Faction We Have Always Lived in the Castle (Solanaceae/CIS)

[Eternal Midnight]

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The Solanaceae was a well-known name in Confederate space. It was common knowledge that they were a collection of witches with a rich and, at times dark, history and it was known that they were strong in the Force. But despite their time with the Confederacy of Independent Systems, there was still much about them that was shrouded in shadows. There were skeletons in their closets and bodies in graves that would frighten even the most war-hardened solider.

Infinite in Mystery, this was the definition of the witches, for secrecy was the devil's game they played.

Until tonight.

As Ryloth's sun would sink beyond the horizon the barriers that protected Castle Vureshakkairn and warded unwelcome guests would be, temporarily, lowered. Invitations had been extended by the Nightmother, given to their allies in the Confederacy, welcoming them into the witches sanctuary for a night of entertainment for the sake of continuing good relations.

Guests would find themselves free to explore all facilities the castle offered except for the personal chambers of the witches and the Gateway. These rooms had been deemed private and personal and were warded with spells to keep visitors out. But there was plenty more to do.

Each event had been catered to demonstrate the witches way of life and to unravel some of the mystery that enveloped them. The castle had been prepared; the dining had been decorated in fine fabrics, endless wine, and exquisite dishes. The Black Ritual hall with specific symbols and more than a dozen candles. No detail had been spared.

It was certainly to be an evening to remember.

Spoiler: Objectives

Location: The Black Ritual Hall

Rituals are a fundamental part of the Solanaceae but rarely if ever has a guest been invited to witness these intricate and sacred invocations to call upon the Spirits. Today the new Nightmother has extended an invitation for guests to stand witness to the blood ritual to offer thanks to the gods.​

Location: The Valley of Life

The components needed to perform rituals and spells can be hard to come by. So within the Valley of Life, a menagerie of fauna and flora has been cultivated. This evening all guests are welcome to explore the valley though the witches stand every present. Disrespect is dealt with harshly, and not all that call the valley home are friendly.​

Location: The Dining Hall

The tables had been set and the Dining Hall has been decorated in preparation for a night to remember. With endless goblets of wine, candelabras overhead and lavishes dishes of every kind, no individual is going to be left unsatisfied. ​

There is so much more that Castle Vureshakkairn has to offer. In the sprawling stone walls of the witches' sanctum, one could explore The Endless Library, with walls lined with ancient tomes. The Dueling Circle, for those wanting to test their skills or learn something new. Even the inner garden had been opened for those that enjoyed a stroll through greenery beneath moonlight.​

 

[Taiia Locke]

//: Allyson Locke //: Open //:
//: Wearing [X] //:​

It had been some time since Taiia had stepped through the doors of Castle Vureshakkairn, it was a place that she had called home for a long time when she first arrived at the Confederacy. Some might consider it an odd place for one who was once a Jedi to live but it suited her fine, she was content to live and study among the Solanaceae despite their differences on the force because she had sought to understand those differences and why they existed. It had served her well and let her learn much Vytal Noctura in her time among them.

The Solanaceae was indeed as much a part of her as the Knights Obsidian were, she had never been truly a Nightsister as her path lay elsewhere but she still learned much from them and considered each Nightsister and Nightbrother as part of her extended family. Their new leader Vanya Aklin however was unknown to her.

She hoped things would be much the same as they were with Vytal but each person is unique, time would tell how the new Nightmother would lead and she surmised tonight would be a good indicator. Normally Taiia would have come to such an event alone but as has become the custom, Taiia was not alone tonight. She passed through the doors of the castle with a familiar brunette, her arm linked through hers.

She wondered to herself what Allyson would feel about this part of who Taiia is, the Jedi were not known for the openness about the other paths of the force but Taiia had never hidden who she was, even in their first duel when she used the magick of the Nightsisters against Allyson. She whispered to Allyson "Welcome to my home away from home"

 

[Julra Repraj]

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TAG: OPEN

Julra wandered through the black ritual hall remaining within the shadows of the room as she walked. Parties were not her preference, nor crowded rooms. Still here she was with the other sisters and brothers of the Solanaceae. It was home, in the early days of arriving on Ryloth she had been wonderfully naive to the dangers of the Nether and Magick itself. For six years she had endured the hardships of Dathomir in the past.

She had of course not been to Dathomir, but in the Nether she both was there and was not. Regardless she had found a mentor in that hellscape who helped her survive, molded her into a witch worthy of her blood. A daughter of Dathomir who did not follow their ways Mother Talzin taught her in that place what she did not know.

She had returned changed but never truly disclosed what had transpired there even to Vytal Noctura she knew only parts of what happened just enough to keep the questions at bay. As for the new Nightmother Vanya Aklin she knew little of her but she would need to prove herself worthy of her trust.

 

[Darth Metus]

CASTLE VURESHAKKAIRN

Darkness.

Though faint glimmers of light could be witnessed on the horizon, the weight of midnight descended upon the Nightmother's chambers. This was but a momentary interruption - a comma upon the epitaph of the event. The herald of such darkness fluttered its wings, gliding past balcony and window to settle gingerly upon the first flat surface. The raven cocked its head, settling its sulfuric gaze upon the new leader of the Night.

A new hand has been chosen to lead.

The remark was acknowledgement - accompanied by a decline of the creature's head. The master of this puppet was, if nothing else, cordial.

One of strength. One of guile. One of might.

The raven stretched forth its wings and fluttered closer, taking the utmost care not to leave unsightly marks upon its perch. That would be rude.

You fascinate me, oh Nightmother mine.

Will you sate my curiosity?​

Vanya Aklin​

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Taiia Locke //: OPEN ://
//: Dem Threads //:

It had been some time since Allyson had gone to any sort of party as a guest and not alone. The Alliance had thrown the parties. She was either attached to someone or had found someone to leave the party only moments later with. Anything outside of the Alliance, she had been invited as a lie - a spy and sent to only observe. The latter were the boring ones; mission parties were stale.

Instead of being on a mission, which her boss assumed most likely, Allyson accompanied Taiia, her current girlfriend. Girlfriend, it was a concept that confused the Corellian. It had been some time since she had allowed someone to get close enough. Allyson had second thoughts from time to time, but as she glanced towards the redhead when she spoke - those second thoughts suddenly disappeared. She smiled softly, "It's a little spooky, but uh," she shrugged and looked back at the architect, "it's homey?" Allyson really didn't know how to feel. Part of her was terrified to be in a castle full of witches, while if they all looked like Taiia - it would be a good time.

A hand rested on the soft vest as she fought the urge to pull up the eyepatch. Once again, she found herself deep in the confederacy, yet she wasn't here to gather information. It was an odd feeling, and Allyson hoped that the feeling would fade eventually. Work had been so much of her life.

Allyson glanced back towards Taiia and admired the woman's dress. "You know I don't think I'm going to be able to last this whole party - with you dressed like that." The blush crept across her face highlighting the faint freckles that speckled across her nose and cheeks. "You're killing me here."​

 

[Rann Thress]

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS​

WEARING: Rann’s Robes
TAG: @anyone around! Julra Repraj

There was some benefit to being Rann Thress. As Metus’ child, one of many, he was afforded certain benefits. One of which was an open invite to any and all social gatherings that take place in Confederate space. But being back here…Ryloth, it was hard for him.

But he had to be here. He had to be…here witnessing this. Being a part of this ritual, even as a bystander. Dark Magicks on Ryloth started him down his path. Perhaps they would take him from it as well.

And so, here he was. Respectful, silent,

Afraid.

He wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but his heart pounded, his breath was shaky, and his one good arm trembled, yet it was held securely behind his back, and securely inside his metal hand. His one big souvenir from Ryloth.

Still, despite the fear he felt he preferred this social engagement to a traditional party. He had had enough of those. This, at least to him, held a real purpose. Facing his fears. Overcoming them. Becoming, in Srina Talon ‘s words, who he was meant to be. That’s what he was hoping for here.

And so he kept his eyes firmly on the gathering in the center of the room. Hands clasped behind his back, hood down, mask off. Vulnerable, yet in control. Aware of what was around him, yet uncaring. He knew others were around him, but they were as ghosts. He would speak when spoken to, but fear would keep him from being the one to break the silence.
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[Telula Vale]

Telula Vale
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TAG: Julra Repraj | Rann Thress | Open
Wearing: [xXx]
Objective: Objective One - What We Do In the Shadows


How long had it been since she had spent any real time with any of her Nightsisters? Things had changed, Sisters had changed, the Nightmother had changed, and that had been one change too many for the witchling. Telula had distanced herself, and while that had happened well before the changing of leadership, it had only gotten worse when the Solanaceae had changed hands.

However, that did not stop the young witch from returning when she had been called home. Though the sight of Castle Vureshakkairn made Lula sigh, there had been a sense of comfort that had swept through her. She had made herself right at home once again, walking with familiarity and confidence - though there was ever the bashful air about her if anyone unfamiliar stepped too near.

Perhaps that was why the idea of a ritual had drawn her in. Something to do, something to prepare for, something to concentrate on other than the slowly growing amount of bodies within the halls of the home of the witches.

Granted, she was not within the area alone. No, that would have been too convenient and would have served her too well. As such, Lula took note of the other bodies nearby. She was not rude, she had never been a rude person even in her most timid moments. So she had nodded in greeting to those who paid her any mind and then the blonde witchling attempted to busy herself by nosing around, if only to keep herself out of the way until she was needed and the ritual actually began.

 

[Vanya Aklin]

F O C U S E D

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Wearing: xXx
Objective: What We Do In The Shadows
Tag: Darth Metus | Julra Repraj | Rann Thress | Telula Vale

These few moments of solitude were appreciated as they gave the Nightmother time to clear her thoughts in preparation for what was to come. Already the guests had begun arriving - she could feel them milling around the home of the witches - and soon she would join them, and lead them in a ritual to call upon the spirits that blessed them.

But first, there was the matter of the unexpected guest that had arrived in her chambers without invitation. Where perhaps a stranger would have been met with disdain, there was instead a ghosting smirk on the Nightmother's lips as she turned to face the raven perched upon the desk. "I am a fascinating creature. It is not surprising that you too are bewitched by me." Once more had she faced Darth Metus through the eyes of a puppet. The last time and first time they had met had been through the eyes of the Beast on Lorta.

The tone in which she spoke was distinctly confident, perhaps bordering on arrogance but no offence had been intended. There was mutual respect between them. And those that had come to know her would know that the hubris was not a false facade and that she was often short with people. Vanya had little care for small talk. "If satisfaction is what you seek then we will need to arrange a night to meet face-to-face, but I am afraid now is not that time."

Vanya approached the desk, a handheld palm up; an offering for the puppet to perch upon it. While she was not opposed to continuing this conversation, prior engagements demanded her attention. Even so, there was no hesitation in welcoming the puppet into her company and ferrying it deeper into the castle. Her strides were unwavering as the click of her heels reverberated off the stone walls, and as she entered the Black Ritual hall a single word was spoken to announce her arrival. "Incendia." Around the hall candles sparked to life, bathing the room in a warm glow and casting twisting shadows along the walls.

As she approached the platform at the far end of the room her eyes looked to some of those gathered. Some of them she recognized, like Telula Vale and Julra Repraj , who she had briefly met on Ardasa alongside Vytal. And others she had not. Standing at the platform she found a nearby surface for the raven-puppet to perch upon and turned to those gathered. "Brothers, sisters, guests," her gaze narrowed and shifted to a particular individual - Rann Thress , whose presence had been like a beacon. It vibrated a symphony of turmoil, darkness, an endless trail that would be the end of him.

Had others noticed?

"Tonight we welcome friends and allies into our home. We welcome them to gather with us in this sacred hall, to stand witness to our ritual as we offer thanks to the gods, and to the spirits. They are always with us and tonight we honour them."
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[Vaylin]

Taiia Locke | Allyson Locke
Dress
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It had been a little bit of time since Vaylin had first encountered the Confederacy, namely their Obsidian Knights. The introduction hadn't exactly been your usual affair, being caught up in a kidnap and ransoming was not exactly Vaylin’s ideal way of meeting new people. But she had been alerted to the gathering that was set to happen soon, with the Solanaceae at their Vureshakkairn Castle.

Perhaps one of the witches would be able to aid the Zabrak in her Force issues. But first, she needed to familiarize herself with them, and their culture.

Vaylin hadn’t spent a lot of time around witches, at least not outside of combat anyway. The Sith Empire had its own little faction of them, but they were never something she had focused on. The Zabrak would’ve been lying if she said her curiosity wasn’t piqued.

Amongst the events that were going to be taking place, Vaylin had opted to attend the Dining Hall. While she was fascinated about learning more of the witches’ rituals, and exploring the Valley of Life, she knew where it was best to learn about the people.

Where alcohol was involved.

Okay, maybe she was a little biased on that viewpoint. But the Zabrak had a good track record to back her up. She just hoped it didn’t result in a fight breaking out, followed up by property damage…

Walking into the castle, Vaylin couldn’t help but smile at the atmosphere all around her. It was different, new. Something the Zabrak hadn’t really been surrounded by before. Sure, it’s darker themes reminded her of the Sith Empire’s architecture. But Castle Vureshakkairn felt more alive, wild.

Vaylin stepped into the Dining Hall, eyes immediately sweeping across the room. The Zabrak wondered if she’d find any familiar faces.

 

[Taiia Locke]

//: Allyson Locke //: Open //:
//: Wearing [X] //:​

She smiled a bit at Allyson's hesitance but she of course understood it and pulled the brunette a bit closer to her before she whispered. "Don't worry I'll protect you." in truth none of the sisters or brothers of the Solanaceae and least of all the Nightmother would harm a guest nor allow a guest to be harmed. She truly had little to fear here though that might be some small comfort to the woman. Taiia navigated through the dining hall, there were many smaller tables gathered around all prepared for the gathering guests.

Taiia escorted Allyson to a table next to a large window, so they could look outside and maybe let Allyson feel a bit more secure with a close escape option, she did know how the spy's mind worked after all. She scanned the room, as they walked and laughed a bit at her comment on the dress and glanced at her lover. "Who says we are staying for the whole thing? Besides we need to eat anyways." she whispered "There is also my old room here. Assuming they haven't given it away, no reason we couldn't disappear for a while. Our until morning, but dinner first."

When they arrived at the table, one of the Nightbrothers pulled out Allyson's chair and then Taiia's so they both could sit and then retreated to bring them both their goblets of wine so they could drink their fill.

 

[Kyyrk]

Far above him, the party was in full force. A rare peek into the Castle of Witches for those not attuned to the mysticism required of their guests. But for Kyyrk, the party was irrelevant. He was here seeking knowledge. Knowledge of a dark and terrible past. There was something out there. Something hunting him. Something hunting the closest thing he had to a family. He wanted to know why. And more importantly, he wanted to know what. He had a name, but nothing more. Ektheros. Given the events on the Bastion in recent days, time was now of the essence.

And so, Kyyrk had buried himself within the Endless Library. Any mention of Prophets or Ektheros, he desperately searched for. So long had he been here, he had forgotten that today was to be the gathering. He humphed quietly to himself. The guests above were rather noisy, and made it hard to focus. But an answer was here somewhere. It had to be. Something of this magnitude, of this ability, could not have just been born overnight.

Someone, somewhere, knew of what Kyyrk sought, and had recorded it.

He just had to know where to look...

Open to interaction

 

[Felix Aquila]

O B S E R V E​

Equipment:

• - Light-saber
• - Personal Shield
• - Armourweave Clothing

Tag: Quinn Varanin / Open

Why did he keep getting invited to things like this? Felix remembered precious little about the witch sect of the Confederacy, he had met a couple of them including Vanya and the old night-mother some time ago, while standoffish, they seemed like a competent and powerful crew. He was little more than a kid back them, desperate to prove himself to the ranks of the CIS, he never really had the chance to do so back then, but now... well, he was a little more accomplished. Whether it be wars, inventions, or his own skill with a blade or proficiency in the force he had awoken something brilliant within him. But there had been sacrifices.

Felix knew that the Witches among many abilities had the power to speak to those who had passed away, the last words of his brother haunted him, he needed some clarification. And the Rylothian lord didn't much care how he got it. Rhand was far too much of a disaster for him not to deserve that much.

Dinner didn't seem like the best of plans, however music from the party could be heard loud and clear our here in the gardens of the Ritualistic coven which he explored. Sitting, book in hand he would move to sketch some of the creatures and species of plants that he saw, using what little he knew about the natural world to document some of the more interesting specimens on the garden. Drawing was something he had been tutored while he was young, it was nice to be able to go back to something simple.

He had never expected the owners of this place to be quite so expert in keeping and growing their resources. He was almost more interested in the methods in which they kept this place going all while being serenaded by the music of the party in the castle. Other guests moved around as he stood still with the charcoal in hand. The boys world was limited to the interesting plant that sat before him, but to anyone who would look at his drawing, it would be something... that many may not have seen before, he charted how light reflected and refracted off of the specimen, such it was with all of his works. Lines expanded swirling around the subjects like wind turning them into the center of a solitary sun. Aglow with light and life.

He was no master, but it was fun.


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[Asha’bell’anar]

objective: What We Do In The Shadows
tag: Rann Thress | Julra Repraj | Telula Vale | Vanya Aklin
wearing: xXx

There was something about this place that made her uncomfortable. Bella felt out of place; like others were staring at her, like she didn't belong. And she didn't, not here. The castle seemed alive, and its occupants made her uncomfortable enough that the hairs on the back of her neck stand on edge. One would notice that she looked over her shoulder periodically, half expecting to find some fearsome beast stalking her.

Perhaps it was knowing that she was about to stand witness to a ritual of some kind; truth be told, a dozen different scenarios had gone through her mind, each one involving a sacrifice plucked from the gathered crowd.

Asha’bell’anar would not have been there if it had not been for one man - Rann Thress. If he had not found her on Naboo then she would not have been with the Confederacy, and she would not have been inside Castle Vureshakkairn at this very moment. But as it was, he had found her, and he had taken her beneath his wing to teach her, to encourage her to not be afraid of the gifts she had been born with. And while she was still not certain of her feelings for him, seeing him like this - silent and stoic, perfectly still save for the trembling of an arm.

She silently wondered what it was that had him behaving this way. Fear or respect? Perhaps something else entirely. Whatever it was, she did not like it. Bella could not recall a time before now she had seen Rann act like this. She moved to stand at his side as the Nightmother began addressing the room and placed her hand atop of his, lending him whatever strength he might need at that moment, and hoping that her own calm disposition helped it. She said nothing. Bella would not coddle him. But he would know by the simple gesture of hand-holding that, should he need her, she was there for him.

 

[Luca Donskoi]

Attire: Black Sweater & Grey Scarf
Tag(s): Open

The Force was a mystery to the man now venturing into his mid thirties, with much life left to live before him. It held little interest internally to the man, but an invitation had been extended to him. An invitation which he had then accepted. He’d been invited to witness the archaic and secretive cult practices of one of the Confederacy’s very own Force-wielding cults. Not that practicing in the form in which these witches of the Solanaceae was a bad thing or anything, but it was something beyond him and something he’d never truly understand. Not without possessing the ability to commune with and connect with the Force as they could. Still though, it might be enlightening to observe such things, especially given his position as an executive assistant to one the Confederacy’s Exarchs.

He tugged at his well groomed beard as he stepped from the shuttle that had brought him here to the bastion of the Solanaceae Witches, Castle Vureshakkaim. The black, turtleneck sweater that caressed his torso was a fashionable statement, as was the grey, speckled scarf that lay leisurely around his neck and over his shoulders. The sleeves of the sweater were pulled down to his wrists, veiling the tattoos that spanned over them from view.

As he entered the Black Ritual Hall, he could see that others had already arrived. Of those gathered, it was easy to notice that most were witches of the Solanaceae yet one stood apart from them. One he recognized only through his studies of the inner and outer workings of the Confederacy. It was his job to know things so that when the Exarch asked, he’d have the information to supply Srina Talon to execute whatever the task at hand was. The individual he recognized was none other than Rann Thress , a child of the Confederacy’s very own Darth Metus , the former Vicelord.

Luca didn’t say anything as he entered the chamber and instead stood to the side, shadowed in the darkness of the dimly lit chamber. His hands were clasped before him and hung comfortably there. He simply stood there and observed.
​

 

[Narissa Jondi]

Wearing: XXX

The Endless Library

Planet: Naboo, CIS space
Objective: The Solanaceae’s Vureshakkairn Castle
Equipment: Echani Light Armor | Echani Icy Vibroblade |
Tag: [ Kyyrk Verros ] [ open ]

“No, Guardsman Stefan; the Wee Dragon “shall stay with me. She does not like you, at all.” As if to accentuate her point, the dragonling snapped at the Guard, small teeth snagging in the papers he held. The brief tug of war sent a touch of amusement through her. A single finger soothed down the creatures spine, and it released its prize.

The guard retreated a step as the unique powers of the library swarmed around them to collect her invitation, her prepared speech, the written plea and her ID. Delighted, she watched without complaint as they were whisked away to be analyzed and filed. “I shall be staying here whilst you argue my precise status with the Witches, the Castle, the Knights Obsidian and the Confederacy. I recommend a consultation with [ Gerwald Lechner ]. Good day to you, Sir.” Quietly, she closed the doors upon the guard, then turned to examine the vast array of knowledge that lay before her. “Ooh. Now this is a library.”

The castle had been beautiful; mystical and rare. Elegant spires hid a world full of secrets. The castle grounds even more so; indeed the clever defenses had sent her off into the Valley of Life, and she did not regret it. But this … multiple stories high, vast interlocking shelves stretching the full breadth of the castle!

But this? This was knowledge, pure knowledge in vast, unlimited form. A classical education had many benefits, and most scholarly languages were known to. Her parents had been painfully aware that she was a Force User, and so had sought out language tutors. Yet even so some of these languages were beyond her. A moment’s curiosity, and a cool wind brought a sylph to her side, language primer in hand. A cool, sweet laugh escaped as Narissa accepted the book.

A striking, pale man seemed to find the library as enchanting as she did. Power pooled around him and cascaded off of him, causing rivulets of motion in the cluster of spirits gathered around.

Oh, and his eyes glowed lavender.

The wolf collected strange people in his pack.

Offering a polite nod, she asked “May I join you?”
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[Dreidi Xeraic]

Tag: Vanya Aklin | Darth Metus | Rann Thress | Telula Vale | Julra Repraj | Luca Donskoi
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Dreidi was fidgeting with her outfit, it wasn't a terrible outfit but she wasn't use to wearing smart clothes, lately she had been all about loose, comfy training gear since majority of her time was spent training. She was surprised to see that the Nightmother had opened the place to guests, curious to see how her teacher would be around others since she had always been strict and at times harsh on Dreidi. Not that this phased the Padawan, she was still learning and determined even more to find the best way to get on top and be the best. Her skills were slowly growing and she had been pleased with the progress, hoping that her mentor was as well though she wouldn't ask Vanya and didn't expect her to tell Dreidi if she did ask.

There were a few events going on, one was picking supplies which was not something that Dreidi was interested in. As an acolyte, she did that plenty in her own time. This time, she wanted to do something different, experience something new. Seeing that Vanya was doing a ritual, a blood ritual to the Gods was something that catch her attention. Parties were lame and often boring, this ritual was going to be filled with knowledge and secrets, perhaps Dreidi would even get to understand the powers that were inside her more through this ritual. With the decision made, she left her quarters in the castle and made her way to where the ritual was being held.

As she made her way there, she realised that she was a bit late. Using the Force as stealthily as she could, Dreidi shifted herself into the group and acted like she had been there with the others the whole time. That she had made it on time since she knew how much Vanya did not like people being late or wasting her time, so best chance was to keep quiet, listen in and observe the ritual, attempting to absorb as much knowledge from the event as she could. Curious to see what Vanya would do or need to perform this, outside of blood of course.​

 

[Kaira Vinesse]

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ATTIRE: Black Dress
POST: 1
TAG(S): Open

The room was bathed in a warm candlelight as the young Confederate Corporal entered the room. Though today, she was not going by ‘Corporal Vinesse,’ but rather simply by ‘Kaira.’ It was her off duty time, and she planned on using it as such. A getaway and escape from the rigors which were becoming of that of the soldier. Even at the earliest of ranks which is where she stood currently. Here, she could simply be a person. Just one of the girls per say, even if it wasn’t the most comfortable of situations for the introverted young woman to find herself in. At least here she felt she might have the opportunity to escape some of the lustful eyes of her peers.

She wore a sleek, black dress in the fashion of a halfway done halter top, with one shoulder covered and the other exposed. Her hair was let down tonight as opposed to the tight bun she wore day to day and it fell below her shoulder to the mid back. The heels she wore weren’t of significant height, as she hoped to be comfortable through the night, something she had found herself unwilling to sacrifice in order to pull off the night’s look as she’d chosen the shoes to complete. She wore no jewelry, though. Not even a set of earrings.

She took in a deep breath and slowly released it, calming what nerves had billowed up from within as she stepped into the dining hall. Such gatherings were not really her style as she’d be just as happy, if not happier, staying in and curling up on the couch in her apartment with a bowl of ice cream in tow, watching the latest drama the HoloNet had to offer. But, she needed to get out more. At least that's what her mother always told her. But then again, her mother may have just been getting impatient in her desire to have grandchildren. She shrugged, casting the words of her mother from her conscious thought.

As she finally stepped forward, she reached and pulled a glass of red wine from an attendant and took a sip of the contents. He was a dry wine, and not one that she particularly favored, but it was something with alcohol, that perhaps in time could ease some of the discomfort she felt in such a place of unfamiliarity.

She stepped to the side and held her glass as elegantly and professionally as she could think to and simply looked on for now, taking note of those who had already gathered within the room. While she had beaten back the nervousness and disinterest to attend the event, she wasn't quite brave enough to open a conversation and mingle with the others.
​

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[Rann Thress]

WEARING: Rann’s Robes
TAG: @anyone around! Julra Repraj Asha’bell’anar Vanya Aklin Telula Vale Luca Donskoi Dreidi Xeraic

Despite his intention to be a fly on the wall, merely a bystander, Rann had drawn attention to himself in some form or another. He felt the eyes on him before he saw who was staring, and was more than slightly concerned that she had noticed him so. The Nightmother, Vanya Aklin , was beginning to address the room when she looked at him. It was more than just a glance, she bore into him with her eyes, studying him. It added to the fear that was taking hold of him, but still he steeled himself. He would remain, he would partake in the ritual, even as a bystander. He had to conquer the fears inside of him, but he looked down at the ground breaking eye contact with the Nightmother.

It helped immensely that Asha’bell’anar had joined him. She had placed her hand on his in a show of support. He raised his head to look at her and forced a small smile and mouthed a thanks to her. He hadn’t told her what had happened when Rann was on Ryloth last, but he would. It was an important part of who he was, and the reason for his being there. But for now, her silent support meant the world as he turned his eyes back towards the event in the middle of the room.

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[Gerwald Lechner]

WEARING: xxx
TAG: Open for Interaction

Gerwald still did not like the company of witches. Yes, it was a personal issue, but he did not trust their kind. From his experience they always had an ulterior motive. The Lord Commander had been making progress in his efforts to get to know and understand Vytal Noctura , but now another had stepped in as well. He did not understand their world anymore than he had when Katrine Van-Derveld had brought the Mandragora to them. They would perform their ritual, others would celebrate, but Gerwald would keep his distance.

The gardens which seemed held for a purpose, called to the wolf inside the man. He was a beast after all, and nature was something which would always be a draw. His distance from whatever social gathering taking place was not a new thing. Rather, Gerwald seemed to return to how he had been before Naedira Darcrath had encouraged him to be more present. She had always pushed him out of his comfort zone, always because she knew he could be more.

Now he was, and the Lord Commander had never felt so… alone. It was lonely at the top, at least it was what he had heard, and save for Lunara Azure , and Srina Talon , the wolf did not have anyone he remained close to. They were his confidants, advisors when needed, but more so the first to kick his butt when it was needed.

Rhand had been difficult, and Gerwald was simply not ready to face the masses. It was not the same as Naalol had been, yet the shock of what happened had burned him just as deeply. Never had he seen an enemy so willing to sacrifice their planet, lives, to stop an enemy. These were not the kind of enemy that could be reasoned with, and they would likely only understand one thing.

Bloodshed.

Normally the thought would cause the wolf inside Gerwald to leap for joy, but even the predator did not find pleasure in the prospect of spilling blood for the sake of spilling blood. If they continued to press the offensive against the Maw, it would be a bloody war.

A small path seemed to lead away from the main portion of the gardens, and deeper to the heart of the valley. It seemed a good place for Gerwald to find himself lost for a time. He could smell the air, how uncontaminated it seemed to be. There was a peace he could find among nature that did not come from any other place. For a time, he would simply be alone with his thoughts, and that was perfectly acceptable to him.

He was alone, for now, and in the moment, it was as he wished it.
​

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Taiia Locke //: Vaylin //: OPEN //:

Allyson could count on one hand the number of times a woman had made her speechless. One of those times was right this moment. Taiia slowly began to come out of her shell, showing the Corellian more of what was underneath the graceful strength she exuded. Allyson bit her lip slightly and took the seat next to her date. “I think I’m slowly corrupting you.” Allyson chuckled softly as she brought the wine glass to her lips. Every word that poured from Taiia’s lips was laced with a tease. The woman knew every button to push, and she took every opportunity to test them.

The glass found its place on the table as Allyson placed her free hand on Taiia’s lap, giving it a gentle squeeze as she smiled. “You’re terrible, you know that? Forcing me to sit through this event. We could have had so much fun at home.” Grinning, Allyson moved her hand and wiggled her brows for added effect. Leaning forward, she ran her fingertips gently under the other woman’s chin, pulling her into a quick kiss. It took every bit of her to fight the small voice telling her that this was wrong - that everything needed to be a secret, but it was safe here - Allyson hoped.

“So, is this like seeing your childhood bedroom or something like it?” The Corellian teased and pulled away from Taiia for a moment, “I’m excited - the place is the right kind of creepy, but I better not wake up with a Force ghost staring at me while I try waking you up tomorrow morning.” She took another sip of her wine, letting her gaze wander for a moment - mainly to avoid the eye contact that would only make the dinner engagement last unbearably long. As her single eye glanced about the room, her attention was instantly caught by a certain Zabrak wandering in. Allyson nearly spat out her wine but instead began to choke - only after downing the entire glass in one sizeable frantic gulp.

Looking as if she saw a ghost, Allyson set the glass down and turned to Taiia, trying to give the woman her best and sexiest smolder to try and hide the panic. “So - uh, how about we uh just go now? Let’s just take the food to go or something upstairs? Downstairs? Something stairs??” Allyson rested her head against the side of the chair, trying her hardest to smile her classic Cheshire grin.