The Emperor's Ball

[Darth Prazutis]

The Dark Titan did one final check over his ornate outfit a perfect blend of Epicanthix, Sith, and Imperial alike. The sigil of House Zambrano was displayed proudly alongside a symbol of the Empire on his breast, a familiar gold trimming in places for his Epicanthix side complete with a cape. The Lord of Lies black hair was pulled back into a ponytail all together it completed the picture of the Shadow Hand, the Arch-Prince, the Lord of the Sith and one of the most dominant presences in the Empire. It was carefully designed to fit his massive eight foot, muscular frame. The man's eyes burned like two molten orbs with abyssal black sclera like deep pits and surrounding him was a black maelstrom of dark side energy, a dominating presence that could silence a rowdy parade hall and send even the most bloodthirsty of barbarians to their knees.

But alongside the Sith Emperor [member="Darth Carnifex"] their presence was magnified.

They presented a dominant, unified front as they descended the Crestfallen II the full Zambrano retinue accompanied them as they made their way into the estate with not so much as a second look from the guards who patrolled the place. They were both mystifying and electrifying, awe inspiring and terrifying. In a celebration where monsters walked among men these giants stood out above the others. This was a celebration of the destruction of the light, of the victories of the Sith Empire and their allies in grinding their enemies to pieces, in breaking liberty and through blood and death ushering in a new era as the most dominant galactic powers the galaxy has seen in years. All those who stood up to them the Dominion, the Free Worlds Coalition, the Galactic Alliance, the Commenor Systems Alliance that fought with stubborn determination to resist them.

All were annihilated before their war machine.

The Shadow Hand waved to others as he walked by his senses stretching out far and wide to scan the crowds. Always vigilant always on alert. It was his dedication even in times of celebration that allowed the Emperor to walk with absolute confidence. Even on top of all the other layers of security there was the trained eyes of a machiavellian mastermind who was paranoid enough to always keep his eyes out for treason, for danger, nothing would surprise the Emperor and nothing would be put over on him. Side by side they were a force to be reckoned with.

[member="Salara Zambrano"] | [member="Invicta Zambrano"] | [member="Vaulkhar"]​

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[Fiolette Fortan]

Galidraan​

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Blakeslee Falls Estate​

[member="Taeli Raaf"]​

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Fiolette smiled inwardly when Taeli complimented her, "tis but a simple dress uniform, though I thank you, all the same."

"But you my dear," she then leaned over and whispered, "are quite stunning this evening." Fiolette left a small kiss on Taeli's cheek. It had not been lost on her that this was essentially their first public outing. Tonight it would be for all the other Sith Lords and Ladies to see, would it leave them vulnerable to attack, or blackmail later? Perhaps. Maybe, although these things were generally frowned up. It would not stop a potential usurper however. The thoughts were pushed aside as their speeder drew closer to the estate. Fiolette felt a little odd to be back on Galidraan in such a manner. The last she had seen of her homeworld she came under the alias of Cordelia Durling and was essentially snooping around Herevan which was a three-hour speeder trip and Balance only knew how long by horse and carriage.

The castle drew into view and the woman smiled, it was truly magnificent. It spoke to an older time on her homeworld, a time mostly romanticized by now but a beautiful one nonetheless. The Rear Admiral was dressed in the Sith Empire's Armada Dress uniform with numerous service ribbons that decorated one side. Taeli had to help her translate and transfer her ribbons and medals over from the First Order's Navy. Mr. Carrington and Ms. Wheeler measured every inch to ensure it was up to standard.

As the speeder arrived at the drop-off and the doors opened, the music from the orchestra could be heard.

The redhead helped the brunette down and then held out her arm. It was when Taeli took her arm that the brunette mentioned something of the music, "mhmm it is quite upbeat, isn't it? Charming, to say the least, shall we?" She gestured toward the entrance. There were already so many guests, but then with the ball opened to not only the Empire but the First Order, the Mandalorians and the Commenori she wasn't sure what else to expect.

Blakeslee Estate did not disappoint as they were greeted by old elegance and new trims. Another breath as the woman smiled so sweetly, she remembered the first ball she attended. The tender age of sixteen, and now here she was decades later with the most beautiful woman. The vestibule was absolutely gorgeous, and as Fiolette handed their invitations to the staff she got a look around at those in attendance. Thus far she recognized but a few faces most were foreign to her, but perhaps by the evening's end they would not be so foreign. They were led up to the ballroom's entrance where the introductions were being announced, and it was then that she wondered just where the bar was. Thankfully she convinced the Earl to not add the words of Herevan, apparently, he had not been aware of the current stance she held with her family and the county there...

"Lady Taeli Raaf of Lorrd, Champion of the Empire, Deceiver of the Alliance, and Lady of Secrets and with her Rear Admiral Fiolette Yvarro of Bastion."

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[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Fiolette Yvarro"]

"It's outside," Taeli whispered, knowing exactly what Fiolette was wondering as her gaze wandered around. She could already feel a few hazy presences collected together outside that suggested the booze was already flowing for some. She would not be among their number. Being announced like that was... unexpected, and honestly, she had never even realized how she had started to accrue titles and monikers like she had until someone read them out alive. The Deceiver of the Alliance was a nice one that did bring an even brighter smile to her lips.

She recognized some of the guests present, and of course she recognized the Emperor and his Shadow Hand as they made their appearance. It had been a very long time since she saw Invicta, back when she was a Knight for the One Sith... the invasion of Manaan. A Jedi had clawed her throat out and Taeli had subsequently captured the Jedi, it was good to see the Energy Vampire had recovered in that time since then.

"Do they announce everyone like that?" she asked as they made their way into the atrium and ballroom. It truly was a gorgeous sight, remarkable architecture. Powerful, spoke of wealth, history was literally oozing from the walls, calling to her to listen to stories of the castle and estate.

 

[Rakaan Horne]

GALIDRAAN​

BLAKESLESS FALLS ESTATE​

THE COURTYARD​

​

Kole had run his right hand, his free hand, upwards in an effort to clasp his chin that soon slid up to the side in order to briefly rub and scratch at his own stubble before running back the way it came. His gaze briefly turned to Lyn as she asked her ever-expected question. Suppose that with two livers you could afford to drink as much as you could possibly desire, his only concern that with it all -- presumably -- being on the house that she might go too far. Saying goodbye to the possibility of networking and instead acting as a babysitter. Truly one of the last things he had on his mind. His response, however, had reinforced the idea of getting straight to the drink, "I need a drink." But it wasn't said as a direct reply, rather a comment made to himself that was only really made aware after the Zeltron had said her choice, few words. "I'm sure you can find it." Kole had directly responded moments before handing the invitations towards the figures that stood guard, allowing them access to the inside.

​All that glitz and all that glamour had the HRD's eye rolling around in his head, almost in disbelief that there were people that had owned such things. Credits weren't even a worry to people such as this, or so he had mused to himself. They could had everything that they have entered wanted, and so now they needed power. How does one amass it? Connections, specifically with those in high places. The Sith Emperor was well and truly a great place to start, or to finish, but Kole hadn't any intentions of interacting with the Dark Lord of the Sith.

​His head had turned back to his pink-skinned companion after their entranced, taking their steps forwards, muttering the words, "Take it slow. With the drinks." His concern being vocalised, yet his expression as passive as can be.

[member="Lynnori Cruz"]

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

The Outer Rim, Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate, The Ballroom, Unspecified Time
Broken Wings | Interacting with [member="Darth Maliphant"] (Others TBD) ~ Glory and Gore ~ "But in all chaos, there is calculation."
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Her master's mood was infectious, that wasn't to be denied. It didn't take long for proper smiles to turn into broad, wild grins and even that delighted sort of laughter one only experienced in true joy as they twirled through the crowd. That voice brought her back down from the stratosphere, jubilation momentarily tempered by that temptatious tone of his, "It would have been folly to say no." She remarked a little dryly, shrugging as they moved back through the motions.

His second remark was one that pulled her even more so to reality. Her choice. It had been full of gravitas, hadn't it? A rueful sigh split her lips and the raven-haired girl managed the slightest grin, "As much as I think on that, it was the only choice to make. You're the only one who's dared to show me what I'm capable of."

"Everyone else has been content to let it fester."

Venom unexpectedly entered her voice at the last line, but it was true. All these people in her life had known of her sensitivity, her gift in the Force, but none had offered to train or educate her in it. Her uncle, a Darksider himself, the Sovereign, who had untold talent in the Force; even Ar'ekk, a former Jedi. None had seized that opportunity to show Nilia her path, save Maliphant, the day he arrived aboard her liner.

"So I suppose I owe for you that." Levity returned, followed by a more truthful smile.

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Evening Wear Attire

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Galidraan​

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Blakeslee Falls Estate​

Vestibule > Ballroom > ?​

[member="Taeli Raaf"]​

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"Thank you," Fiolette whispered Taeli already knew exactly what was on her mind.

After their announcements, "yes, one's titles show your accomplishments and they are to be heard for all." Fiolette looked about the ballroom a moment or two, the Emperor and the Empresses were spotted among the crowd. [member="Darth Prazutis"] of whom she recalled from Asation, the Shadow Hand was his title if she remembered correctly. Taeli had also informed her of just who was who, there was even a chart involved for the old woman. "So just where do you want to begin, we can mingle or dance, or roam the Hall of Nobles. Of which I'm sure you're eager to see."

Perhaps they could speak with the Emperor himself, or maybe speak with other Sith Lords. It did beg the question if the other Sith Lords actually spoke with one another, she looked over at her beloved and smiled again. "Or perhaps we can investigate the bar and the buffet?" She asked although she was happy to wait there would certainly be enough food and drink to last the evening.

 

[Darth Empyrean]

Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate

Currently In: The Ballroom, amongst the dancers.
Interacting With: [member="Nilia Saavilin"]
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“Yes, I suppose you do.”, Maliphant said teasingly as the two spun.

The music moved through its motions once more, lifting and falling with the grace only a symphony could provide leaving the two to swim in its ocean. Maliphant was, at the very least, a reasonable dancer, though certainly could use more training; but it was enough to get him through a few dances more than anything else. The prowling eyes of the crowds wouldn’t have much to write home about, but the Sith seemed to enjoy it regardless.

“I’m sure you can make it up to me.”, he said with a flare for the dramatic;

“Someday.”

And so Maliphant let the music guide their motions, letting silence take over until the song had run its course; through weaves and bounds before the two were settled, the crowd ceasing their collective movement as the song ended, leaving them on the edge in a slight embrace. The Master gave his Apprentice a gracious smile before speaking;

“Think we should make friends with the locals?”, he said in an almost out of character joyous manner.

 

[Salara Zambrano]

Salara watched from one of the balconies as the guests arrived. Speeder after speeder she watched them disembark, "such a beautiful evening, don't you think?" She asked of [member="Invicta Zambrano"] who stood beside her. The Energy Vampire was absolutely radiant and towered over the petite Epicanthix, all the while the Empress turned her attention back to the courtyard. Invicta leaned over and gave Salara a soft kiss on the cheek.

"A beautiful evening indeed, and there I believe is our beloved."

"Mhmmm." She agreed, the silhouette of the Crestfallen II was not hard to spot. The two women departed the balcony and moved to meet with their husband, quietly they made their way through the crowd. Salara wore a deep burgundy gown with a tiara that spoke of her station. Her family's crest clipped on neatly as she and Invicta descended the steps of the castle. Invicta whispered seeing [member="Taeli Raaf"] and [member="Darth Prazutis"] along with others in service to the Empire. As she whispered the joys of such an event to Invicta, the downfall of the light, the growth of the empire and their own personal familial growth. Salara and Invicta both added two more children to the family line, and as the courtyard greeted them the sight of the other wives and their beloved husband came into fullview.

"Darling." Salara greeted as Invicta moved to link arm with [member="Darth Carnifex"].

 

[Darian Helsic]

Dear, unknown, and unimpressive Major Helsic had found himself in a strange position today: he wasn't clad in the powerful Mark II armor of the Legion nor was he heaving a massive LMG to crush the enemies of the Empire. No, no, he was doing something far more foreign during the past while: just enjoying himself, not a weapon in sight. Sadly, had been hard enough to convince himself to come even though his trusty and beloved pistol (though frankly he'd rather be carrying a small arsenal in case of an assassination attempt, paranoid dog.) and a bit of extra work to find himself something presentable.

He was a rough and gruff man and had taken reaching into "friends" in the Armada to hook him up with a suit that seemed half suitable for the occasion. A bit of blank Armada uniform with some other nonsense mixed in, good enough for him. He was never one for being overly flashy when outside the armor, he did a damn fine parade drill though (much to the ire of the men he worked to hard to reach those standards). Just to add to the strangeness of the whole situation, Darian actually took part in being social. Far less of his cold self, sitting around at the bar and talking to anyone who was willing to listen.

Now if the topics were suitable was a whole matter entirely, suit doesn't make the man. A story or two about being a Marauder before joining the Legion, maybe some nonsense about what he did when fighting on Commenor (far from grand, he was no war hero yet. Just another rank and file with a command to his name). Nothing was probably safe from being used as story fodder now that the warm feeling of booze was rolling through his system.

 

[Mellifluous Magenta]

Rowena Ewesa
Post 1
Attire: Short Black Dress
Location: Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate
[member="Karl Von Strauss"]

Having lived within a spaceship for most of her young life, Rowena could not help but to savor the cool and crisp sensation of the night time air against her bare skin, which was generously exposed in her short black dress. Her eyes took in all the sights of the speeder trip to the estate, including the thick pine forests and the tall snow-capped mountains in the distance. She had insisted on riding in one of Karl's open-top land speeders on the trip to the estate for that exact reason, and she did not regret her decision in the slightest. However, as starved for nature as she was, Rowena's mouth went agape when the exquisite Galidraani mansion came into view. The mansion's aesthetic did not possess the harsh angle and lines that she was used to seeing in First Order architecture. It reminded her of the romantic castles and mansions in a holodrama pertaining to princesses and royalty. A smile formed upon her features when she realized that she felt exactly like one.

After Karl landed the speeder in the designated parking area outside of the estate, Rowena graciously thanked him for opening the door, before walking alongside him to the gates and past the security. Her silver platform heels clicked gently against the pavement, as she walked. The shoes conveniently added five inches to her stature, but even with the helpful boost in height, Rowena was quite aware that she walked in the same space as some of the most towering men and women in the galaxy, physically and metaphorically. Instinctively, she pressed her left shoulder a little closer to her partner, who was a stoic bastion of the familiar for her in a foreign space. However, the diminutive First Order pilot was more overwhelmed than she was afraid.

"Umm...how about the main ballroom? Perhaps we could...dance." She added with a coy smile. "I feel like a princess, Karl..." She added a little shyly.

 

[Lynnori Cruz]

The Outer Rim, Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate, The Garden Paths, Unspecified Time
Forget-Me-Nots | Interacting with [member="Kole Harper"] (Others TBD) ~ Young and Beautiful ~ "Had my cake now."
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"Oh, I'll find it."

Never doubt a Zeltron's latent ability to discover wellsprings of alcohol. He seemed parched too-- No, not like that --So it was that wisdom in mind that Lynnori began to lead her partner off the beaten track. Most seemed keen to wander through to the ballroom, but, not her. If Kole let her, which she suspected he likely would, Lyn veered off into the expanse of the gardens, sequined skirt glimmering gold and copper in the muted light of this area of the party. A delightful sight, to be sure.

"One thing I've found in my vast experience is that a lot of people like to drink outside," She prattled on, a little nervously, blue hair brushed over her shoulder as she led on, "So, uh, if my wisdom's correct, which it normally is, then there ought to be a bar out here somewhere. You know, hopefully..."

She was right; but it was further down the way than anticipated, the path of the garden widening into what was clearly an outdoor dining space. So, in reaction, her gait slowed, eyes idly wandering upwards at the estate in which they conspired tonight, "It's a nice place." Talking to the aesthetics, of course. The people within made this place the complete opposite of a 'nice place'.

Not like you'd catch her saying that aloud, though. She finally looked back down to the one beside her, a grin across her rosy face, "Planning to get us some jobs tonight, right?" Or just him. Well. Their partnership had never been officially re-established since the Maltoya case's resolution. Who knows, he might be looking out for himself here. Which meant she'd have to watch her back a little more attentively than she already did.

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Evening Wear Attire

 

[Nilia Saavilin]

The Outer Rim, Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate, The Ballroom, Unspecified Time
Crooked Horns | Interacting with [member="Darth Maliphant"] (Others TBD) ~ Glory and Gore ~ "Dropping glasses just to hear them break."
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It was clear that Nilia was skilled at this. She more often than not subtly nudged Maliphant through the motions if he wound up close to a fumble, ensuring they remained on track in the delicate waltz of ballroom dancing. There was another gentle laugh at his words, her euphoria sure to return in a sharp, quick spike, "Someday. Yes." This was the most she had smiled in a while, and it showed in how she eagerly beamed, face flush with the activity, chest lighter than ever. Burdens gone.

When it came to an end she almost looked bashful. It was an early dance, one more out of raw excitement for the form than for any sense of decorum. There were sure to be many more like it to come but like all good things, this one came to an end soon enough. A few seconds of processing time, and she began to disconnect from Maliphant, disassembling their dancing form.

"Socialize? Yes, I suppose so," Nilia felt zero obligation to the Sith Empire, which was to make for some no doubt tense scenes, but come what may, she was ready to start the meet-and-greet, "I hope you'll be able to resist biting their heads off."

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Evening Wear Attire

 

[Yasha Cadera]

A Mandalorian without armour was an uncomfortable bedfellow, attempting to fashion clothing from the sheets. Mand’alor the Infernal held no immunity to this compulsory desire for safety well armed. The dress she wore, the elbow-length vambraces instead of gloves plaited in gold were works of singular craftsmanship. The goran’e who worked upon them dedicated to ensuring that even at a Gala such as this, the Infernal was properly dressed. The skirt, which hugged her hips and thighs to flute outward at her knees was a thin mail.

Upon her head was a crown of beskar fitted to her brow and fluting over forehead and ears with stylized golden shriek-hawk feathers. Hair plaited in braids atop her head, skin dusted with a pearlescent cosmetic powder, Yasha stood tall and pristine.

Mandalore was no more the limping cacophony of systems banding together against a cold and weary annihilation. The Mandalorian Empire had, in the time of the Infernal, expanded economically, diplomatically and in the imperial expansion of systems under the Hell Wolf’s banner.

"You will love him, Aunt Kay, once he can be found. Look for the one whose head scrapes the ceiling." Commenor had been their closest, and now Yasha Mantis walked into the Ball with [member="Lady Kay"] on her arm. It was an act of solidarity and familial piety, to insist that Queen Kay Arenais attend with the emotional and stalwart protection of [member="Kaine Australis"], [member="Abel Australis"], [member="Jor Kvall"], and the other Mandalorians who joined the envoy to Galidraan.

“Your brother’s death was a loss to all of us, [member="Jake Awaud"]. I would monopolize your time on Manda’yaim for an hour or two, Jaster and I had unfinished business and it falls to you.” Trust me, she seemed to say, with the cast of her Amber eyes, and the glances around this den of elite. “There are a few Mandalorians in attendance. Far be it for others to tell us how to enjoy ourselves.”

With a wink and a sly grin of black painted lips, Yasha took Jake’s hand… and slipped a thin item to him. That accomplished, Yasha turned to her faithful Warmaster and looked him over.

“I guess you could make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear after all, Australis.” Yasha’s smile grew distant and warm. The hope that this night could, above all, be joyful predominated her thought… it was time.

“Shall we, heads high and honour abounding?” It was indeed time for her family to meet [member="Alvarex Zambrano"]. Taking Kay’s arm, and watching as Adara, followed by her nanny and dressed in crimson, rushed to take Kain’ik’s hand, Mand’alor the Infernal walked into the event, to greet the Emperor and Empresses properly.

"Come on! Come on, Baba! I have to introduce you to Glomkhoduil." Adara tugged at Kaine's hand, attempting her best to behave.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] [member="Salara Zambrano"] [member="Invicta Zambrano"] [member="Darth Prazutis"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay knew that this was going to be an uncomfortable evening. If not solely for being in the presence of those that took over her world and created a Dark Nexus upon it, but being surrounded in their Darkness as well. But she had made a promise both to herself and to [member="Yasha Mantis"] to not be a gloomy Gus and to pretend to want to play the game. Plus she had to protect her niece from those that just wanted to use her for what she had the potential to create; others like [member="Adara Raxis"] .

Dressed in a light Commenori blue gown, Kay stepped inside, holding onto Yasha's arm. She spoke quietly to her niece as the comment came of looking for a man that was very tall. "Don't all the Zambranos have that problem? If he had pink hair, that might be easier to figure out..." Of course she hoped that this 'love interest' of Yasha's wouldn't show at all. But that was just her over-protective wishes.

Kay had yet to hear about the death of Jaster. Until now. Her jaw dropped ever so slightly at the news. She wondered if her daughter knew. Jaster was her guardian, afterall. Hopefully she was handling it okay.


Already this evening was starting with bad tidings. And that had taken just moments. Was it a harbinger of more to come?

She bowed her head to both [member="Jake Awaud"] and [member="Kaine Australis"] , fully prepared to stick with them for the evening. Afterall, they were the only beings here that she could trust. "Kaine, you look dashing. And Yasha, I will do my best to bite my tongue. But don't expect me to be on friendly terms with those that terrorized and occupy my home." She plastered on a fake smile and shrunk her Force signature down to that of a small tree nut. It was still her secret and perhaps blocking herself in some way would keep her from wanting to throw up or pass out. It gave her something else to focus on too, besides wanting to crush [member="Darth Prazutis"] ' heart until it exploded in her Force grip. Such a vengeful thought for all of his torture and torment helped her to sleep at night as of late. One day the tables will be turned and she'll have him kneeling to her, bound and destroyed in body and spirit.

One day.

It was certainly a goal to work towards.

[member="Tom Taff"]

 

[Rakaan Horne]

GALIDRAAN​

BLAKESLEE FALLS ESTATE​

GARDEN PATHS​

​

That might have been an indication that the night wasn't going to go exactly as he had planned it. Kole had known that his associate -- a strong supporter of the imperials with connections that spread far and wide -- was to be waiting inside- and that Kole was only ever meant to find his way in, link up with that figure he'd known, and be led around the room whilst being introduced to several imperials that held their own credits in such low regard, ready to hire an agent, an investigator, anyone to perform a series of tasks that could benefit the both of them. Lyn, as much as he felt uncomfortable about it, was a tool to be used. A Zeltron emitted those pheromones that made everything easier, and if they could be used on someone giving away their money, their employment opportunities? Then Kole was certainly going to make the most of it.

​"Down to a science." Kole had commented in regards to the Zeltron's seemingly simple deductions, his eyebrows flexing upwards in amusement as a subtle smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. Maybe it was a hint of karma that had Lyn lead him astray, venturing through a garden path on their way to immediately find something to drink, maybe something with a little sting- that can pack a punch. It'd settle the nerves, that's for sure. Potentially find any Sith, or Imperial Warlord on the more amicable side of things. Whoever it was that Kole was supposed to meet was going to have to wait.

He had cocked his head to the side as he further dwelled on the fact they should be inside, or how to even speak of it without shutting down anything that Lynnori might have been interested in doing. "Yeah." He simply stated, nodding his head forth, redirecting his gaze onto her as his hand remained around her waist. "It can wait." He rationalised to himself. Better to keep the finer details free, lest he bother himself.

[member="Lynnori Cruz"]

 

[Adara Raxis]

A small child allowed to dance at a ball had to be on her best behaviour. The fact her Baba [member="Kaine Australis"] needed a chaperone more than she did was enough of an impetus for Yasha to allow the insistence of Adara’s Godmother, [member="Fiolette Yvarro"] and her lady love [member="Taeli Raaf"], that the little one attend.

Her dress fluttered with layers of red tulle, chersilk flowers pinned to the off-the-shoulder child’s gown. Atop her head, carefully and firmly placed with pins into braided hair, was the coronet of the Lady Fitz-Kierke no Kaho, a miniature version crafted of lesser stones & glass for Adara’s young head. Regardless, the tiara of gold, ruby and ‘diamond’ finished well the look.

“And then a dance? Oh, look Baba! Look at the garden, Buir would love the garden… oh look! Look at those dresses, Baba! I’m going to be pretty like Buir and Auntie Kay someday.” Scooped up in Baba’s arms, Adara grinned her prettiest smile, and gave the old soldier a peck on the cheek. A tiny sheen of coloured lip gloss (all the make up Adara was allowed for the event) remained on her adopted father’s cheek. Set down and walking smartly behind her mother and Aunt Kay, Adara went up on her tip toes to pat [member="Lady Kay"]’s hand.

“It’s okay, Auntie. Have a cookie. Cookies make everything better.” While the child had no comprehension of the greater political landscape, she did know when adults were using their grrrr voices.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] was easy to make out in the crowd. For one, he was two feet taller than most, and she could sense him in the room. For two, he was dressed in Imperial Red. For three, he was surrounded by his beautiful wives and Uncle Prazamussus ([member="Darth Prazutis"]). For four, Adara knew she would only get one moment to say hello and show Glomkhoduil her new dress, before he did many important Adult things, like dance, and talk to other Adults, and enjoy himself with his family.

Besides, Adara also knew her nanny Aiya was waiting three steps behind to whisk Adara off after a few minutes pretending to be a Lady, so she could go to bed and let the Adults have their fun without her. So what was a little child to do? Grab her Baba's hand and march straight over to the Dark Lord to say hello, then bid him adieu, before he got too busy. Maybe she might even get a wave from Uncle Prazamussus, if she were lucky.

"You promise you'll be good, so after we say hello I can dance on your toes?"

 

[Lynnori Cruz]

The Outer Rim, Galidraan, Blakeslee Falls Estate, The Garden Paths, Unspecified Time
Sunflower | Interacting with [member="Kole Harper"] (Others TBD) ~ Young and Beautiful ~ "Diamonds, brilliant, in Bel-Air now."
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Even without being able to detect Kole through her limited telepathy or pheromones, she could tell this detour was vexing him just a little. That was part of the fun, admittedly.

It was nice, though. Wasn't it?

"Oh, come on. We'll load you up with something strong and see if we can't make you sing then." There was less subtly to her now as she just grabbed the hand Kole had positioned around her waist and started to blatantly lead on. No mistaking who bossed who around there, at least; who out of the striking duo had the emotional upper-hand despite the physical disparity.

They marched on through stone walkways and flowery vistas and small alcoves that no doubt could be used for all sorts of snogging but Lyn's normally-wayward mind had one desire right now, and it was the drink. She could revisit those private areas later in the evening, if she could still walk. Well, she intended to. Kole would fly like an old woman and get them back to safe civilization taking twice the time she would have, if she was too 'under the weather' to get behind the wheel.

Yeah, she refused to let that happen. Buzzed? Sure. But below the legal limit of space-driving no matter what.

"What'll you be having?" Her head turned a little to look back to Kole with an impassive expression. She was clearly planning to bulk order.

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Evening Wear Attire

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

The Courtyard > The Ballroom
Wearing: Zhongshan Suit, Shimmersilk Cape, HoloLink
Interacting with: [open]

A Galactic Alliance ambassador, member of the New Jedi Order, governing a world of the First Order. And now that same voice of the Alliance was standing inside of the Sith Emperor's Ball.

You couldn't make this stuff up if you tried.

The teen was a rather poor example of a Jedi. Or a rather good one, depending on your point of view. In truth, he'd only drawn his lightsaber one time in his life. That being the invasion of Dagobah. Even if the lightsaber he ordinarily carried was more ceremonial than it were function, the teen found that he felt naked without it at his hip.

It usually irritated him. Bouncing against his thigh whenever he walked. Now, strangely enough, he found that the absence of that weight tapping his leg made him feel as though he were missing a part of himself.

To be honest, the boy had no desire to be celebrating with the Sith, but he was the Imperial Governor of the Atrisian Commonwealth now. A role that required building political alliances and professional networks inside and around the First Order. And one of the largest political alliances at work in the galaxy was the bond codified by treaty between the First Order and the Sith Empire.

The enemy of my enemy...

For now, he'd smile and wave. Make small talk. And try not to think about the plight of his fellows in the Alliance -- [member="Jaius Sovv"] or [member="Coren Starchaser"] or [member="Rekha Kaarde"] -- their faces coming to mind, even as the boy wound his way to the entry of the ball proper.

Were they celebrating?

Were they even still alive?

"Shoma, Crown Prince of Atrisia, Kilea and Frisal, Head of the Commonwealth."

Standing there, framed in the doorway, looking out on a evening devoted to the victories, to the bloodshed, to the carnage, to the excesses, to the horrors inflicted by the Sith... Shoma couldn't help but wonder what his younger self would think of him now. Would he have been able to make that decision to sign that treaty that [member="Natasi Fortan"] had offered? To cast off the pride of rebellion and commit himself to reviving the economy and standing of the Atrisian people?

To put their needs before his morals or beliefs.

Maybe he wasn't the Jedi that he aspired to be. Maybe he wasn't the man or warrior that honor demanded. Maybe there was no right, no wrong.

He was just a politician. Trying to raise the quality of life even just a little bit for those few who had crawled from out of the devastation unleashed on his world.

So he'd smile. And wave. "Thank you," the boy intoned softly, inclining his head to acknowledge thanks for the one who had announced his entry into the ballroom.

Step into my parlor, said the Sith to the Jedi...

 

[Ronan Vizsla]

[member="Tamara Wren"] [member="Koda Fett"] [member="Irella Toldreyn"] [member="Vilaz Munin"]

House Vizsla had received an invite to this gala from the Dark Lord.

He had been disinterested. What was there to do here? Drink? Dance? Eat merry and enjoy yourself. To anyone else that might have sounded like a jolly ol' time, but to Ronan it seemed a waste of one. There were more important things to do. Training to be held. Worlds to conquer and pillage. He went anyway. Took with him his daughter. Koda. Vilaz. And almost as an afterthought he invited Irella as his plus one. She had proven herself in the pit of Nar Shaddaa.

Shown that the Jetti corruption in her veins wasn't all-encompassing.

That she could kill and murder, if her life depended on it. It made Ronan curious to see what else there was there. "I was asked by the Dark Lord to keep the peace here." He shared with his people. There was amusement in his tone there. "Seems many people wish peace from me these days."

Maybe it fit with his own commitment. Ronan wasn't sure yet if this was the right path or if it was weakness hidden from him.

The weight of his armor felt good as they strolled into the courtyard. His helmet hissed as he disengaged the magnetic locks, pulling it off and showing his face to the front of the security. They seemed to be taken aback by the armor. But they recognized his face alright. Less bloody, less ash, but Alor of House Vizsla nonetheless. "Four. My daughter, two of my allies, my..." A glance towards Irella. "Date." If Koda's helmet could smirk it would at that point.

He could almost feel it.

There was some discussion. It was pushed up the hierarchy. Then they realized that it would be easier to rip the Imperial Palace from Bastion than to pry away a Mandalorian's armor.

They passed through.

"Tam." The others were left aside as he stepped to the side with Tamara. "Remember your lessons and..." His expression became difficult to read. "Enjoy yourself."

 

[Hira Mitsae]

[member="Umai"]

"My, my... my." Julian murmured as the estate slowly rose up in the distance. "Dats da real deal, yah? How did ya get da invite?"

He listened.

"Really?"

There was a murmur in the shadow clinging to his heels. "Ya dun' say da." It didn't take long for him to reach a statue. The visage was one of a demon of sorts. All dark, black lines and twisting up in the sky. Julian watched it, then blinked and suddenly the image disappeared. Now it was some old general. "Mmm, ya ya, the Nether has fine designs, agreed." It might have looked strange from the outside. How this man, ragged clothes and faded black, was talking to himself.

There was no audible response back after all.

But he didn't seem to mind the optics. Smiling a bright white toothy smile whenever someone passed him and send him an ugly look. "Ya sure she will be here?" Julian didn't... strictly have a date. But the shadow had spoken clearly. Right around this time, this location, someone would come striding around.

Hair of fire, stride of purpose.

Soul bright and full of potential.

The shadow wanted her. Bargain made, was bargain done, ya? "Already is? Wha-" Suddenly his attention was dragged to the side. There a woman walked. Just as the shadow had said. Red hair like they were stained with blood. A blink. He saw double now for a moment. Saw the Umai that was now and the Umai that could be. Another blink. Now there was just one. "How yuh duh, sliver of silver." He called out, pushing himself off the statue and towards her.

Clearly he could only be talking to her.

"I know whatcha be, miss Silver, know whatcha can be, yah? Gimme a second an' I will tell ya." The smile grew mischievous.