Populate Naboo Coronation & Gala | THR Populate of Vylmira

[Vulpesen]

Loadout: Diplomatic

Vulpesen's boots clicked on the polished floor as he entered the ballroom, his tail sweeping behind him. Whether nerves or elation, even he wasn't entirely sure. Even with his position as Valde, such events were an uncommon occurrence for the man. He was usually one to pawn off such endeavors to his excelsus of diplomacy, Lucas. But when the invitation to be a certain someone's plus one had arrived in his datapad, how could he refuse? Fierce and dangerous as a hurricane, Vulpesen was utterly powerless when it came to any request from the House of Numare.

"Well," he breathed, "this may be a bit awkward. All of my connections to the houses of Naboo seem to have withered with time." Such was the issue with his perspective on time. Human lives were short. Often, too short. They came and faded like the flowers in the royal garden. Sure they were often replaced by petals of matching beauty, but unless one took the time to walk among them, there was no guarantee that those allies he made would ever be there on his return. In time, all those that Vulpesen had considered to be his friends on the planet had seemed to die or fade away to places unknown. Perhaps it was time to walk among the garden and get to know the new flowers that had bloomed. "Time to work your magic."

Ra'a'mah

 

[Makko Vyres]

MAKKO

Makko was guided away from the new King. He had just about managed to become a smooth operator within Ukatis customs. As an empath he could copy, but it was exhausting.

"Feels like he judges everyone and enjoys doing it," Makko said. "You've seen more of who he is?" he asked curiously.

There was always more. But even as the king asked prying questions it wasn't for him to do the same back. Not without anything to gain.

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

"The short one with Sibylla. Don't stare. From Denon. She's been testing the defences of senators and I'm not sure why."

Makko's voice was low but he managed to convey that he still intended to find out..

He stood a little straighter all of a sudden.

"Do you think... You might be feeling up to a dance?" he asked. A little pulse of light fell down their bond. Memories of times when a dance together had made everything seem more clear.

 

[Kito]

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

All of Kito's nerves seemed to ease the moment Valaine's eyes found hers.

She stood frozen in place, watching every sway of the dark fabric shift with the Sangnir's steps as she drew closer. Kito felt her throat bob as she swallowed the tightness in her chest. Valaine was the only one to ever make her feel this way. Kito had always known Valaine was beautiful, but seeing her dressed like this left her utterly undone.

When Valaine stopped, Kito could only stare until the woman's voice finally broke the tension.

"Oh," she breathed, caught off guard by the compliment. The Shaper's cheeks warmed instantly. She didn't feel half as stunning as Valaine looked, but if she believed it, Kito wasn't about to argue.

"Thank you," she muttered with a small smile, nodding. "Yeah, it's fine — no one's going to bother us. I promise."

She meant it. Kito had made sure of it. At least tonight, they could enjoy each other's company without the galaxy pressing down on them. They were two people caught between an eternal war. Kito wondered if either of them wanted to be a part of it.

"You look incredible, too. Beautiful," she added softly. Her voice was still laced with awe. Kito knew Valaine could've shown up in a potato sack and she'd still be the most beautiful woman in the room.

Her thoughts cut off when Valaine's fingers brushed her chin, tilting her head up. The touch was familiar, grounding, and Kito leaned into it instinctively, lips parting slightly as she let her eyes linger on Valaine's face.

The question came, and Kito gave a sheepish smile. Lying wouldn't do her any good; Valaine knew her too well.

"I had help from some of the Lightsworn," she admitted with a small laugh, the blush deepening across her cheeks. Her eyes darted aside before she gathered the courage to look back at her. "I just… I really wanted to look good for you. I'm always in that baggy tunic."

She pouted faintly, a rare crack in the Shaper's usual composure, before confessing in a quiet voice: "I like it when you look at me like this."

Kito paused, her blush deepening as the weight of her own words sank in. She didn't pull back. Instead, her hand slid to the small of Valaine's back, a subtle pull urging her closer. Her gaze dropped, lingering on the Sangnir's dark-painted lips, curiosity flickering in her chest as she wondered how it would feel with both of them wearing lipstick.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

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

​

Sibylla blinked, her smile faltering as Kira's words cut in like a whisper of accusation. It almost made her feel guilty how those red eyes peered up at her and the hurt tone of voice she projected.

I let you stab me.

Wait… what?

Sibylla was even more confounded then, but it was Dominque who managed to pull her from her alarmed thoughts stating that Kira wouldn't cause Sibylla any harm as long as the Senator of Denon was here.

So what if Dominique hadn't been here?

Sibylla couldn't help but wonder, and while she trusted Dominique, yes, she couldn't quite piece together what any of this meant.

"Do you know her, Dominique?" she asked quietly, eyes flicking between the Senator and Kira, though she already doubted an answer would bring clarity.

Then Dominique leaned closer, her words carrying intrigue instead of alarm. Did you really stab her?

It was the way Dominique scrutinized Sibylla that caused her typically composed expression to give a slight crack, her voice dipping into a whisper.

"I… I had to. I was defending myself." In her mind it had been that simple: she hadn't wanted to fight, but she hadn't been given a choice.
And yet Kira's tone twisted it, as though it had been permitted, even welcomed. That dissonance unsettled her more than any accusation could.

Her hazel eyes narrowed, a sharper breath slipping out than she intended.

"Okay," she said, glancing quickly around to be certain none of the nearby nobles had caught wind of the strange exchange. A group of senators lingered too close to the alcoves, Mandalorian guests stood with goblets of ale in hand, and the everwatchful holocams hovered above. Every angle reminded her she was on display.

So she smoothed the folds of her gown, fingers brushing the pale gold fabric as though adjusting it, a small gesture of control to mask the unease thrumming through her. When she finally looked back up, her tone was lower but inquisitive as she wanted to find out the truth.

"What is going on here?"

All the while, her thoughts churned. And while she clung to Dominique's assurance of protection, it was Kira's strange, vulnerable persistence that gnawed at Sibylla's composure.

It oddly made her feel... guilty for stabbing her. And in the wake of already feeling guilty of how she'd caused others to feel, it only troubled Sibylla more. Especially when she thought that at the time, the stabbing had been necessary.

But a second later, doubt seeded in. Wait, was that they the woman had been asking about what Sibylla was willing to do to survive. Why it had all felt like a test?

 

[Kira Veylan]

//: Sibylla Abrantes / Dominique Vexx //:

Dress​

She had been overconfident in herself.

A change of pace that was at first welcome as a challenge. And had been handled as such. But her downfall had been the lack of foresight. Believing a different approach could resolve what she felt was a simple issue given the circumstances.

If she had wanted Sibylla dead, she wouldn't have been so deliberately aggressive with her words. Wouldn't have given so much time.

For stars sake, her claws hadn't even been the dangerous ones!

"And we will need to discuss this at length. Together. Away from all these wonderful guests."

The words hung in the air.

For her credit, Kira did not look to Dominique. But she flinched. Eyes closing a fraction as her chin tucked in slightly towards her chest. Not out of fear.

But dissapointment in herself.

It wasn't often she had to be spoken to. Especially about how to handle or clear up issues. A silent pride in her abilities that she would never speak about. But now plainly said without being spoken to her directly. Made horrendously aware of herself and her surroundings now despite the attitude she had initially approached this encounter with.

Feeling smaller than her own stature as her claws fidgeted briefly before giving a slow measured bow to Sibylla and Dominique.

Her mind settling back into a familiar mode of operation rather than trying to enjoy herself.

"Apologies for disturbing your evening. I withdraw my requests." Standing up to look between the two women while avoiding their eyes.

Hands twisting together for a split second as she took a half step back.

"Enjoy your evening." Reinforcing the idea that these events were not meant for someone like her.

People like Kira existed in the files that could be thrown away. That people could wipe their hands of without issue or guilt. People like Kira amounted to little in the light were every flaw marked them out like a beacon. Every eye in her mind now firmly set in her direction. Every whisper the same as her own talons clawing to take a piece of her.

Another half step and she was prepared to leave.

To step back into the place she needed to stay.

As something disposable.

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Objective I
Outfit​

A little question to distract from a much larger one. Sibylla's interest in whether Dominique knew Kira might invite a most unpleasant circumstance. Better to focus on the outrageous matter between the two ladies. Perhaps expected, though not intended, Sibylla was... distraught at admitting her participation in violence. Dominique had meant it more as a jest. A noble like her engaging in a physical altercation?

Truth was, Dominique was proud Sibylla managed to do it at all. Even if Kira had let her. Many wouldn't have been able to muster up the courage or overcome their sense of propriety -- things that got you killed in the real world.

Then their Voice of nobility's posture and countenance started to change. A glance here or there. The smoothing of her gown. She'd sought composure under the scrutinizing gaze of the crowd; which was much more like Sibylla to do.

A slight lift of an eyebrow accompanied the accusatory question.

Before Dominique could inquire further to play it off, Kira had a few words of her own. The Director didn't turn to look at Kira. There wasn't a need to track her body language or anticipate her physical actions. Besides, they -- so far -- didn't even know one another so what did it matter to Dominique of these nebulous requests that'd been withdrawn?

Nonetheless, Kira's reactions weren't entirely unnoticed. Though viewed from the corner of her eye, Dominique was curious. Why had she withdrawn the request? And then thereafter bid them adieu? In that split second a great debate was waged. A struggle between letting Kira walk away as nearly any other Director would to maintain appearances, and stopping the woman from departing out of concern at great risk.

"Stop. Right. There," Dominique said in a level, but insistent. She turned her upper body slightly in Kira's direction. The moment Kira's half was gauged -- if it came -- she would turn her bright eyes back to Sibylla. "Is there somewhere private we can speak, my Lady? I would hate to disturb our guests with what is sure to be something rather banal, and have them offended at being turned away until the matter is settled." She drew in a breath and released it slowly. To be clear, Dominique added, "The three of us."

Sibylla Abrantes | Kira Veylan​

 

[Ra'a'mah]

"You and me both. My connections are gone as well. I've made some new ones with the Diarchy, so now we need to get some going here.

"You clean up well."

Accepting two drinks from a tray, she handed one to Vulps and sipped hers as they walked through the front area.

"Except for mine, it seems."

It was a reply to his comment about the houses of Naboo. This is where she and Josh had lived before he went away to train his Padawans in seclusion. Anytime she wanted to, she could join him, but Ra was not a good teacher and didn't see a need to involve herself with that. With her focus being on business, it didn't bother her that they were apart more often than together.

Now her focus can shift to politics and making connections. That was why they were at the coronation. To bring more people into the fold of their movement and rebirth it from the flames the Empire was leaving in the Core.

Vulpesen @open

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

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

​

Sibylla's heart gave a tug at the sight of Kira's bowed head, the way disappointment seemed to press down on her shoulders. The woman's words were uttered in such a fragile way that they struck harder than Sibylla expected, stirring guilt that confounded her. Kira didn't look like a threat now. She looked small. Hurt.

Before she could stop herself, Sibylla's hand began to lift to try to catch Kira before she pulled away. But Dominique's call to halt Kira in her tracks seemed to have a better result. Which only made Sibylla wonder more, blinking once, then twice as she panned her attention from Kira to Dominique again. It was both in confusion as much as a flicker of awe and amazement by how swiftly Dominique was able to wrestle control back into her hands.

Okay, just, breathe and figure this out, Sibylla told herself, trying to regain her bearing again just as Dominique's golden eyes turned to her.

A quieter place?

Her hazel gaze followed the Senator's suggestion upward toward the shadowed alcoves above the ballroom. Soundproof, secure, private. A place where this strange and unraveling conversation could unfold without watchful eyes.

A courtesy glance sought Aurelian Veruna , and there he was across the hall, speaking with Lady Corazona von Ascania and another gentleman. He would remain, of course. Someone had to continue the greetings and take the congratulations.

Well, Aurelian was more than accustomed to being the center of attention, slipping with ease into conversation with commoners, dignitaries, and nobles alike.

If Sibylla had once thought his charm as Senator or the flamboyant Prince of Parlay was little more than performance, as King, he surpassed even her expectations. He was all smiles and gracious gestures, disarming in that practiced way of his and, now more than ever, catching her eye. The crown suited him, just as she'd told him. Maddeningly so.

Her lips pressed thin.

She hadn't been blind to how he kept funneling guests her way once he was finished with them or more likely, bored. As if she were there to play minder and occupy the rest. And yet the thought needled at her, whether he was doing it on purpose, keeping them from having a moment alone, especially after that night.

With a sharp inhale of her breath, she turned back to Dominque and gave a single nod.

"Yes. The alcoves on the second level. Please, follow me," she said, quietly, making the decision to trust the Senator and hear what she had to say.

Turning, Sibylla led the way, specifically choosing a path that wove quickly between courtiers and senators offering bows and congratulations. Not so fast as to appear discourteous, but enough to keep interruptions brief. If Aurelian's gaze tracked her departure, he would see her guiding Dominique and Kira towards the marbled stairs that would lead to the quiet alcove rooms above the grand ballroom.

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen couldn't help but preen a bit at the compliment, his tail moving from a nervous sweep to a momentary wag before he reminded himself to keep the appendage still. "You seem to collect titles and land on every planet you visit. You know, if you ever decided, I could probably give you a whole county on Veradune. The nobility isn't what it once was, but the titles still hold some influence."

He accepted the drink with a grateful nod and brought it to his lips. It lacked the course burn of his usual beverages, but there was still a certain joy in the sweetness. "If nothing else, we've gotten some good wine out of the trip. I might need to snap some to bring back to the ship. No doubt Garlan and the others are expecting some sort of party favor when I get back." The words were, in some ways, nothing more than idle talk. His eyes were already scanning the room, noting the couples and groups that separated and splintered from the crowd. How much of this was politics and how muchw as simply friendships being kindled and rekindled? He'd been out of the game far to long to tell with any sort of reliability. "Do you know anything about the new ruler?"

Ra'a'mah

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito
En route to the ballroom

At the compliment the young Sangnir gained a light blush upon her pale cheeks as she smirked in response. She wasn't overly used to compliments, mostly because she never did anything to warrant them. But such words coming from Kito made her smile, and they always felt genuine even if she personally disagreed with them.

"I had help from some of the Lightsworn,"

A soft huff of amusement escaped Valaine's lips, lightly rolling her eyes, "Of course you had help... If you were that good I'm sure I would've seen you in it sooner." she answered as her hand lightly released its hold on the Shaper's chin. She offered her another warm smile, "And... I like the baggy tunic, it's very uhh.. You?" she added.

When the Shaper's hand was placed upon the small of her back and she was tugged closer she blinked in some surprise, her own hands gently placed upon Kito's shoulders. She glanced around with a light amount of embarrassment at such a bold gesture and the blush upon her cheeks only tinted a deeper shade. As she looked back towards the other woman she saw where her eyes had glanced towards and in response her tone lowered, "... Hold up Firefly, we're not even inside the building yet... Didn't you want to show me around...?" she smirked at her. After all, standing at the entrance where all the other speeders were pulling up was hardly a good place to spend their time together.

"I've only been on this planet like, once, briefly... I've always heard about how fancy it's meant to be. Maybe there's some good food in there?" she asked, ever taking the opportunity to enjoy the delights of higher society she was so frequently denied back during her time on Jutrand. "Maybe you can even point out the people I really need to avoid?".

 

[Ra'a'mah]

"Oh no. That's not entirely true. Coruscant, Denon, and Commenor didn't get me land or titles. Just business, and that's enough. You'd really give me land? Let me think about it. Your sister is the one to collect properties."

Sipping the sweet drink, it was something Ra preferred to the stuff he did. However, she didn't begrudge him what he liked and made sure to always have some on hand for his rare visits. Tipping her glass to look at it as he spoke about getting some of his crew, she smiled.

"I can arrange that."

While he looked around, her eyes fell on the new king. People were moving to greet and congratulate him, and it was exactly what was supposed to happen at this kind of event. With her free hand, she motioned to him and then tipped her head with a point of her chin.

"That's him there. Want to go say hello and introduce ourselves?"

One way to make new connections. Go straight to the head of the planet.

Vulpesen Aurelian Veruna

 

[Corazona von Ascania]

"He does, and I think he enjoys it," Cora supplied in a murmur. "A little bit. I think beneath all the showmanship, he cares deeply about the Republic and her worlds."

Makko knew that she wouldn't have sought Ukatis' membership into his sphere of power had he been another Horace. Still, she couldn’t help the urge to shield him from the sovereign’s sharp tongue.

A slight shift of her stance had her gaze move in Sibylla's direction. Just a glance, as the Voice left with the senator of Denon and a woman in a peacock green dress. Cora's focus didn't linger, finding its way easily back to her husband.

"Testing their defenses?" A frown tugged the corners of her lips downward, slightly so. "How do you know that?"

A familiar flutter slipped down their bond, and she smiled. Cora reached for Makko's hand, twining their fingers together.

"I'd like that." Already, her fingers came to rest at his shoulder. "Perhaps just for a short while," she added.

Who knew when they would get the chance again?

"You know," Cora murmured as she leaned in close, keeping her words low and for him alone. "I believe that the King may have an interest in the Voice…that strays beyond the professional."

Makko Vyres

 

[Kito]

//: Valaine Valentine //: OPEN //:
//: Ballroom //:

Like Valaine, compliments weren't something Kito understood. She liked giving them earnestly, but receiving them made her stomach knot. Still, she'd started to notice a difference—Valaine's words and touch felt good, safe in a way she couldn't dismiss.

Her face and ears flushed the moment she heard the pet name, something that was just theirs. Embarrassed at how obvious her reaction was, Kito smiled, caught in the moment.

She loosened her hold reluctantly, even though she enjoyed the closeness, the feel of Valaine's hands resting on her shoulders. The Sangnir was right — they were blocking the flow of people in and out of the palace.

With hesitation, she released her hand, hanging in the space between them, before reaching out again to take Valaine's hand. Her grip was light, leaving her room to pull away if she wanted.

"Sorry about that," Kito murmured, giving a small, crooked smile as she began to lead her inside. She had arrived early to memorize a small layout of the palace, mostly because she wanted to impress her companion. That thought carried with her as they stepped through the grand archways toward the ballroom.

"Naboo is pretty fancy," she admitted, glancing around. "It's always been a center for the arts and anything creative in the galaxy." Another tidbit she'd learned, one she offered carefully, hoping it might earn her approval.

It didn't take long to reach the ballroom, and then it hit them all at once. Though Kito had seen wealth before, this was something else entirely. Kro Var had nothing like this — no palace with such finery. Her eyes widened at the spread of food, the glittering trays of drinks passed by the staff.

Kito lingered on the tall, narrow glasses filled with something pale and bubbling. She had never seen anything like it before, but Kito kept her curiosity quiet, unwilling to risk embarrassing herself.

Gesturing subtly, she pointed out guards and the Republic Jedi mingling among the guests. "We should stay clear of them, but I think we'll be fine as long as we don't do anything out of line."

The Shaper gave Valaine a sidelong glance, debating whether to rest her hand at the small of her back just to feel her again. In the end, she decided to stay with the comfort of holding her hand.

"So," she asked, tilting her head toward the stream of wait staff carrying trays of food and beverage, "where do you want to start? The food seems to be coming from that way."

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Location: Royal Palace, Theed
Tags: Bastila Sal-Soren

Aurelian felt his jaw tighten. He had just caught sight of Sibylla, swept away by the Denonites. A flicker of irritation carved sharp lines through his composure, though no one among the endless parade of courtiers seemed to notice. He remained the picture of sovereign charm. His smiles were measured, his words honed to ceremonial polish. Yet, beneath the velvet robes and heavy crown, he was beyond annoyed with having to bear the weight of all this conversaton.

More congratulations arrived, followed by hollow toasts, and foreign envoys bowing too deeply. Aurelian's smile did not falter, but his patience thinned to a razor's edge. Finally, a moment's lull opened between greetings. Without hesitation, he turned, sliding the crown from his head with practiced ease.

"Keep it polished," he murmured with a dangerous glint of humor. He set it atop the head of a Kingsguard. The man stiffened under the weight of both crown and command, but Aurelian was already gone, slipping from the dais with grace.

This was his night, his court. He would not be bound in one place like an ornament. Aurelian moved through the crowd as though it parted for him, silks trailing, eyes drawn in his wake. He let the music guide him, weaving past senators and envoys until his amber gaze found her: Bastila.

The hall had already noticed her. Naboo's nobles weren't blind to elegance cut with quiet defiance. But Aurelian noticed something more: her singular stance, the way her eyes tracked rather than admired, the very shift of the air around her.

He smiled, all dangerous mischief and regal invitation, as he approached. Without breaking stride, he extended his hand toward her, palm open, a gesture of both command and request.

"Bastila," he drawled, his voice low enough to belong only to her in the swell of music. "Dance with me."

A pause followed, just long enough for his smile to sharpen into a quip that cut and teased at once. "Consider it a consolation prize for second place."

His eyes gleamed, challenge and charm entwined, daring her to refuse.

​

 

[Cassian Abrantes]

​

Cassian let the faint smile linger as the glasses touched, the crystalline chime swallowed by the orchestra's triumphant swell. For a moment, he simply studied his brother, taking in the flush of exertion on Elian's cheeks, the easy charm that seemed to ripple around him wherever he went.

"You truly thrive in this chaos, don't you?" Cassian said at last, his voice low, carrying more curiosity than judgment.

Elian's grin widened as if Cassian had just offered the greatest compliment. "Of course I do. A hall like this? It's a stage, Cassian. Every laugh, every raised brow, every envious glance, it's music in its own right. And tonight, the whole of Naboo is watching, whether or not we're on the floor."

Cassian tipped his glass slightly, amber eyes cutting back across the room. "A performance can distract. It can also deceive. Remember that."

"Oh, I know," Elian said breezily, swirling his drink. "You think I flit about like some careless songbird, but I see more than you imagine. The Mandalorian envoy stiffened every time anyone mentioned trade routes, and that corporate magnate over there—" he jerked his chin subtly toward a portly man polishing off a goblet of wine— "is laughing much too hard at jokes that aren't funny. That means he's nervous. And nervous men are useful."

Cassian studied him, quiet amusement flickering in his gaze. "Perhaps you play the fool so convincingly because it lets you see the truth."

"Exactly," Elian said with a flourish. "The underestimated man is always the freest. Let them think I'm chasing skirts and pastries. Meanwhile, I'm cataloging every word, every whisper. And you, my dour brother, can piece it together into one of your neat, tidy reports for the Republic."

Cassian chuckled under his breath, a sound so rare it earned Elian's triumphant smirk.

 

[Makko Vyres]

MAKKO

"Testing their defenses?" A frown tugged the corners of her lips downward, slightly so. "How do you know that?"

"I did some digging," Makko explained "Several senators got attacked and I followed some holonet threads. Threads that led to Denon."

He slipped his hand around her back. She had lost a little weight from the sickness, but Makko let his mind drift away from his worries.

He thought of the past. Of their dance on Anaxes. They had circled one another and finally admitted that they were caught in one another's orbit.

"You know," Cora murmured as she leaned in close, keeping her words low and for him alone. "I believe that the King may have an interest in the Voice…that strays beyond the professional."

He smiled at her. A slight shift and he hid the expression.

Well... He echoed with feeling down their bond. A good bit of court drama was worth hearing.

Damn her holonet show habits and how they had stuck with him.

He turned her into the dance, slow and careful.

"Who is that with the Voice now?" he asked.

 

[Bastila Sal-Soren]

Bastila​

For a moment Bastila’s eyes did nothing but shift downwards to look at his hand, extended with sovereign ease. It lingered in the space between them like a challenge wrapped in courtesy, an invitation to the blade hidden behind it. She could feel the eyes of the hall prickling along her shoulders, the nobles of Naboo leaning into the silence with the hunger of those who thrived on rumour. Every second stretched like thread drawn too tight, almost ready to snap.

At last, she placed her hand in his. The gesture was smooth and practiced, but her touch carried a reluctance, as though she feared to yield to him and to the inevitability of the moment. Her chin lifted a fraction, pride etched into the line of her jaw.

“A dance, then,” she murmured, her voice polished but edged, quiet enough to keep the court guessing. “Though if this is your idea of generosity, I fear you will find the palace a very lonely place.”

The orchestra swelled as he guided her onto the floor. Their first steps unfurled like ritual, practiced grace wrapping what was far more dangerous beneath. Bastila’s gown shifted in the light, each turn catching fire from chandeliers and drawing the attention of the gossipers and the suitors. Around them, conversations hushed, then resumed in whispers. The King had chosen his partner, and the court around them took note.

Bastila let the silence breathe between them, her gaze unwavering, studying him with that steady, appraising calm that so often unsettled those unused to it. When she finally spoke, her words slipped like a blade hidden beneath silk.

“You know,” she said softly, “I was told upon leaving the estate today that I was to walk in here, approach you and take the knee in a symbolic acceptance of loyalty.” She shook her head in a slow, meaningful gesture. “It appalled me at first. But upon further thinking I’ve realised that there’s some comfort in this outcome. You wearing the crown means I no longer have to choose between duty and legacy. It spares me the endless obligations, the circling of envoys, the burdens of the realm and instead means I can continue to serve in the way that I am accustomed to. With the backing of the Order.”

Her lips curved faintly into a warm smile, “So yes, Aurelian. By winning, you’ve made my life easier. Perhaps I owe you more than just this dance?”

Her eyes caught his then, amber to violet, and in that meeting lingered something unspoken: a reluctant respect, threaded with the sting of pride, but anchored by the truth that she had chosen her loyalty; and with it, the freedom to just enjoy the dance. “It doesn’t mean I’m going to take a knee in front of you. There are some embarrassments that even I can’t handle.”

Tags: Aurelian Veruna​

 

[Aurelian Veruna]

Location: Royal Palace, Theed
Tags: Bastila Sal-Soren

Aurelian guided Bastila onto the marble ballroom floor. The crowd melted away, as if the music wove a circle around them. His hand was firm at her back, leading her with the ease of a man born to command. There was no arrogance or domineering pull, just control shaped by confidence, an invitation for her to match it.

His amber eyes studied her as she spoke, their gleam initially mischievous, then softening as her words unfurled. He allowed her to speak, letting her pride and the sting of defiance work their way out. He recognized the ache of losing. He had felt it himself and knew he would have been far less graceful, perhaps even crueler, in her position. Her ability to stand there, eyes steady and voice unwavering, impressed him more than any formal deference ever could.

When her gaze finally locked with his, Aurelian's smile shifted to something quieter, rarer. It was a glimmer of genuine regard, replacing the dangerous, wicked curve he usually wielded like a blade.

"You owe me nothing," he said, his voice pitched low for her alone beneath the swell of strings and wind. His hand shifted at her waist, guiding her into a turn. His touch was steady but unintrusive. "Don't fool yourself into thinking you were spared, Bastila. You would have carried all of this," his eyes flicked briefly toward the courtiers circling them like hungry jackals, "and you would have done it well. Better than many here give you credit for. You'd have made a great Queen."

His words carried conviction, carved into the steel of his tone, rather than simple flattery. Another step, another sweep across the floor, and he leaned just slightly closer, enough that only she would hear his next thought.

"And you still could," he pressed, his dangerous smile curling back at the edges. "You could shape it as yourself, not merely as a consort or a symbol. Naboo doesn't need fewer voices; it needs stronger ones. You could make a difference, if that's what you truly want."

A rare softness, buried beneath the fire, entered his voice. It was a genuine question, spoken by a man who read ambition like scripture. "Tell me, Bastila. Do you truly want to be a Jedi, or is that just another chain your family forged for you?"

He let the question hang between them, a challenge rather than a taunt, his gaze burning with curiosity. The music swelled again, lifting them into a turn that drew the eyes of the hall, yet Aurelian seemed utterly unconcerned with the audience.

Finally, his smile sharpened again, flashing with the edge of humor that had always been his weapon. "As for kneeling," he murmured, his lips curling into a grin that was both regal and wicked, "if you ever bent the knee to me, I'd never let you live it down. I respect you more for standing here with your head held high. No worldly power could make me value that any less."

His hand tightened briefly at her back, anchoring her for a heartbeat before releasing as the dance swept them into the next turn. "So, no, Bastila. Keep your pride. It suits you better than silk."

​

 

[Valaine Valentine]

Tags - Kito (OPEN)
Ballroom

Valaine smiled softly as she felt Kito's hand clasp in hers, "Don't apologize for that, just making sure we get inside." she hummed a soft chuckle as her hand gave the Shaper's a light squeeze of reassurance. She followed her lead through the archways and towards the ballroom, the sights almost immediately dazzling the young Sangnir as her tired stormy grey eyes shifted around from individual to individual, from decoration to decoration, and the assortment of food and drink. It was, to be blunt, overly extravagant in her eyes, she who was a thief who grew up with nothing but what she stole.

"And... People just live like this here? Every day?" asked Valaine in a soft muttering tone as she shifted just a little closer towards Kito as if trying to avoid anyone overhearing her. "Seems a bit much, doesn't it...?" she hummed gently. Her gaze caught Kito's glance towards the tall narrow glasses being ferried around and she made a note of it.

"We should stay clear of them, but I think we'll be fine as long as we don't do anything out of line."

Her attention shifted to the individuals that were pointed out to her, making another mental note. She was nervous, and rightly so, but she tried to hide that concern for the Shaper's sake, she was just here as her plus one after all, her own guest. In response to this nervousness her other hand came to lightly hold upon the same wrist of the hand she held as she continued to let Kito lead them both.

"Things out of line being...?" asked Valaine curiously as her gaze shifted more throughout the ballroom. She could see guests merely taking the beverages balanced on platters straight from the passing waiters. Was that stealing? Did they not have to ask? But she supposed that when in Naboo...

The hand squeezing Kito's wrist parted from it briefly as the Sangnir reached a hand to collect a passing glass that a waiter held upon another platter, one of those tall thin ones the Shaper had looked at. She examined it with her tired gaze first before taking a sip. A light wince of confusion, the drink felt... dry to her, like it was stealing the moisture from her tongue unless she immediately swallowed it down. But it was the aftertaste that she found appealing as she blinked in surprise. "Mm... These aren't bad, here." she spoke, offering the glass to Kito. "I uh, I'd like to try some of the food though, I bet it must be really good here." she suggested, her heightened sense of smell had certainly already caught the alluring scent of good food.

 

[Reina Daival]

Tag: Valaine Valentine Kito
Ballroom
Outfit

Reina sighed to herself as she stood off to the side, watching the rest of the gala participants enjoy themselves. Why did she even show up? Fancy dress events weren't her cup of tea she had slowly came to realise. Even if she had went dress shopping the other day with Valery, it didn't help to make this feel anymore normal. It didn't feel like her. It was like she was in a skin that didn't belong to her. Though she tried to dismiss that thought with a small sip of her glass. She'd have preferred to drink something stronger but she had to pace herself. in the past she may have had a strong tolerance, but she had found that tolerance sorely lacking in recent days.

There were quite a few important looking fellows mingling amongst the ballroom, but Reina did her best to stay isolated from them. She wasn't here to make friends. It was to get out of her comfort zone more. If it hadn't been for her visiting Naboo a fair few times whilst she was healing and recovering, she might not have even thought about showing up here.

She couldn't deny however that everyone here did look quite good. It made sense, people went the full nine yards when it came to events like this. Not Reina though. She had never really seen the reason to pretty herself up for events like this. There was also the fact that she didn't know how to do it anyway. But there wasn't anyone for her to ask and the mere thought of asking embarrassed the Ersansyr to no ends. She was happy to blend into the background and watch those...getting...involved...

Her mind slowed itself to a stop as her eyes focused on a familiar visage...with a not-so-familiar one stood at her side. Valaine Valentine . Reina's eyes narrowed for a moment, unsure how to feel about this sudden revelation. Almost immediately, Reina's guard had went up. As opposed to being slouched, leaning against the wall, her posture had went straight up, her eyes darting around the ballroom.

Breathe. The woman took in a deep breath, her gills slightly shifting from the sudden inhale and exhale. Paranoia would do her no good. Instead, Reina did something that perhaps she'd regret. She strolled on over through the ballroom over towards Valaine and Kito stood with her. Some in Reina's place may have put on a fake smile, one that didn't quite reach their eyes, but that was for those more trained in the social game. For Reina, she just kept her face neutral, raising an eyebrow at...what was the word she'd use to describe Valaine? Friend?...Perhaps.

"...Wouldn't expect to see you here."

Of course, that seemed to be a habit with Valaine. Showing up where Reina didn't expect her to be. Though she shook her head, holding her hand out towards Kito. Manners were at least something she had.

"Reina. It's...nice to meet a friend of Valaine's."

Partly a lie. At least Reina assumed the stranger was a friend of Valaine's. With how close they were stood together, with the fact they had been holding hands and...Oh. Oh. OH. They...weren't just here as friends. It had taken a moment for Reina to put two and two together, as she glanced between the two, as the colour slowly but surely drained from her face.

"Am I...interrupting something?"

Spoiler: OOC Notes

: Means written/typed communication : < Means Sign Language communication >