Public Long Live the Queen! (Hapes Consortium + Open)

[Lady Rowan Vale]

(Image Credit: Ryan Church)

Location: Royal Ballroom,
Fountain Palace,
Hapes
Circa 864 ABY
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Lady Rowan Vale smoothed out a crease on her uniform tunic and sighed. Here she was, once again, stuck in the middle of all the pomp and circumstance and about as far away from anything of substance as Tatooine was from the Core. She had arrived on the Capitol the night before, summoned by the Queen Mother to answer for allegations that had been made concerning her recent move to refit the entire Terephon Defense Fleet. Voices within the Royal Court were calling her out as a traitor, accusing her of readying her people for a coup to take power. It was all so childish and completely untrue.

Rowan had been studying the recent battles that the forces of the Silver Concord had with the Byn'adul. The victory at Yurb, followed by the tragic loss at Nar Kreeta. The Bryn'adul were a threat the likes of which the galaxy hadn't seen, perhaps since the Yuuzhan Vong invasion centuries before. They were powerful, brutal in nature and savvy in strategy. They weren't the mindless brutes that the media painted them as.

No, they were far more dangerous than that.

The loss of Nar Kreeta had taken several sectors and a number of Silver Concord worlds with it. Even now, reports of mass genocide and destruction were filtering there way to the Royal Court. Yet for many here on Hapes, it seemed a problem that was too far away to warrant worry. Not with the Sith on the border, making trouble like they always did. Or the new Mandalorian Union, whose intentions still remained relatively unknown.

But Rowan felt that she could see the writing on the wall. One or two more setbacks like Nar Kreeta and the enemy could very well be on their doorstep and if the Bryn'adul came to the Hapes Cluster, Terephon's aging defense fleet would not be enough to spare her people the atrocities that the galaxy was seeing. So yes, she had unilaterally nationalized a large portion of Terephon's gross national product and yes, she was funneling an inordinate amount of money into refitting her Battle Dragons and Nova Cruisers with the best weaponry she could buy. But it wasn't a powerplay. She had no designs on becoming Queen Mother. Hell, she'd give up the title of Duch'a in a heartbeat if she thought there was someone else around who could do as good a job. No, it was the sense of responsibility to her people that had propelled her to this course of action. She would not simply wait to be invaded. She would be ready.

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But of course, someone needed to sound the alarm. Someone needed to make a mountain out of a dug-hill. To make themselves look better at the expense of what most saw as a two-bit backwater noblewoman with delusions of grandeur. And unfortunately, history was on their side. The last ruling house of Terephon, the Galneys, had been part of a coup attempt. It had been foiled and the perpetrators dealt with, but memories remained-even after centuries.

She didn't fault the Queen Mother for summoning her to Hapes. The Crown needed to show strength at all times, but especially in uncertain circumstances such as these. Rowan didn't worry overmuch about convincing Her Majesty of her intentions. The Vales had been loyal for more than eight hundred years. That was a lot of history, too. With luck, if she could explain her side to the Queen Mother, some of the other noble houses and the damned Admiralty would get off their duffs and do something before it was too late!

But non of that was what brought Rowan to the Royal Ballroom tonight. No, tonight she was here to attend a party. Because that was what the Consortium needed to be doing right now. Word was that the Queen Mother was expected to make some kind of announcement. Perhaps, the somewhat nosy snoop of a girl that inhabited Rowan's mind when she had enough free time to think wondered, there would be some news about Prince Johannes and his engagement with that Jedi woman Romi Jade . Rowan thought they made a beautiful couple, but the Hapan in her would have much preferred that the Jedi were kept out of the royal bloodline as much as possible. It wasn't personal, it was just that where Jedi went problems always seemed to follow.

Add to that the fact that her Majesty still had yet to produce an heir, and the situation became somewhat worrisome. Especially since there were rumors circling the Court that the Queen Mother had been ill as of late. A sudden death coupled with a surprise pregnancy and all of a sudden you'd have a Jedi baby on the throne!

Moving through the crowd of well-dressed people, Rowan made for the buffet. Nobody seemed particularly intent on talking with her, other than the occasional hello or veiled insult. The Court was waiting to see what the Queen Mother did with her tomorrow before making its final verdict. If she was absolved, then she would be a hero who had the best interest of the Consortium near to her heart. If she was admonished, then she would be a traitor hellbent on taking power for herself.

Only time would tell what happened, for such were the ways decisions were made on Hapes.

Romi Jade Nova Casamyr Blake Lane Adron Malvern Cathbodua Kimiko Taiyou Kitter Bitters Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri

OOC: So this is intended to be a bit of an introduction to the political scene on Hapes. For those who were interested in making a Hapan character, please feel free to join this thread. For those who want to jump in with non-hapan characters, go ahead! Myself and Romi Jade have some good drama planned for this thread, but if you guys want to throw some spice in as well, go for it! Just try not to do anything too over the top. If you have questions I'm always a PM away.​

 

[Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri]

Kuxirra looked around. She had no idea what she was supposed to do, as this was her first formal party. She knew she looked out of place. Kriff, she felt out of place.

 

[Dagon Kaze]

Royal Ballroom, Fountain Palace
Hapes

As part of the New Jedi Order's diplomatic missions and by extension the Galactic Alliance, Dagon Kaze found himself assigned as a New Jedi Envoy slash Jedi Watchman to Hapes. His knee-jerk reaction was almost an outright refusal - Hapes? Him? A Jedi Padawan? On a vital system with its renown of court intrigue? Ryv Karis and co had to be going crazy.

But a Jedi takes his responsibilities to others first, that's the first lesson he had learned from his Master Zoryu .

Wearing the typical New Jedi Order attire of spacer trousers, leather jacket with the NJO symbol embroidered on his left sleeve, Dagon stood out like a bantha on the Senate floor. He shuffled around trying to lose any odd eyes on his back but it all seemed futile. He yielded and lingered around the buffet. The Force tickled his senses at one Lady Rowan Vale.

The padawan did not need the ethereal to notice the controversial remarks thrown at her as gossipy whisper between the nobles.

Lady Rowan Vale Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri

 

[Hanna Ike]

Royal Ballroom, Fountain Palace

Hanna had come to the occasion, Matsu Ike had said they could go anywhere. She chose her home. The Hapes Cluster. She only hoped to avoid her mother, who looked down on her ever since she lost her position in the former Galactic Republic's government. Her mother was an ambassador. She didn't know where to right now but she was usually busy. She hoped this party would allow her to visit her home and show it to her wife while avoiding her mother. She could use it as an excuse next time her mother wanted to see her even. Hanna was wearing a blue dress that hugged her just right while keeping her decent. This was a formal affair after all. She smiled and looked at her amazing wife and prepared herself for her first visit to a royal affair in decades by taking a deep breath, squeezing Matsu's hand and stepping forward into the room.

 

[Skajin var Imret]

There'd been a time when Skajin rubbed shoulders quite naturally with interstellar dignitaries. As a full Sava, he'd represented the University of Kubindi in the field and in halls every bit as grand as this.

That was, of course, before the Bryn'adul burned Kubindi, university and all. Before the Kubaz became an endangered species at a galactic scale, and Skajin became a warrior.

Wearing formal clothes felt unnatural now. The rogue academic missed the scarpyen armor that had become his second skin while raiding, training, and evacuating. Tonight he needed a different kind of armor if he was going to find allies.

The dark adept's proboscis twitched as he sipped a cocktail - down at sternum level - through a straw.

 

[Cathbodua]

A new queen mother after Allana Badeaux vanished things had been... different but the improved Battle Dragon thankfully had not been taken that she commissioned. nor had the Nidan Ereneda who had served under her. The jedithough had remained in the Ereneda's fortress protected b the Queen Mothers flagship the War Dragon that had bene outfitted with the more advanced tech she had developed for combat and patrol wiithin the mists. Cathbodua stood in her bodysuit tall and stayed fairly regal looking. She didn'tsee anyone she knew... no Lanny and no Relina which likely meant they were not brought in.

 

[Adron Malvern]

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN​

Tags: Lady Rowan Vale | Cathbodua | Skajin var Imret | Hanna Ike | Dagon Kaze | Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri | Xobos Yakieer | Acantha Malvern | Echo Vesulos ​

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Wearing

With: Acantha Malvern | Xobos Yakieer | Danielle Mueller | Echo Vesulos

Interacting with: Lady Rowan Vale

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The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. ​

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The phrase was a universal one that was used in one way or another across most of the known galaxy. It was both a goodbye to the former monarch whose rule had come to an end, early or late, and it was a greeting to the new Sovereign, welcoming them into their power and wishing them a long prosperous life. ​

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Adron Malvern's lips curled into an amused smirk as he took a sip of the fine Hapan wine that was held in a beautiful crystal glass. As the King of Illyria and Exarch of the Confederacy, it was imperative that he lend his presence to any and every function that could potentially garner political gain. Even with that in mind, the King had come because he believed in Aristocratic Consortiums. They were a founding belief on his own homeworld, though semantic titles differed from region to region. At the end of the day, the truth was that power belonged to the few, not the many. It was the duty of the strong to rule and the duty of the weak to be ruled. ​

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The fine wine filled his palate and cleared his mind, allowing him to set upon the event with little restraint. His amethyst eyes spied a woman of Hapan descent moving through the crowds. With snow white hair and pale skin, the Duch'a of Terephon moved with a militant stride. ​

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How appropriate. The King mused to himself. He was not familiar with the woman and he could not recall any time where he had cause to be familiar with her. She was merely one of the more prominent members of the Aristocracy of the Hapan cluster, which made her a woman for the King to be familiar with. Duch'a. A term he could only guess was derived from Duchess. The Hapan traditionally placed their women far above their men, which was admittedly a foreign concept for the Illyrian man. ​

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Adron placed his emptied wine glass on a passing tray, both hands curling around the ornate walking cane he held in his hands. He half-turned to the women in his company. Each one well dressed in the same colors their King wore, white and black with an Illyrian emblem pinned on the lapel. "Banquets like this are more than a chance to partake in delicious food and find your new favored bottle of wine." His eyes pointedly turned to Danielle Mueller . "Remember, it is important to exude a warm presence that others find appealing." He smiled softly. "Only then will they feel comfortable enough to share the treasure information you search for. The women of Hapan are as wise and skilled in the aristocratic arts as they are beautiful. Do not underestimate them and never give more than you gain."​

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With the talk for the moment completed, the King decided it was time to actually learn a bit more about the Hapan people. Who better than Lady Rowan Vale . He moved through the crowd with an easy pace, those members of his party who wished following behind him.​

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"Commodore." He spoke in greeting, inclining his head respectfully. ​

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"Commodore Rowan Vale, correct?" He extended a hand out to the woman before offering her a balanced smile. "An honor. I admit this is my first time to be invited to a function within the Consortium's reach. I am familiar with few, but your reputation proceeds you, Duch'a." He said. ​

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"Adron Malvern, King of Illyria and Exarch of the Confederacy." He held a hand out while bowing his head respectfully. "I thought this was as good a time as any for me to familiarize myself."​

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[Danielle Mueller]

Accompanying: Adron Malvern , Xobos Yakieer & Acantha Malvern .
Wearing: Click here.

For Danielle Mueller, this was the side of life in service under Adron Malvern for which she was far less familiar. Training in the Force and fighting to push herself beyond her limits were all well and good, but participating in a formal party with political interests as the Exarch's apprentice Adjutant was a far more daunting challenge set out before her.

When she and Adron had first met, Dani was a nobody. A mere kid on the street with nothing to her name but her clothes on her back, and yet somehow the Exarch saw something in her that she scarcely believed. She had thought him mad at the time, yet the offer for a greater life was too good to refuse and so she had entered into the office of the viceroyalty, as well as becoming one of the Sith Lord's personal students, training within the Force and battling the man's intent to fuel her through the passions and power that came with the Dark Side of the Force.

Nearby however was Xobos Yakieer , for which she and Danielle had become close friends over time. Most recently they had been spending time together alongside Cali Ziiva , a welcome putting that Dee had greatly needed after her recent mission away from the pleasures that came with fine society. Speaking of which, these Hapan had certainly gone the distance to convey every sense of the meaning, and with a glass of Hapan wine in her right hand, Dee listened well to their Mentor's words, giving a curt nod to him before turning her gaze back upon the other occupants of the vast room.

Thankfully, the cool and fruity liquid would gradually dull her anxiety, the young woman slowly becoming accustomed to being amidst such populated scenes since coming under Adron's guidance. Where he travelled, she was often not far, and responsible for documenting and organizing his every political meeting and contact required to ensure the smooth running and completion of his role within the Confederacy of Independent Systems.

For a street kid, she had done well for herself and it was all thanks to the man himself.

"Commodore" Dani echoed Adron's greeting to Lady Rowan Vale , falling silent thereafter and remaining alongside the Exarch in the case that she was needed or he would otherwise dismiss her to mix and mingle of her own accord.

 

[Lady Rowan Vale]

Rowan had kept mostly to herself thus far, nibbling on the hors d'oeuvres and nursing a glass of sparkling wine. She had never been one for fancy parties, much preferring the quiet solitude of her own company. That being said, she was far from inexperienced in the political niceties. Networking was probably the single most important skill she needed as a Duch'a. Despite what other cultures might have to say on the matter, it truly was who you knew over what you knew. Though it helped to know quite a bit about who you know.

As she made a round of the room, she noticed a pair of Jedi standing around looking rather uncomfortable. One of them was quite a fetching young Togruta female and the other a young human male. She idly wondered what it was like for the young man to be surrounded by a society that put him on the second rung. Rowan wasn't a chauvinist. Some of the best officers she'd ever known were men. But even in this modern age, she knew she was probably still well in the minority.

She briefly entertained the idea of going over to say hello, but immediately dismissed the idea. That was all she needed was to have the Consortium's deep seated mis-trust of the Jedi used against her as well. She could just hear it now. Lady Vale is in league with the Jedi. She's going to take over the Consortium and give it to the Jedi! She had to suppress a sigh just thinking about it. Things were so much simpler on the bridge of her Battle Dragon. If something gave her trouble, she could just have it blown out of the sky.

A slight smile crept over her lips at the thought.

"Commodore." A voice called from within the crowd, bringing Rowan instantly out of her reverie. Her hazel eyes scanned the sea of well-dressed figures with an efficiency of an officer long used to sousing out threats quickly. The owner of the voice quickly made his way through the crowd, showing himself to be a rather enticing man wearing an impeccably tailored suit that reminded Rowan of the officer's uniform she wore. As he approached, Rowan could see that he had a small entourage with him.

"Commodore Rowan Vale, correct?" He extended his hand, bowing his head in respect. Rowan took it and bowed her head in the same manner. His accent, and confidence in this setting, marked him as a foreigner. Only Prince Johannes would approach a Hapan noblewoman with such ease.

"Yes, that's right." She replied, her tone crisp but not unwelcoming. Her curiosity was certainly piqued.

"An honor. I admit this is my first time to be invited to a function within the Consortium's reach. I am familiar with few, but your reputation proceeds you, Duch'a." Rowan blinked at this revelation, her mind immediately working to examine all the possible implications of those words. Was he trying to insult her? No, she decided almost immediately. He was confident yes, but his tone displayed no smugness toward her. He wasn't looking to get a quick jibe in at her.

"Adron Malvern, King of Illyria and Exarch of the Confederacy." Ahh, there it was. A King. That made perfect sense. "I thought this was as good a time as any for me to familiarize myself."

Rowan inclined her head once more out of respect. "A pleasure, your Majesty." She replied. "I do hope you're finding the Capitol hospitable. It's warmth to outsiders can be somewhat fickle at times." She paused for a moment before continuing quickly. "I apologize, I realize that may have sounded rude. What I mean is that I am often considered as much of an outsider as you would be. My homeworld of Terephon is considered rather remote by Consortium standards."

He nodded to one of Adron Malvern 's escorts, a woman (Danielle Mueller) who acknowledged her with "Commodore."

"My lady," Rowan replied with a slight smile before returning her attention to the King. "Exarch you say," She continued. "I'm afraid my knowledge of Confederacy titles is somewhat lacking. What exactly is an Exarch?"

Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri Dagon Kaze Cathbodua Hanna Ike Skajin var Imret Romi Jade

 

[Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri]

Kuxirra noticed Lady Rowan Vale look at her, and she looked around to see if she was looking at someone else. Nope. She was looking at her. She began to approach the woman, but she noticed her engaged in conversation. Kuxirra's social skills were horrible, but she could at least tell that interrupting was rude in many cultures.

 

[Echo Vesulos]

Outfit: Dress | Gloves | Eyeband + Headband
Tags: Adron Malvern | Xobos Yakieer | Danielle Mueller | Acantha Malvern | Lady Rowan Vale | Cathbodua | Skajin var Imret | Hanna Ike | Dagon Kaze | Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri

Jedi…

The woman disliked them on so many levels. One of the reasons being, was that she had been one herself, but that time seemed as if it was so long ago. It no longer felt real; almost as if it happened in a past life, one that she could strangely remember. For she had died, but somehow, someway she had crawled right out of that grave and into a new roll. One that reflected very much the woman that she currently was. A Harbinger of Death, for she and Death had made a pact and Adron, the King who stood before them, had given her a role that reflected such a pact. Whether he knew of her unspoken pact with Death, she didn’t know. For now though, the woman felt dislike for the Jedi. They quelled the dark emotions and denied the darkness within themselves to a point where they snapped. Echo had been a Jedi, right up until a fellow Jedi had run her through with a blade of betrayal.

To say that she wouldn’t find it within her cold heart to trust anyone amongst this crowd, was a true statement. It was hard enough to trust those that she currently walked with and even then, that trust was paper thin. The woman would most definitely not place her life into the hands of those she worked with. Hell, she struggled as it was to trust Adron and even then the woman was picking apart every move he made with a fine tooth comb. However, the woman owed him. While she may have defied death, she had help. Adron’s help and it was his knowledgeable grasp upon Sith alchemy that had saved her life. Albeit, those very same runes had become permanent upon her skin and burned whenever she was close to her master; the very same one, that she stood close to now. She felt their caress as they grounded her in a way that allowed her to think beyond emotion and for a moment the woman appeared to be a silent shadow.

A silent shadow that was dressed in white, a colour that had been requested by Adron and so she had complied. Echo had dressed so then the Sith runes could not be visible to the naked eye, the colour though, was something that left much to be desired. Much like the company, however the woman stayed close to the King rather than mingle with people who were far more Jedi than she was. The reason? Well, Echo could not guarantee that she would not try to kill every single one of them. Her hatred for them was deep seated and continued to boil underneath the surface. If ever she got the chance, she would attempt to slowly but surely, thin the crowd. Or at least attempt to and so the pale woman listened to the greeting that was exchanged between Adron and the Duch’a. The conversation was something that the woman would have called bland, but then again, she sought to tune it out. At least for the moment.

A gloved hand reached out to pick up a glass of wine and proceeded to only lightly sip the liquid, while her head angled slightly downwards and to the right as she took note of the girl that seemed to be tailing Adron as well. A young girl whose grasp upon the force seemed almost… Different. It wasn't dark, but not quite light. Or perhaps it was light, but a darker strain and her lips turned downwards at the thought while she returned her focus upon the burning feeling of the runes upon her skin. Slowly, she lifted the glass to her lips once again and although some might have thought that she was savouring the taste; she wasn’t. Her interest did not lay with the liquid that was captured inside of a glass vessel, no, it laid elsewhere. For now, Echo was simply pretending, so then she could see with the power of the force, those that would gather here tonight.

 

[Skajin var Imret]

Skajin shivered and couldn't say why until he noted Echo Vesulos ' gaze sweeping the crowd. She stood near a dignitary, a noble of some kind, probably as a bodyguard. The Dark Side weighed heavy on the room, and instinct called her part of it.

She had the feel of a survivor who'd come out the other side of death. That made her much like Skajin and thus kin or threat or both. He set his plate of soft-carapaced hors d'oeuvres on a small standing table and maneuvered her way.

She would notice him coming. He kept his hands open and empty. He wasn't armed, just a middle-aged Kubaz academic enjoying the glamour of the night. She'd smell the Dark Side in him, committed and furious, but not Sith, not fallen Jedi. Something other.

 

[Matsu Ike]

Hanna Ike
Royal Ballroom, Fountain Palace

"Oh my." The jedi masterspoke and seeing the people was fine... feeling around them inthe force was easy enough but she didn't door balls. Last one strangely had been for Allana becoming queen mother... so there was that and she saw some of the ships they had designed to help her out when facing the threats brought to the cluster by the mandalorians and other groups trying to save the Hapans and have them join. She was mostly here because... she would do anything for Hanna and tme and time again she did enjoy coming out here this far. Socializing was always a good skill to keep up and can't surround yourself with jedi all of the time... eventually needed to meet others. "It is not as packed as it was before, a lot more people from other areas of the galaxy."

 

[Acantha Malvern]

L O N G - L I V E - T H E - Q U E E N
Adron Malvern | Echo Vesulos | Danielle Mueller | Xobos Yakieer
Wearing | [X] ​

The royal ballroom was everything Acantha had dreamed it would be.​

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A grand display of opulence and finery decorated in riches that she had only ever seen on Illyria. From the top of the grey speckled marble steps, Acantha could see the attendees spinning in concentric circles in time to tinkling music. She would likely never learn the steps to their complicated dances but she could watch with fevered intrigue. Everything from the silken banners stretched from one column to another, down to the scarlet red carpet lining the walkway, was mind-blowing to the young Sith spawn.​

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In reality, it was not too dissimilar to the ballrooms in Dragonne Palace, she had never before seen one decorated to this extent. Father normally kept her hidden away when he hosted his own parties, and though she was loathed to admit it, he had been right too originally. With no control at all over her hunger, she was a misplaced pin or a dropped glass away from slaughtering the entire guest list. However, largely in thanks to Domino’s instance that they explore together often, Acantha was much more comfortable in public. She could push the sound of pulsing veins to the back of her mind and ignore the coppery smell of blood, so Father had promised to take her to her very first ball.​

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It was not an Illyrian ball, which disappointed her greatly, but that disappointment only lasted up to them walking through the grand double doors.​

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From then on, she was hooked.​

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As she expected, Father immediately began to talk about boring things with even more boring people, so Acantha split herself off from the group.​

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Walking in the dress that Alessandra had picked out for her was a living nightmare, not to mention the shoes. To get anywhere, Acantha had to drag the hem of the skirt up at least four inches. Even then it still did its best to tangle beneath her feet. She managed to make it halfway to the dance floor before she decided to give up, throwing the sleek white lace down with a heavy sigh. White was not really her colour either. The only part that was her colour was the extremely detailed black stitching around the hem of the dress though. A mixture of hand-sewn ravens, ebony vines and a large wolf to represent house Malvern. That part she liked very much.​

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A servant passed by, carrying a silver tray topped with glasses full of crimson liquid. Acantha rose a brow. Surely that was not what she thought it was? This did not seem like that kind of party. Apart from the obvious, most of the people here seemed to be light sided. This simply did not fit.​

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One of her hands grabbed a glass to bring it up to her nose. She took a deep breath. It did not smell like it… but it looked like it. How many other things looked like it? For a brief moment, she tossed back and forth with the idea of trying it, and then decided that this was a new experience for her. Why not try as many new things as she could? Acantha took a deep sip of the liquid…​

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And immediately spat it out.​

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A spray of scarlet spread wildly over the guests in front of her, staining dresses and suits alike with spots of red. A round of tuts and harsh comments floated her way, but Acantha did not hear them. She could only think of one thing.​

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This was not what she thought it was.​

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[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: Royal Ballroom, Hapes
Equipment: Sieur Formal Wear
Time of day: Evening
Tags: | Adron Malvern | Danielle Mueller | Acantha Malvern | Echo Vesulos |

Soft music, people dressed to the complete nines, and musing conversations that could shake the very foundations of the galaxy that every man, woman, and child stood upon…oh how Xobos had missed gatherings such as this one.

Taking on the knightship and place as Sieur had opened up opportunities to her beyond what she could have ever imagined her life becoming. Ruling her own territories, forming relationships with her people, and growing the assets that they producing to continue to give back to the planet that had adopted her as their own. A home to herself, where she could share it with Cali Ziiva and so many others, right at the peak of her town. Yet, even with all of these progressions through life, there had been some things she had missed by standing at Adron’s side for pretty much everything.

Tonight was a return to form, if not one that was in a slightly different role than usual. She was here to act as his guard, which was more often than not her assignment on outings such as this one, but to enjoy herself as well beside her sisters. It was deserved, seeing how Abraxus had gone, that they spend some time together outside of the confines of battle. The more the group of them learned to lean on one another, the stronger steel their master would have to wield against those that defied him. Right now, it was lucky if they worked well enough to be described as a patchwork sword.

One sister that had not been with them for that day was Dani, whom Xobos was happy to see again. It seemed as though Adron was very much enjoying keeping her close, something that she knew would lead to tougher and longer training, provided the girl could handle it. The Miraluka would continue to strive to act as a guiding force for the youngest of the group, allowing Dani to continue to focus her strength on surviving everything Adron had to throw at her. When the Sieur caught the girl’s eye, she would give her a small bow of the head and a slight smile, hoping to imbue some sort of extra confidence within her for the night.

Her attention was then focused on Lady Rowan Vale as the king approached her. Dani spoke toward her, yet Xobos stayed silent as she stood a few steps off to Adron’s side. Business, he was here for business. There would be time for her to make her own introductions later, but for now, stand off to the side, appear respectful, and wait for you own turn.

Staying inconspicuous was something Xobos had become quite good at during her time as an apprentice. She continued her silent streak as drinks were offered, giving a soft nod to the young man serving them as she grasped one between two gloved fingers. However, it seemed as though keeping to one’s self in a situation was a not a lesson that all the sisters had learned, as a sudden spitting and coughing sound behind her alerted her to some…trouble Acantha was having. Perhaps the wine wasn’t exactly to her tastes.

Xobos took a step back, masked glare pointed toward any that murmured in the direction of the girl. They would turn quickly, not likely to enjoy the idea of having a ticked Miraluka gazing in their direction. She moved to the side of the woman, leaning down so that they were on the same level. “Are you alright? Would you like some water to clear your senses?” Her words were gentle, but the tone firm. Acantha had unfortunately been a distraction, but Xobos was going to at least check on her before making a mention of that.

 

[Adron Malvern]

ACANTHA, WHY?​

Tags: Acantha Malvern | Echo Vesulos | Xobos Yakieer | Danielle Mueller | Lady Rowan Vale ​

The Commodore's crisp, snappy cadence to her tone reminded the man of the Imperial Officers he'd socialize with when he was still a part of the Galactic Empire. He took no offense from her manner of speaking nor did he take it as an invitation to cut the conversation short, if anything it brought the Exarch a sense of relaxation. She was a soldier not a politician. When she referred to the Capital of the Consortium the King flashed a charming smile before nodding his head. "Indeed, it is very hospitable." One would barely take notice to how the member worlds of the Hapes Consortium generally believed themselves to be better than the rest of the galaxy. Which, again, the Exarch took no offense to because he genuinely believed he was better than most living beings in the galaxy as well. Pees in a pod, as it were.

When the Lady Rowan greeted Danielle Mueller, the King stepped to the side to better present those guests in his company. "I must introduce you to those in my company. This is Danielle Mueller, my adjutant and assistant in state matters." He explained before gesturing for Danielle to step to the side and reveal the two Miralukan women who were directly behind the girl. "Also, my bodyguards Echo Vesulos and Xobos Yakieer ." There was something to be said about the pair of Mirilukans. As a pair they certainly presented a very interesting appearance, an exoticism for the eyes.

The King's hand waved past them towards his own daughter, Acantha Malvern . "And finally my daughter, Acant-" his words were cut off when he saw his beloved sithspawn daughter spit wine from her lips onto a nearby partygoer. His hand curled back into itself as his eyes closed in a moment of frustration. He cleared his throat, sighing softly before opening his eyes and turning back to the Hapan woman. "Please, excuse me." He looked to Danielle Mueller , gesturing to the Commodore. "Danielle. Keep the Commodore company in my absence." He'd left the youngest and, aside from Acantha, most inexperienced in the realm to the Commodore. Why? Because Danielle too had been a soldier and her tone would likely be more comforting than someone like Xobos or Echo.

Adron turned to where Xobos and Acantha were and he immediately strode past the Mirilukan woman, grabbing Acantha's arm and leading her from the center of the floor where she had so brilliantly made a display of herself. "Echo." He called to the other Mirilukan so she would follow with Xobos.

As they walked away from the floor, towards the edge of the room the Exarch spoke in a hushed tone. "I understand that there are many things you yet need to learn, but here is something I didn't believe I'd have to tell you. Do not spit your drink out at a formal dinner!" He hissed, letting go of his daughter as they stood before a refresher room. He looked to Echo and Xobos pointedly. "I do not care how you do it, but get her cleaned up!" He commanded the two, waving his hands at a few stray crimson spots that had lingered back to her own pristine white dress. "Now." He demanded.
​

​

 

[Romi Jade]

"Romi..."

She floated away from the voice, ignoring it's booming echo -- it went over the clicking of her heel. Deftly her hand grew full, and she was tugged through a spin before she lurched back in response; it wasn't aggressive, but it commanded her attention.

"Romi, we'll have to discuss things sooner or later. You've been avoiding me--" She pulled back, retrieving her hand.

"Now isn't the time," She worked their surroundings with her eyes, checking for anyone on standby. "There'll never be time." Johannes followed suit, peeking for anyone who might see -- he had the crown in mind. He motioned for her to step to the side, out of the way of the main path. "You told me you'd be leaving in a couple of months...then you just vanished. You've been avoiding me, Cotan Sar'andor hadn't given me much info on where you'd been. I couldn't reach your sister Kyra Perl or Joza Perl and now you've just popped up out of the blue, willing to take part in a ploy to preserve my sisters reputation..."

She inhaled, and his head swiveled out into the hall, and back as it was split in half by the shadows of the side corridor and the light that'd cut in from the larger palace hall. "You're not here on your Jedi business, and you've said this world wasn't the place for you...I--"

"Merci asked me to come back, and I still stand by my decision. But me not choosing this life, doesn't mean I don't care about you or your family's safety." In fact it was more important to her now, "She seemed rattled, and then there was the whole tabloid. I'm doing my job, this isn't anything personal..."

Ignoring the fact that she was constantly struggling against her maternal feelings as she felt the life growing inside her. "I need you to stay out of my way." Despite when she almost slipped and told Loske Treicolt , she hadn't made any confessions yet. She ducked under his form and stepped out from their shadowy retreat, waiting for him to follow...because on the other side of that door was a crowd of folks waiting to see through the facade. "After this is all settled, I'll leave. Indefinitely."

The question was how would they settle this....

They stepped through the door hand in hand. She played the game of comfortability for the moment, but she could feel the apprehension building between their cusped hands, as they walked through the swarm of onlookers. Her sleek white dress, with slips just above and under the chest were enough to allow her to stand alone next to someone who naturally commanded attention.

Naturally he'd step away, a subtle embrace and kiss to the cheek -- all smiles and gestures of a loving couple. She lingered a bit before falling back and stepping freely into her own work. Lady Rowan Vale was a named Merci mentioned.

 

[Dagon Kaze]

Dagon refused to grab a bite from the buffet or even a sip of water; tension stirred through his senses but he could not pinpoint its source. Yet. Eyes watched, lips whispered and tongues killed. All the holobooks he had read extensively were supposed to prepare him for the natural state of a noble's court; they didn't. He wondered how Auteme did it. Working in the Senate did not seem any different than this. Except the Senate had loud, straight shooters like Julius Loghain who made their points clear and direct.

Here you knew nothing of what to expect.

His eyes lingered across and froze on a familiar blonde dressed in a ravishing white dress. The familiarity matched the face with a name every Jedi in the galaxy knew.

Romi Jade .

The legendary Jedi Master - here on Hapes. What little he knew of her dealings in the system were, unfortunately, through tabloids mostly. And those he didn't really read. Observing her, the tension at the back of his head spiked - the Force trying to tell him something. Alas, its message was too cryptic.

Maybe she could decypher it.

The large Jedi shuffled towards her and met her midway, "Master Jade." he bobbed his head in a greeting and introduced himself, "Dagon Kaze, here as a watchm--a representative from the New Jedi Order."

"I--." Dagon said, his eyes looking around before they fell upon a company of new arrivals (Malvern and co). Ashla stirred. "--sense something...wrong." the dark side, he thought but did not say out loud. He shook his head but the concern over his face did not disappear, "Is there anything I can help with?"


Acantha Malvern | Echo Vesulos | Xobos Yakieer | Danielle Mueller | Lady Rowan Vale | Adron Malvern | EVERYONE ELSE I GUESS

 

[Danielle Mueller]

Accompanying: Adron Malvern , Xobos Yakieer & Acantha Malvern .
Wearing: Click here.

Danielle likely appeared the true persona of a deer in the headlights the moment that Adron Malvern had excused himself and left her to speak with the Lady Rowan Vale one on one. The Exarch might have known about the older woman, yet Dani's lack of information was vast when it came to the Hapes Consortium or even the Silver Jedi Concord for that matter, for which they had entered the territory of, guests of a foreign state.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ma'am" Dee complimented, further following by trying to cover for her Master's abrupt leave; "Please forgive my mentor, he's an awfully busy man, I'm certain he won't keep you waiting long" she offered a polite smile, trying to hide her embarrassment at having been caught so unprepared and off-guard.

"My name is Danielle Mueller, by the way" she introduced herself, "I tend to much of the Exarch's appointments and his schedule overall. I do very much appreciate the chance to visit like this, It's my first time out of Confederate Space since...-Well, quite a while now" she smiled, this time to herself as she spared their shared surroundings a look of admiration for how nice it had all been set up and presented for those that would attend.

Naturally, at the most inconvenient of times, Dee's commlink sounded a single chime which signalled a call. A little startled and perhaps even flustered at the interruption, she paused to first apologize to the Lady Vale, explaining herself as best she could in need of answering the summons. "I'm terribly sorry, I need to answer this...-Thank you again for the invitation, I'm sure Adron will be back shortly" she bowed her head, soon to excuse herself and allow the lady to tend to her guests without further disturbance.

Spoiler: OOC

Please excuse me as I am needing to step out of this thread, my apologies!

 

[Lady Rowan Vale]

Rowan saw the young Togruta looking back at her. The noblewoman's heart melted a little as she caught the familiar glint of uncertainty and apprehension in the girl's eyes. More than anything, Rowan wanted to save her from the party limbo she had somehow drifted into, but once again she was constrained by how it would look for her to be seen conversing with outsiders. She despised this part of Hapan society. The arrogance with which they viewed all others who weren't them. Even the influence of the Silver Concord, and the more liberal attitudes of the last few sitting Queen Mothers hadn't done much to shake the overall sense of superiority that ensconced the Hapan aristocracy. Instead, all she could offer the young Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri was a tight smile before returning to her conversation with Adron Malvern .

"Indeed, it is very hospitable." The King had answered in response to Rowan's not-so-subtle jab about the Hapans' ruling elite.

"I'm very glad to hear it," She replied, finding that she meant it. The King was charming, but Rowan recognized a savvy intelligence behind his eyes. She was enough of a politician to know that the man could prove to be a very useful ally, or a devastating enemy if treated in the wrong way. Personally, Rowan would prefer ally until or unless there came a clash of ideologies between them that could not be avoided.

Rowan reacted to the introduction of the King's retinue with the same practiced ease that she'd greeted Danielle Mueller. "My ladies," She said after all the introductions were made. "A pleasure."

In the background, Rowan spotted the King's daughter, Acan-something, spit out a mouthful of wine on a passing noble. There were a few audible gasps at the behavior, and immediately Rowan found she had to hide her face behind her own glass of wine so that nobody would see the involuntary smirk that crossed her face.

Duch'a Algray of the Relephon moons, the offended party, gaped for a moment before hurrying off to her own people. According to Rowan's sources within the Court, it just so happened that the Algrays were one of the louder voices calling for sanctions against her. It wouldn't do to be seen taking such pleasure from their embarrassment.

Rowan waved away Ms. Mueller's apologies as the King hurried off to chastise his daughter. "It happens," She said easily, taking a sip of her wine and turning her attention to the man's attache. She listened politely as Danielle Mueller outlined her position and was about to suggest a list of sights to see for the newcomer to the Consortium when the woman was called away on an urgent com-call. She nodded, waving the young lady off to go about her duties and once more found herself alone.

She had been about to go find the young Togruta when the pitch and tone of the party changed. Rowan followed the sudden whispers and even a few cheers to where Prince Johannes and his paramour Romi Jade had finally entered the room. They looked every bit the loving couple that they were supposed to be, despite the constant rumors surrounding the nature of their relationship. Even in a room full of some of the most beautiful specimens in the galaxy, the two of them were positively glamorous.

"If they're here," Rowan heard a voice from one of the nearby nobles. "The Queen Mother won't be far behind. Word has it she intends to announce a new trade initiative with the Concord on Commenor."

"More pandering to the Jedi," Came another voice, thick with disapproval. "Maybe Lady Vale has the right idea..."

"Shhh! She's right there you idiot!"

Rowan rolled her eyes in plain view of the pair of gossips and moved away. Tomorrow, with any luck, she'd be able to put this stupid rumors to rest and the Court would have to find someone else to whisper about. She moved closer to where the Prince and his betrothed were. She knew she was receiving sideways glances from many of the Royal family's more vocal supporters but she didn't care. Despite their own brand of stupidity, she'd much rather be seen in the company of those loyal to the crown.

Eventually, Rowan made her way to the front of the group surrounding the Prince and Romi Jade . She bowed deeply before the pair, choosing to greet them as the Duch'a of Terephon rather than an Officer in the Queen Mother's Navy. "My Prince," She said simply. "Lady Rowan Vale, Duch'a of Terephon. I am completely at your service and the service of your sister, the Queen Mother. I am here to put any rumors to the contrary to rest. Her Majesty has always had, and will continue to have, the full loyalty and support of myself, my family and my world."

There were whispers behind her, ignored them and held her bow a few beats longer before straightening. She wanted it to be clear whose side she was on from the very first moment.

Romi Jade Adron Malvern Echo Vesulos Xobos Yakieer Danielle Mueller Kuxirra Tano-Bonteri Dagon Kaze @So many others <3