Public Splendor and Spite

[Aurellia]

SPLENDOR - AND - SPITE
Ta'a Chume'Dan, Hapes

​

Lavish opulence dripped from the Hall of Masters within the newly reconstructed Fountain Palace. Crystal garland hung from the ceiling, catching the warm light that fell over the patrons. No expense had been spared as the Consortium put its best foot forward. Tables upon tables were filled with the galaxy’s most important, seated right next to Hape’s Syndicate allies and the Ember of Vahl’s dark-aligned comrades. Amongst their number were members of the Hapan Royal Guard, both uniformed and otherwise, ready to intervene where necessary. Whether terrorist or otherwise, there would surely be some measure of violence tonight. Without, a Hapan wedding would be considered a dull affair.

Double open bars lined either side of the room. The droids behind their counter were having difficulty keeping up with the thirst of the crowds. Those already overindulged had taken to the dance floor to showcase moves that looked far less competent than they did in thought. At the end of the hall, a grand set of double doors opened up to the courtyard below. Revelry could be heard from the streets further still. From the dais, Aurelia rose from her seat beside Gerra, accepting a microphone offered by an aide. The noise of celebration softened as the Queen Mother began to speak.

“Honored guests, I am delighted to welcome you into my home this evening. Your loyal presence is perhaps the best gift of all. Our halls are brighter for your company, this new union stronger for your witness. These past years, our planet has known violence and loss, time and time again. Even this marriage was born from our blood. Yet perhaps it is that very history that promises our future shall never grow dull.” The bride turned sidelong to offer Hasuras Na-Gerra an insolent grin. “Hapes shall be protected by our combined strength, our vows ushering in a new season of peace for our people. So, my friends, dance, drink, and fill your bellies before your travels home - and let this night be remembered as the dawn of a new age.”

An ivory train dragged behind the queen as she turned away, trading the microphone for a champagne flute. Servants flitted about the gift table to the side, but Aurellia ignored their murmurs and looked at her new partner. It would soon be time for them to mingle with the masses.

“To us, my dear.” Venom ran beneath cheery sweetness.

 

[Jerec Asyr]

Enswaddling the public wedding like the finest of wrapping paper on a wedding gift, an anonymous benefactor is pleased to present...

Weekend Treasure Hunt 36: Cowboy Take Me Away​

• Each point is worth 2d6 x 1000 UC (roll it yourself).
  • You also keep what you have stolen.
• Not every post must score a point, but don't claim more than one point per post.
  • For greater certainty, each post is worth zero points or one point.
• Most points wins a black crown.
• Each individual killed or maimed is worth -1 points.
• Additional points for audacious and interesting stunts. Please take all of these as invitations to say 'yes, and.'

ACHIEVABLE POINTS
Each point can be secured by multiple people but cannot be secured repeatedly by the same person.

1. You procure rare books from the palace library. (+1 point if you read a love poem aloud.)
2. You procure the allegiance of a guard or group of guards. (+1 point if you kiss a guard or group of guards.)
3. You procure one ton of assorted fancy items, or one intact romantic gazebo or gondola.
4. You acquire a noble title.
5. A bridesmaid, groomsman, or equivalent willingly provides you with their contact information for purposes of romantic liaison. (+1 point if you recruit them willingly to a criminal organization. +1 point if you commence a passionate love affair, get engaged, etc.)
6. You navigate acrobatically through crypts, caves, cellars, or hollow walls to secure a treasure or glimpse a secret.
7. You crack open a strongbox or safe and take the contents. (+1 point if you leave something scandalous and imaginative behind. Imaginative is defined as 'not fecal.')
8. You procure one of the palace vehicles, be that land or sky, or a riding animal, all in good health or repair. (+1 point if you ride off into the sunset with a romantic partner.)
9. You procure a wedding gift.
10. You objectively upstage the bride in terms of fashionable grandeur.
11. You procure a Gun of Command. (+1 point if you shoot yourself with it efficaciously.)
12. You procure one of the various royal wine cellars. (+1 point if you drink it with company.)
13. You procure jewelry set with a rainbow gem of Gallinore. (+1 point if you give it to someone else.)
14. You procure a chandelier, noble bed, or throne, intact and undefiled within reason.

---

Jerec sat innocently in the guest seating and poured champagne into the side of his neck.

 

[Hasuras Na-Gerra]

“To us, my dear.” Venom ran beneath cheery sweetness

“Hmph.” Gerra eyed his glass of wine. “Indeed.”

The sullen man sat sprawled in a great chair fashioned from some local oak. Clad in crimson and gold finery, he sported an immense chain of electrum about his neck.

He knew his role here well enough: the brute brought to heel, but still barbaric enough to pose a threat to any who questioned the new Queen’s rule. Bah.

How strange, to sit in these halls where not so long ago he had strode, blade in hand, a defiler. Now he must listen to the sesquipedalian words of sycophants come to pay homage to the new Queen.

Eyes, intense as embers, surveyed the milling crowd. Perhaps a fight would break out and save him from this boredom. Not that the conflict would last long, with his and her leal lords poised within the nebula for ambush at the hint of trouble.

It would not do to build a third fountain palace in the span of a year.

But, like as not, he would be restricted to these chambers to watch the nobles dance and toy with each other with their pricking words. No. Not merely to watch. She would demand his presence, to move from group to group as leashed hound.

Gerra snorted, then quaffed the glass of wine greedily. Let it be poisoned.

Aurellia