Le Carnaval Rouge | TSE Social Event

[Amaya Cardei]

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Thunder rolled overhead as the full moon was revealed before the approaching masses. A relic of a bygone era stood before them on top of a hill overlooking the now ruined grounds of the antiquated Nightsister's Stronghold. Tionese and Galidraani influences showed themselves almost immediately, layers of Coruscanti architecture hidden beneath the castle's facade. The fog rolled in from the east and with it the sight of burial grounds. [member="Darth Carnifex"] scoured the planet for a place such as this, a quiet, secret place in which the Sith'ari would host their annual Carnaval Rouge. Every year, Sith from far and wide gather to celebrate the dark side and give it praise, thanks for a bountiful year. Each year six beautiful men and women volunteer their flesh and souls so that their Empire can grow stronger through their blood. This year, however, marks a special occasion, with all that has happened and all that has been done - the Emperor, the Dark Lord - the Unholy Father of Darkness himself has asked for thirteen of the Sith'ari to give themselves to their Empire.

As the cast iron gates were wretched open up by his will, a cascade of lightning raced across the midnight sky. Sepia and amber hues crawled along the castle's retaining walls carried on by the fog, as candlelit rooms glowed. The wooden gate of the castle opened and from within the Emperor's wives, Invicta and Salara both with their masques welcomed their husband. In turn, they welcomed the throng of people behind him. Carnaval Rouge called for a masquerade so that any game of intrigue was done with a sense of anonymity. This was, however, a party - a celebration and as such the sounds of the orchestra from within the castle's courtyard could be heard.

Music began to flow throughout the castle, whose name has long since been forgotten but for the evening it is simply known as the Château Noir or Castle Black. There are large gothic halls, with wide ambulatories and shrines dedicated to the Sith Lords of Old. Elegant tile floors and a sprawling ballroom welcome those of the Sith Empire. Friends from far and wide have been invited, from the First Order and Core Imperials to the Confederates in the Southern Systems. Those with allegiances to the dark side were welcomed, those who were not may find themselves the subject of the curious inspection. A grand dining hall presided on the second floor with a generous view of both Dathomir and the courtyard. Balconies on either side of the Castle Black could see the new city in the distant, a glimmering jewel of Sith and Witches, the city of New Laveau.

Guests would arrive by beast drawn carriage through the Scattered Forests, and while guests were to present their invitations. It was expected that a few ruffians might try to sneak into the event. As guests walked from their carriages, they would be greeted by the courtyard where vendors would vie for their credits. All the while vocalists would make their appearance on stage alongside the orchestra, they looked toward the incoming audience and then back to the orchestra as Le Carnaval Rouge began...

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umj0gu5nEGs[/media]

 

[Sylara Vaal]

Location: Chateau Noir
Post: 1

Sylara had been one of the first to arrive at the party. She loved this time of year when such festivities took place, and had dressed for the occasion. She'd garbed herself in a tight fitting black vinyl mini-dress, with a matching pair of high heels. Her masque was a metallic, silver skull, which looked fittingly spooky for the party, though left her lower jaw uncovered so she could speak and help herself to drinks more easily. She'd helped herself to a bar stool at the western bar in the ballroom, sipping a glass of red wine shipped straight from Serenno.

She'd be casually chatting with Saijo Zambrano, one of the Emperor's wives who'd been the one to originally purchase her as a gift for her husband. They were close friends, and enjoyed one another's company in more ways than one regularly. Sylara was also waiting for the arrival of a few familiar faces, namely the Emperor, and another friend of hers whom she'd grown quite fond of in these recent weeks.

[member="Darth Carnifex"]
[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Sylara Vaal"] [member="Darth Carnifex"]

A mysterious masquerade was apparently some sort of new tradition amongst the Sith, and Vanessa has found herself a reason to attend - Sylara Vaal. The Emperor’s concubine had surprisingly taken a shine to her, which Vanessa found slightly unusual, but she would hardly use such as some sort of excuse to not come to this event. In contrast to most of the individuals who had chosen to wear something unusual, she had instead masked herself with but a circlet around the top of the head. This circlet had been enchanted by her to create the illusion of a mask made of swirling stars, featureless yet non-physical, that allowed her to drink and eat.

Vanessa had noticed Sylara having a conversation with one of the Emperor’s wives, and would this time merely wait for her to finish, staying nearby and sipping a glass of wine as she did so.

 

[Salara Zambrano]

Salara watched from the tower as people arrived to the festival. Le Carnaval Rouge often had a warm place in her heart, she turned to gaze at [member="Invicta Zambrano"] and their husband [member="Darth Carnifex"], while [member="Izaszh Zambrano"] lingered somewhere in the room. It wasn't for the faint of heart and for some it was a new experience, this happened every year where some poor soul had finally been graced to such events. For the Zambranos however it was a family tradition with roots all the way back to Magnus the Red. It was their way of giving thanks to the dark side for such a bountiful year. "It is a shame we cannot slay certain members of the congregation my love." She spoke to her husband and turned her back to the window.

She walked toward her loves, "now then where were we..."

"Mhmm, yes, hello Invicta."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

For this hallowed occasion the Emperor had chosen to wear a bone mask that concealed the upper half of his face, leaving everything below his nose exposed to the air. A pair of backwards curving horns protruded from the skull's brow, likewise made of polished and brushed bone. The clothes he wore were of the finest craftsmanship, black and crimson silk embroidered with the symbols of both his long familial tree and the Empire in which he ruled so fervently. Though a festive occasion, a lightsaber hung from a sash cinched around his waist.

"You know the ancient bylaws, my dearest. They must come to the altar voluntarily."

But he understood his great royal wife's trepidation concerning some of the guests attending this grand event, and he placed both of his powerful hands on her shoulders and squeezed ever so affectionately. He leaned down to nuzzle at his wife's neck, something that would appear to be so uncharacteristic to anyone who had only met the Emperor in an official capacity. Though cold, heartless, callous, and cruel, the Emperor of the Sith doted on his wives with an affection reserved for nobody else.

It was perhaps his one only redeeming quality.

"This is our night, love, all of ours." He whispered, a hushed growl that reverberated deep in Salara's ear. "And by tonight's end... I'p baemb da nyd omaduil xoxi' em i'ayl xissi'."

[member="Sylara Vaal"] | [member="Vanessa Vantai"] | [member="Salara Zambrano"]​

 

[Valishkannaeval]

Location: Château Noir

Among the first to arrive, Valsihkannaeval felt the unease of the night take brief hold of her. As the cart approached the looming manor and came to a gentle stop Vaulen gave a brief pat to the small blue creature tucked away behind her neck. With the chatter of approval she opened the door quietly as she was, pulling an invitation out of a bag at her side and handing it to whomever cared to check and continued on her way. Passing the beast she held a hand to it and offered a subtle nod of thanks and finally proceeded to the dwelling horror she was trying to avoid dealing with.

Vaulen hadn't ever been much for crowds, or even really humanoids for that much; though there was only so long the matter could be put off before being force-ably dragged by the arms. She arrived with no mask, no gorgeous outfit, nothing special but herself, and her normal grey white dress she wore while working and the pants she used when traveling through wooded areas. Rather a sight for sore eyes if one didn't know the woman's purpose in the Sith; A beast master.

Looking rather lost and worse for wear, she made way to the nearest corner she could find away from judging eyes and found herself a moment in peace to possibly calm down.

 

[BobertEZ]

LOCATION: Château Noir
OBJECTIVE: Mingle
STAR DATE: Unknown

Finally. An event worthy of Raptious's true grace and dignity, the one and only time the Sith was glad to leave behind the battle field and mingle with Sith and servant alike. Truly, it was an unholy event if such was possible.

The massive carriage that drew them to the castle wherein the event was being held was pure black streaked with green accents, lanterns on either side at the front burning with purple flame from black candles. The windows were shaded to prevent the rabble from seeing the Phoenix's glory all to soon, to keep their appearance a mystery. If there was one thing the Darth loved, it was mysteries to be solved.

The beasts of burden, a strange mix of Bantha and Nexu, hollered and bellowed as they tromped through the misty forests, drowning out the sounds of the startled birds and small ground creatures. They held a strange beauty, these forests, one that Raptious was very willing to adore.

But adore they could no longer when the carriage finally pulled up in front of the castle gates, dozens of guests entering through and dozens more waiting in line. Raptious smiled as they waited for the driver to open the door, allowing the giant to step out. Several who had never seen the titan gasped at their appearance while others merely looked on. Each step down the three stairs were thunderous and booming, which could be said for many heartbeats when the people gazed upon the Never Aged.

The suit the Phoenix chose to wore was a combination of gold and black made out of the purest fabrics and silks. The shirt was smooth shirt buttoned up fully to support the elegant gold tie that draped down just above the giant's stomach. On top of the shirt, the Phoenix was wearing a trendy vest with 5 buttons and a fairly deep v-line and a square-cut jacket perfectly tailored fit for their size. It held a tight herringbone pattern and three black buttons, each left open to give off a sense of confidence (or perhaps the Sith forgot to button them). The pants were of a similar style as the jacket and were accompanied by a pair of gold-tipped black shoes. The Phoenix additionally wore a set of black gloves and draped a laced scarf around their neck.

Practical clothing to wear around other, aspiring Sith? Most certainly not. Fashionable for the evening? Most certainly.

The Phoenix took their time when approaching the guards in charge of admission, towering over then by some several feet. All but the bravest of Sith moved out of the giant's way, marveling at either the clothing or the sheer height and freakish nature of the Darth.

"Name?" the apparent head of the guards asked with a slight pause in her voice.

"Darth Raptious, The Phoenix, The Never Aged, Praetorian of Helgard, and Guardian of the Warrior People," the Sith replied with a genuine smile whilst handing their invitation down to the guard, an act that required a slight kneel.

"Ah...yes, come on in."

The titanic mountain nodded and quickly made their way into the castle and event proper, hoping to find proper respectable conversation.

 

[The Lord of Hunger]

LOCATION: Chateau Rouge

This had to be some kind of coincidence, to be attenting a third masquerade ball or party after his own brother had held one at the Nargath Palaces at Eriadu, yet even if he was not exactly a fan of parties and the frivolous nature thereoff, Darth Halcyon, or the Marquis of House nargath could understand the use and the prominent goal events such as these truly had. As such, he made it his goal to be part of this one just as much as the previous ones. Arriving at the party simply by use of his original Valkan Dagger, a personal lucury vehicle of his own design, the man managed to arrive just in time for the festivities to start.

Though he usually covered himself from head to toe in armor and sith styled robes, he had decided to for once forgo of his usual attire which he wore during any official or unofficial Sith Gatherings, opting this time to wear clothes more suited to his position outside of the empire, as a foreign marquis and budding multi-system entrepeneur. As such he was dressed in a form fitting combination of purple romex cullotte and veston, lined with electrum, black laqcuered, leather riding boots, a silk shirt underneath his veston with a purple romex cravat with a golden broche. Ofcourse he wore his large red family jewel adorned and attached to an electrum chain and on top of it all, a purple and red coloured, romex cape lined with electrum and with meticulously detailed, prometheum shoulderplates. His mask was just as ostentatious:

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A solid electrum, full face mask, which only revealed his unusual, silver-white eyes.​

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To avoid showing off to much though, he managed to simply slip his name as Darth Halcyon, making sure that if anything, he was just one of the more wealthy members of the Sith brotherhood, but by the lack of additional monikers and handles, he managed to avoid the attention the one in front of his had garnered by loudly exclaiming the multitude of titles and ranks he seemed to hold. Passing this massive man when walking towards the gathered empresses, the Sith Lord simply made a courteous nod towards Darth Raptious as a sign of respect, before greeting the members of the Imperial household with a grand, courteous bow, swooping his cloak behind him with one arm, while holding the other close to his chest. "You most fair, most gracious and most awe-inspiring among the imperial court. I, Halcyon, humbly greet you all and thank you for the honor of inviting me to such marvelous festivities," With that being said though, the man straightened his back again and moved on to get himself a drink and see what kind of people would arrive at the festivities, most curious as to how many they'd sacrifice this year. A somewhat barbaric and distasteful sacrifice maybe, but one necessary to strengthen both the will and unity among the Sith and their allies.

[member="Lorale Farmar"] [member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Salara Zambrano"]

 

[Djonas Vile]

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Bridge - Amidala's Lament​

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There stood the Thyrsian Knight Obsidian a few steps behind his ship's pilot, watching through the forward viewport as Amidala's Lament entered Dathomir's atmosphere. It had been much time since he had found himself on this side of the galaxy. He began to think back on his time as Krag's apprentice. He didn't miss it, but he did appreciate everything he learned during those times. Strengthened his will, toughened his resolve, and made him what he was today. Not entirely, but it helped him get there. Footsteps behind him rung in his ears. He turned to face what was his approaching secretary holding a datapad, likely with information regarding the party he was attending.

"What you got for me, Pahra?" Djonas asked his secretary.

"Your schedule for the evening. I have your outfit prepared for you. You'll find it in your closet. We should be landing soon so it would be wise to get dressed now." she began. "Also, your airspeeder has been freshly waxed for the evening. She sparkles to your exact specification. Your invite to the party will be in your jacket for when they ask for it. We are set to depart when you are ready. Should you be spending the night, they have rooms available if wish to spend a night outside of your quarters." Pahra added.

"Yeah, good idea. I'll go get dressed. Captain Meno, take us down gently." Djonas walked off until he reached his personal quarters. There, he changed into his suit, a crimson ensemble with black accents, and checked his jacket pocket for the invite, which was there as he was told. He gave himself one lookover in the mirror. "Lookin' good." he thought to himself. Once he was done cleaning up, Djonas made his way to the belly of his ship where his airspeeder awaited him. "There are you, Dharma. Been a while since we went for a drive. It'll only be brief this time, but it's better than nothing." Djonas said softly as he ran his hand across the body of his custom T-100.

A voice came over the intercom. "Djonas, we've reached cruising altitude. Opening the hangar bay doors." announced the voice. Djonas opened up the driver side door and sat down, closing the door after him. The engined fired up as he flicked a switch. The dashboard lit up brightly and the engine purred. Djonas looked ahead as the hang bay doors opened up. He pushed forward on the thruster and the airspeeder quickly lifted off the ground and flew forward, entering the airpsace above New Laveau. The communicator within his airspeeder jingled, signifying someone attempting to contact Djonas. He then pressed a button on the dash. "What's up, Pahra?" Djonas asked.

"Don't forget your mask!" she stated. He then reached for his mask that was resting on the passenger seat and put it on his face. It was party time.

[member="Ryssa Yvarro"]​

 

[Funami Teriyaki]

Drawn by a black beast, another carriage emerged from the surrounding fog and sped up the winding road. As its screeching wheels reached a halt in front of Château Noir, the carriage’s door slid open and out stepped a little figure. Small if not outright tiny, with fluffy pink hair sitting atop her head, the child’s appearance immediately screamed out of place. Dressed in a finely crafted gown that practically consumed light via its midnight black silks, and wearing a crimson cape around her shoulders, this was the closest she ever got to looking remotely Sith. Little shoes clicked against the pavement as she passed through the iron gates, help up the invitation to permit her entry, and entered the looming structure full of horrors and dark deeds. Despite the Dark’s overwhelming presence and the countless deaths haunting the place, Funami sauntered in with a wolfish grin on her lips, traditionally full of that gleeful joy many members of the order lacked.

Another party! With food, a feast of feasts! And powerful, influential people to get to know better! Were there some rules, customs to be aware of? If so then she hadn’t read them, per usual. But she wasn’t nervous. Just awfully hungry, like always. Given that parties usually had loads of opulent dishes and this one promised great things, the pink-haired Sith did not worry. Wearing a simple golden domino mask that concealed absolutely nothing of Funami’s childish facial features, the small-statured Sithling scampered about.

She loved it. The atmosphere was to notch, its somber yet boastful nature further accented by the music. And the sacrifices! Funami enjoyed human sacrifice. Watching it always made her blood tickle. Glancing about, the Sithling spied several very important looking and very tall Sith. The grin on her face widened and she started toward the Sith with the golden mask, shamelessly aiming to intercept his path. An impish light appeared in her bright, violet eyes as she watched him from under the shiny mask of her own.

“My lord!” Her squeaky, girlish voice called as the tiny body appeared right in front of him. Dropping a traditional curtsy and offering a small bow, the Sithling clasped her hands behind her back and leaned forth, looking up at the Sith.

“Tee-hee, look at meee, I am spoopy!” Funami laughed, beaming a bright smile before frowning ever so slightly and assuming a more serious tone. “Are you enjoying the party, my lord?”

[member="Credius Nargath"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Daughter of the disowned Galidraani Admiral who at often times put herself before her own kin. Ryssa took in a deep breath and exhaled as her vessel came into port, the city of New Laveau had been an ecological and engineering marvel, certainly. Still, Ryssa could not help but wonder at what cost did the city come? Why consider the details, Lucy might ask. Ryssa's older sister who felt that sometimes it paid to not pay attention or mind the details. Ryssa thought otherwise - for there in the details could things truly be understood. Nevertheless, she looked at the invitation her mother gave her, Le Carnaval Rouge. What an odd name for a party, she thought to herself just as the pilot mentioned that they were now secure at the port.

"Do you want me to bring your speeder around?"

"No, it's quite alright I can manage on my own, thank you, Preston." Ryssa thanked the pilot and advised that he enjoy himself. They would be leaving in the morning once everything had cleared, and by everything, she alluded to any drunken escapades that may occur in the meanwhile. Not that she intended to, but - it was a party after all. Ryssa crossed the ship to her quarters, where she could get dressed for the party properly. It seemed the invitation without a name would be fine to use, although it had been sent to the Lord Admiral, Ryssa's mother. It was the 'step-mother' who objected to the party and therefore here Ryssa was with her mother's invite. It was still hard to wrap her head around all that came with the 'mother' and 'step-mother' arrangement. It wasn't that they were two women, it was instead the sheer amount of what in the ever-loving feth that had occurred.

Wide eyes at the thought, Ryssa shook herself of such notions and went about getting dressed for the evening.

Departing the ship, the Galidraani/Belsavian woman adjusted her coat to ensure that nothing showed until she was ready to show them. A speeder station from the starport would take her to the closes station to the Château, from there it would be like an old Galidraani or Corellian holo with a beast drawn carriage doing the rest of the work. Ryssa looked down at the mask in her hand and toyed with it as she waited, the city's skyline illuminated the Dathomirian night and would soon be a distant silhouette as the speeder went further and further away. The Scattered Forest seemed to be an overgrown mess at first glance, but it was not until Ryssa was in the carriage that she could at least appreciate its preservation.

Securing the mask to her face, the brunette took a deep breath and exhaled as she drew closer to the Château.

As the carriage arrived she could hear the playful music as it carried throughout the castle, "showtime." Ryssa muttered to herself, as she smiled to the footman as he helped her down from the carriage. She felt severely overdressed for the party and then underdressed all at the same time. Although if anyone asked what she came as her answer was simple, a Galidraani from an age bygone. Flapper dress and hat, along with a large overcoat and a simple mask the keep in with the dress code. And then to no one in particular, "if these are the Monsters, I'd hate to see the Sith..."

[member="Djonas Vile"]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2PoSljk8cE[/media]

 

[Sylara Vaal]

Location: Chateau Noir
Post: 2

Eventually, Sylara noticed the arrival of Vanessa, a warm smile forming on her lips. Saijo took the hint with a slight giggle, wandering off to join her husband in the tower so Sylara could get a moment alone with her friend. "Vanessa, hey! Over here!", she said loudly, waving her over. "Vanessa, dear! It's good to see you again. I always enjoy our conversations. Quite the crowd gathering tonight for the festivities, wouldn't you agree?", she said with a smile, gently placing her hand upon Vanessa's on the bar counter. "I've been meaning to get a chance to speak to you alone properly. I've...really enjoyed our time together. It's been nice to get to know someone outside of my work, you know?"

She then waved her now empty glass of wine at the bartender, who quickly rushed over to give her a refill. Who was he to delay when it came to one favoured by the Emperor so, after all? She then took a sip from the glass, before returning her attention back to Vanessa.

[member="Vanessa Vantai"]

 

[Onrai]

[member="Sylara Vaal"]

"I suppose so." She said, the enigmatic void still masking the overall contours of Vanessa's face. "What did you want to talk with me alone about? I'm glad to have been able to provide you with the companionship and interaction you don't normally get to see outside your life as the Emperor's concubine." Vanessa wondered how often Sylara remained isolated within the fold, being what she was, and only actively interacted with others at these sorts of social events.

 

[Djonas Vile]

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Outside Castle Black​

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The air whistled as Djonas' T-100 sped through the skies above New Laveau. He watched as the storm above roared on. The sight of the moon before him was a beauty. Heavy bass rumbled through his car as his music played. He bobbed his head with the beat and mumbled some lyrics beneath his breath. As he approached Castle Black, Djonas opened up his invitation and looked it over. He brought his T-100 down gently and landed in a parking spot fairly close to the castle.

As he stepped out, he bumped into a trooper who was patrolling the area. "My bad big fella," Djonas turned to look at the man. His entire head was beneath a helmet. Something metallic and made to intimidate. Djonas showed no fear. He was used to seeing such things from when he was a Sith. If anything, he felt more comfortable at the sight. As the man walked away, Djonas waved at him. "Enjoy the party," he called out. He closed the airspeeder door and walked towards the entrance of Castle Black. Briefly, he looked over the venue. "Damn. Nice place," he commented. He continued walking and then stopped as a carriage pulled up in front of him. He stood there, briefly. Waiting for the carriage to continue on. Once it did, his eyes were caught on a woman, presumably the one from the carriage. He couldn't get a look at her face, but her form entranced him enough to have him gawking for longer than he'd care to admit.

When he came to, he walked ahead towards the entrance while keeping a good distance behind the woman while also keeping ahead of others that were arriving. He had to keep a good eye on her. She didn't come with anyone so he had to know if she was meeting someone. If she were alone, he'd have to make a move.

[member="Ryssa Yvarro"]​

 

[The Lord of Hunger]

Location: Chateau Noir

Just as he was about to turn around and enjoy the party, Darth Halcyon found himself beset upon by a small creature. Though usually rather collected or even cold in his dealings with other people, even he had to admit that the sheer amount of cuteness emanating from the child was...infectious. However, since said little thing actually managed to properly address him, the Marquis couldn't refrain from doing the same, making a courteous bow towards the masked little girl. "Milady, you are indeed a spooky little girl...especially when you pop up out of nowhere like that," Reaching out with his hand, the man known in these parts of the galaxy as Lord Halcyon gently started patting the girl on the head. "Of course I will attend the party, it would be a pity not to enjoy one of those rare occassions in which members and allies come from far and wide to partake in festivities the likes of which can only be seen once a year."

As he stopped with the patting, the Sith Lord held his hands low and looked around for a moment to see if there were any servants around with beverages or food, when he spotted one with a tray of drinks, he instantly motioned the servant to come to them. Taking a glass of fine Neo-Alderanian wine for himself and a glass of fruit juice for the young sith acolyte. "Now remember little lady, there are a lot of important...mainly grumpy old people around, so be polite and be careful. It wouldn't be the first time a party turned out into a killing field."

[member="Funami Teriyaki"]

 

[Lark]

Location: Chateau Noir Ballroom
Objective: Party party
Interacting with: Anyone who wants to

For one who grew up wearing nothing but mud and rags, Lark felt oddly comfortable in typical aristocratic attire. He was as far removed from noble origins as one could possibly get, but he wore a crimson and silver suit with golden trims as though he had been raised by the most influential of lords. His scarlet hair draped down his shoulder like a bloody scarf, and a mask with golden wings spreading from the center hid the upper half of his ash-white face. A thin, silky white cloak sparkled behind him, a stark difference to the multitudes of blacks that others wore, each competing to be more dark than the last.

The feast was undoubtedly the most formal of all the Sith events Lark had been to, innumerable attendees arrived on their carriages and entered through the grand hall doors, a few more anxious visitors probed the outskirts of the ballroom searching for a drink or dancing partner. Lark had a glass of wine soon upon entering the chateau, but quickly after found himself in the middle of the dance floor. A group dance was improvised at his behest, pairs of dancers spun to the ethereal tune of the chorus, before switching partners in sync with the beat.

Initially Lark was paired with an older, more experienced woman. They danced with elegance unmatched, the woman was very clearly a practiced performer. Her expression was difficult to read beneath her mask, but Lark got the sense she was impressed with his skill. After Lark spun her away with a charming smile, he welcomed his new partner, a Sith perhaps a year or two younger than he, with a smile equally as tender. She wore a scaled turquoise and was a bit more uncertain with her movements, but Lark was more than happy to adjust for her missteps. "No need to step so quickly, this isn't a race," he gently chided. "That eager to get away from me?"

"Not at all," she laughed as he guided her spin. "This is my first time dancing in front of such a crowd, is all."

"No need to be nervous. We're all here to have a good time, after all." He held her hand above her as she twirled around and faced him again. "Feel the music instead of the gaze of others. Let the aria shepherd your movements, and you'll find that the dance will come naturally. And perhaps once you've practiced a bit more, you'll seek me out a bit later in the evening?"

Lark couldn't see her cheeks redden, but her slight giggle hinted that she was blushing. The young woman in the turquoise mask spun away, and as she did Lark excused himself from the dance floor for the time being. He selected a glass of wine from a passing servant, and pondered on his next move as the sweet nectar ran down his throat. Perhaps he'd jump back into the dance and find another partner, or retire to the garden for a bit of tranquil quiet. Maybe once the young Sith was finished with her dance he'd invite her to the upper dining hall for a meal. The night was young, and his plans fluid.

But one thing was certain. By the time the ball concluded and the sacrifices were made, the happenings at the Chateau Noir would be fondly remembered for quite some time.

 

[BobertEZ]

LOCATION: Château Noir
OBJECTIVE: Mingle
STAR DATE: Unknown

The grand hall and the adjoined ballroom were some of the most monumentally constructed pieces of complex architecture the Sith Lord had ever seen in their long life. It was simple and elegant yet bombastic and proud, just like those that wandered its floors. It was magnificent and almost as intoxicating as wine on a cold night in front of a fireplace.

The men and women and all in between spoke and chatted and squawked and laughed and chuckled and murmured through the beginning hours of the night. The Phoenix picked up many discussions that otherwise would have best been left in private, but also many that gave them great humor. Many of these Sith in attendance whispered of plans and deceit and what should be done about so and so at this given time, and on and on. While Raptious held a special contempt for these Sith, it was still such a spectacle of a night that the Phoenix did not act on it.

It was a great time to be Sith, but it was a better time to be Raptious, for this was the one night in a long time that they had nary a violent thought. The Demon was nowhere to be seen. There were no warships. No armies. No flames. No smoke. Just music and dance.

It was the perfect calm before the storm.

As Raptious wandered the hall and into the ballroom, towering above all in attendance, gazing over all in sight, they finally donned their polished purple mask, shaped like the face of a hawk.

Many people stood out to the monstrous titan, many faces that had impacted the Sith Empire in ways beyond count and many faces the Phoenix recognized but had yet to do anything of major note. There was a man with rather decorative clothing, even amongst those in attendance, but his most appealing feature was the mask that appeared to be made out of solid gold, but reflective like a mirror. The only issue, and perhaps the true reason why Raptious set their eyes on him, was the fact that he was mingling with...the child [member="Funami Teriyaki"].

"How is she still alive?" the Phoenix muttered to themselves, brushing a loose strand of white hair away from their eyes that shined like amethysts.

Then there was the incomparable [member="Sylara Vaal"] conversing with [member="Vanessa Vantai"], the scientist who continues turning heads with her accomplishments. And finally, surprisingly, there was the red-haired [member="Lark"] who Raptious remembered from the Reclamation of Rhen Var some time back. A glorious battle that was, the one that introduced them to the woman that set a new standard of combat the Sith would come to expect for all Jedi.

"Time to mingle," Raptious said, shaking the thoughts of the Jedi woman from their memories and waded into the sea of humanity in the ballroom, hoping to find meaningful conversation.

 

[Tehkyram]

For many the masks were mere formality, and identities were obvious regardless of such. For Tehkyram, this was not the case. His ordeal on Mandalore had changed the brute and brought him low. His formal robes concealed a near-epidermal layer of bandages which covered virtually every inch of his skin, and his sole costume was an ivory mask carved in the image of a goat's skull. Yet even then, the bestial Tehkyram's most notable change was his posture and demeanor.

By all metrics, Tehkyram should have perished on Mandalore. It was only through the power of the dark side he had kept himself alive, but even then his body was still largely broken in a multitude of ways. Recovery was not kind or quick: intensive surgery had been needed to reassemble and realign Tehkyram's spine, repair his multiple broken ribs and one collapsed lung, as well as the matter of an open fracture in both his skull and his tibia. To make matters worse, a severely concussed and still delusional Tehkyram proved to be unfit for bacta treatment- upon regaining consciousness less than a day after the surgery he shattered the tank and attempted to devour the nearest attendant nurse. Instead, he was forced to recover naturally in self-imposed isolation where he regained his composure and dedicated his time to meditation and writing. Even though no sensible doctor would permit Tehkyram to attend the Carnaval in his condition, no sane doctor would try and stop him from doing so.

And as a result, Tehkyram was left in a condition mirroring that of his old master, Darth Amortem. The dampeners installed around the castle numbed Tehkyram's connection to the Force, preventing him from truly keeping his body together. His back hunched low forcing him to be at eye level with normal men. His breath was ragged and uneven, chest constantly heaving. His bad leg fought to stay together and he walked with a limp. And the constant all-consuming pain which permeated every aspect of Tehkyram's existence kept him disoriented. He felt a great affinity to Darth Vader in his wretchedness.

So then why come at all? Tradition was the gist of it. Tehkyram had his obligations to the Emperor and he would not shirk them simply in the name of his own health. He would witness the sacrifices as expected of him. Such was his duty. But even then, there was a personal reason. While recovering, Tehkyram had finished a great work of his, a collection meant to exalt the Empire's greatness and exhort it to further greatness. It was tonight, on this auspicious occasion, that he would present this finished work to the Emperor as a gift, and advance copy before publication. He had come tonight to seek audience with the Emperor, and had even such declared his intentions to offer tribute in the RSVP.

And so he hobbled his way through the ballroom, avoiding the crowd and looking for somewhere where he could perhaps sit and ease the pressure on his wounded body. Someplace where he could sit and wait until called upon...

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Lorale Farmar"]

 

[Dr. Xris]

Lord Skodd was never the type to fully enjoy a party. With so much on his shoulders the chances to relax were few and in-between. Being able to attend an event such as this was blessing. Or was it a curse. Adorned in his regal but causal sith robes Skodd lumbered his walk through the vast masses of people. No mask sat resting over his face. Only the marks of the ancient sith apon the tentacles that extended from his crown. His face was proof that he was scary enough. Besides he was a Feeorin.

A species infamously known for their lack luster facial expressions. He was truly happy but his face gave the impression that he was pissed. Extending his hand to greet dear brothers and sisters on the sith he nodded in their direction making sure to give each lord or lady an appropriate amount of his attention before moving on to the next. " Drinks." He muttered under his breath. With a unintentional glare his light orange eyes fell on a servant girl causing her to freeze.

" Come my girl. I desire a drink."

 

[Funami Teriyaki]

A little girl.

Straightening her back, she mentally roared with laughter, the only evidence of which being the corners of her lips curling into a sly smile. Holding her gaze cool and steady, Funami observed her own reflection mirrored within the Sith lord’s shiny mask. Even though the image was distorted and hardly presented actual reality, she clearly saw the figure of a small, pink-haired child. The sight amused her to no end and she stifled a chuckle. Using the mask’s reflective qualities, she brushed her bangs over her right eye in a fashionably convenient manner and did not even notice the man’s intent until it was too late. Albeit quirking an eyebrow, she made no attempt to stop the Sith lord’s hand from getting closer.

“Fufufu~”

The girl’s adorable, if a bit silly and immature giggle reached the Sith lord’s ears as his pats started landing on her fluffy pink crown. It occurred to her again she should start charging fees for this sort of thing. Her violet eyes briefly glanced at the servant who rushed to serve the pair their drinks. What a pathetic creature, forever bound by servitude. Funami sneered at such life.

“No weapons, no Force, no violence!” The child shrugged innocently and reached for the offered glass in a smooth, graceful motion, her attention once again devoted solely to the towering figure draped in luxury. The smile on her lips grew almost devious. “And nobody would be so brutish as to strike a little girl in front of so many important guests, right?”

Formally apprenticed to the Emperor’s son, it was natural to assume the brat beyond reproach. And Funami realized that, abusing the perceived status whenever convenient. Although everyone kept warning the small Sithling about upsetting Sith mightier than her, she continued to dance through the no-consequence-land without a pang of worry in her fluffy head.

“My lord! May you live happy all your years!” The little Sith cheered and raised her glass as high as her short arm allowed.

[member="Credius Nargath"]​