Open Social Serenno Snowfall

[Emryc Thorne]

Raze could feel the tidal wave of irritating emotions coming from Tiamat. He called upon his training from the Kravos holocron to abruptly shut his mind off and let her experience the equivalent of having a door slammed in her face. The Sith lowered the joint of the helmet that covered near the lower hemisphere of his face to place a cigarra between his lips he made his way to the balcony, but not before pausing to do a few more shots.

If the Sith Lord was irritated, it wasn’t in any way obvious in his demeanor or his thoughts which were locked behind a fortress. The cigarra loosely dangled between his lips as he made his way over, and he was courteous enough not to ignite it until he was outside.

The only hint that the Sith Lord’s mind was preoccupied was that he hadn’t picked up on someone not only following him but easily intercepting him. He felt a touch against his forearm and he paused his advance. Raze’s head tilted slightly to regard the man, possibly the first time anyone had seen a glimpse of the Sith Lord beneath the helmet. It was nothing more than his lips, the dangling cigarra and the beginnings of some stubble beneath it.

Was this the same man from earlier?

Raze took in the state of his attire, the way the vest hugged his waist and hips to taper things down perfectly above his shapely legs. The man’s honeyed words only added to the reveal of what he had been hiding beneath that long coat. Clearly the Sith Lord had been caught staring as the cigarra unceremoniously fell from his lips from the sheer surprise. However, the object was easily caught mid air at his hip level between two fingers and was discreetly stashed back into a pocket.

He reached a hand up to close his helmet up, “Much better,” Raze stated simply, hinting at the improvement over the man's previous approach. And he decided he liked the man’s grin that suggested he knew exactly how much he was playing with fire.

With that, Raze moved the arm touching his forearm up to his shoulder. One of his hands snaked around the man’s slender torso, the other grasping his free hand. Without a word, he took several steps back to the beat for the man to follow and begin a new dance.

@Altaris

 

[Renfry]

Renfry watched as Tiamat moved off to take Raze's dance partner and some "commotion" followed. Her head recoiled a bit in surprise and her eyebrows rose as she downed another drink. It was probably time to stop that...

Look, I didn't tell her to do that, she objected when Morgan (@Mr. Teatime) asked her about it. Butting in - even aggressively - because you wanted to dance with someone wasn't the same as trying to steal their partner to make them look like a bantha.

I hold no responsibility for that, she objected again, holding up a finger and wagging it slightly in Morgan's direction. The other Sith Lord seemed to have other business to attend to in Emryc's direction (big wonder what that could have been), and headed that way.

No one died, she said, addressing Artorigas (@Braden Drake). And my thanks on a lovely party, she added before taking her leave of their host.

Oooookay, enough drinking now, but let's go make some more trouble, she thought to herself. Oh yes, she was certainly in an uplifted mood after whatever those last drinks had been. Enough to put her in a mood to cause some trouble but not enough to slur her speech or interfere with her walking. Ideal.

So, she headed off to do just that: find more trouble to make. And she wanted to meet Artorigas's new Acolyte as well. Perhaps that was a place to start.

For a moment she watched the pair of acolytes (@Rhogar @lizziie) from a distance, unable to stop looking at the lightsabers on the table. So much tension there. Tension about lightsabers.

For your own good, if you're going to go... mess around, I'd recommend waiting until you're not on armor watch, she said, glancing back in the direction of Emryc who had now also been caught up with another man she didn't recognize.

And hope he doesn't end up occupied all night, she said, knowing Morgan had made his way over there as well. Oh yes, that particular Sith Lord was in very high demand.

She glanced back to them and had a realization. Right, you both probably hadn't gotten that far in the conversation yet, she said, waving her hand hand dismissively at the thought. You will. Or at least you should.

 

[Deva Gendrel]

With Raze, it was a casual dance, a balance of his leading, her following. It was a dynamic that suited the man. She hadn't expected anyone to whisk her away to dance, much less the woman who walked away earlier. But with Tiamat, it was easier, not simply because the woman was an excellent dancer, but... something more.

The intelligence, compounded with the short fuse, added to the woman's allure to Deva. Or perhaps, allure was too strong a word. Intrigue? Nonetheless, she would allow her time to cool for a moment, meeting the woman's gaze unabashedly. She was merely a few inches taller than her, but it was an easy grace, the Force coiling about them as she kept an easy pace. The jacket remained on her shoulders.

At the comment of her eyes, a grin curled on her lips. "Violet suits you," she replied quietly once she allowed herself to be pulled back in from the spin. Odd. Being touched by most people was a vile feeling. Being this close to anyone was difficult even on her best days, but tonight, it felt different. "The color for royalty, intelligence. A genetic quirk in my case." Amusement sparked once, before the music changed, and she seamlessly began the new pattern, guiding Tia now close to her, the jacket still on her shoulders.

"I prefer red, personally. Or ultraviolet. But tonight was a special occasion."

The tension still simmered in the air, it didn't take an empath to sense that. But she was doing the best she could with what little she could do. There were no training manuals on How to Dance with a Sith Lord.

@GABA

 

[Prissca Kersin]

Prissca watched as a servant stepped in between herself and the Darth next to her, pouring him a glass of wine before making his way over to where Lord Wessex stood with two other women with three other empty glasses. If she wasn't wrong, the redhead was Lord Tiamat and the other was Darth Andruil. She hadn't met either of them in person as of yet, but the noblewoman was practiced at doing a bit of research on those she expected to run into at parties. Enough to know them by sight, at least, which seemed to be working out for her tonight. As for the wine, the bottle looked old and the way it was offered only to Lords or above told her it was expensive. It was a pity she hadn't climbed the ranks high enough yet to get to taste it herself, but he would get there. Eventually.

She had plans for it.

The blonde would hide a smirk behind the rim of her champagne flute when Darth Stolas spoke of the Acolyte Bir and the masked stranger not being 'friends', an almost playful tone to her voice as she spoke. “I've always been of the belief that the term should be used rather loosely... keep your friends close and your enemies closer, as they say.” She had to admit, she found the armored man almost as curious as she did Darth Raze, though for very different reasons. Where Darth Raze seemed to evoke desire in those around him, this one seemed to breed only anger. She wondered why. At the Darth's comment about Malou not being very social though, she would return her attention back to him, offering a light shrug in reply. It was hard to hide her disappointment in the girl. “No, she is not. Though I would have expected a bit more tact from a young woman such as herself. She was clearly raised in a noble household.” Another soft sigh. “I weep for this generation.”

Watching the young Acolyte, she would soon see a young man close to her age approach her. The two began talking, and curiously enough she seemed to have no trouble socializing with him. Hmm. A smiled curled her lips as she watched them, using her glass to point them out to the Darth. “Perhaps she had more pressing matters to attend to.” She teased, answering his nonverbal request to follow with a tilt of her head before heading over with him to where Lord Wessex and the two women she'd spotted earlier now stood. Raising her glass, she would join the others in the toast. “To the Sith.” A sip from her glass would follow, the well-bred woman quickly offering a practiced bow to the two women she had not yet met. “Darth Andruil. Lord Tiamat. I am Lady Kersin of the Dromund Kaas Kersins. It is an honor to finally meet you both.”

Her introductions were cut short as she quickly realized that the two women were in a tiff and that Lord Tiamat was about as red as she could get without her head possibly popping. Was she jealous of the woman on the dance floor? Interesting. Instead of commenting, Prissca made the smart choice to keep quiet as she simply observed the back and forth between the higher ups she was currently mingling with. If nothing else came of the night, she could at least say she was rubbing elbows with the right people. That was the point of her being here, after all. She would continue to take small sips from her glass as she listened to them, keeping a polite smile on her face despite watching almost every single Lord and Darth around her begin to down alcohol like it was water. Stars above, this party was getting heated fast. Another sip as she watched Lord Tiamat stomp onto the dance floor and, instead of going for Darth Raze as one expected, went to steal the woman he was with instead! How scandalous! This party was getting good!

As Darth Raze retreated, she almost wanted to applaud the little show they put on, but she was distracted by the words of the golden-eyed Darth next to her. “Yes. Quite terribly.” She agreed with him, offering him a bow of her head as he excused himself from the group and made a beeline for the same balcony the formerly-armored man was heading for. Well, well, well. What a good thing it was she decided to come to this party. How else would she get to see such delicious drama unfolding all around her? It seemed another had beaten the pale Darth to his prey, however, a slender man in quite the fashionable ensemble having snuck his way in to partake of the next dance. Bold. Very bold indeed. The question now would be if that boldness would pay off for him – or bring him nothing but anguish.

By this time, Prissca realized her glass was empty as she tried to drink from it, trading it with a fresh tumbler full of whiskey just as Darth Andruil took her leave as well. That left just Lady Kersin and Lord Wessex standing there, watching the party in silence. Awkward.

“Well then. It seems it is just you and I, my Lord. I won't keep you any longer if you would like to mingle with your other guests, but if you'd like to honor me at any point in the evening... my dance card is open.” She offered with a warm smile and a raised glass, letting her host choose how his night progressed.

@GABA @Mr. Teatime @Braden Drake @Phoenix @lizziie @Sreeya @Killa Ree @Altaris @Tulos @Rhogar

 

[Mr Ekko]

"I mean, who would be dumb enough to steal Darth Raze's gear? And if he was so worried of a theft, he wouldn't have entrusted them to a servant with weak bowels." Hed add with a shrug.

He looked from Malou to everyone else at the party. "I'm counting twenty sith, servants, most of them either piss terrified of the owner or wanting to bed him." He said with a shrug.

Kriff this music was awful. With his argument laid out, he would offer a hand to Malou. "I'm going to switch up the music. We can talk up there. And uhh, Corellia. The bad part of it." As he was about to lead her away, Darth Andruil appeared, or at least he would have known it was her had he only known names and reputations, and not faces.

"Technically, Lord." He began, able to at least realize she was above his station, he even offered a bow of his head. "A servant handed the armor to her. And I do think if she followed the orders of a servant, she'd be unworthy of the title Sith." He wouldn't lie, the lady was creepy. It was like she was rooting for them to shag without there being any lead up. Weird. "And we were about to save the mood of this party, as the music has gotten rather soulless."

With that, unless stopped, he would offer another bow with a smile and step past Andruil headed for where the music was set up. He hoped that Malou would follow.

@Phoenix @lizziie

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

While keeping his body faced towards the dancefloor, Jaikus turned his head ever-so-slightly towards Raze, jaw tilted upward. Those vibrant citrine eyes met whatever lied behind the visor with a flair of mischievousness that was largely unseen from the Axxilan thus far. His courtesies and polite demeanor were usually an effective way to maneuver through society, but he had learned his lesson with his failed attempt at small talk earlier in the night. This particular Sith Lord would require an entirely different approach – one which came to Jaikus just as smooth and naturally as the previous.

Part of him knew he was playing a dangerous game, but wasn’t that half of the thrill of it all?

The brief hint of what lied beneath that ever-present mask was not lost on him, subtly taking in the sight of the lower half of Raze’s face. A hint of amusement tugged at the corners of his mouth as he watched the cigarra drop, even though he otherwise said nothing about it. Clearly, his change of attire was a decision well made.

Suddenly, he felt his right hand drawn upward to rest on the man’s shoulder, while his left was seized into those of the Sith Lord, fingers intertwining as they began a new dance befitting the change in music.

His movements were nothing short of graceful, a precise yet fluid thing as he moved in alignment with Raze, the Sith Lord guiding them back a few steps towards the open space of the center of the room. The previous partners Raze had danced with that night seemed more than happy to allow the Sith Lord to lead their engagement entirely – content to be thrown about and spun and molded like clay in the man’s hands. By comparison, Jaikus was not nearly so malleable.

At least, not initially.

His fingers dug firmly into his partner’s muscled deltoid, yanking the Sith Lord close to his chest with a wicked grin. He wanted bold, didn’t he? With the distance between them closed, Jaikus twisted his body, spinning them as a conjoined entity on the dancefloor, so it was now Jaikus that leading their direction. His hips swayed and feet moved them backwards to the rhythm of the music, carving a warpath across the floor.

And his grin never faltered.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan grinned at the heavy-drinking Nightsister. In fairness she was right, she hadn't told Tia to do any of that. He leaned back a little away from the wagging finger, unable to help the obvious amusement on his face from her behaviour before he walked off.

But then Morgan was stopped in his tracks just as Raze had been by the appearance of a tight-vested man, a Sith that he only recognized from earlier when he entered the castle. His expression immediately soured, knowing well how that style of attire drew the half-Sephi's eye. Slender fingers tightened around the glasses he held and he consciously stopped himself from squeezing enough to shatter them, eminently annoyed at what he saw as an interruption of his plans.

Begrudgingly he admitted the man did look pleasing in his attire, even drawing Morgan's eye, something he attributed to the drinking. But seeing Raze begin to dance and pay such attention to another man bothered him in a way a woman simply couldn't. He hated the feeling that settled in his chest but forced it down and attempted the patience of earlier with the others, sharp eyes locked on the two dancers.

Stolas' patience wavered as the dance changed, the smaller man blatantly pulling Raze in close and stepping to steal the lead. Too close, too grabby. That feeling he hated spiked, skin shifting toward shades of silver as different thoughts and desires fought against each other. For a short while he endeavored to tolerate it. Then Morgan abruptly finished his whiskey and resolved to go and get his man, leaving the wine on a table with his attendant.

His feet carried him to the dance floor, his posture straight backed, stride confident and self-sure. Morgan moved with an easy and graceful strength much like a hunting cat's, the usual lighter steps discarded as the drinks brought out more of his inherent nature. A stormy presence would arrive by the path the two men cut across the floor and an inhumanly strong hand pressed against the leading man's shoulder.

"Lord Raze," Morgan greeted, a particular growl unintentionally creeping into the subharmonics of his voice as bright goldens glanced between the two of them and looked Jaikus up and down. "I was just coming over and saw you found another dance partner." His lips curled upward into a grin that flashed with razor fangs, head slightly tilted for the ideal angle toward the much larger half-Sephi. "Might I cut in and take a turn with you?" Rather than jealousy alone the Firrerreo was feeling competitive.

@Sreeya @Altaris

 

[Darth Caelestis]

In what felt like a blink of an eye Artorigas had gone from giving a humble toast to the two Sith Lords surrounding him to, well, it was hard to describe what had happened really. Artorigas watched with a mild state of amusement as the party began to swirl around Darth Raze, if he was slightly honest with himself he was a little jealous, or annoyed he could not put his finger on it. The Sith Lord had become the centre of attention for the party with no concentrated effort by the armoured man, he had Sith of all ranks and status's fawning either directly at him or in his immediate area when it came to Tiamat.

He swirled the Wine around in his glass, he seemed to be the only one who was truly savouring its taste and vintage, though the others had commented on its taste, they had quickly moved on to destroying there pallet and perhaps common sense with stronger liquids. Artorigas sighed as he finished off the glass placing it on a nearby platter, the glass disappearing off into the back rooms to be washed and ready for reuse. As quickly as that one left another glass appeared, seemingly unlike his Sith brethren the Noble was an experienced drinker, even with the amount of wine and champagne he had guzzled today he was still only on the edge of tipsy. A bottle a day conditioned your body like that.

He continued to watch as Raze's partners shifted from one to another, jealousy was perhaps the correct term he thought. Though it was a good jealousy, one that can be used to further ones self, a mantle you place an item on so that you must strive to reach it. Artorigas had gone from the centre of the gathering to an outlier with just himself and Lady Kersin. "Thank you Lady Kersin, I will keep that in mind." He replied giving the women a small bow in thanks.

His gaze shifted to his apprentice, who was talking with another unknown individual, he smiled perhaps a new recruit to the cause. Spotting Andruil making her way over to the pair he followed drinking as he walked. Artorigas caught the last of the exchange from Andruil and the pair and he raised his eyebrows at Malou, though he doubted she would have made out the signal his cocked head would be seen through The Force.

"If you need Malou, you know where the rooms are." He said with a devilish smile before turning to Darth Andruil. "Mi 'Queen your hands appear empty another drink? You two need some more?" With a raise of his hand a servant appeared a tray full of drinks for the three. As they did or did not partake in the drinks offered Artorigas gazed over the armour Darth Raze had arrived in, it was eloquent and steeped in history, he could tell that just by looking at the thing. Perhaps it would be a topic of conversation if he could ever pry the Sith Lord away from the endless stream of dance partners.

@Tess @lizziie @Rhogar @Phoenix

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

While she stood contemplating on what she should, a woman began to make her way toward her and Jackson. Malou would give Darth Andruil a bow of her head as she approached. Though she was not entirely sure which lord had approached them, she gave off a similar feeling of power as both Tiamat and Stolas had. She held her tongue at Andruil's insinuation of her Jackson's motives, and instead opted to quickly introduce herself. "Malou D'Amaris, a pleasure to make your acquaintance?" Hopefully a name would be provided so that she could associate name with face.

Malou would opt to not follow Jackson, instead hoping that he would just return to her, as her master pulled up soon after. Again with the assumptions! Just because everyone else here was a horny bastard did not mean that she was as well. Though she wished to pout, she instead maintained a neutral face as she intently watched Artorgias. Unfortunately, it was difficult to give people looks when you didn't have eyes to do so with.

"Thank you, sir," Malou would respond dryly. She would not accept the offered alcohol as she already held one in her hand. She would take a long sip of it. "Though I think you might be better off offering a room to those on the dancefloor."

@Phoenix @Braden Drake @Rhogar

 

[Mr Ekko]

Jackson weaved through the dance floor, pausing to look back and see that Malou had infact decided to stay back. Maybe given how freely the other woman had joked, maybe she or the man now before her were her Master. He hadn't asked. But he also wasn't big in the whole 'master' thing. He'd return for her once the music shifted to well.. anything better than what was currently playing.

Reaching the music area, he would shoo away the current DJ "Shoo shoo, you're clearly doing a piss-poor job. You got all of five people dancing, most of them repeats."

"But I mus-" he was caught off by a gentle force push.

"Fucking amateurs.." Jackson said shaking his head and began to set up his deck. His datapad was retrieved and he would let the current song finish or at least play as he set up his list. "Alrighty.. what hell do they have here.."

"Pardon, sir." 'Rupert'. "One of the prior Lord Wessex's were fond of their... ragers." he would offer a datapad. "Input code 3-6-9-2." Fucking Rupert. He would input the code, though he questioned why the servant had the code, he wasn't going to ask. Once plugged in, several speakers and subs would appear as parts of the wall shifted over. "And if you hit the semi-circle sir, it activates the lights."

"Huh.." Being rich had its perks. So he definitely hit the light button. All set up, he would fade the boring song early, sublty mixing it with the first of his own songs. It would be a song that @Darth Raze would recognize from his days as Spice Lord, though the song would have some slight variations.

Spoiler: Opening song

Spoiler: Starting Light Show

As the new song began to play, Jackson would ease into the lightshow, first off, slowly dimming the lights. The headphones that were collapsed and in his jacket were now on his head. This was what he was put in the galaxy to do.

@lizziie @Sreeya

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Raze stepped backwards to guide the man onto the floor and was preparing to lead. However, the man surprised him by firmly standing his ground. Fingers dug into a shoulder almost possessively as the man tugged him close, greatly closing the gap between them. Raze didn’t protest this gesture, tilting his head down towards the man in silence.

The man then took it further by stepping back and shifting to the lead. Raze’s visor was fixed solely on the man’s face, taking in sight of that challenging smile and the glint in his yellow eyes. The taller Sith Lord moved with grace, moving forward and easily keeping pace with the dance. Raze wasn’t used to being led on the dance floor, but he certainly did like bold individuals. That the man was pleasing to look at on top of it all only added to the thrill.

The two men easily swept through the floor, Raze moving as fluidly as his partner and light on his feet. Though he was slightly more rigid in his posture than the lithe man that easily swayed his hips, he moved to adapt and spin whenever the man indicated. Raze kept his focus solely on the man, the visor never leaving the burning yellow as they danced.

The Sith Lord’s hand ventured to explore along the man’s back as they moved, fingers applying just the slightest bit of pressure as they traveled down the crossed lace trailing his spine. That touch dragged all the way down to rest just a few inches above the tailbone, hand sliding to rest against a hip. He followed this up by lifting the man’s arm and twirling him to retake the lead.

“Why were you hiding in the shadows all evening?” The mechanized voice asked as the man’s spin completed to bring him right back into Raze’s grip. Arm slipped around the small of his back this time as he tugged the man close and took a step to the side to begin a new routine.

He had only gotten a few steps in when he was approached by a presence he recognized. It happened while he decided to dip the man, making it so he was arched back, vulnerable and gazing up to see Raze and Stolas above him.

The Sith Lord felt Morgan’s grip on his shoulder, and he stopped at the dip, visor still on his dance partner. There was a short pause and a moment of tense silence. Lord Stolas, the Drast prince, was always used to getting his way, and he certainly was the highest ranking presence in the room. Raze was poised like a statue, holding his partner in that dip and gazing into those vibrant yellow eyes.

“Not yet, Councilor Stolas,” The voice stated declaratively, “We’ve only just begun,” Raze tugged the man up from the dip and spun to ease himself out of the Firrerreo’s grip. Both dancers being rather tall meant in one sweep they were back towards the center of the dance floor.

By then the lights changed along with the music to something far more upbeat. The room was much darker and the music was much louder. He released the man briefly to drop the waltz pose. His finger hooked into the belt-loop of the man's trousers to lazily tug the Marauder towards himself. He would let the man choose how to dance.

But Raze was here to stay.

@Altaris @Mr. Teatime

 

[Renfry]

Andruil would give a nod to the Sith lady from Dromuund Kaas (@Tess) before taking her leave of the group and heading over to troll the pair of acolytes. She had confidence the two would speak again another time.

I don't think he likes you shipping them, Ren, she thought to herself, getting the distinct impression that the maleling who didn't offer his name (@Rhogar) didn't like her very much. He quickly seemed to take his leave, however, so she didn't give it much more thought beyond that.

Oh, I'm sorry about that. But you'll catch up with him later, she said to Malou (@lizziie) as the maleling left. Sometimes the old ways of her life on Dathomir pushed to the surface and she assumed that Malou was the one doing the pursuing. Or maybe you don't want to, she said with a shrug. Though, it sounded like even Artorigas was getting in on a little of the very mild harassment based on offering a room to her. She took it in stride, and Renfry decided she was already beginning to like Artorigas's new apprentice.

Artorigas (@Braden Drake) offered another drink that Renfry was wise enough this time to decline. Oh, no thank you, I shouldn't, she said, waving a hand to hold off any servants that thought it was a good idea to get her more drunk. She was a problematic drunk and not only did she know it, she also knew she was far too close already.

A pleasure to meet you, she went on as the young woman introduced herself. Darth Andruil, she added. She had met Miralukans before, and recognized some of the difficulties Malou might have with identifying precisely who was in front of her.

Mention of the dance floor drew her own eyes that way once again and she saw the stand-off between Raze and Stolas. Oooh, interesting. So he's not just like that with me, she noted internally. That... actually makes me feel better.

Yes, well, even with the events of the last party it's still always a guessing game of who goes home with whom, she said at the mention of other people needing a room. For instance, Renfry had met Charlotte only after she emerged several hours later from a room shared with Aadya.

So how did you two come to be working together? she asked, this time genuinely curious as to the story rather than simply making small talk because really who liked making small talk.

 

[Davin Crik]

Another day, another party. It seemed this motley collection of eccentric force users seemed to love the pleasures of mingling among each other, though Davin often wondered how many of them truly liked each other and how many were waiting for their chance to betray each other.

"It can't be as bad as the last one," the young Sith would mutter between a long hit from his smoke, "At least no one has killed themselves at this party." He'd tip a bit of the ash into an ash tray as he leaned back in his seat. His golden eyes shifted over the various dancing patrons, noting their faces.

Of course he knew the big players based on appearance, though he had never spoken with really any of them. It was better to stay in the shadows when it came to this sort of thing. Hopefully it would stay that way tonight. But, it was a party, and you could never predict what would happen.

 

[Darth Tiamat]

There was something consoling about dancing that took Tiamat to a peace that no amount of meditation could ever compete with. It was one of few activities where she allowed others to touch her, a safety in the simple yet demanding movements. She knew no one would understand it as much as she did, not even those who were closest to her and Deva, well, she was just lucky enough to savor the sliver of solstace with the Sith Lord despite her distaste for how her evening just spirled into chaos.

The woman smiled back, complimenting the color choice of the redhead's dress. When the music changed, Tiamat felt the woman pull her closer, taking lead of the dance, the beat picking up.

Deva shared her perference for red and the woman grinned, relaxing in Deva's grasp, "What makes this a special occassion?" Tiamat asked looking at the woman's tie, "Not red, not necessarily ultraviolet, but then again, I am unable to see that spectrum." she explained, "Are there colors on you that I can't see?" she questioned her attention focused on her dance partner, never minding who was still watching or who remained on the dance floor.

@Killa Ree

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas devilish smile continued at the expense of his Apprentice as she replied to his tone. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on what would happen next, the man had left leaving him alone with Darth Andruil and Malou. He frowned slightly as neither seemed to take up another drink. It seemed as though most people here only drunk to get a little tipsy nothing more nothing less. Shame that, Alcohol was a gift from the gods to be enjoyed in all its majesty, from the first sip to the last blackout of the night.

He followed both Malou's and Andruil's gaze back to the dancefloor, the later comments about people hooking up at the party caught his attention. Artorigas began pairing up people, both on who could likely go home with who tonight, but also more interestingly who had gone home with who previously. From the wet cyclone of hormones which centred on Darth Raze he assumed that he had at least a few conquests within the room. Or at the very least a few bruised egos of those who slipped at the final hurdle.

Artorigas took another mouthful of his wine as the three looked out on the dancefloor. "Malou is a member of another Noble House here on Serenno, she wrote to me after the downfall of my father asking to be taken as an apprentice. I saw her talents first hand a few weeks later and accepted. She has been a great help in organising tonight and is a quick study, much better than me." He said with praise.

"As we are staring in the direction already, Mi 'Queen would you like a dance? I am sure a little movement will help burn away any light-headedness from the alcohol."

@Phoenix @lizziie

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

When Raze finally retook the lead of their dance, Jaikus did not protest – one hand laced in his grip while the other traveled across the Sith Lord’s trapezius, slender fingers dragging across the skin-tight body suit he wore. The Axxilan hummed something of a laugh under his breath, pondering the question that had been posed for a moment. When he was urged to twirl, he did so fluidly – his body making at least three rotations before he was brought to a halt, stopped so that he was face-to-face with the Sith Lord once more. Or at least, face to mask. “Suppose I was testing the waters. And besides,” He suddenly took Raze’s hand and lifted it above his head, putting the Sith Lord on the tips of his toes as he spun him about - a closing maneuver before they began a new routine. “Certainly makes for a more dramatic entrance, wouldn’t you say?” Only moments later he was dipped low to the ground, greeted by the visage of Darth Stolas looming above him.

Silence.

Given how Tiamet had interrupted the previous dance that Raze had participated in, Jaikus had nearly expected to be thrown across the room and discarded like Xeno’s fungus plagued armor. Instead, he was merely greeted to the sound of the fellow Sith Lord politely requesting a dance – entirely unaware of any tension that might be lingering beneath the surface.

Still, if he was intimidated, he certainly did well not show it.

Pushing the limits a bit further, Jaikus spoke up as he was lifted from the dip. “The only way I might survive such a slight,” His words were spoken with a low purr, eyes momentarily taking in the sight of the svelte Firrerreo now that he was upright. He met his gaze with a subtle wink. “..would be the promise of a dance with you as well, My Lord.” There wasn’t much time for Stolas to respond to Jaikus’ flattery, as the pair soon swept across the dancefloor with Raze taking the reins once more.

The sudden change in music caused the Axxilan to pause momentarily. Admittedly, he was much more used to the classical waltz’s and minuets of high society, the upbeat music and increased volume forcing him out of his comfort zone even more than he already was. He rose to the challenge well enough though, flashing a toothy smile as the distance between them was closed by the tug at his trousers.

Was that blush?

Immediately, the Axxilan spun himself around, positioned now so that his back was facing Raze as he reached back to plant the Sith Lord’s hands firmly on his slender waist. His hips began to sway and gyrate against his partner to the new rhythm, watching the crowd to see who might join them on the dancefloor. Eventually he lifted his hands above his head, reaching back to and letting them loop around the back of Raze's neck.

@Sreeya @Mr. Teatime

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan's gaze lingered for a moment on the low-dipped Jaikus and then settled firmly on Raze's helmeted visage, briefly distracted by the enticing sight of the ancient metal leading down into the form-fit bodysuit he wore. The tense moment passed by between them.

A curt refusal was proclaimed by Raze and Stolas tensed, a flush of heat running under his skin as frustration and some embarassment mounted, not being looked at in the process. Initially he was indignant over it and a rush of that same feeling running through his chest, not entirely sure what to say to that. The half-Sephi's tone and choice of title reminded him of other words they'd spoken and brought him pause.

But before he could decide on the words that fought for space on his tongue Jaikus spoke as well. Sharp, hawk-like golden eyes flashed and turned back toward him, nearly luminescent for a brief moment. The marauder would, in that moment, get the distinct sensation that Stolas' burning gaze was staring straight through him.

With little warning the Firrerreo's grin widened and he started laughing with a sense of begrudged mirth as the two came smoothly back up. This man was boldly silver-tongued and Morgan liked that sort of thing, Jaikus' brash acknowledgement of the situation shifting the Councilor's mood. "You have good taste!" he said to them both and swiped a hand with energy and affection against his boyfriend's muscular lower back as they spun away. "I will wait."

Morgan was still quite irritated despite his wishes, not helped by the specific way the two were dancing, but Raze would do as he liked and was within rights to refuse. Besides, he'd said not yet, after all. A shot of something or other was plucked from a tray on his way past and downed while he found someone or something else to occupy his time with.

Which just so happened to be the currently free and open @Prissca Kersin. "Lady Kersin," he greeted again with that same fanged grin still on his face. "Shall we dance and get your father's hopes up?" If not there were a couple promising and durable-looking marauders milling about and Morgan was fairly sure that one of them had been eyeing him.

@Sreeya @Altaris @Tess

 

[Mr Ekko]

So far, so good. Jackson thought to himself as the change went over swimmingly. Just enough electronic music to shock the system and cleanse the dancers of whatever crappy classic music they were listening to. Now came the next transition, spurred by none other than the Sith now gyrating on Raze.

This, was funny. Because people his age were always accused of this behavior and here, in the regal palace of a noble house, people older were doing much the same. Draining his glass of whiskey, he'd signal for another from Rupert, who was now waiting nearby. A spin of two dials and Jackson was hardswapping between the current track and the next, to keep up with the current mood of the dancefloor.

Spoiler: New song

Spoiler: New lightshow

As the transition ended flawlessly, he would spin the dial on the lights, bathing the dancers in a reddish hue. He thought it seemed appropriate.

 

[Renfry]

She listened to the story, short and sweet, told by Artorigas and nodded. Perhaps given its history, it should be no surprise that there were more than a few on Serenno who were not only gifted but inclined to head to the Sith. It was a good source of recruits, it seemed.

Well done, you've put together quite the party, she complimented the young woman. She sounded quite capable indeed.

Her attention was then recaptured by Artorigas who asked her to dance, citing their interest already being set on the dance floor.

Don't mind if we do, she agreed, taking another look over at the dance floor.

Nice to meet you, she said to Malou before taking her leave and heading over alongside Artorigas.

As she reached the dance floor, the music shifted further in tone. She took a moment's pause, not entirely confident with this. She had danced with Emryc before and simply felt what he did, but this was not the same.

A glance around showed her what others were doing - particularly that man dancing with Raze - and she started to do similar. Her hips began to move as she shifted closer to Artorigas until their bodies were almost touching.

She watched him, knowing this was a far different setting and situation than he had seen her in before. Her attention began to be torn away from the others and centered on him, intense gaze fixed on his.

@Braden Drake @lizziie

 

[Emryc Thorne]

If the marauder was out of his waltzy comfort zone, he certainly didn’t show it. Raze didn’t miss the flush to his face as he tugged him closer even in the low lighting. The half Sephi decided he liked that look, the tinge to his face that went with the smile. It wasn’t a polite and practiced smile, but it was one that had been suddenly invoked.

The man spun around before Raze could analyze him further, though he didn’t mind the shift. The Sith Lord only guessed at the man’s shapely figure from behind based on his form fitting clothing. All of it was confirmed as the man pressed himself back against Raze and began gyrating his hips. The Marauder took command of the dance once again, even deciding where the half Sephi’s hands were to be placed.

Raze moved with him, pendulating his hips to mirror the man’s gestures. He had no qualms about pressing his body firmly against the man’s or even letting him know how much he appreciated it. His hands traveled up along the man’s slender sides, tracing along the arched curves of his slim waist and along his ribs. The Marauder raised his hands and wrapped them around Raze’s neck, a gesture that was again almost possessive in nature. The slender Marauder fit easily back against the broader and larger half Sephi like a puzzle.

The Sith Lord tilted his head towards the man. The cool, metal plating of the helmet right above where his lips were brushed along the side of the marauder’s neck, cruising over the sweat slick skin. The mechanized voice murmured quietly and dangerously against an ear as they continued their dance, “You must have nothing to lose to be so bold.”

His fingers dug against the man’s hips, holding him firmly in place as they kept swaying to the music. After a few more beats, Raze spun the man around to face him again. However, he moved to place his thigh between the man’s to keep their dance going. Raze adjusted the man’s arms so they wrapped around his neck while facing him.

The visor was locked on the yellow gaze as he began to sway his hips from side to side, their bodies still firmly pressed close. Raze was casually lazy with his gestures, one of his hands back around the small of the marauder’s back while the other hung freely at his side.

@Altaris