Some Enchanted Evening (Alderaan Nobles, honored guests, pm for invite)

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco glanced around the ballroom, noticing the many unfamiliar faces for which he had no names to place with them. For all he knew all of these people were low born like himself, but he sincerely doubted there were many slaves turned arms manufacturing giant invited to the ball besides himself. He hoped he would have heard as much if there had been given his position as steward of the planet's protection.

While Draco was no expert in the matters of proper etiquette for situations like this, he presumed he was allowed to greet the Princess of Alderaan and socialize with her some without raising any eyebrows. After all, he was commanding their defense force at the moment and had seen to the destruction of House Thul's attempted coup.

He made his way from the base of the stairs to Faith, her eyes shimmering as he approached her. When he stood before her, he bowed deeply, looking up at her with his storm grey eyes. "Princess, you look as resplendent as the crystal spires on Vortex in the evening sun. It is truly an honor to be in the presence of such beauty." He smiled roguishly as he straightened and stepped just a bit closer. "I was grateful for the invitation, but alas, I don't know the names of anyone but you and find myself alone and out of my element. Perhaps you could introduce me to someone to keep me company while I am here?" He asked. It was a subtle way of saying stick me with someone you think I will behave around until you are free. Truly, if it were left up to him he would find a bar and begin drinking until everyone cleared out.

[member="Velos Rist"] [member="Wrrlykam"] [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] [member="Ja’rrod Categaern"] [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

 

[Sunny Lee]

No sooner than she had set apart from the group, she knew that [member="Ja’rrod Categaern"] was moving silently in her wake. It was quite remarkable to her that her guard was so like a swift shadow. There was another pair of footsteps as well, she turned to see that Count [member="Velos Rist"] had come to join her. She nodded to him as they approached the refreshments, her dark eyes were taking in the lovely array of hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Slender fingers took up a flute of champagne and she lifted it to her lips as Velos spoke to her. For a moment she remained in thoughtful silence, considering his question. What did she think of Alderaan's current situation? She hadn't given it much thought, for lately her mind had felt as though it was filled with fog. She did recall hearing of the dealings with the Republic and Mandalorians, this was surely what he spoke of.

"I am not of a political mind, I'm afraid." She said truthfully. "However, I trust that House Organa will act with our best interests in mind. And you?"

Adelaide was quite curious to hear his opinion, for the lack of having her own. The House of Teraan stood firmly behind the Organas, and she'd often heard her mother praising the actions of the Royal House. Her gaze flickered to her brother for a moment, and then to [member="Claire Organa"] and she smiled momentarily. If their mother had been present, she knew that she would have pressured [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] to go speak to her.

 

[Gray Raxis]

Gray didn't know what to do right now or who to talk to. Was he suppose to go greet the host? Was he suppose to greet other people then move onto the host? Would it be best if he never bothered the host unless they came to him? A few other guests arrived and dove right into the party while he tried to figure this out. He was even less sure of what to do and figured it would be best to keep to himself for now until he figured things out. He needed a good place to do that from though, but where would that be? Would it be easier from the dance floor? No, because he didn't even have a partner or know how to dance properly for a ball. Should he go to a high place? There was no one up there, so that would just make him stand out instead of blend in. Go get some food? That could work actually. There was a good view of all of the little groups from there and he could keep himself busy. That was what he needed to do.

Gray went to the food table and looked at all of the guests. He didn't know most of these people here, even by name. He saw [member="Draco Vereen"] and knew the man by reputation. He saw [member="Faith Balor-Organa"] who was the host and someone most would know by face and reputation. The others though carried themselves with the same grace that showed they were all of noble status. There was a very, very good chance that they were since this was the Royal Ball after all. He got to the food table and began to grab odd little bits of food on a small plate and the found a nearby spot to watch how each of the little groups interacted with each other. He knew eventually he would need to charge into the heat of this battlefield, but he wanted some recon before he did.

[member="Claire Organa"] [member="Wrrlykam"] [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] [member="Ja’rrod Categaern"] [member="Velos Rist"] [member="Adelaide Teraan"] [member="Jonathan Baliss"] [member="Valin Frayus"] [member="Alexander Sannes"]

 

[4ND-R0]

[member="Gray Raxis"] | [member="Adelaide Teraan"] | [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]

After recieving his pain tablets, he returned to the conversation. He had noticed the short gaze of the woman of House Teraan. The Duke appeared to take no offense from it, or was simply just used to it. He returned to the Princess. "Castle Frayus does well as always. I've recently opened up some land for some humanitarian effort. I've recently been granted the title of Knight Hospitalier by Lady Syrush. Thus, Frayus opens its arms to all of the injured and victimized from these escalating conflicts between the Sith and Jedi. I know the pain well, and I do not wish others to suffer as I did. House Frayus would most certainly grant any visitation from the Organas, Princess. Anyhow to mingle, as it were." He gave a respectful bow before moving along to visit other guests. He became slightly leary of Gray Raxis, seeming to skulk in the doorways. He decided to ignore it.

He found himself a seat at one of the nearby tables, but seemed alone. House Frayus, though a Great House, was still one without much great deeds to their name. Did not have quite the pull as names Ungol or Thul. The only real person he would know would be those from his vassal house of Baliss. However, he had yet to see any of them come by, but they were no doubt here somewhere. It was Alderaan's Royal Ball, after all. No self-respecting member of Alderaanian high society would dare to miss the chance to be here. He pulled his cane to face, staring at the chromium-plated hand in the shape of a dragon. Not the traditional herald of his House, but still one associated with it. A Frayus once held the distinguished entitlement of Order of the Dragon, and Valin felt it would both honor him and connect the element of the Righteous Flame to his House.

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Alexander Sannes"] | [member="Valin Frayus"] | [member="Gray Raxis"] | [member="Adelaide Teraan"] | [member="Velos Rist"] | [member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] | [member="Jonathan Baliss"] | [member="Ja’rrod Categaern"] | [member="Wrrlykam"]

Claire was observing everyone, she could see where she could find some customers in the future still. Course even though her name was Organa it was the Princess’s and the Queen that everyone had come to see.

But where was the Queen, she had sent in the dress an hour ago.

She looked around and smiled at everyone who was giving her the polite nod. She knew she should go and talk to them, what would she say?

Hi I’m Claire, the awkward cousin. That would go over well wouldn’t it.

No, she’d stay here and be a wall flower in her red dress, yep..having a drink…and wearing a red dress.

 

[Alexander Sannes]

Alexander's own eyes would stare about the room as he spoke with a man off on the side. The conversation wasn't much but he couldn't quite chop it up to be something he considered a real large chuck of his time being worth. He had to keep face though, especially if he was suppose to return but it annoyed him having to be around and smile behind a mask. Thankfully his own people's traditions and his being a senator even if for a short time allowed him the ability to keep a his feelings under a guise so that he didn't offend the wrong person.

His eyes drifted the less and he had to bring his gaze to settle on the new and the old for a short time before sighing and raising his hand to the man who had just made a joke. "Excuse me, i need some air, its stuffy in here..." A simple excuse, one he coupled with the small bit of sweat though that was mostly due to the temperature being hotter than he was accustomed to. None the less it let him go from this conversation and after taking a drink from a passing aide his muscles brought him to the closest window or door he could find that would get him fresh air. He didn't care if it were a balcony or even just a window he could lean out of. All that mattered was he got that air he needed while he drank from the glass. "I wonder where that aunt of Faith's is... if shes here that would save me the trouble of finding that clinic she mentioned while im on planet still." He mused to himself, curious if that woman would be here or not.

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

The young Count observed the Countess of House Terran as she spoke. From what he could tell, she supported the Organas, which was a good thing. They were arguably the only house historically that could unite all of the clans, something that was clearly exemplified by the millennia of an effective ruling of Aldeeran. Velus knew that House Rist had started the war, but he had taken over the clan, and he hoped that it would help cleanse House Rist's image, if only a little.

"My House, from what I hear, started this civil war." he stated, not caring who heard him, but he didn't speak loudly. "House Rist will continue to support the Organa Clan, and Aldeeran, as well as its people." he stated. "Personally, I appreciate, the Mandalorians help, but as history dictates, we must work together to build Aldeeran, and work toward maintaining our neutrality." Velus stated.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Adelaide Teraan"] [member="Claire Organa"] [member="Alexander Sannes"] [member="Valin Frayus"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Faith saw Draco approach she arched a brow at him and tried not to smile too much a dead giveaway for certain.

“You are too kind Commander Vereen, but as you say you do not know many others and I’m sure you would find there are more exquisite treasures here on Alderaan” She stepped towards him, “I will introduce you to as many as I can, I am sure they are all interested I meeting you. But let us start with a friend of mine”

Faith saw [member="Alexander Sannes"] standing alone. Faith reached for Draco’s arm motioning for him to extend it, she began walking, “Alexander” She smiled as she approached, “Alexander I’d like you to meet Commander Vereen of the Clans of Mandalore.”

She waited to watch this interaction.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco smiled casually, letting her take his arm and lead him, the subtle touch refreshing in this crowd of strange faces and politics. The barbarian had attended maybe, three state affairs in his life, one of which kick started, and ended a war that would be the death-knell for an entire government. Another of which landed him in hot water, and the last of which he had magically behaved for. He hoped lightning could strike twice and he could manage this one, especially for Faith.

"I'm not sure about that, there are some who might argue I am not as appreciative of your beauty as a common warrior like me should be." He let her move him through the small crowd, "Oh, I'm not sure I need to talk to all of them. You know, Mandalorian warrior, I might deck one of these aristocrats and ruin your party's mood. Perhaps shove me in some dim corner with a gorgeous brunette."

As she lead him to one man, a white haired Echani, Draco didn't know the man, but almost instantly disliked him. He didn't have a good reason, only that it was a man Faith knew on a first name basis and was allowed to be so casual and familiar with, while he was forced to be cold and collected in public. Also a large piece of jealously added to the small piece of envy. Draco knew he didn't have any reason to dislike him, but he couldn't help it. He was a man that didn't like to be caged, and all this night was, was a cage for him. He offered a half hearted smiled, "A pleasure to meet you I'm sure."

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Alexander Sannes"]

 

[Ja’rrod Categaern]

[member="Adelaide Teraan"] | [member="Velos Rist"]​

​

It was then seem like a swift silent shadow he began to trail behind Countess Adelaide. Walking seem in perfect synchronized step with her falling but a step behind her. His eyes ever more vigilant gaze out onto the floor and assessing all those that were in the immediate vicinity round her. Speak not a word least spoken to he knew all too well his place in the grander scheme of things. As captain of the house guards it was to safeguard the lives of those under his watch. Which for the time being was those of House Teraan....and most especially her. Whom thought their time together had been brief was the very heart and soul of his dear friend the late count. To which he no less owed a life debt which was known only to the two friends. A debt he felt had yet be paid...

At any rate no sooner had she paused by the refreshment stand. That he too paused standing close with his arms tucked and crossed behind his back. He then patiently watched and stood by her in silence as he kept careful watch. That no sooner had another come to approach her that he shifted his stance. Face him and keep close watch of him but never the less keep to his post. For it seem in the company of the other houses and being given the honor of being allowed be here. Thought not of any noble house nor birth ....but being simply that of a normal commoner. He rather not wished to offend nor place House Teraan in any such dishonor.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

[member="Claire Organa"]

It was then soon as his sister had taken ask her leave of the group that he himself took his leave. Figuring with the formal introduction done and over with. He might as well get a drink for himself but then as he was head over where his sister was. As although he wasn't one who cared much about socializing for what it's worth. As for most of the time it all but ended up with him being pressured by especially his mother. To court or engage in conversation with one of the other noble house single daughters. Which for most part for him was well somewhat embarrassing thought it was subtle .

Which was why in some ways thought he'd miss her.... their mother not being there. Part of him sort was glad at any rate as he cross the floor that he could help come notice her. Standing there in her red dress that on his own accord he'd come over speak to her.

"Well greeting milady, and from which noble house shall i ask you hail from if may be bold to ask? "

 

[Alexander Sannes]

Alexander blinked as he heard his named called lightly and for a moment he paused trying to figure out if he hadn't imagined it. Then with a slight turn of his head he found himself being approached by a rather imposing figure beside the woman who had brought him to this place with a invitation. Well that sure took a bit of a large step to him and as he turned to face her and the other he was quickly introduced by her to him.

"Senator Organa, i must say that im surprised you took the time to introduce me to the Commander... i would have thought you would choose a more influencial member on your guest list than some Echani noble without a job anymore..." He watched the man infront of him and had to turn his head upwards to look at his eyes for a moment. Imposing was one word for the mandalorian... to anyone without combat experience this man would seem down right terrifying on a battlefield. He was happy that he had not had such a misfortune to fight this man like many others had.

"I apologize. As Lady Organa had said i am Alexander Sannes, formerly a senator but now... Republic citizen which im sure isn't much better considering the recent events. But i think thats for another time. It is a pleasure as well Commander Vereen, perhaps a drink later when you don't have important guest to see about?" He smiled at the man though didn't bother hiding that he was in both a respect for the man as a warrior, and the wary fact of knowing this Mandalorian could probably break his legs or arms on a whim... Maybe a stronger drink would need to be in order before he met this man again.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Alexander Sannes"] | [member="Draco Vereen"]

Faith keeping her hand on Draco's arm smiled at Alexander, "Alexander you always play down your importance, I thought you should meet the Commander to help alleviate any misunderstandings that occur between mandalorians and the rest of the galaxy. I feel that if we all understood one another better that a stronger base for relations could be built." Faith watched Alexander assess Draco was that appreciation she saw in his eyes.

OH. oh...did Alexander prefer...male company? She shouldn't assume no, but there did seem to be an appreciative look in his eyes for Draco she couldn't deny seeing that. "And we can find a job for you, there's always need, I do not know if my Aunt showing tonight though she has come with a medical frigate, I will see if she is coming." Her Aunt was building a planet just for refugees, peace talks, and medical treatment Faith felt Alexander would be good with helping to raise awareness.

 

[Gray Raxis]

Gray was still lost as to what to do at this party. He was seriously beginning to question his life choice of coming here right now as he saw [member="Alexander Sannes"] engage [member="Draco Vereen"] and [member="Faith Balor-Organa"]. He just watched it idly for a moment as he finished his finger food. He set his plate down and moved to get some more when he noticed someone else in much the same situation as he was in. The woman, [member="Claire Organa"], was in a red dress and doing a great job of truly showing it off the selling points of both the dress and herself. She seemed to be as lost as he was feeling, and he figured he had found himself someone he could talk to in all of the wonder of the Royal Ball.

Gray walked over to her and cleared his throat. He said with a smile on his face, " Hello there pretty lady. I'm Gray Raxis. Who might you be besides the best looking woman at the ball?" He was just flirty wasn't he? He needed to get better about that before his girl friend killed him....well the woman he was flirty with. He added, " So you seem as lost as I am here. Well that isn't possible because I have no idea what I am doing here. I showed up because the Raxis family and the Organa family have some history together. Wanted to show my continued support, but now I have no idea what to do. I feel like I am going to insult someone just from approaching them wrong.... You know, like I just did with you." Well things just went the way they did. He really should have done some research into the way these dances went before showing up.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco reveled in being lead around by the Princess, her hand against his arm silently and subtly laying claim to him while she introduced him to the Former Senator of Eshan. He seemed nice enough, humble, and polite. There wasn't anything malicious about the man, just he was currently allowed a personal relationship with her, and Draco was a dirty little secret, or viewed as little more than her arm candy. He wasn't exactly sure at this point, and it might have depended on the person they were speaking to.

"The Republic has never been all bad. Being a member of the Republic, or part of its military has a negative connotation because of its leaders. It has always been my opinion that the leadership is evil and vile, the majority of the populace is good and kind natured, held down by their leaders tyranny and propaganda." He spoke mostly to put the man's mind at ease, that being an outspoken member of the Republic didn't make one bad or disliked, at least from his perspective. "I've always found the average trooper to truly believe they were fighting for peace and democracy, not aware they were inadvertently supporting a Selectivist Tyrant worse than some of the governments she spoke against. I'm actually interested to see what the pirate can do with the Republic, assuming other, more shadowy figures of Republic leadership don't shackle him and force him to be their mouth piece."

The newer Supreme Chancellor wasn't his favorite, mostly because Faith had run against him and been passed over for him, but that was personal qualms and Faith didn't seem bothered by it. If anything it had worked out for them both, otherwise she would be heavily torn, and her time wouldn't be as free for him as it is now. He glanced in her direction, looking down at her with eyebrow raised as she mentioned the possibility of her aunt attending. Not the best of news seeing how Arianna, the queen, thought of him.

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Alexander Sannes"]

 

[Claire Organa]

[member="Andulf Nicholas Teraan"] [member="Gray Raxis"]

Claire looked at both the gentleman, "I am from House Organa" She answered the Count. Then she looked at Gray, "I am Claire Organa, pleasure to meet you Gray Raxis" She smiled brightly that both men had decided to come and talk to her.

"I am unaccustomed to these type of gatherings, I prefer smaller gatherings." She looked at the Count, "You've been to many of these I assume?" She hoped to keep conversation with both men then it dawned on her, "OH I'm sorry I don't think you two know each other, do you?"

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

[member="Claire Organa"] | [member="Gray Raxis"]​

​

​

It was then no sooner had he seem approached her than another did so as well. At which case she then seem obliging to speak both them came forth to address his earlier question first by replying.

"I am from House Organa."

To which she then turn to the other and adds as he was seem close enough could also overhear.

"I am Claire Organa, pleasure to meet you Gray Raxis."

At which time she then smile at them as she then seem appear be pleased to least have some company. As she then yet again turn him and seem came to add her words earlier address to both them.



"I am unaccustomed to these type of gatherings, I prefer smaller gatherings."

Before she eventually circled back to face him and speak.

" You've been to many of these I assume?"

To which with smile on his face he came forth reply back.

"One would assume i guess but frankly i have not....i've been away attending to my studies and have but return back not too long ago......"

At which time she then seem as did he then being somewhat enamored by her beauty all but only then seem been reminded. In the back his mind in regards to decorum and such that had somehow slip his mind for but a moment.

" OH I'm sorry I don't think you two know each other, do you?"

It was then with a slight bow he came forth reply.

" It is i that would like to apologize Lady Claire of House Organa.....it's just been a while since i've been in such gathering....but suffice it say a proper introduction is indeed in order. "

He then turn to her and Raxis to whom with a slight courteous nod he then adds.

" I am Count Andulf Nicholas of House Teraan....and its a pleasure meet you Lady Claire Organa and Gray Raxis is it?"

 

[Alexander Sannes]

[member="Faith Balor-Organa"] [member="Draco Vereen"]

Alexander nodded as he listened to Faith try and talk about how his importance was not so minuscule, it was sobering hearing that for once when he was essentially a traitor in the eyes of the Republic and even more so in his own people now. It wasn't that enjoyable but it was as he had been charged to do when he was first given his place in this galaxy. Then the words of an understanding on the Mandalorian's purpose is what brought a smile to his face.

Unlike most he understood the situation well. While not from Alderaan he had hoped that his own people would accept aid and protection like this as he knew full way his planet would not be able to hold against an invasion if it was brought to pass. "Lady Faith, you know my people's own stance lately and i must say i understand what you have done. A world cannot hold against a power and your planet tying to find its independence is always something i will understand better than others. And as for your aunt, no need to find me a job. Im sure i can find something in the Republic to do, after all. Last time we talked im sure i explained to you my place as a tool and nothing more."

With his eyes changing now to the man he grimaced at the word pirate. It vanished nearly just as quickly as it appeared but he had done so none the less. A criminal had become first a senator and now led the Republic. He did not know the man well nor did he plan to and only did his loyalty to those ideals did he stick near the republic. First it was selectivism, and now it was piracy they allowed to weave its way into the leadership of the Republic... He shook his head lightly though as he cleared his head. That thought was not welcome at the current time, after all it was suppose to be a good night, not one filled with talk of pirates and the errors of old.

"Most shadows can be rather enlightening Commander. They show a person's commitment to their purpose and it will indeed be interesting to see how a pirate does do..." He turned his eyes back to his drink before putting it to his lips and smiling again. "But talks of politics can be draining and on a night like this i am sure there is more to do than talk about the errors of the past. Im sure you would rather find a different topic to talk about instead?" He raised a brow and glanced at the warrior after he took his drink. It was good to talk to a warrior for once, the last he had been able to really talk to was his predecessor and that man still hid in the shadows for what ever reason, those same shadows the mandalorian warned of. He had given him the saber that rested in his shuttle tonight and told him to think about what future he wanted for when the Republic no longer needed him.

Was now what he meant he wondered? That was something he would need to think about later, for now remained the two infront of him. Which made him smile as he looked at the two as one now, a simple thought leaving him with a idea as to how close the two were infront of him. 'Interesting, i wonder how this little pairing happened...' He mused to himself, not sure if the two of them were as close as he thought they were.

 

[Andulf Nicholas Teraan]

[member="Claire Organa"] | [member="Gray Raxis"]​

​

It was then with a cool and calm demeanor Andi silently waited on their reply although in the back of his mind he was at best not. As for his long absence from the royal court and his home had been at best. A contrived affair which as best his parents could gather did so hard to keep a secret. For if truth be known as to the reason behind his absence would surely be quite an uncomfortable topic.

As for what it's worth, the cover had been that he'd been sent away to attend one the customary boarding school. That most his peers and such were to as to put it lightly.... be prepared and groomed. To take up the mantle of leadership of their respective household when the time came. But being who he was, Andi cared for none of it so instead no sooner had the 1st semester came that he snuck out. Opting to see rather than read about what the outside world was. Outside the confines of the protective walls of the higher institution . When it happened....that he instead of being in class had been off. Andi had been with a group of an anthropological expedition. When trouble came to descend upon their world....and for that, he'd been spared.

For when he'd return his home...and the world had been left in tatters. And for that he came back.....hope if ever to make right with his family. Along with his home....now that all that was left was him and his sister. Who for the time being had been bravely picking up the load of running their household alone. But not for long.....as with his return he'd hope to stand with her.

So here he was...starting off with what he hope would be a start. And learn as best he could of the home front he'd left behind.