Alliance Gala

[StormWolf]

Rhonun's amber eyes had been scanning the room incredulously, his slit pupils taking in the new environment and the people in it. Rhonun took special notice of the open bar, and he suddenly felt his throat go a little dry. He hadn't had an alcoholic beverage since the last "date" he had been on with Della atop the roof of their Enclave. The temptation to drink had been buried beneath the weight of responsibility and duty, but now that he and Della finally had a night to themselves, he figured he could let himself enjoy the open bar. Alas, he felt Della tug on his thick arm, pulling him farther away from the ice cold drinks. Rhonun could only sigh slightly before turning his eyes forward and walking beside Della, her hands still clasped on his arm.

They came to a stop before a woman, another Jedi with flaxen hair and eyes the color of a Catherese summer sky. Teynara, Della said her name was. A friend and classmate, Rhonun assumed. Della was always the more social one, despite her shyness. Rhonun had always busied himself with his studies, foregoing many social opportunities to study and train until his entire body ached. So this whole party was a change in scenery and behavior for the Cathar, but it was not entirely unwelcome. Rhonun couldn't help but smile when Della's face turned a very familiar shade of red. When she looked up to him in a silent plea for assistance, Rhonun had no other option than to help. Bowing politely to Teynara, Rhonun smiled, and spoke in his usual deep and smooth tone, the underlying growl of his accent,

"Della and I are very close friends..." Rhonun said, looking down at Della and stroking her knuckles with the gloved thumb of his right hand. "It is always a pleasure to meet Della's friends."

 

[Le Seigneur d'Avocats]

Official Proceedings? Chervil could not guess as to what would actually be an official proceeding here, as this was supposed to be a purely social function. Surely there wasn't any actual business to take care of? A soaring speech full of rhetoric was the only thing he saw coming. How boring. Knowing who the speaker was, made the prospect slightly better, as even if the speech was a long-drawn out and torturous affair, it would still be visually stimulating.

As Juno left the two men to make her announcement that the official proceeding were about the begin, Aelianus gave Chervil a curt nod and moved to the front of the auditorium. Chervil presumed from Aelianus' body language and speed that he did not intend for Chervil to follow him. He slugged the rest of his drink back and breathed hotly upon his shoulder. Moving to the bar amid the many soldiers, dignitaries and jedi now slowly meandering to the audiotorium, he set the glass filled merely with frosty cubes down and turned to nod at both the woman with upswept pale blonde hair and her slightly more cheery, but still somewhat sad looking, tall companion. He turned to the Cathar and the timid looking girl next to him and nodded at them similarly.

"M'names Chervil Lyelle, Jedi Order. Mind if I join you for these, 'proceedings?' My previous company appears to have.. left me."

 

[Tunnel Rat]

"You can't go in there with that sword, Jedi." The guards seemed quite happy on provoking the Jedi Knight. They got a fiercely cold stare accompanied by complete silence back. "You hear us, Jedi? The sword stays out here." Agil's mind reverted back to how long he had the sword and how exactly he had acquired it. The mandalorian had almost killed him with the very sword he now carried. Agil had slain the mandalorian and taken the blade, and then continued to slay the enemies of the people of the galaxy with the blade ever since. The guards bucked up, ready for a fight and itching for it by the look and the hormones Agil could sense leaking from their pores. His fierce blue eyes shifted to look at the mingling party goers in the room beyond the door he was stopped at. His movements were slow yet deliberate. His ripped black robes and the obsidian chain coiling around his bare right arm completed a sight to non-force users of someone not to mess with. For the Jedi in the room beyond, they'd feel a very fierce and powerful aura pulsating from Agil. Then, Agil spoke, his voice cold and firm.

"I can fight just as easily without the blade as with it. Shall I sever my hands and give you those as well?"

The question caught the guards by surprise. They're eyes widened in disbelief at what the Jedi had just implied. Agil took it as acceptance that they weren't touching his blade; it was sacred to him. He stepped forward and through the door, leaving the guards to themselves outside the door. Entering the room, Agil felt a sudden burst of presences, both Jedi and regular Galactic Alliance. He didn't recognize any of them. Within moments, Agil had sauntered to a corner and leaned back into it. His fierce blue eyes closed as his mind and the force took over, sensing the actions and the feelings of those around him. With arms folded across his chest, he waited. Either someone would approach him, or he'd hear something that actually interested him and he'd approach them. The lesser chit-chat didn't entice his ears enough to bother with it. Generally he got the same reaction from his fellow Jedi anyway; Agil was too cold and calculating for advancement in any regards. When one devotes one's life to combat, it seemed, one forgot about the lesser details of a Jedi's life. It was no matter to Agil- being friendly and helping with relief efforts wasn't his cup of tea. He was bred from his days as a padawan to fight the enemies that threatened the people and nothing more.

 

[Garuga]

"Ah, at first glance that might be the case. But if you took the time to savour the test, this is not quite the vicious killer it appears to be." Quay replied. Such was the case for himself. With his size, it was very nearly always immediately assumed that he'd be some form a warrior or guardian. Who could blame them? And certainly, Quay was neither flattered or offended by these assumptions. He understood the need for self strength and the occasional martial role that the Jedi took on, but Quay truly gained no enjoyment out of it. In no small part as a result of his master's training, Quay very much followed a fairly strong sense of self philosophy. With the odd twist, of course, again largely a product of his master's own explorations into what it meant to be Jedi.

He was glad for Teynara's reciprocation in the exchange of banter even if his intentions were not a misguided at impressing the woman. Nothing more charming than a brooding Epicanthix apparently... Quay dryly thought to himself. Now very much aware that his original decision to simply get drunk wasn't sensible at all, Quay was rather relieved that he had some real company.

It was then that the announcement was made in preparation for, Joy to the world..., a speech. Quay laughed lightly as he watched Teynara's unconcealed reactions. Speeches in public were often... unfortunate, to say the least. There typically would be some pre-determined purpose behind them, meaning that Quay found it difficult to gauge anyone delivering one. But while very much preferred more personal conversations, he does well in witholding "Speaking of which, I too will be giving a speech tonight." Quay said with a completely straight face, amused to see what Teynara's reaction would be. He held it for an appropriate amount of time before waving it aside with a disregarding smile. "That would be lovely." He added sincerely, raising his glass in kind and clanging it with Teynara's.

Quay slid off the very much undersized stool and adjusted his street priced though fully functional suit. While waiting for Teynara before they'd make their way towards the podium, Quay noted the three people who approached the two of them. One member of the 'most likely an item' seemed to be acquainted with Teynara, and Quay nodded politely at the two of them, given that they had not been introduced yet.

He turned towards Chervil and gave a curt bow. While he certainly had been looking forward to talking with Teynara a bit more, Quay was mature enough to know that this was an open event and that no one wanted to be alone just like he had been moments ago. Also, Chervils' words had certainly revealed enough disappointment for one night that was supposed to be 'fun', and he had no intentions of producing even more. Saying the slightly younger man's name in his mind again, Quay gave him a good natured grin.

"Certainly! Speeches are not something to, uh, enjoy by ourself." Quay replied warmly, gesturing to himself and Teynara. "I am Quay, and my friend here is Teynara. We are both also members of the Order."

 

[Cassanova]

Juno took her place upon the podium, and awkwardly shuffled in her position as the lights dimmed around her, leaving her illuminated, the light flickering off her jewellery and soft skin. Smiling for a moment she itched forward and spoke softly.

"Welcome.." she paused, as the conversation died down, and all eyes became fixed on her. "Welcome to the Annual Galactic Alliance and New Jedi Order Gala. Before I begin, I would first like to thank the Helios Hotel owner, managers and staff for supporting this event. In addition to hosting this event, providing food, drink, and rooms for all of the guests, the Helios Hotel has donated two million credits towards the charity organisation that helps war-displaced refugees."

After pausing for the applause, Juno continued, "This Gala is held annually to celebrate the union between the Galactic Alliance and the New Jedi Order. As some of you may know, each year, a speaker is chosen to reflect upon their own experiences that embody that very relationship."

Juno looked out into the crowd, and her eyes connected with Aelianus's. She smiled softly in embarrassment as she looked down to her toes, and then back up to the crowd. "My name is Juno Armstrong. Jedi Padawan to Jedi Master Luthair al'Thor. I've known I was going to be a Jedi my entire life, and I have always been aware that it was a dangerous line of work. What I always took comfort in was knowing that the Jedi follow a righteous cause, and have the strongest of allies. I never really knew what that meant until a few weeks ago."

Her eyes flashed to Aelianus again, "A mission that i was assigned to went horribly wrong. So wrong, in fact, that if it were not for an Alliance soldier who risked his own life, I would not be here today. We were tasked with rendering a facility unusable. Our squad barely made it to the ground alive after our Frigate was destroyed in orbit. Once we had boots on the ground, we were outgunned, and hopelessly outnumbered. Our squad was killed in action, leaving just myself and this particular soldier. Whether it was luck, skill, or the will of the Force, we survived, but it was not without loss. If it were not for him, I would not only be dead, but have never understood the true value of the union that exists between us."

"On that mission, I truly discovered what an ally is. They are not just someone who you can ask help from, or advice, or request resources. An Ally, in its truest sense, is as good as a best friend, sibling, or lover. They simply do not wait for you to ask for help, as they are already there offering it."

Juno's blue eyes moved around the crowd, letting the silence build momentarily, "We Jedi have a saying, The Force is my Ally. While that is true for all of us, Jedi or Alliance, I am proud to say that the Galactic Alliance is my Ally. My friend.." her eyes flashed back to Aelianus again, "..my lover, my hero. I am infinitely grateful for this union, and with it I have no doubt that together, as one Galactic Alliance, we can win the war."

As the applause erupted, Juno smiled and nodded her thanks as she moved down off the stage and moved towards the bar, where the bartender had politely prepared another Coruscant Cooler for her, and set it in front of her as she arrived. With a sigh of relief and an earnest smile, "Thanks."

 

[MoreThanSane]

Aelianus found himself engrossed in Juno's speech. He analyzed structure, delivery--all the attributes of an excellent public speaker were present in some sense. And the words themselves; they were simply beautiful. Vaguely, he wondered if his attachment to Juno was affecting his judgement. Just as vaguely as the question itself formed the answer, the entire process nearly forgotten in the back of his mind. Likely because the answer was so simple and easily-discovered: no. Juno had performed excellently.

As she left the stage and applause died down, Aelianus stood. He grabbed his glass, then followed, leaving behind the table at which no one--for some quite indiscernible reason--had found the courage to join him at. He'd done his best to look friendly, even attempting to smile at one couple.

They'd walked away rather quickly.

He decided that he'd no longer show his teeth when he smiled. It seemed to produce the same reaction in everyone he tried it on since his first years of school. One would think I'd have mastered the simple activation of certain facial muscles at this point in time. It wasn't an important matter, regardless, so he decided to ignore it for the time being.

The only important matter in his immediate life was standing at the bar, looking positively radiant. He smiled as he came up in front of her and placed his juice on the bar, this time the expression was genuine in the fullest sense of the word.

"You were," he said, reaching out and taking Juno's hand in his own, "absolutely marvelous. Absolutely marvelous."

 

[Will]

General Valtiere clapped, soft white gloves dulling the sound. He sat at the bar, a clear liqueur on the surface in front of him. A nice speech, though he was glad some of his squad were not there. They did not much care for Jedi on the battlefield. He smiled as he took a sip of the drink. He seemed to be the highest ranked officer present by a long shot, the only other officers enlisted personnel. Ah well.

He was resplendent in his red dress uniform, medals polished. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he had earned some from actual action rather than simply completing tours. He looked at them, each one a memory, joyous or harrowing.

His reverie was interrupted when the speaker sat down at the bar. He extended a hand.

''General Kristoff Valtiere. 1st regiment. SpaceOps. A nice speech. Better than last years any way.''

He smiled slightly, a twist upward at the corner of the mouth, but his amber eyes remained the same.

''Have you seen combat since? It's astounding for a simple padawan to be sent on such a mission.''

 

[Sirocco]

Roy stood up from the stool and grinned wile clapping from afar, after hearing the speech of the fellow padawan before noticing the Jedi knight who seemed like a dark Jedi than a guardian of the force. Walking over with his drink, he lifted it in the air in greetings towards this guy in an attempt to fit in “greetings fellow jedi, I welcome you to out celebration of union and of hopeful peace in the galaxy” Roy said, force pulling and maneuvering a beer towards his hand from the bar with ease because of the people gathered in one place to offer it to him. Seeing this guy dint exactly scream jedi sense he was breaking both a rule and a jedi tenant, Roy was not without readiness and a slight suspicion for this new face. Having herd the disaster of the last gala with the sith, Roy was ready for anything and had a plan to the possible situation. "the names Roy by the way" Roy said with a polite act of respect to Agil

 

[Teynara]

Her name spoken aloud by someone other than her new friend caught Teynara's attention promptly and she turned around to see another Jedi student, one she was familiar with, along with her own companion, surprised to be recognised. Hadn't realised I'd made an impression, but always nice that someone thinks I'm doing okay, she thought, a smile coming to her face as she acknowledged the two new arrivals.

"Good to see you, Della," she said sincerely, offering the younger woman a frank, open smile. "And a pleasure to meet you as well, Rhonun," returning the polite bow to Della's male friend, her pale blue eyes not failing to notice the possessive gesture the man had there. Clearly not just friends, then, she thought. That explains Della's embarrassment. "Unusual to see a Cathar Jedi, but clearly Della found herself a keeper," she added. "I hope you're enjoying the party, at least until the speech."

A short chuckle followed. She didn't really expect Juno's words to fall particularly flat or anything, she'd just never cared for speeches, and apparently Quay had similar thoughts, even if he had a speech of his own to give. I wonder who coerced him into that one? She didn't have enough time to give it any thought as another Jedi approached. Guess we're all gathering together. Funny how we're all more social with members of our own Order when we're outside Jedi territory, she thought, amused by that. Maybe it's just because we're off-duty.

Quay was kind enough to introduce her to Chervelle, so she could do little but offer a half bow in return, smiling at the tall redhead and finding his discomfort a little unfortunate. Not that it's out of place - we're all a little awkward here, I think. She did have to laugh inwardly at the idea that they all ought to share their misery with the need to observe a speech. See, and people say I don't know how to have a good time, she thought with another quiet chuckle.

She walked with the others in tow over into the auditorium they had been directed to, carrying her drink in one hand and keeping an eye on the others in the room. It seemed there were a surprising number there, more than she would have expected, and drawn from plenty of races both common and exotic, which rather intrigued the Xenobiologist in her. Ironic that there are still plenty of species I'm familiar with academically but have never seen before. In some cases, she rather had to keep herself from staring. The beginning of the speech was perhaps a well-timed distraction in that regard.

The speech actually wasn't half bad, she had to admit. Good that Juno brought a little personal experience into it rather than let it run off into an idealistic pep-talk, she mused, though she wasn't entirely she cared for the war reference. When we have to look at war and our alliance in attempt to bring an end to it, perhaps we're losing sight of the fact that our interests extend far beyond that. Still, it was easy to become overly focused on conflict when one was right on their doorstep, but to her mind, that was a good reason to encourage everyone to reflect on something beyond that. Would our alliance be so cosy if we weren't both under threat?, she wondered. It was a sobering thought.

"Gotta love speeches," she said, her tone slightly ironic. "Not enough to drive a woman to drink, though," the blonde added, taking a sip of the sweet fruit juice from her glass. "The war might, that said. I can't help but keep feeling like we're taking the wrong tack by trying to go for a military victory. Not going to win anybody over by killing them, huh?" She shrugged and offered the smallest of sighs. "See, even when we're not at work, we're still talking about it..."

 

[TweedPawn]

Della's cheeks turned red hot at Tey's compliment.

"Oh, um...thank you." Her ears were pink.

Della turned to face Chervil Lyelle just before the speech started. Hoping to shake off her bashfulness.

"Oh, of course. It's very nice to meet you, Chervil. My name is Della Frey, this is Rhonun Tor. This is my first Gala. It seems very nice." she said just before the speech started. The room hushed and Della turned to attention to the speech. It started off pleasant enough, but something started to bother Della about it. It wasn't Juno. She was very lovely and seemed to be of good intentions. It was something more complicated than that. Something that had been bothering Della since she started down the road to learning about the Force.

There was something about taking in children and expecting them to be used as warriors and politicians that did not settle well with Della. Yes, she heard the code hundreds of time. She understood the idea behind being a peacekeeper of the Galaxy. But, who could make such a decision while they were still a child, or even a teenager?

Della remembered when she realized her path was set for her. She was told that she could choose to remain a padawan, or become a civilian. But, if she removed herself from the temple, then her people's hope for being liberated would have vanished. It had not been much of a choice. It was either sacrifice her chance of happiness she had worked for since childhood, or give up finding her home.

Here she was. Still at the same uneasy certainty she felt since she arrived on Tython. Juno seemed so certain. She seemed to feel at ease for her role. Della began to wonder if the problem was her own paradigm. Now was not the time for this. This was a time to enjoy the company of others. Regardless of her own questions about the morality of the Jedi, she could not deny that they had given her the chance to meet some of the best friends she could ever have hoped for.

She gave Rhonun a reassuring smile, as if to mask her uncertainty.

"That seemed very nice. What did you think Chervil?" She asked. She looked at Teynara to ask her the same, but the woman gave her opinion already.

 

[Le Seigneur d'Avocats]

Chervil smiled radiantly at all the introductions. Who'd have known you'd meet so many interesting people as a Jedi?

"Teynara... Hmm. You know you're awfully familiar for some reason?" He spoke, more to himself than to anyone else as they walked towards where the speech was about to occur.

Chervil studied Juno's speech in the company of his new acquaintances. It was a nice speech, full of hope and encouragement about the war. But such was not what the young man was interested in, and it was rather ignored. The sentiment, the driving force behind it, didn't seem to be the war, per se, but merely the interaction between the Padawan and the Sergeant. Chervil sniffed slightly, as their eyes glinted in each other's direction. His original assumption had been correct. Taken.

It came to his attention that the kind but shy Della was asking him about his opinions on the speech. "What's that dear? Honestly, I think I don't have a chance of winning her over this evening," he started, watching Juno and Aelianus walk to bar where a regal looking man in a red outfit shook her hand. "But I suppose you can't win them all, can you?" he finished, turning to grin mischievously at Della.

"Anyway," he continued, "What are we five to do now? Have you two gotten yourselves drinks?" he motioned with an outstrecthed palm in Della's and Rhorun's direction. "If I'm any good at guessing, I'd say someone of your stature could use another one, Quay, and I could use another myself!" He ushered the group over to the bar once more.

 

[Cassanova]

Juno politely extended her hand and offered a polite smile, "Juno Armstrong..." she paused, as she internally struggled to respond to the remark about being a simple Padawan. Nothing simple about it. She was deployed on missions all the time, "I haven't seen combat since that mission -- it was only a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, up until yesterday I was still recovering from my injuries."

Simple Padawan...​

Juno quickly gathered her emotions and set them aside. She may not have ranked as high as other Jedi that this general had worked with, but at the end of the day, Juno was skilled. He wasn't to know that - nor was he to know that she was one of the more experienced Jedi Padawans in the Order, certainly nothing to get her feathers ruffled by.

"Space Ops? I haven't had the privilege of working with anyone from that regiment as yet. So far, only the fifth and sixth regiments," she smiled and continued the polite conversation.

 

[Tunnel Rat]

Agil could sense the padawan approach him. He sensed his cautiousness. Was it fear? Was it anxiety? Maybe a little of both? Agil's fierce blue eyes opened, already set on the boy before him. Hopeful peace, he said. Agil's expression didn't waver. The name's Roy by the way. The drink did little to entice Agil. He wasn't the drinking type; tea and water were about where he drew the line. With his body unmoving, his eyes shifted to the drink. A common courtesy of good intentions to give to someone who the boy was clearly cautious about. Agil shook his head, shifting his gaze back to the boy. Agil was known through out the Jedi Masters as a rule-breaker. The one that didn't follow the code or listen to the teachings very well; he was known for being a man of action and getting results. He didn't feel the need to explain himself to the padawan, but he would offer the same respect back to him.

"Agil." Agil paused a moment before continuing. You're unsure of something.

 

[MoreThanSane]

Aelianus turned as he heard a voice behind him. He waited politely as Juno and the General--Valtiere, his name was--were introduced. Aelianus briefly considered saluting, but thought better of it. He didn't, after all, have any reason to salute the man beyond the fact that he held a higher rank and a few medals--neither of which impressed Aelianus in any way. He was of the firm belief that respect should be earned on an individual basis, not dispensed according to military or social status. It was traditions such as those that resulted in the cesspit of society, namely the so-called "upper-class", continuing their most wasteful lives despite the very real war raging throughout the galaxy.

That was, in fact, why he'd written his last book, which--though widely acclaimed--hadn't spurred as much action on the part of these privileged beings as he'd hoped. Unfortunate, he thought, as did he always upon recalling that failure.

Aelianus opened his mouth to introduce himself when the General spoke again, inquiring as to whether Juno had been involved in any combat missions since the Lorta debacle. Aelianus did not, however, miss the man's referring to her as a "simple padawan".

Aelianus frowned. Juno was the reason he'd survived Lorta, the mission had succeeded, and his squad hadn't died in a sudden and inglorious dropship-meets-ground impact. They hadn't lived much longer after that, granted, but that had been Aelianus' fault if anyone's, not Juno's. He was about to say as much--in a decidedly disrespectful and possibly condescending manner, of course--when Juno spoke, cutting him off.

He cocked his head and glanced sideways at her, momentarily taken aback by her overlooking the General's quite unacceptable comment. But then he realized that the woman must have her reasons. She always did, after all. With an effort, he swallowed his retort and smiled politely.

Out of the corner of his eye, Aelianus noticed a small group of Jedi making their way toward the bar, Chervil among them. Good, he thought. Perhaps they would provide him with distraction enough so as not to ruin any possibility at good relations with Valtiere, something that he was, not surprisingly, still on the brink of doing.

 

[Sirocco]

“well every one wise would be, the alliance galas are known to be the target of the sith or other terrorists. I guess you never been to one of this before?” Roy asked before shrugging his subtle denial to the drink so he would have it instead. Roy would think it a miracle for the man before him to be a knight if he knew he was more of a gray Jedi than anything else. The blue eyes of the individual where nothing in comparison to what Roy had seen before so he showed to be very comfortable around the man “have you trained a padawan sir? I bet you know an interesting thing or two” Roy said, seeing that there were no fools around so maybe a good brawl was not needed and he could relax. He was working on scheduling a few missions that where in pending for the Jedi order but where too minor for knights and masters to investigate with the war going on.

 

[Master Maverick]

Given her racial background, she was quite 'in her element', as it were, in large groups of people. Even were she not sensitive to the Force, the simple energy in the room was intoxicating, in a positive way, to the Togruta. However, the Jedi Master, in the presence of many prominent Jedi and military personnel, had that added element that simply made her have a constant smile on her face. While she had met those that grew weary quickly in such situations, Ashara simply became more alive. Meeting with several diplomats and military figures, she was rather adept at small talk. Of course it was the practice of staying away from getting too personal, but connecting with the person and understanding their likes and dislikes. Even without her experience in the Force, she had always been rather talented in reading people's body language and figuring their mood.

Having arrived rather early, she enjoyed meeting people as they arrived rather than going around and being accosted by individuals upon arriving. A glass of crystal clear water with some ice cubes in it, a rare sight indeed if only for the scarcity of clean water on the planet, was held in her left hand as she spoke with various individuals of differing ranks, specialties and experiences. She always displayed great interest into their own exploits, not to boost anyone's ego, but simply because it was far more interesting than what she had been doing; training younglings, Initiates and Padawans in the Way of the Jedi and introducing them to the Force. Not that she didn't enjoy doing this; indeed, it was probably one of her favorite things to do. Simply she knew that most were not very interested in such things.

Never would she 'one-up' others with her own stories, keeping to the Jedi Way of humility quite well. Even so, she didn't care for such things. It was not a competition. At least in her own mind. She knew well enough that others were trying to 'get lucky' by telling such things, but due to Ashara's advanced age and her affiliation, she entertained not such base urges. Surely there were quite a few attractive males present, but they didn't appeal to her. Rather, they stimulated her interest in sociology. While her studies in classes had been only average, there were certain subjects that she delved into now that she had experienced so much of the galaxy and knew the importance and interconnectedness of such things. Of course she wouldn't even be considered and enthusiast, she saw real application of subjects she had learned about all those years ago and some she had just read about recently.

Never once did an alcoholic beverage touch her lips. She was quite content with her water. Indeed, it was quite refreshing. As well, she had eaten her full only a couple of hours prior, so she was not particularly hungry. That was not to say she didn't try some of the treats that were passed along, or that she walked by. Overall, she was quite impressed with the congregation. The intense emotions that came from various portions of the gathering area were strong waves within the Force that Ashara allowed herself to feel, but also permitted them to leave as they would, not dwelling on anything in particular. Living in the moment, as it were.

Her role here was more as a chaperone, of sorts, for the younger members. While not officially, she had been invited and obliged somewhat reluctantly. Indeed, she had to go and purchase a dress, with the aid of some friends and colleagues, for the occasion just two nights ago. A vibrant strapless dress of deep red, contrasting with her natural skin pigment perfectly, cinched her waist, showing off her exquisite figure quite well. A sheer shawl of off white hung from her shoulders which she held in the crook of her arms as she walked. No embellishments were worn accept for a modest necklace upon which a small droplet of deep blue hung just above her breasts.

More than once was she approached by young men commenting on her looks, only to be rather disappointed when she learned of her age. She laughed internally at the spectacle; they were clearly drunk, but she appreciated the implied compliment. However, how much of a compliment it was had yet to be determined. Though, by some of the older men, and substantially less impaired, she was also complimented. Not necessarily used to such things, she handled herself quite well considering.

For several minutes, before the call to the auditorium to hear the multiple speeches that would be spoken tonight, she sat at a cluster of couches and chairs. A few times an individual, a pair or a group would walk over and she would greet them and they would exchange a few words. Soon enough, though, they were on their way and Ashara remained, relaxing despite the din of party goers.

Rising from her seat, she followed the crowd to the auditorium. On more than one occasion, a particularly chivalrous man allowed her to move before her. The gesture was reciprocated with a slight bow, but otherwise she simply kept moving with the others.

In the large room built specifically for these sorts of things, the Jedi Master watched as the young woman, Juno Armstrong, delivered her speech. For one so young, Ashara commended her on her courage, but debated the topic of her speech. In such times, the stories of individuals were just as important as the summaries of large battles. However, for this grouping, it might not have been the best choice. It was delivered well enough, and she got her point across, so those weren't issues. As she left the podium, Ashara clapped lightly along with the others.

As she waited for the next to give their speech, she looked around her as the sounds of conversations sprouted up once again. Many beautiful women in exquisite gowns surrounded her as well as handsome men dressed impeccably in their suits and military attire. It was a rather impressive display and Ashara, for her more conservative views, was a touch intimidated and finally felt somewhat out of place.

 

[Tunnel Rat]

Agil's eyes never left the padawan before him. He could sense more and more Jedi among the crowd, mingling and drinking. It was true, what the boy said. Agil had indeed never been to one of these before. The formal party scene wasn't his style. In fact, partying in general wasn't his style. His idea of a good time was reading and sleeping. He enjoyed combat but more as a treat that would only come once in a while rather than a constant. The padawan's mind was free and allowed his emotions and feelings to run rampant through Agil's senses.

"I would hope a Jedi Knight would know an interesting thing or two." A small smirk graced his lips. "Why do you ask? Are you looking for a master? Or maybe just a means to get away from the aristocrats and philosophers that seem to plague Republic space?"

 

[Sirocco]

“it is not wise to hold them in such a low respect, they help protect and govern the galaxy and we jedi are nothing more than humble practitioners of the force and protectors of the peace” Roy said, emphasizing how the galaxy needed them even if they could sometimes be over confident. But now that the alliance was allied so closely with the Jedi, the knights of the force stood as a balance of power that all respected but never should fear. “I could use a master that could guide me and teach me the finer points of the force and philosophy, books can tell someone so much” Roy said before feeling someone very familiar arrives. Once he pinpointed her location with the force, he waved his arm as he spoke into her “greetings master Ashara, it is so good to see you again! Come join us for a talk” Roy asked and offered master Ashara as he tried to get her attention and start a three way conversation.

 

[TweedPawn]

"Um, I'm sorry I do not believe I understand you." Della replied. Chervil's way of describing his interest in women confused Della. Basic was not her first language and there were times when she could not understand double meanings behind words. His mischievous glance towards her only caused Della to betray her misunderstanding. She tilted her head and pressed her delicate eyebrows together.

She turned her attention back to Teynara, as she thought of something to respond with to what she said only moments ago.
"I sometimes feel lost in this war business. Back home, war was so rare that we still talk of it like it was a great shame. This galaxy is such a strange place with war that seems ever present. It makes everything seem more complicated than I could possibly ever understand." She was reminded quite quickly of her humble background amongst these majestic Jedi and stately generals.

But, a gentle brush from Rhonun's hand reminded Della of her own gifts. She earned a place here. She had overcome great hardships and she did not fall into darkness even when it had her snared and cornered. She had darted right between the Sith's fingers on multiple locations with her courage to give her the motivation she needed to survive.

Chervil mentioned something about drinks. Hopefully, they would not be anything like that Divine-awful drink that damned clown challenged her to consume. That was a bad night. Della woke up in a ship being served breakfast by an imperial knight. Luckily, he had been a virtuous man.

"I wouldn't mind something that tastes a little earthy," replied replied to Chervil politely. "any recommendations?"

Della eyes darted to Agil, an intense man with eyes like a wild beast of the snow. Her rabbit-like eyes became fixated on the cold man and Della felt her instinct warning her to not get too friendly to that man. She gave a brief hard snort, an expression of breath that Rhonun would recognize as a warning sign. She felt uneasy about him. She couldn't quite understand why. He wasn't a threat, but his ice-cold demeanor confused her.

 

[StormWolf]

Rhonun couldn't help but chuckle when Teynara spoke, and the resulting change in the color of Della's cheeks only added mirth to his reaction. These friends of Della's seemed pleasant enough, though the young man, Chervil, seemed to have his mind on... other matters. Shaking his head with a smile, letting Della sort through her confusion with what Chervil said, Rhonun spoke with Teynara.

"It is true, not many Catharese Jedi are to be seen around the Temple. Lucky for the Sith, I suppose." he smiled and laughed lowly, a deep and rumbling drone like thunder in the distance.

“It was not so much that Della found me, but I found her and just did not leave her alone. I guess you could say I’m the stray cat she picked up.” The Cathar jested. It was partially true. He had simply stumbled upon her in the Temple one day and their relationship grew over time. From stranger to friend, and friend to loved one. They had spent the past several years within a very close proximity, and his attraction to her felt as natural as breathing. Looking about the party, Rhonun continued to scan his surroundings, his eyes rarely settling on one place for long,

“The party is only so good as the company, and with the current company.. I cannot find a reason to complain.” Offering up his usual, modest smile, Rhonun’s attention was drawn to Della’s conversation with Chervil when drinks were mentioned. “Some Zeltron wine sounds refreshing, though I would love a glass of Catharese bourbon... I doubt the bar has any, however.” Rhonun thought aloud, mainly because both drinks came in bottles whose size was designed for two purposed: sharing or forgetting.

Hearing Della’s subtle warning, the Knight calmly turned his head to where she was looking, his entire demeanor calm and collected, inside and out. Rhonun had never seen the ice-eyed Jedi before, which was not uncommon. All of the faces at this party were new to him. Rhonun was simply not off-put by the Jedi’s cold and jagged demeanor. Giving her dainty hand a little squeeze, Rhonun reminded Della that he was right there, and that she was surrounded by friends. “How about you, Della?” Rhonun said, intending to pry her away from any worrisome thoughts she may be having. He knew that look on her face. “Wine or whiskey?”