Private Dinner & Death

[Adron Malvern]

S H A D O W S​

Tags: Diavona Vammor ​

​

Illyria was a planet that sat on the edge of the galaxy. When it came to the grater galaxy what resource could Illyria offer? Sure the planet had a healthy supply of Phrik, perhaps one of the largest sources in the galaxy, but even Phrik was not a resource to ensure Illyria with prominence. When the King and future Queen, Saraya Arenais took a moment to consider the galaxy's galactic resources there was only one that Illyria could surely monopolize on, information. At the end of the day information was the greatest commodity that any world could hold, however Illyria was far from filled with it.

That was the best part.

When the King considered the planet's placement and relevance to the greater galaxy, he found that it was the perfect planet to engage in espionage. It had no galactic history, no intergalactic affairs, and no tethers to another planet, save Mnemosyne. Even with the considerable advantages laid before them they could not advance without the proper preparations. There were few worlds as thickly dipped in politics and betrayal as Illyria. The Aristocratic elite on the world dominated in that field, however there was another world that presented just as much in the realm of misinformation and deceit.

Naboo.

A beautiful world with the clearest of crystal lakes and some of the most beautiful architecture in the galaxy. It was a den of snakes. Like Illyria the Houses of Naboo were focused on only one thing, power. What better way to seize power than through the shadowy halls of politics? Even the King of Illyria could respect that. So he decided he would extend his reach back into the heart of The Confederacy and pluck from it a single golden rose. Diavona Vammor . She was a beautiful woman, well known in the courts of Naboo for being extremely loyal to the world and holding only the best intentions at heart.

What laid beneath the surface? What happened when you unveiled the mask?

The King intended on finding out. That was why he'd invited the Lady to Dragonne Palace for an evening of fine dining and entertainment. After all the halls of Nobility on one world were often visited by the nobles of another. She was beautiful, influential, and above the dirt of the galaxy so in the public eye her visit to Illyria would be nothing more than a visit of courtesy.

The Royal Dining Hall had been prepared with only two places prepared. Still, a beautiful assortment of fruits, vegetables, meats, and desserts was prepared for the occasion, along with several bottle of Naboo wine.

Jean de'Luo awaited the Lady's arrival on the palace's main landing pad. With a small precession of servants the palace was well equipped for the Lady's immanent landing. ​

 

[Diavona Vammor]

Attire: [xXx]
Tag: | Adron Malvern |

---

It had been the strangest thing, the receive an invitation such as she had out of nowhere. In all of Diavona's days, she could not recall every being singularly invited to the Dragonne Palace. In fact, she couldn't recall a time where she had been invited period. Now, more than once the blonde Lady of Whispers had of course been upon Illyria. For one reason or another, she had worked her magic along the streets - or rather not so much the streets. Confined within secret rooms, or the bedrooms of those who would suffer in silence at her will.

Information was indeed a rare commodity, and in the long game? Diavona was a rare gem and worth quite a lot to any handler.

And because of that, she was quite certain as to why she had received such a spontaneous invitation to the palace. At the moment, Dia was a free agent. There were no ties to her loyalty, no place where her intake of information was deposited, and that made her sought after by more than one source. And yet this was not something that bothered her. If anything, Dia was quite flattered by those in power who even knew her name. It meant she was better at what she did than she had ever imagined that she would be.

When the transport she had taken jarred for landing, it stirred the blonde from her thoughts. Her head turned so that she could observe out the viewport until the shuttle was fully set down, and then she rose from her seat so that she could leave the craft all together. As she descended the ramp, both slender brows lofted at the party that was waiting for her. "Well, good evening." It was a rare thing to catch Dia by surprise, and while this honestly should have been expected it had clearly caught her off guard.

She was used to working alone, after all. "I'm going to wager a guess and say you were sent out here to fetch me, Jean?" Ah yes, further proof of just who and what she was, and how good she was at her job. She could probably name all of the important staff - not only here, but in other major facilities and capitals as well. "I'm not sure if I should be honored, or offended that I'm in need of an escort from here to there." the smile that spread across her lips was playful, teasing, and the wink that followed was only further testament that she was most certainly far from offended.

 

[Saraya Arenais]

W H I S P E R S​

T A G | Diavona Vammor - Adron Malvern
W E A R I N G | {x}

Saraya stood alone in the Royal Dining Hall, her studious gaze inspecting the luxurious spread of food piled high on silver plates. One of her hands reached out, fingertip gently shifting the edge of a glistening platter topped with steamed vegetables. It made a satisfying sound as the weight of it slid lazily across cloth-covered wood. When it stilled again, Saraya took a single step back, drawing the entire table in from one end to the other.

It was nothing short of perfect.

From the moment of their engagement, in the moments where Adron’s attention was stolen by other things, Saraya’s focus had been on the betterment of Illyria. Her desire to stand as tall as he did in the political world was an exceptional motivator. She found enjoyment in sitting by his side late into the hours, pouring over policies and procedures. She relished the meetings she had been permitted to sit in, drinking in every word with a hunger unmatched. When she and her fiancé finally turned their gaze upon the bolstering Illyria’s commerce, they could summon only one solution.

Whispers.

It was an art her husband-to-be was well versed in. His time in the Confederacy had afforded him a wealth of experience in that regard. Saraya herself had little to no knowledge on the battles fought across mahogany desks, but she was not naïve to their ways, and she was eager to learn. In the word of politics, words were a prized commodity. Something to be coveted and craved, manipulated and abused. You were either careful with them, or you controlled them.

From what Saraya had heard, the woman they had set out to host today was certainly one of the latter.

Adron had spoken highly of her renown in the days leading up to this meeting. His future Queen had hung upon his every word. The impression Saraya had made on the court thus far had been great, but it was not yet lasting. Hopefully, Diavona Vammor would be the key to making her mark permanent.

 

[Adron Malvern]

S H A D O W S​

Tags: Diavona Vammor | Saraya Arenais ​

The Lady Diavona was well known in the Illyrian circles and due to that her reputation proceeded her. The Chamberlain Jean de'Luo could not help but show a mild smile at the woman's words, bowing his head respectfully at her greeting. "It is my duty to guide you to his majesty. It is my honor to escort a woman of such renown." The Chamberlain smiled warmly at the woman's words before holding an arm out towards the palace's entrance.

Through the halls of Dragonne Palace, Lady Diavona was escorted promptly to the Main Dining Hall. As the doors were opened, Jean was not surprised to see Lady Saraya standing before the beautifully prepared dining area. He immediately bowed his head, a hand falling to his waist as he greeted her. "My lady, how wonderful to see you." He stepped out of the view of Diavona before gesturing to Queen to be. "Lady Diavona, allow me to introduce Lady Saraya of House Arenais of Mnemosyne. Princess of Mnemosyne and the future Queen of Illyria."

As he stepped from the woman's side he moved to join Saraya. "However, I am sure she did not need to be told that." The man said with a small smile yet gracing his lips. "Mistress Saraya, this is Lady Diavona Vanmor of Naboo. Your honored guest." The Chamberlain stepped to the side of the room, gesturing to the table with a single open hand. Before the man could say anything more another set of doors opened with no warning. This caused Jean's expression to settle as he spoke up in announcement. "His Majesty, the King of Illyria."

When Adron crossed through the threshold his presence quickly took hold of the Dining Hall. He wore a fine suit of black and silver-grey. His hair was combed back against his head in a neat wave and in his right hand was his signature walking cane. The soft taps echoed out as he took in the sight of the two women before him. He would greet his guest first, as tradition called for. "Bonjour madame, tu es ravissante ce jour." Hello Madame, you are looking lovely today.

"It is an honor for Illyria to greet a Lady of such renown. Please, sit so we may enjoy a lunch together." He turned to his bride to be, offering his lover a warm smile as he approached her. "I see you have already met the brightest flower to ever grace Illyria, my soon to be Queen, Saraya Arenais." He leaned down to press a warm kiss to her cheek before tapping his cane against the ground. He turned to pull out Saraya's chair while the cane remained firmly in place, tethered to it's spot by the unseen chains of the Force. The King returned his hand to his cane, grasping it as he turned to Jean.

"Lunch today, Jean?" He asked.

"Freshly caught Onoa fish from the Argent River, roasted over lemon and basil with steamed vegetables and fruit selection to pair." The Chamberlain snapped his fingers, causing for a small door in the edge of the room to open as silver trays were marched into the room, one being set in front of all three places. The King took his place at the head of the table, with Saraya closely set on his left and Lady Diavona set on his right. He settled into his seat and smiled at the woman before the servants began to pour their glasses full of a fine champagne. "Lady Diavona I called you here not to dine and enjoy small talk, but to gauge what kind of woman you are." He said, as Jean silently commanded the rest of the staff to exit the palace.

"You see, it has been brought to my attention that you are well informed on much of the galaxy's moving's. Now normally the ambitions of one Lady from Naboo are not a concern of mine, however you are an extraordinary case."

"Well, I suppose what I am trying to say is...I have not yet decided if it is in my best interest to have you killed or not. I thought a fine lunch would be a wonderful way to determine the answer." He raised his wine glass to the woman in a toast. "To your health." Before taking a simple sip from the glass. ​

 

[Diavona Vammor]

Tags: | Adron Malvern | Saraya Arenais |

----------------

It would good that the jest in her words had been well received, though to be perfectly honest Diavona rarely ever trusted anyone entirely. Too many reasons to keep herself well guarded, even if she did lower the walls from time to time. Being a shut in, closed up entirely, or cold to others would never get her what she wanted, after all. It took poise, charm, and charisma to get as far in this line of work as Dia had done, after all. And she was certainly well versed in all of the above.

She had followed her escort within the palace, and while most may have gawked at the scenery, or marveled at the decor, Dia did neither of these things. This was not her first rodeo so to speak, nor was it her first well groomed establishment to be traversing through. When she was led to the dining hall, the blonde's feet came to a pause, and automatically her frame dipped in a well practiced curtsey. Living among high society, such things were of utmost importance to master after all.

"My Lady," she greeted smoothly, as always when she was dealing with new people. No inflection in her tone, nothing to read other than a respectful politeness. Which was further extended when they were joined by yet another body. Ah, now this one Dia knew most certainly. While she couldn't recall if she had ever been in the same room with the Illyrian King before, it was certainly entirely possible. Though even if it weren't, that did nothing to dampen what she knew of him. As such, when he spoke to her, Dia's smile was easier to form and again she dipped her frame with respect. "Et bonjour à vous, votre majesté. Merci, même si je pense que votre épouse me surpasse certainement." (And hello to you, your majesty. Thank you, though I think your bride to be certainly outshines me.)

It should be no surprise that the Lady of Whispers was quite the polyglot, and it felt rather good to dip into those skills from time to time. Despite the work, most people either spoke or at least understood Basic, so it wasn't always necessary to dabble into another language. But her focus remained here, in the now, on the bodies within the room. Being given the go ahead to sit, Dia did as such only once Saraya had become seated first, and while meals and drinks were presented the blonde did not immediately reach for anything considering the topic that had been brought up immediately.

"Right to business then," which was fine with Diavona. It was typically what she preferred in any given situation. "Well, gathered meals are most certainly one of the easiest ways to attempt to learn someone." Now she reached for her glass, took it up, and sipped from it delicately before continuing. "Though I would like to point out one thing, Majesty." Her gaze shifted from the table to the Illyrian King, "Many of your caliber have tried their hand and killing me for who I am and what I do. And yet....here I sit, ready to enjoy what appears to be quite the delectable meal." She almost smiled against the rim of her glass as it was brought to her lips once more for another drink.

One did not simply become what Diavona was and remain as such for long without the means to keep themselves alive, after all.

 

[Saraya Arenais]

W H I S P E R S​

T A G | Diavona Vammor - Adron Malvern

The first indication Saraya had of their guest’s arrival was the distinctive click of polished shoes tapping their way down the corridor. Jean was an eccentric soul in every way, and his distinctive gate was no less so. She had a particular fondness for the man himself, he had a personality that Saraya could only compare to a magician. The ones she had watched as a child pulling rabbits out of hats and endless handkerchiefs from sleeves.

A swathe of chocolate brown hair caught the breeze as she turned just in time to see the doors swing open to admit their company. Saraya placed a radiant smile on her face, directing it toward the guest and then to the silver-haired attendant. “The pleasure is always mine, Jean.” She remarked quickly, before paying attention to his introductions. “Lady Diavona. Bienvenu au Palais de la Dragonne.” Her words of welcome were drowned by the second set of doors opening behind them. She did not need to turn to know who it was, his power dominated even from a distance, but she turned regardless.

Saraya regarded her fiancé with nothing less than infatuation. Despite her often owning his gaze in any given room, it could still steal the breath from her lungs in a single second. He looked every bit the king garbed in ebony and silver silk. She could not take her eyes off him, even when he extended a warm greeting to Diavona. She at least had the good graces to cast her gaze down and blush when he placed a tender kiss on her cheek. Adron was already well aware. Flattery would get him everywhere. When Diavona spoke in beautifully pronounced high Illyrian, parroting her husband-to-be’s compliments, Saraya had the decency to look slightly flustered.

“Lady Diavona, you truly grace me with your compliments, but your glow is no less mesmerizing than mine.” Saraya spoke in her own soft tone as Adron slid her seat out. “Adron has spoken very highly of you and your work in recent days. But meeting you for myself, I can see his comments on your beauty were far too restrained.” Adron had done it for her benefit, of course. Saraya was far from blind, but even if she were, it would not have been difficult to tell that Diavona was indeed beautiful. Casting a quick but knowing gaze at her lover, Saraya settled into her seat just as the servants began pouring into the dining hall bringing delicacies and sweet wine.

They had barely topped their glasses off with deep crimson liquid when Adron began to talk of business. Adron did not know the meaning of “thinly veiled”, however, Saraya was pleased to see that this did not deter their guest. She raised her glass to the toast and indulged herself in a fair sip of the contents of her glass. “Bien joué, Lady Diavona. I rarely find myself in the presence of someone so eloquently spoken.” Where Diavona swallowed her smile, Saraya did not. “It almost sounds like a challenge.” Her body tilted slightly as she leant forward in her seat to catch the shocking ocean blue gaze of their guest. “My fiancé is extremely fond of challenges. You should be careful not to tease him too greatly… You may just find he accepts.”

It was far, far from a threat. Rather, her melodic tone made light of the situation. As though discussing the betrayal of a guest over dinner was the most ordinary and mundane subject.

 

[Adron Malvern]

S H A D O W S​

Tags: Saraya Arenais | Diavona Vammor ​

His words were posed as a test and what was the Illyrian met with?

Delicious defiance.

He found Diavona's words to be meaningful and powerful, though he merely smiled as his own bride to be pointed out the truth of the situation. While Saraya spoke the King took a single sip from his glass of wine, appreciating the fine, fruity taste that layered over his tongue. Pristine, refreshing, and every bit as refined as Illyria itself. "Who you are. What you do." He finally broke the silence, his amethyst eyes blessing the woman's fair form once again. "Yes, that is exactly what seats you at my table."

"While your death could settle a few shallow worries of mine, your life is the larger commodity." He agreed with her words before setting his wine down on the table with the softest of chimes echoing throughout the hall.

"My time as Exarch afforded me a great deal of intel, as did those I kept close to my power. I assure you that anytime the matter of information came to rise, it was with the name Diavona Vammor quickly trailing behind it. Of course, we had no proof. You're too skilled for such a thing. When I was an Exarch proof was something I had to tether myself."

"The station of King has no such shackles." He said.

"I plan to create a mighty kingdom. A kingdom that will thrive and be remembered long after my death and the death of my children. For this legacy to come to pass there are certain resources I find myself in need of."

"Information is one of them. Rather, information is one of the most vital." The king's hands came together as he spoke, his eyes fastened on his guest with a certain presence. "Illyria will become the most powerful planet in the galaxy. Not because of it's Phrik, not because of the dark powers that rest here, but because it is my vision. The Force has already shown me the future and it is ripe with prosperity and power. I seek in those who would swear themselves to my vision, who would swear themselves to a new power that the galaxy will quiver from...yet a power most will scarcely be aware of." He smirked softly, bringing his lips to a soft smile. "I'm quite the visionary, you see. I would like to utilize you to enhance this vision."​

 

[Diavona Vammor]

Tags: | Adron Malvern | Saraya Arenais |

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Well, it seemed that her response was received well enough. A fact which made Diavona smirk just the slightest bit as she separated from her wine glass and set it back down against the table. The statements that had followed from the Queen-to-be had been the source; a King who enjoyed a challenge? Well naturally. He wouldn't make a very good King if he didn't, now would he? Not that this wasn't something Dia wasn't already aware of. While she did not have the entire scope of information on the pair she was dining with this eve, she most certainly knew some basics.

She wouldn't be here if she didn't.

So, she let that little smirk of amusement - and lingering flattery from the compliments that had come before - shine for just a moment longer than necessary, so that the Lady Saraya would see it, and then her focus shifted right back to the Illyrian King. A slow, steadying sigh escaped Diavona's frame through her nose, and her head canted ever so slightly to the side. She was listening, intently so, to the vision that was being laid out before her.

And there it was, the very reason that Dia was here at all. Again she reached out to take up her glass, and she sipped from it once again as she pretended to mull this information over. Of course they wanted to use her for what she was good at; and Dia was good at it. Anyone who knew her and knew what she did, knew this about her. She was covet in the field for a reason. People sought her out for a reason. And she was still alive for a reason.

The bottom of her glass clinked against the tabletop once again, "So what I'm hearing," she started, fingers lingering against the glass for only a moment before she once more shifted her gaze to the royal couple. "Is that you would like to permanently hire me for my services." The Illyrian King wanted to be able to know the way he needed to move, before the moves had to be made. To be able to manipulate any given situation to his advantage without the need to bat an eye.

And Diavona was just the person to be able to help with that...

 

[Saraya Arenais]

W H I S P E R S​

T A G | Adron Malvern - Diavona Vammor

The life of a King came with many worries, and their true nature was revealed in the simple matter of which of those worries they placed importance on. Adron was not the type to waste away the hours on small concerns. There were far more dangerous pieces on the chessboard of life to concern himself with.

While Adron spoke, Saraya kept her gaze on Diavona. Under any other circumstances, Saraya may have found her to be quite angelic. The hair on her head was so golden it was almost comparable to a halo, but she knew better than that now. Whether the tales Adron told had told her of Diavona were true or not they were impressive, nonetheless. Impressive enough to make her think twice about judging her on appearance alone. The measured expression that crossed Diavona’s pale features was one Saraya recognised all too well. In Adron’s brief speech, there were plenty of things that needed consideration beyond the few moments of silence that followed.

“Precisely that.” Saraya commented when Diavona spoke. An opportunity to explain further presented itself, but Saraya chose to remain quiet. Diavona’s reputation garnered her great respect, but there was an element to it that could not be ignored. Information was a treasured commodity, as Adron had explained. The woman they both sat before was an expert in it, and no doubt she harboured the same philosophies many in her line of work did. In short, she could not be trusted. Not yet. That would have to be earned. “It would be nothing beyond your current capabilities if you so wish it.”

Saraya took up her own glass, punctuating her words with a sip of the wine. “Illyria is already a prosperous planet, and it has plenty of room for experts like yourself. I’m sure you can agree that this is a rather unique and rare opportunity, even for someone as highly sought after as yourself. If you agree, your time here will be what you chose to make of it. I have no doubt that an opportunity like this one, in hands as capable as yours, can be transformed into something quite impressive.”

 

[Adron Malvern]

S H A D O W S​

Tags: Saraya Arenais | Diavona Vammor ​

There were many instances when the Illyrian King was set before a number of paths. Paths that could just as easily lead him to ruin as prosperity. When gazing down every path there was always once question that lingered in his cautious mind.

Is it worth it?

As he looked to this woman who smiled and sang her sweet voice at his table, he wondered if it was worth it to bring her into his employ. An avenue of information worked in more ways than one. This was something he must be certain of when deciding the future of the world. Although it was not entirely for him to decide. He wished to allow his partner, Saraya Arenais control over the networks that would expand soon. He must focus his efforts on purely supporting her, so that she in turn may support their planet. So when the future Queen spoked he was silent.

"As my Lady has said. Your future will be of your own design here. For someone who is ambitious and dreams of influence and power, there is no world to serve better than ours. Soon we will be connected into the Galactic Trade Networks and with that the final step of the Illyrian preparation will be complete...and we will begin the Illyrian Renaissance, an age geared to bring prosperity and power to us all."

His hand wrapped around the glass he'd been drinking from, taking a few measured sips from the glass as he exhaled thoughtfully.

"I also understand that loyalty bought can be a...fickle thing. However here you will experience something never before seen. You will watch as greatness is birthed from the womb of the galaxy and set forth to the most honored of positions. Illyria will live on, long after we are all dead and it will be the legacy of generations to come." He turned his eyes to his wife to be. The thought of legacy caused him to offer her a knowing look before turning his attention back to the conversation at hand. "What will it take to have your loyalty, Lady Vammor?" He asked. ​

 

[Diavona Vammor]

Tag: | Adron Malvern | Saraya Arenais |

----------------------

Well, this pair of royals certainly knew how to play with words, now didn't they? A fact which Diavona would most certainly make a note of to remember for future use. Naturally, she knew quite a few things on her own already, things that had made her prepare for this dinner just in case something were to slip and go unfavorably for her in the process. Dia had been in quite the position back home on Naboo after all, and not just there, throughout known space for that matter. So to walk in ill prepared? Well, it just wasn't in her nature.

However, it didn't seem that she would need to be protecting herself in such ways. Not in the immediate moment at least. This was still just a delicate dance of world play.

There was something said that drew the blonde's gaze directly to the King of Illyria, and for a long moment - perhaps too long to those awaiting responses, she merely studied him. And then there was a soft, "Hm," sound from her before she adjust deftly in her seat. "Loyalty bought is only fickle when those you are paying are fickle in nature to begin with." Her head shook and she glanced between the couple seated with her before continuing. "I am not fickle in nature. I am a supporter of great causes; I go where I'm needed and where it will benefit not only myself but those who need it most, and with all due respect to you both, right now?" Again Dia's gaze swept between the other two bodies seated at the table.

"It seems Illyria is in the most need for my type of services." She let that settle between them for only a moment before she once again reached for her wine glass. "So I suppose the answer to your question, sire, would merely be a place to rest when I am home, and the immunity against some laws afforded to me that will hopefully never be needed - and hasn't been needed before, I might point out."

Simple enough.