A Place to Drink, and be Merry [Iron Empire Gala](Invitation Required)

[Eugen Aker]

Then (Occurs a little before the start of current events)

More and more she found herself hanging around the people of the Iron Empire. Gradually, sworn enemies within its ranks from her Republic days had become allies against new common foes, and she had begun to let old grudges die as she opened her herself up to making new friends.

As she had shared her home with Aster a short while ago, she thought it would be a nice thing to see how the Princess lived in hers. So she happily accepted an invitation to the Iron Empire's gala event, bringing her friend Freja along with her to enjoy the festivities.

The Kiribians' journey from the Core would take them far into in the outer reaches of the galaxy in Chiss space. As Arisa took a gander at the icy planet of Csilla upon approach aboard her shiny Nubian yacht, she was reminded of a similar function held by the Silver Jedi on Rhen Var. The party had been fine, but she had ended the night in a drunken stupor with another Republic transplant, slumped over the bartop in guilt. Those hadn't been very good times for the then Padawan.

Though now in a much better place, she would arrive planetside in high spirits. After check in and landing, she went through the process of dressing, putting up her hair, and applying her makeup. Feeling a little adventurous, she choose to wear some exotic number she had picked up during her brief travels through Seoul. A hanbok, the seller had told her. A multilayered traditional dress with some modern flair with its sheer black outer covering. After she finished, she left her cabin to go check on Freja's progress. She wasn't all quite sure what he was wearing, bush she assumed it would be something flashy in keeping with his eccentric self.

 

[Freja Liekvold]

Freja had been spending most of his time alongside Arisa, being on the same home world allowed them to see eachother with much more ease. Getting offered to go along with her to a Gala, the Pilot decided to join. Seeing it as an opportunity to expand his networking, and make new acquaintances. Meeting up with the General, Freja would greet her warmly before they departed.

The trip was quite long, but Freja didn't mind too much as he was use to traveling. Eventually they would make it to their destination, and once there Freja already began to prepare. Making his way from the lounging area of the ship to his personal quarters, the pilot would pull out a suit from the luggage he brought with him. Getting dressed, the man would sport a stylish navy blue suit.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/00/dc/34/00dc34f9ee0e4d74afadd6d546816511.jpg​

Now looking in the mirror, the man would struggle to style his messy hair in a manner that would look well groomed. Eventually he would manage to successfully slick back his long hair, doing so would show off more of his handsome face then he usually did. Hearing a knock upon his door and the familiar voice of Arisa, the man would call out to her. Letting her know it was fine to enter.

[member="Arisa Yune"]​

 

[Arctorius]

"I'm afraid not, but then, I don't watch any movies or anything really. Sorry." Savitor said, "What type of movies are they?" Savitor asked [member="Bato Golden"], he never really had watched anything it had always been work, work, work, take a short break, and then more work. Plus, if it helped to stop a fight from breaking out between [member="Nina Heavenshield"] and [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"], all the better. Savitor didn't need, and definitely didn't want, a bad name for himself in the Iron Empire already.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was a little glad that the bet between herself and [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] had all been in good fun and not a real bet at all. At least he didn't seem to be the sort to hold anything against her. That was a relief.

She studied Josh while he spoke of the state of mind that she was in after her husband was killed. It was true. She remembered keeping everyone away, being sure that they never got close enough for her to be hurt again for fear of history repeating itself and she would lose her love to an enemy once more.

It touched her in some way that Josh wanted at one point to be the one to make her happy. Yet out of respect and loyalty to another that he loved, he kept his distance. For that, he gained her respect. "Thank you. Veiere is a good man. He's never done anything that wasn't in my best interest. He's never done anything to harm me. I'm not sure what state I'd be in if he wasn't there to help me through this." In a way she owed [member="Veiere Arenais"] her life, and once they are wed, her life would be his.

Kay sat down at the table, folding her hands on top of it. She gave Jason a small smile before looking up to Josh. "I remember where I came from, freeing slaves from the Cartel, working for the Republic. I remember running for President and winning, as well as my time in captivity. What I don't remember are certain people, like you for example. I have messages from people that I've poured through and read over and over, but it hasn't helped me to remember just yet. It's terribly frustrating...." And annoying. But most of the people that she couldn't remember had stayed away since her return anyways. In some ways that made the stress of it all a little less than what it could be.

 

[Garza]

Diana sat down with me. She made a jest along the way of me always working. It was true, I did that because it kept me busy and out of trouble. Most of the time anyways. As she brought up part of my work being done with Commenor, and the Iron Empire. Trying to improve relations with them had reached all the way to where she was. It made me smile a bit to know that it was working that way, as well as knowing that she kept tabs on me. I mean, normally I would be pissed that someone is following me, but with her? I didn't mind. Mostly because she was one of the few people I have tried to have some form of relationship with, Friendly or otherwise.

As well, we had common backgrounds. While she had just started hers, I had a few years on mine. I started much younger than when she was. She had much to learn. To be fair, I matured well within my childhood years, and thus have grown much faster, and for a much more prolonged time than she has. But that was the reason why I felt connected to her, or even Lady Kay. Because we both had pasts that annoyed, frightened, or even betrayed us at times. Lady Kay was a friend of mine, but I had to give her the space that she required with how much work she had, as well as having her husband able to help her. I was not a necessity, but a welcome addition.

With Diana? I wanted to be there for her. Not out of pity, or because I felt like she was a lost pup, but because I had a past that was much like hers. I knew to some extent of what she was going though, and thus wanted to help her to prevent her light from corrupting like I have. Even now, I still drew upon the Dark side of the force, but was slowly using the powers less often to preserve myself as much as possible. Either way, It felt nice to be able to finally sit down with Diana and just talk. Even if it was like this in public once more.

"Not normally. Never been one to like dances. However, I am enjoying this with friends, and allies here. While it is formal, its nice to be informal with those who I have connections with."

All I could do was smile at Diana speaking of attending one of these as much as she could. It being a dream for her. I smiled knowing that if there was another chance to do something like this, then I would do it in a heartbeat. Not because of making relations, but just to be able to see Diana's face once more.

"I don't drink very often as it could mess with my mental state. However, I think one would be fine. One moment miss."

Standing up and brushing the front of my coat, I walked over to the bartender. Ordering simple champaign The almost peachy color bubbled as the man poured two glasses. Reaching forward, I was about to grab one with each hand, when I realized that my metallic hand might crush it, or better yet, let the glass slip from my grasp. I took a moment to put both glasses next to one another, and gripped both of them with my right fleshy hand. Using my metallic one to brace the glasses against to prevent their falling.

Little bit of a balance act to walk back over to Diana, I was almost entirely focused on just making sure that I didn't slip up, or spill anything. Upon reaching her, I handed the glasses over to her. Letting her pick one from my grasp, I transitioned the glass I had to be held by the neck or the stem of the glass. Sitting down,

"Sorry. Having a metal hand kind of prevents me from being delicate sometimes."

I felt slightly embarrassed at it, as well chuckled at myself to try and alleviate the pressure I had on me. Either way, I sat down and took a sip from the glass. Feeling the almost fruity bubbles flow down my throat. It felt nice to drink, but there was a slight burn on the way down. A combination of alcohol and being pressurized in a "bubbly" nature.

"You know what I have been up to recently, So what have you been doing?"

With: [member="Diana Veneris"],

Others: [member="Nina Heavenshield"], [member="Théodred Heavenshield"], [member="Caelag Vass"] [member="Bato Golden"], [member="Talos Rygat"], [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] [member="Savitor Draay"], [member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Veiere Arenais"], [member="Emeline Thorn"], and [member="Adron Malvern"], [member="Zeradias Mant"], [member="FN-1313"], [member="Josh DragonsFlame"], [member="Lucien E. Irridius"],

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

“An ice tea, please,” Aster smiled at the waiter and watched as he departed for the bar to fetch the pair’s drinks. “Yes,” she agreed with a [SIZE=10.5pt]sombre[/SIZE] expression. “I was enjoying my time there,” she continued and bit her lip. Though her time on Voss was short, she had come to view the Voss Academy as her second home.

“Ah yes, I would appreciate that,” the blonde-haired teenager replied. Taken by surprised by Theo’s offer, her heart began to race once more. Although the idea of continuing her training filled her with excitement, the idea of possibly spending time alone with the young man made her uneasy. She really was no good with members of the opposite gender - especially those around her age.

Her shyness returning, Aster blushed a little when Theo handed her the ice tea she had ordered. “Thank you,” she smiled with faked confidence as she accepted the drink. “To the Iron Empire, long may it serve and protect,” she repeated Theo’s words and took a sip of the ice tea, her hand trembling a little.

“I'm not sure,” she turned to glance at the other guests. “I recognize Grand Admiral [member="Zeradias Mant"] although I’ve never met him before and the dark-haired man with the blonde-haired woman looks familiar,” she gestured at [member="Atheus"] trying to remember where she had seen him before. "Oh, and I've met @Caelag Vass before," she added upon noticing the blindfolded woman.

Aster’s eyes lit up at the mention of Nina’s name. “That would be lovely,” she smiled brightly. The presence of another woman would surely help calm her nerves and relax a little.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] - [member="Savitor Draay"] - [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] - [member="Lady Kay"] - [member="Nina Heavenshield"] - [member="Audren Sykes"] - [member="Veiere Arenais"] - [member="Adron Malvern"] - [member="Emeline Thorn"] - [member="Talos Rygat"] - [member="Bato Golden"] - [member="Diana Veneris"] - [member="Freja Liekvold"] - [member="Arisa Yune"]​

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

The bet had been simple, really, and it had been mainly in jest. He really had no reason to hold anything against Kay in this case, and I mean, why would he? It wasn't like he had any reason to think she would hold out on payment had they actually bet money, he doubted she was short on cash flow considering her history and her position. But either way, he really wasn't the type to make actual bets of credits... I mean, he was a Jedi, he didn't exactly gamble or anything. He didn't like to do that sort of thing, and his creed had taught him not to as well.

He seemed content with her answer when it came to Kay-Lar's husband-to-be. "Well, I'm certainly envious of the guy, bagging someone like you. It looks like he's getting his just due for being a good man" He would joke, with a cheeky grin crossing his lips indicating that he was just messing around. "I guess I got mine too, with Shmi and all. You'll have to meet her again sometime. You met her at the wedding, but I don't remember how long that conversation went... That was years ago."

Once they were sat down and settled, Kay would begin talking about things she did remember, her accomplishments and all. He smirked faintly in turn. "Aye, I know about those. You told me many of these in the past" He would answer. "And yet... You don't remember me. It's heartbreaking, really" Josh would add with an amused tint to his voice as he would fiddle with his datapad, noting that Jason had gone quiet. Looking down, he couldn't help but laugh when he noticed that Jason had fallen asleep on his chest. Keeping the child steady, he would have his datapad show a picture before sliding it toward [member="Lady Kay"].

The picture was of the two of them, slightly younger, in a very familiar spot.

"A not-so-long time ago, we decided to get out for a bit, out from all the hustle and bustle, back when you were just President on Commenor. You scared the chit out of me with your reckless speeder driving and had me thinking we were going to die. But we ended up having a little picnic or something, here, where this picture was taken. Sadly I didn't take a picture that first time. But we did go back later, and I had my datapad take it then" He said as he would motion to the picture that depicted the two having a picnic at the spot from before, not far from the cave that held those flowers...

"Nearby was a cave, half-covered in water. Within it, you showed me these amazing flowers. They gave off their own light, like a lamp but a natural, growing flower" He would add, smiling lightly. "It's a cherished memory of mine."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked at [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] joked about [member="Veiere Arenais"] 'bagging' her. But really he was the one that understood her best, and remained devoted and loyal to her even when she was at her worst. And above all else, he was patient.

At the mention of her lost memories and things that she should remember, Kay did her best to not look disappointed in herself. It was a problem that Veiere and [member="Atheus"] were helping her to work on.

Josh soon slid a datapad to her. She picked it up and looked at the picture, studying it as he described the events surrounding it. She knew the spot, knew of the flowers that he spoke of. They were the Crystal Flowers and they did indeed glow, each one a different colour. The conditions had to be right to find them. Sadly though, Kay just couldn't remember the events that he spoke of. "I wish that I could remember. Maybe one day I will, and when that happens, I'll let you know. If we were as close as you say, then you'd probably be one of the first to be notified." One among the many that she has forgotten.

 

[Estro Sabrino]

"What in the hell am I doing here?" Estro Sabrino mused to himself as he entered the gala in a finely made leather tunic with silk undershirt. His boots polished and fine with the occasional bit of gold filigree showing along his trousers and tunic. His golden right hand glinted in the light; security hadn't been happy about it considering scans proved it had the capacity for a rather powerful grip. Who in the hell did they think he'd even bother trying to gun for at a function like this?

Its not that he wasn't good at mingling, far from it he could mingle with the best. The issue he had was the ghosts of his past coming snarling forth every time reminding him he wasn't good enough to be among any type of galactic elites. He was slave stock, bred and beaten into combat capacity before he could read. Then he'd escaped that and turned into a hired gun, one which was damn good at his work. He'd seen too many conflicts to count and he was only 35.

He scanned the room at that gloomy thought, feeling like he needed a drink. This place was full of the high and mighty, the sort of people that could cause him to slip his tongue. Might be best to numb it with alcohol, make it slow so he could catch it before he caused an intergalactic incident over bad memories. With that thought in mind, he moved casually towards the main bar with the grace expected of a man used to fighting up close and personal. He'd learned a bit of grace helped to not seem like a violent mercenary commander who'd become rather rich off of his skills at war. The lion iconography subtly sewn into his tunic admittedly couldn't be helped, his vanity demanded he advertise who he was. The Lion. Master of the Golden Lions, one of the most dangerous mercenary groups out there before... he'd retired.

An odd way to look at it, he now had a planet to basically run aside from having converted his beloved group into a fully functional part of the Iron Army. He was a Major now, pointedly wearing the rank on his tunic to remind those who forgot that he'd taken the oath to serve. The Iron Empire seemed worth a shot, they were taking in refugees which after all the madness he'd seen in the greater galaxy basically made them the closest you could get to 'decent people' even if they'd been spawned from the One Sith. Not like he could judge after the horrors he'd committed as a teenage soldier for Drogal the Hutt's Youth Battalion.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

His attempt to made Lady Aster relax more seemed to only last for a short time. Unsure of what was causing this started to make him uneasy, not that the young lady's company was dull, far from it but his presence appeared to be the reason and maybe it would be best for them both to approach [member="Nina Heavenshield"] sooner rather then later. Although the company that surrounded Nina was not that wish he desired, he let out a long sigh. "As soon as you have the ability to allow time to train, I shall come for you". Her trembling hands had not gone unnoticed, this was completely new ground for Theo, and he was out of his depth. Women.

He only nodded his head in response to her comments about the familiarity of those around them, it was mostly the same for Theo, having seen most faces around the Palace House before but had not the time to speak with them. They are just as busy as the Legion, and have little time for socialising and mission drove them all in differing directions.

Once more, Theo offered Lady Aster is arm with the intention of leading her over to meet his sister, princesses they both be and maybe that would afford them common ground. As they approached, Nina's presence radiated through the force, a soft light issuing from her as it always did and this alone would set Theo's soul to rest easy, even as children she had that way with him. "If I may be so bold as to interrupt your conversation Sister, I would like you to meet someone", he said aloud yet old habits die hard as he placed a gentle hand on her arm, many years of this being the only way of communication.

​

[member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Nina Heavenshield]

The sudden appearance of her brother and the young lady he was with immediately put a smile on Nina's face, no longer having to put up the facade one commonly does around strangers. She spun around as he touched her shoulder, a habit he was not likely to forget any time soon, and rather than greet the two the proper way she threw her arms around him, keeping them around the back of his neck while she buried her face into his chest.

"Théo," she cried out with much joy, yet her lips remained as still as ever. Just as all the men in their extended family, there was a sense of complete safety in her brother's arms. Protection of loved ones was in their blood, after all.

However their embrace did not last for half as long as she would've liked to, for as she opened her eyes she was reminded of the woman Théo was accompanying and thus she promptly regained some of her composure as she greeted who was unmistakingly the niece of the Emperor. "Lady Baelor," came her formal greeting by way of Jedi bow, internally reminding herself that she represented the Silver Jedi first and foremost.

"How do you do," she inquired, a gentle smile upon her lips even as her voice flowed from the invention around her neck. "I hope for your sake my brother hasn't asked you to dance yet," she teased with a smirk, taking a stab at his dancing skills.

[member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Aster Rose Baelor]

"That would be lovely," Aster beamed and accepted Theo's offer. With her title of princess - one she felt she had yet to earn, came the weight of an Empire. Ever since her uncle had bestowed the title upon her, she had felt it her duty to continually improve herself in order to better serve the people of the Empire, therefore, any opportunity for her to do so was a welcomed one. After all, if she was going to allow others to address her by that title, she needed to earn it through her own efforts.

"Thank you," Aster smiled awkwardly as she took the young man's arm, allowing him to lead her towards a beautiful woman who looked to be around her age.

[SIZE=9pt]"If I may be so bold as to interrupt your conversation Sister, I would like you to meet someone,"[/SIZE][SIZE=9pt] Theo said, announcing their presence to his sister which prompted the young woman to throw her arms around him. The siblings' love for each other emanated strongly in their reunion.[/SIZE]

Watching the brother and sister express their affection for one another, Aster could not help but feel a little envious. The warmth of familial love was something that waned with her father's death and later, dissipated with her mother's suicide. Since then, it was a something she had thought she would never feel again until it was rekindled by her uncle though similar, the warmth of her uncle's love was not comparable to what she had once shared with her parents.

"Lady Baelor," Nina greeted the blonde-haired teenager with a formal bow, her lips unmoving as she spoke.

Unused to the young woman’s unusual method of communication, Aster paused a little surprised before returning the greeting. "Lady Heavenshield, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she curtsied. "And no, he has not,” she smiled and as she was about to speak again, she noticed her uncle among the guests. “Excuse me, I’ll be back momentarily,” she excused herself from the brother and sister and made her way towards the rugged man.

“Unc-,” Aster stopped herself before she could finish the word. “Emperor Baelor,” she greeted him with a curtsey. "The Heavenshield children are here. I am sure they would be delighted to meet you," she said and reached for his hand, intending to lead him to meet the pair of siblings.

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] - [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] - [member="Isamu Baelor"]​

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

"No I was saving that misery for you my dear Nina", was his only response to her dig at this dancing ability, and just quietly Nina Heavenshield would be surprised. Already the two girls seemed to hit if off which pleased Theo greatly, at least the idea might settle Lady Aster's nerves. "It is good to see you here Nina and you look amazing", which she did there was no denying that.

There was some discord in the room, people turning and chattering behind hands or whispers and Theo turned to see if all was well, just in case trouble had entered the room, but it was not this that caused the sudden disturbance but the arrival of Emperor [member="Isamu Baelor"]. Lady Aster left them both for a moment to go greet her uncle and he watched her leave and noticed that she seemed to be indicating to the Heavenshields. Now it was Theo's turn to be nervous, as there had only been one occasion in which he had spoke to the man. Otherwise he just kept his place among the ranks.

Turning back to Nina however, "How is mother and father?, have you seen them lately?", he asked since the last time had been on Midvinter after the attack of the Sith. Naturally, Theo missing his family dearly and even more so since the arrival of Thirdas. He would have to find leave soon, as he missed his home equally.

​

[member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"]​

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He was upset, sure, that Kay-Lar had lost her memories of him. His friendship with Lady Kay had been a very rare thing to him. Something that was long-lasting, kept in constant contact, and she'd been someone he could trust, most importantly. In this galaxy... Well, plain and simple, he'd found that to be rare, even amongst the Jedi. He just, flat out, couldn't trust people. But he'd found he could trust Lady Kay, and that... Well, that meant the world to him. The fact that she couldn't remember any of it... All the times they'd spent together, all the memories they had made, the bond they had... It hurt. And if she tried to sense his feelings in the Force, if she tried to read his face, his expression, or by the Force, his eyes... Well, he wasn't exactly hiding it. The more he thought about it, the more visually upset over it he seemed to be.

And yet, at the same time... He was just glad she was here. And they were talking again. Because the more that he thought about it, the more he realized...

He had missed her so.

She was his best friend, more or less. She had been behind Shmi until they'd gotten married, of course, since... Well, always marry your best friend, but Shmi had become something else entirely once they were married obviously, leaving Kay to take that spot at the top. And yet, now Kay couldn't remember any of that, and it upset him. But knowing that here and now they knew what was going on and had the opportunity... The chance, to at least make new memories, spend more time together to try to reignite that spark in her mind that might bring her memories back, all while making new ones together... Well, there was a silver lining to just about everything, he supposed. He wished he had the Lady Kay he knew back, but at the least, they could do something about it. Or at least, rebuild their friendship. He tried not to mope on it too much, tried not to beat himself up over it, even if he admittedly couldn't help it in some junctures. He should have made more of an effort to get back in touch with her, he'd concluded... He could have found this out sooner. They could have had more time. They could have started this sooner.

But he supposed... Better later then never, right?

He couldn't hide being more hurt when she would admit she couldn't even remember their times at that lake. But letting out a breath - admittedly shaky from the range of emotions that were swirling around in his head - he would simply nod in turn, and give a warm smile in exchange...

"Well, I suppose we'll just have to go there again. And do it all again. What do you say, Kay?" He would inquire, grinning cheekily at that.

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay saw the hurt in hid eyes. How could she not? It made her sad and uncomfortable all at the same time. She was disappointed in herself and angry at the same time. But it wasn't as though she had any say in the matter with regards to what happened to her.

[member="Veiere Arenais"] had been doing what he could to help her recover her memories. But the only ones that he'd been able to bring back were the ones that thry had shared together; from their first meeting on Alzoc III and onwards to her abduction. Meanwhile [member="Atheus"] was helping her to come to terms with the kind of person that she was now.

Maybe spending time with [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] would help her out too. It couldn't hurt anyways. She looked up at him with a small smile. "Alright. It's worth a try. I could use the time away from everday stresses."

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He hoped he could help her reclaim her memories, he really did. Sure, it was possible she never would. They might have to build their long friendship from scratch. But he was willing to put in the time, willing to put in the effort, if she was. It was no problem, really. Well, okay, maybe it was a pain in the arse, but... Well, there wasn't anything he could do about it, was there? She was not at fault, either, and he did not blame her in the slightest.

She had no control over it, after all.

But if she could reclaim some of her memories already, as she'd said... It wasn't impossible, he supposed. So he would smile in turn and nod his head. "Alright, it's a date" He would remark, though caught himself after with a laugh. "Well, not in the.... You get what I mean" He would add, starting to laugh in turn. Getting an idea though, he would lift Jason a bit as he would hold him toward her while he slept. "You want to hold him? He's less likely to freak out if he's asleep, obviously."

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Diana Veneris]

A small, bright smile warmed Diana’s lips when Atheus returned with two flutes of champagne, her nervousness mirroring his own. It wasn’t an unpleasant nervousness—it fluttered beneath her chest and prompted her to laugh quietly along with him as she accepted one of the glasses. His metallic hand was no secret to her, but she did not view it with discomfort or distaste. To Diana, it made him no less human. The unique appendage was simply part of what made Atheus, Atheus. Where others might have taken him for nothing more than a war machine, Diana saw him as a man—vulnerable, real, and layered with dimension. Her sweetness, for better or worse, often emboldened her to venture where even angels feared to tread. Atheus might have been a killer, but to her, he was a dear friend.

“Thank you.”

Crystal blue eyes watched carefully as Atheus claimed his first sip from the glass, taking note of how she ought to sip hers. Diana, feeling very much like a clueless child, lifted her own glass to her lips and mimicked his movements. Her attempt at appearing casual and experienced were promptly dashed as soon as the dry, bubbling champagne stung its way down her throat and somehow managed to burn up into her nasal cavity, as if she had suddenly jumped headfirst into rushing water. Diana immediately wrinkled the soft button of her nose and made a face. She set the glass down at once and cleared her throat, hoping that her inexperience was lost on the towering man at her side. Small hands folded neatly into the curve of her lap as she recollected her composure.

“Lady Kerrigan has been kind enough to take me as her apprentice on Tygara,” Diana replied to his question. Quiet eagerness filled her heart at the opportunity to show him how much she had grown since Dantooine, when she was still wide-eyed and terribly untrained. “She says that my sensitivity to the Force is unique—that I have great potential.” The girl lowered her thick lashes abashedly. “I don’t see it, but her training has helped me progress more than I thought possible these last few months. I might craft my own saber soon.” Diana lifted her soft gaze, finding his eyes. “I must seem childish to you,” She said, smiling and gently shaking her blonde head. “But I’ve grown a great deal since we last met. Perhaps, if I’m lucky, I’ll be as powerful as you one day.”

[member="Atheus"]​

 

[Garza]

I stifled a smile as I watched Diana partake of the liquor. She was young, and it showed a little more with how she didn't like the burning of alcohol. I sat my glass down as well just out of respect, and it wasn't something that I would normally partake in. It was either an electrolyte filled energy drink, or water. I never wanted to limit my functions as a soldier, nor did I want to compromise my integrity and spill possible secrets I may have. I feared those I cared the most would be harmed by stupid actions. As such, I stayed clean. Either way, my mind returned to the present as Diana spoke of her new master teaching her more about the force. Training her to control her abilities that she was otherwise unfamiliar with.

I did note how she mentioned that she didn't see what was so special about her. What made her different from the others. It made me sad to know that a woman of her caliber was not privy to how... extravagant she was. I decided to pour a little wisdom out from my lips after she was done speaking.

"Everyone perceives themselves as one person, when the rest of the galaxy sees someone else. For instance, You were very shy when we first met because of your perception of myself, as well as your knowledge of your past. However, I saw you as a woman who could become something much greater. Potential lays heavily within your veins. You just have to be shown in order for you to understand it."

It was with this knowledge that I smiled a little. Yes, I was a very powerful force user, tactical soldier bred for war, as well as a swordsman, leader of men, and a Titan of War. However, I got this far because of the pure circumstances of being in the right place at the right time, or at the wrong place at the wrong time. How I dealt with those situations got me here. Having a past filled with pain and strife has made me someone much more knowledgeable in the force, as well as a being of battles, and fights.

It was with this knowledge that I wanted to help others learn without so many of the hardships that I had growing up. While Diana here has, and will see some herself, She still has much to learn. Even I do. I had always thought of myself as a monster. Someone who should never be trusted, yet I have allies, and friends who I can count upon. Its here that I find myself talking to a person I would have never thought would be in my life. And for that, I am grateful.

"I would love to see the day when that happens but, Do not seek to be more powerful than myself. Power comes with the knowledge of the force, and of yourself. As the saying goes, A man with one gun, is more accurate than a man with a thousand."

Looking over to the band as they began to play a smooth and easy song, I looked over to Diana a nervous smile, I had never really done this before. More so, I have danced, but not actually ask to dance. It was strange for me, and I did it anyways.

"Enough on the dark topics. I would actually like to um...."

Standing up from my chair, I straightened my uniform and removed my hat to be very formal as I extended my right hand to Diana. Trying as hard as I could to not stutter and shake out of nervousness.

"Would you care to dance with me?"

With: [member="Diana Veneris"],

Others: [member="Nina Heavenshield"], [member="Théodred Heavenshield"], [member="Caelag Vass"] [member="Bato Golden"], [member="Talos Rygat"], [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] [member="Savitor Draay"], [member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Lady Kay"], [member="Veiere Arenais"], [member="Emeline Thorn"], and [member="Adron Malvern"], [member="Zeradias Mant"], [member="FN-1313"], [member="Josh DragonsFlame"], [member="Lucien E. Irridius"],

 

[Isamu Baelor]

Isamu was a noble, though only in the loosest sense of the word. He was not an elegant man. Nor a sophisticated one. He cared not for extravagance. To him, it reeked of pomposity.

At heart, he yet remained a soldier. A grizzled veteran. On the ground, and in the dirt. Shoulder-to-shoulder with the brave warriors of the Iron Empire. That is where he belonged.

But yet, here he was: hosting a Gala. Duty took many forms, few of which were pleasant. However, for the sake of the Empire. For the sake of its people. For the sake of his people. He would play the game of a noble.

He glanced down at his attire: a modest military-esque uniform. It was a far departure from the armour of which he would typically be garbed in. However, it was not by choice.

“No! Uncle, you cannot wear armour to a Gala!” The voice of his beloved niece echoed through his mind. “This is a formal occasion, not a battle!” His proposed attire had drawn her ire, and invited a verbal lashing.

It was on this day, the Full Metal Emperor had been bested by a teenage girl.

“Presenting His Imperial Majesty: Emperor Isamu Baelor. The first of his name, and protector of the Iron Realm.”

Flanked by his Iron Guard, the Full Metal Emperor emerged from beyond large, heavy doors. Across the hall, Iron Imperials alike fell to one knee, in respect of their Emperor.

For a man so opposed to pomposity, his introduction felt rife with it. However, things such as these, had a tendency to take on a life all their own.

To the Iron Imperials, he was more than a mere man. He was a symbol. That in a galaxy subject to the whims and machinations of force-sensitive’s, those numb to the touch of the force can do great, and powerful, things.

His niece, Aster Rose Baelor, was the first to approach him. She beckoned him, and offered her hand in guidance. Isamu accepted, and together, they approached the Heavenshield children.

[member="Atheus"] | [member="Diana Veneris"] | [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Aster Rose Baelor"] | [member="Nina Heavenshield"] | [member="Estro Sabrino"] | [member="Savitor Draay"] | [member="Freja Liekvold"] | [member="Arisa Yune"] | [member="Lucien E. Irridius"] | [member="Bato Golden"]| [member="Veiere Arenais"] | [member="Zeradias Mant"] | [member="FN-1313"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Jacques"] | [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"] | [member="Emeline Thorn"] | [member="Talos Rygat"] | [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Caelag Vass"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay laughed a little as [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] messed up a little and tried to cover it up. It was innocent enough and she knew that he didn't really mean it. Unless he was the sort to not be loyal to his wife. Strangely enough though, Josh didn't seem the sort to dishonour his marriage like that. Hopefully she was right.

Then he held out his son. Kay blinked. Had she ever held a child so young? Not that she was aware. Even Rae-Anna was older when she was adopted. "I...I don't know. He looks pretty comfortable there, and I don't want to risk waking him and having him freak out because he was being held by a stranger. I know that if I was him, that would have me scared..." And she was nervous about it. Kay glanced around for [member="Veiere Arenais"] to see if he was okay or bored out of his mind yet.

Then the big announcement for [member="Isamu Baelor"] was made. Many stopped and knelt, though others just looked. Kay had heard of him of course, for quite some time, yet she had never been in the same room with him. No doubt a glimpse would be all that she would get. She knew that there were strict protocols and her place in the Galaxy was far too small to be required to see all the heads of state and government leaders. That was what Ministers were for.