Open Social Serenno Snowfall

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

This was not who she was. All while they danced, she kept telling herself that. Her mental pep talk at the start of their waltz had failed. The deaths of her parents…her own doing…had planted seeds of doubt which never existed before. Doubts the crept into her mind and created fear. Had she done the right thing? Was this her path? They ate away at her self-confidence. She hated that feeling. She hated what she was becoming. Charlotte had made her choice. She had sought Andruil’s aid, she had squeezed the life from her father’s heart. She had broken the cycle of abuse from her mother. The Darkness gave her strength to set her family free. To set herself free.

Here she was, inches from a paragon of the Dark and she cowered. All her sacrifice to shrink when the moment came calling. Raze released her and took a step back. The fire in her heart burst to life. Not anger at Raze, not hate for the Sith Lord, but distaste for her actions. Determination flared in the Force. Her eyes sparkling with the heat of her emotions.

As Raze stepped back, she stepped forward. “Wait.” She flicked to change the music again. A better song. “This isn’t who I am.” She stepped closer. Charlotte had no idea if Raze would care, he probably wouldn’t, but she’d say it anyways. “I’ve let recent choices cloud my vision.” She grabbed his gauntleted hands, placing them on her hips as she moved even closer to still. “I’m not afraid.” Charlotte began to move her body in time with the music. The fear in her soul gone. Her mind shot back to her twist with Adaya. That was who she was.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Caelestis]

The conversation was becoming more convoluted with the addition of both the new Lady Kersin as well as Malou who had slowly approached from the side to stand next to him. Though he was fully aware and eager to speak with both the new arrival and his apprentice he could not help but pay closer attention to the Dark Councillor, for both his own gain and for the folly that was ignoring someone of such power.

With the mention of brandy Artorigas clicked his fingers, a nearby servant had heard and knew that Artorigas command meant to supply Darth Stolas with the best brandy that the Wessex family had. Shortly after the Dark Councillor placed his empty champagne glass down the brandy would appear next to him. "Castles are magnificent but without anything inside they are just large empty houses." He replied. "Crowns can not only be taken but forged, I have already taken a House, so I believe forging is next on my agenda."

The four way conversation had him turn towards Lady Kersin, "It is a combination of the two, I have not changed everything I would have wanted to, but there is only a little left to do." Artorigas replied pointing at a few of the more obscene pieces of art around the room. He noticed the change in music and frowned a little, it was not to his tastes but a quick glance around room told him that he seemed to be appreciated by at least a few others so he wouldn't ask for it to be changed back.

As Stolas noticed Malou he smiled and gestured her to move forward as he took a step to the side. "Yes Mi' Lord, this is my apprentice Malou D'Amaris a native of Serenno and already a quick study." Artorigas answered with a smile. From over Stolas' shoulder he spotted the idiotic Zabrak Xeno appear within one of the suits of armour moved away from the hall for cleaning. It had developed 'Zepritical Fungus' after a mixture of human and Nautolan blood had congealed upon its surface after the slightly bloody takeover of four weeks back. 'Zepritical Fungus' causes a nasty itch and boils upon the surface of none aquatic living beings.

Although he would be happy for the Zabrak to spend the whole night itching he did not want any damage done to said armour. "Apologies Mi' Lord but I need to deal with something. I will leave you in the capable hands of my apprentice. Lady Kersin, Bir." He said nodding to both before making his way over to the Zabrak and those that surrounded him.

"I doubt you will live that long Xeno." Artorigas cut in behind the Zabrak. "If you read the label on that armour you would know what I mean." Turning to the pair he gave them both a nod before spotting Lady Tiamat on her own. Artorigas would let Xeno try and figure it out on his own before walking towards the lone Sith Lord. Though he had not met the women before her reputation of course proceeded her considering her power and influence. "Lady Tiamat, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."

@Mr. Teatime @lizziie @Tess @Scoobert @GABA

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

“Oh I do doubt that, my lady. You don’t particularly strike me as a boring person – and believe me, I’ve met my fair share.” He hummed against the glass pressed to his lips, taking a long drink of its contents. “Try me. I’m sure what you want most in this galaxy would be most intriguing, compared to most.”

While the man took no issue probing for information, he himself hesitated at the question. What is it you really want, Jaikus?

Truth by told, it was debatable if he even knew the answer to that question. So many times, his ambitions had shifted over the course of his life. What he strived for as a lowly bureaucrat on Axxila was entirely different from what he wanted today as a Sith. And it seemed that every time he did get what he wanted, it was never enough to sate his appetite and keep him satisfied for long.

Everything, he thought to himself. It was probably the most accurate answer, but hardly one worth giving in response.

He shrugged his shoulders. “Look around this room, and most everyone wants the same thing. Endless power, influence, limitless knowledge, et cetera et cetera.. Understandable I suppose, albeit somewhat repetitive. My ambitions are much more less grandiose by comparison. I want—"

Before he could finish, he was cut off by Xeno’s approach. Jaikus raised his glass towards the approaching Dathomirian, an expression of amusement painted across his face as the man butted into the conversation with an unsolicited answer of his own.

Proves my point.

“Ah! You see, my lady? Now there is such a man with ambition.” He turned to Xeno. “Would it surprise you to know that you share the same goals as nearly half the men and women in this room?” He grinned. Whether he included himself on that list or not was purposefully left vague. “The big question is, can you live up to the competition?”

The Zabrak's choice of attire was.. Interesting. No doubt something that would come up in conversation before long. Nonetheless, he let the question hang in the air for a moment before reciprocating the introduction. “Jaikus Altaris. Pleasure to meet you, Xeno.”

@Killa Ree @Scoobert

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Moments after coming to her master's side, Malou felt the gaze of the man in robes rest on her for a moment. "One of yours, Artorigas?" Indeed. Malou studied the man for as long as his gaze remained on her, though her own eyes remained closed. He seemed... well, Malou couldn't quite get a read on him, but he reminded her greatly of her grandfather. He was just a bit shorter and a lot paler.

"Yes Mi' Lord, this is my apprentice Malou D'Amaris a native of Serenno and already a quick study." Malou did not react visually to her master's comment on her progress, but she felt a rush of pride warm her chest. Her attention shifted from Stolas to Artorgias, who moments later dimissed himself, leaving them "...in the capable hands of my apprentice." Wonderful. Malou felt a pang of anxiety flitter through her chest--before quickly disappearing--at those words. 'Quick study' she may be, but she was painfully unaware of the social order of the Sith. All she knew was that Artorgias had referred to the mysterious man as 'mi' lord' nd the woman was a lady. Introduce myself; it'll be fine. How many parties had she attended to brush shoulders with powerful figures? Too many. I'm good at introductions. Not that I ever got to do much-- Malou stopped herself there. She didn't need to get heated all over again because of her father's actions. She couldn't change the past; she could only move forward.

As Malou bowed her head to the three remaining, she followed the path of her master as he made his way over to "deal with something." She could not hear the exchange between him and Xeno, but she recognized Xeno's change of attire and the familiar style of the piece. Had the zabrak the gall to just wear something of Artorgias' without asking? Where did he even get it? Her attention returned to Prissca, Stolas and Bir as she raised her head.

"As my master said, I am Malou D'Amaris--granddaughter of Count D'Amaris." A polite smile appeared on her lips, though it was partially covered by the golden beads that fell from her headpiece. "It is a pleasure to meet you all here tonight; may I know to whom I speak?" Her words were practiced and very formal, just as they had been speaking with Tiamat. Hopefully by learning the names of those who attended tonight, she could later inquire about them to her master. Or, see if anything about them could be found on the holonet.

@Mr. Teatime @Tess @Tulos

 

[Darth Tiamat]

The acolyte took her leave and Tiamat's gaze followed the girl back to her master and the host of the party. The redhead mentally counted how many were swarming him for the moment and she smirked, causally walking in the direction of another tray of champagne to help herself when the music changed to the more excited beats of a club. The woman frowned to the change in music and decided to continue to mingle with other Sith she had yet to meet.

It was still surreal as to where she currently stood, not only physically, but also in status. The young girl that dreamed of becoming prima ballerina was now...well prima certainly in the ways of the dark side. In time, it would certainly tell if she would be more than just a prima, but assoluta. In time of course, now it just seemed like a fantasy she toyed with in her daydreams from time to time. The what ifs of daydreams, though that is where her hypergates started, and now she was on her way to engineering without relying entirely on Gree technology.

Her attention snapped back to present when she noticed the head of House Wessex approaching; the Sith Lord smiled as he greeted her. "Thank you, it is a pleasure to be part of this celebration." her eyes flickered back to the group he just migrated from, "And it seems that many are feeling the eagerness to let you know." her smile grew wider, seeming more genuine.

@Braden Drake

 

[Darth Draugr]

Xeno smiled to Jaikus when he was turning to Deva, Artorigas had come up behind him and then began to speak. Xeno figured the itch was just the material, though now that he thought about it he was wondering what was wrong with the armor. The itch continued to get worse, almost burning. The Zabrak was doing his best to contain the pain but eventually he would scream.. loudly..

"AAAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!"

Then calming himself very quickly he would look to the two he was speaking to and smile. Then quietly he would chuckle annoyed with the itch and then say,

"Please do excuse me for a moment.."

As Xeno turned around he began searching for someone reliable, the only person he knew would do something like what he needed would be his good friend Bir. So that is the direction he would head. Finally finding Bir he would grab his arm and quickly say.

"I need help, now."

Then he would nod his head to the exit into the halls. The Zabrak walked out of the room with Sith once more, and would make it into the hall. Outside the room, he would wait for the arrival of his friend Bir. There he would inform Bir of what he needed done.

@Altaris @Killa Ree @Tulos

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc was slightly surprised when the marauder abruptly changed up her approach. She closed the distance between them. She was right with her assumptions, however. He didn’t give a rat’s ass about her backstory or her reasonings for anything. The visor of his helmet tilted to regard her in silence as she stepped in and went as far as to grasp his hands and place them on her hips.

He lingered there for a moment before he withdrew his hands away from her. The visor never shifted from gazing at her as he began to take plates of armor off. He snapped his fingers and called over an attendant. Emryc took off the plates piece by piece, belts, gauntlets, lastly the red cape. All of it was neatly arranged and placed into the waiting arms of the attendant. The helmet remained on.

“A scratch on it and you will be cleaning your own entrails off the floor,” His voice rumbled like smooth obsidian, with the slightest touch of rigid earth. It would send a chill down the attendant’s spine, as if frosty fingers tapped down the trail of every vertebrae. Emryc never bothered to look at the attendant as he spoke.

Beneath the armor, Emryc wore a bodysuit that fitted closer to his form, accenting the muscled body carved from years of effort and combat. He stepped forth again, placing one hand back where it was. This time it was with his bare hand, fingers curling around her small waist. He casually tugged her close against him.

“Still unafraid?" His voice rumbled again, amusement returning in place of the frost in it from when he addressed the attendant. Emryc was moving to the new beat. There was no metal plate this time for her to feel, just the contours of his chest.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Bir Vuul]

As Stolas responded, Bir found himself uncertain of just what he expected the Sith Councillor to do. It was a moment of susceptibility and desperation but he wasn’t sure of where he could turn. Could his mind even be restored or was he forever doomed to a life of madness? Perhaps finding a way to embrace his insanity may well provide him the solace he seemed to crave.

”Asking? Asking?” Bir pondered aloud, rubbing his hand of flesh along the bottom of his chin. His squinted eyes soon shot wide behind his goggles with jubilation. ”Yes! Yes! Yes I believe I am, Lord! But not here! Not now! No! No! Should you be willing to provide me an opportunity for such discussion at a later date, I would be delighted to accept!” Bir exclaimed with a deep bow.

It had seemed that during the course of the conversation, many faces would come and go. Finally giving Lady Kersin the time of day, the Kel Dor turned to face her and offered her a deep bow of her own before then facing the young child. His dear friend Arty had taken an apprentice?

”Lady Kersin, Acolyte D’Amaris! I am Bir Vuul! A pleasure! Yes, yes, yes! A pleasure indeed!” he announced to both women, reaching out and grabbing both women’s hands in succession with both of his own before turning to the young Malou. ”Your Master Arty is an old dear friend of mine, indeed indeed! Such sweet memories he and I share!” Bir exaggerated. At least to any sane mind. To Bir, they were indeed cherished.

Before Bir had the opportunity to continue the conversation, it seemed Xeno had found himself in a desperate moment and quickly proceeded to steal the Kel Dor away from the party as a whole and out into a secluded hall where he would explain his… dire situation. All he would immediately receive however was a head tilting cackle as Bir held his belly.

”Hehehehehe! And they call me a fool!” Bir continued to laugh as he leaned forward with both hands on his knees, tears forming in his eyes. ”I’m not touching that, my friend! No, no, no, no!!” Struggling to recover from his hysterics, Bir finally took a deep breathe and motioned for Xeno to continue on down the hall. ”Come, my friend! Come! Come! Let us find you something more appropriate! And a shower, perhaps!”

@Scoobert @lizziie @Tess @Mr. Teatime​

 

[Deva Gendrel]

The man who stepped into their conversation... who was he again?

The violet-eyed Sith eyed him for a moment, taking a long, slow sip of her wine before replying, full lips twitching into a grin. All of them were decent answers... but she knew that hunger. That dissatisfaction. For a moment, fingers tightened on the glass stem. It relaxed slightly at the approach of Artorigas; she inclined her head slightly, giving him a slight toast.

Still, disappointing that Jaikus was cut off.

She briefly considered asking him to dance. But almost as soon as she imagined it, revulsion burrowed deep in her gut. The touch of skin on skin would be like insects skittering beneath her skin, a tight nausea and a frigid chill damping her palms for a moment. However, her expression remained as impassive as ever; only her eyes narrowed, observing each little clique as it grouped together again.

Briefly, again, she considered dancing alone. How long had it been since she last danced...?

She glanced over to Darth Stolas, and briefly entertained the idea of asking him to a dance. Or merely conversing. But she was content here. While for many, it was working up the nerve, the courage to speak to them, in her case it was genuinely merely contentment to no longer attempt being the belle of the ball.

"What I want is simple, Jaikus," she spoke smoothly, giving him a wicked, wicked smile.

"Revenge. And power, to a degree... but I'm a bit lazy in that ambition." Lips still curved, she took another sip from her glass, switching back to observing, waiting.

Her chance to mix and mingle would perhaps happen in due time.

@Altaris

 

[Korbishal]

It had been some time since Kor'bishal had left his hidden temple. He had always operated in the shadows within the Sith, never making waves, but always playing a role in keeping the gears turning. He would be clad in his usual attire. And though that and his blade made him look like a relic of a bygone era, there was no mistaking this ones presence in the darkness.

His heavy boots would stop outside one of the many doors, the thumping of the bass giving him pause. "Gone are the glories of the Sith.." he would muse before continuing on. The voice whispering in his mind was both excited and disgusted. The Sith may have been a power for now, but they were merely shadows of the glory they held in the days of Old. The voice remembered it and somehow, so did he.

For a Sith who had zero drive to interact too much with many of the others, there was but a few reasons for him to be there this night. Some old faces, and some new. On the surface, Kor'bishal was faithful to the Eternal, faithful to the Council, as all good Sith were. Despite the heaviness of the boots, the Sith walked with a surprising deftness. His gait would bring him to a stop near one of the pillars, where he would come to a stop and watch the going ons.

The Sith Lord Raze was stripping down to a bodysuit, some Zabrak was either itching or scratching. He couldn't tell. But the one he talked to, the masked visage would nod oh so subtly too, the amused smile hidden. And Bir would feel a faint heat in his chest, with a gentle mental nudge to the source. As his gaze continued to drift, he would put names to some of the more notable Lords and Ladies of the Sith. The gauntleted hands would clasp behind his back with the fingers of the right gauntlet tapping away.

The music was absolutely horrid, but some young woman had the fine taste to demand for a change in tune. He would have to thank her later, she may have averted an awful headache.

@Tulos

 

[Prissca Kersin]

Prissca certainly hadn't meant to disturb the two, but she could tell she had offset the balance of the group with her approach, mentally preparing several reasons to excuse herself at the next interjection point if the need arose. She was very well-practiced in that respect. For the moment, she mimicked the golden-eyed Darth to her left, delicately depositing her champagne glass atop the tray of a passing server and dropping her hands to rest lightly in front of her, tattooed fingers intertwining in an effort to exude a pleasing silhouette where she stood. Only when she was formally addressed did her pale green eyes match the Darth's again, a knowing smile touching her lips and a tilt of her head acknowledging her awareness of his having met her father.

“Indeed you have, my Lord. He is quite the fan of yours, and he simply could not cease speaking of his meeting with you for days. It was absolutely unbearable,” she confessed, her smile widening to a grin as she noted a shift in his expression. “I take it he spoke with you at length regarding his latest investments?” She hoped to the stars above her father hadn't asked the Darth if he was 'single'. The man has been throwing any eligible bachelor he could find at her since she was 'of age' and the only reason she wasn't already married to one of her father's many business partners or political allies was because she had the power to kill anyone who tried to force a marriage on her. It was the only thing that kept her father even marginally in line with regard to her independence. “The man has no shame.”

Her attention soon shifted to the new arrival, a very young woman with the unmistakable poise of a noblewoman - though her fashion sense left something to be desired, at least in Prissca's opinion. The burgundy dress she wore was made of a lovely satin, and the flow of it as she moved was quite pleasing to the eye, but the cut was so modest she wondered if the poor girl had burns over ninety percent of her body. Why else would she cover every inch of such lovely skin? Now the golden circlet on the other hand was much classier. Much better suited to a woman of her bearing. Prissca would have to see if she could find something similar to wear for one of her more 'exotic' outings.

As Lord Wessex spoke, Prissca's gaze snapped back to meet his own, nodding and turning to look at each of the paintings he had pointed out. “I can tell you have a well-defined sense of style, my Lord. Perfect for an ambitious man such as yourself.” The music shifted then, and the noblewoman's expression fell slightly as she greatly disliked 'club' music herself. Still, she regained her composure and turned back to give the young woman a slight bow of her head as she was introduced to them before their host suddenly rushed off to handle a brewing situation nearby. Perhaps quite literally.

“Well, that is quite unfortunate. I do apologize if I interjected myself into a personal conversation.” She noted, humbly matching eyes with the Darth one more time. Then Malou herself spoke and she turned her attention to the apprentice of their Host. “Ah yes, I do believe the Count and my father are acquainted. It is truly a pleasure to finally meet a younger and much more attractive member of the D'Amaris line. You may call me Lady Kersin.”

It was then that the Kel Dor interjected himself into the conversation, his words overly excited and his movements a little jarring. The good lady would give him a gentle dip of her head in return for his exaggerated bow. “A pleasure, indeed.” Arty? Did he just address the Master of this castle as Arty? That was no way to speak of a Lord! A raised brow and a slightly confused look was all she could manage before the 'problem' from earlier appeared in a blur of screaming and stole the newly introduced Bir away.

“That was rather strange, wouldn't you say?”

@Tulos
@Scoobert
@lizziie
@Braden Drake
@Mr. Teatime

 

[Bir Vuul]

As Bir prepared to continue down the corridor with the plagued Xeno in tow, a harrowingly familiar sensation shot shivers down the Kel Dor’s spine. The marking carved into his chest so long ago began to burn, the feeling of sinister eyes burrowing into the back of his skull impossible to ignore. Gone was the jubilant and lively demeanor of the Acolyte, replaced only with those of both dread and spite as he turned on his heels to identify the source; one of which he already knew only too well.

Kor’Bishal, clad in the same suit of armour he had worn on the fateful day in the torture chambers of Korriban, taking slow strides back into the main chamber. Bir’s scowl grew as he came to the realisation of who had decided to slither up from the undergrowth. This encounter was only coming in a matter of time, a fact made clear by the arrival of his other victim on Vandyne.

”Forgive me Xeno,” Bir stated coldly as he began to make his way back towards the gathering. His tone was hardly recognizable. He felt such clarity in the moment, falsely so from the seething rage that bubbled within. ”I have more pressing matters than you and your… affliction,”

Arriving at Kor’Bishal’s side, Bir’s posture was reflected of the man of whom he so despised. Both hands clasped behind his back, the Kel Dor stared blankly out across the party.

”You have no business being here, ghoul,” Bir hissed maliciously. Kor’Bishal, he was not loyal to the Eternal but to the ideals of a bygone era. He was nothing more than a relic that dedicated himself to those who had failed before him. ”You’re aware that I killed your messenger, I’m sure,”

@Scoobert @Rhogar​

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

He looked at her and backed away. Charlotte did not sulk, did not let those dark thought intrude. She fed all those stupid insecurities to the Darkness. She burned the pieces of herself she hated. Darth Raze’s helmeted visage never left her. In turn, her kept her eyes on him. Never wavering…never balking. An attendant raced over at the Sith Lord’s command. Slowly she watched as Raze removed pieces of his armor. How did he managed to make that appear graceful? In a moment, his voice shifted to unmistakable command. The Force vibrated heavily with the weight of his words. Raze meant every syllable he spoke. A shiver ran up her spine, her eyes still locked on the Sith Lord. Not of fear but excitement.

Charlotte took a sharp breath as he stepped forward again. The bodysuit reveled the contours of a man forged by war. She would not let her eyes widen. Adaya had been lithe and lovely. Raze was something else entirely. His naked fingers curled around her waist. She found herself close…looking up at him again. Gone was the voice used to strike fear into the attendant. The amusement in his tone returned. How could she make sense of this man?

She could feel the ripples in his chest while he moved. Charlotte pressed herself closer, swaying in time with the music. Undoubtedly, she was far from the first who found themselves drawn to Raze and certainly would not be the last. She smiled as he spoke. “Some fear is good.” She licked her tongue, running it across her teeth. “The shiver up my back is something else entirely.” Charlotte was slowly finding herself again. As with the last party, somehow, she seemed to find a way to make a scene. Her eyes locked on the vizor…wondering what exactly the face looked like beneath.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan couldn't tell if Artorigas had understood his joke and chose to take it literally or not, but at least the man's answer wasn't nonsensical. His ambition was to unite the sector. Perhaps beneath the gaze of a crown, or so he'd said, which meant he'd just drawn the attention of the Firrerreo councilor. Slender fingers retrieved the brandy and sipped slightly at it, his head tilting ever so slightly. "Of kings and crowns, take care. Such things can be heavy." His tone remained politely conversational just as before. The lord of the castle was free to interpret Stolas' words as he liked.

He blinked toward Bir during his extensive reply. He was certainly somewhat straightforward, and that was something Stolas preferred over fawning and kowtowing in his direction. The Kel'dor managed to mix both methods in different concentrations that changed from moment to moment in a way that was entertaining rather than obnoxious. How fun! "Then you'll have to ask again at that time, hm?" Which was intentionally vague. Naturally.

Just as quickly as it'd changed the last time ago the music shifted again to something else. Morgan's brows furrowed and his gaze turned around to find the source this time and caught the sight of Raze and a woman he didn't entirely recognize going back and forth about dancing. Goldens returned to Prissca after her response. "Oh yes, at great length." His little smirk widened. "He also asked if I was single, strangely enough. Is that common?"

Morgan was distracted again, primarily by the fact that Darth Raze was peeling his armour off himself and handing it off to a stiff-spined servant. He rather appreciated it while it was on, but now that it was off he could also appreciate the bodysuit beneath. And he did rather do just that. Raze was a smoothly flirtatious sort and his charm seemed to be working on the woman he danced with. Morgan was somewhere between rolling his eyes, amusement, and a sense of pride and simple satisfaction about it. It was even a little nostalgic, although the armour was different this time around, and some fun ideas began to form behind a mischievous spark in his eyes.

Sharp and hawk-like goldens returned to Prissca's gaze after several moments. "Not personal in the least. Only a bout of curiousity." He'd simply nodded as Artorigas wandered off and left the group with his apprentice instead. "I am Darth Stolas," the Firrerreo introduced himself to Malou with the absolute barest inclination of his head. Surely he could give the young woman a more complete introduction, but where would the fun be in that? At the least he'd been more personable thus far than the fury-filled man in red and black armour who appeared sometimes on the holonet.

Oh, and now on top of the Zabrak finding and wearing contaminated armour, Bir seemed to have discovered an ominously dressed stranger who hadn't been within the castle halls a few minutes prior. Stolas turned on the dias to fully face the party, tapped his fingers thoughtfully against the rail in time with the music, and sipped his brandy. "Strange indeed. I think he's funny in a fashion. No?"

@Tess @Braden Drake @Tulos @lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

”Your Master Arty is an old dear friend of mine, indeed indeed! Such sweet memories he and I share!"

If Malou could narrow her eyes at that exclamation, she would have. She didn't doubt that perhaps they already knew one another, but she couldn't imagine anyone other than his sisters calling her master "Arty." Then again... no. Malou suffered a brief moment of insecurity, but very quickly washed it from her mind. The alien quickly striked her as someone who seemed to lack a whole lot of social awareness. Did he hear that? Her gaze flicked toward the turned back of Artorgias. It didn't appear so.

Before she could respond, Bir made a quick departure. Xeno had pulled him from the circle, wearing something that caused Malou to do a double-take once she registered the armor in which he wore. She almost said something, but held her tongue, as she was sure her master would do something about it. For now, she would continue as she was.

“...I do believe the Count and my father are acquainted. It is truly a pleasure to finally meet a younger and much more attractive member of the D'Amaris line...”

Truth be told, out of everyone here, Malou felt the most comfortable speaking with Prissca. She knew nothing about her other than her noble standing, which meant Malou knew exactly how to interact with her. Everyone else here was a wildcard to Malou. That, and the compliment was nice. The girl gave Prissca an appreciative smile and another quick bow of her head. Her father knows Grandpa? She wasn't surprised, even if she was only vaguely familiar with the Kersin name. In his old age, however, Count D'Amaris did not get out much. It was likely some sort of business dealing in which they met; she would have to ask her father about it. There would be a good chance he or one of her uncles was present.

The last one to respond to her introduction also seemed to have the least interest in her. Darth? This man was then either a lord, or he sat on the Sith council. The familiar feeling of anxiety brushed against her chest once again. Malou would respond with another quick bow of her head, before searching the room for anyone else she might wish to speak with. Everyone else she had not introduced herself to, however, seemed tied up at the moment.

I can either stand here awkwardly or find someone else to bother with an introduction. The idea of either made her want to scrunch her nose in distaste. It was then that the young acolyte noticed Kor'bishal and Bir's reaction thereafter. No business being here? Was he not invited? He sure looked like Sith to Malou, and she was sure every Sith had been sent an invitation. Curious, Malou left the pair she had just introduced herself to. She did not approach Kor'bishal, but she did graciously pluck a fluke of champagne from a servant's platter. Malou moved to stand near the center of the hall--taking care to avoid the dancing pair--with the glass in hand. One advantage of the Sight was she did not have to face any direction to see what was going on. While the girl sipped slowly at the bubbly drink, she watched the people around her quietly, particularly him and Bir.

@Tess @Mr. Teatime @Rhogar @Tulos

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Raze was just as confident and graceful with this new form of dance. He relinquished a bit of control to let Charlotte lead the way, but even that was with measured control. He clearly had no qualms with close contact, very aware of the way her body moved against his. She spun around at some point, pressed back against him and moved to the beat. He was both inert and pliable, meeting her with whatever energy she exuded.

His hands largely remained along her hips, fingers sometimes teasing against a thigh here and there but only if she leaned into his touch and at a respectable distance otherwise. The way he moved betrayed that he was someone that had seen his share of dance clubs and he wasn’t limited to the classical arts.

Heat rose between them and he circled around and maneuvered her just as easily she did him. Raze was unconcerned by his surroundings, dancing was one of those activities that actually carried his passion. At that moment no one else existed and there was just that space with him and Charlotte. No one else had his attention and he joined her on that temporary escape as they got lost in the music and the beat.

He continued with her for a while until the song ended. By the end of it, he stepped back slightly and paused to look at her. His hand was still lazily resting on her hip, “Perhaps a drink?” He asked quietly before releasing her and inviting her to come with.

Raze strode towards the others at the party, glancing over towards Stolas as he walked. The visor remained angled that way for slightly longer than necessary before tilting forward again. To anyone watching it would appear almost intimidating, as if one apex predator was circling the other, but Stolas knew better.

The Sith Lord came to an attendant with a tray situated near the wallflowers (@Altaris @Killa Ree )of the party. Raze picked up a shot glass from the tray, having completely missed the debacle with the diseased armor and the drama that followed.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus didn’t know what to expect of the Zabrak when he approached, but it certainly wasn’t that. For the first time all night, he looked at a loss for words – a state the man rarely found himself in. To his credit, he maintained his composure in spite of everything – his face cool and collected even as Xeno’s screams managed to reach high notes typically reserved for the opera house. While his expression told no tales, any sane person could imagine what he was thinking.

What the fuck?

After the Zabrak came and went, and after a particularly awkward pause, Jaikus finally cleared his throat. “Huh.” If only to lighten the mood, the man raised his glass in toast in the direction Xeno had scurried off, smirking. “..Intriguing people indeed.”

Cleared of distractions, his attention finally returned to Deva, perking up a bit as she spoke. “Oohh.. Revenge.” The words were spoken with a long drawl, his lips curling into an uncharacteristically wicked smirk. “Now that is intriguing. Far from boring, my lady, I consider revenge to be among the purest of motivations, assuming you are willing to do what it takes to achieve that end.” Part of him wished to probe deeper into her need for revenge, into the specifics, but he promptly decided against it. All in good time.

He took a drink from his glass, realizing it was his turn to divulge. “What I want is,” He clicked his tongue, pondering the question a moment longer. “Power to an extent, like you, but not in the way that most desire it.” He gestured in the direction where Xeno had gone to, off to cleanse himself of whatever afflicted him. “I have no desire to be seen or rise in power above my peers. Only to thrive within my own space and be allowed the autonomy to pursue my own ambitions. It is a big and wonderous galaxy, littered with endless knowledge and secrets to be explored. That is where my interests lie.” He sighed, shrugging. “My tragedy is, that once I get whatever it is I want.. I find that I am rarely satisfied for very long.”

Before their conversation could continue on, the pair were once more greeted by the arrival of others. He greeted the woman with a courteous dip of his head, a polite smile painted across his expression. His gaze then fell upon Raze. While he did not know the man personally yet, he would have been a fool not to have recognized one of the few Sith Lords in attendance. He had intended upon schmoozing with his superiors, after all.

He raised his glass towards Raze, bending ever-so-slightly at the waist before him. "My Lord. Enjoying the festivities, I hope?"

@Killa Ree @Sreeya @Valen Pelora @Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Xeno might have made it a few steps through the hall before Bir just ran off. Of course he did, his attention span is the size of a peanut. Couldn't get too upset for him leaving the way he did, must have been important.. hopefully. The Zabrak would continue until a servant had been walking by. With a swiftness the Zabrak would grab the woman's arm and quickly speak,

"I need you to help me okay? I need to be washed all over and i currently can't reach everything, I will need help removing this armor and a shave. Though that I can do myself."

"Of course! Anything!"

She was clearly frightened from the way the Sith grabbing her was acting, though who wouldn't be? Some alien with horns tells you to wash them angrily, you just do it. So, the Sith would be lead to a shower room where the servant would help him remove the armor finally. Leaving the Zabrak completely unclothed. Not many people get to see this often so he was glad it was someone that wouldn't mean anything.

He was still scratching all over when the servant girl would put on gloves then grab his arms.

"Stop or it will get worse. There are treatments that can help with this. It's still fresh so washing it should take away the infection. Though it would still be uncomfortable."

"Whatever just stop this madness on my skin."

The Zabrak would stop throwing his arms everywhere trying to scratch. He was doing all he could to ignore the burning itch all over certain areas. He was also avoiding eye contact as he was.. well exposed to a stranger. Most guys would love this, Xeno? Much rather prefers the reverse. When the shower was turned on the servant would wash his back for him as he would wash off the torso.

It felt good to finally begin to wash off the STD Artorigas had never mentioned.

 

[Deva Gendrel]

She had to admit, watching the poor beleaguered Xeno stalk off was nothing short of dramatic. Not for the first time did she wonder what was in that suit to make him devolve so, but she had to salute Artorigas for keeping his composure to the male. Lips twitched in a smile for a moment, and she could feel her shoulders begin to relax.

Still... at Jaikus word, violet eyes glittered. Full lips pulled into a delighted grin, and she tilted her head in a nod. "It's never satisfying, is it? But the rush of pursuit, of intrigue, is always an entertaining one, and sometimes the pursuit is worth more than the result." At Raze and Charlotte's approach, she made sure to give the woman a smile, but it was her partner that arrested her attention.

She could bear to dance at least once. He still had some coverings on, and she wore gloves.

"Some things are worth pursuing, no matter the outcome."

She inclined her head slightly, lips still pulled into a smile towards the approaching pair. "Darth Raze. Charlotte DeAnna. I was impressed with the footwork." Her tone was light, almost genial even. She could play the role of the socialite if she had to; though she was almost reluctant to part ways with the intriguing company of Jaikus. There were so few people she could stand to talk to for longer periods of time; from what he hinted at, and not offering to shake her hand, he proved to be an interesting individual.

Perhaps they could talk more later.

She couldn't deny Darth Raze was an impressive being to look at... with what one could see, anyways. But she kept her vision on the visor, but also towards the beautiful Charlotte. Choices, choices. Glancing to Darth Raze once more, she offered a slight bow of her own.

"Perhaps it'd be bold of me to ask, my Lord, after just dancing with such a lovely partner," violet eyes glanced over Charlotte once more... perhaps she could bear to dance with her as well. But the possibility of being grabbed at was what made her hesitate to ask her, "but would you be averse to another dance, with me?"

@Sreeya @Valen Pelora @Altaris

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Raze looked away to lower the bottom flap of his helmet to throw back the shot before closing it again, entirely out of view. By the time he turned to put the empty glass back on the tray, a man was addressing him. The tall Sith Lord remained silent as he surveyed the Marauder, one he hadn’t met before. He was certainly pleasant to look at. Behind the visor, the sharp silver eyes drank in sight of the hair, the chiseled cut of his face, the vibrant yellow eyes and his polished attire. He wouldn’t have minded seeing him bend a little lower, but Raze had little desire for small talk.

The helmet stared blankly at the man before turning back towards the tray to contemplate another drink. That was when another voice spoke up and Raze recognized the woman Tiamat had spurned earlier. Violet eyes, gaunt face and a look that was almost haunting. She was a foot shorter than him and displayed boldness most others around her couldn’t muster.

Raze set down the glass he had begun to pick up before turning to regard her fully. He jutted his chin to signal for her to lead the way to the dance floor.

“I am always up for a dance,” He muttered quietly. His helmet tilted towards the man that had addressed him earlier as he walked past, hopefully prompting him for a bolder approach next time.

He was back on the dance floor with the Sith woman. A lower tempo song began and he swayed slowly to the beat, gazing at the woman across him. He didn’t reach for her yet, his gestures and mannerisms laced with a casual and yet refined laziness. He wanted to see just how bold she was or if it ended with just her words.

@Altaris @Killa Ree