another chuckled as she sipped the champagne and leaned into quietly whispering between them. "I almost forgot how cute you look when you blush." Quinn leaned away and raised her eyebrows, almost emphasizing the statement.

It was then that another appeared as a distraction. Quinn quickly looked and saw that Serina had been the one the woman had bumped into. Something told Quinn to say something, to pull Serina back into the group's protective circle—but she didn't. The brief moment she had felt the woman crack lingered in the back of her mind.

This could be good for her.

 

[Eira Dyn]

​

Location: Naboo
Outfit: Dress
Equipment: Hidden daggers
Tag: Kirie | Quinn Varanin | Serina Calis | Kaila Irons | Tamsin Graves | Zahari Kaan

"Costume party?" Eira smirked and shrugged her shoulders, "guessing that the invitation from Quinn wasn't clear on that then. I am disappointed that I missed that, I am sure you looked great." Eira had simply selected a dress she thought would impress Quinn, since she thought this had been a personal invitation. However, Eira knew better now being here. The way her Master not so subtly sharing intimate touches with Kaila, it was clear with whom Quinn wished to spend the day here with. Though, she was surprised how much attention Kaila was getting.

Eira had thought her Master would be a little more restrained, even with her drinking.

Nodding her head to Serina, she agreed that bold knights were often romanticized in the Lady Velvet novel, though she knew that Quinn and Kaila likely enjoyed playing up the heroic bold knight and princess aspects together. "Well, thank you, perhaps I will get a chance to dance in the dress before the night is over." Eira gave a smirk to Serina before she heard more of the conversation with Kaila, Tamsin and Quinn. Sighing deeply at her Master's attempts to force Kaila to blush.

At this point everyone in the galaxy was going to know the pair were a couple. It confused Eira on how a secret could be allowed to be so obvious but still be a secret.

"Well, it is always good to enjoy reading novels and I am sure there will be plenty more Lady Velvet novels to come." Eira mentioned to Kirie since she had mentioned being an avid reader of the novels. When she looked over to Quinn, her Master made her roll her eyes at the scrunched up expression in retort of her comment about pacing oneself.

<<Attractive Master, I just didn't think you or your date would enjoy you vomiting on them.>> Eira commented again, perhaps a bit bolder in declaring Kaila as Quinn's date. But it was something that seemed too obvious to not comment on.

Taking a glass of champagne, she figured that a couple of drinks wouldn't harm her and hopefully provide some excitement to the event. Watching her Master blatantly flirting with her ex, while she didn't care too much, there was still something that stirred inside her that did not enjoy it. Perhaps it was more the fact it was reminding her that Eira was very single at the moment. Something she was not a fan of personally but also continued to have issues with people seeing her the same way that Kaila had.

Cold, manipulative and keeping them distant unless she wanted something.

Perhaps she was not made for intimacy or romances.

 

[Alana Calloway]

.​

Zinder Event​

​

Tags: Open​

Outfit: Here​

There was a pain she felt, standing here, watching the performance and the other couples from afar. It was a numbing ache within her chest, pounding like a mico-sledge trying to break through. But she couldn’t say why. It felt like she had broken something, a rib, bruised cartilage, something truly ached within her core. Yet, Alana couldn’t identify it. She remained away from the other party takers, her hands about her chest, trying to keep this internal injury under pressure. Force only knew what could happen if she let up. If she let go. What horrible thing might-

"Are you a parking ticket? 'Cause you got fine written all over you."

It came slowly at first. Then the trickle became a stream of consciousness, then gave way to words, the words gave way to a scene, the scene evolved into a moment, then a memory-

"I gotta go, but... when I get the chance I'll try and find you later."

He had smiled at her. It had meant something when he said that….didn’t it? She shook her head, figments of a memory eased forward, threatening to plummet off a ledge, drag her back down into the nonsense that her dreams had been lately.

Just dreams. She told herself. They are just nonsensical dreams, not real. They were never-

"But you are by far the most interesting person I've met tonight."

She froze. Her nails dug into the side of her head, the pain just now starting to register as the phantom emotions began to settle. Where her face had twisted into something of agony, it now reverted to something far more pitiful. Sadness. The pain in her chest evolving into something deeper. Something she could actually fathom.

"I like that 'fit much better than yer armor."

She had lost someone. That’s what it was. She had lost someone, and for the life of her…she couldn’t recall who. If it really was just a dream, why did it hurt so bad to dwell on?

Alana slowly settled back, finding a wall in her daze. Her eyes slowly turned glassy, as she found herself unable to reason with these fragments that held such power over her.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Outfit​

He should never have come back to Naboo.

It was the only thought upon his mind as he swirled the amber liquid in the square glass, as the cool breeze of the exterior bounds swayed and swelled against his form, the torch of moonlight the only source of light that fell upon him, shining him as a beacon in the darkness, as ever he was... alone.

He had lied, lying to himself had grown far too easy these last few years, how many drinks had it been? One was a lie, three was a lie, the answer was there, somewhere, in the depths of memory that he sorely wished to not gaze upon, to not remember, it was easier to drown it all away in a bleary haze, to lie to himself about what his state was.

He had lied... it was not the only thought on his mind.

White gloves brought the drink to his lips, it burned down his throat in that familiar comfort that he had turned to so often, the tailors had outdone themselves this time. The Marr colours seemed to be branded upon him, the coat was black and long flowing, patterned with intricacies, framing the red tunic and slacks that snugly fit upon his form, accentuating every muscle, every shape of a body trained by war, while gold flowed freely and easily, all finished off by the mask he wore, not the replica of his great and famous ancestor, but a simple one, one which would be worn at a masquerade, amongst his tricks to convince all that a Dark Councillor had never been here. All in all, he was every bit the heir of a great house that he was meant to be.

All apart from how... quiet it all was. The lights of the ballroom, glimmering chandeliers, and dancing and laughing couples filtered through the stained glass window, the promise of what was written in those Lady Velvet novels that so... took hold of those who read them. He was no exception he supposed, there were few who were not so enchanted by the fantasy of beautiful noble ladies and charming noble lords.

So entranced by the fantasy of love.

He should never have come back to Naboo.

As much as he thought it, desperate to keep the dam from breaking, he could not deny the other thoughts that pressed upon his mind's eye, a struggle that both ancestor and mistress had left him well enough alone for him to solve at his lonesome. They were made for matters of the mind, the matters of body and spirit.

What did they know of the matters of the heart?

The glass cracked in his hands, as the whiskey leaked out, a gash upon his fingers ignored, as the amber and the burgundy mixed into one, as Malum turned, a growl, deep and guttural finding itself from the depths of his chest, to flow out of his throat, as the glass flew through the air, crashing out into the distance. The sound of shatter was only the barest distraction from the prison of his own making, blood dripped along the ground, as his free hand found itself upon the bottle that he had brought out here.

Long knowing that he would need it.

He should never have come back to Naboo.

But now... now he was here, drinking himself to an early grave, the whole idea was stupid, a bid to support Trayze in his woes of the heart, an opportunity to simply... enjoy an evening away from the stresses and provisos of a Sith Empire that he had risen so highly in rank of, but had left him so...

...Alone.

He missed them all... he thought of Adeline, that day on the Kathol Outback, when he had first seen her, so entranced he had been by those silver locks, by those haunting red eyes. He thought back to Archais, he thought of Elsie her golden locks spun by the gods themselves, her eyes shimmering with the good that he so pursued... the first woman that he had ever loved, though back then he had denied it so, harshly. He thought of Morid- Mandalore, when she had again saved his life, took him to her home, when...

He blinked away the tear that formed as he stilled, gripping down tightly on the table, as he remembered Naboo, dancing with her, a forbidden desire refusing to disavow himself from action, as they had kissed, as he had promised there was no one else.

He had lied...

...No... he had not lied...

...He thought of Mandalore again, when he had almost...

The stab of guilt cut through his heart in righteousness that stole his breath, had it been truth that confession upon Ordo? Had it been the truth that fled his lips, or had it been the guilt of doing an act that he might have never forgiven himself for? She had saved him, her memory, that had burned in that key moment on Fiviune, that had given him the strength needed to commit the act so vile, that propelled him to where he was now. She had saved him, reminded him of the simplicity of life's joys, as they had hidden what they shared in far-off distant worlds, but always remained close...

...Always remained aflame.

She had saved him, made him believe there was a reason to fight.

I am sorry for... all of this. I am sorry if this message need not even be sent...

But I will be even more sorry, if this message did need to be sent.

I am sorry I am not there for you, I am sorry I am not at your bedside, I am sorry for not saying the thousand little things I should have said.

And I am sorry, if I never get to say them.

And above else, I am sorry I never was able to say this to you in person.

I love you, Elise Ahana-Gwyneira ."

It haunted his mind, that heartfelt confession, that which he had spoken when death was impending and his life most uncertain, he had meant those words, he had meant them wholeheartedly and without reservation... he still meant them.

Even as he remembered ever hauntingly another confession that had been brought out of him that day on Ordo.

"I am sorry."

His Kara... Ansisa... Karan'sis'atrob... whatever her name was, it did not change the image that claimed over his mind, skin as deep as the oceans, eyes that shined like the rubies of his, and long raven locks that might have been taken from his own head. But in so many ways, they could not have been more distinct. Cynical where he was hopeful, aggressive where he was cautious, bourgeoise where he was noble, yet...

...She was the first woman that he had ever confessed his love for.

...She was the woman that he shared a bond with that was beyond anything else upon this material plain.

...She was the mother of his children...

...And yet, their bond was quiet this night, the love he held for her so profound, so great, with the willingness to move heaven and hell, at her command should she simply ask him... yet, profoundness, greatness, was married with the guilt.

The image of the lone tree atop the hill.

The memory... of how on Csilla they had broken.

He brought the whiskey to his lips, the burning liquid a calming draught to a man who wished to set himself aflame. He wore the colours of his House, but he hardly felt the representative of it. He wore the mask to hide the face of a man who was unsure of who he truly was, a man who so sincerely wished to set himself aflame. He was haunted by ghosts, both real and imagined, who whirled in their temerity within the soul of one flickering and fading, as the path set out for himself... promised only that he would be alone.

Maybe in the end, that was why he had really come here.

He took a seat at the edge of the balcony as he stared out to an abyss that drowsy eyes could barely make out, placing the bottle near enough away, as he tried to remember...

...Tried to remember his childhood.

He remembered reading books of chivalric romance, as... stupid as it was, he remembered reading of love, forbidden dalliances, passionate affairs, sacrifice for one's love, quaint domesticity, a partnership of equals who completed each other.

...He remembered how he had learned its impossibility, he was the heir of House Marr, and it was his duty to marry for his House, to perpetuate the legacy of the great and noble Darth Marr, there was no room for love in the face of duty, in many ways... love was the death of duty, and... how could he claim to the Scion of the Lord of Duty, if he did not follow through on his own?

He abandoned those notions of love, content, knowing, that he loved his House, he loved his family... he would love his children. But his wife, that woman, his partner, that would share in his burdens, that would be his, as he was hers? That he would never be able to love her... that he could not. It was not their way, those of the better class, those that had to fulfil their role.

That he could never allow her to be used against him.

...He wished he could go back to those days.

Maybe then... he breathed out a shallow breath.

Maybe then... his heart would not be in such utter agony.

He gazed up at one of Naboo's three moons, the stars surrounded it, twinkling in their presence, giant astronomical structures that could not perceive nor care about the struggles of those that they gazed down upon. He had once taken such great comfort in the stars... where had it all gone?

"Out in the forested grounds, the rain falls a torrential drown,"
​

His lips began an old melody, a piece written so long ago...

"Through the howls of bitter hounds, from a head falls a crown,"​

...It had felt like years since he had last written, since he had written this, yet... it flowed ever easily.

"Flowing through a chest's bounds, lays a face drawn a frown,"​

The smile was watery as he recited, an uplifting notion filled his chest.

"A ringing making the crescendos rounds, leaving me tearing it all down."​

There had been others, others with whom he had grown intimate, grown close... might he have come to have to love them as well? Would he surrender his duty, in the face of which lust commanded, and love demanded?

"A tearing cut through a heart's spectre, an anger born of love's nectar,"
​

Had he ever known the difference, had he been so foolish to give himself wholeheartedly to those whose hearts were black and ichorous? Had he been foolish to love, when his duty had commanded otherwise?

"You who served my protector, your reward to witness my defector,"​

That ever question that had plagued him since Fiviune, that had plagued him since the Kaggath, the contest of what he was meant to do, of what he had to do, and that greatest hedonistic desire of them all... of what he wanted to do. He was selfish by nature, desiring all under heaven, but was this... was perhaps this not his greatest display of selfishness, desiring love when it eluded so many greater?

"A moment of horrendous malice, making me act all too callous,"
​

He had always been selfish, Mia had told him so... desiring to protect all of them, his family, his subordinates, his friends, his allies, when his ambition, when his desires, would put each and every one of them in danger. So he rationalised, what was the point of being a Sith if he could not protect them? Yet, perhaps even that was selfishness... to put them in danger for his own wants, what was he other than a monster?

...Did the good that he would bring, be worth the blood that would be shed?

"So cruel to my fortalice, you who are as sweet as chalice."​

What was one man's selfishness to an Empire? What was one man to the Empire? His people suffered, and he was in gloom over matters of the heart, the patheticness would overwhelm him if the agony was not already choking the life out of him.

"I wish to gaze upon you, to throw my arms about she,"
​

He gripped himself upon the balcony's railing as the last stanza hissed out of his lips, its bellicose aria a challenge from the Heir of Darth Marr to the Lord of the Tsis'Kaar, a challenge from the Dark Councillor to the Emperor of Alvaria, the jingoistic concord, leaving... Malum ever lost in the emotion spilled in its creation.

As lost, as alone, as he ever was.

"To take this life of blue, and with me we would flee,"​

It was a beautiful dream, but in the end... it always did seem like nothing more but a dream.

"For we two bound as glue, how was I so beastly?"
​

For in the end, no matter what was to come, it seemed he was ever so condemned.

"To forget how much you mean to me."
​

To be alone.

To do his duty.

Mentioned: Trayze Tesar Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Ansisa Adeline Noctua

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit:

The soft hum of music filled the grand ballroom, weaving between the glow of chandeliers and the laughter of elegantly dressed guests. The air was thick with the scent of delicacies, the gentle clink of glasses blending into the vibrant murmur of conversation.

And Valery?

She was here for the book.

Of course, she could appreciate the atmosphere — the lavish décor, the artistry behind the event, the fact that every inch of this refurbished manor had been carefully designed to mirror the world of Mutually Assured Devotion. But let's be honest — she wasn't about to leave without a signed copy in her hands. It wasn't every day a Jedi Master got to indulge in something other than war and duty.

Perhaps that was why, tonight, Valery was not immediately recognizable.

She had forgone her usual Jedi robes and practical attire, slipping into something far more fitting for the occasion — a sleek, deep crimson gown that hugged her frame in all the right places before flowing effortlessly down to the floor. The fabric shimmered under the ballroom's soft lighting, subtle accents of gold catching in the movement. A delicate slit traced up her leg, revealing glimpses of skin with each graceful step, while a low-cut neckline left just enough to the imagination.

Her dark hair, so often bound in a tight ponytail, was left to fall in soft waves over her shoulders, framing her features with a natural elegance that felt almost foreign to her.

And to complete the look?

A mask.

A deep gold, intricately designed half-mask that hid the upper half of her face—not enough to make her unrecognizable to those who truly knew her, but enough to offer an air of mystery to those who didn't.

As she made her way toward the merchandise room, her fiery gaze scanning for the signed books, she could already feel the teasing smirk from a certain someone.

Kahlil.

Of course, he was going to have something to say about this. She smirked to herself, already bracing for it — but she could handle it. Let him tease all he wanted.

She was getting that book.

Open​

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Tags | Darth Nefaron
​

As the Lord spoke, Cora's focus narrowed onto the callous manner in which he rooted through the garden. One of the flowers Nefaron plucked from the earth would jab his finger with a small, sharp protrusion before he'd cast it aside.

Had that thorn always been there?

She observed the candlewick flower as he held it out to her, scrutinizing its delicate orange and gold petals with a soft hum. Her countenance was that of a schoolteacher scolding an unruly student, gentle yet firm.

"It is rather uncouth to speak to a Lady so boldly. Do remember your manners."

Cora accepted the blossom, brushing her thumb across its tightly furled bud. The evening hours would be upon them soon, during which it would bloom. Signatures reading both Dark and Light drifted around them, a testament to the mixed company of Zinder's latest event.

"A noblewoman living a sheltered existence, trapped in a loveless marriage…"

She twirled the flower by its stem, humming in contemplation.

"...and a man who sought to terrorize a great domed city."

The picture this Lord had painted was one of startling accuracy. Either he was a particularly good guesser, or he'd read her dossier. Her eyes, sharp as flint, flicked to the dead gaze of the Sith Lord before her. "It would make for an interesting story premise, would it not?"

Cora exhaled curtly from her nose in amusement. This was not, perhaps unsurprisingly, the first Sith she'd interacted with in a garden. At least he kept the nerf flies away.

"I hesitate to ask what you were studying that lead to the inclusion of romance novels, even if by accident."

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Suit + Tie
Tag: Quinn Varanin Kirie Tamsin Graves Eira Dyn Serina Calis

"Princess, please, I am not explaining Lady Velvet to my sister." she groaned.

Kaila quickly downed the rest of her glass, honestly she was too sober for Quinn's antics now, and she would have to do without a bodyguard for the evening. The former mandalorian wanted to be stumbling by the end, and cursed her adopted culture for instilling what little tolerance she had for alcohol.

But at least she wasn't suffering alone.

Kirie was the next target to be roped into the echani's games, bringing a wry little smile to her face. She bore no ill will of course, even for laughing at Kaila, but the young Vahla was pleased to redirect the princess' attention even if for but a few moments. Besides, it was only fair she pay her back with a chuckle or two.

However, as their eyes met momentarily, Kaila caught that familiar look.

It was not something she expected to see on the face of Kirie however. The arrangement between the two women was... strange, and though they'd been content to share Quinn from a distance thus far, trusting each other and only each other with her heart, Kaila could not deny that moments like this,

One had to wonder if-

"I'm sorry I embarrassed you," Another chuckled as she sipped the champagne and leaned into quietly whispering between them. "I almost forgot how cute you look when you blush."

Kaila blinked the thought away, her face already flush well before the princess leaned to whisper in her ear.

She released a breath she had not realized was being held whilst accepting her next drink. She sipped, and swallowed a little harder than necessary.

"Quinn..." the young Darth had enough.

She laid her arm across Quinn's shoulders, subtly turning the pair in such a way that she may whisper in kind.

"Why do you enjoy playing with fire so...?" she whispered, her breath shaky, lips brushing against her ear.

Angled away so that the others could not see, she gently kissed the echani's ear. And as she pulled away, It was very clear by the look in her glowing eyes that she wanted more than this ballroom could afford them. Quinn would get her due, for teasing her in such a place where she could not act on it.

"No need to apologize... I'll get you back."

Wearing a wry little smirk, she turned to Kirie after one more sip.

"A connoisseur? That's what she called you, yes?" she questioned, brow raised exaggeratedly in her tipsy state.

Then she turned back to Quinn, grinning,

"Is she also skilled in Lady Velvet's arts? I hope she's keeping you entertained on Jutrand. You two always made for something of a fairy tale. The princess and her handmaid."

"Or do you prefer she roleplay the stable boy? It was quite a faithful recreation, that cute little costume."

​

 

[Reese Helfire]

Location: Naboo
Theme: Lithium flower
Outfit: [X}
Tags: Saul Whesai

---

One door closing and another one opening sounded like the story of Reese's life. They had been so many people now they didn't remember much about themselves beyond their real name. It was all fragments of partial lives lived nothing real much like this romantic fantasy convention. People pretending to be people from their fantasy rather then living in the real world.

"Is that the normal thing to do?" A slight smile crossed Reese's face as they nodded in agreement to take a stroll with the man. What would it hurt to play a little more pretend, they had no idea how to identify their contact in this place. They would just have to hope whoever it was they knew more than they did.

"However, I can't promise I'm not a serial killer, after all I hear these romance books always have to have that one character with a dark mystery surrounding them." Reese let out a small playful chuckle, though if it were a matter of truth perhaps they could be classified as a serial killer. "Let's start off simple are you a Lady Velvet fan?"

 

[Zahari Kaan]

Wearing: Dress
Tag: Serina Calis Eira Dyn Tamsin Graves Kirie Quinn Varanin

Worst target?

The armored woman's pointed choice in words were not lost on Zahari, but her red stare betrayed no such thing. Instead she would play it off, act like they didn't affect her, as if she was truly was so dazed by the commotion that she didn't realize what the blonde truly meant.

"I know." she frowned.

"I-I'm just a bit overwhelmed..! I've never done anything like this before."

"I haven't seen you before." Serina continued, her voice never losing that casual, almost teasing edge. "What lovely name can I expect from you?"

"Oh," Zahari laughed nervously, an almost embarrassed smile playing at the corners of her lips.

It was quite fortunate in times like these that she needn't fake a blush. Even if she could, her blue skin would have given the human some trouble, and most were unaware that a Togruta's lekku were more likely to change hue than their faces.

"I'm Zahari," she held out a slender, clawed hand.

"Zahari Kaan. Pleasure to meet you~"


There were very few who would recognize the name Kaan outside of the Kainite crime families, and that suited her just fine. The sith ignored the Kaan family so long as the money came on time, and they reaped the rewards on their own time. While she would have liked to be someone important, the obscurity had it's benefits in this line of work.

Whether Serina took her hand or not, the ever curious Togruta couldn't help taking glances at the rest of the entourage.

The one with the scar certainly cut an impressive figure, adding to her serious look. Honestly for a darksider her age, the woman looked scarier than usual. At least, she assumed they were darksiders. At least one of them had never been taught to hide their force signature, probably the suit wearing blonde clinging to the echani woman, she suspected. Subtlety didn't seem the big one's strength and she gave off a strange feeling in the force anyway.

As if there were more than one of her.

Or perhaps that was the shorter of the raven haired women, the dark eyed one who looked less experienced at a glance, but felt... off, somehow. These people chilled the air and some wore clothes that could have fed a small colony if sold, surely one of them must be sith.

There was also the one with the brown hair, the odd one out, who she couldn't help smiling at a little. She looked almost too innocent to associate with them, although Zahari knew each time she looked in the mirror that the cute and innocent looking ones often hid the worst scars and the darkest secrets of all. And so, each member of the group was surely dangerous in their own ways.


"Hey uh, do you wanna help search for the bar?" she asked Serina, completing the look with an anxious tap of her glass.

"To pay for another drink, of course. I don't wanna run afoul of your group here for spilling a drink. I know girls with claws when I see 'em and I sure do see a lot of 'em!"

Zahari smiled, but for the first time since the conversation began, she wasn't lying. If she wanted this to go off without a hitch, she may need to separate the hooded one from the group. It would be easier to convince them to open up if they were alone, and perhaps worm her way in enough that she may be convinced to take her offworld and away from the damn jedi.

That is, if the pack of poorly disguised romantics didn't tear her apart first.

"For what it's worth, I'm glad you're the one I bumped into and not those two," she pointed at the echani and her companion.

"Wouldn't want to interrupt someone's date without a plus one myself."



By the gods. please be single.

​

 

[Serina Calis]

Location 1.
Tags: Zahari Kaan
Mentions:

Kaila Irons Quinn Varanin Tamsin Graves Eira Dyn Kirie​

​

Serina's lips curled at the edges, the first flickers of true amusement dancing behind her golden eyes. Oh, this was going to be fun.

For all her exhaustion, for all her inner turmoil, nothing could quite thrill her like the start of a game. The slow unraveling of words, the carefully measured tones, the endless back and forth of subtext laced in false innocence. It was a dance, one she had mastered long ago.

And Zahari?

She wanted to play.

Serina let the silence stretch between them for just a moment longer, just enough to make it feel like an appraisal. A slow, deliberate assessment of this poor, overwhelmed Togruta who had so unfortunately bumped into her.

Serina didn't shake her hand immediately. Instead, she let her fingers trail lazily along the stem of her glass, watching the way Zahari fidgeted ever so slightly beneath the weight of her gaze. A nervous little thing, or at least she wanted Serina to think she was.

"What a lovely name," Serina finally murmured, her voice just a little too smooth, just a little too indulgent.

Now, she reached out, taking Zahari's clawed hand with a touch that was light, just enough to let the Togruta feel it before she pulled away. It was a test. A dare. You wanted my attention? Let's see what you do with it.

Her head tilted slightly as she followed Zahari's glance to the others—Quinn draped over Kaila like something out of one of those Lady Velvet novels, Kirie's ever-curious expression, Eira's ever-watchful eyes, Tamsin still reveling in her triumph over the waiter. The pack of wolves, each in their own way.

Serina should have been standing there with them, just another part of their intricate little social web, pretending, as she had all night, that she belonged.

But why pretend, when the thrill of the hunt had just presented itself?

Zahari wanted something. Serina was certain of that now. But what?

The bar, of course. Oh, how clumsy of me, let me buy you another drink, let me separate you from your group, let me see what you're like when you're alone.

Serina's smirk deepened, though her voice remained as soft and silken as ever. "What a terrible fate, having me as your drinking companion," she mused, finishing what remained of her own glass in one slow, deliberate sip.

She stepped forward, just enough to lean in slightly, just enough for Zahari to catch the subtle shift in her energy.

"I do hope you can keep up."

Serina turned without waiting for an answer, already leading the way, already dictating the pace. The armor she wore should have made her movements heavy, but she carried herself like a woman made of something far lighter, something liquid, something sinuous.

She knew Zahari would follow.

And then came the last little dagger. The subtle nod that Serina was the one she was looking for.

Serina laughed. A small sound, rich and knowing, as if she were truly delighted by the absurdity of the statement.

"Oh, sweetheart," she purred, casting Zahari a glance over her shoulder.

She let the pause stretch, just long enough.

"What ever gave you the impression that I'm alone?"