Open Social Lettuce Celebrate

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove stared at Altair as he fumbled, her eyes thinning slightly as she noticed his dilated pupils. That, along with the way he yelped as if he'd seen a ghost, confirmed why he'd been shouting so loudly; he was high as hell. Why the sugar was he high during such a formal party?! It didn't matter, and to be honest, it began to soften the rage in her eyes. "Altair, of course I'm here. I would not miss such an important event. You've got a promotion an' everythin'." Clove spoke quietly, her brow furrowed.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, Tia's voice rang through Clove's ear with a tone that would have given her goosebumps up her spine if it hadn't been for her cybernetic implant. The manner in which she spoke. The attitude.

Tia wasn't just a regular date to an event. They were dating, and she was protecting Altair from a strange random girl she'd seen once or twice. Clove's gaze lingered on Altair's for a second longer as a thousand thoughts raced through her head; she could've thrown Altair in front of the speeder, she could've pointed out how high he was, or mentioned that Altair was playing some strange triangle game in which he was dating one girl but giving his heart to another, a game she wasn't interested in. It all would've been so easy.

The half-Annfyn turned around, her face much calmer than before. She was clearly annoyed and hurt, but the rage she had once carried had faded. "Oh, I'm sorry." She shook her head, reaching out her hand to Tia with a faint smile, attempting a polite handshake. "How rude of me. I'm Clove. Altair's friend, we used to play Huttball together." She paused. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble, but he forgot to mention that he had been promoted, so I wanted to ask him why he would forget something so important. But I think I got carried away with my frustration, as usual." It was a small lie fueled by a lot of truth, and that was the only reason she, a person who usually despises lying, lied so casually. Because she was truly frustrated that he hadn't contacted her since their last conversation, and she was frustrated that he hadn't mentioned he had been promoted. All because he needed some time, but somehow ended up dating another girl.

But even if she was caught lying, it didn't matter. All she wanted to do was give Altair enough time to sober up through the Force and face Tia with the clarity she deserved. No. She wasn't going to let Tia be hurt over this, whether she was the former Eternal or not.

"I have to say, you look radiant; I love the golden beams in your hair." Nobody could deny Tia was a stunning woman. "I had no idea he was datin', but he's very lucky to have someone like you." It... was another genuine-feeling sentence. Because it was true. Tia's hovering over Clove, ready to throw her out the window the moment she became a threat... She hated admitting it, the thought alone causing her bleeding heart to ache even more, but Tia seemed to genuinely care for Altair, just from that small interaction alone.

And well... That mattered most, didn't it? Altair's happiness?

---

Tag @Sreeya @GABA ​

 

[Darth Tempest]

Even as she approached the drink table, Vahliri’s mind was far off - in a different place entirely. She met Tiamat’s compliments with a smile, and only nodded vaguely towards Varyn as he started to follow. Despite her every effort to brush it off as nothing, she couldn’t quite shake the knot that formed in her stomach - nor the way her thoughts, inevitably, replayed Altair’s cold and distant greeting. Perhaps it shouldn’t have bothered her like it did - not after everything they’d been through, and the fact he had shown up with a date of his own. What was he even angry about, when his interests were clearly elsewhere? But it did bother her - and those familiar aches and pangs, the sense of longing and emptiness that always came back to haunt her. It reared its ugly head once again, and the half-Annfyn couldn't deny the faintest spikes of anger that followed. Moreso at herself than anything else.

There was no small part of Vahliri that was starting to question the entire point of attending at all. Before she could spiral any further into that thought, her attention was drawn to the familiar voice of Anai - one that immediately caused her fluted ears to twitch about. The two had known each other since that first party bus incident - and the Kaleesh was someone she genuinely considered a friend. In that moment, she needed that more than any other dude or drama. Her lips tugged upwards at once, her arm swinging around the Kaleesh to hug her as they walked. “You look fuckin’ gorgeous Anai,” She said warmly, exhaling a breath at once. “It’s.. Really good to see you.” Her gaze flicked back to Varyn just as they arrived at the table, giving a nod to Anai, “He’s.. Yeah. He is.”

“I could use it,” She smiled towards Varyn when he mentioned dancing. The thought was almost bittersweet compared to her usual habit of rushing to the dancefloor at the first opportunity - but the thought of simply moving until she was lost in the music sounded far better than the funk she was in at that moment. Vahliri glanced over to the Zabrak when he arrived, blinking a few times. Truthfully, the half-Annfyn didn’t particular remember the Acolyte beyond his presence at Korriban and the fact he looked pissed at her the entire time. Not that she really cared. “Sure,” She said, not about to turn down a drink. Before she could reach for the glass herself, the half-Annfyn accepted the one that Varyn offered.

She threw the drink back without a second thought, feeling the familiar burn of alcohol down her throat but little else. For a moment, the half-Annfyn’s gaze wandered about - prepared to say something else to Anai. That was, of course, until Varyn muttered about something being wrong - his words slurred even then. Amber eyes flicked over at once - just in time to see him start to stumble backwards. “Varyn?” She asked, stepping forward a bit in his direction - concern flashing across her features. She was too slow to catch the Champion as he fell - and she couldn’t help way her voice raised in panic once he did - loud enough to be heard. “VARYN!”

"No no no.." The half-Annfyn didn’t hesitate to scramble over to him - immediately flipping the Champion onto his back. She saw the panic that flashed in his eyes, and the way his muscles tensed into place from the effects of the poison. The fact that he was breathing - his face still its natural shade instead of shifting towards red and purple - was the sole bit of relief she could find. It didn’t last long, though, as her amber eyes flicked over to the fallen cup.

Realization struck at once. Varyn had been fine until he sipped from the drink - one that Bel had enthusiastically provided. Her gaze slowly flicked back to the Zabrak, thoughts going back to his own anger back on Korriban. “You,” Had he intentionally done this? Poison her date and someone she cared about? Had the poison been meant for her? A thousand different thoughts flashed through Vahliri’s mind, and none of them stopped her from starting to move - anger swelling from within and manifesting across her expression. “You did this.”

"You weak, pathetic wretch," Her words were frigid venom - spoken through gritted teeth as strode forward. Without warning, the Force coiled aggressively around Bel’s chest - pressing down on his lungs and torso maliciously. She was an experienced Champion - and Vahliri brought everything she had to bare down upon the Acolyte. Her free hand rose up to yank the hairpiece from her bun - fingers curling around the stylish accessory with its prongs facing outward. Closing the few-step distance between them, Vahliri whirled her fist forth in an attempt to strike the Acolyte’s ribcage and lungs. The Force flowed vibrantly into her strike, carrying enough force with it to shatter bone. She deliberately gripped the hairpiece with the prongs between her clenched fingers - aimming to drive the metallic spikes into his flesh with every blow. “YOU DID THIS!”

Regardless of whether her first blow found its mark, Vahliri immediately drew her fist back once again to follow up with another blow. There was no hesitation or second thoughts - only the vibrant, blinding anger that coursed through her. This wasn’t a warning or petty retaliation - she wanted the Acolyte dead. And though she’d never admit it, the prospect of bashing the Acolyte’s skull against the marble floor - of driving her hairpiece through his throat - was a welcome distraction from her own emotions.

@Charles @Versok @Phoenix

 

[Jasnah Atreides]

Jasnah was enjoying the dance with Wodan, the acolyte obviously knew his way around the dance floor, priory training most likely. Then came the little peck on the cheeks, and Jasnah had to raise an eye-brow in surprise. That, was unexpected. The boy was cute enough, and she wasn't above having fun, but he was still just a boy. That was likely going to be too much to deal with. Thankfully she was able to hide any discomfort at the attempt by something grazing her feet, and she yelped, pulling away from Wodan and looking down at once to see Sol's rat thing come scurrying out from beneath her dress. On instinct she kicked out, only for the darn thing to manage to dodge the attempt and jump straight towards another dancing couple. (@lizziie, @Scoobert).

And to add to the chaos Caerllion was suddenly there as well, having tripped on her dress as she had reacted to the rat, and landing in Wodan's arms. Composing herself, and the desire to track down Sol and strangle him making her forget whatever response she might have given Wodan. "I'll give you two some privacy," she said in a surprisingly calm voice, before turning to track down Sol.

But she didn't get far, as her attention was drawn by some commotion nearby. By the time she reached the group Vahliri was already attempt to beat the life out of the server from earlier, and there was a man lying on the floor. Pushing her desire to hunt down Sol, she turned her attention to the situation at hand and dropped down to a knee besides the stricken Sith.

"You still there?" She raised a finger on her right hand and moved it in front of the Sith's face, checking to see if he responded, and despite any reaction she might notice in his eyes she could almost sense his panic. She took his face into her hands, and looked straight into his eyes. "You're gonna be alright, just breathe. Okay? Just breathe." She used her palms as a conduit to push the Force into him, not the most effective healing technique, but at the very least it would strengthen him enough to hold on and maybe calm him down a little.

Only when it seemed he was not going to die on her did she span back to look at Vahl, realizing she wasn't going to get anytihng out of the frenzied Champion. So she turned to Anai.

"What happened?"

@Braden @LouJoVi @Phoenix @Altaris @Versok

 

[Anai Skhess]

Even if it was something that couldn't be seen behind her mask, Anai was smiling warmly after noticing the quick change in expression from Vahl, her mission had been accomplished, her arm going around Vahl as to return the hug while looking at his date that had decided to come alongside her, nodding at him as a greeting...He looked like a good catch at least, the Kaleesh approved.

Taking the drink that the guy she thought was a common waiter, Anai took a long swig, having gotten used to drinking strong drinks since the bus party. Anai released Vahl after she accepted her suitor's proposition to dance, about to leave her go and have fun before suddenly Varyn started to stumble and then fall to the ground "...He really can't handle alcohol." Anai simply commented before the gears in her brain actually started turning and realized that the situation was serious.

The Kaleesh rushed over to Varyn, dropping on her knees and taking a look at what was going on and coming to the same conclusion Vahl had. "...You'll be okay, I'm sure we can get you help somewhere near" Anai whispered to Varyn as Vahl began to call out the man that had served their drinks, trying to reassure Varyn. The Kaleesh was looking around for help just in time to see another woman approach them and try to treat him "He was poisoned by that man, give me a moment, I need to help my friend."

With a cold stare in her eyes as she stood up, Anai began to quickly circle around Vahl and Bel, trying to position herself behind Bel like a wolf about to jump at someone's neck from behind. The Kaleesh had a few goals in mind at the moment: 1) She would not allow the man to escape from this party if he somehow managed to scurry away from Vahl 2) She would jump in should it prove tougher than anticipated for her friend, he had hurt enough people tonight 3) She would intervene should she notice that Vahl was actually close to killing him...The man did deserve it, truth be told, but she knew killing someone in a party like that would bring her trouble and Anai couldn't let that happen to her friend.

For now, she would stay close and observe, really to tag team the bastard from a favorable position should the need arise, that was what friends were for, right?

@Altaris @Wit @Charles

 

[Sol Kenuk]

The way Clove excuses herself, Sol could have thought that it was due to him. She seemed upset, and it had happened so quickly, so soon after his arrival. But no, something else had stricken the Annfyn's face, something that seemed more akin to pain than any amount of irritation the Kel'dor's presence could have caused. The woman goes marching off, and leaves Aadya with Sol, and the Champion could only watch curiously as Clove made her way toward Altair, looking none too happy. Was this the mysterious woman that the Tiefling had been cursing about earlier? This night had just got more and more interesting as time went by, it seemed.

And then, in the midst of it all, the Kel'dor could swear that he saw Skeever darting across the dance floor, only to disappear into the kitchen, or what was presumably the passageway into the kitchen. Well, that wasn't good. Worst still, several dancers had tripped over the beast. Also not good. At least it was funny. The chaos didn't really end there though, because even while Clove and Altair were finally facing down one another, and people were recovering from Skeever's mad dash, the sudden sight of Varyn collapsing was bold enough to grab everyone's attention.

The ballroom went silent. Everyone was watching.

Jasnah seems to have made her way over to the scene, trying to render aid to the fallen Sith. And Vahliri? She was practically going feral on the unfortunate soul that had been deemed responsible for whatever had happened. It was Bel, that Zabrak that Sol hardly knew, asides from his brief glances toward the horned man during his attempt at teaching a class on Sith Lightning. So now it seemed that there was one incapacitated Sith, one feral Sith, and one Sith soon to be butchered. Even a Kaleesh circled the scene. How delightful. Well, it's not a Sith party without a bit of violence, right? Sol turns back toward Aadya, smiles cheerily at the woman.

"Care for a dance?" Sol extends his clawed hand toward her, his sparkling talon-guards protecting her from any harm should she accept the gesture. Now that Clove was gone, it was just the two of them, unless Aadya had other plans, of course. "There's no better time to enjoy the music." The Kel'dor practically purred with dripping amusement. Naturally, he still intended to observe the scene as it developed, Sol wouldn't miss out on seeing poor Bel get the lights beat out of him. But why stand around like a bunch of simpletons? No, he wanted to dance.

@LilyNion @Logan @Charles @Sreeya @Wit @Altaris @Phoenix

 

[Altair Din]

Oh no. Oh no. This was going from bad to worse. As Clove began to talk and explain herself, Altair rubbed his temples. He grabbed a few shots and threw them back in quick succession, the alcohol rapidly coursing through his system. He grabbed another drink from the tray after that. The damn classical music was so loud he couldn’t hear himself think. The drugs were slow to leave his system and he felt miserable and with the extra alcohol he was properly fucked up. He heard Clove’s words and the entire story about how they were friends and how this was all about his promotion. That was all probably true, but his drug-addled mind got in his way. Before he could stop himself, the violent verbal diarrhea began to spew forth to splatter both women in full force.

“Just shut up, Clove,” He snapped at her mid speech, before he turned to look at both Tiamats, “Look, Tia Twins, I ain’t been honest with myself but, more importantly, you ladies,” He said with a drawl as he looked between Tia 1 and Tia 2, “This is Clove. The worst thing and the most empowering thing you ever experienced? That’s Clove. The Eternal mask? That’s Clove. The greatest high you ever had? That’s Clove. Getting a dagger through the chest and out your back? That’s Clove. Solving for the hypergates and the joy you felt? That’s Clove. Feeling smaller than you ever felt? That’s Clove. Feeling more powerful than you’ve ever felt? That’s Clove.”

His nostrils flared and his jaw tightened, “Truth is, I’m stupidly and hopelessly in love with her and I been trying to tell myself I ain’t ‘cause despite barely being able to walk, she managed to stomp all over me. It’s easier to tell myself that’s what happened than it is to admit that I want nothin’ more than to be her man. But that can’t happen ‘cause she’s more obnoxious than the painfully good guy heroes from Holonet and I’m probably gonna be glassin’ worlds one day. I understood you wanted to casually date and I thought I was ready for at least that,” Altair sighed as he fully turned to face the Tiamats.

“I’m sorry for thinking I was over this. You ladies don’t deserve a fuckin’ mess like me. I’m damaged goods, but I’m done bullshitting myself and others,” He raised his drink in toast, “So here’s to honesty, ladies, you may now all throw me over a balcony if you like. I’m used to it and the next girl will do the same. But in the meantime, I’m just gonna go fuck myself.”

With a cheers and a dramatic bow, he spun on his heel, began to hum the waltz that was playing and started swaying towards the dance floor. He half danced over to find Varyn lying on the ground and a commotion happening mere feet away. Altair chugged his drink and scowled at the Champion (@Phoenix ), his tunnel vision preventing him from noticing anything else.

“On your feet, soldier!” He snapped with a slightly slurred speech as he took another long swig, “This ain’t no time for a nap!”

@LilyNion @GABA

 

[Darth Draugr]

As Draugr had began dancing with Imani he kept his focus on her and began to enjoy the dance. His hands on her hips and slowly reaching her lower back as would draw her in closer throughout the dance. "I love the suit by the way, white fits well on you." He said with a slight bit of a curve to his lips. He hadn't found a person he liked often, but he was going to take it slower than he did in the past. Just a slight bit flirty and see how she responds.

Bickering began off to the side, as a partygoer dropped. The party had just started. It was supposed to be formal and everyone just be classy, and now they're acting like hellians. Draugr was tempted to start age limiting these things. Then he noticed it was Varyn on the ground, what a shame. The Zabrak favored Varyn quite a bit. Whoever had taken him down better hope he doesn't die, because they'll have to fill some shoes and Draugr will see to it they do.

Off to the otherside it looked like Altair is was in another girl drama episode. The Dathomirian swore he was in a teenage RomCom or something. Knowing the family relationship Imani had to him he figure he would give her a heads up if she hadn't noticed yet. "Looks like you're little brother is having an issue with Lady Tiamat and some other girl." The other girl looked slightly familiar now that he had been looking at the problem.. where had he seen her before? "Perhaps big sister needs to check on him?" He would refocus on Imani and smile as well as nod to Altair to let her check on her brother. He hadn't known much of his family but knew that to some people, it was everything. "I'll save you another dance."

Draugr favored the Tiefling boy after his defense on Korriban as well as a few other accolades. The young man had Draugr's respect but he hadn't cared enough to go ask if he's feeling well. Instead he had something else to deal with now. As a screech came from behind him he turn slowly not caring about the situation until a rat came running into his legs. The large beast took the Sith Master by surprise and knocked him over. Once he landed on the ground a boiling rage filled within him. Quickly wrapping the force around the rat he lifted it in the air, it had been Sol's beast no doubt. Once the Zabrak got on his feet, he was lucky the floors were clean and hadn't ruined his suit.

His anger immense, he didn't hesitate.. the rat's neck would snap loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. The Sith Master looked around the room as he dropped it to the floor and waited for the person responsible to show up and claim it. The rat lied on the ground, small twitches still occurring as it had the nerves in the spinal column severed. "The owner of the rat! Show yourself!"

@lizziie @Sreeya @Nevermourn @Phoenix @GABA @LilyNion @allothers

 

[Darth Tiamat]

Tia watched Clove closely as she went on to explain herself. She was surprised how calm she was speaking, but things didn't add up, given if she were as frustrated as she was, why she had to pull him over here and so on. Though Altair would stop it all, mentioning there were twins and within a moment's instant she knew he was high, drunk, possibly both but it didn't help the situation as he went on...

and on...

And the more he spoke, the less Tiamat was processing what he was actually saying, but knew something felt very wrong inside her. This was why he wanted things casual, he was still playing games with another. The redhead eyes were wide with disbelief, shock and embarrassment for what was transpiring. He tried to apologize, mentioning she didn't deserve him, he was a mess, but he had no idea the mess that was Tiamat. It was that hearing how undeserving she was of even something-no someone who viewed their lives as a mess. So what did she deserve?

What was wrong with her?

The voice in her head started to ask, and it only grew louder and no longer could she hear talking or the music as Altair bowed out. What did she miss? What made her so foolish to even ask him in the first place? Her bottom lip started to quiver and she quickly clasped her hand over her mouth as she was flooded with pain she dreaded to feel. She looked at Clove, eyes dull with nothingness, and could only say one thing, "His hand was bleeding."

Tiamat took a step away, careful as though her own movements would set off a bomb until she felt she was safely far from Clove. She wanted out of there as quickly as she could and when she found the door, her exit to the cool evening Eriadu air, it welcomed her tears and there were so many for her to share.

/exit

@Sreeya @LilyNion

 

[Aadya Rasheer]

Aadya felt the sudden shift in Clove's demeanor even without the woman's ears giving things away. She returned the girl's polite exit with a small smile, and just this once, it was genuine.

There were few things that could send a dagger into someone's heart so suddenly, to rip it up and tear it to pieces in an instant like that. Aadya's hearing was exceptional as well. She knew and it was not her place to intervene.

Not her place to tell Clove that going over there was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad decision. Because if Aadya was going to be honest with herself, she would have went over there too.

I'd like nothing more, she replied to Sol, taking up his offer to dance although her attention was still firmly on the chaos beginning to unfold near and around Altair.

Big fucking surprise there.

Then she saw Tia storm off for an exit and Draugr shouting about some rat.

Who as Vahliri screaming at? What the hell was happening?

Shaking her head, Aadya managed to tear her eyes away from the scene and look back to Sol.

I wonder if this place has got any popcorn. Are you seeing this?

@Nevermourn

 

[Imani Din]

The two of them continued to dance, and Draugr pulled her closer in as his hand rested gently over her lower back. She smiled up at him, lips widening at his compliment when it came around. "I—" She was about to reply with a flirtatious comment when there was a pause in the dance and both of their attention were drawn elsewhere. In less than a minute, the room has hushed, and all eyes were on a group of four as someone collapsed to the ground and Vahliri lunged out at a Zabrak acolyte standing nearby. Draugr made a comment about her little brother, Altair, and she began to frantically look around the room for the Din. She found him just as he ordered Varyn to get up, oddly unaware of everything going on around him.

Issues indeed, she thought to herself as her eyes narrowed with a mixture of worry and suspicion. Pictures for Ma and Pa could wait. Clearly, Altair with his bloody hand, droopy eyes, and clear unawareness of his surroundings needed to get himself together first.

Imani briefly turned back to face Draugr when he mentioned he'd save her another dance. She thought briefly about giving the man a little peck on the cheek to show her appreciation for him letting her go check on her brother, but before the tiefling could even stand up on her toes, a furry creature barreled into the Sith master and sent him sprawling onto the floor. It caused Imani to stumble backward, and she barely caught herself on the shoulder of a waiter who happened to be standing nearby. A couple of the drinks on his tray fell to the floor, shattering on the hard floor and leaving wine-colored, red stains on the length of her white pants. Before she could rush out an apology to the guy, a sound of a sickening snap! interrupted her.

She looked up just as Draugr's voice rang out into the room, demanding to know who was the owner of a rat. Her eyes slowly lowered down to the twitching body of the same rat she'd seen her brother look so happy to receive earlier when she'd come in. Dead on the floor.

Oh hell no.

Imani didn't even know what to say. No words came to her mind. All she knew was that her brother—her baby brother—was standing not ten meters away, clearly a mess, and had likely just watched her date kill the pet rat he had just received for his promotion. There was no thought process. Just a couple of steps, and a solid smack! as the back of her ring-adorned hand made contact with the side of the Zabrak's face.

No one could hurt her siblings in front of her and get away with it.

tags: @Scoobert @Sreeya

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Aadya accepts the dance, and Sol is all too pleased to enjoy the festivities with someone he got along with quite well. He could watch the growing shit-show, and swing some graceful moves to the classical beat, and just in time for a pleasant change in the music.

Sure, people were yelling, Vahliri was trying to stab poor Bel to death, Tiamat was leaving, and Sol can only guess as to why, since he hadn't been close enough to make out the tense exchange. All the while, the loud snap of Skeever's neck filled the room like the crack of thunder.

"The owner of the rat! Show yourself!"

Sol can't help but grin. It's a wide mouthed thing, toothy and delighted as the chaos burned like fire around the room, and he continued to enjoy his dance with Aadya, even as Imani proceeded to strike the Zabrak Sith master across the face in a bold move for all too see. Altair owns that rat, the Kel'dor inwardly purrs with a sick sense of child-like glee. Good luck, Master Draugr.

Sol turns his gaze back upon Aadya, still grinning behind his mask.

"Seeing it? I'm living for it." The Champion responds slyly. "I regret not attending parties before. In truth, this has been quite the enjoyable experience." And as the music picked up, Sol would attempt to give Aadya a gentle spin, if she allowed it. "Would you like to take the lead?" Sol questions politely in regards to the dance, all too happy to enjoy the upbeat classical sensation to the tune of a very pissed off crowd.

@Logan @Scoobert @Altaris @Sreeya @lizziie @LilyNion @GABA

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Altair(@Sreeya) did the opposite of what she needed him to do before Clove could get too far. He cut her sentence short, told her to shut up, drank some shots, and began to ramble. Ramble and ramble. Clove stood silently next to Tia, her gaze fixed on Altair, her skin paler with each new word the Tiefling spoke. While none were directly aimed at her, but rather at Tia, she couldn't help but listen to every word. And, bit by bit, her heart and soul came undone.

As Altair walked away with a dance in his step, her legs began to tremble beneath the many layers of fabric. There was silence after that, the music from the speakers no longer audible. Her gaze lingered on the air, where Altair used to stand, before they turned slowly to Tia(@GABA). She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but instead, she noticed her dull lifeless eyes and her hand covering her mouth. The girl was in pain, she was in so much pain. All she wanted to do was tell Altair to stop messing around, to be honest and to stop playing games. And now that he had, all it caused was pain.

Tia stormed off, leaving Clove on her own. Her breathing became more rapid, and her eyes began to sting from the flood of thoughts she'd been fighting for weeks. Her knees buckled, causing her to fall to the ground. Warm tears began to stain her pale cheeks as her shivering hands grasped the top layers of her skirt.

All she had ever wished, all she had fantasized about, was to be told how much she was loved by that special someone. How much they adored her and wanted to be nobody else's but hers. Altair should have been that person. And Altair was that person. He made her a confession of love, something she'd wanted from him since her birthday. But every warm-hearted word was met with either a backhanded insult or a straight knife in the back. And, just as he admitted that he wanted nothing more than to be her man, he crushed that dream as well.

If this was her fate with Altair, she couldn't stand the pain any longer.

The half-Annfyn wanted to forget him, to accept that their fate together was doomed to fail and that they would only hurt each other, but even if she tried, one look at her cybernetic implant in the mirror was enough to recall the Tiefling, relive all their happy memories as clear as day and commit her heart to the man. She knew she'd doomed herself the moment she kissed Altair on that boat. And now she had to pay the price. It was like loving the sun while knowing it couldn't love back.

After a few minutes of sitting in silence with nothing but quiet sobs, her trembling hands landed on the floor. She slowly began to rise from the floor and onto her trembling feet, her hands brushing over her wet cheeks to try to remove the majority of the stains. Sadness had gradually faded, replaced by an empty void in her chest instead, which, while relieving pain, also sucked dry any emotion.

Clove had no idea where to go or what to do, but she couldn't just walk away because she had come on a mission for the Star Guardians. So, even though she wasn't in the mood to play the goodwill card, she stayed. Slow steps led her away from the corner, only now realizing that the loud music had started to ring in her ears. She ignored the ringing and began to walk over to Aadya(@Logan) and Sol(@Nevermourn), who were still on the dance floor. It was just in time to catch the word "popcorn" and follow their gaze, finally realizing just what had happened while she was gone. It was an absolute shit show.

"... I wouldn't mind some popcorn." Who didn't enjoy emo-eating while watching other people's drama explode, instead of focusing on your own? "Would you mind if I join the two of you again?"

---

Tag -​

 

[Altair Din]

While the drugs were filtered out and he could see more clearly now, there was no denying that the alcohol was still pumping through him. After Varyn failed to answer him, Altair decided he wanted to find his new friend Skeever. At least Skeever would love him without any ridiculous expectations. Skeever wouldn’t judge him for glassing a planet or give him lectures on how he was not nice. Altair had a heart to heart with Skeever while he was on spice and the rat confessed his name was actually Bernard. Altair and Bernard Skeever the Third would have great adventures together and he planned on bringing him on every mission.

That was when he saw Bernard floating mid-air. At first Altair smiled and thought Draugr was finding his friend for him. That was seconds before he heard the audible snap as the rat was brutally murdered before his eyes. Rage beyond measure began to course through him. However, he remembered he was wearing his proper uniform. Exhaling calmly, he began to unbutton the jacket he wore. He took the time to remove all the extra chains and decor, folding up the jacket and outer layers to place on a nearby cocktail table. He wore a white dress shirt underneath, and he simply rolled up the sleeves for that.

Before he could close the distance, he was surprised by the sight of his sister abruptly slapping Draugr. While he felt a sudden rush of emotions from seeing that, he also knew the Zabrak was more powerful and outranked her. Altair gently placed a hand on her shoulder as he walked up behind her, nodding to her to indicate that he had his own battles to fight.

“Me,” He said with venom dripping from his tone as he stepped out and stood across Draugr. There was a glint in his eyes, yellow mixed in with the lavender hues. Normally he feared the Zabrak, but he had just run out of his last fuck to give. He had eyes on where the man had his weapon, but the tiefling knew his own strengths and speed as well.

Sliding his right foot back, he brought up his left fist as guard while whirling in with a Force imbued punch with his right fist. It was intended to slam into Draugr’s jaw with enough power to crack it if it wasn’t stopped. It would be a sudden tap and quick withdraw, leaving Draugr with no chance to capitalize on trying to overextend Altair’s reach.

@Scoobert

 

[Nakoa Singh]

Nakoa didn't much come to these party things. It wasn't disinterest; he just wasn't around for them, either working or traveling elsewhere. This time he'd actually shown up, wearing an outfit he'd picked up during his last visit to Indupar. Much more comfortable than those three-piece things with neckties, closer to the things he wore back home. Mixed earrings glittered in his ears, similarly mismatched but simple rings on several fingers. The only piece that closely matched his clothes was a simple gold band around his right wrist. The left had an upside-down, leather-strap watch.

He'd just emerged from a back room somewhere, straightening up his jacket and getting his hair tied back into a tight bun behind his head, paying no mind to the immediate surroundings. Midway through he looked up. His eyebrows slowly rose, distracted mind slowly taking in all the chaos.

A floating rat had its neck snapped, Master Draugr backhand slapped. Commander Din squared up to fight over this slight. A very still man drooling into the floor tiles, enraged Vahliri going in for another Zabrak's death all the while. Others still drank and danced, spun here, there pranced. In a corner somewhere a small fire sparked, a drunk couple having knocked over a cart in their haze. It'd struck a candlelit table and, now unstable, tumbled to set a curtain ablaze. Fairly certain, without a doubt, he'd also seen Tiamat run straight out. What's happened, what's this? A Sith party, nothing less than a ballroom blitz.

"Whaaaat the fuuuuck?" Nakoa questioned aloud, a laugh of both amusement and bewilderment creeping into his voice, having no context whatsoever for any of it. He adjusted his jacket and grabbed a drink on his way toward the dance floor, light shoes scuffing slightly as he stopped by Jasnah (@Wit) and Varyn (@Phoenix). Golden eyes looked down with bemusement, leaving the enraged Vahliri to her impromptu Zabrak ventilation and the Kaleesh to her sharklike circling. "Why are they on the floor?" he asked Jasnah, very curious over what butterfly wings had started this hurricane. He sipped his drink. Whiskey, it turned out.

@Wit @Phoenix @Altaris @Versok @Charles

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr had been waiting for the owner, whom he assumed was Sol, to arrive. The Kel Dor was known to have odd pets such as rats, and he was the one he had seen with it as he entered the room. The Zabrak was ready to explain that the Kel Dor's punishment was merely just the death of his rat, but that was before he felt a forceful backhand hit his face.. the pain sharp from the rings on the hand. Small cuts streamed across his face and blood slowly leaked out.

Draugr had felt a rage burn within him only to feel it cinder as he turned to see Imani. What had he done wrong? He hadn't hurt her and he hadn't said anything to hurt her. Why did she slap him? His inner warmth when he looked at her slowly fading, and his throat feeling a small lumping feeling. On the outside he looked confused and on the inside a blueness formed.The Zabrak touched his face to feel the warm red liquid and noticed it had dripped to the collar of his suit. 'What did I do..'

"I-Imani.." He had let out with a slightly hurt tone but quickly straightening up when Altair came past her and claimed the rat. What had he missed in his dance? Draugr hadn't known the rat belonged to Altair. The Zabrak cleared his throat as he began to speak, "I suppose then we can carry-" The Zabrak was immediately cut off by the attack being sent from the Tiefling, and had to act fairly quick. He would have usually looked for a killshot in these instances, but he hadn't wanted to lose what he had been starting with Imani. He hadn't known much about families, but killing the little brother of the girl you like might not be a good start.

So to counter Altair's attack, he would step to his left and use his left hand to push the Tiefling through the Force to create separation, putting Draugr to stand alone. No one at his side.. "Altair! You do not want this.." The Zabrak was giving the Tiefling a chance here before continuing a fight. "Stand down, I have no quarrel with you." The Zabrak as he spoke was in a defensive stance ready to defend himself at any given point. If Altair continued, he would have to ask Imani to forgive him for what he may need to do.

In his mind he could only think to himself.. 'Forgive me Imani..'

@Sreeya @lizziie

 

[Altair Din]

Draugr’s immediate reaction was to say his sister’s name. That alone immediately infuriated him and he saw the Sith Master shift towards his left. Right as he did so, Altair’s tail lashed out to coil around the Zabrak’s left calf. As a result, when the Force push came, it sent them both abruptly hurtling back. Draugr never got the chance to explain himself as Altair planted his back foot, which had already been shifted back, to bear down.

While his initial punch had missed, that arm was now up for guard while his left fist completed the follow up cross to slam into the Zabrak’s chest. By now, his tail had released Draugr, and his right arm was free for whatever the other Sith did. The two were entirely too close for Draugr to pull off any fancy Force move without Altair seeing it coming from a mile away.

@Scoobert

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Sol doesn't mind Clove's return, as he remains in the dance with Aadya. He grants the woman a welcome smile, though ultimately, it was up to Aadya to allow Clove to join the pair. Either way, the Kel'dor didn't mind. His focus, even as he twirled and waltzed, was on the chaos unfolding around them.

"Welcome back." Sol greets Clove with a wave of one hand. "I don't mind if Aadya doesn't. Does anyone else smell smoke?" The Kel'dor's vision shifts across the ball-room, where he soon catches sight of a flickering fire, crawling it's way up one of the curtains. Ah, chaos indeed.

Meanwhile, it looked as if Altair and Draugr were going to brawl over that poor, dead rat. In the Tiefling's drugged state, Sol's not entirely sure how well it'll go for him, but then again, Imani wasn't likely to allow the Zabrak to beat the shit out of her brother, was she? Most certainly not.

It was almost as if the party was turning into a bar brawl, and really, Sol doesn't mind the entertainment.

@Logan @LilyNion @Sreeya @Scoobert @lizziie

Spoiler: open me

 

[Darth Draugr]

When Draugr looked to give one last chance, it seemed Altair hadn't cared. This fight was happening whether the Zabrak wanted to or not. A tail catching Draugr's leg to keep the distance between them melee ranged set the Zabrak off for only moment as he ripped his leg free from the tail planting it himself. A fist coming towards the chest of the Zabrak would undoubtedly be enough crack his sternum, so he would quickly place his palm in the way at a side angle to catch the fist. The Tiefling being high on spice would likely affect his precision in his strikes.

If successful he would use his strength to clench down and squeeze the fist as hard as he would twist it inward to set the Tiefling off balance as his hand would turn to show his fingers on top of the fist of Altair. HIs fingers digging as hard they could into the fist looking to render it useless, a Matukai fighter relies on their fists.. taking one out hinders their capabilities. 'If it's a fight you want then a fight is what you get..' the Zabrak thought to himself. He had to focus every bit of anger he had now. The humiliation setting in from Imani slapping him.. the pain of wanting to open up and now knowing he had to be closed off.. the thought of Altair thinking he could try his patience with a fight after the rat. His eyes changed from it's usual yellow to rage induced glowing fiery yellow and red. The white of his eyes once clear, now bloodshot with rage.

Draugr had commended Altair for fighting for what he felt was worth fighting for, but he had pissed off the wrong Sith today. So now Draugr won't hold back in this fist fight. The Zabraks left arm was prepared to catch any attack or attempt to stop his crushing of the Tieflings left hand.

@Sreeya

 

[Aadya Rasheer]

Aadya couldn't help but crack a grin at Sol's giddiness. It was different being on the outside of all of the drama for once. Generally when it came to Sith parties Aadya had always found herself right in the thick of things, whether it had been with Vahliri or someone else.

If you think this is something, you should have been there the one time I tried to light Vahliri on fire.

Of course, Altair had always been the central catalyst to the drama. He still was this time too, unsurprisingly, so at least things were staying consistent.

Aadya let herself spin as Sol showcased his dancing ability, a small laugh escaping her lips as she did so. Before she could answer than hell yes, she would love to take the lead and show the Keldor how to really dance, they were once again joined by Clove. Though, this time, things weren't quite as nonchalant as they were before.

Before Clove could get out the word "popcorn", Aadya did something that never in a million years would she have thought she would do. Before her brain could catch up with her instinct, she let go of Sol and walked right up to Clove with her arms outstretched.

If she would allow it, Aadya would look to wrap the pointy-eared girl she'd twice tried to murder in a full, genuine embrace. An actual-factual, squeezed tight hug.

She would turn Clove away from the brawl happening between Altair and Draugr. Pull her in so that the only thing the girl would be able to feel was Aadya's chest on her face, her hands gently on her back, the smell of her perfume.

And she would just hold that for as long as Clove would allow it.

@LilyNion @Nevermourn

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

The party had been full of surprises, events, and twists that no one could have predicted. But it was Aadya walking over to Clove with her arms extended that put the cherry on top. Her distant expression crumbled as she caught Aadya's open arms, emotions resurfacing unashamedly. She didn't resist her arms or hesitate. No, if anything, she walked straight into them.

Her head tucked closely against Aadya's chest, not realizing she was pulling her away from the fight and diverting her focus. She let the woman's arms embrace her and shelter her from the outside world, while her own arms wrapped weakly around her back, holding her. Her normally sensitive ears heard nothing but her heartbeat, smelled nothing but her perfume, and saw nothing but the darkness between them.

Twice she fought against Aadya and witnessed her murdering innocent children as if it were a game. She had lost her freedom and a portion of her sanity because of that woman. And now, in the arms of the woman who had once occupied her nightmares, she felt safe, a feeling she had only felt with a very few other people. As if in that exact moment alone, only she understood what Clove was feeling.

To say it was healing was an understatement.

Clove had finally withdrawn her head, and for the first time in her life, her large brown eyes lingered on Aadya's without fear or judgment. There was no mental hurdle to try and navigate around Aadya, no small whisper reminding her of the dangers or the scars left by the Firrerreo. There was nothing but pure thankfulness.

"Thank you." She whispered, then sniffled and laughed. "Gosh, I must look like a mess. I hope I didn't ruin your lovely gown..." Clove sighed, and her chest felt slightly lighter. "Let's get to Sol, I think he really wants to dance with you... And I could also use a dance."

---

Tag @Logan ​