Session export: Versea Estate Masquerade: Part Two-The Moonlight Masquerade Dance
- Captain Mao’han Vane by Ellac Conrat
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Dr. Corinna Magarin
by
Quaestrix Corinna Magarin
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Adept Tasha'Vel Versea
by
Tasha'Vel Versea
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Jelc Rovint
by
Tasha'Vel Versea
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Eminent Vance Whitlock
by
Tasha'Vel Versea
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Adept Weyr Suil
by
Tasha'Vel Versea
- Ranger Marius Apollo Edraven-Erinos by Adept Celevon Werd'a
- Aurelis Phaelor by Aedile Aurelis Phaelor
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Ellisyn Kendis
by
Ellisyn Kendis
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Mistress Tahiri Thorn Morte Tarentae
by
Mistress Tahiri Thorn Morte Tarentae
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Blade Mistress Shadow Nighthunter
by
Blade Mistress Shadow Nighthunter
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.png)
Quaestor Sanguis Caldiren
by
Blade Mistress Shadow Nighthunter
“Thank you,” Tahiri smiled and nodded to the tall woman. Eeth'Mireth peaked out at the other pets and gave a tiny trill, wrapping her tail firmly around the lekku of her master.
The Elder sent a calming wave a reassurance that the little one wouldn’t have to join the other pets unless it was necessary. Tahiri continued to the stairs of the estate, pausing for a moment. The last time she had been at any fancy party, either someone had come with her, or someone crashed the party looking for her. Going truly alone this time was something… different for her. She knew there friends here, but she wasn’t sure about anything else. Not anymore.
Taking a deep breath, and making sure her illusionary disguise was still in place, the Togruta proceeded up stairs and into the main hall of the estate.
Vigo’s eyes twinkled at the curious creature before them. Perhaps he should reconsider letting Dom dance but “it” —which it referred to itself as— didn’t seem like any harm. Vigo’s eyes narrowed slightly and he let out a low “hmmm.”
“Huh? Oh! He was just meaning we don’t have any titles. Ah- we both use he/him pronouns. Ah- I’m Dominik.” He straightens, finally remembering he was at a high brow dance, and extends his prosthetic right hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Vigo just sat there producing another “hmm.” Before finishing the rest of his drink. His eyes never leaving the hybrid.
<@244244163002892288>
Vance smiled to his two companions as they entered through the ornate gold trimmed dark amethyst doors and into the ballroom. He led Newt and Aure over to the empty bench. He straightend his tie, adjusted his white gloves, and smoothed his coatail jacket before he turned to his company, giving a formal bow.
“Welcome to the ballroom, now would you both like to dance with each other or would one of you like to dance with me?”
Meanwhile,Jelc leaned against the wall feeling slightly alone. Normally he would have danced with his wife with events like this, but she was no longer around anymore. His mind turned briefly though to the sweet princess-like Vala, he had met and smiled. She was adorably cute in her dress that day. Well the night was still early, perhaps he would get a dance in at some point. For now he wore his Fox mask and watched the dance floor.
<@186977617356783616> <@421348712673968142>
“Thank you for the offer, but I think I will just watch for now.” Newt smiles at Vance, before sitting down on the bench.
He nods politely to Newt. “Always interesting to watch some of the folks around here. There are still refreshments and drinks if you would like anything.”
The woman stood at the bottom of the stairs looking up at the grand foyer of the estate. She had seen it before but it was still something that was a pleasure to behold. A lifetime of treasures and eternal care would be nothing against the care and subtle beauty the estate held. Behind the fox half-mask that she’d gotten for this, Miho smiled as she watched the others ascend. The simple outfit she wore was more at home in a simple shrine than adorned by one who was a guest for the ball.
The only sign of opulence she had allowed was the gold body paint that traced the entire network of scars on her right side giving it the look of a shattered jar carefully pieced back together.
“Why do I keep agreeing to things like this?” She murmured to herself. The small droid that would give away her identity to anyone who knew her trilled softly in what could only be understood as a laugh. Pips himself had gotten an oil bath and a paint job since last he’d been seen, the red streaks along his chassis and the black spots along his head more pronounced.
“Shut up, Pips.”
With a sigh and on quiet sock-shoed feet, Miho began her own ascent with absolutely no intention of dancing. Perhaps she could take the time to ransack the library for rare tomes.
Surely Tasha had some of those laying around somewhere. If not, she could always find the kitchens and see what sort of snacks could be found.
Or alcohol.
Stepping every so slightly around the crowd, but not exactly hiding, she made a beeline from the top of the stairs towards the solitude of the library.
====
Pips looked around at the top of the stairs and whistled sharply, clearly upset at the fact he had been left behind. With no other choice, the little BD unit went in search of someone he knew.
“ I’ll take a spin with you Vance.” Aurelis said with a smile.
Pips’s tracking sensed individuals straight ahead to the ballroom as well as individuals to the left in some room, and his master. Not liking being left in the dust, Pips went into the room and saw Weyr and Marius at the mini bar.
Meanwhile, as Miho moved down the hall and to the left, passing the game/bar room, she saw Marius and Weyr sitting at the mini bar. Weyr was asking Marius what he wanted to drink when he saw what he swore up and down was Mihoshi, but she was so fast that it could have been the wind; however, there was no mistaking Pips as the droid wheeled up to them and chirped. “Well, hello there, Pips. I take it your master has left you behind?” The droid chirped at him.
“I see.”
As Mihoshi continued her mission, she opened the library door and stepped inside. There were a huge number of books that lined the walls, there were holobooks, and what looked like some tomes that were covered and locked away in a special case. As her eyes scanned to the right, she caught sight of a young greyish blue twi’lek in a cute sparkly frilly purple tulle dress. At the moment, she had not noticed Mihoshi enter as she was engrossed deeply in a book sitting up in the nook.
Back at the Ballroom
Vance gave Aure a dashing smile and wink as he extended his right hand and took hers. “A lovely dance I shall give you tonight, pretty lady.” Confident, he led the Jedi out onto the beautiful dark amethyst floor as moonlight shone down on their outfits, casting a white shimmer across Aurelis’s gorgeous dress as Vance began to waltz with her. Having been an entertainer, the Sephi still knew how to dance well and began to glide with her across the floor in a flourishing box step. He then twirled her out and back in again, as he continued to move elegantly. “You certainly can follow very well; it’s been a while, actually, since I last danced formally. <@186977617356783616> <@227653769842655233>
Aurelis chuckled lightly as she set her hand in his,“ Such flattery.” she mused. While her own movements were graceful, there was no drama to them. She followed his steps with ease, her steps a whisper on the pristine floor. “ Part of my job, is to read body language, anticipate the next move. Plus, I was trained as a child, and dance fairly frequently, the steps truly never leave you.” she smiled,“ It just takes a couple turns to find your rythym.”
His smile widened. “Well then shall I let you lead and see where it flows next? I would enjoy following your lead. Be interesting to see what kind of dance moves you remember. And who knows, perhaps we shall dazzle the masses?”
She snorted in laughter,“ I’m not interested in dazzling the masses. Arn’t enough masses to dazzle, and nobody’s eye I am hoping to catch.” she smiled. Still though, she took a half step back, widening the arm position as the next song’s tempo picked up. Leaning her head back a hair, drawing up her posture. Sliding easily into a more formal Corellian waltz, her steps light as they gliding across the floor with more flourish and complex steps.
She stood there, watching the girl from behind her mask. Surely it was getting a little late for her to still be out and about, yes? Quiet steps took her closer to the girl in the frilly layer cake of a dress.
Seemingly completely unnoticed, Miho stood to one side with a light smile on her lips. How often, she wondered, did Tasha’s kid (accurately assuming since the child was a) dressed for the party and b) looked a bit like her mother) sit in these nooks reading when it was so close to bedtime.
Her soft, musical voice held a large dose of curious good humor. “And does your mother know you’re holed up in here?”
A soft twinkle in her lavender eyes could be seen through the eye holes of her half-mask and the widening grin had more than a little mischief of her own to it.
At the sound of Mihoshi’s voice, Lynna’vel threw out her hands sending her adventure book and several other books flying off the shelves and hurtling right for the fox masked lady.
“AAAAH! I was just reading, I swear! Please don’t tell Mom! OH Kark, noooo, mom’s gonna ground me to eternity.Her books!” She immediately halted the books before they got to Mihoshi’s face and brought them back to her as she quickly tried to put them back.
Meanwhile, at the ballroom, Tasha’Vel sensed her daughter’s immediate distress. Quietly and quickly, she left the ballroom in search of her. Jelc’s face changed, and he as well immediately moved from the ballroom to the lounge, searching for Lynna’vel. Tasha’vel went towards her room, taking the back door to a long hallway with the bedrooms. Following it, she saw her daughter’s door open; her eyes widened as she hastily sprinted to the door. “Lynna’vel!” She called, but her daughter wasn’t there. In an instant, Tasha’Vel’s emerald eyes flashed with anger and worry. “She was supposed to be in her room, dammit, Lynna’Vel.” The Sith now more concerned, quickly began to move, covering the halls as she pulled up the security cameras and began to look to see if one of them had picked up Lynna’Vel’s location.
With a grin like the fox spirit she portrayed, Miho held her hand out to Lynna'vel. “You want to stay up, right? Not get caught?”
Her eyes sparkled with the upcoming shenanigans. “Then come with me. We’ll find a place to hide. And if they get close, we’ll find a new place!”
She waved her hand at the little girl, her smile wide and excited. Come, come said the gesture, come embrace the prank and excitement.
At the back of her mind, Miho could feel the anger rolling off Tasha and the grin widened even more. “Time to go unless you want to be caught.”
Her green-and-brown heterochromatic eyes sparkled with delight. “Yes, this will be fun!” She took Mihoshi’s hand and followed her.
Quick as a wink, Miho wrapped her fingers around the smaller hand. “Time to run.”
A soft giggle was the only sound as she ran with the girl from the room heading towards one of the balconies overlooking the gardens. She looked around at the branches of a tree reaching longingly towards the sky, an effort that continued but never finished.
“There,” she said with a grin and a wink. “Our way down! Can you climb or do you want to ride on my back?”
“I can climb without a problem.” She smirked as she leaped off the balcony onto the tree branches with ease and began to climb down. “I found that this is one of the fastest ways to the gardens.” She giggled as she scaled herself down. “But don’t tell mom that; I would get in so much trouble if she knew I climbed out of the balcony.”
Vance continued and smiled. “This is absolutely delightful Aure.” He noticed Jelc and Tasha'vel disappear from the corner of his eye; however, knowing they had gone, everything should be handled as she made no motion for him to follow, so he continued to enjoy himself as he went back to focusing on his dance partner’s face.
She watched the girl in the puffy purple dress climb down the tree and laughed softly to herself. Miho was fairly certain she would be paying for the replacement before the end of the night, but for now…
She placed one hand on the rail, looked over the edge and vaulted over to land in the courtyard. Looking up, she watched as Lynna finished her own descent and grinned at the look on her face.
“Don’t worry. I’ll teach you how to land properly and you’ll be able to get down just the same,” she said gently pulling one of the girl’s lekku.
She held her hand back down to the girl. “Come on, we’re not out of the woods yet!”
The sense of Tasha’s oncoming fury was still almost a heat against her skin. There might be a fight at the end of the night, but the happiness in the girl’s face as they headed off again was more than enough to cover the price of their hijinks.
“My kind of place,” Mao’han said, peering up through his harlequin mask at the ornate furnishings of the main hall of the estate. “Maybe settling down wouldn’t be so bad after all, eh Skrunch?”
Trotting up beside him, the pit droid was too busy fidgeting with his bow tie to hear him.
Shaking his head, the Clawdite slipped his hands into his pockets as he turned his attention back to the party; A few other people stood in the hall with him, but given the music coming from the ballroom, he assumed that’s where the excitement was happening.
Taking a step toward the ballroom, the sound of clinking glasses and the distinct scent of alcohol stopped him in his tracks. A sly smile spread across his face as he spun on his heel toward the mini bar.
“ Let’s see how you do leading through this style, show me what you’ve learned.”
Outside Gardens
As Tasha glanced at the surveillance feed, and caught sight of her daughter following someone in a fox mask. Her hands curled into fists as her lips curled into a snarl.
“Who is this person with my daughter? They better have a damn good explanation when I find them.” Swiftly, she made her way outside the estate and made her way to the gardens as she touched her communicator. “Jelc, she is with someone in the gardens; help me search. You take one way, and I will take the other.” Meanwhile, Jelc received the message and immediately went out of the lounge and headed to the left side of the gardens as Tasha’vel began to search the right.
Mini bar/game room.
As Mao’han made his way through the main hall and to the left, he saw the mini bar. It had a smooth purple and black marble countertop with six matching bar stools. In two of the chairs was a rather elegantly dressed Evereni with long dark bluish-black hair tied back in a long braid wearing a raven mask and a Sephi hybrid wearing a navy blue tailcoat jacket with a matching tie and formal pants wearing an ornate wolf mask. One was drinking some kind of juice. Behind the bar was a Zeltron lady bartender wearing a simple black formal shirt and pants as she cleaned glasses. There were also a couple of wine racks, some barrels with corks and a shelf full of varying spirits, rums,and whiskey.
To the far right of the minibar was a pool table, and a couple of pazaak and sabaac tables to play at.
Ball room
Vance’s violet eyes lit up as he grinned. “As you wish.” While the music played on, he started with a natural step, turning right and stepping onto his right foot, moving counterclockwise, then stepping forward on the right foot, then stepping to the side on the left foot. The Zeltron hybrid then closed his right foot to his left, then returned to his left foot, swinging his right foot to the side before closing his left foot to his right. Smiling, he then made a reverse turn, keeping her body close to him as they twirled across the dance floor. He then pulled a change step, directing them back around to the other side in a complete circle, remembering the simple one, two, three pattern. As they got to the middle of the floor, he pulled a reverse flick roll, then a contra check, before finally doing a natural flick roll and second contra check, dipping her softly and back up quickly, before continuing the whole sequence again and moving slightly faster. Syk, still invisible, watched them just practically fly around on the floor and smiled. Dancing wasn’t her thing, but she did appreciate watching those who could. <@186977617356783616> <@503352868363960336> <@227653769842655233>
Miho grinned down at Lynna and then looked up at one of the not-so-hidden security domes. With a wink and a stuck out tongue, the fox laughed and gestured deeper into the gardens.
“She’ll skin us both if we’re caught now,” the older of the two said brightly. “I can feel her like an oncoming storm.”
As though paired for a dance no one could hear the melody of, Miho led them through the gardens at a fairly impressive speed. Bits of purple lacework were left on bushes and low hanging branches, but not a single scratch to the skin of either.
With a gasp, she spun them to a halt and looked up. The lowest of the branches was out of their reach even if Lynna stood on her shoulders.
“He’s a big one, isn’t he?” With a whoop, she fell down laughing at the base of it, pulling the girl down with her. “I think we should make your mom a flower crown. What’s her favorite color flower? I’ll teach you how to weave one.”
Taking a seat a few stools down from the others at the bar, Mao’han nodded to the bartender behind the counter. “You wouldn’t happen to know how to mix a Blurgg Fire, would you, ma’am?”
She smiled at him. “A BlurrgFire? Well, I wouldn’t be a bartender, sir, if I couldn’t make a decent one.” Taking out a highball glass, she sliced a lime and ran it around the rim before dipping it into red sea salt and covering the edges of the glass. Next, she poured eight ounces of chilled lemonade, four ounces of pomegranate juice and a half ounce of habanero lime syrup into a large shaker with ice, before shaking it up vigorously. Once finished , the Zeltron poured it expertly into the highball, filling it up to the near top, before doing a small half twirl, setting the glass down in front of him. “How’s that?”
Mao’han lifted the glass to his nose, taking in the citrusy aroma. Tipping it back, the pirate sipped the drink, his slit eyes squinting as the spice engulfed his taste buds.
“Delightful,” he said with a wink to the woman as he set the glass back down. “Thank you.”
Outside Gardens:
Lynna’Vel laughed happily as she sat down beside her newfound fox friend. “Yeah, that might actually soothe her anger a bit. She always told me her favorite flowers in the garden were the blue ones she grew. They have one of the best floral scents in the entire estate, and she told me herself that it calms her.” She smiled.
Bar Room
“You are quite welcome, Sir. So what brings you out here to this event? Our hostess tends to host this once a year for all the Clans within the Brotherhood. She always believed in unification and strengthening potential allies. I am sure once she settles whatever is currently going on, she will be sure to at least greet and meet you.” <@227653769842655233>
The smile beneath the mask was radiant and mischievous as she gestured quickly. “Go get me blue and white flowers with long stems to them!”
As Lynna'Vel hurried off to get the required offerings, Miho turned toward the tree and carefully etched into the surface level of the bark a fox face with it’s tongue sticking out and a smaller Twi'lek girl with a big smile. Added to that, she scratched the words.
“Not quite yet. The fun is just beginning.”
After only a couple of minutes, Lynna returned and held her trophies up to Miho who nodded quickly and sat back down, teaching the girl how to braid a flower crown while she did it.
“The trick is to lace them firmly but gently. Too loose and it falls apart, too tightly and you break the stems.” She pointed at the different flowers and the stems with a grin. “We want to make sure Mom can wear it, right?”
The two nodded at each other as Miho finished the crown and hung it from a branch beside the drawing. “To commemorate our time together.”
She grinned and held her hand out to Lynna'Vel once more, leading the girl through the maze and always further away from Tasha and Jelc. The infectious grin she gave the smaller girl was one of happy mischief as they quickly left the labyrinthine garden and entered one of the first floor hallways.
“Hard to make allies when you can’t see the face of the person you’ve just met… but that’s never stopped me,” Mao’han chuckled, taking another sip of his drink. “I’ve not had the pleasure of meeting our host; Do you enjoy working for her?”
By the time Tasha’Vel reached the tree, they had disappeared. She picked up the crown from the ground. Her eyes flashed a vivid emerald before pushing down the communicator. “Huntress, go. I have a party to host.” She carried the crown of flowers back into the main hall and set it on one of the marble statues’ heads for now, then resumed her composure and walked left to stop at the mini bar for a drink. Her blue matriarch dress with gold trim sparkled under the light as her emerald eyes spotted Weyr, Marius, and someone else she had yet to meet. She then heard the bartender answer. “Why yes, I do. She pays all of her employees very well and allows us to keep all the tips too.” The Zeltron looked up, then chuckled. “Well, speak of her, and she arrives.” Bowing, she turned to the Twi’lek. “And what would you like, Mrs. Versea?”
“Tatooine sunrise, please.” She then turned to the mercenary in front of her. “Well, welcome to the estate. I am Tasha’Vel Versea, the hostess of tonight’s masquerade dance and festivities. I apologize for not being here earlier to greet you; I had some rather interesting shenanigans happening, but they are currently being dealt with accordingly.” She smiled whimsically.
The taxi slowly descended, giving its passengers a nice view of the estate and its ornate maze. The estate had far more elegance and beauty than the Caldiren abode back on Seraph, but it still boasted a kind of might that Shadow Nighthunter could appreciate. If anything, she now had another project to propose to her husband when they returned home.
For now, however, they had a ball to enjoy. Neither she nor her husband was sure what awaited them. Whatever fate had in store, it wouldn’t matter. They’d stay aware while enjoying the dancing and refreshments promised in the invitation.
“No, we’re not getting a maze.”
Sanguis Caldiren’s words crushed Shadow’s hopes before she could even voice them, eliciting a soft groan of disappointment from the half-Sephi. “But wouldn’t it be a great way for the boys to train?”
“My dear Rowan,” the Nagai started, his voice taking on its usual hypnotic quality with a hint of amusement. “I wisened up to you using the boys to your benefit long ago, and I’m not about to give in to whatever persuasive argument is brewing in that clever mind of yours. We have the mountains, the caves, and the woods to train them up well. Plus, you have the gardens to capture your attention and care. No need to add more to your daily tasks.”
The temptation to argue for argument’s sake was strong, but the assassin couldn’t refute her husband logically. It was infuriating, but it was also what charmed her heart. He wasn’t an easy prize, and it made their marriage all the more cherishable and worth fighting for.
“Alright, no maze,” she responded with an exasperated and exaggerated sigh. “Killjoy.”
Sanguis glanced at her, chuckling softly. “I love you too, my little wolf. Now, let’s be ready to present ourselves. The night awaits.”
The door to their taxi opened, and the two slid out of their transport, Sanguis helping his wife to straighten the skirt of her ebony gown adorned with a crimson-lined train and silver embroidery. In turn, Shadow straightened the collar of his inner shirt hiding behind a red-lined, black waistcoat and raven-black coat decorated with silver embroidery. When finished, he kissed her nose, took her hand in his, and led her into the maze through the right entrance following an escort from the estate’s staff.
After several minutes of winding twists and turns, the Sith pair arrived at the courtyard before the steps of the main hall. They exchanged another glance, Shadow offering her husband a curt nod that she was ready. Content, but still aware, Quaestor Caldiren led Lady Nighthunter up the steps to whatever madness might await them.
-# <@1385116824814878940>
Marius Apollo Edraven-Erinos and Weyr Suil sat near the mini-bar, each with their own respective drinks in hand as they caught up on what each other had been up to in the intervening days between their last meeting and this Ball. The half-Sephi wore a navy blue trousers, vest, coat and tie with silver filigree over a crisp white collared shirt.
Currently, he had the black wolven mask with decorative silver designs lifted above his mouth so he could safely enjoy his drink.
The Evereni was regaling Marius with tales of what had gone on at the clinic where he worked before they made their way to the dance floor.
“Please, no apologies necessary.” Mao’han offered a warm smile to his hostess as he turned to face her. “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Versea. And thank you for the invitation; Your home is truly breathtaking.”
Ballroom Hall:
Weyr chuckled as he walked beside Marius, holding the man’s arm as he led him into the ballroom. He spotted Vigo lurking against the wall and gave a small greeting wave before crossing the floor to sit on another empty bench with Marius, looking out at the dance floor. He saw a very colorful and gorgeously dressed man dancing with Dominik on the floor, and then Vance dancing with a red-haired lady in a beautiful black laced dancing gown. He then looked up at the beautiful skylights and the golden Twi’lek-shaped chandelier with the amethyst crystal light holders that turned the moonlight into a beautiful violet hue.
He then listened to the orchestra as they played a Viennese waltz piece as he took Marius’s hand. “Kind of wish you could see this, Marius. It’s stunningly gorgeous. Tasha’Vel really made a spectacular ballroom. The floor is a dark amethyst marble; she has skylights to see the moon and stars; there are four white marbled statues on the four corners; the orchestra is against the far right wall in the middle with a raised platform playing, and there are a few dancing.”
Mini Bar Room
Pips let out a loud squeaking chirp as he felt alone, then he spotted the pool table and decided it would be interesting to play pool. He wheeled himself over to the pool table and lifted the triangle holding all the balls and put it to the side. Curious, he remembered they use a stick to try to get all the balls in with one shot. The pool sticks, however, were so awkwardly tall. So he had a better idea and decided he was gonna play by his own rules. He took the white ball and moved to a corner and analyzed the whole table and the balls. Then, aiming, he sent the white ball spinning into the rest, scattering them in all directions as he watched them all except the black 8-ball fall in. He chirped happily.
The bartender giggled as she watched him play.
“Thank you.” She smiled warmly. “I do try to make sure all my guests attending have some form of entertainment, whether it is dancing, drinking, talking.” She looked briefly at the droid playing pool his way; her smile widened. “Making your own rules at pool. As long as you are enjoying yourself, that is what matters. Well I shall be around just have to see to a few more guests that arrived, but feel free to explore. I have a lot of interesting rooms, and places. There is the library, ballroom, and lounge. The lounge does have refreshments like veggie platters, meat platters, and, of course, drinks are here. She then bowed politely and went back out to the hall and spotted Tahiri and someone she thought she recognized, but hadn’t really run into a whole lot.
Main Hall
“Welcome Tahiri and all.” She bowed politely. “I have a lot of activities you are welcome to enjoy as well as refreshments. The lounge to the right as you walk in has all manner of meat and veggie skewers, cheese and cracker platters, and fruit bowls. If you are looking for drinks, the minibar is in the game room to the left, my Zeltron bartender can set you up with anything you desire to drink. Straight behind me is the ballroom if you were looking to dance, here in a bit, I do have something special planned out that may involve your hostess singing, but we will see.” She grins to them. <@503352868363960336> <@248237225202941964> <@411418079810289665> <@375384499770359819> <@629429326290485286>
Shadow and Sanguis listened respectfully as their host presented the options, and though they would eventually grace the dance floor, the minibar called to the couple. Shadow could never pass up a glass of champagne, which would give them an opportunity to get a feel for the environment before they lost themselves in a waltz.
Of course, before they could escape to the game room, the two Sith remembered their manners.
“Thank you very much for this night of revelry,” Sanguis said, bringing his hand to his chest and bowing his head respectfully, with Shadow mirroring him. “This was most generous of you, Lady Versea.” <@1385116824814878940>
“A real pleasure to have you both here for the evening. Enjoy the night, have fun, explore my estate if you wish and if you need anything, I will be around as well as a few of my assistants should you get lost.” She chuckled and bowed respectfully. “And if the night wears you out near end, I do have a few rooms available to all my guests as well should you need them to retire.”
Newt stands up from their seat and makes their way towards the drinks, careful to not get in the way of people dancing.
Corinna had drifted back in from the gardens with the calm of the koi still clinging to her, though the warm light and layered noises of the main hall quickly began to fray the residue of her meditation. She hovered near a pillar, watching the hostess sweep past toward the bar abuzz with energy as she welcomed her guests. The Zeltron envied that effortless energy a little. Ironic she hadn’t inherited it, given she had been raised in an inn.
She dipped her head toward the newcomer, Tahiri, with a small, sincere smile.
<@375384499770359819>
“Thank you, Lady Versea,” Sanguis answered smoothly. “We will keep that in mind.”
The Quaestor offered a respectful nod of thanks before he and his wife headed toward the game room. Upon entering, they spotted the minibar where a Zeltron bartender carefully cleaned glasses. Off to the side, a droid chirped excitedly as it improvised its own game of billiards at a pool table.
There was also a man present, wearing a harlequin mask as he sipped his beverage. Curiosity prompted Shadow to study him briefly, but a nudge at the small of her back from her husband shifted her attention back toward the glass of bubbly that surely awaited her.
“Good evening,” Sanguis greeted the Zeltron with a polite smile. “A glass of champagne for my wife, and cabernet for me, please.”
Angelica Kendis spent a moment adjusting her corset and securing her saber to the inside of her coat before slipping through the doors of the building. The had gotten an invitation and Cryo, Rue’s partner, decided to call in a favor and have Angelica follow him to the event. It was still a surprise to Angel that the two had gotten together, especially given how different Rue was from herself, but she was happy for Cryo nonetheless.
Upon entering, the Kendis glanced until she found the ballroom and made her way in, her black and red mask offering only a fraction of anonymity compared to her helmet, but she was assured that this was a safe place with safe people.
Inside she saw not only Rue but also sensed Jelc hanging around somewhere. She hadn’t even realized she was searching for any sort of familiarity until she was.
Jelc finally, after a bit, catches up to Lynna’Vel and Mihoshi. He had his hand near his dagger as he looked at them both laughing. “Lynna’Vel, come here now; your mother has been worried sick about you, and it’s way past your bedtime, young lady.” His eyes then turn to Mihoshi and narrow. “I don’t know who you are, but you have caused enough mayhem today, worrying the hostess of the estate, so I would suggest you leave now.”
“Aww, they taught me how to make flower crowns, and really they didn’t hurt me Jelly; I just had fun running around.”
“Lynna, do not argue with me now, young lady.” She knew that tone; whenever it was dangerous, it had no nonsense. “Yes, Jelly.” She then moved back to his side. “Let’s go. As for you, better be gone before I send someone to escort you out.” He replied just as Syk materialized behind Mihoshi. “Let’ss go, troublemaker.” She hissed as her eyes narrowed. “I am escorting you personally out.”
Jelc sighed softly. “Thanks, Syk. I leave this in your hands. Let’s go, Lynna; you worried your mom enough, as well as Rue.” He replied.
“I worried Rue. Oh no, he was here!” She suddenly felt really bad as she walked back into the estate. Jelc waved briefly to Angelica as he passed with Lynna’Vel to the bedrooms.
“I am sorry, Jelly! Tell Rue and Mom I am sorry for making them worry.”
The Devaronian in his roguish outfit,smiled and bowed. “I will be, little one. Now go to bed for me and do not stay up anymore, okay. You scared them bad, kiddo.”
She sighed as she went to her bed. “I promise, Jelly, only because you asked.”
Smiling, he gave her a wink. “That’s my little Rylothian Star.” He then closed her door and waited till he heard her shifting into the bed before walking off to the ballroom. “Lynna’Vel is safe, Tasha.” He replied, speaking into the communicator as he waved to Rue, getting his attention to let him know Lynna'Vel was safe.
Meanwhile, in the Main Hall, Tasha’Vel breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Jelc.”
Mini Bar
The Zeltron bartender smiled. “Most certainly, some nice fancy wine for some fantastically fancy dressed folks.” She carefully popped a cork off a bottle of champagne and poured a glass, setting it in front of Shadow and then put it away before pouring a glass of cabernet, placing it in front of Sanguis. “I hope you enjoy the evening, I know in a little bit there is going to be a special song with the hostess singing soon in the Ball Room. <@411418079810289665> <@301514304845381632> <@244244163002892288>
Angel gave a short wave back as she moved along to find a place to sit and watch over the area. As much as she loved socializing, that wasn’t her task for the evening. Not yet at least.
Ball Room Vance smiled to Aure after he had gone through all the steps and danced a complete circle with the Corellian Waltz. He gave her one last twirl about dipping her down and up, before smiling and moving off the dance floor. “You are very spirited, elegant and down right fantastic to have as a dance partner Aure. I appreciate the dance tonight. I have to take a breather before our second part to the music.” He gave her a wink and a bow. “Our hostess and I have a little something special we planned tonight, so I am gonna have to go change for it real quick, but I shall see you again out there.” He then walked out of the ballroom, towards the small changing room through a door in the back just off the platform side and quickly changed into his performance outfit. He took a few moments to drink some water and prepare himself for the next bit and smiled. Jelc had decided to walk over to Angel and leaned against the wall next to. “Hey nice to see you here. How are you doing tonight?”
“Nice to see you, too,” Angel replied, taking her eyes off the dance floor to focus on Jelc. “I’d say I’m…. Fine enough. Things have started to calm down at home now that Elly is back so I’ve been able to rest. What about you? Still planning a visit to Heaven?”
“That’s good; glad you are doing better. I have been managing myself well enough.” His face contorts into slight confusion. “Heaven? Uh, I am not quite familiar is that an actual place? Apologies; I have been busy of late and may have missed a memo.”
A slight chuckle slipped past her lips. “It’s a place. Just probably not the place you’re thinking of. Heaven is a small mining station we commandeered a while back. It’s served as a home for us ever since. It could be your home, if you’d like.”
His eyes sparkled and softened, the man trying hard not to choke up. “A home and a family again…"He paused for a moment in thought before he felt his heart swell with emotion at the realization of her words. His face lit up with a hope he had thought was long buried deep. "Yes, Angel, I would be honored to call Heaven my new home. Till Rue invited me, I mostly had been living in my ship and traveling for a long time, never really having anywhere tied down, not since..Well, not since that fateful day. I never felt like I could move on, you know. But now…” He sat down next to her on the bench as he looked into her eyes. “I feel like I can move on finally and embrace my new family that really does feel like fate decided I needed. I now have a new purpose and those I can protect and share experiences along with care about deeply. Thank you, Angel, it really does mean a lot to this Devaronian.” He took his kerchief from his pocket and wiped a tear from his eye. “Sorry just have a little something in my eye.”
As glad as Angelica was that she was able to make Jelc happy, she couldn’t help but be uncomfortable with his sudden tears. “It’s nothing, really. Rue vouches for you and both Elly and Cryo vouch for Rue so… You’re free to join us,” she said, completely leaving out all of the intelligence gathering her sister had done since they last spoke.
“It’s not anything impressive but it’s home. You’ll have your own room and there’s room for another ship. But we can go over all the details later. For now let’s just have fun, okay?”
He smiled as he cleared his throat. “Indeed that is why you are here. Well there is quite a few things. Would you like anything to drink? I can always grab you something from the bar if you want. Or you could people watch the other guests too.” He smirked while he glanced over at Rue still dancing with Dominik on the floor.
Shadow smiled, her golden eyes softening. “Thank you, and yes, Lady Versea mentioned the performance.”
The half-Sephi’s gaze shifted over to her husband. “Best we attend, hm? Sounds like it’s going to be fantastic.”
Sanguis gave an exaggerated sigh. “I suppose. At least we’ll have alcohol to dull the senses if it turns out terrible.”
“Sanguis!” Shadow hissed, amusement in her voice, as she playfully swatted his shoulder. “Be nice!”
The Quaestor chuckled softly. “I jest, my love. I jest. I’m sure it’ll be delightful. Shall we make our way to the ballroom?”
With their drinks in hand, the two bid the bartender farewell before exiting the game room. When they arrived at the ballroom, the lingering echoes of a waltz briefly tickled their ears. They found a spot by a window, letting a comfortable silence settle between them as they listened to the orchestra begin to play. As always, Shadow studied the other attendees, probing them lightly with the Force out of habit.
“I’m surprised, Ro.”
“Hm?” Sanguis’ words broke her concentration, bringing her attention back to him. “Surprised about what?”
“That you haven’t asked for a ballroom to be added to our estate.”
“Oh, well…” The half-Sephi took a sip of her champagne and shrugged. “We’ve only opened our home to close friends, Sanguis. Never to strangers. Our home is a sanctuary. A fortress. No need for a ballroom.”
“Fair.”
“Besides, parties and people are not my thing. You know that. I’m only here to support and enjoy a lovely evening with you. I’m perfectly happy dancing in the gardens back home amidst the cherry blossoms.”
Her words earned a smile from Sanguis, the Quaestor’s amber eyes flashing with warmth and affection. “Always the simple romantic, Rowan. You never want for anything grandiose.”
“I have all I need,” she responded. “You. The boys. Our animals. My garden. The power and ability to protect what I love.”
“No grand schemes to become Empress again?”
“Gods, no!” Shadow quickly refuted. “I’m perfectly happy being an assassin again for the Empire. Don’t you start trying to tempt me otherwise.”
Another chuckle escaped the Nagai. He took a sip of his cabernet and sighed contentedly. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“A drink would be nice if you don’t mind,” Angel replied, fiddling with her gloves a bit. They were stiffer and more restrictive than what she was used to. “Grab one for yourself while you’re at it.”
He smirks as he watches a moment. “Oooh you got the fancy tight gloves.” He showed her his fancy but far more breathable ones.
“They do make nice ones you can actually feel more free and flex better in at the Shame Corner. I got these because if I have to use my blaster or knife, I can act quicker. Those sadly are more for just looking pretty.” He chuckled. “The moment something happened those gloves are coming off. So what would you like to drink before I run off?Can be anything.”
“They were Mara’s idea. She’s always liked me in gloves and when I said I was going somewhere fancy she jumped at the chance. I’ve got gloves for missions already but they’re not good enough I guess.” The Kendis sighed, crossing her arms to keep herself from fidgeting. “I wouldn’t mind some wine”
Ball Room:
“Wine it is then!” Jelc grinned giving a one finger raised salute to Angel as he moved quickly for the mini bar in the game room. He passed the darker skinned Sephi and his wife as well as Tasha’Vel, Corinna and Tahiri as he arrived at the counter.
“Two glasses of your finest Pinot Noir please.” He grinned to the Zeltron bartender.
“Absolutely, getting those right now.” She took two glasses and poured a bottle of the house best Pinot Noir into them before handing them to Jelc. He bowed, taking them in hand as he made his way carefully back into the Ballroom and haneded her one of the glasses as he sat down beside her on the bench. “There we are, I chose some Pinot Noir, it’s an excellent delicious red wine. Figured we can enjoy ourselves a bit.” He swirled his glass around a bit, before taking a sip and grinned. “Mmm yes, it has a nice fruit forward taste with those grapes and berries with a nice earthy undertone. It happens to be one of my favorite ones.” He then leaned his back against the wall as he started to relax. “I’m quite glad you came out tonight. I really love that you and Rue made it here. Makes my night just a little more meaningful having family here.”
Main Hall:
Tasha’Vel smiled to Tahiri and Corinna before checking the time on her wrist communicator.
“Well it is almost time for the show. I hope you make it to the Ball Room, I am preparing a little something for everyone there. I do have to take leave as I am part of it.” She winked. “See you all there.” Bowing, she made her way to the back where the dressing room was and knocked. “You finished up there Vance?” He chuckled and opened the door and stepped out in his dazzling sparkling blue jacket, black mesh undershirt and matching sparkling blue leather pants with black halfboots, his long maroon hair was brushed back and cascaded down his back. He gave her a smirk and a wink. “Ready and waiting for you, Mrs. Versea.” She gave him a look. “Tasha, you don’t have to call me by that title, you know.” She slipped into the changing room and closed the door as she put on a gorgeous gold headdress with emerald and diamond gemstones decorated on it and put on her sapphire heels to match her matriarch dress. Looking in the mirror, she then put on her magenta lipstick and took black eyeliner to her eyes, adding a little more dramatic wing to both eyelids, making them really stand out as she applied mascara. Finally, she added a couple of decorative golden and emerald rings to her lekku and grinned. “Well, I think that will do it.” She then stepped out to meet Vance.
“Whoa, look at you! You look fantastic.” The magenta-skinned half-Sephi grinned. “This is gonna be epic; I can feel it. Remember, take a breath, and just channel your nervous energy. We are gonna be amazing.” He looked at the time. “We are almost ready; the orchestra is prepped and will hand us the microphones when we get to the stage.” Tasha’Vel smiled widely. “Yeah, heart’s already racing a mile a minute; you think after every single combat mission I’ve been on, a simple show wouldn’t affect me? Well, I will take your advice, Vance, thanks.” Taking a deep breath and letting it out, she steadied herself as he chuckled. “Ready to knock their shoes off?” He grinned to her, holding out his arm.
“I am ready when you are.” She smirked back, taking his arm. “We got about ten minutes till showtime.” <@411418079810289665> <@629429326290485286> <@244244163002892288> <@248237225202941964> <@421348712673968142> <@267489687902486530> <@503352868363960336> <@186977617356783616>
While Jelc was gone, Angel simply sighed and looked out at the dance floor, her eyes fixed on nothing in particular, just gazing. Ever since the clan got involved with Arcona and the brotherhood she’d been seeing her family less and less, forced to be the envoy of their group. She had to network and form bonds and acquire allys, but it was lonely work.
As quick as Jelc had left, he was back with something to take the edge off. Angelica happily accepted the glass and downed half of it without hesitation. She adored the flavor of wine but now wasn’t a time for savoring.
“It’s good,” she responded. “And I’m glad I ran into you. It’s good to see someone familiar,” Angel paused for a moment before reaching out into her jacket and pulling out a cigarra. “How much trouble do you think I’d get in?” She asked, waving the vice that would eventually kill her.
He smirked and gave her a wink as he pulled out one himself from his own side pocket.
“I tend to smoke them myself when I am reflecting and just need to relax. Tasha'vel did say to enjoy yourself and sometimes we need a little something. I known she wont mind and if she does I will handle it later and tell her it was all me” He grinned.
“She can’t say no to this face.”
He then gave her the most charming debonair grin and wiggled his eyebrows.
“Works for me,” Angel said with a chuckle before sliding the cigarra between her lips. With her free hand she snapped her fingers to make a small flame appear on her pointer finger which she used to light it. Once hers was settled, she reached her hand out towards Jelc with a muffled “C'mere” she she spoke around the cigarra.
“I need get me that kind of power.” He chuckled as he leaned forward and let her light his. He then took a deep draw and let out a nice cloud of smoke as he leaned back next to her.
“Course they do say these will kill us one day, but eh kark them all for now.”
Angel shrugged, shaking her hand to put out the fire, giving her hand the new job of holding her cigarra. “I survived a worse,” Angel said. She always wondered if force healing could stave off the adverse affects of her vice but hadn’t needed to put it into practice just yet.
“You’re young yet, you should quit while you’re ahead”
The orchestra conductor stopped playing and turned to the microphone on the stage.
“Welcome, one and all, to the Versea Masquerade. Tonight we have a special dance number provided by the Hostess. Welcome to the stage, Tasha’Vel Versea and Vance Whitlock!”
From behind the stage came the maroon-haired, pink-skinned half-Sephi, now wearing a striking, sparkling blue jacket over a black mesh undershirt. He also had sparkling blue pants and black half-boots on as he took a microphone and grinned as Tasha’Vel appeared in her gold-and-emerald-decorated headdress, her matriarch dress, and matching blue heels. Her emerald eyes sparkle as she smiles and walks to Vance standing beside him as they bow together.
“Tonight Vance and I would love to perform the song. “La Pasion or in basic, The Passion. It is a song about finding the Purest form of Love and Passion that transcends through time. We will be singing it in the original language. Please enjoy the song and dance if you wish to.”
Nodding to the conductor, he begins the intro as Tasha’Vel and Vance begin to sing.