Ask Friends In All The Right Places

[Jayna Thorne]

Jayna felt right at home amongst the finery and glittering chandeliers - listening to the classical music that reverberated through the palace halls. As the daughter of Emryc Thorne, she had attended social events and charity balls since the time she could walk, and it meant that the gathering on Aargau was nothing foreign. Some of the Core’s most elite, from the nobility to the corporate executives, mingled and flitted around the ballroom like they owned the place.

Naturally, Jayna’s last name ensured the heiress had to do next-to-nothing to secure herself an invite to the gathering. Unlike previous events, however, she wasn’t representing us interests of her family or the various charitable organizations she was associated with. Instead, Jayna was there entirely for her own political gain. Aargau was one of the banking hubs of the Core and wider Galaxy - and it was no secret some important names would be in attendance that night.

Establishing connections, and perhaps a financial backer in the long-term - would be invaluable to further growing her career in the region.

She was dressed in an expensive, white couture gown - complete with lace and golden trimmings. Her fluted ears drippped with gemstone, while an amulet, fitted with a large Corusca gem - hung just below her collarbone. The heiress had already snagged herself a glass of sparkling wine, her gaze drifting about the ballroom for an opportunity to mingle.

@Raydo

 

[Alexi Stravos]

There had been a time when he hated these sorts of gatherings. He had been to so many throughout his youth; they had lost all meaning. Now, he had a purpose, and with that purpose, he found himself eager to participate once again.

Alexi Stravos had recently broken into the scene with his purchase of Azure Manufacturing. As he took over, the company had made a "miraculous" recovery, and stock prices quickly normalized.

He wore a grey suit with gold embroidery. He to back out of a conversation with an older gentleman who had stopped him. The man droned on for minutes about he had known his father, he had somehow managed to block his attempts at backing out of the conversation thus far.

Spotting a newcomer nearby, he saw his escape plan spring to life. "E..Excuse me, friend. I have just spotted a dear friend with whom I have business with. I must excuse myself." he said "Oh..well come back when you are finished!" the old man said, still staring at him as he walked over to the newcomer.

"If you don't mind, I am going to pretend we have just been reunited. I needed to escape from a terribly boring conversation" he explained, making familiar gestures. He went to look over his shoulder, and the man was still staring at him. ".. Persistent.." he said, mumbling the rest.

@Altaris

 

[Jayna Thorne]

For several minutes, Jayna continued to drift across the palace ballroom - mingling with the multitude of socialites and corporate elites that crossed into her field of vision. There was no mistaking exactly who the Heiress was amongst the sea of people, and it brought men and women out in droves. Most attempted to make small talk, while others made vague references to knowing one of her fathers.

It was no different from the countless other frivolous gatherings she’s attended over the years, and was to maneuver herself through.

One of the many benefits of her Sephi heritage was the advanced hearing she possessed. It allowed Jayna to catch tidbits of conversations and revelry occurring all around her, shamelessly eavesdropping without every getting too close. As a result, she caught just enough of Alexi’s escape plan go glance over.

The Heiress took a small sip from her glass - smiling brightly when the strange approached. His face was immediately familiar, though why escaped her in that moment. She wore the expression of someone happy to meet with an old friend. As if she’d been expected him the entire time.

“So I can see that,” Jayna said, briefly glancing over his shoulder to see the old dude just.. Staring at them. She blinked before looking back to Alexi, hooking his arm and gradually starting to walk further along the room. Towards the open bar - away from the man woefully incapable of taking a hint. “Fortunately, I was already moving in the opposite direction.”

“Though I have to wonder,” She glanced over at him brightly, still keeping up appearances. “What do I gain in playing your heroic savior this evening?”

“Beyond perhaps an introduction.” She smirked with amusement.

@Raydo

 

[Alexi Stravos]

To her credit, she played her part brilliantly. Luckily, she hadn't been a complete idiot like many of the others in attendance this evening.

As they walked away, the old man would soon move on to whatever it was that old men did. "Yes, quite fortunate," he said. She was tall, other lesser men might have had an issue with that, but Alexi paid height no mind.

"Besides the knowledge of a good deed done?" he said as they approached the bar. "And, of course, my charming company," he added with a smile. "But first, an Introduction," he said, turning to face her. He bowed slightly. "Alexi Stravos" he said. "And the name of my most valiant hero?" he asked as he straightened.

@Altaris