A Night Of Celebration

[Adron Malvern]

​

​

There was so much cause for celebration on Illyria. It had been nearly a year since Adron had taken up the role as the planet's Monarch. In that time he had instituted a myriad of new laws and fiscal dedications. One of the most important accomplishments was the reconstruction of the Royal capitol, Azurine. The city had become a shining example of prosperity, and even now it was likely to become the envy of the galaxy. The towering buildings that seemed catch the eye of all who gazed at them, the rolling hills that surrounded the capitol were green and vibrant, but most noticeable was the Royal Palace which had cream walls of marble with silver and amethyst accents.

The night may have been dark, but Azurine was well lit. The entire city had opened itself into one amazing celebration. All across the streets, drinks and food flowed freely. The skies had become lit with expansive light shows that spanned half of the city.

Most in the galaxy had been welcomed to this joyous occasion, because it was a celebration that marked so many memorable moments for the world. With the completion of the capitol, the world of Illyria had opened itself to the galactic scene and made itself available to travelers and commerce once again. With this, the government had been established, with the Monarchy ruling ahead of all others. For such a thing, a coronation would be held in the near future, that would allow Adron and Alessandra to present themselves as King and Queen of Illyria.

The throne room within the Royal Palace had been converted into a massive banquet hall, with Adron and Alessandra sitting upon their thrones, waiting for the banquet to begin.

​There were noticeable differences about the two, things that had never been that now presented themselves. For both of them, their left hands held a small token, an ebony ring topped with an amethyst jewel. It was a sign that the two had been married. They had done it away from all that surrounded them. Away from The Confederacy, away from the rest of the galaxy that may have abused such a day. Few were even aware that the wedding had occurred until it was already over. This night was partially in celebration of that unity, the unity that had created this city and the prosperity that this world enjoyed.

Still, while music filled the Grand Hall, the King of the world allowed his head to rest against his hand. There was a blissful expression that came as his eyes trailed over to Alessandra. His beloved was a divine sight, with every time he looked to her being even greater than the last. But for once, the man had found something that he believe to be Alessandra's equal. As he looked to her lap, a smile crept over his face. The young baby, that sat there enamored by the sights and sounds that filled the hall. He stayed close to his mother, yet his curiosity was showing itself and that caused Adron to chuckle a bit.

​

Aries Vailyn Malvern​

​

​

​

The Royal Guard, who lined the hall, seemed to be even more alert than usual. They knew how precious a moment had been conjured and they stood prepared to engage any and all to preserve that moment. Still, Adron enjoyed this moment. His amethyst eyes showed a bright light that had been missing for well over two decades. "Aries certainly seems well engaged." He chuckled, the boy certainly favored his mother. The chocolate eyes and brown hair were prominently passed from mother to son. Still, he had Adron's jaw and nose which were slightly less noticeable, but there all the same. The man could not help but hold that same smile for some time. His eyes rose and he looked up, excited for those who had come to see the scion of House Malvern. It would be quite a spectacle.

Spoiler

[member="A'Runda"]
[member="Adelle Bastiel"]
[member="Alden Akaran"]
[member="Alkor Centaris"]
@Ari Riggs
[member="Ashara Evanaris"]
[member="Beric Layne"]
[member="Bullwark"]
[member="BX-1335"]
[member="Amelia von Sorenn"]
[member="Aston Jacobs"]
[member="Aya Clarke"]
[member="Caesar Kenway"]
[member="Corvus Dravere"]
[member="Credius Nargath"]
[member="Cypher Raige"]
[member="Damsy Callat"]
[member="Darth Tacitus"]
[member="Daxton Bane"]
[member="Destroyer 2873"]
[member="Erin Tenel"]
[member="Eli-Mae Forrest"]
[member="Fawn Alzi"]
@Faye Irithiel
[member="Gerwald Lechner"]
[member="Havoc (CT-375)"]
[member="Holt"]
[member="IG-65A"]
[member="Ingrid L'lerim"]
[member="Ithiel Vi'Dreya"]
[member="Jayce Pryde"]
[member="Jenmae Ophiro"]
@Joannis Campbell
[member="John Locke"]
[member="Jorge"]
[member="Josh Dragonsflame"]
[member="Jyoti Nooran"]
[member="Karlie Lynn Destat"]
[member="Kasca Fen"]
[member="Kathryn Foster"]
[member="Kayla Wylen"]
[member="Kiff Brayde"]
[member="Kingsley"]
[member="Krystal Estain"]
[member="Kurayami Bloodborn"]
[member="Kurenai Yumi"]
[member="Kyber"]
[member="Kyrinov"]
[member="Lirka Ka"]
[member="Luna Terrik"]
[member="Luna Vega"]
[member="Lyla Quinn"]
[member="Maani"]
[member="Maple Harte"]
[member="Maria Savilia"]
[member="Maur"]
[member="Mauer"]
[member="Muad Dib"]
[member="Nine Lives"]
[member="Oax Ordo"]
[member="Petra Cavataio"]
[member="Pom Stych Tivé"]
[member="Qaarssk Roark"]
[member="R4-AUD"]
[member="Razelle Breuner"]
[member="Roy Americus"]
[member="Rylan Kordel"]
[member="Sor-Jan Xantha"]
[member="Srina Talon"]
[member="Subject 73 Red"]
[member="Talon Rahl"]
[member="ToKola Bakari"]
[member="Teyla Riggs"]
[member="Tess Valnora"]
[member="Vanric Dannon"]
[member="Veronika Fleischer"]
[member="Voph"]
[member="Vyra Silara"]
[member="Vyse Valorous"]
[member="Vytal Noctura"]
[member="Willow Fae"]

 

[Carbon]

For once, he was going without. He felt naked, exposed, and entirely out of his depth, but it was high time he did things as he was supposed to: alone. His typical ragtag band of personalities had been left behind, as they couldn't stomach being dragged to another formal or social function when they'd much rather be spending their time training. Carbon's training had included a bevy of martial disciplines, but he'd gotten an extra focus on the need for socialization and networking, as to go without would only hamper you when the time for war came. While you made enemies from simply existing, it was much harder to acquire allies without putting in the work necessary to cultivate loyalty.

Not that he expected to ever amount to anything more than a particularly accurate gunslinger.

A city wide party, though? In Wild Space? Well, that sounded fun. And if they were lucky, someone would try to ruin it. He hoped they would. Nothing better than a rolling gunfight to put your CQB training to the absolute test. But the guard weren't keen on letting him keep his weapons, so he was having to go without. That added to the sense of isolation he felt. He'd gotten quite used to keeping a blaster at his hip - especially when he'd spent several months on Haseria, enjoying the distinct... culture of that particular breed of Mandalorian.

It was why he'd shown up looking as he had, complete with black vest and white collared shirt. It wasn't high society but then again, no one would expect a clone to show up in a suit worth many people's yearly income. Adjusting the set of his hat, he looked around, wondering if they should wait to be shown where to sit, or if he should just find some food and help himself. Some liquor wouldn't be a bad idea, either.

"poodoo, what even are the SOPs for a banquet?" He muttered to himself beneath his breath. Making a mental note to check his manuals later, he inhaled deeply and panned his eyes to the thrones ahead. The Confederacy was an odd place, but monarchs? Well, he had gotten quite used to them.

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: Landing platform, outside the Grand Hall
Wearing: Golden dress, purple-black stockings, lightsabers clipped to belt
Mental state: Teasing
Tags: [member="Cali Ziiva"]

​

Click. Click. Click. Click. Click. Click.

The sound of the apprentice’s heels echoed into the night as the shoe collided with the metal of the landing platform. The shuttle, carrying her guest for the night, should have been here by now. She had sent it to Naboo with plenty of time to spare and was even hoping to spend the day exploring Illyria with the Zeltron before the grand party that night. Instead, she had been left on the landing platform, trying to keep her anxiety down. Her partner in crime had called ahead to tell her that they would be arriving later than she was originally planned, but would still make it in plenty of time for the party that night.

Now, Xobos was beginning to doubt that. Ambrus teasing her in the back of her mind certainly didn’t help matters whatsoever. “Never know. Could’ve stood you up. Or hyperspaced directly into an asteroid belt. Which would be preferable, little master?” Xobos just grumbled a response, not really wanting to dignify the worries that were swirling in her mind. All she wanted was the pink woman, standing next to her, with a chance to meet the apprentice’s master on a night he actually seemed quite happy. The moment was opportune. And all she needed was for her friend to be here.

Click. Click. Click. Click.

Then, as if it were a gift from whatever gods ruled the galaxy, she saw the lights of the shuttle piecing the night’s cloudy sky as it descended toward the platform. Xobos quit her pacing, trying her best to keep still. A hearty smile stretched across her face as the shuttle landed, the landing ramp slowly meeting the durosteel platform. The night was still young, and soon, the pair could be dancing the night away.

 

[Kaden Farr]

Location: The Bar
Wearing: xxx
Tag: [member="Daisy Americus"]

Kaden was not used to formal things. When he was with Yasha anything formal meant that he was in his armor, or some kind of Atrisian outfit. He did not like the way the fabrics he had been forced into itched. That was why when word was sent out regarding a planet wide celebration to celebrate the birth of Exharch Malvern’s son Kaden almost frowned. His mind when right to the fact he might have to wear an itchy suit.

The warrior was far too accustomed to life on Haseria now. It was more laid back than the planet he now found himself on. The celebration was fancier than anything he had ever seen in his life. He was not sure Daisy was going to be about super fancy and frilly, but there was one thing Kaden knew would pique her interest. Kaden Farr threw down the gauntlet in regards to their last drinking competition.

Daisy outdrank him last time, and Kaden had woken up with a splitting headache. Her brothers’ moonshine was no joke, and there was nothing weak about it. Kaden remembered the first sip had made him cough with the way it had burned his throat. She had laughed with a look that had said ‘I told you so,’ and while Kaden did not admit it to her, she had been right. Kaden had gotten hooked on the moonshine however, and found himself searching it out whenever he could get his hands on it.

There was one thing Kaden could say for himself at least, he cleaned up nice. The suit he was wearing was a charcoal gray, pressed flat with a white shirt and tie to match the suit. His hand tugged at the collar as the tie he was wearing made everything tight around the neck. All he could hope was that Daisy appreciated the effort, and would like how he looked. Everything about the effort he was putting in for the night was for her. He promised her a night out on the town, why not a planet wide party.

The blonde on his arm was stunning, and Kaden smiled as he looked over to her. Of course his feet took them straight to the bar.

“So what kind of booze do you think they’re gonna have here, ner cyare*,” Kaden asked with an eager grin on his face. “It is an open tab… no limit so… you ready to see if you can manage to out drink me again?”

Yes, Kaden was poking fun, but because it was fun. Daisy was fun. Kaden could have remained the dark and stoic man his life had made him, but not with Daisy around. While Kaden still projected himself as a stoic person, Daisy could always make him smile. She had been there for him every step of the way. Daisy had been there for almost every nightmare, every cold sweat, and flashback of what life in the Netherworld had been like. She helped him build his house, but in many ways she had made it feel like home. That was why despite the suit, and despite how formal this party was, Kaden was determined to let his hair down as they said, and have a good time.

Daisy deserved a night where Kaden was not fighting, not thinking about missions, and not running off to whatever trouble he could find. Tonight was all about the blonde who had managed to get under his skin and into his heart.

Spoiler

ner cyare: my love

 

[Alessandra Creed]

​

Location: Illyria [Azurine] - Palace - Throne Room​

Wearing: Queen Stuff [Save Me]​

Sitting: w Child - Near [member="Adron Malvern"]​

_____________________________​

​

Illyria.

Her heart fluttered in her chest far too quickly. Her pulse raced, mostly, against her will. Marrying [member="Adron Malvern"] had been the easiest decision she had ever made. Her parents ([member="Gunther Creed"] and Valessia Brentioch) had been sent a notification as well as an invitation to the event. She had chosen to wed the former Count of Serenno far away from prying eyes due to the child that would soon be born. Alessandra wanted him to know where he came from. She wanted him to have his father’s name—Despite being incredibly proud of her heritage.

She was dressed in clothing she would have never picked on her own. Embroidered, fancy, and completely fit for someone that had ascended into royalty. Alessandra was uncertain. Still. People were addressing her with honorifics that she had never heard before. Swathed in sparkling fabric that held moving shades of blue and purple and a thin, thin tiara, she was almost afraid to move. Only the soft noises of her son playing with the beading on the front of her gown kept her seated and calm.

Adron looked as if he had born for the role. He’d been raised in nobility. Ale…Ale had been raised to be a loyal daughter and a free-thinker. She’d been spoiled, certainly, but this? This was new. They called her very vocally: Queen. Your Highness. It was more than she knew how to accept.

But—She would. She had to. She had never asked for this, never wanted this, but to have the man she loved it was unavoidable. For her family, for her child and husband, she would learn how to rule while balancing her duties as a Minister. At some point, perhaps, she may need to resign to manage the day to day but that had not become an issue thus far.

Deep, dark eyes, turned toward Adron out of habit. Only to catch his gaze. For that brief moment she felt everything slow down and the steely eyed acumen she was known for returned. A brief glimpse of what she would be one day, at his side, when given time to acclimate. He commented on their son and a smile pressed itself across crimson lips. “Your child knows how to behave.”, Alessandra countered softly, careful, to keep her hand behind the back of little Aries. He could sit up on his own but occasionally it was touch and go.

He had inherited many things from her. The darker complexion and the perfect slanting nose. Delicately scrolled ears that would no doubt grow as he did. Sadly, he had also inherited her bone structure. He was far heavier than he looked and was currently putting her legs to sleep. Alessandra leaned down to kiss the crown of his head while dark hair slipped around her shoulders in curling waves.

Suddenly—He let out an ear-piercing squeal. It wasn’t a sad noise, but one of joy, and perfect happiness. Her gaze followed his sight and she could only sigh when she realized what, or more importantly whom, her son was so enamored with. A white-haired woman that her husband also seemed to share a distinct weakness for. Her eyes rolled.

Like father like son.

 

[Faye Malvern]

Location: Entering the Throne Room
Wearing: [xxx]​

[member=Alden Akaran]​

Illyria was a towering spectacle that, on numerous occasions, Faye had remarked that none other than Adron could rule. They both fit each other like a glove, the city and the man, and over the past year that Adron had ruled there, Faye came to know it as a second home. The skyline was much the same as Serenno had been, the people held many of the qualities she had grown used to in her youth, but most importantly… her brother was happy here. He was at peace here. He had taken the mantle of ruler, once snatched so cruelly from his hands, and made something beautiful of it. Faye was proud of him, and the family he had sired.

Little Aries was perhaps the soul reason Faye had dragged herself and Alden out from their busy lives to visit Serenno. Of course, the coronation and visiting Adron and Ale was as well, but her nephew was the apple of her eye. The thought of having him wrapped in her arms giggling at the games they played was enough to make the Minister beam. Yet, that smile came hand in hand with nerves. Nerves that twisted her stomach in knots. This was the first official outing that Faye and Alden had attended together, openly, as a couple.

Faye fussed affectionately over her partner's crisp suit. There was nothing physically wrong with it, there never was, it was just something to keep her hands busy. They had both chosen a colour that suited them best. Purple, one to reflect their allegiance to the Confederacy, and one as a mark of respect for the house they were here to honour. ‘Are you nervous?’ Her ebony eyes flitted from the perfectly crafted material wrapped around his neck to the bright blue eyes she had grown so fond of. Their relationship was nowhere near new now, they had spent enough time together for Faye to realise that she could no longer live without him. So, where best to announce their intentions for each other than her brother's coronation? Perhaps the festivities would distract any who hadn’t already guessed what was going on between the two.

‘Ready?’ She offered him a sugar-sweet smile that placed gentle dimples into her sun-kissed skin. Her free hand reached down to enlace her fingers around his and tug him gently toward the incredibly decorated set of double doors. When they were thrown open Faye was met with a most dazzling sight. The throne room had been dressed in silver and purple, littered with the sigil of house Malvern. At the very end of the room was her brother [member=Adron Malvern] and her sister-in-law [member=Alessandra Creed], with little Aries nestled on his mother’s lap. They both looked as regal as Faye had always thought them to be.

Royalty definitely suited them, as it did most Malverns.

 

[Srina Talon]

Where am I: Throne Room
Who am I With: Standing Across From [member="Adron Malvern"] and @Alessandra Malvern | Standing Beside [member="Aryn Teth"]
Who am I Nearby: [member="Faye Malvern"]
What am I Wearing: Suitable Attire

---

The walk through the streets of Azurine was lofty and slow.

Srina didn’t mind. Her fingers were wrapped in the hand of the man that seemed to hold on to the last dredges of her humanity. There wasn’t much left. Not anymore.

For the rest of the Confederacy she was a terror. A ghost, as of late. Her appearances had been less and less while she learned to control the even-flow of the Darkside that raked through her core. It was purifying. Agonizing. The price was too high. The reward too little. “The city looks different.”, she commented quietly. Her voice was deceptively light. Like the bells of morning or a birdlike chirrup in the distance. No one would suspect that she could raze everything the starlight touched to the ground.

At first glance—Time seemed to have reversed. The Exarch of the Confederacy had not worn white since they’d gone to War on Kuat. Shades of gray, black, and red but not a shred of the ivory color she was so well known for. Tonight, was different. A plain gown of thin velvet in the shade of eggshell held to her form as if she had been poured into it. Her hair seemed to be almost opalescent as it flowed down her back in rivers of molten silver. Along her neck and chest sat a golden cage.

Flowered, for the occasion.

Deadened mercurial eyes swept over the Royal Guards that took their invitation without mercy. She reeked of perfection. A work of art. Beauty, that killed. So dangerous that breathing the same air was a potential hazard. The soldiers were on high alert and seemed to stand a little straighter when they matched her name to the guest list. It didn’t help that Aryn seemed to tower over most of them. The electric blue markings that the application of nanotech had left him with were something to behold. Srina felt better of them that they didn’t run away bleating. Their apprehension, their terror, felt good in the back of her mind. Delicious.

“Right this way…”, they ushered the pair through.

It was a formal affair. Black tie. Complete with impractical footwear that she would soon leave beneath the nearest table. She believed in standing tall. For [member="Adron Malvern"]—She would walk into the palace with her head held high. She would refrain from lashing out. She would lock the Force away and tend to newfound violent tendencies on her own time. She would do what she had come here to do.

Any fool that got in her way would have everything she could throw at them and more. Heaven forbid, someone decided to be that stupid.

As they walked into the Throne Room the sights and sounds of people laughing and having a good time assaulted her senses. It was banquet, clearly. Food laced every available surface while the liquor was free flowing. Her hand did not leave that of her affianced. At least, not until they reached the front of the room, and a shrill cry touched the air. Silver eyes snapped toward the new Queen of Illyria with the fierceness of a hawk. There was nothing her gaze that promised anything but suffering.

Only…The child that sat in his mother’s lap could only laugh shrilly. Delighted. Srina approached the dais and held her arms out toward the babe. Reluctantly, Alessandra Malvern let him go, and the Exarch immediately tucked the youngling against her body. It was innate. Joyful gurgling noises floated up and she could feel little fingers get lost in her hair. They pulled. Not too tight—But her expression never changed. If it hurt no one would ever know.

“Congratulations.”

The word was singular. True. Silver eyes flickered over Alessandra and then Adron. They were a fitting couple. Two parts of a whole. Her attention was stolen by little Aries and she backed up into Aryn. It was her Godson. She had not seen him in weeks. She would hold him. Protect him.

“He looks like you. Both of you. He will either be very pretty or very handsome—I cannot tell which.”

Echani eyes missed nothing. They moved down when he began to play with the golden jewelry about her neck. The glass beads over her arms made soft chiming noises and it only served to make Aries burrow into her further. For such a slender woman holding him he seemed determined to get the most of out it. He wasn’t too sure of the tall man beside her though.

He seemed okay. Maybe.

The doors to the Throne Room opened and the curious boy peered over the shoulder of the Exarch at the sudden movement. Now, he may not have been sure about the tall man standing with his Godmother but he was ten-thousand percent sure about the woman that walked in the door. More happy sounds and baby talk. Of course his Aunt, [member="Faye Malvern"], would definitely understand what he was trying to say. This was a very good day for Aries Malvern. All of his favorite people were in one place at the same time.

Srina did not turn. Not out of dismissal, but simply, because she could feel who it was. There was no need to waste the energy. No danger. No concern.

 

[Cali Ziiva]

Location: Landing Platform, Grand Hall
Wearing: Navy practically black halter neckline with sheer fitted bodice embellished with beading
Tags: [member="Xobos Yakieer"]

A minute went by in silence. Then a pink-floof of a head poked into the doorway. Cali's eyes beheld a Miraluka in waiting and instantly the rest of the Zeltron followed, and skittered down the walkway. Her pink arms were thrown open wide as she cried out, "Xo-bos!" The click of her heels were in time with a mariachis and they hadn't even gotten to the dance floor yet.

"Xobos," Cali cried again as the distance closed and she could wrap her arms about the Miraluka's waist. The Zeltron spun about the evening's partner with Xobos in her arms. "Oh. My Chocolate. You totally wouldn't believe what happened on the way here. First, there was this giant space-worm that tried to eat us. Fortunately, we fly faster than they, uh, whatever. Then, there were pirates! They boarded us and everything. But you know me, I talked em through it and we all parted amicably. Maybe they'll even rethink a thing or two!"

Cali's head tilted to one side. "Oh, and I think the pilot mentioned something about the flight controls or something. I dunno, what's really important is I'm here! With you. All night long." With a giggle she'd lean in to kiss the Miraluka if Xobos hadn't already moved to do so. Words, words, words. Who needed words when you had a pretty woman in her arms, right? Okay, some words, but actions spoke louder.

 

[Adron Malvern]

​

[member="Carbon"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"] | [member="Alessandra Creed"] | [member="Faye Malvern"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Cali Ziiva"] ​

​

Nine months of an emotionally distressed Alessandra had made Adron hypersensitive to the subtle shifts of the woman's demeanor and temperament. The moment the woman's emotions seemed to show a slight turn, the King's eyes rose to see the pristine white form that stood approaching. He had sensed the subtle ripples in the Force that her presence often brought on and it caused his smile to turn into a slight chuckle. He watched as Aries raised his arms, eager to greet his Godmother with a playful embrace. The Exarch looked to his counterpart with a neutral expression, still it held a warmth that few were allowed. He nodded his appreciation at her compliment, before looking back to Alessandra. "We'll have to be careful. The women will surely flock to him early on." He chuckled a bit more before standing from his throne. He'd been sitting for long enough and it was beginning to be a pain.

He held a hand out to Alessandra, a silent request for her to stand by his side. It was how things should be. Alessandra Eva Malvern, was ever by his side. When they stood, Adron passed Aryn a nod, one that was not quite approving, yet there was enough there to show the King did not think little of the man. He was paused when one of his guard approached him, leaning over and whispering into his ear. Adron paused for a moment before holding up a hand in silent dismissal.

"It seems the Princess has arrived." He remarked, turning his eyes towards the main entrance where [member="Faye Malvern"] was making her way. Adron smiled at the young woman. His ascension to King meant much for Faye as well. She was the "Princess" of the Kingdom and quite a heartthrob amongst the Nobles of the Kingdom. Adron could not count on both his hands how many proposal requests he received a day for her hand. Each promised dowry was larger than the last. Still, Faye had yet to reveal her intentions on the matter and Adron had no reason to sell his sister off for such a low price. No, she was a princess, which meant she was befit to marry someone of a Royal line, not merely one of noble blood.

 

[Daisy Americus]

Location: Throne Room [Bar/Lounge]
With: [member="Kaden Farr"]
Wearing: - x - x - x -
__________________________

She couldn’t walk.

Daisy was so flustered that she was just barely managing not to cry. Her face was covered in paint and by golly her feet were both lefties. She was doing her best not to lose it before some of the most influential members of the Confederate community but she found it exceedingly difficult. She held a clutch in one hand that had a little slugthrower hidden in it. Somehow—She’d gotten it past the guards. She didn’t want to talk about how.

Hiding a tortured sniffle, she held on to Kaden for dear life. He seemed to be taking everything in stride. From the monkey suit to the tie he had adapted to fancy living far better than she had. She kept glancing down at herself, terrified, that she was going to somehow fall out of it. Armor was good. So good. So functional. Why wasn’t it proper here?

Kaden asked her what she wanted to drink and in all honesty? It was everything she could do not to spit out “everything” and “anything” as long as the alcohol content was sufficient. Just to take the edge off. She was nervous around all these forcies, guards, and holy bantha balls was that a baby? “…Ah’m going to fall over. Ah’m going to fall over. Kaden Farr ah swear to all things if you let me fall, I will set your closet on fire.”

She shimmied along beside him while they headed toward the long and kad forsaken elegant bar. Booze. Now. Daisy managed to sit down in in a plush chair and only then could she breathe again. Her cheeks were tinged with pink. Malverns, yay! Hot chit. Couldn’t they just roast a pig in the ground and have a nice cold brew by the lake? For a long moment she let her face hide in her arms while she bent over. At least he glass bar top was cool to the touch.

“Ah’m a kad darn banana. A sparkily, pink, banana. Ah look ridiculous.”

Daisy had taken advice from a few of the ladies in Golbah City about what to wear to an event like this. What did she know about being in the presence of royalty? Golden hair had been pulled up into a perfect coif, studded with little pearls, which made her look the part. Only winsome features let her pass for more than just a backwater misfit. “Bring me your strongest.”, she muttered to the bartender when he stopped to take their orders. “Make it a double, ya hear?

Slowly she sat up. Slouching was the devil’s handiwork after all. Since they had found seats, a place to relax, Daisy slowly tried to unwind and find a nice calming frame of mind. The young Mandalorian leaned from her chair and let her form press against Kaden’s. If she could have hidden in him? She would have. “Ah’m so embarrassed…Why did they have to make this dress so tight?”

Moreover—Why had she skipped the fitting? She’d just assumed it would be fine. She could breathe. That was nice. But moving? Fighting? Oh, no no no. Impossible.

Impossible.

“What good is a Mandalorian that can’t fight?”

__________________________

 

[Athena]

Location: Throne Room [Main Hall]​

With: [member="Carbon"]​

Wearing​

______________________________________​

​

This was a curious world. The people were different than she was used to. The night had come alive once the sun went down and the entire city seemed to be celebrating. Athena walked with a friend that she had made while wandering the local shops. There was nothing of intrinsic value in most of them. Nothing she could use to make her business of slicing more profitable. But, there were items that were pleasing to the eye. Crystals that hung from ceilings and reflected rainbow fractals that her caused her internal systems to spin. Calculating the points from which the light emitted and when it would diffuse.

The seemingly young woman saw a never-ending pattern. Fractals. The light created a paradox that was amazingly simple and yet infinitely complex. The concept for some seemed to be new—Yet the HRD Unit knew it to be older than the dirt between the cracks in the smooth paved streets.

The auburn-haired automaton found value in these projections for the same reason she found value in a snowflake. There was a sense of kinship in the self-similarity. As enhanced eyes looked closer and performed a full evaluation, she could see a replica of the whole. It was a beautiful mathematical statement.

She liked that. Math was true. Numbers, did not lie.

People did.

Athena had spent an indecent amount of credits on anything that passed her fancy. On a foreign world, far away from Lithios, she wanted to experience as much as she could. Her memories were incomplete. She could not restore the corrupted data but she could make new replacements. Overlay the old, ghost fragments, with new. The friend that had insisted they stop to see the newly crowned royalty of Illyria had insisted they visit the palace. The excitable humanoid had an invitation after all.

Apparently, her father, very wealthy, had done copious amounts of business with Alessandra Creed before she had been given the title of Queen. It was only right that they paid respects.

The replicant chose red. It was brought. Bold. An emotionally intense color that symbolized the significance of the event. Most importantly - It was not the colors of Illyrian Royalty. They favored purple. Much like the Droid Nation. In this respect—There would be no offense.

Athena moved through a large room at a slow pace. It was filled to the brim with organics. Young and old. They laughed, danced, and greeted each other with familiarity. Her internal sensors ran facial recognition on automatic. The HRD gave the King and Queen a wide berth. Her friend…Her friend had disappeared with an extremely eligible bachelor. The automaton knew, statistically speaking, that she would not see her friend again before morning.

This left her to her own devices.

A man in a peculiar hat caught her attention. Scanners ran. Her head tilted. It was hard to get accurate details when she could not see his face. His height and approximate weight were common. Athena felt curiosity begin to stir. She’d begun her life as a form of artificial intelligence. She was programed to learn. To adapt. To want to learn and adapt. Enhanced audio sensors picked up his inquiry. Athena ran it through the data stream for possible solutions to his query.

What was the standard operating procedure at a banquet like this?

A waiter passed by and the auburn-haired replicant stole two drinks from the tray. She wove through a few throngs of people, elegant, because there could be no error. No misstep. Her dainty form stopped before the bearded organic [[member="Carbon"]]. “Take this.”

“According to the HoloNet—SOP is to drink large quantities of alcohol. This will help you achieve that goal.”

 

[Carbon]

Location: Main Hall
Next to: [member="Athena"]​

The routine was down pat by now upon entering a room, small or large. Step inside. Scan for the important things; overt threats, escape routes, access terminals, security systems. His eyes had passed over everyone that wasn't a guard, as they were the most overt threat in the room. But he studied them with a careful eye, taking his time. Then he repeated the sweep. And that was how he'd missed the woman who was approaching him, a drink in her hand. To call her beautiful would be doing a disservice to the true nature of language - the ability to put the indescribable into words. And yet, his vocabulary failed to adequately describe what he was seeing.

Then it sank in, in the way a snowflake melts upon contact with skin. She was the afterimage of a relationship; beautiful, poignant. A yearning for a past that was no longer within reach. It hurt, looking at her. Her words, though, seemed off. It wasn't something he could place, but as he took up drink in one hand, he tipped the brim of his hat to her.

"I don't think it's in anyone's best interest for me to drink large quantities of alcohol." Because he'd never had it before, and knew that it was only going to end poorly for himself, those around him, as well as his dignity - and not necessarily in that order. The hall was filling up, though, and his inability to maintain total control of the area around him was going to eventually require some sort of sedative to quite his racing thoughts. Already, his hand itched for a blaster. Already, he was annoyed by the fact this was a reception for royalty. "But thank you." He adds, his voice little more than a gruff baritone, rough as bark beneath your fingertips.

Taking a moment to sniff the drink, he decided it had to be wine based on it's color, sweet smell, and what he knew of glassware choice when it came to alcoholic beverages.

"Do you know... where we're supposed to sit?" He asks, a bushy brow raising beneath the shadows of his hat. Despite his rough skin and tired eyes, he was clearly young - experience had roughened him, and his beard added a few years. "Or is it just a free for all until it's standing room only?"

 

[Darth Elyria]

Location: Unknown Rooftop w/[member="Darth Metus"]​

​

“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.”​

​

---

​

---

From her vantage point the gilded city below appeared to be doll-houses. Dreadfully bored, unnerved, and craving a new glass of deep dark wine she impatiently awaited the return of her sable-skinned companion. He had promised her a drink, or, one of these decorated Royal Guards to play with. They were so skittish. The onyx-eyed female sat in a black throne made of nothing. It was shadow made real. Primordial dark that took form at her will. Her fingers rose to hover over her eyes and she imagined that she controlled every move of the denizens below.

They were dolls without thought, feeling, or wishes. Each had only ever been born to serve her. If they had no use it was only their purpose, to provide her with sustenance, and to die quietly. Without screaming or speaking of their pains in words or art. Elyria would keep them on a hangman’s tightrope that they were born to walk until their inevitable, fateful, slip. She would eat their dreams. Devour their hope. There was…Only the dark. The blissful, dreaming, terrifying dark.

Shadow slid around her form with the softest caress. It was intimate in a way that most would question whether or not there some sort of intellect hidden in the unfathomable depths. Her dark attire did not break the illusion. Red lips, kohl outlining endless eyes, and nails that seemed designed for swift and painful enucleation. She did not like the fabric. It itched. Nothing could be more luxurious than what she could create herself but Metus had insisted that this was appropriate.

Why did she care about protocol and suitable garments?

The stark pitch of her armor was comfortable enough. It also offered more protection. Her hand fell to the side and she lounged as only she could. It was far more regal than it ought to be. Why couldn’t they do something? Anything? She knew who celebrated in the doll houses below. She could see him. Feel him. Her son. Elyria, Selene, wanted to go to him. To know that he had been made of flesh real once more. To know that at least one of her children remained loyal and lived.

Something kept her away. She spied on him through two-way mirrors and smoke ringed apparitions but she had yet to approach him since her awakening. He seemed changed.

She could not explain the differences, however, she could feel it. There was love in his heart. Light.

When [member="Darth Metus"] returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses, she released a long-held sigh. Music floated up from the world below. He was proud of his Exarch. Though he had not said as much the fact that they were on this purple marble at all spoke volumes. His white rabbit was also here. She too was different. No longer soft. Then again, for someone that was fated to die, something in her had to have broken.

“…Did you get lost?”, her phrase was a low, sultry drawl, that didn’t hold any real animosity. Elyria had been picking up phrases from others in their travels. That was one she found rather fitting for her current level of monotony. “I am thirsty.”

Hungry. She was hungry. Millions of souls on this world…And not a thing to eat.

"Did you pay your respects?"

 

[Athena]

Location: Throne Room [Main Hall]​

With: [member="Carbon"]​

Wearing​

______________________________________​

He did not speak. Was he broken or harmed in some way? A fairly comprehensive scan led her to discern that he seemed to be in peak physical condition. Soft jade eyes seemed to portray a wide range of emotion that a replicant had no right to. Concern. Had she said something wrong? It would not have been the first time. The HRD had observed that silence was rarely a good thing when presenting an organic with some form of gift or sustenance. Her heart-shaped face fell, sweeping into blameless apology, while a blush stole appropriately over her cheeks.

Athena would seem, in the span of a breath, innocent of all things.

Then—He accepted her offering. Tipped his hat. She liked that. The effect caused her to melt into something new. A flower that grew with it’s face turned toward the sun. He denied consuming large amount of liquor and she seemed immediately disappointed. “Oh, but you must.”

“It will guarantee that you have a night…So good, that you don’t remember.”

The quote was from an article that she had lifted from the data stream. His voice registered in her database. Even when it almost seemed like it came from his chest, she did not read hostility, only a measured form of displeasure. It did not seem to be related to her. Perhaps, she should not ask. “You are most welcome—”, she paused, before a smile erased the shadows from her face, and her form swayed a little. So playful with silken red fabric swishing this way and that. “I am Athena.”

Jade eyes flared with a little light when he asked her a question. Where should they go? Her memory was perfection as she rephrased the words from the invitation itself. “We may sit where we please. The bar is that way. It is formal. Yet, informal. Made for enjoyment rather than to impress.”

It was a silly way to phrase it. How could they not be impressed standing in the Throne Room of a veritable palace. The auburn-haired automaton raised the wine glass to her lips and took a delicate sip. She could consume food and drink. Rather than decompose with stomach acid, instead, her body was built to slowly transmute it into fuel. Energy—In case she could not make it to a safe place to charge.

Athena reached out and took the free hand that she could see and happily pulled him toward the bar.

“Let us sit here. May I have your name? Are you from Illyria?”

 

[Carbon]

Her face was expressive, her heart on her sleeve. It made his brow furrow as he studied her, from blush to the innocent, bashful way she nudged him towards drinking. As if he'd be doing her a disfavor by not playing along. "Is it really good if you can't remember?" He asks, "Or do you just fill in the blanks with what you'd like to see?" It was a deeper, philosophical quandary than he likely should have posed, but the words sprung immediately from his lips without a second thought. And then, simple as throwing a switch, she was smiling again. She was curious, but welcoming in her warmth, as if crossing a threshold to escape a bitter wind.

Her words nudged at his memory, reminding him that it had said something to that affect. She wasn't wrong. But he was of the mind that this was, of course, meant to impress. If this wasn't, well... he couldn't possibly imagine the luxury they sought when they were aiming for it. It was moment's later than a smooth, warm palm found it's way into his own, and with a surprising amount of force she was pulling him along. He was so blindsided he couldn't even be mad, as he'd simply not expected to be pulled along anywhere at an event like this.

"Sit at the bar?" He asks, blinking rapidly as he did his level best to keep the wine from spilling. "You really must want to get drunk." A Rodian nearby seemed to chuckle at his words, but he paid it little attention other than the brief recognition that someone had found what he'd said funny.

"I'm Carbon." He replied, "Not from here, either. I'm from Kamino. It's where I was created and matured."

[member="Athena"]

 

[Kaden Farr]

Location: The Bar
Wearing: xxx
Tag: [member="Daisy Americus"]

"I'm not going to let you fall," Kaden reassured Daisy as she tried to figure out how to walk in the dress she had worn. The Mandalorian did not envy her one bit. His attire, the tie, it was not comfortable, and Kaden kept pulling at it, but the dress Daisy was in, while stunning, looked impossible. They were there because it was the Exarch. Kaden certainly would not have chosen anything this formal for them. He personally would rather be at a rodeo than a fancy black tie party. The only reason Kaden seemed to wear his suit better and adapt was because of the time his adoptive mother made him spend on Atrisia among the nobility. Kaden had hated every bit of it, but the manners had stuck. This was simply the first time he had any reason to fall back onto the etiquette forced into him as a teenager.

Kaden kept his pace slow as Daisy was still figuring out how to walk in the dress and the shoes she had been convinced to wear. When he first saw Daisy in the dress Kaden was shocked at how it highlighted every curve in her body. She certainly had them to show off too. It was not a Mandalorian thing to be so caught up in the way Kaden found his eyes wandering over her figure, but he was also a man, a man that was very attracted to the blonde mandalorian in as much a physical sense as he was attracted to her as a person.

A chuckle escaped Kaden as Daisy compared herself to a pink banana.

"Different, but not ridiculous," Kaden said with a wink. "There is a rodeo next week... I'll make it up to you, hmmm?"

It meant a lot to Kaden that Daisy had agreed to accompany him to the celebration. As members of the Guild they needed to pay their respects and show their faces. Nothing required them to stay long, just long enough to be seen. In truth, Kaden was simply tired of going on missions, or doing what was needed of him without Daisy. He had grown accustomed to having her at his side on Haseria for various reasons, and going somewhere without her made him feel bare at times. Kaden smiled at the thought. Little thoughts like that reminded him of the differences.

"Make that two," Kaden said to the barkeep, "and keep them coming."

Kaden chuckled again as he found a place to sit next to Daisy, his hand wrapping around the glass which contained the clear liquid which smelled slightly familiar to tihaar. Kaden took a small sip to see what it was exactly and decided he liked it. The rest of the contents of the glass followed quickly.

"Don't go punching me, but they made that dress tight enough to make sure that I'd be staring at you all night."

He winked, then pressed his lips to Daisy's forehead as her form pressed into his. It was not the Mandalorian way to give a compliment, but it was the answer to her question. She was right about one thing. Daisy was not going to be fighting in that dress, and he hoped she would not have to. It was Daisy though, and it seemed every time they went out somewhere together they were always getting into trouble. A smile played at his lips. Daisy was dangerously close, and Kaden knew he could get used to it being a regular thing.

"You know if you really don't like that dress we could just skip the drinks and dancing altogether..."

Kaden leaned even closer to Daisy just for her to hear.

"Could always get out of here and get you out of that dress."

Daisy was going to smack him, Kaden was sure of it.

 

[Gianna Aegis]

Location: Courtyard [Dancing] - [member="John Locke"]

The soft sound of music met her ears and caused a lilting sigh to pass through her lips. The day had escaped her. Night had come like a velvet blanket, pinpricked with stars, and she couldn’t keep from glancing upward. A low hanging moon made the evening seem even more fantastical than the flowering gardens seemed to bloom even with the sun-down. A faint glow left some of them, leaving a hint of brightness that complimented gilded lanterns, and shining crystalline decorations.

Gianna didn’t know if she belonged here. Not really. Who was she to greet royalty outside of the needs of an assignment? She had come into contact with all manner of people. Rich and poor. But it was typically due to missionary work. Cleansing evil. Aiding, healing, protecting. It felt strange to be somewhere so beautiful without a higher purpose. “Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?”, she asked quietly, glancing down from the sky, at her frequent companion.

[member="John Locke"] had asked her to accompany him to this event. He couldn’t miss it. Not as the Minister of Science for the Confederacy. If he had to endure it rather than spend the evening holed up in the office tooling around with new ideas, he didn’t seem to want to do it alone. Gianna couldn’t blame him. It was easier for her to fade out of sight and disappear into the scenery. For him? Not so much.

Everyone wanted to talk. Congratulate on some new weapons project, or, simply to pick his brain on an idea of their own. When he was obviously occupied with someone else? They tended to let him be. As such her arms were twined about his neck with her hands clasped. There was a respectful bit of distance between them while they swayed to an easy beat. It was…Nice.

If this was all she had to do tonight?

She could deal with that.

John had helped her choose something to wear. The amount of credits it cost made her eyebrows raise, but, she didn’t want to embarrass him the cyborg by arriving in to such a prestigious event in her preferred robes. Wouldn’t that raise more questions than they actually wanted? Unlike most of the women she had passed, glittering from head to toe, earthen tones blessed her with a delicate showing of primrose and gray-blue. A higher neck with a sweetheart neckline kept her modest. The skirts were dreamy and made of shimmering mesh.

Hair the color of fire had been curled and pinned with little sprigs of baby’s-breath. No jewelry, save, for metallic objects that curled about her ears. They were artifacts that John would well remember considering he’d crafted them. It was her version of a back up plan. As hopeful as she was that everything would go smoothly it never helped to be prepared. “Are you hungry? We can stop and get something to eat if you like…”, she trailed off softly, still, keeping time.

Gianna liked the atmosphere. It was full of joy. Everyone was just…So very happy. It warmed her through and through and left her smiling. Empathy was a two-way street. She could feel sadness but she could also feel the opposite. It was wonderful.

 

[Alessandra Creed]

​

Location: Illyria [Azurine] - Palace - Throne Room​

Wearing: Queen Stuff [Save Me]​

Standing With: [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Faye Malvern"] | [member="Alden Akaran"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Aryn Teth"]​

_____________________________​

​

It was absolutely amazing. Stunning, really. Not for the first time she wondered if [member="Srina Talon"] had been dropped on her head as a youngling. Her ability to emote had always been stunted but this was new. Already, she could feel a chill. There was something about the silver eyes of the Echani woman that always made the hair on the back of her neck stand up. There was an intense amount of destructive power contained in one, small, indecipherable vessel. It was both a comfort and a concern.

At least she was on their side.

When the pale specter came to directly toward her she knew what Srina wanted. Aries was calling. It was the most bizarre thing in the galaxy to watch such a cold creature show such softness. Her face was hard. It should have terrified her son. Alessandra was always so amazed that he didn’t seem to notice in the slightest and immediately began to treat her like a jungle gym. Thinking about the situation that she had recently learned about through the meeting of the Viceroyals…She felt a pang of sympathy.

If she had lost Aries? Suddenly, a lot of things made sense.

Adron seemed to sense her disquiet and stood. His hand outstretched, she rose to take it, partially wondering if their child was already showing signs of being Force Sensitive. Wasn’t it too early?

“How does he always know when she’s coming?”, Alessandra leaned toward her husband to murmur soft words, though, she did feel a little more relaxed with his hand in her own. Stronger. They passed [member="Aryn Teth"] and [member="Srina Talon"], though, her eyes lingered on Aries. He was having the time of his life knotting the hair of the Exarch and she looked…Empty. Was she really? Was she truly so cold?

No. Not with the way she tended to Aries. Her focus was singular.

Hearing that [member="Faye Malvern"] had arrived cause Alessandra to smile. She had grown quite fond of her sister-in-law and likely would have been a basket-case without her assistance toward the end of her pregnancy. Hearing themselves referred to with such formal titles still threw her off balance. On the outside they looked the perfect picture. Pristine, and proud.

On the inside? Alessandra was still herself. She was good with numbers. Not people. Not when they would soon be coming to the Throne Room to announce their problems big and small. They would be responsible for taking care of it. She squeezed Adron’s hand took a steadying breath. He was here. He would always be there. Together—They could do anything. “Faye…”, she breathed, when the woman approached. She was not alone. “Let me see you.”

“It has been too long.”

It was important to her that Faye understood how important she was. They’d had a rocky start, so long ago, but they were family now. Adron cherished her. Alessandra could only respond in kind. The raven-haired woman was curious though. Not just about how her sister-in-law had been…But about the familiar man she had brought with her. Bringing him here? On this day?

It was serious. Quietly, she willed Adron to be understanding. She knew how her husband would feel, but, Princess or not, it was the happiness of his sibling at stake.

With that in mind her mental presence counseled patience. Funny, coming from a woman who had a penchant for throwing fire balls.

 

[Daisy Americus]

Location: Throne Room [Bar/Lounge]
With: [member="Kaden Farr"]
Wearing: - x - x - x -
__________________________

The golden-haired Mandalorian was at least a little bit mollified when [member="Kaden Farr"] promised not to let her fall. They made it to the bar without incident but Daisy was skeptical that she’d be able to get back out again. How did women wear this regularly? The young Americus had been so preoccupied with not eating a mouthful of dirt that she hadn’t realized the wandering eyes that her date had. If she had taken more than ten seconds to check her silhouette in the mirror she might have understood. Maybe.

He kept chuckling at her and she glowered unhappily.

“BA-NA-NUH.”

She stressed every syllable to him, convinced, that she looked like an awkwardly shaped piece of fruit. Daisy leaned back in her chair a little bit and seemed to perk up slightly when he mentioned another activity. As much as she complained, and golly, could she whine with the best—She just liked spending time with him. Glittery banana dress or not. He promised to make it up to her and she softened a little bit. Her voice was a little more teasing when it came next. “You better, Mister.”

Daisy knew that they needed to be here. If she weren’t so embarrassed, she might have even enjoyed herself a little more. Even as they waited for their drinks aquamarine eyes danced around to take in the setting. And the entrances. And the exits. She left her clutch sitting on the glass bar top. If she needed her slugthrower she didn’t want it sitting in her lap. Easy access.

Part of her wondered if being in the Guild was a good thing. Fighting was in her blood. But, the jobs that they took always had a high chance for being blood baths. No one would think that the girl with the back-water accent could do a decent amount of damage. But, she sure could.

She sighed in relief when their drinks arrived. Yes. One good thing about the Confeddies? They always had the best hooch on tap. Daisy didn’t hesitate, or, taste it first. She took the shot straight back in the smoothest way that one might think her jaw had unhinged to do so. She could drink like a fish and rarely suffered any ill effects. Kaden spoke up—This time about her dress?

**THWACK**

“Bee on your back.”

Daisy had slapped his back with enough force that the noise seemed almost hollow. Still, he wrapped his arms around her, and she sulkily let him. Jerk-face. Oh. It didn’t stop there though. He was a crafty Mando who deserved everything he had coming. First, he kissed her forehead. It left her with a false sense of security as he went for the throat. Her cheeks burned at the innuendo.

First a light pink. Then, brighter at the whisper only she was meant to hear. “You keep it up and ah really am gunna set you on fire. Not in that wholesome-heels-to-kad way either.”

Fire. Literal, fire.

“You just built that house on Haseria. In a hurry to collect the insurance already?”

__________________________

 

[John Locke]

Location: Courtyard
With: [member="Gianna Aegis"]
Wearing: This

It was one of the fundamental truths of the universe, right up there with gravity and the law of the conservation of energy. Engineers didn’t like social event. It was true, John could name countless members of his staff who would much rather ditch a party so they could spend more time tinkering with their latest creation, or just spend some time working on that knotty problem to try to fix it. He’d always counted himself amongst their number, he’d always hated these events and tried to avoid them wherever he possibly could.

Only…only he wasn’t so sure anymore.

The minister knew that the vultures still circled, those seeking to curry favour, to push their idea or seek help or assistance in presenting their proposals to the vicelord, to gain a little slice of the wealth of the CIS. They were always there at a party like this, always waiting for an opportunity, but for now they were content to just circle, like a pack of sharks waiting for an opening. John knew they were waiting, but he didn’t care. Those vultures were the last thing on his mind right now, they weren’t the reason he was actually enjoying the party.

It all came down to the woman in front of him, the flame-haired beauty with her arms wrapped around his neck. Coming to a party alone, and coming here with Gianna were two completely different experiences. John knew part of it was seeing the world, the event through her fresh eyes, unjaded by the politics and the backroom dealing. It was more than that though, there was something about being with her that made anything better, from building a barn to just sitting by a fire.

Part of the woman’s aura, of who she was. In a room full of the rich and powerful, the social elite the healer stood out. In a room filled with people screaming to be looked at, clad in the most expensive dresses and adorned with jewellery worth more than most people’s annual salary there was a simplicity about Gianna’s outfit. Her dress wouldn’t be put to shame by anyone, but it’s design was more modest, not meant to flaunt but more subtle. Flowers replaced diamonds, the white blooms scattered through her hair like stars.

In a room filled with the beautiful and powerful John couldn’t take his eyes away from the Jedi swaying slowly with him. The soft rise and fall of her chest, the pale flush of her cheeks as she glanced up at the sky. Dark eyes traced the contours of her face, not looking away as Gianna glanced back at him. Had he ever seen anything so beautiful? “No. No I don’t think I have.”

For a second John closed his eyes, letting the beat of the music, the closeness of the woman in his arms wash over him as a smile touched his lips. Dark eyes shone with contentment as they flicked open again, the man shaking his head as the arms resting on the woman’s hips slipped around her waist, pulling her closer. Close enough that the dark fabric of his suit could wrap around her waist like a belt, hands resting in the small of her back. “I’d like to stay here a little longer.”

This moment, it was as close to perfection as he could imagine, let the vultures circle, let the party flow on around them. He was exactly where he wanted to be, with exactly who he wanted to be with.