Populate Naboo Coronation & Gala | THR Populate of Vylmira

[Liana Organa]

- Andrei Vorn - Open -​

Liana had been so absorbed in her rumination, that she did not realize a towering figure was upon her until his shadow had practically subsumed her whole form. She craned her neck to view him in full. In spite of his stature, his demeanor was disarming. Even so, she couldn't help but feel a little nervous talking. Why would a naval officer possibly care to talk with her?

"…Hello," She replied with a swallow, "I am Liana Organa. Alderaani Junior Ambassador to the High Republic." How did the Naboo like to do these sorts of greetings? In her uncertainty, she settled on offering an awkward handshake, "Nice to meet you...?"

Close enough.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

The Grand Ball (Palace Ballroom)
OBJECTIVE ONE
Kira Veylan Dominique Vexx
In passing Corazona von Ascania Makko Vyres Aurelian Veruna

"I have a request, if you would." Her face set in her best polite company smile.

It was the voice that made a chill run down Sibylla's spine. Even though the new Voice of the Royal Houses did her best to maintain her composure, hearing the voice of the woman who had snuck into her chambers during a stormy night, resulted in a combat scene where she had to prove to the woman what she was willing to do to survive.

Why was she here now?

Had anyone truly known her, seen her then, perhaps they would have noticed the tension in her jaw as she swiveled to look at Kira Veylan . Was she here to try to attack her again? An assassination out in the open?

Sibylla had on the personal shield crafted by Niki Priddy. But now she'd have to consider what steps to take next, the young teenager unaware that Kira did not mean her harm, and had in fact been sent by Dominique Vexx to protect and train her.

"...what is the request?" Sibylla inquired, her hand moving slowly towards the pocket in her dress in caution, just as in the corner of her eye, Dominique's figure drew closer.

There wasn't even the chance to give a proper greeting to the Ukatis delegation; Sibylla's focus was on trying to draw Kira away from Aurelian, should he be the target instead.

 

[Andrei Vorn]

Mingle

Outfit
​

The offered hand was carefully accepted. Razor thin lines tracing the insides of his fingers and palms as he carefully shook her hand.

His movements both gracefully and cautious given his size.

“Well met Junior Ambassador Organa, and it is a pleasure to meet you. You seemed a newer face among those I've come to recognize, and I wanted to make your acquaintance.” The smile never seemed to leave his face as he cast a glance around them.

Plenty of familiar faces despite the changing attire. All of them seeming to be enjoying themselves and speaking eagerly to their partners. Or eyeing their next targets to share gossip.

His eyes moved back to her as he nodded and settled on the question. “How are you adjusting to things here? It was a major shift for me, coming here.”

A hand half-covered his mouth as his voice dropped to what he felt was appropriate for a conspirators.

“I did not realize how many rules polite society kept. Especially for an evening of celebration.” A playful grimace paired with his laugh as he moved back to a formal tone. “That being said though, are you having any issues adjusting?”

Liana Organa​

 

[Kira Veylan]

//: Sibylla Abrantes //:

Dress​

She'd left a deep impression on Sibylla just in the way her body went rigid before turning.

Meaning the lesson stuck at least.

A genuine smile crept onto her face at the sight of rising nerves. Though this wasn't the moment for it. A detail she would mention privately to the girl later. At leasg about possible chrome to hide or mask the natural responses one could not usually manage.

Maybe minimal given the vanity Naboo seemed to pride themselves on.

For now, there were details to attend to as Kira amended her earlier statement. "Two. Actually."

Her clawed hands coming together in front of her to make sure Sibylla could see them clearly.

"I request a dance. Not like our prior. A proper one. On the dance floor." The limited time she had spent here had shown her some minor wonders.

The moon on the lake at night being a particular favorite that she would never openly admit.

But the harsh study of Naboo culture and customs had come with the territory of dancing. Fashion as well along with design choices that made some of the stranger patterns from home seem reasonable.

Her claws clinched together with a noticeable clink as her next question formed.

"And. Introduce me to Veruna... please?" Not nervous about being denied for the sake of safety so much as being denied for the sake of trying to mind her manners.

An entirely foreign endeavor for her.

Had she assailed Sibylla in the dead of night by climbing into her room? Yes. But Kira had been the one to walk away from that evening worse for wear. So it seemed a fair trade.

"And no. Nothing from me this evening. Relax." A frown appearing as she watched Sibylla's hand move to what was likely a concealed pocket. The red of her eyes vibrant now at the revelation of that information as her head swiveled down to examine Sibylla's hand.

A hint of pride in her hushed tone. "You have pockets? In that dress? Nice."

 

[Aiden Porte]

OBJ 2
Royal Gardens
Tags: Runa Trozky ​

Aiden turned fully then, his posture easing as his eyes found hers. Lanternlight caught in the deep hues of her gown and shimmered faintly in her glass, but it was her presence that held him.

"I wasn't sure if anyone would," he admitted softly. His tone carried no rebuke, only candor, shaped by the calm steadiness of the Force within him. "This night has been… heavy in its way. Beautiful, yes, but heavy. I needed space to breathe."

He let his gaze drift briefly past her, to the roses spilling across marble balustrades, to the lanterns swaying over the reflecting pools, before returning to her with a faint smile. "Maybe you were meant to find me," he added, his voice touched with a warmth that undercut the solemnity of his earlier words. "The Force has a way of guiding more than our steps, doesn't it?"

For a moment, silence stretched between them, filled not with absence but with the subtle music of strings and the drifting fragrance of flowers. He felt it again, the rare sense of stillness that came only when Naboo itself seemed to breathe in harmony with its people. He looked past her then, to the lanterns drifting above the garden paths, their light reflected in still pools and framed by blossoms in full bloom. "But here, the noise fades. The Force feels… different. As if the world itself is breathing easier now that the crown has found its place."

 

[Dominic Praxon]

The brush of shoulders brought Dominic out of his thoughts. He straightened instinctively, gaze settling on the armored figure before him. A Mandalorian, dressed appropriately for the occasion. Still, his heart did skip a beat. It was hard for it not too given what the Empire's predecessor had done to Dee'ja Peaks.

Dominic extended his hand at once, the Naboo polish intact. “Adonis, is it? Not sure we've crossed paths before. I was present at the meeting that set the terms of alliance between Naboo and the Mandalorian Empire.” His voice carried the formality as he scratched his memory for the man's name, but to no avail.

Dominic’s mouth curved into something that passed for a smile. “Forgive me, I was lost in thought. Politics, unfortunately...they intrude even in gardens such as these.”

He exhaled, faintly bitter, and inclined his head in introduction. “Dominic Trozky, of House Praxon. Senatorial candidate for Naboo…though at present, a very distant third.” The words came wry, almost self-deprecating, though the steel of ambition hadn’t left his tone.

As the handshake released, his eyes caught movement along the lantern-lit path. Someone else approached, and from the sharpness of their gaze, Dominic knew Adonis had already been marked. "Watch your six, my Mandalorian friend...I sense you have been targeted," he said, with a bemused smirk directed at Athena Faar .

Adonis Angelis IV​

 

[Makko Vyres]

MAKKO

The Grand Ball (Palace Ballroom)
OBJECTIVE ONE​

Outfit

Aurelian Veruna Corazona von Ascania Kira Veylan Sibylla Abrantes

He tilted his head slightly, eyes narrowing with curiosity as they fixed on Makko. "Tell me, Jedi. Where are you from? Hopefully not one of those Core Worlds sacked by the Empire, hmm?"

There had been a time when shaking the hand of a King would have unnerved him. There had been a time when a few sharp words from a Prince had crushed his spirit.

Makko met the King’s gaze steadily, the ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He didn’t flinch under the weight of the crown or the crowd.

“Not the Core, Your Majesty,” he answered evenly. “Nothing so grand. Not the sort of place that throws coronation, but I've come to enjoy ceremony.”

The arrangement with Ukatis was important. Makko offered a small told of his head.

"I am grateful that bringing Ukatis into the Republic is a priority."

As he glanced aside he saw Sibylla Abrantes and Kira Veylan talking. Both King and Lady Sibylla were engaged speaking to former enforcers from Denon. Nothing changed on his expression but Cora would feel the note of concern.

He had met Kira. He had managed to work out that someone was paying her to test the defences of powerful characters within the Republic. Makko had acted to deal with the potential assassin, but the truth had caught him off guard.

What was she doing here?

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

OBJ 1
Ballroom
Tags: Open​

Cassian leaned against one of the marble pillars as he awaited Elian's return with another round of drinks. Cassian conversed with those as they passed, catching glances and words with fellow Nobles and even the Republic Intelligence Director, implying to him soon that they had important matters to discuss.

"Took you long enough...." Cassian voiced from afar as he caught Elian's gaze with a small shake of his head. Elian returned a few minutes later, weaving back through the dancers with a trail of laughter chasing him. He stood opposite Cassian, the grin never leaving his face.

"You missed it," he said, as he dramatically fanned himself as if he just danced the night away. "I was the envy of the floor. Half the duchesses wanted to dance with me, the other half wanted to kill me, and I can't tell you which thrilled me more."

Cassian shook his head, eyes narrowing though amusement flickered behind the sternness. "Your antics will spark a duel, and I'll be forced to fight for you."

"Which you'll secretly enjoy," Elian countered, winking. "Don't pretend you don't relish knocking sense into me with a practice blade." He leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice just enough to mimic secrecy while clearly wanting to be overheard. "But tonight, brother, the duels are all happening with words. I saw three senators nearly claw each other over who had the first toast with Aurelian. And you should've seen the Gungan envoy's face when the Mandalorians entered the hall. Priceless. Like someone had put sour fruit in his drink."

Cassian let his gaze sweep the room, noting the clusters of power shifting like pieces on a dejarik board. "You make light of it, but those tensions are real. Every envoy here wants a piece of Naboo's new order. The crown may rest on Aurelian's head, but alliances will be tested by who lingers in the shadows, who whispers on those balconies above us."

Elian chuckled "And that's where you come in. Watchful Cassian, guardian of honor and duty, reader of shadows. Whereas I......" He spread his arms, as if presenting himself to the universe. "......I distract, I dazzle, I dance until their schemes grow tangled in their own envy. You see the daggers; I keep them laughing too hard to throw them."

Cassian exhaled through his nose, a quiet breath that might have been mistaken for resignation but carried warmth. "Someday, you'll realize the world doesn't revolve around you."

Elian grinned wider. "And one day, you'll admit it spins brighter because I'm in it." Cassian smirked and shook his head lightly as they clinked glasses again, the crystal ring punctuating their banter.

The orchestra swelled into a new piece, violins carrying the tune like threads of silver through the hall. Elian tipped his glass toward the dancers, eyes alight. "Tell me you don't feel it, Cassian. The whole of Naboo is alive tonight. It's not just the coronation or Sibylla's new title, it's hope. Real, tangible hope. For the first time in years, people believe we might actually chart our own course again."

Cassian's gaze softened at that, his amber eyes shifting back to the ballroom. Nobles laughed louder than their station usually allowed, and servants moved with ease instead of fear. For all the shadows he saw, he could not deny the light.

"Yes," he said at last, voice low but certain. "Hope."

Elian leaned more against the pillar and raised his glass once more. "Then let us drink to it. To Sibylla. To Aurelian. To Naboo's rebirth. And to us, the unshakable, ridiculous, and entirely indispensable Abrantes brothers."

Cassian allowed himself the smallest smile as their glasses touched. For one night, at least, laughter and hope would outweigh the whispers.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Objective I
Outfit​

"Lady Abrantes," Dominique called out loudly and with a smile, her hands spread out to either side. "Voice of the Royal Houses. You should be congratulated and beside yourself with joy. There's no need for tension. If any of these nobles give you undue grief born of jealousy or hatred, you know you can count on my discretion."

The golden eyes shifted slightly in Kira's direction. "Ah, do you already have company? I could come back," Dominique offered, not wanting to intrude. As though Kira were just another noble giving their celebratory wishes for Sibylla's ascension. "I'm certain Lord and King Veruna wouldn't mind if I gave him an excuse to leer." No need for them all to pretend the man was the bastion of civility and manners. His sharp tongue had sliced and stabbed often enough in the Assembly.

Sibylla Abrantes | Kira Veylan | Aurelian Veruna | Corazona von Ascania | Makko Vyres​

 

[Liana Organa]

Andrei Vorn - Open​

The man's hand was equally oversized compared to Liana's, which was completely enclosed in the shake. "I've only just arrived," She confirmed.

“How are you adjusting to things here? It was a major shift for me, coming here.”

"Not as drastic a change as I imagined. Alderaan and Naboo have similar ideals. Although, maybe I'm just assuming too much from the things that are familiar," There were likely subtle differences between the two that she would learn the hard way. A social faux pas just waiting to happen.

Regardless, it was nice to meet another who found himself feeling an outsider. Andrei's comment about the number of rules earned a titter from the junior ambassador, "I grew up with them, but it didn't stop me from breaking them from time to time. Intentionally or unintentionally…" She smirked at the thought of her youthful antics. Liana could get away with them then, as a lady of the House. But here? She had to show a little more maturity.

"Just the usual. New places, new faces, new responsibilities. I've not really been away from family for very long before. Whether it was on Alderaan or abroad, I always had someone to run back to. Even if it was just my brother." Her smirked turned to a smile, soulful and sincere, "But this time I'm on my own."

Liana's thoughts lingered on herself, before she blinked herself back into the moment, "What brings you here? Are military men required to come to events like this?"

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

Dress: XX
Tags: Aurelian Veruna Makko Vyres Sibylla Abrantes Kira Veylan Dominique Vexx

Cora tilted her head ever so slightly, following the direction both men had momentarily glanced in to find Lady Sibylla. The recently anointed Voice was speaking with the Senator of Denon and a woman she didn't recognize who had a pair of cybernetic arms.

Subtle threads of worry and irritation plucked in the Force. Her courtly smile pulled into something a little more wry, and by virtue, something more genuine.

Makko's flicker of concern slid easily down their bond, and Cora's thumb slowly stroked the back of his hand in a subtle note of reassurance. His past was his own, however much or however little he wanted to divulge – and given the careful wording of his response, he'd come a long way.

"Ukatis stands ready to work alongside you," she affirmed. "We've already begun constructing refugee shelters from supplies received from the Republic. You'll have to visit again and see the progress for yourself, when you get the chance."

Aside from supplies, they'd helped to bolster the food stores and resources of the local populace. It would've been a strange thing to welcome those from beyond the stars when they had so little themselves, after all. If all went to plan, perhaps they'd rise to become an agricultural power rather than a backwater world in need of aid.

Cora lifted her chin, something in her gaze sharpening as she searched Aurelian's expression. Regal pride suited him, and she had no doubt that he'd read her well enough to know the right things to say. Would he deliver on them? She hoped so. Despite being the one to push for it, she hadn't been entirely thrilled about Ukatis' secession from the Alliance and into the Republic. The writing was on the wall, as she saw it. Moves had to be made.

"There is an old saying on Ukatis; nobility lives in the mind, not the blood." Cora chose not to comment on the sheer irony of that statement, but it was one of the few positive attributes her father had imparted unto her. "I'll be holding you to a rather high standard, King Veruna."

As would the entirety of the Republic.

"Well," both her expression and tone melted into something softer as she squeezed Makko's arm. "We'd be poor guests to take up all of your time, wouldn't we? I'm certain that there are plenty who would like to bend His Majesty's ear."

Cora dipped her head, adding in a murmur that sat somewhere between impressed and amused: "Well done, Aurelian."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Location: Royal Palace, Theed
Tags: Corazona von Ascania | Makko Vyres | OPEN

Aurelian watched Makko with the same sharpened curiosity he reserved for a duelist across the ring. The Jedi's refusal to name his homeworld outright was almost answer enough; men from noble courts rarely hid their bloodlines. No, this one had walked into the glittering ceremonial trap because of Lady Corazona, not for any personal stake. Aurelian's smile lingered a fraction longer, as though he'd solved a small riddle, storing it away for later use.

He caught the Jedi's fleeting glance toward Sibylla across the hall. Aurelian followed it briefly, his eyes narrowing on the Denonites crowding too close. A flicker of irritation tugged at his features before his gaze slid back to Cora, smooth as silk, as though the moment of distraction had never been.

Her words steadied the air, firm and measured. Every syllable carried the weight of a woman who knew exactly what was at stake. Aurelian's posture eased, the predator's tension giving way to something warmer, more regal.

"I have been keeping a close eye on Ukatis," he said, his voice carrying the cadence of command yet softened with genuine approval. "The shelters, the bolstered food stores, the spirit of a people who refuse to be broken. This is the kind of progress the Republic needs to see, and it will see it."

Her chin lifted, her challenge laid bare. Aurelian inclined his head, amber eyes bright with both mischief and conviction. "Hold me to your high standard, Lady Corazona. I would expect nothing less. I will not let you, or Ukatis, down. And soon, I will walk your soil again, to see that progress with my own eyes."

When she offered her parting grace, softening as she squeezed her husband's arm, Aurelian let his smile sharpen into something wry, dangerously close to fond.

"Well done?" he echoed under his breath, the corners of his mouth curving in that same blade's edge charm. "Coming from you, I will take that as high praise."

He dipped his head in a gesture that was neither a full bow nor a dismissal, but something of both; sovereign yet strangely intimate.

"Enjoy your evening, away from duties. Naboo celebrates tonight, and so should her allies. May it be a wonderful one."

His crown gleamed as he turned slightly, his presence shifting to greet the next wave of courtiers. But his eyes lingered on them just long enough to make it clear: the King of Naboo remembered all the words, measures, and subtle bonds laid tonight.

​

 

[Adonis Angelis IV]

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​

"Then we've shared a cause, if not a table." His grip was firm but not overbearing; he wasn't here to posture. "Treaties forged in ink tend to hold better when the people behind them know each other." Under the helmet, his dark eyes fixed on Dominic as he released the shake.

A wry smile tugged at his mouth. He'd grown up watching politics play out through his father, parades, handshakes, the performance of it all. "I know the weight you're under," he said. "That's why I put my stock in simpler work. A battlefield doesn't care about politics." His laugh was low, flattened a little by the speaker in his helm.

Dominic's name settled, and Adonis tilted his head slightly, he recognized the last name. "Third place is still something to carry," he said. "Mandalorian politics tend to involve less ballots." He let the pause hang just long enough. "Fighting isn't a bad fallback." The humor was dry, but it carried no malice.

When Dominic's warning came, Adonis's body tensed on instinct before his mind caught up. His visor shifted down the path, and the tension broke the moment he recognized her. Athena, cutting through the lantern light like she formed there. Relief and something sharper ran through him. He hadn't been sure she'd come; he'd never been good at subtlety, and the note he'd sent might have been too blunt. But here she was, and it felt like the evening had just turned.

"You jest," he said to Dominic, voice roughened by the helm. "But she's more dangerous than either of us." A beat, and then softer, almost to himself, "And twice as beautiful."

He stepped aside, opening space at his shoulder, ready to let her in.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
TAG: Dominic Praxon Athena Faar​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

The Grand Ball (Palace Ballroom)
OBJECTIVE ONE
Kira Veylan Dominique Vexx

​

"I request a dance. Not like our prior. A proper one. On the dance floor."

Sibylla almost did a double take. Had to because of the politeness that was coming out of Kira Veylan 's mouth that was so contrary to how the woman had spoken to her when she'd broken into the Abrantes Estate, slipped past her guards, and broke into her room. Then demanded that Sibylla show her what she was willing to do to survive.

"A Dance?" A proper one? Was she being serious?

Took another few seconds to realize the brunette was indeed.

"Why?"

"And. Introduce me to Veruna... please?"

The question made Sibylla's eyes narrow at once. Things might be a little awkward between her and Aurelian Veruna since Kadaara, but that didn't mean she would ever risk placing him in danger. She was the Voice of Naboo, and he was, by every measure, her King. More than that, he was still her friend, and she would never allow harm to come to him.

If she could take precautions to prevent his sister Thessaly from causing a scene, then she would certainly put herself between Aurelian and anyone who meant him harm.

"Why do you want an introduction?" she asked, probing for information.

"You have pockets? In that dress? Nice."

But then Kira managed to bring up the one subject guaranteed to spark conversation: yes, her dress had pockets. The urge to show them off flared immediately, and Sibylla had to restrain herself from proudly displaying them to Kira on the spot.

Just then, Dominique's voice cut through, and Sibylla seized upon her arrival with palpable relief.

"Lady Abrantes," Dominique called out loudly and with a smile, her hands spread out to either side. "Voice of the Royal Houses. You should be congratulated and beside yourself with joy. There's no need for tension. If any of these nobles give you undue grief born of jealousy or hatred, you know you can count on my discretion." "Ah, do you already have company? I could come back," Dominique offered, not wanting to intrude. As though Kira were just another noble giving their celebratory wishes for Sibylla's ascension. "I'm certain Lord and King Veruna wouldn't mind if I gave him an excuse to leer."

"Thank you, Dominique," Sibylla said quickly, her smile tight as she slipped to the Denonite's side. "No, stay with me."

They needed to keep eyes on Kira even while calling the authorities.

Sibylla leaned in, her voice low and urgent. "I need help. She broke onto my balcony not long ago, and I had to fight her off. I don't know if she's here to try again or something worse."

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //: Open //:
//: Heading to Ballroom //:
//: Dress //:

Kito had never been one for dressing up. On Kro Var, the closest she had come was brief ceremonies where she'd been forced out of her muddy tunic into something more "appropriate." That had been the extent of it. Since then, life had been nothing but training, fighting, and surviving. Even as a Jedi, she had never had the chance to see this side of herself.

The Lightsworn had offered her that kindness. With features that mirrored those of Atrisia, they wrapped her in silken cloth that clung close and painted her face with care, accentuating lines and colors she'd never thought of as her own beauty. When she finally saw her reflection, Kito almost didn't recognize herself. A smile tugged at her lips, awkward but genuine. The Jedi never thought she could look like this.

And all she wanted was for someone else to see it. For Valaine to see it.

The thought of her made Kito's heart thunder against her ribs. She had helped organize travel, bent rules, smoothed permissions, all so the Sangnir — unknown to anyone else as Sith — could stand here in Naboo's light. Kito told herself it was reckless, but still she wanted this night, this moment.

Her hand brushed over the silk again, feeling the way the fabric clung to her frame. It was strange; she felt vulnerable after years of loose tunics that hid more than they revealed. The Shaper shifted in her heels, awkward and yet graceful in the unfamiliar height. She continuously paced the entryway as each arriving speeder pulled up. The tapping of her steps echoed through the corridor, a constant reminder of nerves she couldn't shake.

If the timing was right, the next one would be her.

Kito straightened her posture, forcing a deep breath into her lungs as the crowd began to swell. Ember eyes swept over the faces spilling into the gala. The coronation was a spectacle she had never thought she'd witness in her lifetime — a celebration of power and peace far from Malachor's shadows.

But she didn't care about the ceremony. She only wanted to see Valaine walk through those doors.

Just one night where they weren't enemies. No Light. No Dark. No penance.

Just Kito and Valaine.

A firefly and her flame.

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito OPEN
En route to the ballroom

The anticipation within Valaine's chest was great. She had been invited by someone very dear to her to be, for all intents and purposes, her plus one at the Gala. What she didn't realize was just how out of her depth she'd be. This place... If the other guests knew what she was, who she was aligned with, then it could very well be the end of her. But was she going to let Kito suffer such a place alone? She knew she was as socially adjusted as she herself was, which wasn't a lot, and being in this place alone would've been an awful experience for her.

A bead of sweat dripped down the side of her pale face as she saw the speeder was arriving at its destination and she gulped down her fears. She had, naturally, arrived with no weapons at all save for the ones she couldn't rid herself of, and her presence within the Force was so miniscule, so lacking, that she'd hopefully go entirely unnoticed in a place that no doubt had powerful Force users all clogging up the air and senses.

Finally the speeder stopped, the door opened, and the young Sangnir emerged. She had her dark raven hair braided loosely behind her, about half way down her typically straight hair, and she was wearing a fine form-clinging black dress that seemed to sparkle faintly when the light struck it. The skirt was looser than the upper section, allowing folds of fabric to flow and weave as they desired all the way down the floor. In terms of makeup? Valaine wasn't the best, but she had been taught by one person in particular on how to at least apply a little bit of dark lipstick and eye shadow.

Her stormy grey gaze caught Kito waiting for her. At first she had to double-check to make sure it was actually her, for never before had she seen her in such fine clothing and decoration, she looked beautiful. After a moment of staring Valaine offered the woman a smile of greeting as she moved to approach her, her voice soft and hushed as she neared close. "Kito... You ah... Wow, you look great. And uh... you sure this is a good idea...?" she asked her. The mere sight of the Shaper had brought her some relief from concerns already, but doubt still plagued the back of her thoughts.

She paused as she brought a hand to Kito's chin, lightly tilting her head up to get a better look at her makeup, "... Did you do all this yourself? I'm impressed..." asked Valaine with genuine curiosity.

 

[Bastila Sal-Soren]

​

The Palace Ballroom glittered with regal splendour, yet to Bastila it felt less like a place of celebration and more like a gilded cage. Each polished marble tile caught the glow of chandeliers strung high above, the reflected light dazzling enough to distract the untrained eye. She refused distraction.

Her gown, simple yet refined in elegance casting its shifting ivory hues, drew its share of stares the moment she crossed the threshold of the great doors. It was Naboo workmanship at its most opulent, meant to dazzle, just a hint of Baros elegance hidden to all but the most observant but to Bastila, the garment was her statement piece. Aurelian may have the crown, but she will have the room. Again. She moved with deliberate calm, each step measured, her senses stretched taut beneath the surface as she became more and more aware of the eyes falling on her, the whispers starting already.

Perfume and flowers flirted with laughter that lifted over the orchestra’s swell and yet behind it all, the murmur of politics beat like a second, more secret melody. Bastila noted the clusters: senators in quiet orbit around one another, Naboo courtiers measuring their distance to power, offworld envoys whispering in unfamiliar tongues. Each alcove above the ballroom was a stage of its own, curtains drawn just enough to shield words too precious for the crowd below.

She lingered at the edge of the floor, neither aloof nor inviting, her gaze flicking with quiet precision. She marked exits, recognized faces from dossiers, and let the Force wash like a tide against her senses. Amid the dazzling warmth of the hall there were colder threads: ambition, fear, suspicion, desire. She traced them silently, trying to discern which were entangled with her purpose tonight.

A senator passed near his form silver-robed, carrying the scent of spice wine. His eyes lingered on her longer than courtesy demanded. Bastila dipped her head in acknowledgment, polite yet opaque, giving nothing away. His smile faltered, and he moved on.

It was then she felt it.

Not in the laughter or the music, but among it. A balcony curtain stirred though the air was still, and a faint prickle slid down her spine. The ripple was small, buried beneath layers of song and light, but it was there. Someone was watching her. Not with idle curiosity, but with intent.

Bastila’s lips curved in the faintest approximation of a smile, her posture loose and elegant as though she’d noticed nothing at all. Inside the young Jedi however, her pulse had quickened. Naboo’s palace had many players tonight, and whoever lurked in those shadows had already been one of those surely playing the game.

Her eyes locked towards the new King in the swell of the crowd and she bit back her instinct to move towards him with intent. Aurelian would soon be part of her day to day life whether she wanted it or not, a few moments without him would be fine. Then she found Sibylla among the faces and again, decided better than to appear too close too soon. No this was a night for celebration and happiness.

Shame that she couldn’t sense her happiness among the group.

Mentioned: Aurelian Veruna Sibylla Abrantes | OPEN​

 

[Kira Veylan]

//: Sibylla Abrantes / Dominique Vexx //:

Dress​

Her eyes narrowed at the question of a dance. Fairly certain she had done nothing to Sibylla's face or head in her assessment.

"Because, we are at a dance?" The words matter of fact despite the nervous energy Sibylla had.

As if the point was obvious instead of the worrisome belief that Kira may strike again. Giving Sibylla an exasperated sigh at the next question.

"My approach with you is bearing clear issues. I have to adapt." Again with the matter of fact tone as Sibylla reached for Dominique and expressed the issue at hand.

An exasperated look sent her way as Kira closed the distance between them and joined the tight circle.

She gave a tiny smile to Makko Vyres and did not engage him yet. Her voice low and hushed at

"I let you stab me." Her tone almost accusatory as she looked up at Sibylla.

A frown settling in place of the smile with a shake of her head as she continued. "I am trying a different approach since the first is producing clear issues. Not here to cause more."

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Objective I
Outfit​

Dominique tracked Sibylla with her eyes as the woman sought to use her as a shield from Kira. Then the urgent whispers of the danger the cybernetically enhanced woman followed. Fine brows rose slightly and her golden rings slid in the other Denonite's direction. "Did she?" her voice was modulated, calm while her eyes never wavered. Sibylla had to fight Kira off? By every worthless deity this galaxy had to offer, where had the guards been?

Even Kira seemed disturbed by the news; or how her own actions had been taken at any rate. Obviously, Dominique should have been a bit more direct about such matters. The Nobility were not of a mindset to interpret her actions the way she intended.

A quiet, but heavy exhale escaped Dominique's nostrils in a prolonged blink of her eyes. "Well," she paused for a second, "this complicates matters."

She turned slightly to better see Sibylla at her side. "You can be certain, my Lady, so long as I am here this woman won't cause you any harm." Dominique leaned in a little closer and lowered her voice, "I do have a particular set of skills for these occasions." Her voice raised in volume slightly, though needlessly given Dominique hadn't tried to keep Kira from hearing a word thus far, "And we will need to discuss this at length. Together. Away from all these wonderful guests."

Suddenly, the regally dressed Denonite leaned back in and lowered her voice even lower than before with a breathless urgency to it, "Did you really stab her?" There was a slight curl to her lips. It wasn't fear that prompted the follow-up, but intrigue.

Sibylla Abrantes | Kira Veylan​