Private Creaks and Cracks

[Dorin Nalju]

C O U N T
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER
SERENNO
Tish Cowen

A reformed Serenno from its dark times as a mere pawn to advance the machinations of the defunct Sith Empire was what Dorin and his Majesty worked for since the day of reclamation. Now that dream was accomplished; rooting any trace of the Darkside within every corner of Serenno. None were excluded from their crusade, even prominent noble houses that stood for thousands of years were pruned without question. Successful they were, but not everything could be as perfect according to plan. That very mission of their created tensions and civil unrest, in fewer words the lives of innocents were harmed whether intentionally or unintentionally. Something that they would have to live with; however, from all this, they could learn, and gain wisdom to know not repeat the same mistakes and what could be improve.

Though with all their accomplishments it was not enough for the Lord Regent, tasked with the movements of Serenno with Lucien nowhere to be found. Something loomed in the air and it felt sinister. Imperial Inquisitors were called upon, investigating every nook and cranny upon Serenno. Fruitless investigations with little to no results. All that was found was common misdemeanors from the Inquisitors, from commoners to the elite. Nothing to warrant anything for Dorin to something drastic.

Still he could not shake off that feeling and it seemed to worsen everyday.

Desperately it made him to raise a private gala, inviting few Serennian nobles. A good way to distract himself and to learn more about his peers in the governing body of Serenno. A short welcoming and speech was given, before all could mingle, drink, and dance. A typical gala for the privilege.

 

[Tish Cowen]

M I N X
THE EMPIRE
NALJU ESTATE | SERENNO
TAG: Dorin Nalju

PLAYGROUND​

Home.

It had been a while. She had been deployed to and fro in the Galaxy to fight the enemies of the Empire, no matter who they are. It felt good to be back on Serenno for a while to just unwind a bit and spend time with her family. She hadn't seen her brothers since the awards ceremony on Bastion.

She had been relaxing on the patio with a glass of her brother's newest vintage that he had made when the invitation to a private gala was delivered. With Enzo still on deployment and Cosimo tied up with other engagements, it fell to her to represent her family at this shindig.

So she sent back an RSVP.

Might as well hear what the Count had to say. It would have been better to actually have Cosimo and her sister-in-law to attend this, but Raina was never one to shy away from a night of glam. Especially not at home.

The night of the noble gala arrived and before long Raina stepped out of the luxurious Demici shuttle and entered the glamorous manor of the Count Nalju.

She didn't know much about the man aside from the fact that he helped with the liberation of the planet. It at least earned him her presence in his home. The rest would have to be seen.

"Champagne, my lady?" asked a server as he offered her the tray.
"For now, but you better have some Bespin Fizz at hand very quickly after the speeches." she told him as she took a flute.
He chuckled. "As you wish, my lady."

Smirking, she turned to face the room, taking a sip as she went.

 

[Dorin Nalju]

C O U N T
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER
SERENNO
Tish Cowen

The flow of the night was typical from what he had always experienced.

Everyone flocked to their cliques with the latest gossip or convening to further their schemes. Subtle glances being shot everywhere, envy or lust behind their pupils. Wouldn’t be king before new relationships were forged when one would take courage and extend a hand to introduce themselves. A genuine smile would be mistaken for a false one. Yes, Serenno was reformed, but the typical traits found in the elite amongst each other were not lost. Each move made to secure their future and legacy. Admittedly, it was how House Nalju survived since its birth.

Wouldn’t take long for him to involve himself in those…pleasantries. Though, naturally, people would be drawn to him due to his position. The limelight was great, but it could be too intoxicating. Nothing but plagues seeking to advance their interests with his support.

Which was why he strode towards…

“Strange to see a fine lady alone and not gossiping with giggles,” announcing his presence known to Raina as he walked right by her side. “A rather welcoming sight, if you ask me.”

 

[Tish Cowen]

M I N X
THE EMPIRE
NALJU ESTATE | SERENNO
TAG: Dorin Nalju

PLAYGROUND​

Raina was used to complete strange men striking up a conversation with her. She had lost count how many times it had happened at galas and parties. It was nothing new.

She casually took another sip of her bubbly before turning to the person that spoke to her. It had been none other than the lord of the family that was hosting the current gala.

The Demici heir cocked her brow as she looked at him.
"Gossiping is what sows dissent within the Empire, Sir. It's my job to fight against exactly that." she said, a smirk pulling at the corner of her mouth before she took another sip of champagne.
"Raina Demici, Inquisitor of the Empire, at your service." she announced herself, inclining her head slightly. "Why invite my family, if I may ask?"

It was no secret that the Demicis were picky about their allies. She had defied all odds by working with Lucien Dooku against the Sith and other enemies of the state. It definitely not the norm. It sure was odd to get invited to something like this just for kicks.

There certainly was a hidden agenda.

 

[Dorin Nalju]

C O U N T
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER
SERENNO
Tish Cowen

Smart enough to know the dangers of rumors.

And then there were smarter people who did, but weaponized rumors to sow discord or manipulate one’s own insecurities. Capital ships and blasters were not the only way to defeat an enemy. A simple word could be as powerful as frightening armies, though there was an art to it.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Demici,” not forgetting before continuing their dialogue. “Reason for my invitation is that I’d like to get to know my fellow peers on a personal level. Know their likes, dislikes…ambitions.” Ambition that could turn into a coup.

”I didn’t know an Inquisitor could reveal their identity publicly. Everyone knows their existence, but many assumed it would be foolish to unveil themselves. I’d be careful, to be honest,” and raised a glass of champagne towards her, a charming smirk before taking a sip.

“Do tell me about your family, Lady Demici. I don’t suppose they’re here in attendance?”

 

[Tish Cowen]

M I N X
THE EMPIRE
NALJU ESTATE | SERENNO
TAG: Dorin Nalju

PLAYGROUND​

Ambitions, hey?

The play on the word was not lost on Raina. She knew what he meant. It was her job after all. But she smirked at his question about her being so blasé about her occupation.
"That's the difference between me and others, Count. I want them to know I'm coming. Fear forces people to make mistakes, revealing them all the quicker if they know someone like me are on their trail. Much more time-efficient." she said, ending in a quip before taking another sip of her drink.

He went on to ask her about her family.
"Unfortunately, it is just me here tonight as I am on leave. My older brother and acting Count, Cosimo, and his wife unfortunately had prior engagements that needed attending to. My younger brother Lorenzo's naval flotilla had been deployed to the Neshtab front, so he could not take the invitation either. Both my uncles have taken to the Cloth within the Crusade. My one cousin is also about to join the Imperial Knights on official capacity. Aside from that, most of the wine your patrons are drinking tonight, probably comes from one of our many vineyards." she explained. "My family had been long-serving members of the Empire."

She dropped her voice. "You have nothing to fear from us."

 

[Dorin Nalju]

C O U N T
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER
SERENNO
Tish Cowen

He was impressed to hear how decorated her family was. Imperial hardliners with many of them taking up oaths to serve the Empire and advance its ideals. However, betrayal often came from those whom could be trusted. Dorin had every right to be skeptical until proven otherwise.

Nothing personal, just had to be cautious.

"You have nothing to fear from us."

“I wish that was the case, my Lady. Better said than done, but I’ve become,…” with a quick glance around the room, catching some eyes beaming at the pair. Could be to gossip, or to paint a target on their back. “…restless. I fear there are wolves among us and they grow stronger by each passing day.”

“Of course, you might think I’m paranoid, but my reforms were not in good taste to many families. Those with a history of the Dark Side.”

Another quick glance. Annoyed by the lack of privacy and anyone able to overhear them.

“May I have the pleasure,” while extending his hand to her, “a small, stereotypical walk around my home. Some fresh air could do us some good.”