The Tree of Life (RR and Lightside/Neutral Factions)

[Narcissa Tallhart]

Narcissa would shake her head softly as her former companion disappeared. She did not even know why she was here. Grasping her newly acquired drink, the Echani would stride back towards the main area of guests, her eyes peeled for one in particular. Sometimes it was best to stick with people you knew in such gathers, or you might end up lost. She found herself making polite nods and gestures towards a significant amount as she neared the group.

Finally she spotted her fellow Echani [member="Jyoti Nooran"] ahead, tall as ever and being fairly easy to pick out of the crowd. She was a little far away, but did give her a little wave, in hopes that she would be seen in her peripheral vision when she walked towards her. It had been a small while since they initially spoke, it would be interesting to see how she was doing, having not seen her or that eccentric apprentice of hers anytime recently. What a bizarre group they were, at least to Narcissa.

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"You're just the sweetest" Josh would tease back toward Jyoti with a light nudge in turn. He was going to lay it on thick alright, she'd asked for this. Sort of, anyway. Regardless, his retribution would come in spurts most likely as the trio would be pulled into another circle after Jyoti and Allyson had gone back and forth a bit. Josh was still... Quieter, than he used to be. So he did have a difficult time speaking out unless he could find a proper excuse to. So he didn't say anything at first, though once Jyoti had introduced himself, he would find it right to at least do so himself.

"Josh DragonsFlame, Silver Jedi Order" He spoke politely with a light bow toward [member="Transil Gantar"] in turn. Don't make any sarcastic jokes about the Republic, don't make any sarcastic jokes about the Republic...

He noted the presence of [member="Narcissa Tallhart"], and greeted her silently with a warm smile before turning his attention back to the conversation.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] - [member="Allyson Locke"]

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Alexandra hummed lightly as she drank from the glass in her hand, the familiar taste of alcohol bringing a smile to her face. It had been a long time since Alexandra had gotten a chance to enjoy the finer things, and for most of the night she had spent the time hiding within the crowd and simply enjoying things. First as a servant, illusion hiding her and letting her watch the guests enter but soon she became bored of that and decided it would do better if one of the Republic's few jedi masters actually showed. So she decided to and let the disguise peel apart once she was off on her own once more.

This time she looked at herself, after getting dressed and sighed. In the mirror there was a woman with dark black hair, some strange fox like tail, and violet colored eyes. It was an appearance she still had not gotten used to, even after years of having it and she silently wished the newer body looked more like her old atleast, or that she had an Echani body once more like she used to. The dress she wore was different than what she was used to as well, having become used to her robes or the more manageable clothing that she could be comfortable in. This dread could not hide her weapons, left her with little covering and hiding her, and was restrictive.

It bugged her to be trapped like this in her own clothing.

That fact didn't hold her for a long time though, as she wanted to get back out to the Gala. Her eyes focused back on her image and slowly the appearance changed once more to fit how she preferred to appear. He black hair slowly lightened in color before reverting to a silvered color, eyes changing into their old icy blue shade and her tail disappeared from sight, as if it never existed. The illusion would be complete and she would sigh, maintaining the illusion and turning to find her way back.

Once back she moved between those assembled and smiled at a few people. Until finally taking a glass of wine and finding herself right back at the beginning, standing and drinking from the glass. Her eyes looked from person to person, trying to see if there was anyone who she recognized. It would take a while but in the end she smiled as she saw [member="Josh DragonsFlame"], a face she had not seen in a long time. The man seemed a bit preoccupied though with [member="Transil Gantar"], a representative for the same republic she now served.

With him were two others, which Alexandra thought seemed a tad familiar. Her eyes remained on them for a while before looking for others she might be able to talk with. She could talk to Dragonsflame later, it was unlikely that the man would disappear before she got the chance.

 

[Tha'ga Temi]

The Prince had a quizzical expression, which Tha’ga found hard to read. She wasn’t much of a drinker so what little alcohol she had in her system was already affecting her. Still, the Hapan walked without a wobble, following [member="Garith Organa"] to the bar where a round of glass filled with Cassandran choholl were waiting for the three of them, including [member="Helly Reyne"] if she wanted to join.

“I want to hear all about it. The Sith invasion of Alderaan is the type of thing I fear will happen with Hapes if our borders are too open.” She shook her head, biting her lip with instant regret. “Sorry, I don’t mean to immediately politicize when your people and culture were attacked like that. Don’t leave out any detail, and I want to hear about your rebuilding efforts, Prince Organa.”

Tha'ga took a sip of the alcohol and despite it's sweetly bitter taste, she enjoyed the way it warmed her insides.

 

[Transil Gantar]

When the contingent from the Silver Jedi finally approached, he dipped his head in greetings g and clasped any offered hands. He wasn't beyond accepting customs.

"Ms. Nooran. Ms. Locke. Mr.DragonsFlame. Apleasure to meet you all," he said offering a cordial smile. "Your tall friend there is a curious one. I suspect she would enjoy eating me."

He, of course, was talking about [member="Toreka"] whom had just departed his company and moved past them. This left him alone with the Silvers, which was perfectly alright with him. He felt no animosity towards lightsiders Jedi, unlike some Dark Jedi. They had their way of doing things and he had his. But differences of opinion were precisely why he hid his Force connection as nothing more than a sensitivity. He didn't want to be judged for what he was, but rather what he did.

Jyoti was familiar to him. He'd made a point of paying attention to those who lead other governments and movements across the Galaxy. Especially after inviting them to his new home. The people with her he didn't know, though DragonsFlame was a familiar name to him. He suspected it was the same reason that Jyoti had been familiar to him f om before, but ultimately he pushed it aside. Old bias' should be left in the past.

"I trust you're all enjoying yourselves?"

Pleasantries before business. If something was wrong he wanted to know about it prior to discussing business. After all, the Republic had no formal alliance with the silvers, but they certainly wanted one. It made obvious sense that they should all work together if they could do so.

[member="Jyoti Nooran"] [member="Allyson Locke"] [member="Josh DragonsFlame"]

 

[A'Runda]

A'Runda smiled a little behind his mask. Feeling glad she took to him being a human so well. Also the fact the he gave her what seemed like a whole lot of insight into is culture and society. It was understandable, Tuskens were a xenophobic people, but nonetheless still living and feeling. "Yes, I am a man..." He simple replied.

Then he saw the droid, not being able to understand it, and listened to what she said after it. Him, being invited to a gala? The mere thought made him feel a bit nervous, considering that it was a gathering of some kind. Was he even dressed for the occasion? All he had was Tusken garbs and a dark poncho. Everyone would probably look at him with a mix of odd expressions, he wasn't all too sure.

"A-Are you sure Miss DeVoe? I mean, I'm hardly dressed for such a gathering. A-Also do you think they'll be concerned with a Tusken walking in with you. I just..." He wasn't all too sure. It's not like he wanted to cut their meeting short, it's just that he probably wouldn't feel comfortable. Although he was ignorant still with many customs. He had the feeling that this would be some sort of unspoken rule of some kind. Even though it would probably be fine for the most part. "I'm not sure, w-what do you think?"

[member=Marina DeVoe]

 

[Helly Reyne]

As Helly took her seat beside [member="Tha'ga Temi"] and [member="Garith Organa"], she downed what was left in her glass to have an excuse to order more. The alcohol was already starting to get to her, but this was far from her first time being drunk at a party. At twenty-six, she had learned how to handle as much.

"A Sith-occupied Hapes would be a galactic tragedy," she pointed out without the sort of clean articulation that was present in Tha'ga's way of saying it. "They'd probably overthrow the whole matriarchy deal you've got going on over there and just make it like any other Sith planet. We've already got enough of those..."

She took a few gulps of a fine wine that she ordered solely because of the fancy company she was in the presence of. Without thinking, her head slowly waved left and right as if dancing to the tune of a non-existent song.

Things were nice in that moment.

"I've done shows for the Sith Empire before. Make for a great audience, y'know? Always loud and passionate. Little scary at times..." She flashed a smirk Tha'ga's way and added, "If you ever need to close your borders, remember to make an exception for Hartlite, eh? Sith on the outside, Jedi on the inside. Maybe a little Sith in there, too."

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"Walking in with me?.... I..." she gave him a good look over, wondering what else could a Tusken wear?

"Uhm....you could leave your banta stick and bandoleer behind...but for the most part, you're Tusken..perfect!" She replied, beaming her smile.
Naturally she was a bit off on the traditional gaderffii stick, mistakenly calling it a banta stick. She was under the impression the Tusken only used the stick to guide the bantas when riding them.

And in Marina's eyes, A'Runda was perfect for he certainly dressed in the traditional Tusken garbs. Besides, they weren't dusty or torn, but very clean natural loomed fabrick...of banta wool? She wasn't certain, bu the texture of his clothing, however rough it were compared to her silk was kind of unique. She could see it were made for desert climate for it provided one with protection from the hot sun and sandstorms and kept one warm during the cold nights.

"Besides, the gala is open to all representatives of many systems. You're the only Tusken ever to venture outside of Tatooine's system and I'm sure you'd be more than welcome.
And the fact that you'll be my escort... it will go without a hitch. "

Be de beep beep... Her droid cut in a moment reminding her that he was still there and needed permission from the owner before he could proceed with his evaluation of the life support system.

"Oh..." How easily she got distracted at times...
"Oh, yea... I sure it's Ok...right?" She then looked over to A'Runda momentarily forgetting that he most likely didn't understand binary tones.

"I mean, it's Ok with you if my droid can proceed with his examination of your life support system, A'Runda?
He'll keep us posted by comm...right TK?"

Beep beep...it confirmed.

"Well?... what do you say?...." She put up her elbow...an invite for A'Runda to take hold of. After all they were going to the gala together and it was customary for a man to walk a lady in in such a manner.
"...would you like to meet my cool queen?...she's like my clan leader...hehe..."




A'Runda [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Garith Organa]

Stepping over to the bar Garith now had a glass of his own. He was unsure if the host was covering the tab but was ready to cover it. He just did not have the knowledge of the smaller details of this gathering. He was a bit surprised to see him standing where was at the moment.

“Yes it would be tragedy if Hapes fell to Sith aggression”, Garith did not touch upon the subject of what happened four years ago in Transitory Mists. There was time still for more conversation. First he had to answer the ladies question.

“The attack on Alderaan”, he took a quick drink trying to spark up enough colorful word such as his brother Theo would use. He knew he was going to fail terribly at it. On that day I was where anyone could find me on most days. “The Jedi Temple of Alderaan, from the lips of the poets of Alderaan…they call it The Light of Ahsla. Deep down under the temple structure lays a force alchemy forge, a place where I spend most of my time. I wish, I could give you some noble reason I spend most of my time there. Truth is since from my return I find it hard to be in public. The force is where I find peace. I find peace in crafting beautiful items imbued with the Force.”

He paused for a moment to take a breath as he gathered his thoughts on the event.

“I had just took a small amount smelted metal into a cast to forge a ring. One of the temple guards came in to inform me the Sith were in orbit and had begun an attack. Immediately I gave the order to evacuate most of the temple beginning with the younglings. Due to the past all of Alderaan had evacuation plans for just this sort of event. It is to help prevent from any mass genocide the One Sith commented through slaughter and Vong terraforming.”

“So I made my way up as quickly as possible. There are not many guardians at the Alderaan temple. The normal guards were ordered to leave with those evacuating. Moving through the temple the twelve of us that stayed behind laid a plan. We knew we could not hold the temple alone. We knew it was not a fight we could win alone. We knew if we were lucky, if we could just hold out until help could arrive.”

“So we could not hold a typical line to repeal an attack. The other dispersed through the temple to lay ambushes. I went to the main foyer to greet our unwelcome guests”, Garith paused again to see urge caution of how much details she wished to know.

“Are you sure you wish to know every detail Minister Temi”, Garith asked looking at her and Helly. One obvious conclusion they did know about the temple would be Garith lived through it somehow. What about the other eleven Jedi who had stayed to help protect the temple?



[member="Helly Reyne"] [member="Tha'ga Temi"]

 

[Tha'ga Temi]

Tha’ga’s eyes widened over Helly’s comment to overthrow the monarchy, her smile waning, but she cordially waited until the blonde girl had finished with her postulations.

“Luckily we have the Transitory Mists,” the Hapan said, giving Prince Organa a subtle wink. “They tend to work very well as natural borders to Hapes. As for the overthrowing the monarchy?” A bell-like chuckle rang from her soft lips. “Many have tried, but it’s an institution that cannot be penetrated much like a planetary shield.” Not wanting to disturb the light and joyous atmosphere, Tha’ga left it at that. “I will keep your offer of entertainment in mind, however.”

Leaning her elbow on the bar, the redhead Minister of Foreign Affairs began to listen to the Alderaan monarch, her expression changing along with his tale, mirroring back his words. When he paused to ask his question, she responded. “Yes I do. Especially if you were able to evacuate the Jedi and also down to whether you still have the ring you forged. Do you still possess it?” Her curiosity about the jewelry was Tha’ga’s way of diffusing the tension and sadness that may have come to Prince Organa in recounting the event. If many Alderaanians had died, she knew his emotional distress, whether shown outwardly on his face, had to be there just under the surface.

[member="Helly Reyne"] [member="Garith Organa"]

 

[A'Runda]

A'Runda listened to her intently. He was somewhat surprised on how intent she was on wanting him to accompany her to the gala. Then she asked if it was okay for her to give the droid permission to work on his craft. "Uh, yeah of course." The Tusken simply replied.

He still felt nervous and all even after Marina seemed to confident and reassuring. It's not like he has been treated all that well normally being in the public. So wouldn't a gala just be ten times worse? Yet there was sense to go along with it. Perhaps it was that confident way Marina presented it. "Okay, I'll accompany you back to the gala." He replied.

Then she presented her elbow to him and he leaned back some, looking quite confused with it being presented even with the garb covering his face. It was clear that he wasn't sure what the gesture was. Blinking some behind his mask he eventually got the idea and interlocked his arm with hers. What may have seen obvious to her wasn't to him. It wasn't like he was some gentlemen or an overcompensating delusional droid. After that he began to walk with her, even chuckling some from her last statement.

[member="Marina DeVoe"]

 

[Marina DeVoe]

be de beep....beep ....de..... be..... beep....... de.........be.......... beep ...........de............ beep...............beep.......The sound of her droid both commenting on the condition and makeshift of the vessel faded with the distance the two made.

It wasn't that her droid objected. It was more to the tune that it had evaluated the ship and in it's opinion, as it certainly had many; it warranted much more than looking over the life support system. So it went about voicing or rather beeping it's protest and doing what its master asked it to do....maybe a bit more.

The station for the most part was new and quite impressive as it had all of the state of the art features one would expect and also be surprised about. many functions were not yet even published as they were uniquely designed for the station. as thus, Marina too was quite impressed and was as curious and in awe of a few things much like her companion, A'Runda.

There weren't many if at all any onlookers giving the Tusken an odd look. if any, they were as much surprised to recognize the Tatooine native out side of his system.
The station was after all multi-species designed and friendly. The Tusken were for the most part in the humanoid species categorization. Al least in basic form and function...two arms, two legs...walking upright...

"Wow...I hadn't realized how far i wondered off..." Marina commented on the distance they were footing. They had walked quite a ways in the lower docks to the turbo lifts. Then two levels up and another good distance to the main halls, slowly but surely got them to where the gala was taking part.

"Miss DeVoe... a pleasure once more..." The usher that had greeted her before acknowledged her as she walked up to the entrance way.

"...and who may I register as your guest?" he then asked, taking count of who attended the gala for statistical purposes or the like.

"Oh...this is a Mr A'Runda..." she said, making sure she carefully pronounced his name right this time.
"He's a representative from the outer Rim system of Tatooine.." Marina proudly announced.

"Very good...enjoy your evening Miss DeVoe...Mr A'Runda.."

And so they entered the gala. They weren't the only ones entering, as there had been no real time set and with many dropping out of hyperspace from far away systems, it was difficult to say who was late or tardy. as such, no one was either.

Marina and A'Runda walked in a ways then she paused, looking around a bit. For the moment, as there had been many more guests that had arrived after she wandered off, it were difficult to spot her clan leader, Queen [member="Faith Organa"] . But she did take notice of the servers and their variety of finger foods and beverages that were about.
"Oh...I'm not sure if you'd like something from the people coming around with the trays. If you wish, I can make a special request for something you'd like. " She offered, for she wasn't certain if A'Runda was used to foreign cuisine. maybe he'd try it and taste what was served outside of Tatooine...

"Ohhh... wait, I see my favorite appetizer coming this way.." Marina's eyes widened at the coming of the sauteed brine shrimp and seafood Hors d'oeuvres coming her way.

"Whoa whoa....not so fast..." She called out the server who had not seemed to notice her and was passing them by.
"...get them little critters on over here.."

"Oh, of course mam..." he replied, lowering the tray to accommodate her smaller frame, as she were only 5' 3" ( 1.6 meters) without heels.

"Hmm..." She took to nearly swallowing the first shrimp she took off the tray, before picking up two more... one in each hand.

"Oh...they are sooooo good. Would you care to try one?" She then asked A'Runda.

"Whoa...no no...where are you going?" She then had to once more stop the server.
"Mam?.." he was confused as he had thought she had taken the two, one for her again and for her companion.
But that wasn't the case, as she took to eating the one in one hand and reaching for another. She wasn't going to leave any empty hand when it came to shrimp.

"Hmmm.... gulp... " she managed to swallow it down before she gestured for the server to the small table near them.

"You could kindly rest that tray on that table please.." She wasn't asking.

"Yes MAM!" And he wasn't going to resist. The smile was priceless on marina as she stepped over to where the server left the tray.
Marina then gestured to A'Runda to come on over and taste the shrimp....before she devoured them all by herself.

 

[Helly Reyne]

Feeling her mind begin to slip into an even better place, Helly decided not to interrupt again, knowing that she wouldn't have anything productive to say about tragedies on a global scale. Instead, she listened carefully, putting down her drink so that she could potentially sober up and pay attention. Even if she normally separated herself from politics, she could never help but fall back in and take interest in the dealings of major factions. Every so often, she would take into consideration using her influence, however much that was worth, to have a say in how things turned out. Especially if it involved the Galactic Empire.

She knew people from the Sith Empire, however. Some she even knew intimately. Many were repugnant in their mere existence, but others were different.

"I could act as a mediator if it ever came to it," she suggested, unsure of why she blurted it out as such, although it probably had something to do with the excess of alcohol. She was far from a politician, and as soon as she spoke as if she was one, the tinge of shame came with it as she realized she was in over her head in this discussion. "Just that... I have a good number of Sith in my fanbase. Something to uh... keep in mind... I guess..."

She picked her glass back up and took another swig, taking a deep breath after.

---

[member="Tha'ga Temi"] | [member="Garith Organa"]

 

[A'Runda]

Walking with her to the gala A'Runda couldn't help but feel like he was stepping out of line by doing this. Maybe his master would encourage him to act more out going but he wasn't sure. Perhaps he wasn't actually being looked at, but he couldn't help but feel like everyone they passed saw him as some kind of monster. Reminding him of his hard time on Tatooine when he left his clan. It was dangerous to be alone as a Tusken.

However, he wasn't alone now, he had [member="Marina DeVoe"] with him. A'Runda listened to her as she stated that he was a representative of Tatooine. This confused him a little but he understood her logic. Although he disagreed internally. He could represent his clan, or the Tuskens as a whole if he really wanted to stretch it. But the whole planet, any Hutt would be more suitable then him. It made him feel kinda uncomfortable that he was unofficially representing his home world.

He was kind of blown away though from the lavishness of the food, drinks, and clothes. It all actually made him a little upset. Making him think of the difficult living conditions that the Tuskens faced back on Tatooine. Then he simply watched as Marina chased down a server to from little shrimps. When she offered to help him get anything he'd like he simply shook his head and spoke. "No thank you Miss Marina." He politely declined. That was a bit of a difference between him and her. He only spoke when he needed to. While she was quite chatty. But one reason he didn't feel like eating and drinking was because. It would probably mean he needed to take of some of his garb and that was not at all appropriate in Tusken society Back in his clan some of the most sophisticated food was Bantha milk, and Wromprat stew with a side of Black Melon. So it was easy to understand why he might experience a little bit of culture shock.

 

[Marina DeVoe]

"Mmm... hard to eat just a few..." She commented picking out the shrimp in of the platter.
"....didn't realize how hungry I got.."

It were true, her jump to the station and then her wandering about after leaving the gala had for the most part taken up most of her day. if one were to sum up the hours.
Her companyon didn't seem interested in any of the tasty appetizers on her claimed platter, nor what were floating about. It took about a dozen or so shrimps before she came up for air, wiping her hands on the small owellets that were plased on tables eveywhere.
looking around she spotted again something or someone and gestured them come over. Another server, but with flutes of various drinks..wines..champagnes. marina seemed to be searching for something in particular and soon found her drink.
"Oh yes...here it is..." She went ahead and picked it out of the tray, before turning again to A'Runda.
"Wines...grape and I think some honey wines too..." She pointed out.

"...personally I like the Sovereigns that they seem to be serving here. They're Alderaani..." Marina eased back on over to A'Runda who had again passed on the wines. the server smiled and went on his way to other guests.

"...well, actually from my bestie's vineyards on Alderaan. She's not Alderaani by birth. But she can cook up some fine wines that were thought to be lost. " She explained, as she gave a look around again, taking a sip.

"Hmm...well, one good thing... I don't see Mr Personality around..." She were meaning Theo, her queen's twin brother. marina's experiences with his royalness were not quite as pleasant as she normally were used to. Somehow the two had hit it quite rough on their first encounter and had certainly left a bitter taste on both of them. If there was entity or person she would like to avoid bumping into..it were [member="Theodosius Organa"] .

"Ahhh.... wait.
Yes...I see my queen....er, my clan leader." Marina's features lit up from mentioning Theo with a kind of dread, to her queen.

"Oh, if you won't mind, A'Runda. Would you mind coming over with me to meet her? She is like awesome friendly and I'm sure she'll be ecstatic on meeting someone from Tatooine. I don't believe she ever had the opportunity to meet anyone from your system." she explained quite excitedly, even offering A'Runda her hand to lead him through the crowd of guests to her queen.





A'Runda

 

[Garith Organa]

Garith had taken a deep breath then a drink after he was done speaking. He had pounded back the first glass of Cassandran Choholl in one big gulp, and then placed the empty glass onto the bar. While Tha’ga talked about the boarders of Hapes Garith was left without a drink.

He was waiting for the bar tender to get another drink when the conversation moved again and he was asked about the ring.

It was more than just the attack on Alderaan. It was not just his social anxieties. It was all of it, the entirety of his life. He had not been raised in the safety like some of his other siblings. Nor had he stood behind walls and royal guards. He was raised what most people in their ignorance would call a Sith Lord.
As Helly was speaking of possible diplomatic avenues of reaching peace within the rare circumstance if the Sith ever attacked Hapes within their life time. During this small moment Garith had already pounded back another and again he was left waiting for another.

“The ring is safe, I promise Tha’ga”, Garith mentioned after Helly was done speaking. He did try to give a smile. It was weak but was trying. After the couple of drinks it seemed Garith was relaxed enough to dispense with saying titles. His heart was a little to heavy to smile at the moment.

He was answering what to really say to Helly statements, before he would have mentioned something anything….anything that would encourage more discussion of a possible peace. Garith looked at Helly and then her drink. “Is the drink to your liking Helly”, it was something. Garith was not great at these social functions anymore.

“As for too many details”, Garith now looked at both of the ladies. “I will not get too detailed. War is not pleasant. Even the people you hear in stories who are supposed to be the good guys. They even had to do not very pleasant things. Their cause might be just but killing or harming others”, he thought of the right words. “You’re not just casing others to suffer. You harm yourself every time you cause harm. It is a under lined vicious circle abuse that crates more abuse. I did fight. I did cause harm. I made a choice. They had made a choice when they attacked. It was not a perfect situation. I knew if I did not take a stand the people charged under my protection would suffer. There were children among them. To me and the eleven other Jedi who stayed behind their safety meant more to us then out own safety. The truth is only I and two of those Jedi who had stayed behind lived. The other made it to safety for that I’m grateful.”

Yes Garith could not say more about that. Even though he was a Jedi Master that memory was still painful. Jedi just did not close off their emotions. They could not they still were there. Garith had lost some good friends that were willing to risk their lives to save those who could not protect themselves. Of course he was in pain.


[member="Helly Reyne"] [member="Tha'ga Temi"]

 

[Tha'ga Temi]

With an apologetic tilt of her brows, Tha’ga smiled at Helly. “Oh forgive me. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable with my strong views of Hapes, but it’s difficult. The Sith have caused so much conflict in the Cluster for many years. But it’s not my place to ruin anyone’s night with my personal feelings.” She lightly touched Helly’s hand, wanting the other woman to feel at ease in their company. Garith was equally diplomatic towards the singer.

“That’s terrible,” the Minister of External Affairs said, her eyes lowering to gaze into her glass for a moment. “But you must let go of the guilt and pain. Your actions were in self-defense. Are we not to preserve our culture from despotism and zealotry?”

Pot calling the kettle black, Tha’ga? Hapans could be extremely zealous when it came to their history and matriarchy.

Glancing at Helly, she sipped her drink and wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I get the feeling this is supposed to be swallowed fast.” If she could lighten the mood, by the Seven Moons she would try.

[member="Helly Reyne"] [member="Garith Organa"]

 

[Helly Reyne]

"I could never get the hang of chugging down a drink," she told Tha'ga. "Truth be told, you just get used to the stinging. The pain lasts only a second, but the bliss lasts... well, I guess it lasts about an hour or two depending on how bad it tastes."

As she finished her glass, she set it back down on the counter as if it were a mug, thankfully without shattering it. When she blinked, both eyes didn't open back up at the same speed, but she felt the warm rush of having intoxicated herself flow through her. That part never got old.

"Oooh," she said with a slight giggle, shifting in her seat just a bit. "I should really go to more of these things!" Her speech was noticeably slurred, and the slight drawling accent she had became more apparent. "You know..." she began. "This might be the alcohol talking, but... No, okay, it's probably the alcohol talking- But uh... I should get into politics! You know? Like... why not, right? I'm neutral! Unbiased and unswayed! That's a lie, I totally have biases, but don't tell anyone... What was I saying?"

She stared at both of them with one eye slightly narrowed, but the mildest of smirks forming out of one corner of her lips. "I could be the ambassador of art!"

---

[member="Tha'ga Temi"] | [member="Garith Organa"]

 

[A'Runda]

"It's okay Marina, you don't need to keep referring to your queen as a clan leader. I do know what a queen is." He said with a bit of a chuckle from behind his mask. It was true, plus some clans did refer to their leaders and kings, or queens in special occasions. After she spoke about wanting to see her. A'Runda looked down at his garbs once more. Was he really fit to see a queen? That was at least what he concerned himself with. Perhaps he shouldn't be so worried about what people think of him. Others around are surely wearing their own cultures traditional clothing. Even though his wasn't fancy, it was real, and that should mean something.

"Okay, I'll gladly meet your queen if you so wish Miss Marina." Al'Runda said to her. Then after that he took her had, showing that he was indeed ready to meet royalty. It wasn't until after he left his clan that he began to worry about how others viewed him. Back home, everyone pretty much wore the same clothes as each other. So it was certainly a nice surprise to see [member="Marina DeVoe"] being so accepting and supportive of how he looked. Maybe because of her he could set those kinds of worries behind him.

But as he was thinking about that he realized, he still had his lightsaber with him. Was that okay for a setting like this? He probably should've left it with his ship. However, with his sense of the Force he was able to tell that others in the gala were sensitive like him. Plus they might have their own lightsabers with them. So maybe he wasn't breaking the rules. He'd hate to be kicked out from his own ignorance.

 

[Garith Organa]

A sudden realization had come over Garith quickly. It was from the words of the two ladies present. Garith had been drinking more like her father this evening. It was a painful realization. Not that he was drinking like his father. It was that he was letting pain dictate the course of his actions. There was one way to curb that without being rude and completely stop drinking. He could sip on the drink just fine.

It was probably a good thing he had the size and weight to help soak up what he had drank so far.

He was trying to think of way to jump back into the conversation.

“Talking is good”, Garith was trying to correlate his thoughts into words. “The topics of politics very as very much the role they play out. A simple honest conversation can bridge the cap of understanding. Most wars are begun and fought over misunderstanding. Some issues may not be that easy to overcome in a single conversation. But the simple misunderstanding that can be cleared up in one conversation can be a boon to many people.”


[member="Helly Reyne"] [member="Tha'ga Temi"]