Open Social Serenno A Hal'lowed Masquerade

[Soren Shaggelian]

Soren hasn't done much other try to teach himself how to do certain force tricks. Not having a master was hard, though eventually one will see he needs them and will train him. Until then, Soren will continue to use his saber on branches and bushes as if they were enemies. As well as force push rocks into trees out of boredom.

"Uh well, I have been training since the last time we were together. It's..."

He remembered the branch that fell on him..

"Intense."

Soren would chuckle nervously as he would try to shake off the memory until Malou had done it for him. She asked him if he cared to dance. He froze for only a second before he would let out his answer smiling as always.

"Yea! Though I don't kno-"

Before he could finish Malou had taken his hand into hers and pulled him into dancing. He's never actually danced with anyone before. This was new to him. She was leading and he was doing his best to keep up. His eyes down to his feet trying to keep the pace, the slower parts were easiest. Then he began to get the hang of th e stepping in the dance, so he would look to see her mask and continue to speak.

"This.. is actually fun. I think I like dancing."

Then she proceeded to ask him a question about his training. He was a bit embarrassed to tell her that he didn't have a master yet. All of the so called training was pretty much some kid swinging a lightsaber around. The smile went down a little, and he would look at her before continuing,

"Well, I think I'm doing pretty well.. I've learned a lot"

Like how it takes you two tries to beat the branches.. pathetic.

Soren would then smile brightly again and continue their dance. She seemed a little on edge, or at least just not enjoying the dance like he was. Maybe he should lighten the mood. He could compliment her mask, it was really good detailing. Plus it really worked for her. Definitely a good choice by her to wear.

"So I like your mask a lot! Did you get it custom made?"

Yea.. it's obvious Soren. You don't know how to talk to girls.

@lizziie

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc listened quietly as the man spoke, keeping his gaze ahead. It allowed Caelestis any space he wanted to form any expression he desired without the half Sephi looking. The inner turmoil going on inside the man’s head was obvious even without looking at him. The mask inflicted them all with a poison that was slow to disperse. In the Empire of today, the mask had no place.

Caelestis’ question at the end was a curious one, but it almost brought a grin to his face. Out of respect, the grin never manifested, his face remaining stoic as he looked ahead. Emryc pondered on the question in silence, knowing fully well where it came from. If he hadn’t been a politician, he never would have had the skills to look at words beyond at face value.

“I did my duty the same way I expect you would have,” He said simply. Both men knew well enough that if Raze began to advance towards Renfry from behind like that, Caelestis would have stepped in. Their reasons for doing so is where things began to blur. Emryc still didn’t look at the other man as he took another sip from his drink, resting both arms on the railing to lean against it, “I do not stand in your way the way you believe I do,” He said quietly.

@Braden Drake

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

The music suddenly changed to something much more upbeat, so Malou switched up the dance as Soren gave his short answer. He didn't mention a master, so she assumed he didn't have one yet. He didn't strike her as the go-getter kind, so she wondered how long that would remain so.

"I didn't get it custom made, but it was hand crafted," Malou explained in response to Soren's query about the intricate headpiece she wore. She had purchased it on Alpheridies, homeworld of the MIraluka. It was beautiful, but the way it fit was even better. It was secure on her face, even though it was a bit heavy.

Malou began to increase the speed of their dance to match the new music, and adjusted the rhythm of their dance as well. Soren seemed as if he was struggling to keep up with the new increased speed though. Malou released one of his hands then spun herself twice away from him, releasing her other hand when she reached the end their arm lengths'. The boy would be free to dance at his own pace, and Malou, hers. While she was fairly unfamiliar with dancing to anything that wasn't a waltz or ballroom, it wasn't hard for her to pick up from those in the room who had no problem with the change in music.

Her hands mimicked the placement of those around her, floating to her hips as she popped them up and down in rhythm with the music. Once she got a feel for the style of dance, Malou sank into it. The acolyte reached her hand out to Soren once again, but this held it only for a moment, spinning the boy before continuing on once again.

"How long have you known Senin?" she asked, unable to help herself. He had been present at the beach house, so it was possible they had known each other for a while.

tag: @Scoobert

 

[Darth Caelestis]

He continued to look out into the darkness as he awaited Raze's answer from his rather pointed question. The man seemed to be the one Sith Lord well out of the line of the power struggles within the Empire, which could allow him to do something for the Noble that perhaps no one else could. But his answer was not as personally orientated as Artorigas at first believed and his added comment caught Artorigas off guard.

He was half way through actually tasting the whiskey this time, but did not get the opportunity as he spat it out over the edge of the balcony. Quickly spinning his head to look at the man, he was going to say something but was not sure what he would say, it was a cross between, that's not what I meant and I don't need your blessing or permission. But only silence came out of his mouth, his cheeks reddening slightly as he turned back away from the man, hoping the darkness can hide the warmth in his cheeks.

After a few moments of silence, allowing Artorigas to gather himself he finally spoke. "That is not what I meant." He sighed. "But no do not worry." Perhaps he was not the right man for the required job, he could always approach Stolas about it? But that would have to wait for a another time. He stood in silence not knowing what next to say, the man's comment had caught him off guard and had broken the thin line of conversation Artorigas had pieced together from his uneasy thoughts. For both the subject Raze had first razed and the most recent one he had mentioned were both two things he was not internally ready to talk about to anyone but his own soul.

@Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc did, in fact, look over when Caelestis unceremoniously spat his drink out over the edge of the balcony. The half Sephi raised his glass in cheers to that before finishing it off. He went to pour himself another glass, deciding that he quite linked this flavor. He let Caelestis stew for a moment, the man’s face burning red from what he could see beneath the mask. The noble said nothing but he squirmed as if he had upset stomach. He also made no move to turn and leave.

Emryc, by comparison, was entirely calm and relaxed. He was enjoying himself with the whiskey and the brilliant view of the twin moons and stars. Normally this was where he would be utterly silent and stand like a frigid sentry. It had been his nature for a very long time - he wasn’t the type to make small talk. However, having an ex that was loud and opinionated and also a current partner that was also very verbal had begun to rub off on Emryc over time. Some situations called for at least a bit of talking over his usual default stonewalling.

He turned to look at Caelestis, taking a sip before he spoke, “Wessex,” He began curtly, “I carried your drunk ass across the desert, I sat on you at some point, watched you vomit your lunch a foot away from me, set you on fire and just now watched you spray out whiskey that costs more than the annual salary of your servants,” He rattled these things off very matter of factly, though a grin began to tug at his lips, “I should hope by now you can speak plainly with me instead of taking the scenic route.”

@Braden Drake

 

[Soren Shaggelian]

Hand crafted. The designers and tailors on Alphiridies really do a great job at their line of work. Soren appreciated the details put into the mask, it was beautiful.. she was..

Soren.. her master is a Sith Lord, if you even try, and fail, who knows what will happen to you.

Soren looked at her, even if her head wouldn't face him, he was enjoying this dance. Something outside of his comfort zone that wasn't including hot sand. He could get behind this more often. Then the song changed to a more upbeat rhythm. Malou would twirl her way out of his hands and begin to dance alone. The Entrallan would look on to see her dancing and begin to move in a type of groove that would fit the song.

"This is kinda like when I play the radio in the shower!"

Are you actually this dumb? Now she thinks your weird for dancing in the shower.

The teenage Sith would immediately show a face of nervousness as he didn't realize what he just said. I guess he thought it was innocent at first, it was innocent he didn't mean anything by it. Embarrassment filled him up inside as he would then try to hide how he was nervous. Following the smile to hide the pain rule. Malou had taken Soren's hand for a spin but she spun him instead, which he absolutely butchered, then asked about Senin. The boy who left with a head wound behind Xeno. How long he knew him? Not long actually.

"We met that day on G'wenee. At that beach house with the other girls. The taller one Aadya. And also I believe her name was Ashla. The Togruta girl with the surf board. That was the first time I met any of you actually. I am what the other Sith call a 'greeny' so.."

He would look confused as to why that question came. Was there a reason other than the common curiosity? Now he felt the need to ask a question himself.

"What happened before I came in tonight? Like did someone get into a fight? I noticed the wound on his head."

Soren was worried something bad had happened, well yes it's a Sith party but still. If there were hostility between the two or something. They seemed like good friends, he didn't know if they were just having a rough patch, or if maybe she was mad he was hurt. Who knows?

@lizziie

 

[Darth Caelestis]

A moment of dread filled his stomach as he thought about their time back on Tattooine, it was not one of his finest moments that was for sure and one he was sure to avoid again, keeping any cuisine from Firrerre well away from palette. But what the man said was true, even though it was not much time the pair had spent together Raze had perhaps seen the worst of him during that time and had done nothing but accept it for what it was. That was probably the most friendly thing anyone had done for him, yet Artorigas still had up his walls.

He procrastinated and avoided speaking plainly for a reason, it was the same reason why, as Raze had once so eloquently put it 'was not comfortable in his own company', for when he spoke he was being listened to and when he was being listened to he was being noticed. So going out of his way to make people overthink his words, to listen to him longer than was needed was his way of having control over how long and how much people noticed him.

Artorigas poured another glass, the bottle was already down to half way, he should probably control himself if he was to last the night and not spend it being put to bed by another Sith Lord. "You once told me that I was uncomfortable with my own company." He paused his mind on a knifes edge as if to finally let down the walls, or to keep them up. For he could not be sure if he let them down how much they would crumble and could they ever be built again. The stress which had compounded upon his mind from the darkness had already shaken the foundations to the point, that fear was determined to keep them up encase they collapse.

"You were correct, the thought of being on my own terrifies me. But what brings me to my knees is having to put someone through the same terror." If the walls were still there the portcullis had at least been raised, this towering man who seemed so stoic and unloving, was perhaps, the one person who had been the most caring to Artorigas', by seeing through the bantha shit and being straight with him. Moving back from the balcony he looked up at the man and gave him a genuine smile, not a fake one he plastered on for everyone to see, but one which actually came from behind the portcullis.

"If something were to happen to me, I wish to ask a favour from you. Would you please take Cornelia into your care?"

@Sreeya

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus couldn’t help but smile in that stupid, ridiculous way as he made his way back from the balcony- their shared moment together on the balcony seeming to pushing tension-filled events of the night into the back of his mind, visible giddy by this point. He kept his arm wrapped around the half-Sephi as he went, holding him close for a few moments before reentering into the main hall.

He subtly glanced towards Emryc, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips as he felt the playful grab at his rear. He nearly reciprocated the gesture, resisting the urge only due to the more exposed angle of just a maneuver.

With that, Jaikus made his way back to where Ashla was standing, dipping low before the Togruta Acolyte and offering a dance. If he saw her little fumble with the champagne flute, he certainly didn’t mention it, instead focusing upon making their way to the dancefloor rather than embarrassing the woman.

Just then, Jaikus heard the music shift from the classic waltz – something that certainly caught his attention. The current song was upbeat and energetic, as well as being strikingly similar to what the man had danced to back on Tattooine. It brought a bright, jovial expression on the Axxilan’s face, eyes glinting against the castle light – though they weren’t their usual citrine hues – still retaining their natural emerald color as they had since leaving the balcony. It was a barely noticeable detail, one that Ashla would miss if she wasn’t looking, but it was visible nonetheless.

Jaikus was a tad bit surprised by the Togruta’s renewed boldness, grabbing his offered hand and tugging him along towards the center of the room, though it earned the woman toothy smile and chuckle. As he was tugged along, he polished off his flute of champagne, throwing it back before placing the dainty glass onto a passing tray.

“Much better than the waltz, wouldn’t you say?” He quipped, wiggling his brows at her playfully he moved to the middle of the floor, standing beside the Togruta and beginning to mimic the movement others around him. He placed one hand his sides while the other hovered behind his head, hips rising and dropping with rapid percussion movements, while ever-so-often shifting onto the balls of his feet to spin alongside others within the rooms, hands rising to clap to the rhyme. All the while, that bright smile never faded from his lips, emerald-streaked eyes glinting beneath the mask and candlelight.

@Wit

 

[Ashla Ti]

It had taken some time, but Ashla was finally enjoying herself, the last vestiges of the fear that had taken a hold of her upon the Eternal's arrival finally forgotten. As Jaikus started following along with the steps, she paused for a second in appreciation of his quick feet and graceful movements, it had taken her a very long time to learn to dance, and here he was, seemingly a natural. Pushing the thought away, she looked around to catch up with the dance, one hand going to her head and the other to her hip as she moving to the beat.

After following along with reasonable success till the end of the song, Ashla let out a full laugh as the music started to fade out, and turned to Jaikus in the dim between songs. "You know," she called out to Jaikus over the sound of the party, "I'm surprised you didn't rip your vest, specially during that step during the chorus!"

She raised her hands to do the step, but her hand hit something behind her and a loud crashing noise drew everyone's attention. She turned around to see the same server from before, on the floor with another tray on the ground, yet another mask floating to the floor. It looked like he had tried to approach her in between songs and reached her just as she was demonstrating the step for Jaikus.

As the man scuttled away, she turned to Jaikus with a guilty look on her face. "These guys are really persistent, just how important is this mask thing?"

@Altaris

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

If Malou noticed the way Soren was gawking at her, she made no indication of it. She was only half-listening to the other acolyte as she danced along to the music, popping her hips up and down as her arms twirled in the air around her.

She began to pay attention when Soren went to answer her question, taking careful note when he explained that it had been his first time meeting everyone when he was there. Malou relaxed a bit after the explanation, no longer worried that Soren was somehow wrapped up in this scheme of Senin's.

"What happened?" Malou was a tad confused, but soon came to the assumption that he had arrived late. Her mood soured once again as she was forced to recall the events which had transpired not even an hour prior. "So-" Malou began to explain, then suddenly paused and shook her head. No, she didn't want to go through an entire series of events at the moment. "Actually, I'll tell you later. You still have my contact information from our trip to Aeten, right?"

MUSIC​

Malou's question was punctuated by the sound of a loud crashing noise and a noticeable change in music. Her lips spread into a grin, revealing pearly white teeth, as the teenager recognized the song on the speakers. The acolyte took it as the perfect opportunity to change the subject too, hoping Soren recognized the sound like she did.

"I fucking love this song," Malou laughed. It was more a exhale than anything, but laughter was a rare sound from the miralukan. The image of the famous video from the holonet appeared in her mind, and the acolyte began to swing her hips and snap her fingers like the pumpkin man in that video. Their dance was pretty much over now, but the acolyte stuck nearby regardless. Though she could see that Ashla and Jaikus had finished dancing, she wasn't sure if she would be able to steal her quite yet.

tag: @Scoobert

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc was largely silent as Caelestis spoke, though he was surprised at the words. The noble was more stubborn than even Renfry or Tiamat in some ways, which was outright astonishing to him. It took a lot to make dents in the armor and even then Caelestis struggled. The half Sephi had been the same way and it took Morgan several years to help him chip away at the ice sheets of his persona.

He didn’t need to sense the man with the Force to understand this was taking tremendous effort. This was something burning him much worse than any flame or biting frost ever could. The half Sephi gazed at him through it all, his face set in stone as he processed what was said. If there was shock, it certainly did not manifest externally. However, it was something that made him reflect within the deep recesses of his mind.

Since when had he become someone that others could entrust to guard others? It was then that the leading question Caelestis had asked came spiraling back. Emryc was also reminded of when he had broken into a Ranger prison to break Tiamat out. He thought of the ways he sought to protect Morgan and the lengths he would go now to ensure Jaikus didn't come under harm. Were these traits so easy to see? These traits he had been trained to view as weaknesses?

Yet as he looked at the other man, he knew there was no deception there. There was no hidden agenda, no malice, because he looked tortured even to say the words. It took courage beyond what Caelestis had to face until then. Emryc stared at him for a few seconds before he finally spoke.

“You have my word,” He said quietly, “To the degree that she will allow me,” He added. It would become abundantly clear that Emryc valued free will and choice. This was exactly why he detested what the mask had done to Tiamat. However, Caelestis would know his answer was as genuine as the question he had posed.

Emryc threw back the rest of his drink before reaching over to clap him on the shoulder with a half grin, “You will not hear the end of it if you lose this fight, however,” He drew his hand back before gesturing back towards the party.

There was a different level of understanding between the two at that point that needed no further words or explanation. Emryc remained silent as he walked back, turning to give Caelestis a polite nod before making his way over to find Renfry. He made a mental note to find the man once more to coax him to dance before the night was done.

@Braden Drake

 

[Renfry]

Renfry was still quite grumpy - bordering on brooding - when Emryc made his way over. She didn't know what had been said between he and Artorigas, and her temptation to pry was overwhelming - a fact Emryc would know well - but she narrowly managed to restrain herself.

Instead, she sipped at a new glass of wine after her last one was shattered, observing as people began to get back to the partying part of the party. After all, that was why they had originally come here this evening. Not to brood like she was doing.

As the music began to loudly play overhead, Renfry couldn't help but frown. Skeletons were some of the least effective undead to raise. Even the mummified techniques used by the Nightsisters allowed some level of tissue to be maintained, but full-skeletons lacked enough collagenous material to keep themselves together. Spooky scary skeletons indeed, she thought, frowning.

She was pulled out of her thoughts as Emryc made his way over to her. The music made it so that others would have quite a difficult time overhearing what was said.

I wanted to thank you, she said. For ensuring I had the space to deal with things, she said. She would still likely need to interrogate Artorigas about what exactly he'd been intending, but regardless, it was important that she deal with that moment by herself. She didn't want to believe that Art's intention had been to hurt her, but it seemed there were at least a few people in the room who had thought as much. If that were true, then she had even more to thank him for.

@Sreeya

 

[Soren Shaggelian]

She avoided the question. It must have been something enough to make her hurt. Or just not happy. Soren didn't mean to bring anything bad back to mind for her, he knew she seemed tough, but he guessed this was really bad. She instead said she would tell him another time, and asked if he still had her contact information. Of course he did, it was one of the highlights from that night. Why wouldn't he keep it?

"Yea, we'll hang out again and if you feel comfortable by then it'd be okay."

She then noticed the change in song. It was more upbeat and fit the them of the party a lot more than the past songs. She liked it, loved it even as she said. Soren took note of this. She began dancing nearby but away from Soren. He figured he would let her enjoy this time to herself. He didn't want to be invasive, and looked over to see Ashla just finishing a dance with the Champion Jaikus Altaris. He looked like a very elegant man, Soren had never met him before. Maybe this would an opportunity.

"Hey Ashla! Good Evening Jaikus! Would you two wanna come dance?"

Soren had his attention turned to them as he did a goofy dance to the song playing. He would wave his hand towards him and Malou insisting they come join in on the fun. The party could use a party animal, and Soren may just be the teen for the job.

@lizziie @Wit @Altaris

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc didn’t need to ask to know that Renfry was burning with curiosity. She had always been nosy for as long as he could remember, and something like this was likely eating away at her. The half Sephi quietly sipped from his whiskey, studying the angles and lines of her face to work out the whirlwind of emotions she felt. She had to balance her personal opinions with presenting herself as Empress. She lost the luxury of only going just by gut feelings now, and she had to analyze everything.

“It wasn’t him,” Emryc stated flatly, “It was the mask,” His tone was slightly dark, betraying his distaste for the mask. As much as the half Sephi loved ancient artifacts, he didn’t think anyone wearing the mask without proper planning and preparation was smart. As someone that had two personalities within himself, he couldn’t exactly fault Caelestis for what he had done, “What happened to Wessex was slightly similar to what happens with me,” He didn’t elaborate further. She knew well the Raze and Emryc split. No one else needed to overhear that he had any side to him other than Raze. If she couldn’t fault Emryc for it, could she fault Caelestis?

Emryc threw back his drink and set it down on a passing tray. He flashed Renfry a grin, feeling a slight buzz from the alcohol, “Are you going to be moody all evening or will you honor me with a dance?”

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry nodded as he explained what had happened, a straight answer to the question he knew she was dying to ask. And it was an answer she could accept. They both knew all too well how things could be within the Sith. She knew that Raze had nearly killed her before and she knew that tonight even she had nearly killed Tiamat.

I see, she said with a nod, thoughtfully looking out over the rest of the party. She could handle dealing with someone who was split like that so long as she was aware. And it all came back to that Mask. It was a question to which she didn't have an answer. Destroy it? Was that even possible? Banish it and Tia from the Sith? Direct it into another venture that was quite different from where it currently was? What other options were there? Hopefully something would come to her as time progressed.

She was taken off-guard by his question a moment later, still sometimes amazed at how he could seamlessly switch between being ready to lay down the hurt on someone and wanting to dance so quickly and easily.

I was going to just stand here and brood all night, she said honestly, knowing full-well that he would know she was being totally serious. She was still somewhat internally distressed about the Eternal situation, but at least the questions about Art had been cleared up.

But you know I can never say "no" to you, she said, almost managing a smile as she said it. It was more true than she probably should have admitted, but he'd seen and heard far worse from her.

@Sreeya

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

As the energetic music eventually came to an end, Jaikus turned back to face Ashla, chuckling softly under his breath when she spoke. “You’d be surprised how durable they are.” He called back to her, a playful tone to his voice. This wasn’t Jaikus’ had sported such attire, and if the vest managed to survive some of the moves he pulled at the last party, Jaikus had no doubts it would hold up now.

The Axxilan paused, watching the entire exchange between Ashla and the mask-carrying waiter. He caught the guilty look on her face, a wide grin spreading across his lips. “Three for three. You’re on a roll when it comes to beating them back.” He joked, subtly hinting that he’d seen the earlier incident with the flute of champagne. He waved a hand dismissively after that. “You’ll probably be fending them off all night. Nobles tend to love their themes for these parties.”

Just then, Jaikus looked past Ashla, turning his attention to Malou and Soren off to the side when the latter spoke. “Looks like you two are enjoying yourselves!” He smirked, calling back to the two Acolytes. He’d seen that goofy pumpkin-man dance a hundred times or more. Especially this type of year, clips of that video seemed to be plastered across the HoloNet, having become a reoccurring Hallowe’en trend.

Jaikus began to make his way over towards the pair, briefly looking back to see if Ashla would follow or head to mingle elsewhere. “Good to see you again, Malou.” He said politely. Jaikus flicked his gaze over to Soren, greeting the Acolyte with a polite smile and dip of his head. “Good evening. Soren, yes?” He didn’t know the male Acolyte well, though he’d heard the name in passing a few times before.

MUSIC​

"Always in the mood for a dance." He said with a nod, briefly glancing up to see who else was making their way towards the dancefloor. Just as it looked like the Champion was getting ready to start doing the pumpkin-man dance, the music slowly began to die down from the speakers. Instead of spooky-scary-skeleton's, the castle was suddenly filled with another Hallowe’en classic, one that would instantly be recognizable by – hopefully – the majority of those in attendance.

The new song instantly brought a wide, toothy smile to Jaikus' lips. He quickly recalled the dance from the famous HoloVideo, beginning to mimic the well-known choreography in hopes that the cluster of Acolytes would join in.

@Wit @lizziie @Scoobert

​

 

[Ashla Ti]

Taking a mental note to ask him he shopped for his clothes, having ruined her clothes on more than on occasion, she continued dancing. She laughed sheepishly as Jaikus noticed her encounter with the waiter, she looked over her shoulder once more to see if anyone else was approaching with another mask. She hadn't intentionally avoided putting on a mask, but now that he mentioned it she almost wanted to see how far she could last without one, specially if it was something that might irritate their host. She hadn't know that sort of playfulness was something she would be interested in, but now that the opportunity presented itself she realized she would indeed.

As Soren greeted her and Jaikus at the end of the song, and Jaikus moved to greet them, Ashla waived at them as she spotted a waiter walking by with a tray full of glasses and briefly excused herself to get some water. "Want a water?" She called out to them as she moved to intercept the waiter, but walking while looking over her shoudler and navigating through a crowd of dancers resulted in her almost crashing into a woman beyond the crowd. (@llamallove)

"I'm so sorry!" She said as she sidestepped at the last moment to avoid barreling right into her. Grabbing a glass of water from the waiter, she downed it in a single gulp before returning her attention to the woman she had almost walked into. "I.." She was about to say more when she heard the music change, a wide grin spread on her face as she recognized the song. Spotting Jaikus beginning the others through the steps from the holovid, turned back to the woman with the enthusiasm of one who oh so slightly buzzed and also truly enjoying herself."Wanna dance? This is a fun one!"

Without waiting for a reply she would drag her along to the others, just as they were about to break into dance. "Soren, Malou, I brought a friend!"

@Altaris @Scoobert @lizziie @llamallove

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

While Soren wandered off to grab Jaikus and Ashla, Malou was left for a few moments to herself. For a moment she began to think back on earlier events, but she interrupted the thoughts by pulling a fluke of champagne to her hand an quickly downing it. As the fizzy drink disappeared down her throat, the acolyte begrudgingly noted that it was starting to taste less bad than it used to.

She was three or four drinks in at this point, and she was starting to feel a quiet buzz in her skin and a slight warmth in her cheeks. The miralukan hadn't planned to use alcohol as a crutch, but it was certainly helping to smooth over her rougher emotions. By the time Soren returned with Jaikus and Ashla wandered over with Zoella, Malou was in a much more party-orientated mood.

"Jaikus," she responded to the older man. The two had met on several occasions, and yet they had never held a conversation. Her opinion of him was entirely superficial because of it; she knew very little about him. She supposed the same could be said for Ashla or Soren, but as they were both around her age she was inclined to feel less reserved around them.

Though she had been quite pleased with the song about spooky, scary skeletons, when the next song began to play, another smile widened her lips. Malou joined Jaikus in mimicking the song's iconic choreography, rocking and bending her legs before popping up with everyone else. It was much easier for the acolyte to enjoy herself with this sort of music as opposed to the whimsical waltzes which were usually played at such event. 'I wonder what Artorgias thinks of the music?' He wasn't exactly a stick in the mud, but she would be impressed if he was the one who picked out this music.

"Hello!" Malou gave Zoella a small wave in the midst of her dancing, breaking the choreography (thought staying on beat) to grab the skirt of her dress and give the other acolyte a tiny curtsey before returning to the dance in one fluid motion. The other girl was about her height, but wore a mask as most others were so Malou was unable to decipher the girl's features. Malou liked Zoella's dress though; the many small beads and mock-corseted back were very interesting to the miralukan's detail-orientated view.

tags: @Altaris @Scoobert @Wit @llamallove

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Time stood still inside his mind, the portcullis was down, the enemy was storming the gates, the defenders of his mind were being slaughtered by the silence between them and he stood their as helpless as a child. For in those few seconds Artorigas, the second son from Serenno, not the Sith Lord of Avillion stood still defenceless and open as a book, for all to see and read. Then the deep baritone voice @sree
quietly spoke four words which brought back to life every defender which had died upon his walls, within his keep, at the foot of his still throne, as relief washed over his soul. He was sure that Cornelia would resist the Sith Lord, her fiery nature ran hotter than his, but at least with him beside or behind her she at least had some form of protection of what could come, less he lose.

He watched in silence as the man finished his drink, his mind too numb to follow suit, the full glass moving ever so slightly in his hand. As Raze gently began to move off back towards the party, Artorigas let out a near silent, "Thank you," towards the stoic giant. Perhaps on that night Artorigas had friend, if not at least met a kindred soul upon that balcony.

Once the man was out of earshot, the Sith Noble let go of the tension constricting his every muscle, tendon and fibre of his body, an audible exhale as he did so. Artorigas did not hyperventilate, his muscles did not spasm and no pain came from the untensing fibres, for his body was completely shot from the effort his mind had put it through that night. First from the darkness inside, trying to hold back the tide until the mask broke through, then with his own self-consciousness and fear pulling down the walls to allow him to try and save his sister. It was too much for his mind to comprehend, let alone his body adapt to, he felt tired, no exhausted at the effort he had gone through. Yet in reality he only walked a hundred steps and said a hundred words.

Turning back to look out into the pitch black darkness of the valley he rested his tired body upon the railing. High above the twin moons shined through the cloudy sky, giving the scene a sense of gravitas not uncalled for this night. As the north wind blew down through the valley he felt a swift chill upon his cheek as a pair of tears fell down. He let them rest there for a moment, enjoying the cold sensation upon his face before finally wiping them away as he rose his glass for another sip.

 

[Zoella Dorran]

As soon as the Zabrak and the redheaded teenager had stormed from the room and disappeared from view, the party returned to some form of normality. Or at least what Zoella had to assume was customary normality for a gathering such as this. No one expected Sith to behave like everyone else did.

There was still something that loomed in the air around them, dark and brooding, but at least the music and dancing had resumed.

Gingers, Zoella muttered to herself, rolling her eyes.

The teenager crossed the room to peruse the refreshments table, eventually deciding on a foaming drink that looked similar to a Fuzzy Tauntaun. Pressing the glass to her lips, she turned to face the crowd once again, nearly colliding with another girl.

It was fortunate that she did not splutter her drink all over the Togruta, or worse—her own dress, but the happy little accident did result in a coughing fit as her drink went down her throat the wrong way.

"That... that's alright," Zoella managed to reply, her voice hoarse as she clutched at her chest.

There was no denying the cheerful Togruta that did not wear a mask, and Zoella was only able to get out a raspy, "Sure, that sounds fun" before being drug across the ballroom.

On the other side of the crowded room, the Togruta pulled her to a halt in front of three dancers, one adorned in a black floor length dress, one in a salmon-colored vest, and a boy with very spiky hair. Three of them looked to be around her own age, so she had to assume that they were also Acolytes.

"Hello," she greeted the girl behind the golden mask, pleased to hear her voice had returned. Examining the intricacies of its design, she added, "I love your mask!"

It had been some time since Zoella had danced, particularly to this style of music. She wasn't sure that she'd remember the steps, but there was only one way to find out. Following the example of the Togruta, she joined in.

@Wit @lizziie @Scoobert @Altaris​