Open Serenno Golden Age of the Empire

[Imani Din]

"Nice to meet you," Imani would say with a smile as Vahliri introduced her to Varyn. He seemed nice enough, and she found his exchange with Vahliri endearing. Her attention was soon distracted by a new figure entering the room - one she'd been hoping would make an appearance. "Master Draugr, I'm glad you could make it." She gave him the slightest smile, though her eyes said more as she surveyed the man in his suit. "And the horns..." She couldn't deny it; horns were just the cherry on top.

But, before she could ask him to dance, Varyn reached out a hand and asked her. "I would," Imani replied as she reached out to take Varyn's hand. As she walked with him out to the dancefloor her eyes would briefly search for Draugr, noting where he was as she placed her other hand on Varyn's shoulder.

They began to dance, and Imani decided she would take the lead for now. Though a bit unfamiliar with ballroom dancing, she got the just of it, and pretty soon the two would fall into a rhythmic push and pull as they spun around the dancefloor. "Do you often come to events like these?" she asked as she positioned herself to be twirled. "Or is this your first time?"

tags: @Phoenix @Scoobert

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Varyn smiled as she accepted, and they took hands, heading out to begin dancing. He had to say this music was more to his liking than much of the more modern, popular dance music. The beat still picked up and he let her lead as they moved across the dance floor.

A first for me, I admit. You? he asked.

I must say, if the company is this lovely all the time, I might have to come again, he said. Though he wasn't an experienced dancer, he moved with the grace of an athlete trained in a very different type of tango.

He didn't shy away from the moment as he took the cue to spin her smoothly, ensuring he got his arm high enough to clear her horns. There was a brief moment's pause before he pulled her back in towards him once again, letting her dress flourish as she moved.

@lizziie

 

[Alexios De'jaal]

​

If there had been one thing that Alexios had adapted to over his relatively short life, it was extravagant social gatherings in palaces with hundreds of well dressed, presumably important people. He'd been dragged to these sorts of functions for as long as he could read and write-- usually quartered off with the children of other aristocrats, or literally dragged around by his mother or one of his many aids and tutors. He'd absolutely hated them when he was younger, but his mother had impressed the value of such gatherings into him whenever he complained.

"We're not here," She'd told him over and over, in that cold, stern tone she'd always use when trying to teach him something important, "For fun. If you want to have fun, go spend your time with the degenerate masses. If you want to learn, and make connections with those of worth, you'll stay here and do as you're told."

Usually he'd respond by saying that was boring or stupid, followed by her banning him from Kithara practice for the next two weeks, followed by him screaming and running off to his room in a fit.

He still disagreed quite a bit with his mother's sentiment; the boy actually took her advice and did spend quite a bit of time having fun with the "degenerate masses," though he had a heavy suspicion that she wouldn't approve. But she wasn't wrong about the value of these kinds of social events. But ofcourse, he could also try and enjoy himself all the same, no? He'd arrived late, a bit of speeder trouble and a few issues with his suit. He was still only late enough to where it could still be considered fashionable though-- at least, that's what he hoped.

Wandering inside, he didn't immediately engage with anyone-- there was a crowd of faces he didn't recognize, people of rank and status mingling with those without it-- those like him. A waiter would offer him a glass of champagne, and he'd accept, responding with a quick "Gratias." before taking a long sip.

​

​

f

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc was pleasantly surprised when the acolyte took the lead in the dance. Though he towered over her and no doubt intimidated her, she navigated around it. He watched her spin expertly on the balls of her feet, the lehenga skirt flaring out around her. It was obvious she was no stranger to dance, and he knew it was common among Induparan. Emryc followed her with almost effortless grace, practically gliding on his feet across the dance floor wherever she led. She would realize for his size, he was fluid to navigate and tug around and he adapted to her steps as if studying and analyzing in real time.

There was a faint grin as the dupatta ended up around his neck, and she would see the amusement both on his lips and the frosty silvers. She further surprised him by twirling in and hooking her leg around his and dipping back. Emryc’s arm went around her to allow this and for her dip to grow deeper. His gaze traced briefly along the ornate jewelry, down the curves of her chest and further down where her lithe waist was. The half Sephi tugged her back to stand as she came up and slid the dupatta from his neck.

If Emryc heard what she said, he gave no indication of it. The Dark Lord didn’t step forward, instead coiling the Force around Vahliri to skid her towards him. His hand found her hip again, once again closer on her waist. She would feel his fingers tap suddenly to a rhythm - it was the rhythm of the song playing, but she would begin to pick up that it was a practice from her own planet. Emryc began to move his shoulders to the same beat, his torso beginning to sway back and forth. He tilted his head a bit to the side before grinning, “I always take up a challenge,” He responded to her at last in perfect Induparan. Having a Vice President that was from the same planet and all his time there combined with his obsession with new knowledge meant he picked up the language somewhat conversationally.

The half Sephi pulled her into a dance to continue the song, weaving in some traditional Induparan moves to blend in where the beat was similar. The tapping on her hip was to encourage that sway that was infamous in the local dancers there, the kind of dancing the lehenga was made for. For his part, his shoulders and his body moved as fluidly as she would have seen back home.

@Altaris

 

[Nova Trent]

Nova was still contemplating whether approaching him directly was the smartest decision, but it was too late to turn back now anyway. After all, there were still some questions left unanswered from the last time they've met and maybe this night would help with that.

His initial answer made her smirk deviously, and she couldn't keep herself from replying accordingly. "Oh do you? I had no idea..." she taunted him, her head slightly tilted to the side, before he started to fire back.

What was suprising about his answer though, was that it was not antagonizing as usual. He kept his tone rather casual, his last statement almost sounding as though that was even wishful thinking. It did confuse her a little, but instead of becoming angry, she eyed him amusedly. "It almost seems like that is something you would want" she noticed with a hint of artifical surprise in her voice.

Was that his plan all along? At least he didn't seem to be holding a grudge. Maybe it was good to act as though nothing has happened on Dantooine. Well, the truth was, that nothing had happen yet, so why would she even waste more time thinking about what could have happened?

@Reylo4evr

 

[Ronan Carduel]

Ronan raised an amused eyebrow. "And why would I want you to be drunk? You came here of your own accord, after all. Dance?" he asked, extending his hand. She couldn't exactly tell him no; this was a ball and there would be dancing. If she wasn't going to be dancing with him she would likely get asked by someone else, she did look quite lovely in that dress. He may not be good at playing the charming gentleman but he could certainly look it. In the moment when he waited for Nova's response, he noticed other female Imperials eyeing him, a couple looking ready to interject should Nova turn him down.

Besides, better to dance than think for too long about what had happened on Dantooine. They had come looking for distractions and distractions they would get.

@LadyRen

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr's question had made it out to the group of which was slowly departing, starting with Vahliri, followed by Varyn asking Imani to dance. A guard walking by would answer and be one of the few to actually give an answer about the music. So Master Draugr would give him a nod and then return to his conversation,

"I am glad to be here. And of course, break a leg on the dance floor."

Druagr would give a slight curve to the right side of his mouth in a slight smile, as he would gesture for them to go ahead. There would be more opportunities to speak with Imani tonight. So he wasn't concerned about it. She was an attractive woman it was common for young boys to want to dance with her, among many other things. Hormones and all. Puberty can be a hell of thing in the teenage years and more recently in the Sith, the young twenties.

As they would set off, he turned to see the guard once more and decided to conversate.

"So they scheduled you for guard duty tonight? A shame, formals are usually fun to attend.. eh tolerable at the least."

@lizziie @Phoenix @Apollyon

 

[Imani Din]

"A first for me as well, but I'm hopin' it's the first of many," Imani answered in return as she twirled back around to face him. At his comment about lovely company, she would glance up through her lashes and ask, "Do you find my company lovely?" Her Bandomeerian accent slipped through a bit stronger, laced with a low, flirtatious tone.

Imani pushed their clasped hands out further as they stepped to the side in their dancing, pulling them closer together until their chests were almost touching. But it was a fleeting moment, because as their turn came around, she pulled their hands back to their original position and recreated the former distance between them. Her expression shifted from flirtatious to a mischievous smile as they continued their dance.

"So, how long have you been with the Sith?" The Tiefling would descend into small talk as they danced, as she was curious about who the man was and how he knew Vahliri. He looked like he was college aged, but that didn't say much for how long he'd been in the Sith. Some people spent their whole lives in the order, while others like her joined in their teens.

tag: @Phoenix

 

[Nova Trent]

She eyed him slightly critically, truly interested in his honest reply. She knew that he wouldn't just reveal his master plan, but maybe his mimic would prove her thesis. But to her surprise, he acted as though that wasn't his plan and additionally he posed another interesting question. Dance? Again? She couldn't help but to scoff. "Are you not afraid that the story of Dantooine might repeat itself?" she teased him deviously, but took his hand with a smirk at the same time.

The only reason she did this without thinking twice was that the looks of the young Imperial ladies surrounding them did not go unnoticed. She was the one that wanted to talk to him more. She wouldn't give someone else the chance to do so. Nova tended to grow possessive anyway and Ronan owed her some more hours, as their last night had ended sooner than expected. At least that was what she kept telling herself. Why? She needed some sort of justification for her behavior and couldn't come up with a better explanation of why she wanted to spend time with him in the first place.

@Reylo4evr

 

[Ronan Carduel]

Music
Ronan could not deny that he was relieved when Nova took his hand. The other female Imperials turned away, grumbling, but soon quickly forgetting him, as people were wont to do. He led Nova onto the dance floor. "I am afraid of nothing," he said, which was technically true since his master was dead now. "I do not believe it will happen again, considering how eagerly you took my hand," he continued, taking her other hand once they reached the dance floor. Time to pull out all the stops.

He pulled her closer with one hand and rested the other hand on her hip right as a new song started. It was not slow, but it was no tango either. Rather, it was long and powerful, and Ronan danced like such. He had a kind of grace that came with strength and he demonstrated it as the music became more passionate and intense. He raised a hand, spinning Nova under his arm, before pulling her back to him, placing both hands on her waist. He lifted her into the air and spun in a semicircle, causing the train of her dress to fly out around her. He set her back on the ground and took her hand and hip again, moving his feet quickly, and never breaking eye contact with her.

@LadyRen

 

[Varyn Atrix]

Indeed, I do, he replied with a smile. He pulled her in toward himself and then moved to dip her low, holding her there for a moment before pulling her back up once again.

Others around them were lost to the rhythm as well, and the entire evening was turning out quite lovely. Nothing like what he had heard of these parties, but he supposed the night was still young. Still, it couldn't be all bad if this was how he was spending his time.

Not long, he said. It was vague but true. He had not been a member of the Order for much time, and even his cover hadn't been a member that long. But don't worry, I'm on track for a meteoric rise, he said with a laugh.

And you? If it's a first for you then either you're not one for social occasions - and how could that be possible just by seeing how at home you look here - or you're new as well, he said.

@lizziie

 

[Amira Din]

Amira had arrived earlier but had yet to initiate contact with anyone other than the bartender. The Tiefling had every intention of mingling with her Sith compatriots, reestablishing herself amongst their number, and forging new contacts— but first, a shot of liquid courage.

Or, in her case, several.

Yellow eyes watched the crowd with interest, quietly appreciating the music, the chatter, and the energy in the room. It had been a long time since the Tiefling had attended anything so formal or worn anything so majestic, and she simply wanted a few still moments to herself to allow the experience to soak in. The majority of party-goers had begun to move onto the dance floor, effortlessly swaying along with their partners to the changing music, but there were others— stragglers scattered across the room, chatting with friends or nursing their drinks alone.

The Tiefling decided to approach one of them, a dark-haired boy that had just wandered in to the ballroom. An Acolyte, by the looks of it. Not the sort of influential contact she had been hoping to make, but the night was still young, and perhaps he would be full of surprises. "Aren't you a little young for champagne?" she would ask, pushing off from her position against the wall. She appraised him, eyes raking over his face and clothing.
Then, she smiled at him. Hopefully he wasn't one of those overly emotional teenagers that took everything to heart, because her next remark was in jest. "An interesting choice of attire. Are you trying to grab the attention of a potential suitor? Or are you trying to blind them?" @Tom

 

[Imani Din]

"A meteroic rise?" Imani repeated after him with a chuckle in her throat. "Did you come to expand your network then?" Her pale eyes flicked over to the dancing Darth Raze nearby, then back. He wasn't the only man or woman of high(er) ranking in the room, just the closest. "Or just the lovely company?"

They continued to dance, and a new song began to play. It picked up significantly in pace from the last one, so with a devilish grin, Imani happily adjusted the rhythm of their dancing to match.

"Far from new," she revealed. Imani had been with the Sith nine - going on ten - years now. "I've just never had the time or opportunity to come to something as lovely as this."

The song began to speed up a bit, so she moved to focus on their dancing. Though unfamiliar with this sort of dancing, she found herself being a quick learner as she swayed to and fro with the music, responding to Varyn's own movements. The music was wild, then calm for a moment, and wild once again. She wondered how she didn't get dizzy, spinning about, but figured the presence of her dance partner probably grounded her somehow.

"I couldn't pass it up, though. I do enjoy dancin'."

tag: @Phoenix

 

[Darth Tempest]

For just those brief moments - enshrouded by the glittering lights and other individuals on the floor - Vahliri allowed herself to get entirely lost within the music and the way she danced with the Dark Lord of the Sith. There was a fluid, almost effortless grace to every twist and turn of her body - not a step out of place as she moved in sync with Raze. Dance had been a fundamental part of Vahliri’s life from the time she was a child by virtue of her Induparan upbringing, and it was abundantly clear that she enjoyed every second of it. No matter how Raze intimidated her, it was all that much easier to navigate through their dance.

She felt the hand that cradled her as she dipped low, and the half-Annfyn didn’t miss the way that those frosty silvers drew down the curves of her body and the glittering jewels she wore. Almost at once, the half-Annfyn felt a bit of heat rush into her face - her dark olive complexion shifting a bit more red in the cheeks, and that bit of sheepishness once more surfaced on her face. Just as she rose up from her dip, Vahliri found her foot just a hair out of place - and Raze would certainly feel it as the tips of toes crunched the top of his foot.

Almost at once, the half-Annfyn tensed a bit at the realization that she had just stepped on the Dark Lord’s feet dawned on her. Nevertheless, Vahliri didn’t allow herself to linger on the momentary slip-up - falling right back into step as they continued their hand. She felt the rhythmic tapping against her waist, and it didn’t take the girl more than a moment to pick up on the practice as one from her own homeworld. She couldn’t help the look of comical shock when the Dark Lord slipped into perfect Induparan, nor could she control the smile that worked its way promptly into other expresssion.

“Then let’s hope I live up to it.” She replied back in the perfecf Induparan that was her native language, her own accent becoming far more pronounced as she spoke.

Continuing their new dance, Vahliri’s body began to move with a sway and hypnotic grace entirely new to their routine - slipping into the movements that she was most familiar with. Her hips rolled back and swayed with smooth, rolling motions - each and everything movement causing the skirt of her lehenga to ripple like serene waves of silk. While Raze kept his hands on her waist, the Acolyte lifted her own hands above her head - the diamond bangles sliding up her forearms she weaves them in the air above her - shoulders rolling back and swaying in perfect rythmn with her hips.

@Sreeya

 

[Alexios De'jaal]

​

For about a minute, Alexios simply took his time sipping on his drink, and looking around the room. He still couldn't recognize any faces. Some looked a little familiar, a few were around his age-- a human boy here, a pointy eared girl there-- a... very tall masked man dancing with her (he wasn't even going to try and figure out who he was)-- but other than that, he couldn't name any of them,. With the academy and his place of residence over the past two years completely decimated, he wasn't really interacting with the same people he had been on a daily basis anymore. His acquaintances, friends even-- had all gone off in smaller instruction groups.

His eyes never lingered on anyone for more than a few seconds, unless he took a moment to try and recognize them. Other than that, his eyes darted around, idly walking as he adjusted his tie, flicking his eyes down and up again, and catching the glimmer of a dress. Blinking a few times, he'd look up at a woman facing him, craning his neck a little so he could maintain eye contact. He'd blink again as she spoke, and after a split second he realized that she was trying to talk to him. The boy was a little surprised-- the last time a stranger had approached him at a formal event like this, it had been his distant cousin fishing him out of a hide and seek game he'd been playing with a couple of children who'd snuck off.

Listening to what she said, he'd glance down at his drink-- already half finished--and shrug. "Probably." He answered, taking another sip. "I guess that goes for most things I do." He'd add, smiling up at her before he downed what was left of the glass' contents. "...it's supposed to be sweet, right?" Alex asked, genuinely unsure, as he’d idly place his glass on the tray of a passing waiter. Her next question prompted a quick chuckle, though he'd glance down once at his suit. It was flashy-- literally, and figuratively.

"The idea was to get people looking, but keep them from staring.” he answered with a grin. “And any prospective suitor ought to know to keep their eyes up here long enough to not go blind.” He’d add, pointing up towards his face as he looked up at her. He gave the horned woman a quick once over, the young aristocrat particularly impressed by her dress. Even if old crones back home would’ve called it ostentatious, he still thought it was the most fashionable thing he’d seen anyone wear this evening— excluding his own outfit, Ofcourse.

“Whose attention are you trying to grab with your dress? A suitor, or one of the lords or masters?” He’d asked, glancing around the room. “If they’re as wise as they’re supposed to be, I’m sure they’ll be impressed. I know I am.” The boy complimented, before his eyes idly trailed to the dance floor.

“Does a dance suit you, Miss…” he began, before blinking once. “Deus, I haven’t even introduced myself. I’m Alexios De’jaal; you?” He’d ask, shortening his name to the galactic standard for convenience.

​

​

@llamallove

 

[Amira Din]

At first, the Sith Acolyte just stood there, silent as the grave and blinking slowly. His stiff posture and unwavering stare reminded Amira of a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming speeder, paralyzed by indecision and shock. Maybe that sip of champagne had already gone to his head, or maybe this was the first time a girl had ever approached him at a party. It was possible— not because he was repulsive or anything but because he couldn't have been older than fifteen or sixteen years of age.

"Yes," the Tiefling laughed, genuinely amused by the question. "It's supposed to be sweet." She paused to study him, tracing a dark finger along the rim of the glass she held. "Why?" she would then ask, tilting her head to one side as yellow eyes peered into his with fascination, awaiting an answer. "Why are you here if not to be stared at?"
Amira moved closer to the Acolyte, shifting her focus to the dancefloor. "Everyone is here to be stared at, whether or not they're willing to admit it. Otherwise they would not have come." Briefly, her gaze settled on him, a smile building. "Yes, even me. Some want to make new connections and open the door to prosperous business opportunities, while others are looking to the climb the ranks by integrating themselves amongst the lords in attendance. Some are here for excitement— romance, even. There is no shame in it. Through passion, I gain strength."

Five words the Acolyte must have known by heart, even at his age. "Besides, why shouldn't people stare at you? You're a fine looking young man—" She hesitated, gaze wandered over him. "—if a little short." One compliment deserved another.

Amira polished off her drink, guiding the glass back to the bar with the Force before introducing herself. "Amira Din. You dance?" she asked, a little surprised. The Tiefling offered the Acolyte her hand, fully expecting him to take it. "Then by all means. Show me what you've got, Acolyte. Just don't step on my foot." @Tom

 

[Nova Trent]

Usually, when a man touched her, her first reaction would always be an intense Force Push if not even something worse, but she forced herself not to even flinch this time. She was a little confused, but she blamed it all on the alcohol and tried to focus on something else instead. She swallowed any sign of upcoming rage and tried to concentrate on the music, but the current song was not actually helping. But there was at least something she could hold onto. Their conversation. Yes they still had an ongoing conversation. She reciprociated his eye contact, even if it was somehow...strange.

His response let her raise an eyebrow, because somehow, it sounded like there was an 'anymore' implied. However, she left it uncommented for now, as they might probably get a chance for deeper conversations anytime soon. Instead, she reluctantly but elegantly let herself be led by him, gracefully complementing his steps."Eagerly? Please...you were desperately asking for it and I have decided to be nice and courteous for once" she replied with an exaggerated soft voice and a sweet smile, before his hands landed on her waist. She was a little surprised by this gesture, but she soon understood what he was trying to do. She tried her best to hide her suprise and smiled at him instead, this time a more honest smile on her lips. This was...kind of fun. She had to admit that, even though she had no idea why she was in such a good mood. "I had no idea you could dance like that" she said to him, not hinting her suprise this time.

@Reylo4evr

 

[Ronan Carduel]

Ronan didn't say anything, just raised an eyebrow when Nova called him desperate. She was flattering herself if she thought he was desperate. Maybe he was desperate, but not for her. When the song ended, a new one began, and he dropped his hands from her hips and took a step back. She sounded surprised at his dancing skills and Ronan gave her one of his trademark charming smirks. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me," he said, his voice deep.

@LadyRen

 

[Ashla Ti]

Ashla furrowed her eyebrows at Sol's noncommittal response, but let it slide, this didn't really seem like the place to push the topic. Instead she let her attention move to the little droid, and as it spoke once more, she knelt down, not particularly bothered by what the action might do to her dress, and leaned from side to side to get a better look at it as she replied. "Oh, you know, the usual. Murder, mayhem, bar hopping to find the best fried spider in the galaxy."

But though she replied to Sol, her attention was on the droid. "And who might you be?" She asked the droid. Noticing Raze dancing with Vahl, she smiled. "Not a man of many words, my old master, but a man of many surprises. Something he shares with yours, huh?" She gave a droid a gently pat on the head, and rose to her feet once more, returning her gaze to Sol. She smiled at his request, and took his offered hand. "With as sharply dressed as you are, how could i say no?"

Not waiting, she would start pulling him towards the dance floor, even though he had been the one to ask, and finding a spot she pulled him close to dance, only stopping herself at the last moment from taking the lead.

"You know, I have missed all this, missed everything and everyone," she said softly to Sol as they began moving to the music, and noticing Draugr not too far off she leaned in to whisper in mischievously in his ear "even the crazy ones."

@Mr. Teatime

 

[Aralan Delste]

When the Zabrak confused him for a guard, anxiety gripped Aralan’s heart. How could he be mistaken for a guard? What he was wearing was the peak of Serenno fashion beneath the rule of the Empire one hundred years ago, surely things hadn’t changed THAT much! At first, Aralan felt embarrassed for the man, how could be on Serenno and not understand it’s fashion after all! That was, until he drank in the opulence of his peers once more, Sith in their fine suits and golden gowns but beyond them, stationed along the walls of the room were darkly clad Sith. All of them with expressions of raw annoyance on their faces, all of them disgruntled at their bad luck, all of them dressed extremely similarly to him.

Aralan held back a dry heave as the man’s statement was confirmed.

“I’m not a guard.” He whispered as his skin turned pale. “But I think I just committed social suicide.” He quietly commented. “Would you happen to have a blaster on you? I might as well finish the job myself.” He asked the man in a quiet dark jest.

@Scoobert