All For One

[Ra'a'mah]

The world was kept secret for a purpose. Very few even knew it was there. Veradune and it would be an ideal place to have a small gathering. These people knew how to have parties and that was a bonus.

Plans were made and invitations were sent out to certain people. Permission was given to bring a plus one and this was going to be something totally informal. A night to party, let their hair down and just have fun. No stuffy formal gowns or suits. Food and drink was going to be there in a great amount.

Transportation would be provided for those that did not know of Veradune. This allowed the government there to maintain its secrecy. A precaution to allow the Verans to recover without the galaxy to know of them. That recovery was something Ra had helped with and wondered how well it was going.

Not a concern for her tonight though. Her plus one was a Jedi Master she had been seeing off and on now for several months. A person she wanted to have more opportunity to spend time with and this provided a wonderful reason for it.

Spoiler

​[member="AD-8"] [member="Alexandra Feanor"] @Aren'D'Shade [member="Bloodstone"] [member="Cynthia Solus"] [member="Darth Kentarch"] [member="Darth Pellax"] [member="Decker Willo"] [member="Drogh"] [member="Edward Thane"] [member="Jairdain"] [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"] [member="Kaine Australis"] [member="Lord Nexus"] [member="Mereel Vaun"] [member="Nemo"] @Ra'a'mah [member="Rann Thress"] [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"] [member="Vulpesen"] [member="Zhin Zondaar"] [member="Zuri Ano"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"] [member="Asaraa Vaashe"]

 

[Vulpesen]

Large spired buildings and even larger trees, Veradune was a place of natural beauty, and ferocious wilds. A place as likely to captivate you as it was to murder you for taking a leak on the wrong tree. But for the Zorren people, it was home. Dangerous but beautiful, it was here that the Valde knew he belonged. And of course, his home was something that Vulpesen was happy to share with those he could call his friends and allies.

Smiling broadly, the Zorren's king watched as one by one, ships entered his port. Each one was chartered by the Veran government, with Vulpesen personally selecting the pirates to undergo the mission. Such was the seriousness with which he kept Veradune's secrecy. However, the second his guest's feet hit the ground, they would be welcome to partake in all the wonders of his home. To welcome his fellow members of the hand, Vulpesen had personally opened up his home, the Valde's castle to all who wished to join him. The walls of the main hall were lined with casks of various drinks, from Zorren whiskey to corellian ale.

Around him, Vulpesen could see his guards partaking in a few of the drinks before the real fun began. The main castle had its own experienced security, and as such, the first squad had finally gotten a true break from their duties, allowing them to sit, dance, drink, and be merry right alongside the man that they were sworn to protect. "Alright everyone, try not to get into any fights. These are friends, and let's show them they're welcome! Its showtime!"

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Vulpesen"] @Ra'a'mah

A invitation...one she was wary of, who couldn't blame her, with commenor being attacked she had ran off to her own planets and was in the process of shoring them up so they could repel attack...least in the planning stages. Looking over the invitation she saw her sisters name and couldn't help a small smile...maybe she needed this to help clear her mind

However the only issue she had was leaving her daughters behind, she was wary to leave them anywhere alone after the attacks...she decided she would bring them and her husband as a safe guard. Boarding the ship she took a look around and kept brigh close to her as she sat down to enjoy the ride

Upon arriving she exited and looked around making her way to the castle brigh in hand

 

[AD-8]

AD-8 had been invited to a party on Veradune, [member="Vulpesen"]'s hidden home. He presumed he had been invited because of his assistance in freeing some of his people from literal hell and he was a member of the hand. He had been picked up on a ship and flown straight to the planet. He had decided against utilising his plus one, he doesn't really have anyone to go with, he liked to keep everyone away from his secrets and his trust.

AD-8 had never been to a party before and wondered what the point of it was, if you wanted to socialise why not do it in a smaller group. It seemed there were still parts of organics he doesn't understand. He carried a small pistol, concealed in his body; you could never be too safe, especially after the recent attack on Commenor it seemed danger was lurking everywhere.

His ship landed and he exited into the spaceport, he was taken back by the beauty of the forests and the buildings that surrounded him.

[member='Ra'a'mah'] [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"]

 

[Edward Thane]

Adjusting the buttons of his uniform's cuffs, Edward Thane departed from the provided ship and traveled towards the party's location. Even now, at such an informal gathering he wore his imperial uniform, only covering himself in a coat to appear more casual.

The former ensign was never good at affairs such as these, somewhat more conservative with how he presented himself and what he involved himself with. That said, Thane would not miss this chance to meet and socialize with others of the Hand.

[member="Vulpesen"] | [member=Ra'a'mah]

 

[Jairdain Ismet-Thio]

This was not the first time Jairdain had been invited to Veradune. Maybe some day she would be able to have the location saved in her ship, but for now she followed the customs Vulps had set up.

Things right now were not good for her though. A party was one of the last things she wanted to attend. Even if it was going to be something casual. However, duty made her feel like she needed to at least appear and try to have an enjoyable time.

So the master arrived and promptly went and did something she had never done before and that was pick up a drink. Not even bothering to say hello to people as she passed by them. In fact the only person she actually knew so far was Vulps himself. The presence of a child was noted and Jairdain smiled slightly as she walked past them. Someday maybe she would have her own.

And that thought brought her back to reality and the reason she got the drink. Her missing fiancée, memory loss which she had a part in with her former lover and the almost cold blooded murder of that shard of Lykos was tearing her apart. Maybe this party was just what the woman needed.

Taking that drink plus another, she sat down in a corner and started in.

 

[Decker Willo]

Decker got another invitation, so out he went. And this time, he brought one of his squadron mates. His second in command, a orange-skinned male Zabrak named Blebruk. He headed in with his plus one, and gave the invitation he had to the one they are meant to be given to. Both wore their pilot uniforms. "So, Blebruk what's your plan?" Blebruk just shrugged. "Whatever you do, I guess I'll just follow 'long." Decker agreed with a nod, then set off. He spotted the familiar face of @Ra'a'mah but others not so well.

He wondered briefly if the Mynock Rock's captain would have been the better choice. And yet, he knew that the captain hated parties. He did approach someone, may as well make conversation. And walked towards Ra. "Ma'am. We meet again." And hopefully not covered in another's drink again. "This here is my second, Blebruk."

@Jairdain @Edward Thane @AD-8 @Stardust Australis Skirae [member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Mercutio]

Took in a deep breath of free air as he was allowed out of the cold cells beneath the castle after having spent some time there 'detoxing' under the supervision of Ra's 'people'.
Prepared for him were clean and finely pressed set of cloths, black slacks with and a royal purple shirt, his boots having been repaired and even lightly polished, though no sign of his shoto saber nor the half of his mask that remained.
After using the facilities to clean and dress himself he made his way to the main gathering, though he kept to the shadows and to himself as he observed all those who began to gather, tying his long blonde hair back into a loose ponytail.


@Jairdain @Decker Willo [member="Edward Thane"] @AD-8@Stardust Australis Skirae @Vulpesen @Ra'a'mah

 

[Mereel Vaun]

Receiving the party invitation was admittedly somewhat quaint. Although he wouldn't admit it to anyone who didn't already know, Mereel sort of owed the party's host his life, which made him a bit wary of the invitation.

Experience dictated that people you owed large debts to only invited you to things when they were trying to collect, but he thought he might be proven wrong here. His luck had been pretty good as of late, so for better or worse he had decided to double down on his luck, inviting the woman he was head over heels for.

As he and his plus one stepped off of one of the hired pirate vessels, he ruffled around in his jacket's interior pockets to make sure he still had his lightsaber. He breathed a short sigh as he felt the cold cylinder, and then turned to face Seo with a relieved grin.

"Welcome to Veradune. Land of murderous wilds, people with ghost eyes, and the place where I got the idea for -"

He extended his metal hand, "this bad boy."

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Seo Linn]

As a wanderer, Seo enjoyed exploring new places and this Veradune was exactly that. The invitation was unexpected, but it pleased her to know Mereel had thought to bring her along. he had told her it a casual gathering, so she wore exactly what she normally did. Clothes with colors that would fit into the desert far better than on a forested world.

Having grown quite comfortable around Mereel, she did not feel the need to keep herself closed from him. However, once they got inside she might resume the façade he was familiar with. For now though, she raised an eyebrow at what he said about the people the wilds here.

"What exactly is so murderous about the wilds here? Can't be as dangerous as hunting starving anoobas."

She watched as he raised his hand and nodded.

"I'm not sure I understand how you got the idea from here, but I imagine you will tell me. Something I want to know."

[member="Mereel Vaun"]

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra smiled as she rested against the wall and stood there clad in a blue dress, her eyes running from each and every person as she smiled and messed with her hair in a mirror. She was a bit giddy, being back on Veradune again and looking herself over to make sure she looked ok. She would be careful as to who saw her doing his, keeping an eye on those that walked by and smiling when someone glanced her way.

Eventually she stopped though, happy with the appearance and moving on, only to find the form of her friend walking through the party. Alexandra raised a brow at the down turned nature in [member="Jairdain"], curious as to what was going on and sadly smiling. Her friend hurt on the inside and Alexandra could feel that already, her hand rubbing at her arm and sighing, moving to approach her friend. It only took her a few moments to get up to her friend and putting a hand on Jairdain's shoulder.

"Hey, want to go for a walk, this place is stuffy anyways and I want to show you something."

Alexandra didn't ask Jairdain what was wrong, nor did she need to. If Jairdain wanted to tell Alexandra, the woman would know that Alexandra had more than an open ear.

 

[Drogh]

Inviting Drogh was not a very smart idea, his reputation alone was reason enough, yet he was. Perhaps it was because Drogh ventured into that vortex of screaming agony and tears.

That place has haunted Drogh's thoughts for a very long time, souls twisted in pain, writhing in unyielding suffering. Drogh desired a larger reward then a mere invitation.

Still, Drogh would go, he desired to see the faces of those that he will work with. To see Ra. Drogh detested her and her him, their hatred for each other was mutual. Yet Drogh felt something else for her, something he found horroryfing

He cared about her, it was not a strong emotion, nor was it driven by some mundane love, but it was there. Had he simply known her for so long? Was it because Drogh knew more about her? That he saw some reflection in himself in her?

Drogh didn't want to dwell on it. Yet even still he despised her. The Dark Hand was little more then a cult of personality towards Ra, everyone admired her to some degree. Perhaps there was something liberating about hating her?

As he arrived on this planet, tall trees glaring down below, he felt something burn in these trees, some animalistic hatred that slumbered within them, he did not want to wake it.

The sky was black and cold, yet the many moons pierced this dark veil, gleaming like gems. It had a beauty to it, one even Drogh could appreciate. But even then, he did not trust it, open areas like these made Drogh feel painfully exposed and the eerie quiet rage of the trees disturbed him.

He made quick effort to get to the castle, almost running before slowing in pace when he came close. Drogh enters like he always did, in a ruined set of old black robes, bearing a cold metalic mask shrouding his face. He looked into the great hall, it was very crude, primintive and medieval in fashion.

The reek of alcohol burned into Drogh' s nose, strong spirt, aged wine and other sorts. The security of this place was laughable, many of the guards joining in the revel, drinking, chatting even out sleeping on duty in some cases.

Yet something quite glaring, the force. He could sense the ripples of light bellowing though the halls, it hurt, a passive ache that Drogh felt. His own aura, the unfocused storm was but a shifting shadow against the ray of light.

Yet there was something he saw, almost instantly he notices the figure in the shadows; a game he was so familiar with, hiding away in the darkness. A very well built, tanned skined individual who dressed very well. He didn't even know his name, but his rathering annoying speech had cemented him as one of these fanatic admiers, Drogh could hardly help him self but to torment him.

Drogh appoarched the man with a playful but sinister smirk. "I see you have taken to hiding after your embrsssing speech?" [member="Mercutio"]

 

[Mercutio]

"You are referring to my speech at the last gathering, yea? The one that most listened to, criticized but then repeated the exact same speech only worded differently? No. I thought it was funny to hear my words regurgitated by so many others in so many different ways. But I remained silent and let those who believe themselves to be above a simple street rat, such as they think me to be, to continue believing their delusions. After all, war is half deception, is it not, Darth [member="Drogh"] ?"

He asked in response before bowing his head deeply to the Dark Lord

"Truthfully I've been... sobering up in the cells below and am still adjusting to this much light. But you honor me with your acknowledgment my lord. How goes your personal ventures?"

Mercutio asked, though not knowing any thing of the Lords adventures / conquests since their last meeting nor was he intentionally attempting to pry but merely making conversation while he poured himself a half glass of clear clean water before offering the same to the Dark One.

 

[Vulpesen]

Drinks were shared, and men laughed. One by one, his guests filtered in and Vulpesen smiled as they started to converse. He was of course, able to sense the tension that built in several of those that gathered. But that was the nature of the hand. Even among friends, there were rivalries. And even enemies. They were united by a purpose though, and as such, he figured that it wouldn't cause too much trouble. Stepping down from the steps, the Vlade lifted his voice, allowing all within the main hall to hear him. "It's good to see all of you here! Please know that for as long as we are united, Veradune is your home as much as it is mine! Partake in all that you wish, the food, the wine, and the local entertainment from hunts to brawls, to dances! You'll find we are by no means a quiet crowd. If you get into a fight, just avoid breaking your opponents neck, and win or lose, you can expect a few free drinks! Now please, make yourselves welcome!"

To be honest, it was an odd feeling to be in charge of such a gathering. So much effort was put into protecting Veradune from outsiders that such a gathering had taken no small amount of promises or deals with his advisors. But by the looks of things, it might just have been worth it. The Dark Hand was a group that needed trust among its members. And who better to start this trust than the man who had the least reason for it?
[member="Mercutio"] @Drogh @Alexandra Feanor @Jairdain @Edward Thane [member="Decker Willo"] [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"] [member="AD-8"]


Across from the palace, another greeting would be taking place by the landing pad. As [member="Mereel Vaun"] spoke to his plus one, he might now have noticed the man striding towards him, a drink in hand and a large weapon on his back. "PANSY, YA MADE IT!" Corranthus Garlan's beaming smile showed the pair of fang like teeth that appeared in all trialed zorrens, and as his arms spread out in welcome, his eyes turned to the lady. "And ya brought a friend!"

[member="Seo Linn"]

 

[Mereel Vaun]

Mereel breathed out an amused snort,"Oh come on, I only got a little roughed up by the anoobas. And the wildlife here makes anoobas look like nerfs."

He held out his already extended hand to her, "Come on, I can tell you about it over a drink, or a dance, or -"

Mereel sighed as he was interrupted by a familiar voice calling him a big pansy. He turned to face Corranthus Garlan with a small smile, "Wouldn't have missed this for the world. You're all crazy as it is, I just couldn't have imagined how you'd act at a proper party."

He had last seen Corranthus at a gathering of Jedi. While it was a social gathering, it was hardly a proper party.

He gestured his already held out hand at Seo and his smile turned into a somewhat sly grin, "She's a lot more than a friend. Seo Linn, Corranthus Garlan, and vice versa."

[member="Seo Linn"] | [member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Seo Linn]

Since she was arriving with Mereel, Seo felt a little more confident she could actually be herself around these new people. Normally a silent observer of things and only speaking when needed, she was quickly drawn into the conversation. If the truth was known and he may soon learn of it, she was feeling a bit feisty and playful.

I am not the only one to call you a pansy.​

The reaction it would cause in him was something she was familiar with and tortured him when she could find a reason to do so. No harm was done and she looked forward to his form of revenge.

He said the wildlife here made starving anoobas seem like nerfs and she raised an eyebrow at it. They certainly weren't the worst type of creature, but nothing to blow off. The introduction of Coranthus though brought the conversation to an end and she could see what he meant about ghost eyes. If she expected her to react to what he said about her, she did not. It was totally true though, they were more than mere friends.

"Nice to meet you, thank you for the welcome."

[member="Mereel Vaun"] [member="Vulpesen"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh had requested the presence of Ra as a plus one at the last party he had been to... He supposed it was only right he returned the favour when asked. Not that he didn't enjoy Ra's company, of course. So this would be a happy little outing... Even happier since he didn't have to dress up too stiffly. Josh was more comfortable in more casual clothing, and the way his Jedi robes were designed for breathing made that very clear.

He could feel a mixture of Force presences swirling through the area as he would enter alongside Ra, and he wondered if this would go well... He supposed it was a "wait and see" sort of thing, wasn't it?

 

[Jairdain Ismet-Thio]

She had never had a drink in her life, but had heard both good and bad stories. Drinking alone was one she had been told to avoid so was as happy as she could be in her frame of mind when Alex came over.

Having had only one of the Veran drinks, Jairdain was feeling rather...well tipsy, but also touchy and like she wanted to cry. In her mind she had good reason for it, but attempted to smile at her friend.

"A walk? I just got here. Want a drink?"

Blinking slightly even​ though she couldn't see, this was also affecting her Force connection. Maybe the drinking wasn't such a good idea and she could almost 'see' two forms of Alex appear.

"Show me something? I can't see. What good is beauty going to do me?"

[member="Alexandra Feanor"]

 

[Ra'a'mah]

This would be the first time Josh was going to meet many of the people Ra knew. However in their previous conversations, she had learned he already knew Star who she considered a sister. Just how many of these others he may know she did not know.

Vulps welcomed them and when he was done, Ra turned to Josh with a smile.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Josh. Care for a drink or dance? I hope we can avoid any spars...they seem to happen all too frequently here."

The dinners she had, except the first had turned into some interesting exercises. Nothing major had ever happened to her personally, but those around her...there was a reason for the first aid station in every hall.
​
[member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Vulpesen"] @Ra'a'mah

She entered the venue with brigh on her shoulders, the young girl looked around in awe at this new species. Stardust took a breath and gave a proud smile knowing she had a hand in saving these people, spotting ra she started quickly for her and smiled

sister! It is good to see you once again!

She said in a jolly tone as she let brigh down and stand by her as she placed a hand on stars a bit overwhelmed