The Mask of the Jedi

[TAC]

Members of the New Jedi Order only, please. This is a no death, no maiming, no fighting thread.
Masks are required. Candy will be provided.
Happy Halloween!​

---

1023 ABY.

For the assorted sentients of the New Jedi Order, it was a dark time. Over the last ten years, their brothers and sister had been systematically hunted down and killed by the menace of the Sith.The New Sith Imperium ruled the galaxy, and with the fall of the Galactic Alliance and the retreat of the Jedi, there was little standing in the way of their conquest. Cities, worlds, and whole solar systems fell to the might of the Imperium.

Still, though, there was hope. The New Jedi Order lived on.

Anoth, Arbra, the Light of the Force, and soon many other hidden pockets of Jedi of all ages and rank began to surface. They began to reunite, come together once again for their common cause: although they were not without their conflict. Still, though, they recognized that the differences, misunderstandings, and confrontations between them could not stop them. If it did, if they could not overcome their own self-created obstacles, the world might forever be lost in darkness.

But every day, the hope shined a little brighter.

News of a Rebellion, a formalized group standing against the Imperium, began to rise. Although systems had been made examples of, some continued to refuse the influence of the Imperium. Those farthest South, well away from the core, enjoyed freedom and growth. Institutions might rise and fall, but the galaxy never stood still: there was always a flowing equilibrium.

Thus with a new Council, new bases, and a long road ahead of them, the New Jedi Order prepared themselves. They recalled any members they could find, instituted new programs and classes, made new connections, and started planning for the day that they would re-enter the galaxy. Still, though, a lot had been lost. And not only territory, but a lot of trust and familiarity even within their own ranks.​

---

ATTENTION NEW JEDI ORDER

Effective immediately by decree of the New Jedi Order High Council,

A day to remember the fallen, celebrate our connections, and rejoice in the hope that tomorrow offers. Next Saturday, at the base on Arbra, the High Council will be hosting a masquerade ball. The Arbran Base will shut down to ALL traffic except for scheduled flights from the Light of the Force and Anoth. If you wish you to attend, and we encourage everyone to do so, please make plans to be at one of those locations the night before to travel in.

Security will be at it’s peak, but we expect that all Master and Knight level Jedi will have their lightsabers on them. Padawans are not permitted to carry theirs on their person.

Regards,
The High Council.

---

Jedi Councilor Larik Novan stood with several other Masters, Knights, and Padawans as the image flickered up on the news board in Arbra. The Corellian stood there, grinning ear to ear, his arms crossed over his green Jedi Robes. Regarding those standing around him, the man couldn’t help but antagonize one of the young teenage padawans.

”It’s alright, Padawan. You have three days to find a suitable date,” he joked. Suddenly, though, the man’s demeanor became very serious. Gravely, he looked at the little 8 year old Padawan on the other side of him. His hands dropped to his side, his face growing pale. ”Oh no, Padawan Pallstein,” he then said, his eyes growing huge. ”YOU BETTER RUN, THE GIRLS WILL BE COMING FOR YOU NEXT!” the Councilor yelled, chasing after the Padawan and scooping up the screaming and giggling child. The two of them laughed for a few seconds together until the man set the boy down, a pat on his head as he ran off to play with the other children.

Jillian laughed as Larik teased one of the younger Padawans and chased after him around the small gathering of Jedi. This was her first trip to Arbra, and it looked like it was going to be an eventful one. She couldn’t remember the last time the Jedi had held a dance. She was pretty sure it was never. And a formal masquerade ball, hosted by the High Council would probably have given the Grand Masters of old a heart attack.

“So Master Larik, have any plans to go scouring worlds to find a date in time,” Jillian teased in response, walking up to the Jedi Master. She still had no idea who she was planning to ask. She didn’t think she knew anyone well enough within the Order. Well no one close enough to her own level of maturity. Padawans and some of the younger Knights weren’t exactly on Jillian’s list of potential dancing partners. She valued her toes far too much.
”But Knight Jillian,” the man responded, ”Why would I be so foolish as to search worlds across the galaxy when there is a suitable date standing right in front of me.” The man’s grin, distinctly Corellian, once again came to his face. It was quite common actually. He held his right hand out to the woman, ”Would you do me the favor?”

Jillian blushed green, as the Jedi Master asked her to the dance. She’d be lying if she said it was unexpected, Larik had made several hints that he liked Jillian a little more than he did other female Knights in the Order. But social cues weren’t really her strong suit, and she was still taken aback that he’d just asked her out in front of all the other gathered Jedi. And I thought the ‘Shadow’ was supposed to be subtle, she thought taking his hand.

“It would be an honor, Larik,” She replied, a tad nervously. She pretty sure that if she’d said something like ‘Master Novan’ it would have been far too formal, but it still felt funny actually saying the Corellian’s first name with no honorifics attached. Deep down she was elated however. For once she’d been picked first for a dance, and by a member of the High Council no less. And besides, she already knew Larik could dance.

Taking the woman’s hand, the Jedi Councilor bowed. ”It’ll be fun, Jillian,” he responded. Looking at the Jedi now staring open mouthed or ‘aww’ing at the moment, Larik- still holding Jillian’s hand- nodded to the hallway. ”Perhaps, though, now might be a good time to go for a walk. I would hate to hold up our audience any longer.”

”See you all at the dance!”​

 

[GABA]

The Grand Master smiled to the announcement. It was a great device for her to relax, something for only a few hours to get lost in being Ebberla Daw, and not Grand Master. Ebb thoroughly enjoyed guiding the Jedi, but with it came new limitations, it was binding to the extent it was a catch-22 for the Corellian Jedi. She smoothed down her formal robes, smiling to the announcement, hearing the eagerness and anxiety of the younger padawans as the quickly took off to figure out what they will plan for their big night. Relaxation, that's all she would ask for, though she knew that wasn't always the case and hoped the only drama she would have to deal with were heartbroken padawan females whose date just dumped them.

As for a date for herself, Ebberla wouldn't bother, she had her fair share of dates, and she seemed to attract the bad boys and scoundrels of the galaxy, or simply she have may been just too attracted to them. It didn't help her case of her position, she knew she intimidated even the most senior members of the Order, she was curious to know how much she intimidated those of her own age. Regardless, she was bound to have a good time.

The evening had come sooner than she had expected, along with general business within the Jedi she had helped Master Novan prepare security as well as assisting in overlooking the general preparations for the party. Food, drinks, table ware were more work than expected. Finding suitable musicians within the Order who knew what they were doing and didn't make the Grand Master cringe to the mix of beats that some found edgy had proven to be the most difficult. Though she would admit to 'losing' her hearing for next two days to let her ears heal from the auditions and interviews.

Ebberla took the time to get ready herself. She had found a backless red evening gown and an elaborate eye mask, Arnine made sure to comment how terrible she looked and the Jedi sent her droid to sit with her ship for the rest of the evening. Making sure she was there to greet members as they came in, Ebberla arrived to the ball early, she had supervised decoration set up the day before, unable to do so today due to her duties as Grand Master. Her heels clicked on the stone, her left leg feeling a little out of balance due to the lightsaber strapped to her leg, but she attracted any eyes that she passed on the way to the courtyard.

Decorative lights illuminated the courtyard, set in one of the natural gardens at the Arbra Enclave, Ebberla was pleased with the results as she examined one of the tables set for some padawans. She grinned and congratulated on the Jedi who did help with setting up before taking her spot, awaiting to greet Jedi as they entered.

 

[Jax Vos]

Xaliv walked into the courtyard of the Arbra Enclave. It was much larger than he had expected. It was not at all like the Crystavian had assumed. The place was actually quite beautiful. As Xaliv approached the official entrance he noticed that the Grand Master was looking quite beautiful. It had been a long time since Xaliv had seen her, but he was surprised that she looked so amazing. Xaliv greeted her and moved along to find his seat.

Xaliv had his special tuxedo, which bound his wings to his back, on. It had taken him hours to find the thing. In the end he was satisfied. His mask, however, was just too plain. He hated wearing a plain black mask with an almost plain black suit. He also felt that wearing masks was pointless, especially in his case. He was the only Crystavian in the Order who identified as male, and the only one with gold wings.

Xaliv had taken two days to prepare for this day, and he was still alone. He was likely going to be the only one without a date. He hated to show up at dances and not dance, but what could he do? He had no one and likely every woman here was going to have a date.

 

[TAC]

The night on Arbra was perfect. The sun had set, but the lights of the Temple shinned brightly to welcome to the Jedi coming out of the corridors and into the main hall. Tables were set up in one section, the other section set up the dancing, and then a smaller section for food and drink. The Grand Master had overseen the decorating the day before, much to the appreciation of Larik, who had never been much of a "oo, flowers and masquerade ball!" sort of fellow.

Regardless, the night away from the war and the constant struggle of the Order would be much needed. The Corellian loved serving the institution, but the duties of a Councilor, Master, and the Shadow Keeper weighed heavily on him. He did not doubt that they had the same effect on all of the other Councilors, and to some effect, all of the Jedi within the Order.

Larik had been one of the first there, besides those who had been there throughout the day in order to make the final preparations. He walked along the entrance, first, and then into the main courtyard that had the open tables and dance floor. He muttered some things in his comlink, joking with whoever it was that would be leading the security for the night. Although Larik was technically not in charge, the man knew that he was never free of his duties.

The Corellian noticed that the Grand Master had arrived, but only from a distance. He was preoccupied with his own thoughts, and they didn't say move to greet each other at first. The security checked, double-checked, and checked again for good measure, the man was quite content. It would be a good night. The Councilor walked over to the bar tender, asking for two glasses of Corellian Scotch- it was good, hard alcohol. Not at all a first drink, except that he was Corellian. Taking the two tumblers to the entrance, Larik offered the first to the Grand Master, offering a cheers.

"To the Order, Ebberla," the man said, with a smile. There was no need for casual conversation with the well dressed Jedi Grand Master, as the first of the Jedi guests began to arrive. Both the Jedi Councilors began to greet their friends, comrades, and fellow Jedi as the populace began to fill the courtyard behind them. Smiles, congratulations, and a generally good vibe were the tone of the party, as the Jedi began to reconnect and rebuild the intimate relations they had once enjoyed.

All the time, though, the Corellian was looking. Somewhere out there, amongst the Arbran Temple, was Jedi Knight Jillian Nur Ghazi. The gossip had ran rampant through the temple after Larik had asked her to the dance, and although she had told him she would not be there immediately, the man still eagerly anticipated her arrival. Many of Larik's closer friends remarked about his occasional aloofness, but otherwise most of the Jedi did not notice. Good thing, too...

 

[Moter]

Jorda had been figuring what to wear while on board the Light of the Force before travelling to Arbra for the ball. He had decided on wearing Dark Black dress Pants, A Blue Collared shirt and Purple Robes over it. Now he just had to find a mask to use, finding a pure white Mask he decided to use that while wearing a set of cybernetics covers for his eyes so he could see properly in the light.

On arrival to the sight of the ball Jorda was amazed at the effort that was put into the setup here. As he entered in he recognised the Grand Master and the Shadow Keeper talking at the front. Following the other jedi in he went to the bar and ordered a bottle of Arkanian Sweet Milk something that he had gotten hooked on a few years ago.

Looking around he smiled to himself at the happy faces around here and that it seemed that there could be no war at all. Pulling up a seat next to the bar he sat and watched wondering who else would show up tonight.

 

[Kartikeyan]

The entire Jedi Order had come to attend the High Council’s masquerade of reminiscence and celebration. As one of the Arbran Jedi of the Order, Arai had willingly helped set up tables and decorations for the special night prior to this day. Even all the way in his quarters he could feel the overwhelming sensation of so many benevolent force auras gathering together. This was indeed a good sign that the Jedi were united despite their domestic struggles, that we still carried the blinding light of hope that no darkness could vanquish. He smirked happily at himself while looking in the mirror, glad to be a Jedi but tonight, he did not look dress like one. For the occasion Master Novan gave him permission to go to Naboo and buy him something nice for the night.

This was the first time he had ever been to this type of event and he really didn’t know what to buy with the few hundred credits he had left. He had managed to find a tailor in the busy city that sold clothing for such events. Now Arai was dressed in a lavishing black and red formal tux that fitted him perfectly and went pleasingly his eye color. He had to admit, he never seen himself look this handsome before. He grabbed the black decorative mask he bought with his last remaining credits off the desk and attached it to his face. He was almost out the door when he remembered, “Oh yeah, how could I almost forget.” Reaching into his inside pocket, Arai brought out his lightsaber. He almost didn’t want to leave it but he didn’t mind on this night. And it wasn’t like he was leaving it unprotected. “Well Shadow, I am going to the party. Guard this with your life and I will be back before you know it.” Arai said to his astromech droid R9-S3 he nicknamed Shadow because of his black crystalline plating. He handed the droid his lightsaber, which the droid took in one of his little arms with an accepting ‘woop’ and stored it inside a secret compartment. “Also, lock the door from the inside until I comeback.” Arai ordered before leaving.

He heard the door locked before he could take more than two steps away as he walked down the corridor taking the quickest route to the courtyard. First he had to pass through the main hall, which posted security checked his identification and made sure he wasn’t carrying a lightsaber since he was still a Padawan. “Get a hold of yourself.” He muttered to himself instead of wanting to speak on how ‘unfair’ it was that Padawans couldn’t bring their lightsabers, but everyone else could. He had to get out of the mentality of being a guardian. That was a path decided by his immaturity, overactive imagination, and wishful thinking. In the last eight years he had been focusing on specializing as a sentinel for whenever his knighthood came, finding it fitting for him, so not being so attached to his lightsaber should not be such a huge concern. The masquerade, however, was. He didn’t think he would feel nervous, but it struck him instantly as his eyes looked out into the large mass of Jedi that had arrived so far enjoying the night so far.

“Wah wow.” Was all he could say while slowly walking into the courtyard, greeting people left and right with an uncontrollable smile. This joy, excitement, and happiness were not new to him, but it had been a very long time since he felt it of this magnitude, and it wasn’t just coming from him. This feeling was being broadcasted from many of the Jedi, all dressed up and hidden behind mask. Arai took a glass goblet filled blossom wine from a tray and made his way to a table designated for Padawans. He almost felt like he was attending this event right without a female partner, which they called a date. Looking around at all the dating couples having a good time with each other made him envious and somewhat upset. The girl he wanted to bring wasn’t even a Jedi, probably thought he was dead, and lived deep in Sith Imperium territory on Dathomir as a witch for the Dreaming River Clan last he remembered. Even now he could day dream about her long white hair, emerald green eyes, and smiling face. No one besides Toph and Shadow knew of his feelings for Arya Winters. They were the only two who understood him and if it wasn’t for his loyalty to the order that he would take his star fighter and just go, facing whatever opposition that dared stood in his way head on. That’s how he felt but rationally he knew he was being highly foolish to think that way. Arai took a sip of the sweet liquid that soothed him away from such deep and personally feelings. Now he just hoped he wasn’t the only solo act tonight.

 

[JSC]

The Courtyard
Tag: Ebberla Daw

She was regal.

Karen Roberts, Jedi Knight from Corellia. She was tall, radiant, just past thirty years of age, and lavish in her feminine stride. A long black dress, with dark sleeved gloves, and a black fur shawl. Her hips hinted at the hunter within, while her eyes tempted others like lonesome prey. Her confidence in that dress was simply, amazing. Her shimmering blue hair, astonishing.

"Come now Grant. Don't be shy. We have a party to attend and new introductions to make. Let's not dally."

"Says the woman who left her purse back on Corellia but still managed to attend with a glass knife strapped to her thigh? Oh please dear. I'm right beside you. Every step of the way."

Grant Pherson, Jedi Knight of Corellia. Companion and confidant to the Lady Roberts. Steel blue eyes, freckled grey hair, and a handsome chin too. They made for a smashing pair, dressed all in black with matching red feather masks. Every step they made was a conquest and every glance was a new hello.

The couple approached Grandmaster Ebberla Daw who was making introductions,

"Good evening your Ladyship. I am Knight Roberts of Corellia. Recent arrival and citizen of Arbra. This is my companion, Knight Pherson."

"How do you do my Lady. Grant Pherson at your service. Thank you for having us this wonderful evening."

He bowed and she curtsied. They did so enjoy introductions.

 

[Chairdor]

Ilara was positively ecstatic, today was a special day. Many moons ago a birds nest had fallen outside her window, with a horrible chirp awaking her in the night, coming outside to see what the ruckus was about, she found a collective of eggs in a well put together nest, the mother of those eggs lain next to them, her neck broken. Ilara mourned for the unfortunate mother, but more still for the tiny signs of life still held in the eggs now rapidly cooling in the night air. Not wishing to see more death on this night she grabbed the nest hugging it close to her chest and sat up in the top of the tree.

Pressing her hands upon the eggs to keep them warm she sat in silence for two days before the father returned. At first he seemed distraught and confused pecking and scratching at the Sephi who took it stoically. her fingers cut and ripped by the protective father's attacks. Eventually the papa bird learned of his mate's demise and noting the Sephi's quiet demeanor soon nudged her fingers away and took to sitting upon the eggs in her wife's place. Ilara was happy for this arrangement and was soon seen taking up the father's duties. Going out to the nest every morning and night with a few night crawlers and worms she had recently dug from the ground, painstakingly, her cloaks often covered in dirt from the process.

One day however was different, the father refused to swallow his food, Ilara thought she might have picked bad bugs until she realized he was chewing up the food readying it to be fed to his babies. Staying with the day through the day she watched the cracks form on the eggs and soon enough she heard the small cheeps of three new lives gracing the world and the spectrum of the force. Gladdened greatly she remembered hearing that birds imprint on those they see so leaving the father to feed his babies without them seeing her she returned to her quarters.

Over the next two weeks it became customary to see the young padawan wearing a large mask with a protruding beak and feathers as she met the tiny birds with a face they could more easily recognize. Ilara dutifully gave the father worms and he dutifully chewed them up and fed them to his kids. At last one day the baby birds walked to the edge of the nest, and sitting next to the father bird on a branch, she watched them fly off into the sunrise, their whole lives ahead of them. On that night there was to be a party of some sort, but due to the fact that the Sephi had been playing bird mom then bird dad for the past month she had nothing but her robes to wear, still she did meet the prerequisite of a mask as she once again donned her bird face, her hazel eyes poking through the narrow slits by her beak.

Being on Arbra she simply had to walk to the courtyard to find the wondrous set up. Surely knights padawans and masters all helped bring together this magnanimous event as she went across the yard noting the lanterns placed all around to form a path to the party complete with the scenic forested sky in the background. As she entered the halls of the temple, she turned a corner to note the efforts of the organizers as she basked in the candle light and noted the many tables of delectable foods and large space to dance and make merry with all the jedi, including those from the other places of Refuge their order had found.

Remembering the reason why they were hear, Ilara uttered a small word of thank to those forces that had brought her to this bastion, her family, all those kind souls who took her in despite her having no credits or skills, the force itself, and of course,

"Master Larik!" Ilara exclaimed recognizing her beloved master even past that tricky mask. The avian mask shaking across the padawan's face, Ilara rushed over to Larik as her sabbatical raising a family, albeit not her own, had in many ways sapped her time from the rest of the jedi, especially including her master Larik Novan. Slowing her stride as she approached the friendly man she smiled and said,

"The night is gorgeous, it's as if the stars themselves have come out for this occasion," with some optimism and solemnity in her words, Ilara stood before her master, but was also eager to hit the dance floor as soon as she sated her hunger at the many many tables absolutely filled with food. Looking out at the dance floor she suddenly remembered in her absence she hadn't gotten a date, not particularly caring she suddenly heard a familiar call only to see a small bird gliding through the party only to land upon her shoulder,

"This is my date," she said playfully.

 

[Just Matt Now]

Initially based on Arbra like Larik himself and many other Jedi, Master Attendant Loogo Vsil would not miss an opportunity for such a social gathering. It was a step away from his duties, and the same went for all the other Jedi, though it was dearly needed. They had all worked non stop ever since the fall of Coruscant, such an event had weighed their minds and caused great distress. Though now, nearly a decade later, they found time to relax. Their foothold was growing as they had planned, albeit at a snail's pace. They were regrouped, which was the main thing. They were no longer scattered to the wind and left without aid from other Jedi. Fortunately Loogo and Larik's group did not have to deal with such tension, as they had each other. And this temple was a product of that. Loogo arrived in the beautiful courtyard under the beautiful Arbran moonlight. Many faces were seen, including his master and the Grandmaster. Though there was one in particular he could not wait to see.

The Sluissi slithered out passed the dance floor, abiding by the masquerade rules and wearing a mask of his own. Dressed formerly for a Jedi Master, Loogo took great pride in his appearance for the night. As his date would arrive, he wanted to look just right, as if he could compare. Watching the others congregate and dance, it was truly a night to let go and relax. There was no need for tension, no need for thought even. The road had been rough, though this was going to be a smooth patch, no matter how short it would seem.

Slithering over to the bartender, he noticed that Larik had just left to greet the Grandmaster, he had no doubt hat they would meet up later, "A glass of whisskey and a glass of wine please." He mentioned to the busy Togrutan, though his service was met promptly. Loogo sipped his glass, he was prepared for when his date arrived. Knowing that he would be there before her, as she must have been coming from off world somewhere. Loogo leaned over an open section of the bar, the glass of wine on the bar top.

Loogo had initially thought of bringing and dressing up Shorty, his droid. Though when he heard news of his date seeking to come, he jumped at the opportunity. Although he did feel somewhat bad for his droid, as they shared a deep connection, he knew that Shorty would get over it and understand. It wasnt like he would be able to really enjoy the event. Loogo was filled with excitement, waiting to see his date walk through the courtyard and onto the floor. His mask covered nearly half of his face, though it was still obvious who he was. Not many other Jedi had giant tails instead of feet. And Loogo's tongue involuntarily slipped from his mouth. The Sluissi's eyes were as bright as the moons. Letting his tensions go, he took another drink from his whiskey.

 

[jaydee]

Akiva was glad to have known about the masquerade early enough to prepare. Having lived among the jedi for as long as he had, he didn't have much in the way of belongings so he needed to get the proper attire for the party. After figuring out what he should get for the masquerade, Akiva finally went with a sleek and simple tuxedo with black simple boots. He wore a read bowtie and a red domino mask. Even though he was fully dressed, Akiva felt naked without his lightsaber. However, it was prohibited for padawans to carry their jedi weapon so Akiva made sure he left it in his quarters before departing. He remembered so many times hearing from various teachers whether they were real or holocrons how the lightsaber is a part of them and is their life and to never lose it. Now Akiva needed to leave it behind and for the first time since he had constructed the weapon, Akiva felt incomplete.

As he entered the room, he could see all of the various masters, knights and other padawans who had already arrived. Once again, Akiva felt like the new kid even though he had spent all of his life at the previous temple. However, wanting to become ingrained in this New Order, it was important for Akiva to come to these kinds of events as well as doing group classes. He wanted to meet people and make friends like he had before. Akiva took a drink that was red and non-alcoholic and took a sip. Now was the time to mingle and hopefully he wouldn't have to show his dancing skills too much. Unlike his jedi training, his dancing skills were not that strong.

 

[Wolf231]

The party had caught her by surprise, like it had so many others. Her initial thought was even the same. Do we even have a reason to celebrate? But as she thought and meditated on it, she found that she invariably came to the conclusion that the New Jedi Order had actually accomplished much in a relatively short amount of time. They might not have made any changes on a galactic scale, but they had opened the pathways back up so that they could, while remaining hidden from the ever-hunting Sith. They were finally back in a position to start doing some good, and that was no small thing at all.

So the eve of the party found her with a smile on her face. She was wearing a sleek silver dress that covered everything from her neck to her toes except her left shoulder and arm, which were left bare. It also had a slit up the right side to just above her knee so that she coukd move easier in it, which occasionally let peeks of skin show through, eapecially when she moved. It was made to match her hair, but her mask itself was black and covered everything above her upper lips, excepting her eyes. She did need to see after all; the mask was made to look like a fox. The only part of the dress that wasn't smooth - it looked like it had been made from a single piece of cloth, even - was the addition of a single loop of fabric stitched on to her right hip, from which her curved lightsaber hung. She smiled at the security put in place, which did not deter her for long once her identity was proven.

She moved inside slower then she normally would on a pair of silver heels. They only had a two inch heel, but it was more than she was used to and she was doing her best not to wobble and fall on her face or something even more embarrassing. She made her way to the bar in order to find a stool to sit on, her eyes scanning the crowd. So many masks she saw, yet she had to muse that she wasn't sure she'd recognize most of them even without those masks. She would have to try to be more social, instead of simply training all the time. She raised a hand towards the bartender and asked for a glass of water with ice; once it arrived she would sip at it and continue searching for someone she knew.

 

[The Kyzer]

A social gathering.

A ball, in fact.

Von would rather face twenty Sith Lords than attend. Luckily, she'd distracted herself by organizing security for the event. For the past three days, Von had been working the Shadow more than they'd ever done before. The regular patrols were increased in number. Rumors of Jedi activity were planted in distant systems, untraceable of course.

The general lockdown the night before had been intensive, as setting up the sensor-blinders and rigging the blast doors to not open was a bit of a pain. The Hoojibs were given massive rechargeable fuel cells to soothe their apprehension at the sheer number of Jedi and transports that had arrived.

Now Von had only one thing left to do. It was something that she truly dreaded.

Two porters, Initiates that had begged to be allowed to do so, nearly fell over when they saw her. Von was always dressed in her Harness these days. To see her out of it was shocking enough. But to see her looking how she did, the young Jedi needed to rely on calming exercises to refrain from fainting.

Von slowly walked forward in her new attire, with a mask in hand. The porters opened the massive double doors and she entered the room, putting on her mask as she did. Many Jedi stopped dancing to look at her.

[floatleft]http://i1286.photobucket.com/albums/a605/Tyranastraz/MasqueradeKate_zps8346f995.jpg?t=1383061205[/floatleft]The Master Explorator was in a dress. The Queen of the Shadow, as some called her behind her back, was allowing herself to relax, at least in attire. She'd even applied make-up and had bathed herself in a special lotion to lighten her bright pink skin to a paler complexion.

The problem was that she'd forgotten to take her standard deodorizing bath. Her Zeltron pheromones pervaded the area around her. Her pheromone glands had been neglected for so long that they'd begun working overtime. Every one who came within a few meters of her was suddenly enamored with her presence.

"What?" Von asked loudly, and the party resumed again.

 

[Galavant]

Jillian arrived fashionably late, in a fashionable forest green dress with those gloves that went up the elbow, and fashionable mask of a matching shade of green that really only covered the area around her eyes with a small yellow flower attached to the left side. Her hair was in the same style of bun she liked, but less messy and she'd spent longer fighting to get it styled just right than she was willing to admit.

The courtyard was gorgeous, but then again there were very few parts of Arbra that Jillian had seen since she'd arrived that weren't. But it looked especially with the decoration, the moonlight, and the jovial atmosphere that had been missing from so much of the Order for so long. It was good to see people laughing. Way, way, way back her old master had once told her that you could never starve with a belly full of laughter, and Jillian believed that wholeheartedly. She didn't ignore the problems of the galaxy, and laugh like a half-wit, nor did she laugh in the face of danger, or anything like that. No, instead Jillian had learned to hold on to those precious moments where you could just simply laugh and let them sustain you through the moments where you couldn't.

She saw Larik near the Grandmaster, but chose not to head over to him just yet. There was a small crowd of other Jedi around the two, and Jillian didn't want to add to that mess. Instead she headed over to the bar where a Sluissi she'd never met was and ordered a glass of something bubbly from the togrutan bartender. When her drank arrived she took a deep gulp, and turned around to watch the party as more guests arrived, and the party continued to liven up.

 

[Fang.]

Fang wasnt usually very social, and didnt always like talking to people he was generally suspicious of people who always wore masks, so why was he here? honestly he didnt know, but he supposed there could be some fun to it. Just about every Jedi, dressed up at a ball, Fang couldnt remember the last time he had even head of such an event, and it might have been just worthwhile to go. So here he was, as he stepped out into the Arbra courtyard. He was wearing a long black dress (trench) coat with a folded up high collar, the top two buttons wer open to reveal a black dress shirt and tie. Fang wore a simple mask that covered his eyes and the upper part of his nose, it would take people a moment to reckognize him until they saw his scar on his cheek.

Fang looked around at the other Jedi in the court yard, some he reckognized, his old padawan Arisa, Larik the Shadow Master, Eberella, the Grand master, and some he didnt, Fang stood there awkwardly for a long moment before moving forward through the crowd, he could look less awkward at the bar he decided, and began to make his way over to it. as he did he moved past his old padawan,Arisa, he said with a nod as he passed her, if she didnt talk to him beyond saying his name, Fang would continue to move past her and take a seat at the bar.,

 

[Elijah Brockway]

Sitting around in his room and playing with his datapad, Cotan Sar'andor, Jedi Padawan and Goofball Extraordinaire, was currently rather unconcerned with the events that were beginning just a couple hundred feet away from him. He was not ready for the dance - he hadn't even trimmed his beard - and was entirely unconcerned with anything. His vibroknife and training saber were sitting on his desk, he was in his chair, in a tan shirt and black pants, altogether rather calm as he just read.

However, he was not so calm and unconcerned with the dance nearby because he had chosen not to go to it - oh no. It was, instead, because he had forgotten about the dance. After all, he didn't have a date, and he was reading up about some of the things Lord Hoth had done during the wars against Skere Kaan's Brotherhood of Darkness. Why should he have to go? Taking a moment to lift his eyes from the datapad, he looked up, over to his Bass Viol, in its case in the corner, and he furrowed his brow. That instrument was important, somehow.

He shrugged, looking back down with a "beats me" sort of expression. Then he noticed a small message on the datapad, for him, and labeled urgent. Cotan, frowning, opened the message - and instantly his expression turned to a look of shock and annoyance.

"Bloody...by the Force, I'm forgetful."

What Cotan had forgotten was that he was supposed to go to this dance, not because he had a date and would be dancing and socializing the whole time, but because he was going to be performing for a few songs. That's why he had his bass viol out in his room with him. He sighed, grabbing the vibroknife and strapping it across his back like an old cinqueda, so that his robes would conceal it, before moving. After all, he had to remain armed somehow, and strict hand-to-hand didn't always do good enough to dissuade any angry attackers. After that, he reached into his closet, dragging out a large, sage-green robe - nice and soft, thick cloth, doubles as a blanket if you're in need of one - before jumping into the refresher.

He'd already bathed, but his hair - as always - was already in disarray. So he quickly ran a comb through that a few times, before grabbing a razor and trimming his beard.

Trimming, not shaving. He'd already fully-shaved once. It took forever and was horribly itchy before it grew back in full, and so Cotan, in his wisdom, decided that he would never do that again. So, after a minute or so, his beard was trimmed down, his hair not quite so wild as before, and he pulled the robe on over his everyday clothes. Checking quickly to make sure he didn't look like an idiot - and again, after putting on the mask, he couldn't forget that - the Padawan jumped out, grabbing his bass viol and running off.

It didn't take him long to get down there, and after the backstage security team cleared him, Cotan dropped off his instrument, before moving back out front. There were a few he could recognize easily, just by how often he'd seen them, but a few he hadn't seen quite so much that he could recognize them with the masks that they were wearing. So he looked around a bit, seeing one person there with a bird on he shoulder (he had laughed at that), before settling with a trip to the bar. More than enough people would be coming that way soon, and there was one he recognized right up there.

"Good afternoon, Master Vsil," Cotan said, giving the Sluissi a small wave - and priding himself on the fact that he hadn't messed up the snakelike master's name again - as he was walking up. "Having fun, waiting for everything to start?"

 

[Vulpes]

Years and years ago, Arikka-Mar would've likely never attended such an event, but the years had changed her. Mentally, it made her more willing to participate in outings such as these, while strengthening her willpower and self-control. Being undercover in an organization such as the Retrade or the Cartel seems to make you a familiar in party environments, since many associates sought for reasons to indulge themselves in activities that gave them a chance to brag about their latest events or show off their suddenly obtained wealth. Nar Shaddaa and even certain parts of Tatooine were abundant with these types of people.

Mentally, Arikka had changed ever so slightly, but physically she was different. If the theme of party was masks and concealing one's identity, then perhaps she would do well in it. Her hair was just below ears length, but not quite shoulder length, and was dyed with streaks of artificial burgundy. Her outfit was sleek, and had a few layers. All of the clothing, she had obtained over the last few years, and while they were not inappropriate, they weren't exactly Jedi attire. Excluding the bottom layer, which was a plain formal dress, the entire outfit was designed for a humanoid being with just two arms, so she kept them concealed for now, a habit that had become a second nature to Arikka.

She had not had a chance to visit many of the Jedi she once associated with, other than Ebberla and Arikka. An opportunity was provided to meet up with one of her old friends, Loogo Vsil, after making contact with him once more via datapad. In fact, Loogo was how she had even heard of the event. She agreed to meet up with him at the event, and that's why she was here now. The Councillor wouldn't call it a 'date' by any means, but simply a platonic meet-up.

Arikka arrived at the party, with a black mask on to conceal the area surrounding her eyes, and bearing the aforementioned outfit. There, she sat down and observed those around her, looking to see if she recognized anyone there. Loogo would likely be easy to spot out, due to the fact that he isn't even remotely human.

 

[Just Matt Now]

As the Sluissi watched over the scene, Larik and Ebberla seemed to have been getting a lot of attention. It was they're ball after all, they were the ones to initially set it up and invite everyone.They deserved all of the attention they could get, and they were definitely getting it. Though attention was something that Loogo did not need, or not to that extent anyhow. He was here to have a good time and relax. Still waiting for Arikka to arrive, Loogo noticed another woman who seemed to find home next to him at the bar. Watching the woman take a deep gulp from her ordered drink, it was clear that she was trying to pass the time.

"Meeting ssomeone?" Loogo said smoothly, taking another swig from his whiskey. The glass of wine still sat cold on the counter top.

Moments later another Padawan seemed to stroll in and find his way to Loogo's vicinity. Cotan Sar'andor, a Padawan from the Arbran base who had taken many lessons over the past decade, and was a very promising student. "Greetingss padawan. Thingss seemed to have sstarted quite well. This is quite the turnout, many more then I was expecting and there seemss to be more piling in..." Loogo said as he was then struck by a familiar sight. He had seen Arrikka many years ago, his invitation came by way of comlink. A woman who had just walked into the courtyard looked strangely similar, although having two arms. Loogo was unsure if that was her, though even as he reached out through the Force her presence was all to familiar.

"If you would pleasse excuse me, my dear." He spoke towards Jilian intending on finishing up their conversation at a later time in the evening. "One moment..." His awe was struck, Loogo headed for the short-haired woman with the glass of wine in hand.

Coming up behind her, Loogo taped her on the shoulder. "Excuse me miss, do I know you?" He said to Arikka.

 

[GABA]

Larik approached Ebberla with a drink, happily accepting the glass, she thanked him returning back to greeting members of the Order as they came. She lifted her glass to her nose, smelling her drink, she never doubted another fellow Corellian with their liquor and took a drink, let the cool liquid burn her mouth and throat as she swallowed. "Good choice Larik." she said with an approving nod. More Jedi joined into the celebration, taking time to greet the Grand Master as they passed her by. Many of them addressing her by her formal title and respectful bows; have it been perhaps a year earlier, she would have been entirely uncomfortable to their formalities, it was a big change, something she is now just getting used to.

A cool breeze ruffled her dress, sending a small chill down her back; it was still warm on the part of Arbra they resided on, the temperatures reminding her of summer days, but it never got too terribly hot or too terribly cold between the change of days or even seasons. Some Hoojibs decided to attend, hopping in and out of the feet of the Jedi. One elder Hoojib stopped to talk to Ebberla about recent searches for new tunnels in the caves in which they all resided in. Many of them were not hard to reopen, some though posing a danger to both Jedi and Hoojib alike as the would explore further and further into the caves.

As the Jedi settled, Ebberla took her position in front of all the tables, she was astonished by her own presence of how well it took command of attention, removing her mask, her bright eyes flickered across faces and she spoke.

"Good Evening Jedi!" The Grand Master started, "We have come a long way as we have persevered and grown, shedding the doubts the people have held since the fall of Coruscant. We will continue to do so as long as we work together, sharing our aspirations for hope and peace within the galaxy." she said pausing, "Though we still live in a dangerous time, it does not mean we cannot have moments to celebrate accomplishments. Its been two years since the Jedi came together, differences caste aside and now here we are." she grinned.

"Though it doesn't seem like a long time, we've accomplished so much and all we can do is to keep moving forward together." Ebb raised her glass in a toast, "Until as the stars have faded, we shall not fall into despair, for we will continue to pass the torches of hope. May the Force be with us all."

The Grand Master toasted, taking a sip of her drink before she would return to her own seat. There was a moment of silence and then the music begun to play allowing Jedi to resume conversation and dance.

 

[JSC]

Standing aside with her companion, Karen raised a brow.

"...Hm. And what do you make of that Grant?"

"I'm sure she is just busy Karen. Be content with your portion. Not all is like Corellia."

Grant shrugged and drew her attention away and towards the music. He continued,

"What say we get something to eat and socialize at the tables. I'm sure someone here will talk to us."

"Perhaps. Though I did not come to eat."

Grant smiled and waved away the comment,

"Ha. Then truly you came to dance. Perhaps we shall find our friends on the dance floor. ...May I?"

"Oh Mister Pherson. It would be my pleasure."

The happy couple ascended to the dance floor and took their positions. They were more than comfortable leading the charge. Being the center of attention was no distraction for a Corellian couple. They could dance all night with no music. Content with the company of each other's arms alone.

The music played while Grant lead and Karen followed. A waltz of contentment to begin.

 

[Vulpes]

Arikka was about to speak to the Sluissi until she heard the recently elected Grandmaster, and host of the party, speak out. Without really standing out, she rose her drink slightly, following the gesture of the toast. Her drink of choice? Corellian ale. Perhaps Larik and Ebberla rubbed off on her a little more than she cared to admit. Nevertheless, it was what she was having tonight. It was not in any fancy wine glass, but rather a standard pint glass. It made her laugh a little, really. It was one of the things that changed about her since her departure from the Jedi years ago. Those who knew Arikka long ago, knew that she was rarely a drinker, but at some point after the fall of Coruscant, that seemed to change.

She took a sip now, her eyes darting back to the alien Jedi Master. Her eyes briefly traced Loogo's body, immediately knowing it was him. "Damn, I suppose Larik has raised a good batch of apples..I've heard you've surpassed the title of Knight already." Arikka took a pause to clear her throat and set her drink onto the coaster, even if just momentarily. "But then again, he raised me to where I am today." Using her hand that had no contact with the ale, she parted the bangs of her burgundy-ish hair out of the way, making direct eye contact as she took another sip.