Celebrations of Matrimony (Open Faction Event)

[Zach]

Cathedral of Csilla

In the center of Chiss space, the heart of the Ascendancy's territory, the Grand Imperator stood on a large balcony, overseeing the majestic scenery of Csilla's landscape. The Imperator's palace was crafted with intricate detail, standing as tall and strong as it had for centuries. The cathedral was vast in size, filled with mazes of corridors and levels. It was here that the Council of Eminence met in private during their meetings, conducting business of war and national management. The several months had been trying to the temporary Chiss leader, testing his capabilities and pushing his mental limits. Ever since his meeting with the Dark Lord of the Sith, it had never been the same. He still saw the haunting void that surrounded the Emperor's All Seeing Eye behind closed eyes. It haunted his dreams...

On this day however, the Grand Imperator held a formal event in the palace, in honor of the official marriage between Darth Exodeus and his enticing bride, Andraste. He'd met the pair on bastion, in their very throne room in the Imperial Palace, and it was an experience he wouldn't soon forget. that was the first time Dorann had truly seen a mere glimpse of the power of the Dark Side. In a way, it put his Immortal training to shame, but only in its principles. Dorann himself had grown from the experience, and learned to more solidly protect his mind.

Here on Csilla, Chiss workers worked now in the cathedral, preparing for the night's event. It wouldn't be long until everything was in place, awaiting only the arrival of their guests. The most prestigious of officers and soldiers were permitted to attend in person, granting the necessary security measures to ensure the peoples' safety. Once a sizable amount of people arrived, the married pair would likely present themselves. It would be an ample opportunity to discuss current events in the galaxy and how the war effort went on each front. Those enlisted in the Chiss Internship Program would surely have much to discuss with their separated brethren.

 

[Dmitri]

A Chiss in a white dress took a stroll down the halls of the Cathedral of Csilla. Though she swayed as if taking a morning walk, she was very alert. The woman was Arch'elie'lia, known by her core name as Heliel, the Director of CAIN. CAIN had been working alongside the rest of the Chiss Ascendency and some Imperial forces to secure the Cathedral for the celebration for Darth Exodeus and Andraste's marriage.

Heliel wondered how long the marriage would last. Sith were normally not the type to share power. This was evident with the numerous betrayals throughout history and the failed Sith Triumvirate. Still, one shouldn't judge. Instead, her worries were on the Chiss, on how long it would be until the Sith turned on them. She had no doubt the Sith would eventually turn on the Chiss. It was a matter of time. However, if the Chiss played their cards right, they'd be assimilated rather than destroyed. That was if the Sith weren't destroyed by the Jedi first.

Heliel gave a short chuckled. Her thought amused her. The Jedi as they were stood little chance against the Sith. They had unstable leadership and continually losing. Even the Imperial Knights were near extinction, thanks to Operation Twilight orchestrated by Geist Weiss, whom Heliel had the pleasure of meeting yesterday in a security briefing. In fact, the Sith alchemist was her escort, who was walking one step beside her. His illusion-clad face wiped any emotion.

Heliel checked with her men, making sure all were at their posts, and continuing to monitor. Nothing would be allowed to interfere. No one. Not even a Chiss.

Heliel eventually found Dorann. The Grand Imperator was alert. He seemed to have become stronger since his visit to Bastion. Did the Sith do something? wondered Heliel.

As Heliel neared Dorann, she looked around for signs of her brother, Hazac. Alas, he was absent. She approached Dorann and gave a courteous bow. "Grand Imperator," she greeted.

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris’ Marine unit were some of the guards for this event. However, Caris himself was one of the guests. He would remain near the Grand Imperator, and protect him from harm. The Chiss male looked good in his dress uniform, something he rarely wore. Brilliantly bright glowing red eyes peered at the other guests. This would be his first true encounter with many Imperials at once.

Always the male’s eyes scanned the room carefully, searching for any hint of a threat, while his lips were upturned in a pleasant smile. The Chiss had honor, and he would be damned before he let anything happen to the Chiss leader, OR the Emperor and Empress.

Walking over to one of the checkpoints, smiling brightly at one of the guards. “Good job, make sure no weapons at all get through. Not even our own people should be carrying them once inside the checkpoint. I want everything to go smoothly.” The guards saluted. “Sir, yes sir!” Caris saluted back and moved back to Dorann’s side.

 

[Tunnel Rat]

Steryle stepped into the ball room of the cathedral. Where as everyone wore dress uniforms and formal clothing, Steryle wore simple black military fatigues. A patch on his right shoulder, sewn into the fabric of both the clothes and the man, signified his status as Imperial Special Forces. He felt naked without any weapons. As more peopel showed up, this feeling only grew. His bright blue eyes scanned the room. Everyone seemed to be smiling and happy where as Steryle showed no emotion at all.

Finding no one of interest at the moment, Steryle made his way to the bar. Andraste would most likely be showing up soon and Steryle felt like he should get his drinking out of the way now just in case she put him on duty while they were there. The bartender had just made a new batch of mixed drinks. He gave Steryle a confused look as Steryle sat down. Everyone else was either working or so prestigious that they didn't have to work. Steryle, however, was just a corporal in the special forces and bypassed at least ten people who needed help on the way.

"The strongest stuff you got." The bartender hesitated at first until Steryle tilted his head and set his jaw in stone. The death stare got the man moving and before Steryle knew he had four drinks in front of him and he didn't even know what they were. "Well, it's either poison, cancer, or bullets. Let's do this. With the thought secured, Steryle pounded the drinks down and turned around to view the entire ball room.

 

[Wit]

Dressed in the impeccable white uniform of an Imperial Grand Admiral, Brask'ai'nuruodo, known to most by his core name Kain, walked through the halls of a building within which he had not set foot in years. Actually it was the first building of any sort that he had been in for almost half a year now, him and his fleet having just returned from an extended stay in the Unknown Regions. He hadn't stepped on solid ground, hadn't tasted clean air in months. He would much rather have been anywhere but here, preferably resting at his family estate on the other side of the planet, but duty came first.

As he stepped into the hall where most of the guests had gathered, he did a quick look over to search for any familiar faces. A lot had changed in the time he had spent in the Unknown Regions, he now served a new Empress, the Moffs had lost almost all of their power and even the Ascendancy followed a new Grand Imperator. With a war going on, he had expected things to be a little different when he returned, but not this different. He had already learnt much of what had happened while he had been away, but almost no one else knew that. To then he was just returning from a long assignment, blind to the world and oblivious of everything that had occurred in the Galaxy. Knowledge was power, and he had made sure no matter where he was, he held onto that power.

Having spotted someone he recognized, he made his way towards a pair of Chiss, a male and a female. These two he knew by name and reputation alone, but that was more than enough. Coming to a stop facing the male, he nodded curtly to the female before turning to face the male once more. "Grand Imperator. Forgive me for not having been here during your ascension, but I hope you will accept my congratulations, late though they may be."

 

[Crystalmath]

With the sizeable audience filling the cathedral, Ichabod Jayce figured it was time things went underway. Dressed in his usually stylish fashion of a red vest with a purple fur jacket, the Sith Lord was patiently pacing back and forth in the lavishly decorated cathedral vestibule. Removing his hat, Ichabod handed it over to one of the many assistants he had brought together for the event, all of whom were wearing suits, several had come holding large cases but the one in particular he handed his hat too was a midget, one he'd picked specifically for the sake of the Dark Lord.

"Alright, lets get going," Ichabod sighed as he ran a hand through his hair before raising the hand into the air and twirling it around, "Move-move-move folks."

From the main room of the Cathedral, the guests would note a dozen or so men in suits hurry themselves out of the main entrance, lining up on either side of the wall six on each side. With swift precision they opened their cases and flipped out their brass instruments in a mechanical manner that seemed like they had practiced it thousands of times. Raising their instruments into the air, the two drummers began as soon as Ichabod appeared in the doorway, the midget by his side.

As the music blared beside him, Ichabod stepped forth, microphone in hand and bellowed out to the assembled audience, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we'd like to thank you for being in attendance tonight for a celebration of the union between two of the most prominent people in the universe, the leaders of the Sith Imperium, Dark Lord and Lady of the Sith, his majesty Exodeus and her majesty Andraste. Unfortunatly Lord Exodeus cannot join us tonight but he has bestowed upon me the honour of kicking this midget for him."

"Wait wha-?" was all the midget could make out before it promptly received a boot to the side of the head that sent it barreling through the air with a high pitched wail, several members of the crowd hurrying out of the way as it crashed to the ground with a mighty thump, rolling a few times along the carpet. The midget ended up sprawled on the ground, blood surging from its broken gums and nose. Kicking the midget had been something of a tradition of Exodeus's and Ichabod figured it'd carry his well-wishes.

"But the lady," Ichabod began again, tugging his fur coat back into place and rubbing his hair back into place, "Is still in attendance and requested her introduction so without further due I give unto you; the Empress of the Imperium herself!"

Waving a hand at the doorway behind him, Ichabod grinned feverishly as he continued, "Aaaaaandraste!"

{{OoC: Sreeya to post next}}

 

[Sreeya]

Andraste hadn't bothered attempting to get Exodeus to attend the formal dinner. It was apparent from the last meeting he had with the Imperator that there was great distaste between the two men. However, Andraste was not a part of that, as she had no qualms with Dorann. She had let Ichabod go ahead of herself and he had mentioned making 'preparations'. Andraste left it up to him, not looking into the implications.

She was more than surprised when men in suits had whipped out drums and trumpets, heralding her arrival with a fanfare fit for a queen. It took her a moment to realize this had all been arranged for her, and she couldn't help but smile at the thought. Ichabod had always been a character, and today was no different, his peculiar attire always a testament to his eccentric nature.

Andraste caught the shrill wail of a midget as it was kicked clear across the hall. She, for one, did not understand the tradition behind it or why Exodeus had implemented it in the first place. She also didn't understand why the Empire had such a consistent supply of midgets to be kicked during every important ceremony. Shrugging the thought, she stepped forth from the shadows as Ichabod announced her arrival.

She smiled as she stepped out, nodding to Ichabod in appreciation for the set up he had organized by himself. Andraste was clad in a black dress that trailed against the floor as she walked, her hair neatly tied up so only a few strands of it framed her countenance. Her yellow eyes glowed in contrast to her black hair and pallid features. The amulet she wore, a testament of her marriage, glowed eerily against her neck.

Andraste waved to those assembled as she passed, especially to the men that had played the fanfare. The whole thing had been dramatic, but she couldn't deny it wasn't amusing. She slowly made her way to the Imperator. Unlike at their previous meeting, she was not up on a throne, as he stood before her. She was in his realm now. Even so, Andraste's eyes had glint to them as a reminder of exactly what had transpired at the meeting.

"Imperator, it is most gracious of you to hold such an event in our honor. I do apologize in regards to my husband's absence."

She was curious about the effects of the words. She hadn't been oblivious to the tension that existed between Dorann and Exodeus, especially after Exodeus had blatantly insulted the Chiss.

---​

A hooded figure had strode into the hall after Andraste. He lowered his hood upon entering, revealing his trademark Zabrak features. Thaed had been specifically sent by Exodeus. The Emperor had called him forth, explaining that he was to escort his wife to the formal and 'keep an eye on things'. Thaed couldn't understand why this was such an urgent matter, but he wasn't one to question the Dark Lord. And thus, he had donned his formal Sith attire...which were a cleaner set of black robes..and had accompanied the new Empress.

As soon as he spotted Ichabod, his mood lifted quite a bit. As Andraste wandered over to speak to the Imperator, he clapped a hand around Ichabod's shoulder, grinning widely.

"Thank god, man, I thought it was just gonna be me and a whole bunch of these smurfs."

 

[Dmitri]

When the Empress approached Dorann, Heliel, and Geist, Geist gave a courteous bow.

"Welcome to Csilla, Empress," the Sith alchemist greeted. He pulled out a holopad and offered it to the Dark Lady of the Sith. "I'd give this to you personally, but someone's security detail wouldn't let me." His head tilted a little in Heliel's direction.

"The Chiss do not lax on security," said Heliel defiantly. "No one is allowed to harm our Imperator. No weapons. No explosives. No dead bodies." She shot a glance at Andraste. The empress' statement made Heliel wonder what had transpired on Bastion. Her eyes then softened, the ploy of a politician's smile spread across her face. "And of course we wouldn't want you to get hurt either." Heliel's smile spoke of comfort, but her eyes spoke of anger.

Geist gave a fake cough to ease the tension. He then continued, now that Heliel was silenced. "Anyways, the holopad holds the picture and location of a locker, that one of your men could pick up later. Inside the locker you'll find a head. My wedding present to you, my Lady, is the head of the escaped ex. Sith Lord, Oseth."

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris’ jaw nearly dropped when the Empress came in. He has always had a soft spot for non-Chiss women. His eyes went over her for only an instant before he enforced his own will on his body. In a thought to himself ‘I will not shame myself and my people by disrespecting the Empress, our ally, like this. She is married. No matter how beautiful I must control myself.’

He bows politely as the Empress nears the Grand Imperator. However, he keeps his distance, as Dorann’s bodyguard for the evening. As a trained Marine, he needed no weapons to defend himself. Clearing his mind of his previous thoughts, he looked around the room, making sure everyone was doing their jobs. Caris remains quiet, he had no need to speak yet, only listen.

 

[Zach]

Dorann narrowed his eyes as he overlooked the night's scheduled events. Everything was in place for the Imperials' grand arrival, including Jorak's scheduled event. He'd been chosen as the Imperator's palace jester, serving as a source of amusement or comical relief during social events. He was a midget of incredible height - reaching a mere two and a half feet from the floor. He was not of the Chiss people, but a mere traveler who'd struck Dorann as not a warrior, but someone to ease the tensions. The Gran Imperator cared little for the man, but Exodeus might find humor in the gesture, from what happened to the last midget who'd met the Dark Lord.

At that moment, Heliel had caught the warrior's eye, adorned in an elegant white gown. She paced herself across the open room, with the Sith Master, Geist Weiss beside her. Dorann smiled to the pair as they approached, opening his arms slightly in greeting. "Most beautiful Arch'elie'lia," Dorann told her with a light smile. The last time the Imperator had seen her was when the generals had gathered to lead the Ascendancy. Those were hectic and chaotic times, lost and blind in the confusion and disorganized standing of their faction, but those most loyal to the Ascendancy ensured its survival. "Master Weiss," he added, inclining his head in respect.

From the corner of his eye, Dorann spotted Caris making his rounds, ensuring the tightness of security around the palace. The warrior was ever-working, and working hard. His ambition and eagerness was admirable, complimented only by his performance in battle. Caris was one of the defining generals under Dorann's command with Arcturus at the attack on the Imperial Knights. They'd divided their troops at Seoul with precision and accuracy Dorann had only seen amongst hardened warriors, and those that earned honor and glory in battle. One Chiss, the other Sith, coexisting in the same army as a perfect team. As productive and helpful as they'd been to the Ascendancy, they made Dorann prouder than he could have been over a biological son, had he been blessed with one.

Only a moment later, another approached the group, greeting Heliel with a respectful nod and giving his congratulations. "The ceremony was dreary and drawn out at best," he replied with an amused grin. "I was lucky to have such loyal and dedicated generals in the Ascendancy. Heliel has proven herself as a respectable Chiss countless times in that regard," he added humorously. Indeed, Heliel had been one of the key leaders of the Ascendancy and worked to keep it under control. She held the title of Head of Intelligence on the Council of Eminence, and stood at the head of CAIN.

Just as the Grand Imperator finished, he turned to the entrance of the room, noting that it had surprisingly grown in the last few minutes. People could now be seen walking around the gathering, socializing with old friends and making new ones by the hour. A Sith Lord had finally arrived, this one being the youngest, but equally as deadly, Darth Asmodeous. Dorann hadn't met the Grand Imperial Strategist in person before, but had heard the rumors and stories of his past transgressions. He was, to put it bluntly, eccentric, if not bat-nuts crazy. He was dressed in a poofy, purple jacket, appearing as that of a grand pimp in the underworld society. Dorann found the attire amusing, if not hilarious, turning the event into a much more relaxed environment.

Behind him entered a pair of Sith, both silent and reclusive in nation. The first was that of a Chiss, standing as a Sith Master, visiting his home territory for the formal event. It was Hazac, the blood relative of Dorann's predecessor, and the brother of Heliel. Next to him stood a young Nautolan warrior, most likely no more than an Acolyte or Crusader. Dorann had heard the rumors of a personal apprentice to the prodigy Sith Lord, however - perhaps this was his student.

As Hazac made his way to Heliel, Ichabod had taken the initiative and taken control of the audio system, taking it upon himself to formally introduce the guests of honor. Unfortunately, it seemed as though the Dark Lord would not be attending. Dorann was hardly surprised by that, but it raised to question if the Empress - his wife would attend. He suddenly vividly remembered the elegance an beauty she'd emanated upon their last meeting, quickly followed by the impending doom of the Dark Lord's all-seeing eye reigning down on him from above. The memory left the Imperator's head no sooner than it had entered his mind, waving it off nonchalantly. The Empress held a title of politics at this time - Dorann would not disgrace that honor with personal thoughts of her appearance.

It was then that the Empress revealed herself, stepping forth from the shadows behind the ball's entrance. Andraste stepped forward in a midnight dress, bound tightly around her waist by a dark corset. The dress flowed smoothly behind her, trailing with every step as a cascading shadow cast from her presence. The very ground she walked on absorbed her path, complimenting the morbid, but awkwardly appealing, choice of color. The sparkling amulet around her neck shone beneath her perfectly pointed chin, twinkling silently on the choker across her collarbone. Even from this distance, Dorann could tell it was intricate and magnificent in design. His eyes narrowed as he briefly inspected it, admiring it as an assumed gift for her marriage.

Dorann smiled heartily as she came further into the room, approaching and addressing him directly upon arriving. Behind her was a tall, pale Zabrak in crisp, black robes. It was the Dark Lord's Shadow Hand, Darth Silentius, no doubt charged with the protection of the Imperium's Empress. She was no doubt an important icon, and a treasure of the Sith Order. It was no shock that Exodeus didn't trust the security Dorann had to offer, but the obvious insult would be ignored - for now. "Imperator, it is most gracious of you to hold such an event in our honor. I do apologize in regards to my husband's absence," she greeted him.

"The pleasure is all mine, Empress. It is but an honor to host a celebration of marriage between those who have had their hearts touched by love," he replied handsomely, inclining his head deeply in a half bow. Dorann had a charismatic smile place don his face, his red eyes smiling in a genuine pleasure at her attendance. He offered her his hand, palm up, in a formal greeting, from a gentleman to a woman. She may have been the Dark Lord's equal, but a woman deserved the utmost respect and dignity a man had to offer, especially in such public appearances.

"A shame," he replied to Andraste's apology. "It is no matter. The duties of the Imperium are surely a priority over formalities like these. It it however an honor to host your attendance, my lady," Dorann continued with the classic political face. It was very possible that Exodeus had been overwhelmed with paper work, but it was highly unlikely. Their past meeting had been less than pleasant, and called at the Chiss's instincts for an immediate retaliation, but he was more than that. Dorann was not like the Sith ingrates that gave in to such uncontrolled acts of passion, but rather knew how to appropriately act on them. He'd almost forgotten that in his disorientation from first meeting Andraste, and making his way out of the mental reality she'd put him in.

Remembering the endless void he'd been sent to by the Dark Lady only recalled the enchanting aura about her that entranced the Grand Imperator to begin with. Since then, Dorann had found himself absently wondering about her, either in meaningless, passing minutes, or considering the greatest of outcomes in the galactic war-effort. Even now as he stood before her, the Immortal warrior could feel her presence, recognize the relaxing demeanor that took him over as she approached him.

Dorann listened as Heliel interjected, making her own name in front of the Empress, but under loose boundaries. "Calm yourself, Heliel. There's no need to suggest such unpleasantness. I highly doubt we need worry of a breach in security. Should anyone dare to intervene in a formal event in the Ascendancy, they will be swiftly apprehended and made example of," he replied quickly. There was little possibility of danger in the Imperator's palace, under the heaviest of security measures and most observant of officers. Caris himself would oversee that. "Your brother approaches - it must have been ages since your last meeting. I'm sure Geist would have much to share in his latest en devours," Dorann finished, politely suggesting their departure. He gave the Sith Master a polite nod and dismissed them both, turning slightly so that only he and the Empress were speaking.

 

[Count Sam]

Politics, well he was not a man of politics or any diplomatic or socializing events. He considered himself to be nothing but a weapon of mass destruction who served the Imperator faithfully and with loyalty. He went by the name Nuru Krest and he was the leader of the immortals and the figure who represented the force sensitive people within the Ascendancy. Of course his force affinity was strong and dark, it would be sensed as he walked within the ballroom.

Of course normally strong dark force presence were expected to be sensed from the Sith but well sensing it from the Chiss was a complete different matter. However; Nuru Krest was a proof of the power of the Chiss and how they exiled even when it came to enlisting force adept soldiers. He was a prove that the Chiss were not just skilled tacticians who used their technology to defeat their opponents. He was a proof that the Chiss were fierce warriors that could stand against the strongest governments in the world.

Nuru Krest simply stood without moving a single inch of his body near the wall as he entered the ballroom, he was silent and stood there like a ghost. He looked like a blue devil as he wore his black coat and scanned everyone with his bright red eyes.

 

[Tunnel Rat]

Steryle turned around from the bar and leaned into it as the Grand Imperator spoke and announced Andraste into the room. As she entered, Steryle nodded, making a 'not bad' face. He would be the first to admit that he had already had way too much to drink just waiting for everything to start and was hammered. It was okay though because he didn't think he would have to stand duty; then again the military had a way of messing with your heart and mind while trying to preserve the civilians'.

Thinking it was a perfect time to go greet the woman he worked for personally, aside from her being Empress, Steryle made his way over to her. Every few steps he'd stumble and laugh a little as noblemen near him would stop and stare. It's alright, scum, I'll fight for you while you have these parties everyday. Although Steryle's original mission was to cross the room without falling and greet Andraste, the Empress seemed to just creep up on him in his drunken stupor. She was standing still however, and Steryle was just too drunk to realize he had completed his personal mission.

A smile came to his face as he saluted her formally just for show for everyone around who would be looking. He tried, for her sake, to act at least half sober. "Ma'am. His best efforts to hide his state wouldn't be enough for her and he knew that. Hopefully she wouldn't go ape-shit on him but you could never tell with her.

 

[Fusion]

Dressed in his most formal uniform, Commodore Aken Bosch entered the hall. Having disarmed himself prior to entrance, he was allowed entry and began to look in awe at the massive celebration hall in front of him. He personally despised the Sith, but the party was being thrown by the Chiss, a people he considered honorable and loyal warriors.

As he walked by, he came within twenty feet of Empress Andraste and the Chiss leader Dorann. Though they were too busy to notice him as he walked by, busy talking about "important affairs", he assumed(which he felt was not that important, since not much in the Empire mattered to him since the Sith took control). Though there was a good chance none of them would notice him, his hatred towards the Sith and his companion would be unmistakably felt by the Empress. However, unless she or the Grand Marshal bothered to bring him into the conversation, something likely due to his resentment towards them, he would continue on his merry way.

Walking over to the punch table, Bosch scooped up a cup of the purplish liquid inside the bowl, dropping it into a cup as he brought the drink to his lips. He was curious if anyone either noticed him or cared to strike up a conversation, as not many would want to be seen, let alone talk with a Loyalist Imperial unless they did not know, were Chiss, or had no problems with his views.

Ah... The Chiss always were excellent drink makers...

 

[Mr. Teatime]

(Wow, didn't even notice this. Odd.)

Arcturus was there, of course. He'd been spending time on Dorann's ship and had actually arrived here with him. Lucky him. Instead of the usual depressingly dark series of robes or an entirely uptight military uniform of some kind, he arrived looking almost entirely different.

Comfortable wide black pants, similar but higher quality than his usual, functional but formal military boots polished to a mirror sheen just that morning, simple white mandarin collar shirt, dark grey vest, under a long scarf coat. Overall he was clearly trying to keep the tall and mysterious look, but most mysterious, and almost downright unusual, was that he had decided 'not' to cover his eyes. Instead, his hair was drawn back into a a low, elegant chignon, his witch's streak spiraling through it. His eyes, a dark green with an amber-gold ring through the center of each iris, looked upon everything in the room with curiosity. He had gotten to the point where he could deal with his odd manner of seeing without becoming too confused. In battle he'd still prefer keeping his physical eyes covered, and he even still had his eyewrap material in a pocket, but for now he was just enjoying the sights.

Speaking of sights, a chiss that the Grand Marshall referred to as Arch'elie'lia approached, and greeted him. Before now Arcturus had remained silent, but as the Marshall had introduced himself, and Arcturus had just now shown up at his side for the ceremonies (and for appearances, of course), he felt he should greet them both. And for this, he used their own language of Cheunh, correct pronunciation and everything. Grand Marshal Kodo'ran'nuruodo. And Arch'elie'lia, I think? I am Arcturus Wolfgang. A pleasure. And he ended with a small bow. Then he just took his place at Dorann's side and waited for any speeches or trouble. Either would do. Until then, he'd just enjoy the wine he'd apparently conjured out of nowhere, actually from a passing waiter.

 

[Natise]

Vinculis was late, but whatever, nobody would have noticed anyways. He was here for several reasons. It was a nice party, a good place to get to know some higher ups of the sith, and to reconnect with a former teacher. Of course, when he had been taught by Ichabod Jayce, he was a mere crusader. Now, he was Lord Asmodeus, one of the strongest of the sith lords. It truly was inspirational.

He made his way through the crowd, wearing a better kept version of his usual suit, with a large red rose on the chest. He wore all black gagues that had very small diamonds in them, causing them to shimmer in the proper lighting.

Vinculis spotted a very nice looking glass of wine, and made his way towards it. As he sipped it, Asmodeus made his announcement. Vinculis laughed, he was still as eccentric as ever. He watched as Ichabod went off with Thaed, now things would be very interesting. He made his way over, giving an awkward smile to the empress before reaching the two sith lords.

" Ichabod, it is a pleasure to see you again, it has been so long. Ah, Lord Thaed, it is an honor to meet you, I have heard many tales of your cruelty. Enough with formalities though, I know you men like to party. "

Vinculis slipped three vials of Glitterstim out of one of his sleeves, offering it too the sith lords.

 

[Sreeya]

"The pleasure is all mine, Empress. It is but an honor to host a celebration of marriage between those who have had their hearts touched by love,"

Andraste's mind lingered on the words. She was silent for a moment, even her calculating eyes temporarily betraying that her thoughts were elsewhere. Was there love between the two anymore? Was she even capable of the emotion anymore? Andraste returned to the present situation, offering the Chiss a smile.

"I trust that you have unearthed some clues pertaining to the Chiss attack incident?"

She herself had been in contact with the man that had altered a video of the attack, having been forced to do so by a Mandalorian. Andraste had guessed that it was that particular Mandalorian that had contacted the Imperator. However, why was the Imperator so willing to deal with a Mandalorian in the first place? For now, she did not reveal what she knew. She was the observant type, looking for any subtleties, every last detail, from the creases of his face to the way his heartbeats would quicken. Andraste knew exactly the effect she had on him, and she relished the subtle measure of control, invisible strings entwined around her fingers that extended out to the Imperator. No words needed to be spoken out loud about it to confirm its haunting existence.

Andraste was distracted when the Sith Alchemist handed her a holopad. She gazed upon him as he explained what it pertained to, her face unreadable at the end of the revelation. Her thoughts lingered back to a memory of a few years ago. Oseth had been a Sith Lord then, and she an acolyte. He had grasped her wrist, caused her rich, crimson blood to spill out. From there, he had lowered his head, licking the blood off as would an animal. It had been a chilling experience, one forever imprinted in her memory, as he established himself as the wolf, and she the sheep. As she looked at the datapad, a smile formed on her face, followed by a low chuckle.

"So the wolf was slain at last.."

She looked upon Geist, for a moment wondering how he had done it. It was a story she wanted every detail from, but she knew the ceremony wasn't a place for gruesome matters. Andraste was once again distracted when yet another figure approached her. Although he appeared drunk and stumbled slightly, she couldn't help but grin at his attempt to appear professional.

"Steryle, it's good to see you again. I'm hurt that you didn't bother bringing me a drink."

The grin remained upon her features. Steryle had been with her as a guard during the time she had fled to Galactic Alliance space. He had been with her the entire duration of her pregnancy, back when she was merely Andraste, with no plans of ever obtaining the title of Empress. It had seemed so long ago, though in reality it had been mere months. She secretly appreciated his choice to remain silent about the time they had been in Alliance space. Any memories of her child were painful to her still.

---​

Thaed pulled out a cigarra, lighting it. He had been warned explicitly not to get overly inebriated, and Exodeus looked particularly scary when detailing this warning. The Zabrak sighed unhappily, looking at all the potential means of getting completely plastered. Before he could say anything, a Sith Crusader popped seemingly out of nowhere and offered them glitterstim. Was his addiction to drugs really that obvious? Thaed quirked an eyebrow, looking from the Crusader to Ichabod.

"Who the hell is this kid?"

 

[Alexander Dregar]

Caris stayed near Dorann’s side the entire time. Only straying the check on security measures. He trusted Arcturus and the others to protect him equally well as he could. But since both the Empress and Grand Imperator were together, the more protection nearby, the better. It was easy to see the effects that attraction had on the Grand Imperator. At least to one who had spent nearly all their military service under him. Not that Caris could blame him, the Empress was gorgeous, and beautiful beyond belief. He himself had to shake himself out of it from time to time, his eyes staring of their own accord.

Looking at Arcturus. “How is your training coming along my friend? I can feel your strength growing each day.” Caris had one true force ability. He could feel other force users. Their strength, their position, and often even which side of the force they used. His training moving along each day in this ability, he would soon even be able to pinpoint those who used the force to hide themselves. Sadly this was in truth, the extent of his abilities in the force.

He tried to talk with Arcturus just to keep his mind OFF the Empress. Sad, how one woman could influence so many people around her. But she was the Empress after all, so it should be no surprise.

 

[Tunnel Rat]

Steryle was oblivious to anyone other than Andraste at the moment. Lowering his hand as she made it clear that it was slightly less formal than he had anticipated, Steryle shrugged at her comment. "One of us needs to be able to keep the other in line." A small laugh escaped his lungs and he lightly bit his tongue while widening his eyes, referencing being insane. He turned around just in time to see a waiter carrying a platter of mix drinks in one hand. "Hey! You!"

The waiter gave off an expression similar to a deer in headlights. Steryle took the three steps it took to close the distance between them and gingerly took two drinks from the platter. "Are you old enough to drink, Sir?" The question offended Steryle in his drunken state. He frowned at the waiter which ended up being more of a pout and scorn mixed together.

"Who the hell are you to ask me that? I'm old enough whenever the hell I feel like it!" Steryle turned around, not waiting for a response and returned to Andraste. His frown was replaced with a smile instantly as he offered her the drink in his left hand. Steryle's bright blue eyes met hers. She would be able to read his thoughts this way. Most people used numbers or emotions to block their minds from force users; Steryle used immense stupidity to block his, so to save Andraste the headache of it all, they had developed a way where words weren't needed for communication.

To the only politician I trust. Steryle raised his drink toward her, in hopes that she'd do the same for the silent, unspoken toast he had made.

 

[Dmitri]

Heliel was displeased that the Imperator was repremending her in public, but reason sunk it. She knew she had gone over the line. Luckily, the Empress seemed more reasonable than many Sith, and hadn't punished her. Or maybe the woman hadn't noticed the slight.

Regardless, the Imperator had asked for the crowding guess to depart, most likely to allow the Imperator and Empress to discuss in private. The CAIN director greeted Arcturus as she departed. She turned to Caris, "Let us give the Imperator some privacy. We can observe from a distance." She whispered to Caris, "Make sure nothing happens. If the Imperator is harmed, I will have your head on a stake." Heliel was not going to let the Imperator be harmed, especially by a Sith.

Heliel left Caris and Geist to see her brother, Hazac. "Greetings, dear brother. You missed the family get-together last week." She then glanced around to make sure she was not within earshot. She then spoke through the Force to Hazac. 'How are you faring? Doing well in the Sith Order?' If there was anyone she cared more about than the Imperator, it was her brother. When Hazac choose to go to the Sith instead of the Immortal Order like herself, she had been worried that he might be killed. The Sith had a tendency to kill each other. However, she knew how powerful Hazac was, and asked not out of whether he had been treated badly, but how his emotional state was.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Geist bowed at the Imperator's request. "As you wish. Have a pleasant day, Imperator, Empress."

Geist walked off, departing from Heliel. He noticed a Crusader by two Sith Lords. Already drugs were being sent out. He sighed. "Drugs are not to be used." He spoke mostly to the Crusader, but it could be applied to the two Sith Lords too, to warn them off from taking the Crusader's glitterstim. "The Chiss have banned its usage inside this party. If you wish to use it, please do so outside these halls."

 

[Fusion]

As Bosch finished drinking the purplish Chiss drink that was in the punchbowl, he turned to observe a most humorous sight: A Sith Crusader offering a pair of Sith Lords glitterstim. Being a staunch advocate of the war on drugs and other illegal substances(as they impeded the body's ability to properly command), it both humored and sickened him. Fortunately, another Sith came and mentioned to the three that the Chiss had banned drugs during the party, something which only gained the Ascendency more honor in his eyes. Sitting with perfect posture in a chair next to the punch table, he spoke his thoughts at a loud enough voice so those nearby could hear him, but in a tone as to show he was talking to himself.

Sith Lords on drugs... Ugh... As if the tainting of the Empire could not get any worse, they simply had to abuse their position in the Empire to get drugs. How pathetic.

Bosch did not know if anyone would hear him, and likely the trio of Sith would not hear him unless they had very keen hearing, but any others in the vicinity of the punch table, as well as those not in conversation, would likely hear every word he just said.