VERSEA ESTATE 44ABY
All was prepared and ready for tonight’s event. As the clock struck five PM, guests would be arriving soon. The kitchen had already prepared the first hors d'oeuvres of the night. Charcuterie boards with varying meats, cheeses, olives and berries were ready to go. As well as veggie trays with all manners of fresh vegetables. For the meats it ranged from nerf, bantha, and gorn to the berry platter which had chocolate covered cambylictus berries, Kurado fruit and semi-frozen Kullgroon drops. Another platter offered Mandalorian orange slices. She also had prepared some blooming onions, and some nerf sliders with B’omarr-style pickles on them.
As for drinks, her bar on hand was stocked with Whyren’s Reserve, Corellian Whiskey, Cloud City, Mudhorn eggnog, lemonade, Keshian Spiced milk, Joh Blastoh Sangria, Daro Root beet, Durga Berry Schnapps and so much more.
Nodding to the staff, the Matriarch of the Estate strode out to the ballroom. As she entered through the violet marbled archway entrance with gold trim, the first thing she noticed was the immaculately cleaned dark violet marble flooring and walls. Smiling, she then looked up at the stunningly beautiful golden Twi’lek shaped grand chandelier that sparkled a brilliant purple with the amethyst crystal light holders. From the opposite side of the archway across the room was another archway with double ornate marble doors with ornate gold trim. Above it, bore the purple banner with the Versea family Crest.
Already, she could hear the small orchestra she hired practicing and warming up their instruments for the various waltzes, tangos, and many other dances that would occur. They were already on the stage that was on the right side of the room. As she glanced to the left, there were a few small tables and chairs for guests to rest if they needed a break from dancing. . Around each of the four corners of the room were four different statues:one a marble Nautolan lady with one arm raised behind her head and looking out at the dance floor. Another of a marble Corellian man holding a bow in hand and a Blissl in his other. The third a marble Twi’lek lady in a matriarchal dress like Tasha’Vel smiling as she seemed to also be looking out at the dance floor. The last. a marble Sephi female clad in a robe playing a double Viol. As she looked again to the ceiling above, the stars, moon and night sky were shining down from the skylights.
It was perfect.
Happy with how things looked, she strode out to the lounge hall. To the left of her from out of the ballroom was another ornate double door that led to the relaxing lounge, where guests could sit down by a nice fireplace. The mantle above had a few masquerade-like decorations and a white mask in the middle. The floor had an ornate dark blue and gold designed area rug with a couple dark blue sofas, two reclining chairs and a couple small tables with chairs. To the right of her from the ballroom door, was the second set of ornate double doors leading into the game hall. For those wanting to test their luck, she had a sabaac table, pazaak table, and a dice table set up with her hired staff dealing at the tables. Now if say a guest did not feel like playing, there was also a pool table in the back right corner and to the left corner a couple arcades set up. There was also one slot machine on the opposite side of the room in the far left upper corner so that one could try their luck as well.
Knowing that both of these rooms were well in hand she continued her survey of the estate, moving to the entryway with the coat closets where guests could hang their coats or store items. As she flung open the beautifully crafted oakwood doors with the words. “Versea’s Haven” over the top written in her language, she stepped outside onto the quaint cobblestone pathway into the courtyard. The beautiful smell of the botanical gardens hit her nostrils as she looked to the right of her and saw the deep cool spring pool lined with natural red Rylothian stones around it. It was always a favorite place for her more aquatic allies and it offered them a reprieve from the scorching overbearing sun of Ryloth.
Happy, she smiled as then the smell of exotic Rylothian lilies, and other sweet flowers struck her nostrils. Turning to the left, she could see her beautiful well kept exotic garden. It had a gorgeous fountain in the middle, with several rare, very expensive and beautiful pleasant smelling flowers.
Pungent honeyblossoms that were used to make incense, The gorgeous pink Vanserv flowers from Kasshyyyk she had specially brought in because of her fallen wookie friend, Blueblossoms, crimson Plom blooms, purple passions, everlilies, Rojos, Night flowers, Barelia flowers,Tellanadan moonflowers, Rigelian Iris, Katella flowers, Kuan lowers, snowbloom,Uneti blossoms,and queen’s heart. These were all flowers that her grandfather had cared for as well as a few she had added herself. Besides the fountain were a few small stone benches that one could sit or meditate on in the garden. In the far back of the garden, were two memorials set up. One with an ornate vase of Rylothian lilies in honor of Morra’Tel, her grandfather who gave her this estate, and the other a vase of Vanserv flowers for Tarryhn, her fallen Wookie friend.
Tasha’Vel stood there taking in the sweet scent of her exotic garden, the gentle night breeze from the sands of Ryloth blowing softly on her skin as she closed her eyes a moment. She could feel peace, calmness, serenity. Yes, this would be a truly wonderful night to remember. As she opened her emerald eyes, the grandfather clock in the main hallway of the lounge began to sound off.
Jelc Rovint, her Devaronian loyalist was dressed in a butler’s outfit with a golden foxlike masquerade mask on his face and waited for her signal to throw open the doors.
Iphis emerged from the taxi and adjusted her sword, which had spent the trip over in her lap, to hang more appropriately from one hip. Her outfit, recycled from a gala which she had not properly attended, had the distinctly martial air of a dress uniform for no military that existed anywhere in the galaxy.
The main garment was a fitted, long-sleeved black septsilk jacket with a high, structured collar. A wide, deep purple Onderon silk sash lay draped across her waist and hips, adding a bold splash of color that contrasted sharply with the black septsilk. A floor-length cape, made of rich purple Onderon silk, hung off her right shoulder, flowing down the back, to pool theatrically behind her. It had, for the masquerade to which Iphis, strictly speaking, had not been invited, been augmented with a black domino mask that did little to conceal her identity to anyone who had met her.
The Hapan took in the ornate gateway to the Versea estate, still closed. She checked her chrono. She was on time, bordering on early. Embarassing. She turned to ask the driver to circle around for a bit so she wouldn’t be the first to arrive, but the Twi'lek just waved as the speeder’s passenger door began to hiss shut. “No Basic!”
Tasha'vel heard the sound of a taxi arriving early and saw one of the guests at the gates, turning she nodded to Jelc.
“Let them in.”
Nodding,the masked Devaronian smiled as he swiped the access port and punched in the code. Soon the black ornate gates came alive and opened up, inviting the Hapan inside to the courtyard. The path itself was made of cobblestone that split into three paths, to the left were the botanical gardens, to the right was a more exotic garden with crimson Rylothian lilies and other flowers while in the center, a sapphire skinned Twi'lek garbed in a gorgeous blue and gold trim matriarch dress and matching heels stood with a golden swan mask on her face. Behind her lay the white marbled estate.
“Welcome to my estate, I hope that the journey wasn’t too rough for you. I am Tasha'vel Versea, hostess for the masquerade event for today. ” She replied as she gestured to the estate with her right hand and gave a slight bow.
“You are early, but there are plenty of things available to look at and enjoy as more guests arrive. I have two different gardens here. My botanical gardens I use when making salves, balms and other medicinal compounds as well as fresh herbs for flavoring food. There is also a small stone pool there where you may meditate or reflect if you wish.
As for my exotic gardens, which you can probably already smell some of the wonderfully intoxicating scents contains several very rare, expensive flowers.
My late grandfather loved gardens very much. Feel free to wander about my courtyard as we wait for a few more to show and should you need any assistance with something, my butler Jelc will be around. Just wave and he should show up.” She replied as she waved her left hand. And on cue the crimson skinned Devaronian in a black twin tailed butler outfit with a golden fox mask appeared. He then bowed politely to Iphis.
“Jelc Rovint, at your service.”
Bril seldom came to outings like this. It wasn’t what he would consider a good time, nor an effective use of his attention. How badly would he rather have been spending time with his family – with Minnie (his fiancée) and Rhizas’Pii, their foundling, and their siblings. And there was the work of helping govern House Galeres, leading the Pathfinders, and participating as a member of the Dajorran Confederacy - his home system’s central government. But his advisor, Aveena, had insisted that he attended this little soiree. He was good with people, she had assured him, and presenting himself as one of the public faces of the clan would be a win for everyone.
So, here he was, dressed in a tailored suit that Foxen, his found-brother, helped him secure for this occasion. As he stepped off the loading ramp of his modified X-70b Phantom, the Erinos’ Oath, he adjusted the gold masquerade mask on his face before beginning his amble across the stone-paved courtyard.
As expected, the gates were shut, which made sense because he was early. He could sense the presence of a few others within the estate already, making note of their unique texture and tune while he waited.
The Matriarch stood in the courtyard, having noticed the male Zabrak arrive, turned towards him and bowed politely. Welcome to my Estate, it is nice to see another I have not met before. I am Tasha’Vel Versea or you may refer to me as Tasha if you like. At the moment, I do not have the estate open fully yet, as we are early, however I do have the gardens available that you can enjoy in the time being as we wait for a few more guests. To the left are my botanical gardens, where there is a nice pool where you can rest, meditate or reflect if you wish. To the right path is my exotic floral garden, where you will find many amazing, spectacular and gorgeous rare flowers. They are my late grandfather’s pride and joy of this entire estate. All I ask is that you please respect the gardens. If there are any flowers that you wish to have, please come ask me. I may be able to assist you in getting some. If you need anything at all, Jelc is here to assist you as needed or if you have anything related to the estate he can direct you to me. Welcome again and enjoy yourself here.” She smiled warmly as Jelc then turned from Iphis and bowed to him.
Bril’s crystal blue eyes fell on the exquisitely dressed twi'lek woman, regarding her for a moment. But those eyes peered deeper, momentarily looking beyond the veneer of physical appearance to what lied beneath. This woman, Tasha'Vel Versea, radiated a level of tranquility that he’d expect from a follower of the light side of the Force. Odd. Her dossier, what few details he’d skimmed on his flight over at least, indicated that she followed some version of the Sith philosophy. Probing deeper still, he sensed a fragile tenderness born of sadness and the conflict of a soul torn between light and dark. For a man whose Force Sense came as naturally to him as breathing, he gleaned this picture of her in the time it took her to introduce herself. His expression softened.
“Thank you for opening your home to me, Miss Versea. It’s lovely,” he replied, pressing his palm flat to his chest with a slight bow. “My name is Bril Teg Erinos, of Clan Arcona. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
"Would it be too much to trouble you for a bit of conversation?”
His eyes flashed over to Jelc, to whom he offered a nod of acknowledgement; then, he looked to the blond woman, offering the same.
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“Absolutely not Bril, I would be more than happy to oblige you with conversation. What topics would you like to speak on?” She softly replied, her tone gentle as her Emerald eyes now focused, seemed to also be analyzing him a bit as she smiled.
“Thank you,” he said, folding his arms behind his back. He began walking toward their left, where the botanical gardens were. “You’re from Naga Sadow, right? Your clanmates lended military aid to us in Clan Arcona when our capital planet was beset by ancient Sith and their war beasts. Were you among them that day?”
As they entered into the botanicals gardens, she turned her gaze towards one of the plants she had taken from Selen to study. “Yes, I remember that day.” She replied as she recalled the past events while gently placing her hands on the vase with the plant. “Your people were hurting, they cried out for help. I answered that call to help. I fought alongside Odanites and Arconans to help defend their citadel against them. I remember even this one instance, one of those Sith tried to take out some of the beautiful gardens that were planted. It reminded me of my Grandfather’s exotic garden and..” Her eyes then turned vividly green as she then turned back to Bril placing it gently back on its pedestal. Her face a far more serious look, he could sense the anger seething within her at the thought. “I refused to allow those brutes to trample that beauty into nothing and held my ground. Even surrounded, I refused to yield to them. I had a purpose, to protect my allies, and I made damn sure not a one harmed that garden that day.” Her face and body then shifting back to a lesser intimidating look as she smiled. “I still hope that garden is still doing well.”
Bril recognized that flower. It was of the Critenia genus, a beautiful canary yellow flower known for its ability to luminesce in low light. It was one of Bril’s favorites because it reminded him of Minnie, his tai'shan – soulmate. Where it once represented only beauty, it also carried quite a bit of pain, as well. He could feel the residual psychic energy, the weight of the suffering endured that day, resonating in the Force like the somber tune of a hallikset player.
“This flower represents the determination of the Selenian people to endure, to persevere despite the efforts of tyrants and monsters to oppress them,” he spoke, calmly but with a building fire. The same fire that drove him to do everything in his power to support and uplift the people of Selen and the entire Dajorra System. “But we showed that day that we won’t sit idly by and allow the smog of evil to consume all we hold dear. And for the part you played in helping secure a brighter future for my people, you have my thanks.”
Bril held Tasha'vel’s gaze while extending his hand to shake. “Should you ever need assistance, you need only ask.”
A brief mist formed in her eyes as she looked at the extended hand. She remembered the tales, the war stories her grandfather, Morra'tel told about how he would go to different planets to help the people reclaim and fight against those trying to destroy their hope. Here she was actually following the Warrior’s path, protecting those that were in need, were oppressed and doing the exact thing she wanted to be, a protector. Blinking back the tears, she then reached out and shook Bril’s hand. He could feel strength, happiness and an overwhelming power flowing through her.
“You are welcome, Bril. It reminded me of why I chose the path I did. Perhaps later I can tell you about my grandfather sometime, he had a warrior’s heart and had a love for protecting others. Nice to hear from someone else, I still carry that resolve and belief. Thank you. Now I should probably get back to my hostess duties, but it was nice to meet you.”
Bril’s eyes brightened to accompany a warm smile. Tasha’s words were touching, inspiring. “I would love to hear about your grandfather and his travels. Remind me to get your contact information before the event comes to a close.
"It’s a pleasure to meet you, too. I’ll be here for the time being.”
He gave her a final nod before turning to peruse the plants present in the garden, listening to the way their notes vibrated in the Force as he strolled through the aisles.
He paused at a rather old flower, it was faded, blue color, but the more he focused, he felt The Force vibrate vigorously.
“Hm?” he muttered to himself upon noticing the flower, “Let’s see what we have here.”
He leaned forward, inspecting it closer.
The echo then reveals itself to Bril before fading away like a small breath in the wind.
Bril, upon witnessing everything the echo had to show him, curled his hand into a fist. He had inadvertently stumbled upon something that wasn’t meant for him to see. Something private. He silently thanked the Force for showing him, then promptly moved back to the courtyard.
“It’s always interesting to see who still holds to horticulture,” Iphis said, letting whatever private epiphany the Zabrak had experience pass without comment. The two could have been forgiven for forgetting she was there, looming silently behind them. As far as Force senses were concerned, she effectively wasn’t. “Your stonework almost makes me feel nostalgic for Hapes.”
Tasha'vel smiled as she remarked. “I remember when the stonework was done for the gardens, my grandfather had done the work himself. I merely just made sure everything was pristinely maintained when he passed. He certainly loved his gardens. He used to tell me that it was where he could relax and think the most clearly during some of his harder decisions he had to make. Now I think it is time we go ahead and throw open the doors to my estate. I have kept you both a good bit of time. Jelc if you please, do the honors.” The crimson Devaronian with black slicked back hair gave a deep bow, grabbed both of the ornate patterned doors and pulled them open, to reveal a large hallway, the inside a dark purple coloring with gold trim. “Doors are open, Matriarch.”
She grinned. “Perfect, the estate is open, please feel free to come inside, relax and have some refreshments brought to you in the lounge, my gaming room, or the ballroom.”
As she stepped forward inside, she raised up her right hand and a very handsomely dressed pink half Sephi appeared. He was wearing a very nice black uniform with a dark purple sash tied to his left side. On his face, he wore a black ornate raven masquerade mask. His long maroon hair was cascading down the length of his shoulders and pushed behind him,showing off his long pointed Sephi ears. Giving a dashing smile to her and the two guests still outside, he extended his left arm out and bowed his head slightly. He then smirked and winked to the guests.
“Vance Whitlock, at your service. Should you require a drink, need some assistance getting around the estate, I am happy to oblige. Welcome to the Versea Estate, please have a look around and enjoy yourselves.”
“He sounds like a remarkable man,” Bril remarked upon hearing Tasha’s explanation.
As they walked through into the estate proper, he focused his attention on the blonde woman whose earlier comments suggested she was from, or at least perhaps had lived, in the Hapes Cluster. His senses were sharp, not yet at their full potential, but no less remarkable in scope. As natural to him as breathing. So, when he applied a bit of active concentration to observing this woman’s presence in the Force, he was left surprised. A glimpse of her power flashed across his consciousness before suddenly vanishing, like a door had been shut in his face just before he could peak his head inside.
He moved closer to her, and spoke with a hushed tone meant for her ears alone. “Do you often conceal your presence in the Force, or is that just something you do when out in large soirees such as this?”
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“You seem a bit fuzzy on the concept of a masquerade, Bril Teg Erinos of Clan Arcona. Our hostess aside, anonymity is the point. That way, when people stay making off color jokes, or getting into duels, or making creative use of the Versea heirloom furniture, we can all pretend to be properly scandalized as though we didn’t join in ourselves.
“Speaking from experience?”
“I imagine it’s tiring,” he continued, “trying to maintain a facade of decorum like that. Although the prospect of dueling is appealing, i think the real fun lies in trying to tease out the identities of those who are only comfortable acting out their true desires when wearing masks.”
He folded his hands behind his back, adjusting his stride so as not to outpace her. “What secrets will you reveal tonight, I wonder?”
As they moved into the hallway, Vance smiled as he opened another pair of ornate doors off to the right as Tasha'vel turned to her guests. “Here is the lounge, there is plenty of room to sit or stand if you wish, tonight’s ballroom event will begin shortly. For now relax, have some refreshments, and enjoy the evening. Try not to destroy my precious furniture though if you decide to duel.” She chuckled as she grinned. “If you want to duel I have a special room for that.”
She then led them into the lounge.
The lounge itself had dark blue walls and beige cealing with gold trim, the large room contained an ornate dark blue area rug, a table with fruit, meat and cheese charcuterie boards and small plates with silverware.
On two of the walls were a medium sized mirror framed with gold on the left wall.
The right had a window overlooking the beautiful exotic garden.
Against the far wall, was a white marble fireplace with a mantle that held several decadent gold candles.
Above the mantle, framed with gold trim against the dark blue was a pure white masquerade mask smiling with two golden fixed candelabras on either side of it.
On the ceiling hanging above the table, was a beauitful golden chandalier.
There were four chairs against each corner of the room and a three person sofa on the left to sit down. The fireplace was not lit up.
“Oh, I don’t think you’ll have much fun with me. Self-restraint was never my virtue.” She adjusted her own stride slightly but continually, slowing down as they followed Tasha down, just enough to make Bril work at not outpacing her. “I can’t say there’s anything I’d do behind a mask that I wouldn’t do anyway.”
Moving closer to the table with the charcuterie boards, Bril casually fixed himself a small plate with an outstretched hand, relying on the Force’s touch to supplement his own. “Well, if things go awry, I should be able to handle myself,” he said. “And if what you say is true, then therw shouldn’t be any harm in telling me your name, right? You already know mine. It’s only fair.”
There were few things that Miho didn’t exactly understand and judging from her attire, which was what she had taken to wearing in general and Pips sitting in her lap, “Masquerade” was one of those things.
She’d made a small side trio towards Selen to collect a family acquaintance and then The Storm’s Voice has begun the trip to Ryloth. And the small shuttle that had carried the two of them down was politely nestled on a landing pad and a taxi had driven them the rest of the way to the estate.
“Looks like we’ve arrived, Socorra.” Miho said softly to her companion. “Shall we see what fun our Hostess will be providing?”
The small droid in her lap hopped out with a happy trill as the door opened and she followed a moment later. Ever the polite escort, she held her hand out to the darker skinned woman with a smile on her lips.
“May I help you out, milady?” Something was in her violet eyes. Mischief? Probably.
Her odd sense of humor? Definitely.
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“I wouldn’t think there’s any harm in it, no. But then, fairness was never my virtue, either.” She inspected the spread with indifference, selecting a few choice bits of fruit to occupy a plate. “Besides, I thought your fun was in teasing that out for yourself.”
Tasha'vel grinned, her emerald eyes gleaming at the lady. “Mysteries are far more entertaining when intrigue is introduced. Though you both may know my name, perhaps you may discover some mysteries within my estate as well. As the ball commences, so does the fun.” She then turned to the door. “Please excuse me, I have more guests to greet.” She then began to walk back into the hall and out towards the courtyard still maintaining a cheshire grin on her face.
Late.
That was the word that best described Darth Renatus’ arrival at the Versea estate. A fact that was, quite frankly, beyond his control. He didn’t set his schedule (despite all efforts to keep it free) and was at the mercy of pilots.
Still, he had taken the time to settle into his tailored suit, the dark fabric guiding the shape of his silhouette with gold accents to catch the eye. A similar palette applied to the upper face mask he had been provided. Renatus couldn’t help but scrunch his nose as the weight settled upon it. Annoying.
Letting out a long breath, the Firrerreo emerged from his taxi and let his gaze pass over the estate in its entirety.
Impressive.
Gathering himself at last, he strode forward through the gates and didn’t bother keeping his presence from being known.
Tasha'Vel had excused herself from the two in the lounge and made her way back out to the courtyard. She immediately felt the overwhelming, but familiar presence of the Deputy Grand Master as he arrived. She had also noticed a couple other guests had arrived. Her golden Swan mask with blue crystals outlining the body, was in place as she greeted them with a soft curtsey.
“A welcome to you all to the estate, I am surprised though at how late you are Mr. Renatus. But as busy as the council has been, I am sure it was something that couldn’t be helped.” She chuckled and gave him a wink
“I am happy to show you to the lounge. We are just about to open up the ballroom, so I can count you on time for that.”
Socorra accepted Miho’s offered hand and stepped down from the taxi, then paused.
“My Lady,” she said quietly, her voice warm and carrying the clipped accent of her desert world. Syllables were over-enunciated, unnecessary words dropped. “High Councillor now.”
The retired Herald’s own mischief showed in a small attempt at a curtsy. It was not perfect, but good for a Mandalorian, especially one who preferred masculine honorifics. Bows were far more familiar, but they would not have been nearly as fun to perform for Miho.
When she straightened, there was a faint smirk at the corner of her mouth. “Ever call me ma’am, I will fight,” she murmured.
Socorra was slightly tall and solidly built, broad through the hips and shoulders with a posture used to armor rather than ceremony. A black gown fit close through her frame before falling away in heavy folds, slit high along one thigh for movement and whatever weapons might be hidden there. Gold embroidery traced the fabric in restrained, angular patterns that suggested something draconic without turning ornamental.
An asymmetrical black-and-gold mask covered half her face. One side bore a sharp, winged contour with no eyehole at all. The other left her remaining eye exposed, pale and arctic blue, fixed and watchful beneath the gold filigree.
Her hair fell loose down her back and over one shoulder, black heavily threaded throughout with stark white, almost an unnatural metallic sheen. Faint Sith runes marked her warm golden skin along the collarbone and upper arms, etched shallowly. They did not glow here but caught the light as if they could, visible whenever she moved or turned.
A tailring, the small desert dragon of her homeworld, settled across her shoulders, wings folding neatly as if it belonged there like a live piece of obsidian and gold jewelry, its tail wrapping around her neck. Two larger ones dashed out of the taxi and raced off into the estate.
Although she did dress for the occasion, there was hardly an attempt at anonymity. This one was less about work and more about the company.
Socorra shifted closer and slipped her hand lightly around Miho’s elbow, letting the smaller woman set the pace toward the estate gates. She matched her without moving ahead, her stride slowed half a beat in quiet accord.
The gates opened.
Light, voices, polished marble, too many colors at once. Her eye flicked across the scene in a sharp sweep: balconies, archways, exits, masked signatures brushing the edge of her sense. A masquerade was a spy’s dream and mentalist’s playground full of puzzles and mystery hidden in the anonymity. Fun.
“Lot of pretty things,” Socorra murmured. “Furniture. Flowers. People.”
Her tone made it unclear which category she found suspicious.
Miho smiled at the mention of her new position within her Clan. The circumstances leading to it, however, had created situations that would need to be tended carefully.
“It’s still so new, I find myself forgetting that its me.” Her soft voice was tinged a bit thickly with the accent of her home, evidence that sleep had been in short supply.
She walked through the gates arm in arm with Socorra, looking at the things she listed off. Furniture, all very fine and exquisitely crafted. Flowers, all beautiful, full of life and every color in existence.
People.
She turned to look at the gathering guests, the staff and everything else. Miho furrowed her brow and looked up at her companion.
“What’s with all the masks?”
Socorra leaned in slightly, voice low enough to stay just between them.
“T’is party called Mask-rade. Is excuse,” she said, the R rolling heavily on her tongue. “For noble. Politician. Anyone who want do stupid t’ing without consquence.”
She glanced around the halls.
“Mask mean you pretend not know who anyone is. Rank go quiet. Title sleep. People say t’ing they would not say in daylight.” A brief pause. “T’ey flirt. Fight. Fck. Spread rumor. Make deal t’ey later deny.”
Her mouth curved faintly, humor without softness.
“Everyone act shock next day.”
She tipped her head toward the crowd.
“But, not really about hiding face. About hiding intent. Mask just permission.”
She waved a flippant hand.
“You already doing fine,” she added wryly. “You just forgot mask.”
As another taxi shuttle pulled up to the front of the estate, the petite Togruta inside inhaled and exhaled as she mentally prepared herself. She had decided a bit a subterfuge was in order for this event and she could barely contain her excitement, feeling every bit of her being vibrate. However, now that she had officially arrived at her destination, she was determined to present her best.
The door opened, and the Elder Sith slid out of the seat, descending to the ground on light footsteps, the air around her seemingly like a mask itself. Winding the currents of the Force back upon itself and making it flow which ever way, one would not know, unless they were a close friend, whether she was an adherent of either side, or simply in the middle of the Force.
Smoothing the skirt portion of her midnight blue satin dress, adjusting the point where the slit in side came all the way to her hip. Having a tasteful low back and a plunging neckline made the dress look as if it was wrapped around her form, rather than simply fitting to her. Silver straps crisscrossed down her calf, ending in silver heeled open toed sandal like shoes.
Then, adding to the air of mystery surrounding her, Tahiri’s eyes were of a swirling storm grey hue, under a silver filigree mask that perfect accented her heart-shaped face. Her Montrals were adorned with small silver caps and delicate chains that draped around and down only a few inches. The woman was also adorned with a delicate silver chain on her wrist and two layered necklaces, the shortest and first was her heirloom Akul tooth on a braided fibro cord and leather necklace, and the second one is a red crystal pendant on a silver chain with a faint glow to it.
There was one last adornment, sitting beneath her back Lekku and across the back of her shoulders was what looked like a mini draconic figure, with shiny black obsidian scales and eyes that shone like embers in a bed of coal. The little Tailring held her head up proudly, right underneath the Togruta’s chin, while her long tail wrapped around her left Lekku. Spotting a couple of the other Tailrings flying about, she let out a tiny warble.
“Once we meet our host, then you go and mingle, Mireth,” Tahiri chuckled at the little ones excitement, even as she calmed her own. “Just be sure to be on your best behavior, and don’t get into too trouble while flying about.”
The delicate little Tailring snuffed and let out a trill in agreement, knowing full well through their Force connection that her alpha would know if and when she got into trouble.
The petite Togruta gracefully strode through the gates, stopping for a moment to admire the gardens within the courtyard, while awaiting her turn to greet the matriarch of the estate.
The Firrerreon eyed Tasha'Vel for quite some time, not saying anything. That was par for the course, naturally, but there was something different about this one. A weight to the silence that he didn’t usually allow. Finally, he glanced away towards the courtyard proper.
“Glad…to not be entirely late,” Renatus stated. “And good to see you again.”
“If you go up straight from behind me, the doors are open for you to enter the lounge. I do have a couple guests there as well as refreshments before our main event. Feel free to roam the courtyard and gardens on either side as well if you wish.”
She gave him a smile then saw a few others had arrived and had made their way into the courtyard.
“Enjoy yourself At-” She had started, then stopped and corrected herself as she maintained her composure still.
“Ahem, apologies Renatus, seems I have a few more guests to see to in the courtyard. I shall see you again soon enough. For now, please enjoy the hospitality and wonders of my Estate.” Giving him a polite bow, she then walked towards the other arrivals. Seeing that two were in conversation she then turned her sights on the elegantly masked and dressed Togruta. It had been awhile since last meeting Tahiri, but she was glad to see her again. She gave her a polite curtsey.
“Welcome to the Estate, I hope that it wasn’t too rough on you.”
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He shook his head and, interlacing his fingers behind his head, continued to feed himself. “Fair enough. Then, let the investigation begin. You carry yourself with a much more … polished bearing than I. Are you a local noble? Or someone with a high rank in the Brotherhood?”