The Rise of a Duke

[Jake Daniels]

The Rise of a Duke​

Location: Chandrila
Notes: If interested in joining, PM for invite.

“Oh my heaven’s.” The woman’s fingertips were raised to her lips as she took in the breathtaking view of the home.

“It is indeed marvelous.” Her escort replied before rolling his eyes towards his date. “You are just as exquisite.”

“Stop.” She playfully replied before both of their attentions diverted towards on approaching figure.

“Monsieur Ricardo. Mademoiselle Louissa.” A well dressed concierge said addressing the pair. He noted a white invitation with a red rose drawn on the top left corner of the paper. “This is for you, Monsieur. A rose pin. The Duke has asked anyone with the rose invitations be given one.”

A cocky grin appeared on the face of Ricardo, “Must mean I’m a guest of honor for the Duke.”

“Lord, here goes your ego.” Louissa replied.

The pair were guided from the shuttle. Along a cobblestone path that had various other couples and concierges about, the trio of people gradually made their way towards the main entrance. In what was assumed to be the driveway, at its true center, was a large stone water fountain.

“That’s… unique.” Louissa said as she eyed two men in heated combat.

“Unique and beautiful.” The man added as she admired what he assumed was a gladiatorial display. The water that poured out and around the fountain had an illusion of blue fire; only helped by the additional of teal blue led lights strategically placed just beneath the fountain’s pools water crest.

“I don’t understand men and their fascination with blood sports. It’s bloody barbaric if you ask me.” The woman said.

“I’d mind that tongue tonight, m’dear.” Ricardo replied.

Louissa protested immediately, “I shall do no such thing. This isn’t centuries ago where you expect a lady to lay down and bare a man’s child.”

“Forgive me, I meant no offense however do you think it wise to insult our hosts taste’s? Especially when you do not know him?” Ricardo explained.

It finally clicked for Louissa, “Fine, I’ll be on my best behavior and keep my apparent devilish thoughts of equality to myself.”

Ricardo rolled his eyes as the concierge stepped just inside the large oak doors and extended his arm, “Welcome to the Duke of Honoghr’s home on Chandrila. He shall be addressing those gathered shortly. Help yourself to any refreshments you see fit. If anything is not to your liking please alert staff and we will address it promptly.”

“Thank you.” Ricardo replied slipping a tip into the breast pocket of the concierge’s white vest.

As the pair vanished into the surprisingly large crowd of people, the concierge ascended a flight of stairs only to be stopped by a man in a crisp white tuxedo suit.

“Please alert the Duke that Ricardo and Louissa Bisset have arrived.”

The man nodded and the concierge departed to go about finding his next set of guests to greet.

Throughout the interior of the home, multiple men and women all wore the exact same attire as the guard the concierge spoke too. They were placed at strategic locations, watching over those that were in attendance like hawks watching field mice. They were ready to act, to protect the Duke with nothing more than a simple word. They would die for him as he would them. These were not just meaningless rental cops. These guards were so much more to the Duke… they were nearly family.

The invitations had gone out. Each one hand written in calligraphy by the Duke himself. Certain ones though, they held a special symbol at the top. A hand drawn rose, again by the Duke. A signal on whom would be given a pin upon entrance and of those whom would not.

Subtle music began to play, the origins unclear but the acoustics of the Manor caused an effect that it was clearly audible from any given point within the main ballroom. Scents filled their air, strategic in their type and strength. It was meant to relax and appease; to cause those that would otherwise have their own personal shields up to grow relaxed. After all as far as this evening was concerned it was meant to be one of enjoyment and pleasure. It was a moment for people to meet the Duke.

Some of the concierge that roamed listened to the conversations to be had as they escorted guests, handed out drinks or offered horderves. Some pondered the origins of the mysterious Duke.

“Where’d he come from?”

“Honoghr.”

“Where?”

Others pondered what the true end game was.

“They say he donated thousands to various charities throughout the Core worlds.”

“I’ve heard I just don’t know why he didn’t put his money all into one charity.”

“To spread the wealth?”

As the Concierges listened, they discreetly passed the information they heard onto the guards that stood diligently about. Nothing was hidden from the Duke within his own home. Curiosity was a predictable trait of human nature; as was their skepticism. The Duke would be walking a very important and equally fine line tonight.

After all within the recesses of the home resided a man whom planned to be pulling the strings of certain people like a puppeteer to a marionette.

 

[Jake Daniels]

Silent footsteps made their way down one hall and through another. They belonged to a beautiful vessel whom just as quietly made her way through the seemingly never ending maze that was the manor. A stride of purpose, the tanned brunette wore a gown that was meant to catch the eye. She had to stand out; that was part of her role for the evening’s events. Still though, she had to check in on someone. Ascending a small spiral staircase, the woman passed two guards whom made no motion to stop her as she came to a door at the end of a hall. This hallway, unlike the others held only this single door. Raising her hand she knocked gently.

Instantly the door was opened by yet another guard whom stepped aside so she could enter. Stepping just inside the door, the guard shut it so that she could have her privacy with its occupant.

“Don’t just stand at the door.” A voice called out. “Take a seat.”

“As you say, Sire.” The woman replied as she made her way to one of the two chairs before the fireplace. Her attention fell onto the portrait that hung just above its banister. That of a beautiful maiden. The name plaque at the bottom of the frame was that of one [member="Valae Heavenshield"]. There was a story here; one that woman had dared not inquire about.

“Is everything ok, Lady Anahita?” The voice asked from a side room, its door only slightly ajar. Based on a flickering shadows it was apparent the Duke was still getting dressed.

“Yes, Sire. The guests are arriving. I wish to inform you that all of those with Rose labeled invitations have made their arrival.” Anahita replied.

“…but?”

“But I believe some of the invitiations may not have reached their targeted destinations. The faces that you had us memorize do not match the names that have been appearing.” Anahita explained.

“How many?”

“Two, Sire.”

There was a pause, as slight as it was, Anahita noticed it immediately.

“Sire?”

“Go about things as normal. It appears our evening will be more eventful than we anticipated.”

“As you say, Sire.”

The door to the side room swung open.

Anahita came to an immediate stand and lowered her head ever so slightly.

“Come now, Anahita. There is none of that from any of you within this house. You know the rules.”

“I do, Sire.” Anahita said raising her gaze.

Her eyes fell upon the frame of a slender man dressed in a tuxedo unique unto itself. The darkness of the slacks and best constrasted the purity of white that was the shirt. One’s eyes fell upon the bowtie however, as it was a mix of white and black. The suit was a representation of the man himself; a man whom balanced himself between the of light and dark. Dangerous. Caring. The Duke was a paradox; as cliché’ as one might call him.

The Duke’s eyes looked up to the picture of Valae, “Any word from Midvinter?”

The guard by the door spoke up, “None sir. Should we receive it, we will alert you immediately.”

A small frown could be seen in the corner of the dukes lips.

“Head back down to the gathering. Make the announcement that I will only be delayed slightly.”

“As you say, Sire.” Anahita replied.

“Oh, Anahita.”

The Duke’s voice brought the woman to a dead stop just as she was exiting, “Sire?”

“Do let me know if anymore… reservations are misappropriated.”

“As you say, Sire.”

 

[Jake Daniels]

Anahita's hands clasped together, fingers intertwined. Her eyes watched the movement of the people below. The majority of people were paired off and speaking with other couples. The Duke had gone to great lengths to ensure that his targets had the best comfort possible when meeting him and what comfort was better than to be accompanied by one's companion? She, like the guards, truly had memorized names to faces. The Duke had done his research. He had been thorough. That was one of his strongest traits; attention to detail. Nothing was overlooked.

"Lady Anahita." A guard said walking up with a data pad. "I have the guest registry as requested."

"Thank you Thomas." Anahita replied.

Her fingers began to flick through photos. Her eyes rose, then fell, rose then again fell as she mentaly ticked off whom had come. However when she came across a few names that the faces did not match the names, she gave momentary pause.

"I thought only two people had stolen invites."

The Guard replied, "Another three have shown. We are keeping a very careful watch of their movements and behaviors. The moment they do anything, we'll act."

"No." Anahita replied.

"Ma'am?"

"The Duke doesn't want a scene. If they do anything escort them away and let the Duke handle it." Anahita explained. "Only act if its an immediate threat to him or us."

"As you say, Ma'am." The reply being the traditional response within the Dukes home.

She handed off the data pad to the guard and turned her attention back to the crowd below.

"Honored Guests." Her voice was seductivily feminine yet had an unmistakable tone of authority. Her posture as strong, her gaze unwavering. She was the epitome of what a strong woman should strive to be. Anahita's eyes drifted form face to face, not making the previous error of lingering to long on any one as to give those that were here uninvited the cue that their party crashing had been noticed.

"The Honorable Duke of Honoghr wishes to inform you he will be slightly delayed in his arrival to this evenings events. He asks that you enjoy the bounty he had prepared while he tends to some personal matters." With a wave of her hand Anahita signaled the concierges to bring forth plates filled with delicacies from across the galaxy.

"Is the duke ok?" One voice called out.

Anahita looked to the originator of the voice. Sir Edmund Fitzpatrick, developer of some of the galaxies most secure prisons and world class suck up, "Of course. No need to fear. He hasn't gotten his tie stuck in a zipper." There were subtle laughs to the joke, the joke that made Anahita cringe. "Again, enjoy the evening. He will be here shortly."

 

[Romano Shamalain]

"Is the Duke ok?"

Though Lear listened to the question, he focused on the woman who spoke. From what knowledge had had gained, the mix-breed Shamalain had known her name to be Anahita. Lear's attention was drawn away as Anahita gave her response. Instead the young Shamalain's eyes focused on his date for the evening.

"Who is she?" The woman asked.

"They know her as Anahita. That's all the information I could gather. Her background has been buried." Lear looked around the room, avoiding any prolonged gazes but took note of the men and women in identical tuxedo's.

"Who would do that?"

"My father not only would but could. He is one of the best at disappearing. He can change his identity and those close to him without much effort." Lear explained.

The woman's brows perked, "Anything that we should worry about?"

"No. My Father did this once before. When he took command of a Sith Regiment known as the 62nd Marine Light Infantry. Everyone under his direct command had their histories wiped. It was not just to protect himself but also them. You couldn't find what didn't exist." Lear replied.

"Now Miss Sarai," Lear said to his date. "How about we go find us a drink?"

Sarai was a Jedi and not just any Jedi. She was a Silver Jedi and one that had some interactions with his father. Lear had been searching for the man that had vanished for the year. Had he found her? Had Jake finally found [member="Cerusia Shamalain"]?

Sarai had offered Lear help in tracking him. When their efforts lead to this night, Lear had grown fond enough of the woman to ask that she escort him. It was for the best. It never hurt to have support when one entered a Lion's Den.

Lear Shamalain was a Knight trained on Honoghr. Physically the Noghri and his Father trained his body. His Mother trained his mind. He was as well rounded as they came in terms of force usage. Not nearly as strong as his brother [member="Rune Shamalain"] when it came to the force, Lear's specialty laid in what others couldn't do. Drive them mad. Lear was a master manipulator but even he had his moments of being played. It appeared his Father was up to something. What? Who knew but Lear wanted answers and something already told him that daddy was home.

"Here you are!" A Concierge said handing both Lear and his date a drink. "A special drink at the order of Lady Anahita.

Lear looked up to see the woman staring right back down at him. She knew him. That much was sure. A lift of his glass towards the Lady drew a subtle nod in response.

"If her eyes were daggers." Sarah joked.

"Yeah I expect as much. Given we aren't exactly invited." Lear replied.

"You told me you had the reservations." Sarai protested.

"I did. They just weren't ours." Lear said. "Regardless, lets meander about and see what we can discover before this Duke of Honoghr makes his appearance."

What the hell was his father up too? Was [member="Ereza"] even aware of whatever game [member="Jake Daniels"] was playing? Perhaps. Perhaps not. The two seemed to enjoy one another's company? Had she been privy to whatever Jake had been up too for the past year?

Questions... so many questions...

 

[Jake Daniels]

Jake stood at his nearest window. His eyes watched the few remaining stragglers gradually make their way into the Manor. Of each was dressed and of course each was coupled with someone else. That had always been one of Jakes greatest quirks. His need for companionship. He was envious of those that had what he struggled to truly comprehend.

"Are you ok Sir?" The guard asked.

"I am." Jake replied. He wasn't.

Jake was handed a small glass of dark whiskey. Jake had recently acquired a taste of hard whiskey. He had a glass a day, no more and no less. Just another byproduct of the past year of his endeavor to handle a threat to his family.

"Thank you." Jake softly replied.

Lady Silencia had been his compass. When hell broke lose, Jake always had a needle to guide him. [member="Cerusia Shamalain"] had taken that roll until her death. Though he had longed hoped she would take up the roll once more upon his waking, Jake had learned a heart shattering truth about her. One that he kept to himself and hid from his sons... for now.

There of course had been [member="Valae Heavenshield"] but again - the unfortunate circumstances of the past year had meant she was no longer his moral compass. If he could explain, he would. Yet pride prevented him from going back. He broke her heart... just as he broke everyone elses.

Then there was [member="Ereza"] She served as the new Mal'ary'ush to the Noghri. Jake viewed her much like he viewed his Master. With the utmost respect. If she needed Jake, he'd be there just as he had for Lady Silencia. She was brutally honest with the Knight, even if he didn't like it. She spoke words only that needed to be spoken; nothing more. Just like Silencia.

"Sir, it is time." The Guard spoke.

"So it is." Jake said as he took a gulp of the whiskey.

Dear God... how Jake truly missed his Master.​

 

[Jake Daniels]

Anahita watched carefully from the balcony. Her eyes leaving from face to face though giving more attention to the Lear and his companion. This was a surprise to say the least. Jake was right. What could go wrong, would go wrong. Would Lear or his companion be a nuisance? Would they be a problem? Even if they were, Anahita knew there was nothing she could do. There was one rule above all else for her and the others; never harm a Shamalain.

Glancing over, she noted a nod from one of the other guards. Jake had just left his quarters. It was time for the show to truly begin. Raising her hands, she silenced the crowd with nothing more than a subtle gesture and her femininity. She gave no real attention to any individual, instead focusing on the words she was about to speak.

“You stand within the home of the hand to the Mal’Ary’Ush.”

Jake made his stride through the hall, escorted by the Guard from within his room. His eyes fiery with focus. His posture one of complete confidence and determination.

“Protector of his family's name and legacy.”

Jake rounded one corner and towards another. He made a motion with his right hand, a signal for the guards to block off the corridors to his room.

“Destroyer of Orders.”

The front doors of the Manor were closed. Guards were stationed to prevent anyone from leaving.

“The Shattered Heart.”

The concierges seemed to vanish from site.

“The Sword of Diplomacy.”

The Guards of the upper balcony took different positions. Each now blocked off a different hallway.

“The Bridge of the Light and the Dark.”

Anahita’s eyes locked onto Lear’s. She didn’t trust him. He may have been the son of Jake but to her and the others, he was a stranger. Jake may not have viewed him as a threat but she did.

“May I present to you Jake Daniels, the Duke of Honoghor.”

Jake emerged beside Anahita and gave his own overview of the gathered guests. He said not a word for several long seconds as he made sure that each person with a specialized invitation was truly present. They were. Then the man spotted his Son. Jake's heart beat just a faster. In all of the galaxy there was no one as selfless as Jake when it came to family. For him he was nobody. His sons, his Master, his Wife, his Lover, and his Confidant were everything to him. They always would be. What he had been doing for the past year was for the betterment of them all, even if it meant tearing apart those alliances. All Jake could hope for was that they all would one day understand the necessary steps he had to take to make sure this threat was dealt with.

“Ladies and Gentlemen.” Jake said. “Honored guests. I want to thank you for coming this evening. Tonight will be a night that no one in this room shall ever forget. Those within the realm of influence in the galaxy will take note of what transpires here this evening.”

His voice swooned the woman and impressed the man. The skills of his Master shown brightly through. Years of watching her and how she interacted with others allowed Jake the opportunity to hone his own. How he spoke and presented himself were reflections of the masterful teachings of a woman’s whose passing still pained him greatly.

“I look forward to meeting each of you personally. Please enjoy the banquet.” The concierges reemerged and quickly set up tables. While linen drapped them, each holding the crest of the Shamalain family. “If you have any problems please alert one of the many escorts around,” Jake motioned to the guards that stood to attention, “and they will assist you.”

Then Jake’s voice changed, subtly enough that only a few picked up on the very veiled threat that lay behind the words he spoke next, “This is my home and I ask that no one meander about it. Please stay within the immediate area. If you are so lucky then I may allow a tour of my entire home to you.”

Jake turned his eyes back towards his Son. No words were spoken. They needn’t be. Father and Son; reunited once more. Jake’s eyes were both a glance of warmth and of warning. Though both of his son's were powerful, much more so than Jake could ever dream of being, the old dog was still the Alpha of his family.

This old dog still held a bite. That bite was about to be shown on an unimaginable scale.

[member="Valae Heavenshield"] [member="Rune Shamalain"] [member="Cerusia Shamalain"] [member="Lear Shamalain"] [member="Ereza"]

 

[Romano Shamalain]

Lear held no real affections for this date. This Silver was just that, a date. He did however take her safety seriously. When the doors were closed and the guards repositioned about the area, Lear took sharp notice. He could feel it. The change in the are.

"Something's happening." Lear whispered.

"I feel it too." His Date replied.

Both were acutely tuned into the force. They felt the shift in atmosphere. In a room of people with no connection, not even the guards, those whom could touch the force could sense when something huge was about to happen. That something huge came when Lear listened to Anahita begin to call off the titles her father held.

"What is a Mal'Ary'Ush?" His Date asked.

"Protector of Honoghor. My Fathers held that title since my Grandmother and now it seems he serves, in some way, the new Mal'Ary'Ush." Lear replied. The man could only wonder just how much [member="Ereza"] knew of Jakes plans over the past year.

"Why is he called the Protector of your family and name?" The Date inquired about the next title.

"Because he is. No matter how much he claims to be a Silver, there is no faster way to turn him back to darkness than to threaten his family," Lear gave a look around and noticed the Guards were blocking off entrances to various rooms and hallways, "and I feel we're about to see something that shows the truth to that title tonight."

"Destroyer of Orders?" She asked.

"Centuries ago he did the unimaginable. He captured half of a Jedi Council, held them captive for no other reason that simply he could, and turned the Orders rogue Masters, nearly all Knights, and all padawans against the Council. Because of him the Jedi Order of that time split and fell. Afterwards he released his captives."

"Why?"

"Because he was bored. Because he wanted to release them on the ashes of the power they once held."

"Oh." That's all his date could say. "I take it the Shattered Heart title is in reference to your Mother?"

"Yes. My Grandmother as well. I also suspect it now reflects his failed relationship with your former Grandmaster [member="Valae Heavenshield"]." Lear explained.

"I see. Sword of Diplomacy?"

"When things didn't go the way my Grandmother wanted, Jake acted. If they didn't use their pens, he used his sword." Lear replied. "If anything, that's the one title that doesn't do him enough justice." Lear listened to the next title. "The Bridge of Light and Dark is a reflection of his balance of the force. My Grandmother and Mother kept him in the darkness. Valae brought him to the Light and now he struggles with it. Which side will the coin falls when it finally settles? Will it be Jake Daniels or Darth Gravis?"

When the Title of Duke was heard and Jake finally presented himself, Lear was impressed. His Father had never been one to put himself out in the open like this. He had never been one to become center of attention. That was all Lear's Grandmother but it seemed that even in her death, her teachings lived on in Jake. Was he becoming the next Lady Silencia?

"I don't like this?" His Date whispered as she finally took note of how the Guards were positioned.

"He won't do anything to you." Lear replied. "Nor me." That much the young man was sure of.

"But?" She asked.

"The people with the invites." Lear said, "The special ones. They're his real targets tonight. His plot involves them somehow."

"Will he hurt them?" The Silver asked.

"I don't know."

"We need to get them out of here." She protested in a harsh whisper.

"Not yet." Lear replied. "I need to let this night unfold. He has information I want that I'll need to get. When I give the signal, you act as a distraction for him while I sneak about."

Then Lear felt it. The cold stare of his Father. Glancing up, both Father and Son locked eyes. Lear knew that look. Jake may have not been the young buck he once was but he still knew how to play games and play them better than anyone else. He had too; he wasn't nearly as strong with the force as the rest of the family. What Jake didn't know was that while Lear and to an extent Rune searched for him, they studied. Lear knew Jake's tactics. It was time the old dog saw what the young pup was capable of.