Faction The Coronation Ball [First Order | Invited Guests]

[Resurgent Narrative]

M U S I C | P R O G R A M
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Rosewood Castle​

South of Avalonia​

Dosuun, First Order Space​

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Guests from across the galaxy have made their way to Avalonia. Evening in Avalonia has only just begun to set where a myriad of colors now move across the sky. Hues of oranges, pinks, and purples as day gave way to the night. For many guests, they'll begin to discover that Avalonia is starkly different in at least one way. For there are no air speeders to speak of the only transport one could see were the large shuttles that transported civilians from one city to another. An emergency vehicle races across the sky but apart from those the skies were clear. Security teams and the constabulary were out in force this evening as were members of the First Imperial Army.​

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Members of the First Order's diplomatic team would move to greet each guest at Armitage Intergalactic Starport and escort them to their designated motorcade. It was clear that the First Order would not be taking chances and as each guest entered their respective vehicles. A contingent of Stormtroopers on their bikes and vehicles would be assigned to ensure that no one got close to any of the Supreme Leader's guests this evening. They would all be taken through the city and then south out toward the countryside. Where rolling hills of farmland welcomed all who passed them by, and it might have seemed that this would go on - but just as that thought might settle in. There arose in the distance the magnificent, Castle Rosewood where the flag of the First Order stood proudly in the central-most portion of the driveway. The castle walls were adorned with banners with the nation's color and emblem, for if there had been doubts in the past - no longer should they remain.​

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The First Order had pulled themselves out of great despair and stood proudly once more on the galactic stage. The sounds of horns trumpeting in the Coronation March could be heard as each respective motorcade came in. As one by one diplomatic officials, foreign dignitaries and business executives exited their vehicles. The First Imperial Armed Forces stood to watch, members of the First Imperial Army lined the carpets making it difficult for reporters to get pictures, the Stormtrooper Corps with their bikes on either side of the motorcade, watching and waiting. ​

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The sound of TIE Fighters overhead as they not only ran patrols but let go of the fireworks they had been carrying. Red, black, gold, and white as the Coronation itself had concluded just as the guests began to arrive. There had not been a radio station, or holo site, or news channel on Dosuun that had not been reporting on the Coronation. Avalonia was celebrating and they were celebrating in style, as guests disembarked and headed for the Castle's entrance they would be stopped and sent to give their name, their clan or house following by their faction or company. This so that the Herald of the Court could announce their presence to the Ball. ​

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Spoiler: OOC

Please refer to the first post in the OOC if you have questions as to how your party arrives at the castle. Each party is greeted by a member of the First Order's diplomatic team, escorted from their arrival gate to the motorcade. Motorcade will also be escorted to the castle itself, there are no alternative routes. If you did not put your name on the guest list prior to November 2nd, you need to find someone to go with. Remember invites are for the person and three people of their choosing. This is a huge social thread, there will be no combat, Force Sensitives will feel their connection to the Force be severely hampered. There are no weapons, there are guards searching people before you get through to the entrance. Any weapons or gear deemed to be a weapon will be confiscated, your character can reclaim this item when they leave the ball. ​

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Any combat seen or caught wind thereof, security will move and ask your characters to leave the premsises. If you are asked to leave, no you may not return. Please refer to the OOC thread to find location headers that you can use to show where your character is. No you may not include music into your posts as the First Order staff has worked hard to curate a playlist for the event. Again, this information can be found in the OOC thread. Alternatively, I've linked the playlist to this post. If you need to know the points of interest within the ball, please see the program booklet and it will give you information on points of interest. ​

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We want everyone to have a great time, we want people to mingle, enjoy themselves. This is a great time for characters to not just socialize and have their romantic moments (y'all know I'm sucker for romance), but also for political intrigue, and scheming perhaps. Again think about the quest in Dragon Age Inquisition, Wicked Eyes and Wicked Hearts. ​

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Finally, from the bottom of my little heart, I do want to thank everyone for their participation, and their patience. ​

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Thank you.​

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[Darth Carnifex]

It was a great spectacle.​

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Unsurprising given the hosts, the First Order had always been known for its elaborate ceremonies and rituals. He had observed many of these celebrations during his brief, but enlightening, tenure as a guest of the First Order government. They had been most accommodating following his flight from the Core and the collapse of the One Sith. They had no reason to be, they could have easily set upon him with all of their might and he would have been again driven into the darkest corners of the galaxy. Instead, they allowed him a great degree of autonomy in the Pacanth Reach, allowing the age-old customs to be observed so long as the Epicanthix people did not raise a fuss.​

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By all standards, the Epicanthix people were as faithful as subjects as the First Order could ask for. They devoted soldiers to the First Order's Stormtrooper Corps, served as officers in its Navy, and had even sponsored several candidates for the Knights of Ren when that organization was at its zenith. One of the Knights of Ren had even become Panatha's Arch-Queen, his own granddaughter, though she had since faded into obscurity. His uncle, Adriel, now ruled as Arch-King as the representative of the Zambrano family in this corner of the galaxy.​

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The hover-limo which carried the Emeritus-Emperor and his appointed attaches swerved onto the semi-circular drive that led up towards Rosewood Castle's entrance, gliding to a gentle stop as the doors popped open with a hydraulic hiss. One leg stepped out from the back, followed quickly by the body of Darth Carnifex as he hauled himself out. Standing tall and regal, the former Emperor wore a wardrobe that hearkened back to his Sith roots yet retained the regal nobility that was required for an event this prestigious.​

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The tabard stretched across his chest displayed the Eye of Solomon, the signet of the Zambrano family, while he wore a ring decorated with the Sith Eternal crest. His hair was slicked back and tied together in a stylish braided ponytail inset by dark bands decorated with red jewels. His facial hair was trimmed and groomed, but still very noticeable. He wore no weapons, they were not allowed at this passive congregation, and he carried nothing else that could be construed as inappropriate. ​

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Behind him emerged Darth Prazutis , the newly proclaimed Dark Lord of the Sith Order, and Joycelyn Zambrano , the newly crowned Empress of the Sith Empire. They too were resplendent in their choice of attire, stunning avatars of grace and regality. ​

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Walking up the steps towards the castle entrance, they were granted entry into the spacious halls to mingle with the other guests that had arrived before them. Their names were spoken aloud, so that all would know of their arrival. And while easily noticeable among the crowd, they quickly fell into step with the decorum of civility and proper etiquette.​

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All were eager to see how this night panned out.​

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Natasi Fortan ​

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand, Lord Commander
The Red Witch; The Night Queen; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Rosewood Castle, South of Avalonia, Dosuun, First Order Space
Attire: Polyweave Elegant dress | Soul
Tag: AMCO

To tell the truth at first, the red-haired woman thought there would be some kind of fight between Adrian and Tubrok over who would come out for the coronation with the woman. After that, it was no small surprise for Ingrid when her husband declared that he would not come because he only hates one thing more than Vex. There was no need to continue, his message was clear. So luckily, she didn't really have to choose who to come with.

For the occasion - she didn’t play like Adrian to just create a dress with shape-shifting as if he wore attire - she wore a long, elegant snow-white dress, along with a ten-centimetre high-heeled stiletto shoe that is also snow-white in colour. Maybe they were both shape-shifters now and could easily have been nearly the same height, but the woman solved it all with her boots. Respectively, now she was still in the position her fiancé had previously had that the shape-shifting might not be perfect. So she was more confident and wore a whole attire made by polyweave. Returning to the present, now because of her high shoes, the difference between the two of them was only two centimetre, so Ingrid was almost two meter tall.

When they got out of the ship, if the man had no objection to it, she would try to hook on Adrian's arm. It was elegant enough for the present situation, but of course, if she bothered Adrian or she wanted to go any other way, she adjusted to him. And after a few steps, she even felt the discomfort that the Force wasn't nearly working the way it should have. Now that she was closer to the Force, thanks to becoming a Force Entity, it affected her quite uncomfortably. Fortunately, all of her physical abilities and changes were independent of the Force.

”It’s a very uncomfortable feeling.” she whispered to Adrian, even before the diplomatic team arrived.

This was their first official diplomatic trip when Adrian also represented the Eternal Empire and not the Sith Empire. Until now, this was not the case even in the Eternal Empire, and now they had to come to such an event right away. She had a feeling that the next one would be her own coronation, which she didn’t want. The Overlord would have gladly entrusted the Eternal Empire to anyone if there had been someone good enough to take the place of the Emperor, but unfortunately she did not know such a person. But now she tried not to think about it, since now she had come to have fun in theory.

If Adrian had no objections, the red-haired woman let the diplomatic team lead her and the Sith Lord to the motorcade. As they walk, of course, she picks up the man’s pace to adjust to him. And if everything is true, they will arrive at the main entrance. Here she saw countless other persons, including the former Sith Emperor, Darth Carnifex , or the new Dark Lord of the Sith, , Darth Prazutis and Empress of the Sith Empire, Joycelyn Zambrano . She greeted them with a nod.

”I hope you do not feel very uncomfortable that this time you represent the Eternal Empire and not your own home.” she smiled at the man for a moment. ”Among the curiosities of the castle, it is written that there is a library in the building. It’s a difficult situation to decide whether to look at the library first or dance. Maybe let’s start dancing because the books are waiting?”

She spoke softly so Ingrid could use the usual flirtatious tone between the two of them and not let others hear her words.

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[Onrai]

It was a rarity that Vanessa would go out of her way to attend such a spectacular event. It was even rarer that she brought guests. Salamander had approached her regarding coming as a guest of House Vantai on this greater event, and while Vanessa still somewhat loathed his cruel actions to the merry band of adventurers that were a part of Inanna Harth 's coterie, the fact that her once-apprentice had abandoned her gave her a reason to spite whatever cordial memories still lingered in her mind by bringing with her the one who had caused them such grief. Additionally, another member of the Sith Empire had come with her - the aged tactical droid known as TE-236 , who as expected sought to further mingle with the galaxy. And who was Vanessa to deny him such?

A hint of her new form was visible - the black hair, long and flowing behind her, but her eyes and facial profile remained the way it had been before her injection with primordial power. The corruption that bubbled and crept up from her flesh was masked by her own illusory capabilities, giving her a rather normal and serene form. She was adorned in robes of the finest scarlet with golden trim, looking far more elegant than she had ever looked before.

Their arrival had been in a standard Sith shuttle, no different from most of the others arriving. Vanessa would exit first followed by her guests, and the diplomatic team would escort the trio to join the others in preparation for the motorcade. Once within it, they would travel to the main area - Emperor Emeritus Darth Carnifex was there, as were Darth Prazutis and Joycelyn Zambrano , the new Dark Lord of the Sith and Empress respectively. Additionally, Ingrid L'lerim was there, along with a man she was unsurprised to see: AMCO . She gave a polite nod to all of them, lingering in preparation for any potential engagement.

This was going to be a spectacle for the ages.

 

[Tristan Evore]

E N T R A N C E ​

Tag: Ingrid L'lerim | Ben Craig | Lucien E. Irridius | Natasi Fortan ​

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The scene was remarkable. From the ashes left by Ssi-Ruuvi, to the grueling days of the Dosuun Hegemony, it seemed as though Avalonia had finally earned it's much deserved moment in the sun, a moment Tristan hoped would last longer and more productively than the last. ​

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As he set foot upon the ground upon exiting his shuttle, he extended his hand out towards the diplomatic team which approached him and lead him to his hover-limo. During the trip to the Castle, the Epicanthix slowly watched the country side, or rather the city side. ​

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Before he could even begin to ponder thoughts about the remarkable renovations that had been done to the city, the limo came to a sudden halt before a hiss was heard from it's opening door. From it, he emerged. The seven-foot tall man was a sight to behold, his military inspired formal attire adorned with his most prized awards and commendations from his years of service. ​

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He couldn't help but smile as noticed the Empress Regent, both the current and former Dark Lord's of the Sith and the Sith Empress's congregating a short walk before him with individuals he had yet to recognize. ​

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The night had yet to begin, and the party or rather ball had yet come to full fruitarian​

 

[Salamander]

Messala’s gloved fingers had drummed silently against the door of the Imperial shuttle during the ride to Rosewood Castle, and now they traced the carved wood of the banister as he entered the great hall, brushing the polished grain with the lightest touch of kid leather. A long dark cloak shrouded most of his body, though an elegant gray silk suit was visible beneath it through the window offered by his extended arm. He looked a little like a very large bat. Ugly as one, too. Oh, boohoo. Holographic disguise matrices weren’t allowed at this little shindig, so the best he could manage was the cloak and hood.

Of all the big names invited to the party, most of whom Messala was in no way affiliated with, Vantai ought to have been the last person to even give him the time of day, let alone bring him along as her guest. Perhaps she believed in the old adage “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”. Or maybe it was just because he had asked nicely. Either way, she had offered and he had accepted—and he had found himself a way in, which was all he had wanted from her in the first place.

The ancient droid TE-236 who filled out the role of her second guest was probably there as a conversation piece. Messala would’ve liked to have gotten his hands on the fossilized clunker, maybe pry him open and see how he ticked, but now wasn’t the time. Besides, he didn’t want to ruin the kid gloves.

Emperor—well, just Darth Carnifex now—was also in attendance, along with his two nepotistic replacements, Darth Prazutis and Joycelyn Zambrano . Double trouble. Then there was Ingrid L'lerim just ahead of them, her white dress exposing much less leg than Messala would’ve liked to have seen from her, AMCO hanging onto her arm and looking vaguely reminiscent of a male mannequin, as usual. But so far, there was no sign of the person Messala hoped to find here.

He overheard one word of their conversation: “library”. There was a library? Of course there was a library. It was the fact that the library would be open to guests which made Messala’s ears perk up under his hood. Secluded, quiet, full of books, blessed books…

First, though, he needed a drink. After that, he still had an individual to locate and lure.

Natasi Fortan Tristan Evore Ben Craig Lucien E. Irridius

 

[Auteme]

D R I P
Lucien Dooku | Open​

It was like diving into a pool filled with piranhas, but the piranhas paid no attention to her. Only, the pool was a beautiful coronation ball, and the piranhas were the many Sith of note who happened to be in attendance. She could sense those sinister presences; ever since she'd set foot on Dosuun she could feel them. Yet the Force said nothing else. There was no roar, no scream of danger. When she looked to Lucien it seemed that he almost hadn't even noticed. She couldn't tell. She didn't ask. All she asked was that he would help her to her feet if she stumbled.

Tonight, that seemed likely. As they walked up the steps of the entrance she felt like the most poorly dressed person there, not to mention the least important. A billion doubts flooded into her mind. Deep breath. Find the flow. Anchor. She took Lucien's arm in hers, using him to keep herself in the moment. "Thank you," she said. "For bringing me. I probably would've been the only person here without a personal 'chaperone'."

They presented their invitations and were soon granted access to the castle. Her own doubts were washed away -- how easy it was to think of the Sith as 'card-carrying villains dedicated to making the galaxy a worse place'. Everyone could enjoy a party. AMCO certainly loved living. There were few who didn't. Few living, anyways.

Even so the unmistakable presence of Darth Carnifex was a noxious odor to the Jedi. Some Sith were acceptable, perhaps; their empire was successful, and a good affair such as this would doubtless invite dignitaries of like-minded nations. Still, it left her wondering what this First Order would be.

No, it was far different than the faction that had followed the ancient Galactic Empire. So what was it? Her excursions with Lucien had given her some insights into the New Imperial Order. Tonight she'd try and learn what truly made an imperial.

"So... who should we talk to?"

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Entrance -> Red Rose Bar //:
//: Corellian Whiskey //:
//: Open to Interaction //: Amea Virou //:
//: Arrived with //: John Locke //:

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An invitation from her cousin. Allyson didn’t know if she should feel bad for herself. There was a time she liked to think of herself as connected, but with her work, maybe being disconnected was better for her. Her cousin was quickly scooped up near the entrance, and Allyson took her chance to wander towards the bar. A place she was far more interested in than the ballroom. The thought of being in the middle of couples dancing and swaying - mingling with each other made her stick her tongue out slightly. For once, she’d like to avoid that lonely feeling that crept up spontaneously. ​

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Fingers held onto the fabric of the black backless dress as she wandered in. Already people were mingling here as well, pairing off and finding each other. Maybe it was a mistake coming here; she could have found a job to do, buried herself under the SIA paperwork, or even bing corny romantic comedies on the holoflix. Any of it would have been better than dealing with the gut-wrenching feeling of being alone, dateless at a romantic affair such as this. Deep in her frustration, Allyson brushed her long, brunette hair from her shoulder. It felt awkward not having it tied back into a ponytail as she usually had it. Maybe she was working too much; her mind had instantly searched for it to be an escape. ​

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A hand raised, and she quickly ordered; the bartender handed her the bucket glass, one cube of ice floated within the amber liquid. The smokey oak scent danced along with her senses as she felt a sudden calm. Oh, she was probably addicted to this stuff, but it was better than a death stick, right? She thought quietly to herself as she leaned against the bar and took a sip. A hand tried to pass along currency, but the bartender waved his hand and pointed towards the sign. “Wow, fancy.” The Corellian shrugged and looked out towards the crowd. For once, she was here to enjoy herself - maybe John was starting to feel bad for her. Allyson drowned herself in her work, drowned herself in hobbies, and the like. At least she wasn’t drowning herself in any carnal desires for once. ​

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She could cry into her whiskey, thinking about how long it had been, but every day it was getting easier. Sipping the whiskey, she groaned, knowing that she was just kidding herself. There was no getting easier with the issues Allyson had to deal with on a daily. The poor girl was still trying to recover from that bachelorette party. ​

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It was a good whiskey, though it reminded her of other events in her life, which meant this was probably the real stuff. A nod of approval as she caught the eye of the bartender. If the First Order was this put together, maybe she could come over. The thought made her chuckle as she shook her head. Allyson Locke couldn’t follow the Imperial lifestyle even if she tried. Already she found the boys of the New Imperial Order to be stiff. Either way, John was right; she should enjoy herself at least. She put the glass down onto the bar top with a heavy sigh and let her conscious drown in her thoughts. If anything, she would hang out for a little, feign sick and find her way back to her hotel room. At least there she could fall asleep and not worry about anyone seeing her mascara run.​

 

[Amea Virou]

Allyson Locke

The invitation had been acquired through the Hex as a companion to one of their agents set on gaining access and doing whatever job he had signed up for. It was easier to blend into the crowd as a couple than it was to go solo and suddenly disappear. For tonight they were just two friends looking for a good time together, and given how fast they separated upon entry that much was already evident. A fake smile here and there, an act of extending an arm and a wave goodbye and Amea was off to the bar.

Why the Hex had sent her a dress despite her better wishes though, she would never truly know. The eggshell white fabric clung to her waist with an almost cramping pressure, the jacket that merely hung from her shoulders felt far heavier than it actually was. She hated high-heels, and yet here she was, as graceful as a swan stuck in a cogwheel. Unpracticed balance, cleavage far too much. Every passing step towards the bar made her miss her own suit and shoes, but she preserved and she pushed on towards a vaguely familiar shape that leaned in against the bar.

With a gentle lean in next to her estranged some-kind-of-friend-or-something Amea placed her forearms on the bartop and shrugged at Allyson to greet her. An apologetic smile had spread on Amea’s lips as she glanced over at the bartender and pointed at the menu to order a glass of whichever drink seemed the dirtiest, cheapest, something to pull her back to her roots and remind her of who she was at her core: a piece of spacer trash.

“What’s with the long face, Agent Locke?” Amea turned towards the agent with a gentle smile. “I’d’ve thought an event like this would be a perfect opportunity for—”

Wait, shit. Amea’s eyes went wide open, her cheeks burning with embarrassment as she quickly turned away to play it all off as a stranger meeting a stranger for the first time.

“Shit, I’m sorry.” Amea whispered and glanced over her shoulder to make sure no-one around them had heard what she had said. “Here for work, or are you trying to review the Corellian?”

 

[Hazel Zanteres]

Lounge and Rest Area -> Red Rose Bar
Dress
Open for Interaction:
Nearby: Allyson Locke | Amea Virou

-x-​

It had been years since Hazel Zanteres had been seen in the public eye, especially at such a large event. The Hapan had effectively disappeared from the face of the galaxy, not to be seen again by those that had known her. The last time had been when the Order of the Sacred Lotus was still a presence across the galaxy. However, its gradual dissolution had occurred in conjunction with the deterioration of Hazel’s mental state at the time.

The disease that had been slowly killing her for years had been fighting back with no remorse. Medicine that had been previously keeping it at bay had lost its effectiveness, and thus the Hapan doctor quickly fell into panic. She made a number of decisions, acted in a certain way that had irreparably broken bonds formed within that neutral Order.

Hazel had ultimately found salvation through the Sith, from Darth Carnifex specifically. She had been desperate, easily accepting the offer of eradicating the disease that was eating away at her from within. That ritual had succeeded, but it had twisted her into something she hadn’t been before. She could no longer heal like she could, instead draining the life force out of those around her. The newfound ability eventually led her back to the Sith Empire, where she learned how to control it better.

The years that had followed, saw the Hapan learn how to twist that into something that could help her heal again. Cementing her place very much within the ‘grey’ of the Force.

And now here she was, at the heart of the First Order; Dosuun, as a guest of the newly reinvigorated faction. Hazel had been anonymously helping out at a clinic, aiding in those wounded in the constant wars going on across the galaxy. She had been approached by a representative, the first person to directly find her. And of all the people and groups that did it, Hazel would’ve never guessed the First Order. Albeit, it became apparent this new version was not like the old, unlike the one she recalled from years ago, when a group of their Force users found themselves in the Sacred Lotus’ care.

She was handed an offer to join their FIrst Imperial Medical Services, otherwise known as FIMS. But Hazel was still skeptical, wondering if the First Order had truly changed from the previous incineration. So, she was given an invitation to the Coronation Ball, to see for herself.

The Hapan was dressed in a flowing silver-white gown, the colours one could argue was a callback to the Sacred Lotus. Hazel had been residing in the Lounge and Rest area since her arrival, but as the guests began to arrive, the Hapan opted to move. Despite the years since, she was still somewhat nervous being in such a public place, and knew there was one thing that would at least help in easing those nerves.

A drink.

“Bartender?” After all these years, her voice still held that almost angelic quality to it, with a slight Hapan accent. She stopped at the bar, waiting until she had caught the man’s attention. “Something light, please.” Hazel had no intention on getting drunk, just something to smooth the edges.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Being back in First Order territory was a strange thing. Many years ago Kaalia's allegiance was with the First Order of old, but it was a time she looked back on with mixed feelings. While her removal from the nation altogether had been a complicated and hostile matter for many reasons, good things had also sprung from her time under their banner. Most important of those was meeting Ishana, the woman she now approached the castle entrance with, arms linked. Ishana was the most important person in her life, and the redhead's life would've looked unrecognizably different had they never met.

As the years passed, Kaalia let go of the grudges towards the figures of her past and the First Order's name. The nation she now visited was a vastly different one, a far cry from the one that had banished her. Today she was honored to be invited to attend this Coronation Ball and gladly did so. There was no reason to remain stuck in the past.

"House Pavanos of the Sith Empire."

After giving the official their house name, Kaalia headed on into the castle. It had been quite some time since she had attended an event as lavish as this and the first since taking a step back from the positions of power she once held to focus on her family. Since then the number of public appearances she made had gone down drastically, but for this she made an exception.

The dress she had commissioned to be made for her for this occasion had also been given explicit approval from her wife, much to her delight. She wasn't one to regularly dip into the more extravagant, but it made those moments all the more special.

The Pavanos couple were, to no surprise, not the only ones coming from the Sith Empire to attend the ball. In the corner of her eye she spotted Darth Carnifex who had arrived not too much earlier, joined by the newly proclaimed diarchs of the empire, Darth Prazutis and Joycelyn Zambrano . She was doubtful she would have even a passing conversation with them tonight, as Ishana was more than capable of keeping Kaalia occupied.

"So, miala," the redhead inquired, "where shall we be going first?"

Ishana Pavanos ​

 

[Elisea Apollodor]

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Elisea and Nylea were taken from the Temple where the Coronation had been held. "I am so very glad you are so patient, by the Force was that long." She said of the Coronation which she swore she nearly fell asleep during when they were waiting for the Supreme Leader to arrive. The Coronation itself was very exciting, she had never seen one and to be honest she was none of the Imperials in Avalonia had seen one. Those who had chosen to attend the ball were taken via hoverlimo. Elisea slipped her hand into Nylea's as they hoverlimo drove through the city falling in line behind the string of motorcades. ​

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Fireworks were being set off elsewhere in the city, it felt like the entire city if not the entire planet was celebrating. She looked down at her personal holo and flipped through the holonet. There she could see the different streams from around Dosuun, where people were celebrating. "If they're this excited about the Coronation, Life Day and New Year's will just be crazy, crazy, this year." Elisea remarked as she then shut her holo off and snuggled in beside Nylea looking out the windows here and there. ​

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"Did you call Nora? I hope she arrives, she just has to tell them she's on my invite, and I have of course our invites to confirm."​

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The city lights reflected off the hoverlimo's windshield and soon drew to a dim light of the street lights that faded away in favor of the country roads with the electrical towers being farther apart here. "I always forget just how beautiful the country side is," she commented as she sat upright and leaned over to the window closes to her and looked out. Images of silos and barns, and quiet estates passed by as the hoverlimo drove through on its predesignated route.​

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The only real lights now, were the tail lights and headlights of the other vehicles. The Stormtrooper's vehicles that escorted on either side ensuring everyone's safety. As they approached the estate, the Castle began to appear on the horizon. Elisea would say she was surprised at the sheer size of the castle, or just how much money was clearly poured into it, but she wasn't. It would be just like the family in charge to put so much effort into something like this. Now came the part where they waited, members of the First Imperial Army controlled traffic in and out of the castle. ​

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"This is amazing," she complimented of the castle and the ball overall as their hoverlimo was brought up through the driveway. ​

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The couple exited one by one from their limo and headed toward the entrance. After handing in the invitation they were announced as Elisea Korrado and Nylea Apollodor of House Korrado from Avalonia. "Drinks, dancing? Food? Where do we go first?" Elisea inquired as she opened up the event's program booklet.​

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[Taeli Raaf]

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It had been a long time since she had been to a ball, an actual full on ball. The last had been on Galidraan? it was hard to imagine how long ago that was or how much the galaxy had shifted since that celebratory event for the Imperial Bloc. How much her life had changed. Lucy had the girls for the week, allowing Fiolette Raaf and Taeli to accept Ariel's invitation to the Coronation Ball for Natasi. One little payoff for the help provided for fulfilling her dream.

Taeli had been rather sly about her dress for the occasion, wanting to wait until the last moment to reveal it to her wife. Not for lack of Fiolette trying to find it in their home, but she had gotten the reaction she had wanted. She had foregone the Sith sorceress style for the evening, going more for elegance that would befit their surroundings for the occasion. Ordered from a high end clothier in the Core, the purple dress showed off her assets well and also served to keep her lovely oblivious wife a little more so, although she planned to hint her way through the night until she got the hint.

"How does it feel to be back on Dosuun, dear?" she asked as their motorcade proceeded closer to the castle where the ball was taking place. Galidraan customs dripped from everything, including what they were currently sitting in. Carriages? Really? Passing through Remembrance Field, seeing the honor given those lost during the Ssi-ruuvi onslaught, it was a changed world regardless.

 

[AMCO]

Location: Entrance, en route to Ballroom
Wearing: Ever-shifting Polyweave Suit
Writing With: Ingrid L'lerim | [OPEN]
---

This grand affair was, it turned out, his first "official function" for the Eternal Empire, which suited him just fine, for in truth that second Empire was less something he held any loyalty or allegiance to and more something he was content to more or less ignore except in relation to his fiancée. They did not, after all, fund his research - unlike the Sith.

Having made exactly zero concessions to the dourly militaristic fashions of that state, he entered alongside Ingrid wearing a suit that would have made Darth Avernus proud, the ever-shifting multichromatic substance forming elaborate patterns even as it retained the vague shape of a suit.

"If anyone is uncomfortable, I imagine it's your people." He was not, after all, Eternal Empire material - a low-end aristocrat who shunned military service like the plague, considered his personal interests more important than the state's, and favoured obscene decadence to austere self-sacrifice.

Come to think of it, the sorcerer-cum-alchemist hardly matched the Sith ideal either, but that mattered little so long his creations remained useful.

"Let's dance, shall we - I'm sure my library is bigger." Even so, they could have books he didn't - now he had to check it out, at some point.

Ignoring the herald and other staff as befitted a man of his status (and more than healthy self-image), Adrian noted the presence of any guests worthy of attention, stopping for a few moments at the Emeritus-Emperor and the new Diarchs before his eyes landed on... oh, what a surprise.

Though the nod he gave Auteme was respectful enough, there was something distinctly mocking about the accompanying smile.

She had, after all, been rather rude when last they'd met. Threaten him with imprisonment? Hmmph.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim-Ragal
Empress Regent of the Eternal Empire, Overlord of the Eternal Empire, the Emperor's hand, Lord Commander
The Red Witch; The Night Queen; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Location: Rosewood Castle, South of Avalonia, Dosuun, First Order Space
Attire: Polyweave Elegant dress | Soul
Tag: AMCO | Open

Ingrid knew exactly that she couldn't expect any allegiance from Adrian to the Eternal Empire, but that didn't bother her at all. If she had expected this, she would have asked the Sith Lord to be the Emperor over time. And this, as everyone knows, did not happen. It really was just politics, maybe years later they would have gotten there to make it happen based on their emotions, but that wasn’t about it now. Ingrid wanted to protect the life and safety of her own Noble house and family with this. Not hers, but her family.

”To be honest, I didn’t mean that specifically, but it’s also uncomfortable that the Emperor moved the Eternal Empire right to the centre of the ruins of the First Order, and we’ve been expanding in their former territory since we left the CIS.”

~ I actually thought it was an uncomfortable feeling that they were blocking the Force. You know, since Endor, my connection to the Force is different than before… ~

She didn't finish the sentence, hoping Adrian understood what she meant by that. "Other" meant much closer, in this state she was not yet accustomed to a lack of Force. It wasn’t too disturbing to feel luckily, but not the most pleasant. The Overlord noticed more and more acquaintances in the crowd, there was also Onrai , who put her in the situation she was in now. But there was Raaf, too, or quite a few of her own people.

”Oh, I'm sure a lot of your other "things" are bigger.” she whispered flirtatiously

Ingrid didn't deal with the staff either, just spoke to the only person who would announce their arrival. She told her, of course, the names and the fact that they both represented the Eternal Empire. But after that, she also went further into the building, in the direction of the ballroom, as they decided to dance. Then she even remembered something about the library.

”After we mentioned the libraries, I forgot to give you something on the yacht. A permit to use the Red Library if you wish and you are on Kalidan, and also access to Tacitus' private library.”

Of course, only those parts of the collections that were not secret and were not aimed at researching the destruction of the Force were made available to Adrian with the greatest pleasure by Ingrid. When they start dancing, she smiles involuntarily, as she remembered Lanteeb and their first encounter. Her smile widened, but not because of it.

”Knowing the luck of the two of us in dating or parties, I can almost look forward to when someone tries to kill someone here or when a war breaks out around us.” she said with a smile and she put in enough effort next to the man not to laugh even though she wanted to.

​

 

[Ishana Pavanos]

​

Admittedly, Ishana was more concerned for Kaalia's well being than her own. Being back on Dosuun didn't bother the Balmorran too much, after all, she was asked to teach at the military academy fairly recently. Kaalia however had her own path, and that path wasn't the easiest especially where the First Order had been concerned. Yet, without the First Order neither one of them would be together or maybe where they were. It's funny to think of the past and think of the good and the bad that had happened, one could not exits without the other. Ishana gave Kaalia's hand a small squeeze, more of a reassurance that she was there for her.​

​

Upon arrival, they disembarked the hoverlimo and headed up to the Entrance. Ishana smirked a little when the words House Pavanos were uttered. She really liked the sound of that, and as they were announced and allowed to enter. Kaalia asked where she wanted to go first, and Ishana hadn't quite heard her wife. On account of fixing her own dress, so without much thought Ishana gave an answer. "Pretty sure people are going to booze up, or dance up first, let's see what the buffet has. Not exactly keen on dining with the rest of the Sith Empire during the more formal time."​

​

A member of the ball's waitstaff asked if she wanted a program. Ishana shrugged and accepted, "oh fancy." She admitted, "oh here, we go, buffet - this way." ​

​

The only thing Ishana loved more than her wife and flying, was food.​

​

Kaalia Pavanos ​

​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

​

​

​

"I was joking when I told Ariel that I thought we should arrive in a carriage." Fiolette deadpanned as she sat in the carriage and watched as the city of Avalonia passed her by. "Remind me to not joke in such a manner around her, again." The one time Grand Admiral and retired Lord Admiral glanced out toward Remembrance Field. There were a lot of feelings admittedly leading to this point chief among them had been Natasi's resurrection, and the return of the First Order and Dosuun itself.​

​

So when Taeli asked her how she felt, Fio wasn't exactly sure how to answer that. "Complicated." ​

​

"On the one hand, I am very glad that our investment has paid off and that Ariel was able to achieve her goal." Such a goal as it was, a slight pause as she shifted in her blue dress. "On the other, being back here brings a lot of memories - good and bad."​

​

Fiolette took a deep breath and exhaled. "I am quite happy to have my niece back, my daughter is doing well for herself, well... All three of my grown daughters are doing quite well." And she was sure, that her two youngest daughters would do well for themselves as they got older. Fio was even more grateful for Lucy who had agreed to watch her sisters while Fio and Taeli were away.​

​

"I have to say, if I hadn't known any better I would have sworn that I was back on Galidraan."​

​

Dosuun whatever it had been before the First Order, was now, an image of Galidraani beauty. Albeit more modern, but it was steeped in Galidraani customs, traditions and culture as much as the architecture spoke to. So it was of no surprise to Fiolette when she saw Rosewood that it was a call back to an older time. Some might say simpler but certainly, an older time. ​

​

They too would find their way through the line of motorcades that rounded through the driveway. They would disembark one by one, and head up to the entrance. "House Raaf of the Sith Empire," Fiolette handed the invitation and the Herald announced their arrival to the ball. "Now then, where shall we go first? Library? Ballroom?" ​

​

Taeli Raaf ​

 

[Irveric Tavlar]

I M P E R A T O R
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER
AVALONIA | DOSUUN
R O O T _ O F _ A L L _ E V I L
THE_BOYS | Jaeger Harrsk | Tyrell Paxxus | Djorn Bline | Lucien Dooku | Robogeber
OPEN TO INTERACTION | SHOOT A PM

​

Empire rising. This was a vindication painted in shades unlike any other. Not the coronation, it had absolutely nothing to do with him. But for the Dantooine farm boy turned shipyard technician turned Sith chattle turned rebel warlord turned Sovereign Imperator to be grazing shoulders with the Galactic elite was an outright alien feeling. Though he was there on Unity Day, at the unification of the Galactic Alliance as a once welcomed guest in the Core.

Given recent events, he was doubtful the sentiment remained such.

But that was a problem for another day. In Avalonia, the aura about was none but celebration, optimism. Still, in contrast to the rather spartan and sentimental celebration that followed New Imperial victory at Bastion, the enduring of the first great existential challenge, the First Order had still a mountain climb. And in all the fiery energy they displayed here, they'd certainly need to carry this torch onward lest they be left for the wolves.

Arriving at the step of the castle, the New Imperials disembarked from the vehicle used to carry them to the summit at Ambassador Hall not a short time before, the fortified Iron Sun displayed on the sides of the vehicle as it had been before.

Irveric Tavlar emerged, ever baring that steely, placid gaze in spite of the jovial circumstances. Many denizens of the Galaxy nigh alien to the New Imperial Order, its war, its identity, its way of life would see him in the flesh for the first time since his name mattered at all at the onset of his treason.

Not moments after, he produced a cigar from a small metal cannister, sparking it to life between his metallic digits before taking in a deep pull of the sweetened herb. Conceding to his non-existent taste of formal style and the ease of choice that came with being an authoritarian Imperial dictator, he donned his Imperial grey, silver and black fitting to his rank, fitting to the event. Far easier than he or rather, far easier than Lyra 'Sybila' Voikryt daring to decide something on his behalf.

With several of the other New Imperials who'd managed to secure their presence here in tow, Tavlar scaled the Castle steps before breaching the entrance proper with his cigar secured between his lips, pulling in another draw of the herb as he narrowed his eye in idle observation. Looking for who was here, what they were doing, who they were talking to. As disorientating and surreal as it was, all it amounted in was Tavlar wondering off on his lonesome within a venue of no personal obligation or risk to his state of being, his first instinct?

A drink.

HOUSE TAVLAR
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER​

 

[Nylea Apollodor]

​

Nylea's heart was beating out of her chest.

This was the night she had been preparing for. Weeks of keeping a burning secret, weeks of nerves and anxiety, it all led up to this. As their hoverlimo made its way through the city en route to Rosewood Castle, the echani saw the moment drawing nearer and nearer. She was indeed a patient soul as Elisea said, but this was the one thing she simply could no longer wait on. Her little shoulder bag that hid a ring box inside felt heavier than a solid block of duracrete, but she held it closer than one would a newborn child. She wasn't sure if the fact her other hand was joined with her girlfriend's helped with her anxiety, or only made it worse.

"It was not so bad," Nylea replied with a hint of a smile. "You were there with me, after all."

She feared silence, because it led to an idle mind. It was a gateway for her darker thoughts and memories to break into the forefront of her thoughts, but silence shared with Elisea was peaceful. Nobody else made her feel more comfortable than the Avalonian. The hand that had been joined with Elisea's wrapped around the woman as she snuggled up to the echani. Nylea could've sat in the back of the hoverlimo for hours like this, enjoying the views while Elisea was cuddled up to her.

"Mhm. She was not sure if she was going to make it, but she knows how to get in if she does." Nylea hoped Nora could indeed make it, if only to boost her own confidence a little. The mere presence of her closest friend gave her that extra bit of courage, which was something she was going to need a lot of tonight.

"Love, you look radiant tonight."

The hoverlimo approached the castle, which looked much more grandiose in person. Nylea wasn't one for extravagance and luxury, in the end she was still a Jedi, but for Elisea she would gladly thrust herself into any environment. Growing up in an upper-class family on Eshan would luckily pay dividends tonight.

"No expense was spared, certainly." The castle was built to be breathtaking, and in that it certainly succeeded. The pair made their way out of the hoverlimo and entered the castle. Hearing her name announced the way it was was a bit strange to her, but at least nobody else batted an eye.

Nylea read along with the program booklet Elisea was reading when the Avalonian asked where to go first. The echani couldn't help but think of the place where her plan could best be executed, and after figuring it out she responded. "How about a dance?"

The answer was out of character for Nylea, but by the time she had made the suggestion she saw no way of walking it back. Hopefully it wouldn't raise too much suspicion.

Elisea Korrado ​

 

[Natasi Fortan]

It had been a whirlwind of a day. She had woken early, exercised, had a simple breakfast, bathed and gone to the Temple of the Balance to pray with her confessor, Petyr Thorpe. Then she had returned to the Avalonia Grand, changed into her coronation gown -- a seemingly simple affair in white with gold thread -- and donned a simple coronet before proceeding back to the Temple of the Balance in the ornate carriage. The people, her staff had explained to her, would want to see her. And so they did, in their tens and thousands, lining the streets from Governance Row to the Temple, with Natasi waving humbly from the carriage.

Natasi and Thorpe had rehearsed the coronation a few times, but there was nothing like the actual event. Not only were the clothes different -- the coronation gown was light and flowy, but the ermine-trimmed cloth-of-gold cloak and the jeweled collar, not to mention the weight of the First Imperial State Crown, were overwhelming. Equally overwhelming, spiritually and emotionally, was the anointing, her oath of office, the crowning, the orb and scepter. It was all done in a traditional, Galidraani kind of way, the rituals inspired by (some might say borrowed from) the ancient ceremony by which Galidraani monarchs were crowned.

And then another procession back to the Avalonia Grand, where Natasi waved at yet thousands more of her subjects. They cheered for her, screamed her name. Natasi had grown used to the adoration of the First Order citizens as Grand Moff, thanks to her natural charisma as well as the propaganda that had enshrined her as the Mother of the Nation. This was something else entirely; she had been a civil servant before, however beloved, an administrator still. Now she was demigoddess, resurrected, crowned, sovereign.

She might have enjoyed it if it weren't so frightening.

Her arms ached by the time she reached the hotel, but there was no rest. A team of dressers, overseen by her ladies maid Banks (now Chief Dresser to Her Majesty the Supreme Leader, a ridiculous title for a Human Replica Droid, no matter how well it passed for a human woman), had clad her in the gown for her coronation ball: a confection of layers of fabric, light-weight, pale blue, with white flowers and green vines emanating down towards the hem and up towards the bodice from her waist. It was rather a daring thing, Natasi supposed, leaving her shoulders and back entirely bare, save for the sheer wrap that came with it.

It was accompanied by a platinum-and-diamond tiara and matching necklace and earrings. A pair of white opera gloves and pale blue shoes completed the look. Then it was back into the carriage. By now, night had fallen, but the streets were lit up, showing that people were still waiting outside. A roar went up when Natasi emerged, and closing herself into the carriage did little to dampen it. She glanced over at one of her bodyguards, lucky enough to be selected for inside duty while his compatriots rode on the jump seats on the exterior of the carriage. "Is it safe," she said, "me riding with the lights on in here?" Natasi raised a hand, waving out the window as the carriage set off.

"Yes, Your Majesty," said the guard. "They need to be able to see you."

Natasi smiled broadly, hoping that her gratitude was more apparent on her face than her exhaustion. "And presumably what they can see, they can also shoot. No?"

The guard gave her a reassuring smile. "Luckily, the glass is impervious. Nothing short of a lightsaber or a turbolaser blast is going to hurt you. Besides, the people here love you. I don't expect anyone to take a shot."

"It would hurt you, too, I imagine," said Natasi. She turned to the other side of the car, smiling and waving. "Hopefully, with representatives from all the major galactic powers invited, some of whom are known to carry lightsabers, it won't be put to the test." She straightened her gloves and resumed waving.

They continued along the route, making pleasant conversation along the way. Natasi learned that the man opposite her was originally from Bespin, had been trapped on Dosuun during the fall, and had recovered from his injuries in time to join the First Order again, and that his name was Ian Belora. By the time they arrived to the castle, they had gone into the countryside so there weren't people lining the route, so they were able to speak more freely.

"I hope you enjoy your party, ma'am," said Ian as the carriage rolled up to the entrance.

"My party," Natasi repeated. "If only. I'm afraid this party is for them, Ian." She gestured broadly towards the castle. "But I'll do my best to enjoy it anyway. Thank you." She waited for the carriage door to be opened, then emerged before entering the entrance hall, where she approached the herald. "I'm afraid I don't have an invitation," Natasi said with a little smile. "I trust that won't be a problem."

After a moment of surprise, the herald bowed. "Not at all, Your Majesty." He cleared his throat and stepped forward to announce her: "Her Majesty Natasi Josephine Fortan, Supreme Leader of the First Order and its territories and dominions across the stars, Defender of the Balance."

"No pressure, then," Natasi mumbled before stepping forward into the ballroom.