The First Annual Avidonian Dominion Gala

[Owain]

Owain frowned and opened his mouth to speak but what interrupted by probably the most self-important announcement of the night. The Baroness (or was it Duchess? He had no idea) had finally deigned to show herself. Her arrival hushed the room before giving way to a variety of welcomes. The woman of the hour indeed. The youth was wary of her. Like he was of any politician. He knew she was wily and conniving, as all her ilk, but the question was did she know he knew? And if so, to what extent? He was no schemer. And the woman was perfectly placed to send him away from Felicity - something he would not tolerate, rules be damned.

"Well, your teacher is here," he mumbled, before shaking his head and pushing his dark thoughts to a dark corner of his mind. "Hmm, so how would you go about sneaking out of here?" he asked her suddenly, a way to distract her from the party occurring to him.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

It was likely both flirtation and compliments on his part, and while his comments did please her, on the off chance he meant them seriously, the Twi'lek glanced briefly at [member="Lorraei"] before responding, attention seemingly on the room at large and chin still high.

"You are my escort, but this is not all you are. You have honour and worth of your own even without me."

It was true, being a Companion was no small matter. They were known for being exacting in their standards. Of he had come alone he still would have warranted an introduction if he'd known to arrange one. Of course some people were being absolutely ridiculous about it, which while amusing.. One had to wonder if the Duchess had approved it, or if she'd not thought to check and see what titles people had submitted upon RSVPing. For her part, Chiasa would have checked. She always assumed people were idiots until proven otherwise. Often dangerous idiots, but idiots all the same.

"Though if you should happen to blush as well.."

The Twi'lek offered him a playful smile and a slight shrug of her shoulders. The room fell silent as the [member="Duchess Magrath"] made her appearance and spoke. She was pleased at the mention of the Red Ravens, inclining her head slightly to the woman in recognition of the concession. As the music and chatter picked back up after the Duchess said her piece, her attention switched back to Lorraei.

"I would enjoy that."

After all, the Twi'lek had been a dancer once. Sold to a Dance Hall as a child in fact. While she would never return to that life and was liable to gouge the eyes out of anyone who suggested she dance for money, she still saw it as a pure and worthy art form.

 

[Felicity Mason]

Felicity met the eye of the Dutchess and gave her a stiff, awkward nod. Bow to nobody, was what her Father always said, but she didn't think that she could resist in the presence of the glamorous, powerful being. She felt as she did when she was with her Mother. She was nothing and they were everything. She feared her, but more than that, she feared disappointing her. This woman was exactly what she wanted to be, but she knew she could never climb that high.

"I'd simply make something up. Maybe claim that I'm menstruating. Nobody asks for proof when you say that."
She said this quietly, leaning in to whisper. She could say what ever she wanted with Owain, but she knew well enough to keep it down in public. She still needed to find somewhere to sneak away with Owain that she knew they wouldn't be found out. So far, she'd found nowhere. The Dutchess was far more willing to give her space than Mother was, but Felicity always had to keep in mind that the two of them were dear friends. Trust nobody.

"Are you uncomfortable too?" she asked, moving her body a little closer to his as a woman in a wide skirt slipped past them, "I am sorry for dragging you here."

[member="Owain"] [member="Duchess Magrath"]

 

[Lorraei]

Ray smiled and nodded to passersby. Keeping his face away from Chiasa briefly until he was confident his face was no longer tinged with red. He had been called a lot of things in his life, not many were positive and never honorable. He turned back to her, smiling.

"Well I'm pleased it wasn't long winded, lady Chiasa. Some of these so called titles are getting ridiculous. I fail to see the merit of 'pod racing champion' given the nature of the evening. Or worse still 'shadow doctor.' I have no idea what that is but it makes him sound nefarious."

The crowd had become hushed and Lorraei followed their gaze to the landing above the gathering. [member="Duchess Magrath"] addressed those that had come to honor her coronation. The speech was elegant and simple. It was a fitting opening for the evening, in Lorraei's opinion. When the Duchess stepped away and the crowd returned to mingling, Ray readily brought his attention back to Chiasa.

"In which case, my lady, the Duchess will be hard pressed to find something more enjoyable than a dance with you. Shall we?"

With a sweep of his arm Lorraei motioned toward the dance floor. He was content to let Chiasa led the way, knowing he would have the opportunity to set their pace in a moment. Nothing complex or strenuous, it would be undignified to leave the floor sweating. They hadn't known each other long enough to choreograph anything, so simple and easy to follow would be just fine. Polite too.

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]

 

[Owain]

Owain nodded along as he caught Felicity's envious look at the Duchess. Ah, childhood role models. He wished he had had some. Still, the woman was dangerous, and bewitching, and had Felicity in her thrall. Or not. It was difficult to be sure. Felicity was her own person, but so inexperienced she could easily be impressed or indirectly manipulated. The boy shook his head and sipped his drink, only to choke when the blonde princess next to him mentioned that quirk of being female.

Coughing slightly, he thumped his chest before looking at her. "Right," he stated weakly, shaking his head. "And it's fine, I learned how to amuse myself through these things a while ago...how about a tour of the castle?" he suggested. A chance ot get away from the noise and those cold, calculating eyes that were the baronesses. Maybe he should lead Felicity to that library he ahd heard the servants mention?

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

He was embarrassed. Felicity smiled. She liked making him choke when she said something completely unladylike and unexpected. She moved with him, kept him close. He couldn't see it, but the adoration shone bright like the sun. She took a sip of her drink.

"A tour? I suppose. If you think we can slip away for a while."

That was exciting. There were so many places she had not yet been to. Exploring with him. At night. Alone. While her host was distracted. It all felt so... devious.

[member="Owain"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

[member="Armand Temi"] [member="Leilani Paaie"]

'Ooh Armand has a lady friend.' Jaster though.

It had been a few weeks since he saw his old friend. Jaster was busy building supply lines while Armand was at arms with a lovely female, this seemed unfair. Jaster left his guards stand, well guard, as he headed to his old friend.

Walking up to the pair Jaster of course spoke first, "And here I though you were baried deeper in paperwork then I, yet here you are with a women," Jaster smiled as he walked behind the pair with his grin, "I guess everyone is seeking me their work?"

This man was of high interest to Jaster, not only a member of his Guild, but also a customer. There was always a first for Jaster, and this man was Jasters first surprise.

 

[Owain]

The boy grinned. "If anyone challenges us, just say you were curious. You are living here now after all," he pointed out. "Now, how about we go find that library I heard about?" Owain suggested, knowing Felicity's love for books. Even back at Dis she had often spent a lot of time in the library. Maybe it would help her feel more at home here.

[member="Felicity Mason"]

 

[Armand Temi]

When Leilani whispered in his ear, the Hapan doctor instinctively slipped both arms around her waist. Then he saw his friend Jaster approaching and he disentangled himself from her warm body and stood ready to greet the medic. Great timing, Jaster, he thought narrowing his eyes at his acquaintance from the Healer's Guild.

"Surely we can take a break from our administrative duties now and then," he replied, clasping Jaster on the back. "I would like for you to meet Leilani Paaie. She is a good friend of mine."

He wanted to say girlfriend but inside Armand wasn't sure where he actually stood with the enchanting Zeltron. Could their partnership be considered more than friends? For certain, he mused, as vibrant memories of their night in the Hapan hotel came back to him instinctively. But since that encounter there had been no promises made of an actual relationship. For now, he would have to wait and see where he stood in that department. He sipped champagne and watched her movements with a careful eye.

[member="Jaster of clan Awaud"] [member="Leilani Paaie"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Library. Felicity had not explored that far yet. She was very much interested though. She spent so much time around the written word. There was never anything fun to do at Theeds Palace, so she'd taken to reading in the gardens. Sometimes she would just sit there in silence for hours until the sun went down and she had to go back inside. She missed that, having a quiet place to read. The library was a perfect place to familiarize herself with.

"Alright," she whispered, "but we'd have to leave quietly. Can't let her see us..."

She glanced at Duchess Magrath as she set her empty glass down. That woman seemed to notice everything though. Could they escape without her seeing?

[member="Owain"] [member="Duchess Magrath"]

 

[Chiasa Kritivaas]

"One does feel the need to mind ones kidneys."

She commented with an amused smile as he brought up the Shadow Doctor title. It did seem a bit like he might be out and about stealing organs. Or preforming half priced surgeries in an alleyway somewhere.

"We shall."

At the sweep of [member="Lorraei"]s arm, she moved gracefully out to the dance floor, certain that he would follow. While she'd not danced with him before, from the way he moved and carried himself she was confident that he would prove an able partner. That was really all that was required. She was well trained enough that she could adapt to any form or skill he had as long as he wasn't stepping on her feet, which she sincerely doubted would be the case.

Reaching the dance floor she turned to face him, a smile on her face as she waited to let him take the lead, to see what style he preferred.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

More people, more auras, more noise... The young man took a breath as he would take in the atmosphere, casually sipping a drink as he would watch the shenanigans of the other party-goers. Well, gala-goers worked too, he supposed. He knowingly smirked faintly over at the Duchess as his eyes met her own, acknowledging her presence before deciding to take a seat, quietly observing, listening... Sensing... Relaxing.

 

[Jaster Awaud]

[member="Armand Temi"] [member="Leilani Paaie"]

Jaster was pleased to see a friendly face of the many people he knew in the room. Truth be told he had a case file for almost everyone in the room. Yet the lovely women in grounf of him was left out it seemed as he did not recognize her name. Nothing makes Jaster happier then a little curiosity, and it was the killing of the cat that excited him the most.

"Well hello," Jaster bowed his head in respect to the women and asked, "I must know how you meet my lovely friends here?" Jaster had a grin on his face as he was with no doubt going to hold it over Armand's head that he never mentioned a lovely women at the guild hall meetings.

Then again everyone has their secrets, Jaster had a lot he couldn't share so best just let him off the hook them.

'Nawwww' Jaster thought as he waited for the either to reply.

 

[Lorraei]

Lorraei let out an easy chuckle as he followed after Chiasa. In his mind their evening was much like a game of chess. Each one moving and commentating in an artfully dance, garnering a feel for the others personality. Each little smile he provoked only enraptured him further. When she stopped upon the dance floor Lorraei couldn't help but grin at her.

"You look rather confident, my lady Chiasa. It's very becoming. I assume we can skip over the simple box step then?"

He continued past her, smiling foolishly. His eyes stayed with her until he reached the musicians. "Gents, a change of pace please. Home string is A Flat. Three four time signature. Lead with the violinist."

Ray gave a quick vocalization as an example and it only took the musicians a moment to find a rhythm and begin playing. He returned to his date with a more serious expression. A playful glint in his eye, but his smile was reserved, a shadow of the boyish mischief it held before. He swept a stately bow before Chiasa and offered out his hand.

"Would you honor me with this dance, fair lady?" Intent on a simple Waltz for their first dance.

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]

-Johannes Brahma; Waltz in A Flat (violin solo)-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TJcoaIeH3GI

 

[Leilani Paaie]

[member="Jaster of clan Awaud"] [member="Armand Temi"]

Leilani was disappointed when Armand had to pull away but she hid it however when she turned to face Armand's friend she made sure to touch Armand's arm and winked at him. She turned her head to Jaster.

"It's really quite the tale" She leaned a little closer as if telling a great secret, "I got run over by a reckless pod driver, Armand offered to take a look at it, fix me up, and kiss my boo boo". She smiled as she looked from Jaster to Armand.

"How did you meet my sexy doctor?" She laid her hand on Armand's arm.

 

[Jaster Awaud]

[member="Leilani Paaie"] [member="Armand Temi"]

Jaster couldn't help himself from making a small grin on his face, if members of the guild were to hear. Jaster of course wouldn't spread such nasty roomers, but it kept him entertained for future events of Depression and boardum.

Jaster was ready to awnser the question, but weather Amand had been outspoken about the Guild was another question, so small tweeks in the story were inevitable.

"Ahh, I meet the 'Sexy' doctor some years back, I was a mere commander of a medical transport team and was delivering supplys to a refugee camp from one of the conflict, though the planet escapes me, I've visited quite a few in my life," Jaster was getting sidetracked, "but he was helping at the clinic with injured civilians, after hours and a few drinks I guess you can say he stole our friendship over a game of cards as he stole my money as well."

Jaster smiled at the doctor as though some of the details were removed, the plot was still there. The memories of his career were a blizzard of many things, though few he could call friend, Armand was one of the few in this category.

 

[Yoru Shakou]

There were many that would seek out the Duchess, and she understood that many whom would were merely there for their own ends. Of course that never stopped her from bringing them to her, and speaking with them. Yet she always had something more pressing and those that she felt where merely an irritant with nothing more to offer than their own egos would find themselves pushed out of conversation. Standing quietly for a moment, her eyes scanned over the room, the golden-yellow hues following her guests before they fell upon one very important young woman, only to shift to the escort whom she had arrived with. ​

​

A soft smile crossed her lips as she slowly pivoted upon her back foot, moving down the steps. Of course she need not worry about pushing the crowd back, they did that of their own accord. The large Nexu slowly lumbering towards the girl and her guest. With a soft smirk tugging at her lips, the Duchess heard the many gasps and near screams as the large Nexu lunged up, its front paws pressing upon the girl's shoulders before it rubbed its face upon her cheek. ​

​

"Nisal, down. There will be time for that much later."​

​

With a begrudging low whine the Nexu dropped from what it considered a new member of the Magrath family, only to return to the Duchess' side. Stepping forward though her sight was set more upon the young man. She knew what the girl's mother would have wanted, the action of pushing this young man away from her, yet she was not the girl's mother. With a soft smile she slowly moved around the two, as if she were inspecting them before she came to a stop before Felicity. ​

​

Moving forward, she gently wrapped her arms around her in a soft embrace, pulling her in close. If she was going to push things her way, she was going to start slowly, and what better way than to gently edge her towards her youngest son. ​

​

"It's down the hall my dear. One right, one left, third on the right. Try not to get into trouble."​

​

Leaning back, she smiled at the girl, giving her blessing to leave the party as she desired. After all, the Duchess understood what it meant to be young and at such events. In her own youth she found herself sneaking away more often than staying at such events. With a soft smile she passed by Owain, only to stop as she softly spoke. ​

​

"I am watching over this young woman for a dear friend of mine. Should I find a single thing out of place, or hear of any ungentlemanly conduct upon your part, I can guarantee you that my pet Nisal here has a fondness for the rather delicate bits of the male. Understood?"​

​

Of course the Duchess would not remain long enough to allow for a response. A soft smile crossed her lips as her golden-yellow hues fell upon an old acquaintance whom she had seen at previous engagements that she had thrown. Stepping away from the couple, she smiled as she approached.​

​

"Master DragonsFlame, I do hope you do not plan on spending the entire gala hold up in a little corner."​

​

The Duchess kept her smile upon her lips as she looked around at those that had also arrived. There were plenty of people whom she desired to meet, and plenty would be asked to remain late into the night or to return in the morning for talks with the Duchess. ​

​

​

[member="Darth Hauntruss"]​

[member="Darth Venefica"]​

[member="Solan Charr"]​

[member="Lord Vyse Magrath"]​

[member="Rama Zhar'su"]​

[member="Jaster of clan Awaud"]​

[member="Armand Temi"]​

[member="Seraphina Shel'tah"]​

[member="Chiasa Kritivaas"]​

[member="Aleksandyr Gaillard"]​

[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]​

[member="Alen Na'Varro"]​

[member="Lorraei"]​

[member="Felicity Mason"]​

[member="Owain"]​

 

[Owain]

The duchess approached as he smiled at Songbird, making him lose the smile as he adopted a politely neutral facade. Her support of the younger woman's explorations was somewhat surprising, but he wasn't going to question their good fortune. Until the baroness made her obligatory threat. Hah. A nexu? Really? It'd make a fine coat actually...

Shaking off his daydreams, he watched the woman glide away, feeling his distaste grow. Conniving bitches, the lot of them. Ah well, nothing to be done about that now. He turned back to Felicity. "Shall we?"

[member="Felicity Mason"] [member="Duchess Magrath"]

 

[Felicity Mason]

Two large paws pressed into her shoulders and the girl gasped with surprise. Oh. The nexu. She smiled, giving the large feline a gentle scratch on her furry head. She liked Nexu. Mother couldn't stand to be around them. Made her sneeze. Made Felicitys options for pets growing up... nonexistent. She'd never had her own pet until Hondo, her Tauntaun, and that was just because her Father did not often see fit to consult Mother anymore about, well, anything really. Hondo was a wonderful companion. She visited him every single day, washed him, brushed him, fed him. Still, she was envious of [member="Duchess Magrath"] and her Nexu. Hondo was much too big and wild to follow her around like Nisal.
With a whine, the Nexu took her paws off of her dress, and a voice behind her made the young princess freeze in place. Of course. Where ever the Nexu was, she was never far away either.

The interaction took seconds, but Felicity knew the red in her cheeks would probably last for hours. She was right. The Duchess really did see and hear everything. Felicity often wondered if she was a Force user. Mother never said, and Felicity was far too polite to ask. By the time the girl had thought to say something, she had swept past. She was so lost in her own head, that she did not even notice her saying anything at all to Owain.

"Isn't she just... wonderful?" she breathed, watching her walk away, star struck, "She's like my Mother but absolutely nothing like her at all. Don't you think she is just so beautiful and kind and... glamorous? I don't think I could ever manage it..."

She watched the Duchess from a distance as she followed [member="Owain"] out. It was an awful thing to think, but in the back of the girls mind, she could only think one thing- I wish she was my Mother instead.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

It seemed that the Duchess had recognized him in her walk. The blonde haired Jedi Master would watch as she first spoke to [member="Felicity Mason"] and [member="Owain"] before approaching him. A faint smirk crossed his lips as he would bow respectfully, before speaking.

"Milady, this gala is vast, with people from across the galaxy of all shapes and sizes coming to taste its fruit and socialize with its people, whether it be for sport, for representation, for a good time or for their own selfish reasons. I like to think there's fun to be had, so long as the crowd doesn't turn out to be a bunch of stiffs" He would answer with a bright smile toward her. "Alas, while vast, in my eyes this gala is an unfamiliar one in it's people. I am but a fish in a sea of strangers, not a kinman'd soul in sight besides yourself. Naught an inch of recognization besides Your Highness as well as Miss Mason" He would add, motioning toward [member="Felicity Mason"] and Owain likely sneaking off. "Albeit, only by name and face, not by personal pleasantries".

It was true though. Every person here, with the exception of the aforementioned Duchess, was a stranger to him. He didn't know Felicity personally, so he wasn't sure if she counted either. There was nary a friendly face around, none that would be anything besides rude to attempt conversation with.

"And of course... No need to worry, I have no plans to make a scene this time" The Jedi Master would suddenly joke, shooting the Duchess a teasing grin. They both knew what he meant.

[member="Duchess Magrath"]