Open Social Lettuce Celebrate

[Darth Tempest]

As she approached the group, Vahliri’s gaze never quite left the Tiefling - honeyed eyes wide and warm as ever. The combination of her own near-death experiences and the severity of Korriban left a bitter pit in the middle of her stomach, and it meant she was just as ecstatic s ever to see Altair alive and well. Nevertheless, her gaze meant that the half-Annfyn was privy to the clear flashes of irritation that - albeit briefly - manifested from Altair. She saw the way his tail slowed and his jaw set, and it stood in stark contrast to the usual way they greeted each other. She didn’t have to guess what had caused the irritation - and it hit the half-Annfyn deeper than she thought it could.

“Thanks..” She muttered in response, forcing a small smile in return when Altair complimented her outfit. Even the small hug that Altair reciprocated with was cold and distant, even by comparison to the way that he seemed genuinely happy to see Varyn. Though she said nothing else, Altair and everyone else would see the clear way her fluted ears tilted downward - eyes flicking off to stare out towards the dancefloor and seemingly anywhere but the other partygoers.

In an instant, Vahliri felt familiar pangs and aches boil up in her chest - resurfacing despite her every attempt to move past it. They were the same aches she felt a dozen times in the past - each and every time her and Altair had found themselves at a crossroad. The Tiefling’s emotions - what he wanted - had always been elusive and hard to predict, and it had never left Vahliri with anything other than empty, painful longing. Every warm embrace and moment ended the same - and a part of the half-Annfyn had wanted to be angry at Altair for it in the past. It was a door she had convinced herself was closed, and had allowed the sparks of something to begin to form with herself and Varyn.

His reaction to the sight of her with Varyn - the anger and barriers he immediately put up - caught her off-guard, and it stung even as he excused himself from the group. It stung for every time he had allowed her to believe something was possible between them, only to withdraw into himself and arrive at the next party with someone else. Just as he did this time around. It stung to feel she was being penalized for allowing herself to look elsewhere and be excited to show up with someone on her own arm.

Perhaps it should have angered her. Perhaps it shouldn’t have bothered her at all - not with Varyn on her arm and a night of festivities ahead of them. But it did - no matter how much she tried to and utterly failed to pretend that it didn’t. While her fluted ears tilted down, Vahliri chewed on her bottom lip - as if using the pain of it to distract herself. Her amber gaze flicked between the dancefloor and the table of drinks not far away - torn between downing the closest thing in reach, or going to dance until she thought of nothing else. That had always been her escape - and yet even that felt bittersweet.

After a moment, Vahliri exhaled through her nostrils - attempting to let the emotions pass as her face defaulted back to neutral. She glanced back at Varyn - flashing him a small smile before jutting her chin to the table. “Think I’ll go get us something to drink,” The half-Annfyn began moving in that direction - either leaving him to mingle or walking with him, depending on what he chose. Either way, the half-Annfyn’s body language spoke volumes to the fact she didn’t want to discuss any bit of how she was feeling.

@Phoenix @Sreeya

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

After he grabbed a glass of wine, Caerllion went to a corner of the ballroom and watched the arrival of the other guests. The Acolyte saw Sol (@Nevermourn), carrying the same rat that they mutated together some time ago. It made him raise an eyebrow, wondering what the Kel’Dor wanted to do with it in the middle of a ball.

When he saw Altair (@Sreeya) , Caerllion raised his glass, saluting him. He should congratulate the Tiefling later, after all he was one of the responsibles for saving Korriban from the Killiks. However, he decided to do it another time. The Champion was already surrounded by too many people, including Vahliri (@Altaris) and half the women of the party. Sol soon joined the group, still carrying that rat.

He turned his attention to Jasnah (@Wit). The Annfyn was going to answer her question when Wodan (@Braden) arrived. Caerllion stared with wide eyes at his friend's clothes, surprised that it revealed a good part of the skin on his shoulder and arm. Only now he had noticed how the other Acolyte had a nice body.

Perhaps he had spent too much time staring at the other, because when he was back to himself the Firrerreo had disappeared. Caerllion was now alone and holding another glass of wine. Murmuring about the Firrereo being lazy, he placed the glass in the trail of a passing droid.

He went to the dance floor, still murmuring about Wodan. Caerllion was so distracted with it that he didn’t notice the tiny person (@LilyNion) until he had collided with her. “Sorry, I should pay more attention to my surroundings.” he said, before tilting his head in curiosity. Her pointed ears denounced that she was an Annfyn or a Sephi, perhaps even a hybrid. “I hope that I didn’t hurt you.” he smiled, thinking that with her size even the smallest fall could cause her death. “My name is Caerllion.” he offered her his hand.

 

[Wodan]

He couldn’t help but let out a chuckle as Jasnah removed her headdress and sent her new homing weapon flying towards the woman from before. Again a slight moment of confusion flashed over his face as he saw her facial features, but all was lost when the Induparan replied. A smirk raced across his face, his hand slipped further around Jasnah’s waist pulling her closer to him. He could feel the warmth of her breath upon his bare chest.

“Shall we.” With that, the pace increased the pair would begin to move through the same patterns as before but with slowly increasing speed. Without the trail from her headdress, Wodan was less concerned of Jasnah being accidentally scalped if it was caught underfoot of another dancer. They turned and pirouetted, pushed forward and back, left and right, each change in direction pressing their bodies up against each other for a split second before once again separating.

A few times he tried to look beyond the dance floor to see what else was going on, but he was quickly pulled back to Jasnah’s hazel eyes. A quick forward step changed the direction again, as their heads passed, Wodan turned his face slightly allowing just the lightest of brushes of his lips across her cheek as he came to a stop over her shoulder. Pulling back, a cheeky smile was clear on his face as they changed direction again.

@Wit

 

[Aadya Rasheer]

Aadya's head was clouded as she sat in the backseat of the taxi taking her to the palace. Not in the hazy, maybe had too many drinks way - though, Aadya had been heavily helping herself to the bottle of champagne provided by the taxi service.

No, her mind was cloudy in the way the sky was cloudy before a terrible storm. Her thoughts roiled and rumbled like far away thunder, just a precursor to the inevitable downpour. But it wasn't time yet. The lid was still on, and Aadya was doing her best to keep things that way. A watched pot never boiled, or something like that.

She considered not going to the party at all, at least for a little while. Aadya hadn't much been in a partying mood despite their victory on Korriban. Well, a victory for the Sith at least. It did not feel like she'd accomplished anything except being forced to face truths she'd wanted to avoid. There was no victory in that.

Her taxi pulled up outside the palace and Aadya finished what was left of the bottle of champagne. She was a Firrerreo, she'd be fine. Although, the slight light headedness when she stepped out of the car indicated that maybe she wasn't quite as fine as she would have hoped.

Quickly gathering her composure, Aadya headed for the entrance, the train of her dress flowing in the breeze behind her. Once she had entered the party proper, Aadya recognized many of the faces present. Most would elicit no response from her but she would be unable to keep her face from turning into an angry grimace that just-so showed the tips of her fangs when her gaze fell onto Altair.

Anger bubbled with the champagne churning in her stomach as her thoughts drifted back to the events of Korriban. They hadn't had the chance to talk since defending the plant from the Killiks and at this point, Aadya wasn't sure if she even had the words to do it. Words just weren't ever going to be good enough. She wanted to hit him, to grab him by the fucking horns and just scream in his face.

But what would that accomplish? It was all her own fault anyway, or at least it felt that way. She was the one who broke up with him. She was the one who would never just say out loud the true way she felt. She was the one that instead just pushed Altair away like it was nothing, like she was fine, like it didn't really matter and it would all be okay.

The thunder in her brain cracked louder than before as it loomed closer, ready to bring the rain. For now she could still outrun it. For now.

Pulling her eyes away from Altair, Aadya noticed Clove out near the dance floor. A strange sight, though the little pointy eared girl always seemed to show up in places where Aadya would least expect.

Grabbing two drinks from a passing by serving droid, Aadya would approach Clove with a smile - however fake it might have been - and hand her one before asking -

Want to dance?

@LilyNion

 

[Darth Tiamat]

She wanted to be as playful in response to Altair's sultry suggestion, but she was concerned the amount of time it would take to get his own uniform off and wondered if she could squeeze a ten minute powernap beforehand. Regardless of her own thoughts, it didn't deter the shiver that followed his fingers along her spine, bookmarking where she would like him to touch her some more at the end of the evening. They were approached by a Kel Dor and he seemed a bit awkward with his glance toward her. Though that should probably be normal for him since he was pulling an oversized rat with him.

Keeping herself from saying anything she lifted her glass to her lips to take a long drink, only to see Altair become elated for the rodent as he treated it like some domesticated house pet. Her blue and gold gaze shifted between Sol and Altair and then the rat; as much as she wanted to protest such a thing, she felt absolutely embarrassed to know she was thinking how much meat that rat would feed some street urchins for a week. A young Lyra would have killed several to get her hands on such a beast.

Also approaching was Vahl and Varyn, whom she met recently; the woman complemented her attire and Tia grinned seemingly relieved to be distracted from Altair and the rat, "Thanks Vahl! We gotta go shopping together so you can show me where you find your stuff, because this is just so you." she said, genuinely impressed by the suit. "Varyn its great to see you also." she also greeted.

Altair excused himself and Tiamat decided to mingle elsewhere as she finished her drink as she still was processing the rat.

@Sreeya @Nevermourn @Altaris @Phoenix

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

A small twinkle in the back of her mind told her to look up. And just as she did, she noticed the train from before, flying at her. There was no way it could have happened naturally; there was no wind strong enough inside to cause the delicate yet decorated fabric to fly straight for Clove. That little twinkle had been enough to avoid most of her head being covered in the cloth, but the side of her curls and her shoulder were hit regardless.

Clove pushed the fabric away with a sharp and frustrated sigh, not with any intent to harm the fabric, but just enough to ensure it fell off her own dress. What a petty move. Didn't she just complement the girl(@Wit)?! Sugar.

She was about to turn around when someone slammed into her. Her high heels, combined with her shaky legs and spine, sent her falling to the floor, her dress sprawled like the night sky above. Her gaze was drawn to the figure, which turned out to be a man with raven black hair and pointy ears(@LouJoVi).

It was always the guys with raven black hair. Surely he was Laeo's cousin.

She listened to him apologize while slowly crawling up on her feet, the grace with which she usually carried herself fading as her annoyance bubbled to the surface. "It's okay, I'm Clove Vanhoop." She responded with a forced smile, clearly trying not to explode right then and there. She'd been able to ignore the first tenting incident because it was a mistake. But the second, obviously forced incident, combined with YET ANOTHER person failing to see her and colliding with her? No. No way. And Altair—how dare he?! Hadn't he told her that his heart belonged to her? Just weeks ago?! How could he possibly lie like that? How could he bring a date so casually? Did the Eternal girl even realize? Clove wasn't the holiest by vanishing but at least every word she said was true!

Her gaze was fixed on Caer's chest, even though that was only because his chest was at her natural eye level, as more and more blood began to rush into her cheeks. Everything was about to overflow when she heard a familiar voice in her twitching fluted ears.

She never imagined Aadya's(@Logan) voice would become a lifeline, a beacon of light she desperately needed to reach for to keep from sinking. Oh, how much times had changed. Fate was truly cruel. Clove spun around a little too quickly, her wide eyes locked on Aadya's. And, to her surprise, the girl was smiling as fakely as she could. Or... no. It wasn't a surprise. Clove had no idea what had happened between Altair and Aadya, but she could imagine how painful it would be to see Altair with the Eternal girl. Because she felt the same. "I'd gladly dance." Clove responded in a somewhat monotone tone, but it was clear she meant it. "Please, excuse us." Her gaze danced to Caerllion for a second, her head lowering into a polite nod.

Clove carefully took one of the glasses into one of her hands, deciding that this would be a rare but valid occasion to drink, and reached out with her free hand for Aadya's. While holding her hand, she began to walk over to the dance floor and leave the fabric behind, taking a big sip from the champagne glass—dear Force, it was still disgusting—and facing the Firrerreo. "You look beautiful." Clove gave Aadya a more genuine smile, her ears lifting slightly as they focused on music. If there was one thing to cheer her up, it was music and dancing.

---

Tag @Sreeya @Altaris @GABA @Braden @Die Shize @Versok @Nevermourn @Scoobert @Charles ​

 

[Anai Skhess]

Anai had a good view from where she was standing, calmly surveying the situation and everything unfolding. People came and asked others to dance, more arrived, everyone looked gorgeous and someone was trying to choke a little elf with their clothing or something, but Anai had learnt to not take part of such exchanges, last time she ended up in the hospital after stabbing someone with her tusks.

Eventually her eyes noticed Vahl coming her way, probably in search of beverages. Anai didn't really have the chance to talk to Vahl outside of parties and such, but she had already learned to tell when she was upset about something and could already draw her own conclusions as to what was making her feel that way, seeing how this was not the first time she saw Vahl like that in a party...And also because Anai noticed where she was coming from, Altair was a common denominator for sure.

However, the Kaleesh sith knew better than to bring it up, so she took another sip from her drink and waved at Vahl "I see you've decided to go for a suit as well" Anai put her hand on Vahl's shoulder, trying to cheer up her friend while also trying to look like she had no clue what was going on "You look gorgeous, Vahl." Anai's eyes then darted to the guy Vahl had come with and she had left to grab some drinks "And you have not come alone, is he..." The Kaleesh leaned a little closer, her eyes still fixated on Varyn, curiosity the only thing that could be perceived from the masked woman "A suitor?" She whispered, maybe it was not about Altair after all...or was it? Relationships outside of her home planet still confused her a great deal.

@Altaris

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn wasn't one for attending most of these social gatherings, but that had been when he was a Jedi. Now, things had changed in more ways than one, and he opted to plunge headfirst into it. Being a Sith was to be without reservations... or at least some people had said that. Varyn couldn't quite overcome who he was, however.

One thing remained true, though: he had a very difficult time saying "no" to Vahliri. The suit he wore was designed to match her own, and it occurred to him that it was probably the most expensive single non-mission oriented set of clothing he owned. He had grown up in poverty and lived as a Jedi after that. The ownership of nice things was another benefit to being truly among the Sith. It felt nice.

And you look stunning, he returned Vahliri's compliment with a wide smile and what might have even been a slight reddish hue to his cheeks before leaning in and placing a quick kiss against the side of her head. He extended his arm to her as they walked into the room, and he couldn't help the fact that he was almost glowing.

He was feeling pretty good at first and then Vahliri made a beeline for Altair and Tiamat. Oh yes, Varyn had heard about the boat incident. He heard about it and he hated it. As they approached he quite literally swallowed the thoughts down and tried to think about... well, pretty much anything other than the boat incident.

Yeah, well, you made a good point, he said with a shrug and a smirk at Altair who had been the one to point out how Varyn never showed up to these things. You're looking classy, he said. Despite everything that had happened, the fact of the matter was that he did like Altair and Tiamat seemed pretty decent as well, though he didn't know her as well.

And you look lovely, Tiamat, he added with a smile that was at least 90% genuine and only 10% internal agony. He couldn't decide if Vahliri having a boat incident was made better or worse by the fact that Altair and Tiamat were apparently dating?

He could feel the mood quickly sinking, the awkward tension in the air that was only accented by the pain he felt from pretty much everyone in the Force including himself. But truthfully, the one he was by far the most focused on was Vahliri. Where was that nausea coming from?

I'll go with you, he said to Vahliri as the most awkward foursome in the galaxy seemed to all excuse themselves.

He gave a nod in response to the Kel Dor's greeting as well, though he didn't know who that was. For the love of all that's good, please don't let him be involved in this, too, he thought to himself. Kriff, he hadn't felt this urge to drink in a long time. Why had he come to this?

He made his way alongside Vahliri to the bar and for a moment his worst instincts of jealousy told him to bring it up. Kriff, idiot, don't bring it up.

A drink and then we dance? he proposed. Yes, that sounded like a good combination. He thought back to the way they had both become lost in the movements on that lovely evening date on Raxus. He'd give anything to be back there again right now.

@Altaris @Sreeya @GABA @Nevermourn

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion stared at the diminutive creature in front of him. He wondered why she was being so rude with him, it was an accident. When she said that her name was Clove, the Annfyn recognized her as the half-blood that had a program to help people. The Acolyte would have praised her for it, something that he would never do to another person of her type. However, now he wasn’t going to do it.

He was starting to think that these hybrids probably came with some type of genetic problem. First was Vahliri being a bitch and now this one being rude for no reason. Perhaps the more coservative Annfyns were right and nothing good could come from mixing their bloods.

Before Clove could even excuse herself to go dance with Aadya, Caerllion had already walked away. He wasn’t going to spend his precious time around her. She was so insignificant in all senses of the word for him to care giving a proper goodbye.

The Annfyn continued sipping his wine, wondering what he could do right now. Looking around, he saw Wodan and Jasnah dancing. The scene made him feel a pissed for reasons that he didn’t know, probably because of the empty glass. He also saw Sol and Altair in a corner doing who knows what. The rat near them made him miss Teekl, thinking that perhaps he could have brought her.

Drinking what remained of his wine, the Annfyn decided to approach the two Champions. “Hey, Altair! Congratulations for your work in the defense of Korriban! It was a splendid work.” then he turned to the Kel’Dor. “How are you, Sol? I see that you kept the rat alive.”

@Sreeya @LilyNion @Braden @Nevermourn @Wit @Logan

 

[Bel]

When a lady called for Bel to serve drinks, the Agent blinked twice and finally got out of his head. He gave her a quizzical stare, mostly because he had zoned out and lost track of what was happening, but also because he wasn't sure why he was referred to as a server. Then, Bel notice other attendants giving drinks to the visitors and realized they had the same getup that Bel had, although Bel looked a little nicer and probably could've been taken for a host or security guy or something.

Instead of protesting, however, the arrival of Vahliri had caught his attention. He didn't stare, but merely glanced, clenching his fist while he thought of her actions back on Korriban. Then... the tension released as a new idea popped into the Agent's head. Without hesitating any longer, Bel walked off to grab a tray of drinks in one of the backrooms. As he suspected, no one batted an eye. Then, he'd pop the cap off of his fake code cylinder and injected the paralysis serum into one of three drinks while no one was looking.

Then, the Agent stepped out of the server room and into the ballroom, making his way towards Vahl instead of Altair. Just before Bel could reach her, however, she was accompanied by two other Sith. Now the Zabrak was in a bit of a pickle. The bad drink was the one in the middle, closest to Vahl, and luckily they all looked and smelled the same. Hopefully, Vahl would strike true- unlucky, but true, and drink the one that was meant for her.

"Did someone say 'Drinks'?" Bel said in a formal tone, offering the tray politely to the trio.

@Phoenix @Altaris @Versok

OOC- Sorry about the delay! Had to make some last second edits.

 

[John Q]

A black robed man leaned against the stone wall sipping his drink.

 

[Imani Din]

Imani might've been a bit nervous to ask Draugr to attend the social with her at a younger age, but she was far past the need to mull over and worry over such things. Ma had told her for years: "If she wanted something, go get it." So she did.

Knock. Knock.​

Draugr ended up accepting her offer, and they arrived together at that event. Rather than wearing a dress, the tiefling woman opted for an elegant pantsuit made of silky-smooth fabric with long, cape-like sleeves. It was relatively simple in design, but she paired it with golden heels, as well as gold and diamond jewelry on her hands, neck, and horns, to allow the more detailed adornments to really make the outfit.

After accepting the drink from Draugr's hand and listening to his proposal, she slipped her hand into his and said, "Yes we shall."

The tiefling woman led the zabrak to the dancefloor and set her glass on a table on the way. Once they were there she raised a hand to rest on his shoulder, then began to sway and turn with the live waltz music that drifted through the air. As they danced—turning and swaying and shifting—she let her eyes wander across the room to assess all who was here.

There were quite a few familiar faces, but many more unfamiliar ones. It wasn't long before she spotted her brother, @Altair Din, dressed in a very, very extravagant outfit and speaking to a kel'dor with a giant rat. Her eyes immediately lit up, pride swelling in her chest for her baby brother. She then, at that moment, made the resolution to find time to congratulate him and get a picture for Ma and Pa.

But, back to the present. Imani turned her gaze back to Draugr and looked up at the zabrak man through her eyelashes, giving him a flirty smile as the two of them continued to dance. For now, she just enjoyed the moment. They'd have plenty of time to chitchat and make small talk later.

tag: @Scoobert

 

[Altair Din]

Altair sighed in disappointment as Sol (@Nevermourn )declined the offer, but he did have a point. The tiefling rubbed his chin in thought, “I wonder if we can take a drink straw, stab you in the arm with it and just funnel the spice in that way,” He definitely started to get spiced and it was clear how progressively terrible his ideas were. Altair was feeling the effects and stared at the Kel Dor, pondering about his mask.

“What’s it like having that mask on all the time? What do you look like under there?” He asked bluntly, blinking a few times in surprise. After a moment, Caer (@LouJoVi ) came over to join them and the tiefling smiled at him, “Hey! Haven’t seen you in a while!” Altair jingled the bag of spice in front of him, “I suppose you’re too fancy to try a hit as well?” He snickered to himself before snorting some more. In truth, he wasn’t in the best mood, and the spice was helping trim off the edge. He glanced around to look for Tia, convinced that she was off in some corner being weird.

As he scanned the room, he spotted a flash of golden hair (@LilyNion )and his heart skipped a beat. Altair’s blood ran cold and like in true Holomovie fashion, the drink glass shattered in his hand, “Fuck!” He hissed, glancing down at the thin glass shards that stuck out of his palm. Altair stared at his palm for a few seconds, unable to comprehend what happened or what to do about this while he was high. In almost slow motion, he gingerly began to pick the shards out before he looked up again.

Was that really Clove? Had she come here to torment him? He had felt numb since they parted. Because it was true what he had said to her. He knew a part of him was missing, a part she still held. A reality he attempted to run from every chance he had. However, he couldn’t imagine her actually being here. Was she dancing with Aadya? Nah, he was tripping. Altair grimaced to himself as he wiped his blood off on his rat’s fur in the absence of a napkin.

“Fuck you Clove…” He growled to himself, but louder than he thought. Loud enough to where her sensitive Annwfyn ears could pick it up, “Fuck you for showing up in my spice trips too,” Altair added on, completely convinced she wasn’t there. It made him feel even more confident in voicing his thoughts aloud.

Moodily, he grabbed the glass of wine from Caer and chugged it. Altair looked back at the Acolyte and smiled apologetically, “My bad dude…women suck,” He mumbled to himself before deciding he wanted to dance. Altair shrugged off the outer layer and cape of his uniform and wandered off in search of Tia to drag her out to dance.

Meanwhile, Skeever slipped out of the tiefling’s grasp and happily scurried off for now. His first destination ensured that he shot directly under Jasnah’s (@Wit)dress in the middle of her dance.

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Despite everything else that was taking place around them, Sol's focus is almost entirely upon Altair. At least the Tiefling seems to understand the reason why the Kel'dor couldn't take a hit from his spice. The idea of a straw wasn't entirely bad, though. Even in Altair's impaired state, Sol can see the appeal of such a basic function. He's thoughtful, quiet for a few moments before his fiery vision returns to the other man.

"Perhaps I'll see about a custom fitting mask with some sort of... straw function." At least he wouldn't have to feel so awkward about not being able to enjoy a drink during the occasional party. It wasn't as if Sol was the type to enjoy getting drunk, but even he could afford the occasional bit of alcohol. As for what he looked like under his mask, well, that was another thought entirely. "You couldn't imagine." Sol responds with amusement. "I look entirely different from what you're imagining right now, I assure you." He didn't have lips, or really even a mouth that could close. He had tusks, and no teeth, and in fact, not even a traditional tongue.

Sol always thought that everyone else looked weird, but considering that he was always the odd one out, such thoughts never really worked out in his favor.

The pair are soon joined by a third, that other Sith, Caerllion. Sol knew him from the few alchemy sessions both had partook in. As for whether or not the Kel'dor liked the other man, he really couldn't say yet. Sol was a petty entity, and he hadn't decided if he was going to hold a grudge against Caerllion's attempt to lecture him yet. He supposed that, at the very least, the other Sith had apologized for it. That was something that Caerllion had over Vahliri, to be sure. So he could be polite, because at the very least, their last meeting at the alter had gone better than the first.

"Ah yes, Skeever is doing just fine, I think. Well, unless someone decides to fry him." The Kel'dor joked. He can see several other figures lingering through the ballroom now, Draugr dancing with his date, Bel bravely offering drinks to Vahliri and a few others, some young Annfyn woman that Sol didn't recognize dancing with Aadya. The sound of shattered glass cuts the gentle ambience, and Altair's vocals slice through the air next. Huh? Sol's focus snaps back to the Tiefling. He seems agitated, but not simply due to the shards in his bloodied hand.

Who was Clove? Sol would have dared to ask, admittedly curious. Whoever it was, they seemed to have royally angered the man somehow, and naturally, the Kel'dor wants all the details, even if it wasn't his business. The Kel'dor tilts his head thoughtfully as he watches Altair snatch Caerllion's drink and chug it with a few sudden gulps. Something had really gotten underneath his skin. Whatever it was, it had to be good. But before he could vocalize his question, Altair wanders off, back toward Tiamat in a seemingly dazed state of mine.

Well, that was certainly interesting.

Sol's not about to hang around on the sidelines though, so he makes his way toward Aadya and Clove instead. He wasn't about to dance with Caerllion, he hardly knew the guy, and was still rather uncertain of his feelings towards him. The ballroom was glowing with assorted dance partners, but nonetheless, the Kel'dor boldly slips between them, gracefully avoiding toes and bodies until he finally reaches the pair with a smile.

"Well, hello! Aadya." Sol turns toward her, offers a pleasant grin. "You look stunning. Do you have room for a third?" In truth, he's more curious about the new girl, but he supposed he didn't mind a bit of a dance with two partners, if they should oblige. Sol might not have been interested in women, but he could still enjoy a waltz. "I am Sol Kenuk, by the way. You look stunning, too." He smiles cheerily at Clove, and hopes that she'll introduce herself in turn.

@Sreeya @LouJoVi @LilyNion @Logan

 

[Julia Hipori]

"I am sure I'll be quite safe, thank you." Julia sternly replied to her guard, a snappily dressed man in a white armoured suit, who had not stopped talking since they'd arrived. "If there is an attack of such magnitude that the Sith Empire cannot keep its own guests safe, I am unsure you'll be able to bring much to the table," she added, the man looking somewhat crestfallen as she turned and walked away from him.

The Corporate Executive, and Senator, dressed by the recommended dress code. A white dress, with a set of golden arm bands snaking up each arm, the very latest in Canto Bights' constantly changing fashion. She was unarmed (as it was often considered rude to turn up packing to a party), holding only her invitation and her nalphone, desperately wanting to light a stim that she didn't have. She hadn't really wanted to come to this until she had seen it was at the Imperial Palace.

That was an opportunity you didn't turn down.

Gently, she straightened the small golden broach she wore on her right-hand side, cut into the shape of the Corporate Sector Authorities sigil. She took a deep breath and began to walk up the stairs to the Palace proper. "Stay here. You can...guard the exit route?" she mentioned to her guard unconvincingly. Julia heard him huff as she walked into the event itself.

Once inside, she was somewhat overwhelmed by the sheer number of Sith powerbrokers in the room. She recognised a few of them, mainly from the holos and news broadcasts. Feeling slightly out of her depth, having rarely conducted business, or social affairs, in the Sith Empire, Julia smiled and tried to slock someone she could introduce herself to.

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

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Clove was about to lose herself in the music and dance with Aadya(@Logan) when a warm voice reached her sensitive fluted ears. Except, no, it wasn't warm. Despite the fact that the source of the voice was the man she once associated with a warm campfire, it was icy cold. The words weren't much harsher than a random teenager on the street telling someone to leave them alone, but it felt like a blade carved its way through Clove's already bleeding heart, tearing away at any stitch she had managed to place over time. Clove and Altair had been mean to each other before, and Altair wasn't afraid to tell it like it was. But this? Insulting her behind her back like that? It was plain disrespectful, even for him.

The girl's usual expressiveness had vanished, leaving behind an ice-cold slate devoid of emotion; only her eyes reflected the pain. For a brief moment, those venomous eyes lingered on Aadya, only her twitching ears indicating she had heard something painful. Before she could say anything, a man(@Nevermourn) joined them, but Clove remained silent for a second. "Sol, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please forgive me, we should catch up later." She finally said, in a monotone voice. "I'll be right back, Aadya. Please save a dance for me." Whatever Clove was feeling, it was clear that it wasn't because of Aadya. Or, for that matter, because of Sol. She let go of the girl's hand after a half-hearted squeeze and turned on her heels.

Clove took big steps to the Tiefling(@Sreeya), her heels clicking on the marble tiles. Each step only fueled the fire that had been lit inside her mind, while her heart continued to rip apart. Before Altair could get even close to Tia, he could feel a familiar small hand wrap around his wrist. There was no time to react because that same hand started dragging him away from where he was going and away from the dance floor. If he tried to resist, Clove would pull harder, every inch of her movement screaming that she wasn't going to stop until she got to talk with him. Privately.

If everything went well, she led them to a nook near one of the many speakers that filled the room with music. It was loud, perhaps a little too loud for the half-Annfyn's ears. But their voices were hidden from even the most sensitive ears, providing them with some privacy.

Clove stepped forward to face the Tiefling, her blazing gaze drawn to his violets. "Is that how we greet each other now? 'Fuck you, Clove!'" She hissed at him.

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Tag - ​

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Thanks, Varyn said to the waiter and grabbed two drinks off the tray, one for himself and one that he handed across to Vahliri. The designated cups did not end up with the designated targets.

But Varyn had already downed the glass by the time anyone had anything to say about it. It seemed the ISB had been cheeky in designing the drug as it was rapid acting in onset. Likely absorbed directly through the mucous membranes, the effects were rapid and Varyn put a hand to his mouth as he felt a tingling sensation spread throughout his mouth and down his throat.

Sothin ought ight, he said, but the words came out slurred as though the tongue in his mouth had gone dead and grown ten times in size. And then the panic started. His eyes went wide and he stumbled back a moment.

Ot aw kiph, he said but now his arm had fallen to its side as if weak. His legs were hit next and his knees buckled under him, leaving him to crumble down onto the floor in a heap. It did nothing to dull his sensations and slamming his face into the floor still felt pretty crappy.

Fortunate had nothing to do with the fact that Varyn could still breathe. The ISB had tested this extensively and Varyn may have wondered how many people - or animals - died before they got it right. Paralysis of the diaphragm was always dose dependent, and the ISB knew just how much to give not to kill someone. Or maybe the intention had been to kill Vahliri, but the dose was significantly less than for someone of Varyn's size.

Either way, the Champion was now very much on the ground, not moving, and having a full-blown paralyzed panic attack as the most he could do with an arm was move it about... an inch.

@Altaris @Versok @Charles

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Unfortunately Tiamat was unable to get to any corners to be weird and was now on her third drink as she watched many join on the dance floor. She saw Aadya (@Logan) had arrived and was dancing with an elfish woman, who Tiamat did not forget her stink eye from the beach party. She wasn't sure who she was, but the half-annfyn acted as though she knew her that day and for whatever reason, that seemed to bother the redhead greatly. Aadya, however, another apprentice of Raze and a woman not to trifle with one's pettiness or insecurities, something Tiamat respected within the woman, let alone her ability to carry herself with poise.

Her own thoughts seemed to stop the moment she saw something scurrying across the dance floor and run under Jasnah's (@Wit) dress. She swore she just saw that rat that Altair had run off with in delight, so where was he? Her gaze scanned the area and noticed Aadya was alone and nearly a blur of sparkly white was shooting off somewhere. Regardless, instinct told her to find Altair and she followed what it said, heading back to where they departed, and not seeing him as she looked for his horns over the heads of the crowded hall, she continued onward.

Eventually, her search took her to a quieter part of the hall, more like an adjacent hall that allowed smoother passage rather than through the grand hall during parties like this one. This is also where she heard a rather high and distraught voice and the blonde standing rather too close to him for Tiamat to be comfortable with as she approached quietly, speaking when she neared close enough for both of them to hear her.

"Excuse me, is there something I can help you with?" Tiamat directed at Clove, her voice carried to ensure the woman would know she was there, brow narrowed in both suspicion and curiosity. Her gaze flickered to Altair to gauge his reaction before returning to the annfyn, "I've seen you a few times, who are you?"

@Sreeya @LilyNion

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

"I never had it before, but I think that today I'll try it." he smiled at Altair, before picking some of the spice that was being offered to him. While he was very aware of the fact that many nobles have secret habits and the use of drugs was among them, the Annfyn never did it. He tried to act properly most of the time. However, after being mostly ignored by Wodan and receiving a verbal kick from that hybrid for no reason, Caerllion was in the mood to experiment.

The problem was that he picked more spice than someone that never used should have tried. As soon as he snorted it, the Annfyn started to cough. Then, the effects started. Later, he would not know if that was part of the trip or in fact reality, but he could swear that Sol seemed to be happy.

The Annfyn was so lost in the pleasant effects of the drug that he didn’t notice that Altair snatched his glass and Sol walked away. "Yeah, they suck. Vahliri is so pretty, but she acts as a bitch around me all the time. Then I try to dislike her, but I would go in a date if she asked." he had no idea that the drug was making him spit his sincere thoughts, those that he tried to hide under the layers of prejudice. "I tried to be nice to her during our first day, but she stole Asher from me and then started to be rude to me. I wanted to be nice to her!" he pouted like a child, before trying to pick some more Altair's spice. "I didn’t want to hate her."

"Like that other girl. I only wanted to be polite with her, but she was also soooo rude." he frowned, remembering of how Clove answered him. "Maybe half-Annfyn think that I'll offend them only because I'm a pure-blood. I would only do that if they are mean to me." now he was muttering to himself. "I try to be nice at the first time that I meet someone."

"At least Arla is nice to me. She really is, but only likes me as a friend." if he was able to pick more spice, he would be snorting it. "Another hot stuff is Wodan. His body is sooo nice." he said dreamly. "But he is only into girls right now." another pout appeared on his lips. By this point he had ignored the fact that Altair had walked away, leaving him talking alone.

The Acolyte went to wander around the dance floor, finding Wodan and Jasnah dancing. In his dazed state, the Annfyn approached the two with a silly smile. "Excuse me, but Wodie, do you want to dance with me?" he asked, before slipping in the Champion's dress and hugging the Firrereo, nearly making the two fall in the floor. "Please?" he asked once more, batting his eyes stupidly.

Tomorrow he was going regret having used spice.

@Altaris @Sreeya @Nevermourn @Wit @Braden @LilyNion

 

[Altair Din]

Altair was rapidly trying to push his thoughts from his mind and beelining across the dance floor towards Tiamat. He wanted to listen to music and dance while getting lost in the spice. However, he was soon distracted by someone cutting into his path. For a moment he was entirely convinced this was all part of the spice trip and he stood there staring. He rubbed his eyes and blinked again. Nope, she was still there. Holy shit, this strand of spice was really good. He had stormed off right as Caer began his soliloquy about women and subjected Sol to the tirade.

The tiefling blinked a few more times until Clove abruptly grasped his arm. That was when it began to dawn on him that she was definitely there. Completely shocked, Altair gave a panicked yelp before immediately composing himself. He was a Commander, he couldn’t fret like this. The drugs made it difficult and gave him a whole new layer of anxiety. He lumbered behind Clove as she dragged him away, his brain working overtime to catch him up to speed. He just began to register that she was genuinely here until she turned on him and snapped. And oh no...she was cursing.

“I…” Altair fumbled over his words, his eyes wide. She would be able to tell from his incredibly dilated pupils that something was off, “You’re…actually here..” He mumbled pathetically.

That was when Tiamat showed up as well. Unfortunately, with Altair’s heightened anxiety and hallucinations, he saw two of her. He was suddenly transported back to that bathroom years ago when he was peeing into a sink and Tiamat barged in to bust him, Veles and Cairo over the purple drug. Shit. Was she here to bust him over the spice? Altair wondered if he could sneak away while the women argued or whatever.

Altair rubbed his eyes and didn’t move just yet, attempting to rally the Force to hasten the drugs filtering through his system. He was a Master damn it. He couldn’t pull his disappearing acts anymore.

@GABA @LilyNion