A Common Gathering

[Jairdain]

Very glad to be back in the Palace and not wandering around, Jairdain had taken a bit of time to herself. The opportunity to go shopping and get some new clothes made just couldn't be missed. So when she wasn't at the Palace, she was catching up on the gossip around town and making arrangements for a few things.

They had been gone for a while and what clothes she had were getting worn out and she certainly had nothing new to wear until now. All the packages she had ordered recently were delivered and in the time Bradshaw was off meditating in the mountains, she had been busy putting everything away.

One of the reasons she needed something new to wear was the gathering Lady Kay had invited them to attend. For formal events, Jairdain's dress was that of her people. She was the last of them and wanted to continue at least some of those traditions she had grown up with. Dress was one of them. While doing her day to day work at the palace, she dressed in a manner fitting that role. So while this gathering was still part of that role, she felt since it was something formal, she should wear clothing to match.

Her people had been colorful in their clothes, even if she couldn't see it. Trusting the tailor she went to make sure everything looked wonderful, she really had no clue how she looked when dressed up. Taking careful time to pick the right outfit, she chose one that had a white under shirt and ivory top over that. Stitched through the ivory top were a few gems and violet thread and almost perfectly matched her eyes. On top of everything was more or less a violet not quite veil as it did not cover her face. It would wrap around her head and hang down her back slightly. The ends would split to be able to hang around both her arms and the rest down her back. On one of her hands she wore a simple ring with a green stone and along one side was what looked like something of a bird wing.

When he finally returned to the Palace...late, Jairdain allowed Brad to take the time he needed to get himself ready. He finished slightly before she did and was waiting for her just as she finished putting that veil on over her head. Giving him a smile, she took a hold of his arm and they would make their way to this gathering. She was also quite glad he had decided to get rid of the full beard he had growing and cut it back to something she could learn to live with. Short and well kept.

Of course they were late, but this wasn't a meeting of other governments or people outside of Commenor, so she wasn't too worried about it. In the past, he had done really well at being on time and even he hadn't liked it, played the part of Crown Prince well. Here would be another test of their time away. What he could do in a more intimate setting and dealing with the others.

"This is going to be interesting. What do you think?"

As they were approaching where the meeting was, her voice was loud enough for only him to hear. He would have time...barely to answer before they were there.

[member="Bradshaw Ku"] [member="Stardust Bloodstone"] [member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Shoden Moz"] [member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Caedyn Arenais"] [member="Lady Kay"] [member="Adron Malvern"] [member="Loreena Arenais"] [member="The Whispering Tyrant"]

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

Caedyn and Lori's Cousin soon showed up alongside their Uncle [member="Darlyn Excron"], he of whom encouraged her to join the twins and leading to Caedyn's turning at her comment and grinning, shaking his head in mock-frustration. "Hey Sho'" he said to [member="Shoden Moz"], their Uncles adopted daughter though much like their Uncle himself, much of their family seemed to come from adoptions or the collection of friends that ran thicker than blood. "Uncle Dar drag you to this thing too huh..." he added pessimistically, the whole thing being a bit of a drag though the chance to spend time together with the two girls seemed to have been a long time coming and eased Caedyn's irritation over it all somewhat.

"She's teasing me, that's all..." He soon gestured to [member="Loreena Arenais"] who had yet to answer his question and accusation regarding the sharing of details Caedyn probably wouldn't want told to a girl, his Sister suddenly presenting herself as a potential threat to his reputation and Caedyn responding as if there was a reputation he needed to maintain. In both cases, that was unlikely...

"Do either of you know what this thing's about or is Mom just trying to please everyone again..." He concluded, speaking his assumption aloud given just how much of a crowd pleaser [member="Lady Kay"] seemed to be. Their family had been through a lot lately, more than they should've ever had to contend with yet this gathering or party or whatever it was seemed difficult to grasp for the lad, possibility because he wasn't quite passed the shock of their reality these days and yet to truly fall into the resentment stage of things; he a wealth of emotion yet to be expressed or cut loose upon the world around him yet.

​

[member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Stardust Bloodstone"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Shoden Moz"] ​

[member="Darlyn Excron"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"] | [member="The Whispering Tyrant"] | [member="Jairdain"]​

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori snickered when [member="Caedyn Arenais"] called her a Buckethead. Of course she doesn't own a set of Mandalorian armour yet. She has some light armour, but it's not the same thing.

Just as she was about to answer him, Uncle [member="Darlyn Excron"] and [member="Shoden Moz"] arrived. Lori grinned as Shoden took up the mantle of teasing Cae as well. It was just so awesome to see others close to their age around. Much better than hanging out with the grown ups all night long. And this gave her ample time for mischief as well.

Another grin was given as Cae admitted to her teasing him. The look in his eyes told her that he wanted to know what she had told [member="Beth Australis"] about him, and if any of it was bad. Witholding it for as long as possible, she then just shrugged. "I just told her that you smell. That's all." Lori snorted with laughter. "I'm only kidding. I told her that you are an awesome brother and that you've always got my back." Sure the two siblings had argued and fought growing up, but there was a lot of love there.

To his question about their Mom, Lori shrugged her shoulders again. "I dunno what she's up to. Pleasing everyone, probably pretending to be happy...." Sometimes she worried for her, always hoping that she'd be okay after Dad left. Lori was determined to find him some day, whenever she could escape her guardians.

"Let's see what food they have! I'm STARVING."

 

[Darben Skirae]

While Darben paid more attention to [member="Lady Kay"] and [member="Darlyn Excron"] and [member="Stardust Bloodstone"], Renla had her attention to [member="Shoden Moz"], [member="Loreena Arenais"] and [member="Caedyn Arenais"]. She got a bit of a smile, wondering what they were talking about. "What's this about a girlfriend?" Caedyn said it was just teasing, so she shrugged. She didn't have siblings, so didn't get how much siblings teased each other a lot. Then food was mentioned and she got excited. "Food?! Yes, let's go get some food!"

Meanwhile, Darben Skirae was talking with the older folk. That was until Renla attempted to drag him off, before he could even say hi to Stardust. "Guess we're off then" he said, chuckling nervously. No doubt he would get himself a drink. If not, he always had his handy flask with him.

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

The woman stood silently as she carefully observed those around her - watching the handful of guests that had already arrived and seemed to swarm around the Queen - whilst others continued to trickle into the venue. A soft smirk crossed her lips beneath the heavy hood as she brought her glass up to her lips once more, taking a sip of the sanguine liquid. Then her attention shifted to the Queen again, focusing upon her for a moment as she began to speak - telepathy was a beautiful thing - and she ensured that it would only be the Queen to hear her words.

"It has been sometime my old friend. When you can slip away, I shall be out on the balcony..."

Once more she took a sip from her glass, her movements graceful as she began to slowly make her way across the room before taking a moment to turn her head. The black void of the hood peering upon the Queen for a moment before a soft flash of golden hues were caught by a nearby light. The face beneath seemed to recoil slightly, a soft nearly whisper of a hiss escaping her lips before she slipped away once more. A soft breeze billowed out the cloak as she stepped into the night, taking a deep breath and drawing in the scent and smells of those around her.

Setting her glass down on the railing, she waited patiently, understanding that the Queen was very busy - though she also half expected that Kay would not come to her alone. A click of her tongue and a small hiss followed the thought that Adron may be at her side; for she saw the potential threat that the Imperial was to the Queen and Commenor itself - much more so than anything that she herself may have done. Gripping the glass before her with a firm grip, she finished the liquid before setting the glass down once more as she retrieved the crystal decanter from her person.

[member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Darlyn Excron"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Cato Marek"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"] | [member="Ravenfire"] | [member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"] ​

 

[Rahn Haaku]

As Rahn and Muroth shared drinks with other respected guests the Neimoidian caught a shape out in the corner of his eye. As he turned he saw the large headdresses, essential status symbols amongst his people, moving towards him through the crowd. He couldn't yet see their faces but his skin was already crawling and his drink had suddenly become bitter in his mouth. Rahn had barely the time to compose himself when the trio of Neimoidians broke through the crowd. "Muroth Duule, what a pleasure to see you here Baron Administrator" Purred the middle Neimoidian. "If we had known you would be in attendance we would have treated you lavishly." "Much better than what this grub could offer." Added the two other green/grey skinned aliens.

Rahn's nostrils would have flared if he had them, instead his skull sacs began growing larger with anger. Not only anger at the insults of calling him a grub but also anger at his own impotence. He was faced with three Cato Neimoidian Trade Federation Exec board members, the same group of hack clowns that had run him off Cato Neimoidia over 20 years ago. Rahn replied through gritted teeth. "What an honor to be in your presence."

"Indeed. Though your presence dishonors us. We are hear to talk lucrative business with the Baron Administrator, not talk with a government lackey." Bit back the center Neimoidian with a vicious smile. He would eventually be able to shame Rahn into departing simply by his wealth, size of hat and position in Neimoidian society.

For Muroth's part he looked somewhat uncomfortable. Whether it was because of his intoxication or the quiet confrontation happening in front of him, Rahn didn't know, however Muroth made no move to defend his friend. the Trade Federation remained a powerful entity and it was their droids slaving away on Kessel. Rahn received a wink from the Rybet and he knew that he must withdraw. Barely containing his frustration, Rahn gave a short bow to the Trade Federation and left to find more amenable conversation elsewhere.

As he left he heard the beginnings of Muroth and the Neimoidian's conversation, something about needing a larger investment?

 

[Kay-Larr]

[video]https://youtu.be/qveIUy7WLME[/video]


More and more people were joining the little gathering. Kay smiled and bowed her head to each of them. The quip by [member="Darlyn Excron"] did not go unnoticed. "Are you saying that we're boring?" Of course she didn't take any offence to that. On the contrary, Kay was glad that they could hold a little get-together without anyone crashing the party.

[member="Rahn Haaku"] appeared and with an entourage as well. That didn't surprise her, but her Minister did look a bit...ruffled. Kay furrowed her brows as she thought of what it could be. More than likely it had something to do with his home world, yet it wasn't her place to involve herself in their affairs without being asked.

The voice of [member="The Whispering Tyrant"] invaded her mind. Without her wedding rings, Kay's mind was more prone to being linked to in such a way. For a moment she stiffened, her eyes moving through the crowds of people to find it's source. And then she found it just as the woman slipped away to the balcony. ~...I will...~ Although she wasn't certain of just when that would be.

At the entrance to the ballroom she spotted her son [member="Bradshaw Ku"] and [member="Jairdain"] as they prepared to enter. It was quite the gathering. And soon it'll be time for her to let them know why she had asked them all to come.

Thankfully it wasn't for any bad news.

[member="Caedyn Arenais"] [member="Shoden Moz"] [member="Adron Malvern"] [member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Stardust Bloodstone"]

 

[Rys'sya]

Heels clicked a rapid staccato across the hardened floors of the corridors, as the young Miraluka panted in stressful exertion. She was running late. She'd sent invitations as her queen requested, but then got absorbed in her various other tasks. No, they didn't need to be done right then, but when the former Sith got into a groove, she couldn't stop progress. She realized all too late that she was well behind the clock. She wore a simple enough dress, with some of it's length held aloft in delicate fingers to minimize tripping hazard.

Minimizing being the operative word.

The young woman made an entrance in an impressive way. Coming through the door, the Force did little to forewarn her of the sudden cacophony of music that would distract her long enough for a mere inch of fabric to slip from her grip. this inch of cloth cascaded down to the floor, catching one of those fine heels she wore, which lead to the next step in the catastrophic chain of events that lead the young woman to fall, embarrassingly, to the floor. Hands shot out, fortunately, in time to prevent the young woman from making a terrible high-speed acquaintance between the floor and her face.

Kneeling, collecting herself the best she could, the young woman could feel the warmth flooding her face, and knew she simply had to be blushing. She was quite embarrassed, as it were. One didn't have every day a chance to impress on such a grand level. Excellent job Rys.... Now everyone knows the Queen as an inept assistant.... she thought bitterly, a wave of dizziness from the fall slowly passing.

[member="Jairdain"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"] | [member="The Whispering Tyrant"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"] | [member="Caedyn Arenais"] | @Brashaw Ku | [member="Adron Malvern"]​

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Darben Skirae"]

She smirked, nodding to lady kay before moving off with darben and renla. She looked over the assortment of food and smiled before glancing to the drink, then to darben as she nodded subtly, its a special occasion she didnt see the issue with a few drinks...even if she herself couldnt partake

again sorry im late. Council had way to much they had to ask, anyhow this food looks amazing

She started getting her plate of food. She glamced out to the party and stopped to simply take it all in. Been awhile since she had attended something like this and honestly it was missed a bit maybe she could convince darben to go to more

[member="Rys'sya"]@Lady Kay[member="Rahn Haaku"][member="The Whispering Tyrant"][member="Loreena Arenais"][member="Loreena Arenais"][member="Caedyn Arenais"][member="Jairdain"]

 

[Bradshaw Ku]

“This is going to be interesting. What do you think?”​

[member="Jairdain"] asked just before they passed through the ballroom doors to join the others already gathered inside. Bradshaw wrapped his right arm around her, holding her comfortingly close to him. His eyes twinkled, and the corner of his mouth rose ever so slightly into a shadow of the mischievous and charismatic smuggler’s grin he used to wear so frequently but which hadn’t been seen for some time. Though she couldn’t see any of it, the reemergence of some of his swagger was just as evident in his voice.

“With you and my family, it’s always interesting. You’ll fit right in.” He said and then the doors swung wide to admit the couple into the grand chamber, friends, and family ahead of them already in the middle of their conversations.

They started walking toward the group clustered around [member="Lady Kay"]. He was excited to talk to everyone, of course, but he couldn’t help feeling an extra pull toward [member="Caedyn Arenais"] and [member="Loreena Arenais"] his younger siblings who were quickly becoming not so young.

However, they only got halfway to the group before he heard a yelp and thump behind him. Turning toward the disturbance, he saw [member="Rys'sya"] kneeling on the floor, her face blushing with embarrassment. Bradshaw swiftly came to her side.

He bent down to her, “Are you all right, Rys’sya? Don’t get yourself too worked up, I’m sure there are Jedi Masters who couldn’t walk blindfolded in heels and a ball gown, I certainly wouldn’t want to try it,” he said with an empathetic chuckle hoping to ease her embarrassment. He reached his hands out to help her up, “Besides, you should’ve seen some of the foolish and embarrassing entrances I’ve made... on purpose.” If the young lady would follow him, he would walk with her and Jair to the group around his mother so that she wouldn’t feel so exposed.

Not wanting to continue to draw attention to her little mishap, he changed the subject once he joined the gathering. Looking over to Lori, he marveled for a moment at just how grown up she already looked. The same with her twin, Caedyn. He sighed silently to himself, it still felt like yesterday that they were just babies and toddlers.

Rudely interrupting whatever conversation she might have been having, with the authority and confidence of an older brother who felt lovingly entitled, he wrapped his arms around his sister in a brief but big hug. He then moved quickly to Caedyn and hugged him before the young man had an opportunity to potentially squirm away in adolescent embarrassment.

“Finally, I get to see the younglings together again. No doubt the prettiest and smartest Mandalorian in history,” he said smiling at Lori, “And soon to be the wisest Je’daii sage,” he said turning to Caedyn, “I’m honored.” Adding to his mother with a knowing wink, “Mom, you really should make them come by more often. The galaxy is such a dangerous place for a couple younglings.” He was clearly doing as an older brother should by overusing the term younglings for the young adults. He could poke fun with the best of them.

| [member="Stardust Bloodstone"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"] | [member="The Whispering Tyrant"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | ​

 

[Jairdain]

There was a small return of the Prince Jairdain had met initially, even if that had been when he was laying recovering in a hospital bed. Their subsequent outings, meetings, functions and time away had brought that out in him. The training she had put him through and what he learned on his own after they left had changed both of them. It would be most obvious with him though.

The humor in his words and attitude spread to her as Bradshaw wrapped his arm around her. Smiling as he did, it was one thing she couldn't do is hide her feelings. Anybody could see she was really happy. After the door opened for them, he started guiding them to a small gathering. Before they got there though, she felt Rys'sya come up close behind them.

If there had been anything she could do, Jairdain would have attempted to prevent the fall from happening. As it was all she could do was assist Brad in helping her friend up. He invited her to walk with them the rest of the way to the group after making sure she was okay.

Giving him a slight elbow to his ribs at his comment about the heals, blindfold and being a Jedi, Jairdain just shook her head. Over time their mental connection had grown and they could quite easily hold mental conversations. Her thought she directed only at him with a clear focus.

That blindfold is there because she has no eyes. Many people would freak out at the sight of that. She's a miraluka​.

Of course if he didn't know what one was, she would further explain things. Hoping to keep this between the two of them, she did not speak out loud.

Making their way to the gathered group, Jairdain would stay almost silent at his side. She gave Rys'sya a slight nudge of support. Other than Kay and Brad, the girl was really the only other person here she knew well. Kay's children she had met, but didn't hang out with very often. However, she felt the familiar presence of another person she knew. If the opportunity was given to her, she would go have a chat with Amelia this evening. It had been a long time since the night she had spent with her and Silfe.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori was too distracted with the prospect of getting some yummy food to notice [member="Rys'sya"] falling down. Plus the fact that the woman was behind her on the other side of the room didn't help either. So she didn't even notice her older stepbrother [member="Bradshaw Ku"] walk in. If she did, then she'd of been able to stop him as he grabbed her from behind in a big hug. "Brad!!"

She would have grabbed him, but he was already hugging [member="Caedyn Arenais"] . Gosh it had been ages since she had seen him. His remarks at first gave her reason to smile and hold her head up high. But then he had to tell their Mom to keep them at home? And kept calling them younglings?!

Lori rolled up some imaginary sleeves and approached Brad, poking her finger onto his chest. "I'll have you know that Mandalorians consider me an adult already. So if I'm an adult at 15, then you're ancient at...how old are you again? 55?" She stuck out her tongue at him and then wrapped her arms around him tightly. "I've missed you! And you should see what I've made! I have a rocketpack of my own that I built, plus I have my own starfighter! You should see me fly! I'll take you up some day, unless you get scared. Cae got scared. But you're brave, aren't you? For an old man, I mean." She grinned.

 

[Caedyn Arenais]

"Brad!" Caedyn spoke far louder than he intended to though he was both surprised and excited to see their older brother back in their present company, "Mom finally let you back indoors huh!?" He grinned, poking fun at [member="Bradshaw Ku"] as if to suggest he were an animal or some sort not fit for being inside the house and in this case, the grandiose hall. "You still need to teach me how to smuggle stuff, remember...-I didn't forget! You promised..." He continued with both that wide cheeky smile but also a sense of purpose and intent behind his words, they were definitely skills that he wanted to pick up for future ventures.

[member="Shoden Moz"] had arrived at their side and had already started to give Caedyn the 3rd degree on his supposed 'girlfriend' situation to which he sighed under his breath with an over-exaggerated look of disappointment, soon smiling through his mock-frustration at their cousin and shaking his head as if to imply none of it was true. "Beth's a girl I ran into during a pretend-war-practice sorta-thing..." He tried to elaborate so she could be on his side for once, wishful thinking of course, girls always lined up to tease him! "I tried to help keep her from getting hurt, that's all...-I was just being nice...-It doesn't mean nothin'...".

Glancing back to his sister, [member="Loreena Arenais"] made mention of his apparent fear the last time they shared a cockpit together. To this he didn't argue though he did give her a look that suggested she shush. "I wasn't that scared..." he muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes and soon elbowing her as if to make his point known. His voice however remained quiet and he turned back to glance towards their Mother [member="Lady Kay"] in order to see who else was showing up. He wondered if Kaine or [member="Beth Australis"] would be turning up, though he didn't dare ask out of the assumption that he'd never hear the end of it from his Sister.

Turning back to look to their older brother, Caedyn soon chuckled as Bradshaw expressed his honor in seeing them again, as well as emphasizing their youth. "It's not that scary now that Lori and I can fight and do all kinds of really cool stuff now..." He said almost intuitively alongside the remark his Twin made about her rocket pack; "-And I can use the Force and I'm a Journeyer now, the youngest one in the Je'daii Order" he beamed rather proudly.

​

​

[member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Stardust Bloodstone"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Shoden Moz"]​

[member="Darlyn Excron"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"] | [member="The Whispering Tyrant"] | [member="Jairdain"]​

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben Skirae stuck by Renla with [member="Stardust Bloodstone"] following with. He got himself some food, but not as much however. He didn't plan to eat that much today. "It indeed looks good" he said, putting a hand over her ringed hand with his own ringed hand. "Want to mingle a bit? I might just wander about once I'm done." Meanwhile Renla sat herself and there she ate what she had gotten. Which was mostly sweets. Despite her age, she was still a child at heart sometimes.

[member="Caedyn Arenais"] [member="Loreena Arenais"] @Jairdain @Bradshaw Ku [member="Rys'sya"] @Lady Kay [member="Rahn Haaku"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay showed immediate concern once [member="Rys'sya"] walked in and tripped. She was about to go and offer to help her, but [member="Bradshaw Ku"] was already there, with [member="Jairdain"] by his side. So instead she just stayed where she was and waited for them all to approach.

Both [member="Loreena Arenais"] and [member="Caedyn Arenais"] seemed to have not noticed him at all until he hugged them. Kay smiled as she watched them interact, wishing that Veiere and even [member="Rae-Anna Ku"] were there with them. Then their family would be complete. But that was just a pipe dream these days. It would never happen.

People were starting to go their seperate ways. [member="Shoden Moz"] , [member="Darben Skirae"] and Renla included. Kay looked to [member="Adron Malvern"] briefly before clearing her throat and raising her voice for them all to hear.

"May I have your attention, please. I'd like to say a few words. Thank you all for coming. It has been some time since we had been able to celebrate and have a lovely get-together. So tonight is all about you, my friends, my family, and our wonderful staff. Without you, our little alliance would only be a fraction of what it is. Without you, my life would be less enjoyable. You have my sincerest gratitude." She gave them a smile then complimented with a bow. "Now before I leave you all to drink and be merry, I'd just like to announce that a new dawn could be on the horizon. There is much turmoil within the major powers of the Galaxy. Internal politics is leading them down a path of self distruction. Already new governments are popping up and seeking to gain ties with us. Even singular planets are reaching out. Now I cannot promise that we will not become a target due to the chaos out there, but both myself and our Ministers will be working hard to do our very best for our people.

Enjoy yourselves tonight, everyone. And try to stay out of trouble." Kay winked, knowing full well that there were people in the room that loved to cause trouble for themselves. But it was always in good fun.

She looked to the band and gave them the signal to begin playing once again.

[video]https://youtu.be/qd4KMK8c3x0[/video]​

[member="Rahn Haaku"] [member="Darlyn Excron"] [member="Stardust Bloodstone"] [member="The Whispering Tyrant"]

 

[Darlyn Excron]

Whatever happened to Darlyn? He'd managed to get lost in thought, only brought back to reality when Kay spoke to the party assembled. Lovely words as always expressing her confidence in her ministers and gratitude to all present. It was predictable but nice to hear all the same. He gave her a little applause when she finished, and managed to align his thoughts again. What had he wanted to talk to Kay about.. there had been something on his mind. He reached out and put a hand on her shoulder, alerting her that he had something important to say to her. "Kay, when you have the chance sometime there's something we need to talk about in private. Have a wonderful night for now, though." He gave her a smile, before wandering off a bit. And by wandering off that meant straight to the nearest alcoholic drink.

Old habits never really died that well, and he'd rather not use his emergency whiskey yet if he could help it.

[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="The Whispering Tyrant"] | [member="Caedyn Arenais"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"] | [member="Rys'sya"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"]m | [member="Stardust Bloodstone"]

 

[Shoden Moz]

"Oh I see, so she's definitely a girl you're interested in." Shoden stuck out her tongue at Caed while Brad came in to greet his younger siblings. Brad? So this was the prince. She hadn't really gotten to see or get to know the man, like at all, so she had to go by what her dad said about him. The one handed, pink robe donning girl walked up to the crown prince, looking over him quietly. Since she was a full foot shorter, that meant a lot of looking up. It took her quite a while, but she did address Brad directly after making her judgement. "You don't look as weak as Dad sort of made you out to be. Still don't look all that impressive though. Just like an oversize kid to me, beard or not." She chuckled and glanced between everyone there.

"Gee, the adoptions are obvious in this family aren't they? Brad and myself I mean. Hardly looking the part at all. And as for you Mr. Journeyer," The girl walked over and reached out to poke the younger prince's nose. "I wouldn't brag if I were you. It's not going to make Beth ([member="Beth Australis"]) any more attracted than before. Plus it makes you look bad when a cripple like me outperforms!"

Of course there was something she needed to ask Lorie about, which meant she had to slip back towards her and whisper. "Are you allowed to fly by yourself?"

[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="The Whispering Tyrant"] | [member="Caedyn Arenais"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"] | [member="Rys'sya"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"]m | [member="Stardust Bloodstone"]

 

[Bradshaw Ku]

It appeared his dearest [member="Jairdain"] had misinterpreted his little comment to Rys’sya regarding her blindfold, and for it, he got a playful jab to the ribs. No good deed goes unpunished, he mused. Maybe she thought it insensitive? Thinking he didn’t know what the blindfold was there for? Considering his history, he couldn’t blame her.

But perhaps to her surprise, the well-traveled prince did know about Mariluka and knew why she was wearing the blindfold. He’d learned the hard way nearly a decade ago when he was still a poor, free spirited pilot for higher and wanna-be heart-breaker.

It involved two Mariluka women who, seeing they were blindfolded, he’d thought them easy prey. The decade old incident was blurry around the edges for him now, but it involved an ill-conceived pickup-line with aliens and ‘first contact’, not so subtle suggestions of a ménage of the third kind, and the activation of two lightsabers followed by another poorly thought out joke along the lines of, “are those lightsabers in your hands? Or are you gals just really excited to see me,” concluding in his violent removal from the cantina by means other than the door and threats on his life. The worst part, which he very much remembered, was the few people he might have called his friends never letting it down and at every opportunity, suggesting he ‘couldn’t pick-up a blind woman in a cantina if his life depended on it.’

All told, a normal Tuesday afternoon.

After that, he’d done a little searching on the holonet, to be better prepared for the next time he saw some attractive women with blindfolds.

Don’t worry, Jair, I know she’s a Mariluka and what the blindfold is for. It was a joke to help her feel better. Your sense of humor has grown, but sometimes I swear jokes still go over your head, he sent back to her through their telepathic bond. Considering the unflattering circumstances behind how he knew about Mariluka, he decided against elaborating further.

++__+++__+++__+++__+++__+++__+++___++

Bradshaw just couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at Lauri and Ceadyn’s prickled defensive responses to his calling them younglings and their own bantering back and forth about Caedyn’s lady friend, Beth ([member="Beth Australis"]). Shoden too, joined Lori in tormenting the boy. The laugh wasn’t at them so much as it was with them, they were just so darn cute when they pushed each other’s buttons.

An exaggerated shocked expression exploded onto his features when [member="Loreena Arenais"] told him she had built a rocket pack. “Wow, very impressive, that’a girl! Hell, if the Mandalorians think you’re an adult and you ride around on a rocket pack you built yourself, how can I possibly argue with all that?! Clearly, you’re growing up too fast. But here’s the thing,” he leaned in closer to her to whisper conspiratorially, “if you’re an adult, and I’m 55… how old does that make Mom? Prehistoric?” He chuckled and straightened up to talk normally.

“As for the rocket pack ride, that's an offer I obviously can’t refuse. I’ve never flown one before. Hopefully I won’t be as scared as Cae. And maybe after, I can show you what a real pilot can do in a fighter?”

Having turned his attention to his younger brother following the surprise hug, he responded to the lad’s witty retort regarding his being let inside, “Only on special occasions, and only if I’m on a leash at all times. You can’t tell, but Jair’s actually holding a remote for the shock-collar I’m wearing under my shirt and she packed plenty of little bags in case I make a mess.”

Then, a big outlaw smirk spread across his lips. He was powerless to stop it after [member="Caedyn Arenais"]' mention of teaching him how to smuggle. “Hmm-, well, a promise is a promise. But… I don’t know. Mom might not like you learning such seedy tricks, then again, I was much younger than you when I first learned the best way to pack spice into the septic system of a freighter without devaluing the cargo and look how I turned out. Sure, I’ll show you some things, but only if you promise to use your powers for good. I think Mom would kill me if I accidentally turned you into a hardened drug runner or something.”

“Nice to finally meet you too,” he replied to [member="Shoden Moz"]'s blunt greeting, which involved calling him a big child. Of course, he wasn’t at all offended, he’d spent far too much of his life with scum in the underbelly of the galaxy to ever be injured by insults, intentional or not, and especially not from a child.

“You should maybe work on your introductions. I’m the Crown Prince, didn’t Darlyn ever teach you to respect those in higher positions? -” He joked, then glanced over at the man in full Mandalorian armor, at a party, who was just now lasering in on the drinks station, “-what am I saying?! Of course, he didn't. Your father had a similar reaction when we first met years ago, didn’t care one bit if I was a prince or anyone else. And you know what, I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s taught you well.”

His eyes started to go wide in mock surprise when Shoden pointed out that the adopted kids were easy to pick out in the room. “Wha..what! What do you mean? Are you saying I’m adopted!” He cried out, as if he didn’t know, and then just chuckled to himself. He always was amused with himself enough that it didn’t much matter if other people were also similarly entertained by his antics and jokes.

After [member="Lady Kay"]’s speech, he Joined [member="Darlyn Excron"] and others in applauding. They needed this party. So much had happened the last couple years and a lot of it wasn’t good. But standing here, in a room filled with family and friends, by life, energy, and hope, somehow, and only for a moment, the woes of the past seemed to melt away.

When his Mother gave the signal to the band after her announcement for them start playing again, Bradshaw was struck by a thought; in this moment, with everyone gathered as they rarely were, there was no better time and place for his own announcement. If not now, then never.

Not having planned anything beforehand, he mysteriously left Jair’s side and walked over to the band where he tried to signal them to stop. Eventually they got the message and the room again fell into ambient silence. He cleared his throat. His heart beat faster in his chest. He started to get hotter.

Nervous. Why am I so nervous? Why is my mouth so dry?

“Friends and family,” he cleared his throat again, but not because it needed to be, it was a welcome gap to collect his thoughts, “I have just one more announcement before we can all get on with what we’re really here for, the food, drink, and conversations. I’m not very good at this sort of thing so, bear with me. As a warning, what I’m about to say may shock those who’ve known me the longest, so please, if you are not cleared by your physician to have your socks blown off, do take a seat so that we don’t have to carry you out later when you fly out of your shoes,” he joked.

“More seriously though, many of you know me as, among other things, a man who, let’s say, favored new love over old. I have been many things in my short life and a playboy was one of them for a very long time. Until now. Though she was originally hired to make me into a Prince, Jair went the extra mile and made me into more than a Prince, she made me fall in love. Maybe it was just that she took me away from all the other women and stranded me in a dessert for months,” he chuckled to himself, “maybe that’s what it took. But whatever it was, all I know is that by the end of my time away, I didn’t just come out of it, I hope, a better Prince, a better person, and a better follower of the Force; and isn’t that what those who are close to us meant to do? Bring out the best in us? Make us better? Well, in addition to all of that, I came out of that long experience…” a short pause, “engaged on top of everything else. Jair and I will be married shortly in a simple wedding. No ceremonial pomp and circumstance. The rest… is yet to be written. Now, go forth and be merry, enjoy this occasion of happiness as they come so infrequently.”

He then signaled for the band to begin playing again and walked back to stand with Jair. Where he belonged.

| [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Silfe Sosuri"] | [member="Stardust Bloodstone"] | [member="Rys'sya"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"] | [member="The Whispering Tyrant"] | ​

 

[Silfe Sosuri]

Hand on the doorway to the hall that led to a ballroom full of expectant and joyous faces, Silfe took a deep and steadying breath. She could go back, wait until there was no mass of strangers around, wait until the family was settled and not in the middle of hosting a soiree, but she just couldn't bring herself to turn back now that she was here. Much of her years absence were gone from her memory, but she felt the passage of time keenly. So with another steadying breath, Silfe stepped forward in glittering heels. Her gown flowed about her feet, black and red and stunning as always. Her hair was sleek and up out of her face, a face that was somehow different... older and perhaps wiser and maybe colder.

As she neared the ballroom, so grandiose and splendid, she could hear the lovely calm voice of the woman to whom she owed much. No doubt [member="Lady Kay"] would be quite surprised to see her after her long absence. Each step brought her closer to the ballroom and Lady Kay's voice grew louder. Then, it was done. Whatever speech Kay had given was over and the orchestra had begun to play. Silfe was almost to the open doorway when the sounds of music died away and a man began to speak.

Of course Silfe would recognize this voice above all others. [member="Bradshaw Ku"] had a tone of voice and way of speaking that she had longed to hear once more. Her heart leapt in joy and nervousness as she peaked around the corner to see past the multitude. There he was, as handsome and charming as ever. Nervous about speaking and being both endearing and awkward simultaneously. For a moment, she had not even processed his words, so happy was she to see him. Then her heart came crashing down as she realized what was being said.

Without realizing she was doing it, her feet had somehow began to bring her forward through the crowd slowly as he continued speaking. She felt like she was sinking but she was somehow still right here. The sensation was odd. He had fallen in love and it most definitely was not her. And then the last... the engagement announcement. Her dark eyes blinked in numb disbelief as her feet continued their disembodied movement towards him.

"...Now, go forth and merry, enjoy this occasion of happiness as they come so infrequently.”

Finally as she heard the last of his words, she shifted out from behind a rather large man and stopped. Silfe now stood where there was no chance of missing her. She was front and center, glamorous as most any person present and yet the look on her face, a mixture of disbelief and sadness, was unmistakable and incongruous with the celebration. The band began their playing but she barely heard it. The sound of her own beating heart pounded and raged in her ears drowning out everything.

What was this burning in her chest? This blackness on the edge of her vision troubled her as she looked from Brad to [member="Jairdain"] and back again. That couldn't be normal. Silfe realized as if in some nightmare, that she had stopped breathing. She took in a deep breath, easing the burning and vision trouble but it did nothing to change what she had heard.

"No." She said so softly, it was a whisper unheard by her through the pounding of her heart.

 

[Amelia von Sorenn]

The voices were mumbled somewhat over the distance from the ballroom to the balcony she stood upon in the night. A soft smile crossed her lips as she looked up at the moon - and had anyone been standing in front of her, they may have seen her face - though her attention just as swiftly returned to the glass that sat before her upon the railing. Carefully she once more pulled the crystal decanter free, pouring the sanguine liquid into the glass before setting the decanter down next to her. As she brought up the glass to her lips, she felt a tinge of sorrow that was slowly building to greater heights.

Taking a sip from the glass, she set it down before slowly pivoting upon her hind foot, her focus returning once more to the ballroom and those that stood within. In that moment she heard a small bit of muffled talking - having for the most part blocked out the boasting, toasts and speeches - though she heard what amounted to the announcement of an engagement. Stepping forward, she once more found herself among the others in the room, though as many began to flow forward to greet and congratulate the couple it may moving so much easier. The heavy cloak she wore trailed behind her, and in some instances she ensured that others would be free from her path.

Her golden hues then saw the familiar face and she understood for a moment the sorrow she had felt earlier. Reaching out, her hand carefully came to rest upon Silfe's shoulder - though the woman remained quiet. The hood of her cloak kept her face hidden save for a hint of the golden hues beneath that looked upon the young woman. A voice slowly slipping into her mind as she kept her hand still.

"Not here... Come with me."

Stepping forward a bit closer, the figure would place herself between Brad and Silfe, hoping she had moved quickly enough for the male to not notice the young woman - though it could not have been enough all the same. Leaning forward, enough so that Silfe could see into the hood, the familiar eyes and face of an old acquaintance would peer into her own eyes. A soft smile upon her lips before she motioned quietly towards the balcony she had once been inhabiting for most of the night already. In her mind she would rather there not be a scene when everyone else had come to enjoy a night of revelations.

[member="Silfe Sosuri"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Jairdain"] | [member="Darlyn Excron"] | [member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Cato Marek"] | [member="Rahn Haaku"] | [member="Ravenfire"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]​