Vanity Fair on Coruscant (Vex)

Coruscant. Jewel of the Republic. Seat of all galactic power...or so it believed. There were many divergent views on that matter. His own people, for example, believed Falleen to be the true jewel of the galaxy. They believe it to be the epitome of grace and culture, with all others mere shadows underneath Falleen supremacy.

Sitting there in the hover limo on his way to the gala, Rizzen allowed his eyes to take in the the view afforded to him of the bay and the sea beyond. The world seemed on fire...a tapestry of flames painted across the sky and reflected in the waters of the sea. The view could not have been better if it had been planned.

Idly, he recognized the fact that he was being asked a question. Turning that violet gaze back towards his hosts and benefactors for the evening, he smiled apologetically, citing the view as a most spectacular distraction. That garnered him a few laughs before he was pulled back into the discussion of politics that had dominated most of the trip over. As much as he appreciated their hospitality, he was looking forward to the opportunity to break off from them for a time once they arrived at this gala.

Intrinsically, he knew that such hope was truly foolish. After all, the entire enterprise this evening had been designed to drum up political and financial support for the growing hostilities between the Republic and its two enemies: the Empire and the Mandalorians. No doubt there would be an extensive amount of patriotic saber rattling and rhetoric displayed this evening. He had to resign himself to such, despite the personal misgivings and distaste that slicked the back of his tongue sourly.

Envoys had come to Falleen. Wars were expensive, after all, and the Republic needed to drum up all the funding it could muster as it now had to battle on two fronts. Many of the more powerful noble families scoffed at the idea of soiling their reputations by dealing so directly with outsiders and would only provide minimal, proxy support if they provided anything at all. Rizzen's patriarch, however, had other ideas. The Xan's had been able to expand nicely while he was out amongst the stars. This was, in large part, due to the House's willingness to broker deals with off-worlders. The Xan patriarch was cautious, of course...taking great pains to ensure that nothing could happen that might cause dishonor or loss of faith. Because of this, while their opponents may have sneered at their business practices, they were also forced to watch as the Xan power base began to expand. Now those envoys had come and the opportunity was given to truly turn the House of Xan into a heavy-hitting member of the nobility. Saying "no" simply wasn't an option.

The responsibility for meeting with the envoys had fallen like a mantle around Rizzen's shoulders. He'd spent more time on his home world in the last three galactic cycles than he had in the last decade while he recovered from the extensive "questioning" that he'd received after a botched mission...one that had come dangerously close to overlapping to two disparate sides of his life. He'd been forced to step back and reassess. He'd been forced to accept more responsibility as the successor to the Xan dynasty.

Such responsibility had led him here...traveling under the graces and good credits of several members of the Senate finance and defense commissions. They wanted to illuminate him on the advantages and lucrative opportunities that would abound for the Xan's if they provided their exceptional fiscal and banking enterprise for support in funding the war movement. This gala was going to be a chance for him to meet and greet members of the Coruscant elite, Senate dignitaries, and other members of note. Supporting the war effort wasn't going to be what would help catapult the Xan's, after all. No, it was the networking, the contacts and relations that would open the doors for them. He was here to be wined...to be dined... and to determine how best they might allocate their resources for the most turn-around.

Within moments, he saw that they were making there descent toward Inis Mochaoi. While he had heard of that island of art, he'd never had the chance to experience it first hand. Even from above, it was a sight to behold. The lush emerald of those gardens and how the architecture seemed to be a flowing extension from it brought him pause. He would never have believed that an oasis such as this was possible to find in the city-planet of Coruscant. It kept him speechless until the vehicle touched down and the doors were opened for them.

His hosts had chosen to arrive late as well...planning for the maximum impact of his arrival and announcement. Stepping out from the limo, Rizzen straightened, darkened claws meticulously adjusting the dark collar of that ebony doublet he wore. Satisfied that all was in order, he followed along in the wake of his fellows. The main entrance for the ballroom was prominently displayed by a landing with wide, sweeping steps leading down. As his hosts met with the maitre d', they were announced, causing more than a few heads to turn their way at the arrival. Then came his name, the announcement echoing forth, "I now present Lord Rizzen Xan, first son of the noble Falleen House of Xan, successor to the Xan Financial Consortium, and honored guest of Senators Paladrim and Wynn."

The Senators were the respective leaders of the Senate finance and defense commissions, part of the "Who's Who" of tonight's event. That caused even more eyes to fall on him...and the Falleen noble did well in ensnaring their curiosity.

The Falleen did not adhere to common galactic standards of dress. In a nod to their feudal style of governance, they preferred an older, more elegant design to their garb, lending it a decidedly renaissance, old-world feel. Rizzen had dressed in such a manner, his lean, powerful frame garbed in that rich ebony doublet, subtly ribbed and edged in gold and ivory. He wore deep crimson breeches that fed into gleaming, polished boots that ended at the knee and shone like black mirrors. That topknot was bound and flowed smoothly in a slick black line between his shoulder blades.

Violet eyes burned with a powerful intensity as he stood at the head of the stairs, taking in the room below him, surveying it slowly and without rush. They were framed in those powerful, predatory features that held a symmetry that didn't draw the eye so much as it demanded attention. He would nod his head to the maitre d' in thanks before he moved slowly down the steps, each motion made with a fluid economy of movement and self-awareness. Reaching the bottom, he drew his mouth up in a smile, bowing his head as he reached out, clasping the hand of the first socialite that came up to introduce himself. Rizzen steeled himself for the night to come.

The music began to pick up once more.

It was getting loud here. Too loud and too annoying. Searing electric pulses of anger screamed through frayed nerves with every person that wanted to talk to her. Danica was stubbornly drinking another round if only to make this evening more bearable. A knot formed in her throat once another person asked about Cassius. The man was dead, couldn't they understand it? Her jaw clenched slightly at the sight of a crowd surrounding someone. Expressions like 'mindless herd' and 'thingys' forced their way onto crimson lips.

Angry gaze moved toward the source of all the commotion. Her green orbs found a tall, green skinned male bowing in kind greetings. Green...skin. That had to be the Falleen. For only a moment Danica was able to locked away the wave of incoming emotions. Handsome devilishly so, but there was unsettling streak to it. His features seemed unnaturally perfect; no human, not even her could have been so symmetrically sculpted. Danica had never seen a Falleen unless on holo-vids but they did not compare to a real image. Even when smiling Xan remained strangely cold and aloof. Whether it was because of sparsity of gestures or lack of any meaningful expression in vivid purple eyes, she couldn't say. Danica had great appreciation for two things – perfection and grace – and this man had it all. It was the first thing on a long list to come, that made her hate him. Surge of irritation sparked in her brain and moved under skin as she watched the spectacle.

”Ugh...” With nearly a slam the woman placed her glass back on the table , stretched and began to walk with her head held high. She passed the Falleen brushing gently against his back but pretended not to even notice him. Danica tried to maintained rather cold, professional composure. She did want to talk to him but now when hoards of idiots were swarming him. Who the hell he thought he was?

Briskly, Danica stepped on a small scene where orchestra was playing [/b[ some ancient piece [/b]. Recalling her famous smile number 'I am the nicest person you have met' the human woman let her voice to be augmented by a small device placed there. ”Excuse me ladies and gentleman. I hope I may invite you now to your tables, the first course will be served soon.” Well trained voice was silky and melodic, although for a good listener may catch slightly faster pace and nervousness in digits that didn't seem to find their place, twitching gently.

It always works to use food as bait. Even senators were only humans...well sentients. The crowd immediately dispersed, leaving only few who were interested more in other things than food. Fresh emotions gave crimson glow to Danica's pale cheeks, as eyes moved around the bright interior. Searching for prey. There he was, standing like a king. A non-chalant, self-content, arrogant...Everyone went, every single important Senator responded her call and that alien from some backwater, forgotten planet dared to not conform. Inappropriate, unthinkable. For a control freak it would be terrible, for Danica it was downright offensive.

She wanted to be nice, she really did. In her head, the woman would put together nice, round sentences about how good the food is. How it would be nice to have him keep company to others. Despite the rude son of a rancor the Falleen was now. Maybe just make some half joking comment about goofiness. That's all. 'Excuse me, sir. But maybe you would like to join others...' Neutral enough.

With a swaying movement, like a dancer, Danica swam through the air to the Falleen, only to catch him on admiring an original Coruscant piece. Typical human art of post-modernism, unpredictable, wild. What a Falleen could want from it? Was this more important than her? Was he blind? That was when all the resolve went to hell and Danica without any pardon squeezed herself in between the artwork and the male. At this point it was clear as day she was angry with cheeks blossomed in a crimson glow and eyes live and fiery like an active volcano.

”Excuse me, sir.” It was the only thing that managed to stay fairly neutral. ”Who do you think you are? My staff won't wait for you, they have around three hundred people to serve. Senators. “ Only then Danica realized that in the heat of a moment stepped really close to the alien noble, probably in a meek manner of intimidation which prolly wouldn't work for a much taller and much more in control individual. Quickly, the woman took a step back. ”I also want to highlight the importance of not touching[/i[ the exhibits.” In truth the woman had no idea if Xan even intended it. Just to be safe though, they were probably savages. In such outfit you couldn't be a part of civil society.

Rizzen hadn't expected to be quite so overwhelmed by greeters upon his arrival. It seemed that there were more than a few suitors that were vying for the backing of his house. It certainly made things more interesting and could work in their favor. Competition was healthy and it meant the possibility of great wealth and influence if properly played. Rizzen could not afford any missteps in the next few days. He could broker very lucrative deals…though it was, of course, the Patriarch who had the final say on any agreements.

A flash of red caught in his periphery along with movement. Instinct and training curled in his blood and he turned his head slightly to catch a better view of the woman slipping behind him. It always paid to remain cognizant of one's surroundings, for one could be stabbed in the back during a covert operations just as readily as they could at court or in high society. That momentary glance managed to take in the stunning figure, luxurious hair, and flawless skin, but then she was beyond his sight and he could only feel the ephemeral brush of her across his shoulder blades. He turned his head to the other shoulder, seeing her move past and apparently doing all in her power to NOT notice him. The back of that dress was exquisite, but that violet stare caught the bunching tightness in her shoulders. She was too stiff to have just…accidentally brushed against him. That brought a small, bemused smile up to curl the corner of his lip as he turned back to exchange pleasantries and introductions again.

He was brought to pause, as were most others, with the sound of that voice lilting out to them. It drew his attention, his head tilting slightly as he listened to her. It was the same woman. He took the opportunity to take her in more…admiring the well-bred femininity of her frame and features. She truly was a stunning example of human beauty. At her announcement, people finally started to disperse and begin to head toward their seats. Allowing himself a small, relieved sigh, he enjoyed the reprieve from sycophantic babble. Rizzen decided to take the opportunity, moving toward a particular piece of art that had been brought out for the night's display. With languid movements, he drew closer, stopping a few paces away as he took it in. It was quite a departure from the structured, symmetrical art and stylings that the Falleen preferred. He'd heard of this particular piece and had, indeed, intended to go to its first showing when it had initially been debuted. Unfortunately…his work…his other life, had prevented him from traveling to Coruscant for its unveiling. It was…utterly unlike anything that could be found at home and filled with chaotic life. Seeing it at last would draw the first, true small from his lips.

The sound of light, approaching footsteps caused him to tilt his head slightly. They sounded swift…angered…he could only wonder if it was the woman once more. Fortunately, he did not need to wait long to find out as she insinuated that lithe form between him and that piece. Her vehemence was adamant as she began to speak…even more so as she drew almost intimately close to him. His head dipped so that the cool amethyst stare held hers levelly while she railed at him. Admiration and bemusement flowed in his blood from the fire she showed, though it only manifested itself in the faintest of smiles and an arched brow. His hand came up, palm pressingly lightly upon the curve of her hip and helping to guide her back that step and to the side so that she wasn't blocking his ability to admire the piece. When he spoke, his voice was low and smooth with an ever so subtle edge to it, like water-smoothed rocks rolling over each other; his word were carefully cultured and articulated. "I had to take a moment, m'lady, to admire this piece. I read of Eudarin Fontscu and his latest piece, Damascan Nebulae, when he pronounced its unveiling last year. I intended to attend; however, matters prevented me from doing so." He smiled, bowing his head and choosing to ignore her accusations about the meal announcement and the idea of touching the art. Instead, he'd chose to disarm her with manners and grace. "So I have you to thank for this opportunity to view it in person? I am very grateful for the opportunity. My name is Rizzen Xan, m'dear. I apologize that we have not yet been properly introduced…" He drew out the last word, subtly prompting her to provide him her name and waiting for her response.

It was hard to pry her eyes away from those violet orbs. They kept Danica in place, like gaze of a snake to the point she missed a hand coming up to rest on a soft curve of her hips forcing a yelp of surprise out of the woman's lips. ”You just didn't...Rude bastard.” The words that slipped were in High Galactic, often used trick by Danica when she wanted to express anger without offending the other side. As childish as it was, only a handful of people on Coruscant and few other worlds knew the ancient human language. It was one of her anger management techniques, unfortunately rarely efficient as the bites of annoyance were now greater than ever. Especially when the man as nothing had occurred decided to be polite without betraying anything.

Danica caught a slight arch of a brow ridge and small curl of green lips but it was impossible to read. This was the second thing to add on a growing list of annoyances this male caused. Not only was he suave, well self-controlled but also knowledgeable of art. Another item on Danica's mental list had been checked. Her eyes narrowed slightly as the human moved closer again, to stay in between the Falleen and the sculpture. No one would push her aside and certainly not little prince from Neverwhere.

Vivid green orbs now shone with heated anger but Danica's expression remained unchanged, the one of neutral blankness a droid could have. Face was not all, however,as a mastery of controlling facial muscles movements the woman had was the only thing she could influence. With such temper like hers, Danica's entire body showed the storm of emotions. Tensed muscles; stiff; rigid pose; flaming gaze. The aura of strong anger radiating from the Coruscant woman was nearly palpable.

”No, we have not.” The human smiled mischievously, letting Xan to wait a bit longer. ”My name is Danica Liviana and I am not your dear.” She stated coolly. Her nostrils flared as the woman inhaled sharply. It was patronizing what this Falleen was doing. To call a CEO of one of the biggest entertainment companies in the Core Worlds per dear showed lack of any respect toward her standing. If it came from a Senator or a fellow important business partner, then Danica could just swallow her pride. But who was Xan on Coruscant? Definitely not a prince, unless a prince turned into a frog. Ha! A frog. Oh Danica, you're a card. The coldness in the human's voice was not matched with her body language that was much more soft, coquettish even.


The woman swallowed a ball of nervous knots, blush creeping once again on her fair skin. Traitorous senses. Traitorous body. Danica was afraid, she recognized the signs for what they were; she had harbored attraction towards many alien males but all of them near-humans. At best, the arrogant female had only felt nervous, uneasy respect for such offworlders whose culture and biology was so starkly different. And yet this strange amalgamate of cold reptile features with soft mammalian characteristics drew her interest as both exotic and beautiful. .Why was there anything but revulsion?

”But maybe one day, you will be lucky enough to call me that.” This time her smile was coy, but anger still boiled close to the surface. Such rapid changes of tone and attitude were surprising for many, but ambivalence was like Danica's second...and third name.

The woman seemed about as unstable as an armed thermal detonator, that was for certain. While he applauded her ability to keep her facial features in check (it wouldn't do to mar such a pretty face with such an ugly emotion, after all), it was all too easily read in the tense lines of her body and the fire in her eyes. If looks could kill, he would have been on the receiving end of a turbolaser blast by now.

Curiosity flashed in his eyes at the initial words she spoke to him. While he was versed in several languages, High Galactic was not one of them. Of course, elegant and foreign though it may be, it wasn't terribly difficult to understand that the inflection of her words was meant to be anything but complimentary to him. It was an amusing, if somewhat juvenile attempt at deception.

His brow lifted even higher as she corrected him on the use of that endearment before she grew impish and teased him with that implication and innuendo. He watched the play of color slowly work its way up her throat and over her cheeks. She was one exceptionally conflicted woman. He let that violet gaze move over her slowly, starting from the crown of her head and moving down slowly over her form. The heat of it was almost as palpable as a lover's touch as it openly assessed her all the way to those elegant feet. It would be hard to tell if it was the look of a man considering a potential lover or a predator sizing up his intended prey. Finally his attention lifted to catch her eyes once more. A hand rose, letting one clawed forefinger dare to trace the line of her jaw very lightly with that near-razor sharp point. While gentle and teasingly tender, it wouldn't be hard to imagine what he could do with those hands if he was angered...at the damage it could cause.

Finally, he gave her a shrug, not committing one way or the other. "Perhaps, Lady Liviana....perhaps." His tone didn't betray whether or not he was hopeful and wanted that outcome or not. His arms moved to clasp behind him at the small of his back. Stepping off, he'd begin to slowly pace along, admiring some of the other pieces that she'd have on display. If she wanted to continue to speak with him and have her presence acknowledged, she would have to move to catch up to him and walk with him. "Did you choose all of these pieces for the gala? You have exceptional taste."

Pity the woman didn't know that he had almost two more decades of experience in intrigue than she did. It made up the lifeblood of his people's culture and while he preferred to not interact so when possible, it did not mean that he wasn't more than capable. She would have to try much harder if she wanted to hold her own with him.

Ambient ((Sorry. Couldn't help it, so fitting to this post ;D ))

Another arching of a brow, maybe...just maybe there was also a bit of curiosity in those perfectly sculpted green features. That was all Danica could read which of course left her huffing in anger. A normal person would be railed up by now; at least slightly angered by the sheer cheekiness. She began to doubt Falleen felt anything at all...

Verdant eyes became hesitant when the prince began to slowly move his own gaze down her frame. The violet eyes burned with so intensity Danica thought she felt physical prickling sensation on her skin. It was first time the man's gaze would give her goosebumps. It was then the woman understood it was not his looks as alien skin covered in scales was not attractive and features were too sharp but the general attitude which made him so. Like Ppredatory hunger in those magneta orbs that was enough to make Danica sigh.

She froze when sharp claw reached to caress her skin, just below the jawline. Danica's eyes fluttered wide open in a sudden shock and even a hint of fear showing on the woman's soft features. The baldness of this gesture...The Falleen managed to put her in a position of the one who lost control over the situation she herself caused by such a simple touch of hands crafted by nature itself to destroy and rip things asunder. No..he wouldn't win this one.

Quickly recovering from the initial reaction – the fire temperament and quick processing had its uses, not only drawbacks – Danica decided to move a step farther. You want a game; you will have it the woman's eyes seemed to speak as her own hand moved, but not to push the claw finger away. Danica gently placed her slender digits just below Xan's midsection to ever so lightly push him away; not without a slow lingering movement that ended near the male's neck that is. Mixed signals - always her specialty. ”Ah, a lady, that's more like it.” She flashed a teasing smile, letting her expression to change into coy and coquettish, at the same time moving away with her body, keeping cold distance, masking nervousness with a light flirt.

”Thank you. It was something I was trained in after all. “ Danica couldn't even tell if the male's compliment was honest, despite having rich quality to it and low, soothing timbre, it remained unchanged. Even Cassius, her father and master of all deception couldn't pull it off. Anger slowly began to subside, now her feelings dominated by curiosity mixed with something much more primal.

”It is surprising you would know human art; it doesn't get really good reception outside our worlds, messire ” Moving with surprising ease on her stilettos; Danica followed the Falleen noble.

No matter how pretentious and unusual she might find his garments...how outside the norm of Coruscanti fashion they might be, she would be hard-pressed to deny the form beneath it. Given her station, she had, of course, dealt with members of most all levels of high society. Some let their wealth lead to excess and their bodies showed that corpulence. Others used it to add a veneer of health and vitality to themselves with false tans, fake smiles, and body augmentations or fitness instructors to make themselves seem more fit. As her palm pressed against his midsection, she'd feel the taut planes of his abdomen beneath, the fluid strength of his frame. As her hand moved up, the life of discipline was evident by the lean, athletic form that was felt beneath her fingertips. It was a predator's form, ready for the hunt...honed by it.

He was no pathetic, weak man of means.

"Indeed, but training can do only so much. This collection...it would have required more than simple training to piece together so well. Such an eye for contrast and variety while adhering to the overall theme requires a special eye, a talent that cannot be learned, but is instead innate." He turned his head to regard her as she moved with that fluid grace alongside him. The corner of that mouth curled up slightly and he allowed his features to soften minutely, lending to the honest of the words. It truly was artfully done and he would allow her said praise as it was well-deserved. He was granting her his approval.

At her words of surprise, he turned away, letting a low, full rolling chuckle pass from his lips before he shook his head. "Indeed...there are many cultures that choose to remain willfully ignorant to the beauties and successes developed by others. I've found such sentiment to woefully bigoted and closed-minded, don't you? After all, they prevent themselves from the opportunity to enjoy truly...delectable...experiences." He turned his back to her, letting his hand move to the small of her back. His touch was cool...a sharp contrast to the heat of his gaze as he let it linger teasingly on her lips for just a moment. Was it a tease...or the promise of things to come? Who could say? Only Rizzen could say for certain...but this game was far too amusing to cut it short so soon. "I have cultivated a...fondness... for the beauty that can come from other cultures, especially humans."

Biting her lip, a small gesture but evident, Danica moved her hand away, discovering she yearned for more. Maybe it was a trait of all Falleen, their bodies sculpted with only muscles – firm and strong, like a body of a soldier not a noble. Her thoughts began to wonder how good Xan would look without that disgusting fashion slaughterhouse. How alien could Falleen look? They seemed mammal enough alright. The musings placed a small smile of mischief on Danica's crimson lips.

”Flatterer.” She commented with a chuckle. The alien prince knew how to charm, it even worked on her, who was well aware of such tricks with her guard raised high against empty compliments, Nevertheless, immediate softening of his sharp features was rewarding, giving him honesty many men lacked. Suddenly Danica felt she had underestimated this being, very much so. It made her both confused and angry but by now her irritation didn't duel hostility, not now anyway but a desire to win, to dominate.

”Fortunately, I stay open to experience...exotic one especially. Let bigoted losers to stay in their little worlds, more for us.” She looked into amethyst orbs, admiring their exotic colour. Even his chuckle was perfectly melodic, resonating within empty hallways. Everyone already left for a dinner, but somehow Danica stopped caring. ”What is with you? Do you also measure pacing of your breathing?” Surprisingly, there was no hostility nor harboured anger, but pure, untainted curiosity maybe even with a hint of awe she couldn't hide. All negative feelings gone in this moment, at least for now. Rizzen Xan had managed what many could only dream of – he had disarmed a woman whose temper was well known on the whole planet.

Cold hand rested on Danica's lower back, eliciting a sigh of surprise but this time her reaction was instantaneous. She stopped and turned, making slow half spin on tip of her toes, to face the Falleen, pressing her warm body against his. Always a step further. Game is still on. ”Really now? How fond you are of human beauty...in art that is?” The woman asked, this time with an expression of innocent and clueless doe. This was blatant flirt of course, she was sure that on both sides even if the man before her kept his own feelings in check. There was a chance he could be toying but ones desire burning in the eyes was hard to fake, even by someone like this alien prince.

Her eyes widened slightly. She would say his age was equal if not only a bit older. Only then Danica realized he was no young noble who just left his parent's home but someone much more experience. In truth it made her feel a bit stupid to forget that small fact about Falleen species which caused a spark of irritation to flare anew but this time she controlled herself better and only a flash of anger could be seen Danica's green gaze. ”What can I say? You look good for your age.” The woman responded with a chuckle, trying to hide any hints of confusion. Her body stiffed slightly, feeling rigid muscles muscles pressed to her soft frame. Even through the male's clothing she could tell there was no inch of fat there – only rock solid boundless of muscles. Danica herself had trained a lot, considering her status but her frame still bore healthy amount of flesh she wasn't ready to get rid off. She couldn't help but think Falleen women had similar, angular physique. No wonder he was fond of humans and the like.

Her demeanor softened again seeing finally a shred of uncontrolled emotions appearing on the alien features. He didn't expect that, but a smile of satisfaction faded quickly when Xan pressed gently against bare skin of her back. It cold touch, not unpleasant though. Sending stabbing impulses of arousal to her brain. She liked his touch and couldn't deny it but at the same time few warning controls began to appear in her mind. Not the first time a man like that drew her attention and it had always ended up badly for either of the side. The more her body gave in to this game the more panicked her mind became. Especially when his lips moved intimately close to her, which made Danica to even slightly brush against them, after his warm breath whisked her cheeks invitingly. Was this .. what kind of trickery was this? Leading her into a false sense of security? He seemed so .. genuine. So honeyed and honest. A sweetness that couldn’t possibly exist in a cold, detached species like Falleen. Even his devilish smile couldn't wash that feeling away. ”I assure you this chaotic human may be more than you would bargain for.” Danica tried to be teasing and challenging but a slight tremble could be heard in her voice.

She almost exasperated in relief when Xan stepped away. Her self-control and will were at the reserves and he managed to do it in what? Ten minutes? Danica couldn't even get properly angry about it. As her analytical mind worked feverishly to make sense of the enigmatic alien , another, baser urge began to tug at the flustered woman yet again, taking advantage of her fading resolve regarding the male. Losing control was something unacceptable for her but it would inevitably happen today if she stayed. ”You should, I have others matters to attend to. I was only here briefly to see how my staff did the work properly.” Danica shrugged her slender shoulders, small smile graced her lips. She was going to just walk away, deeming this male too dangerous to become her business partner because it would inevitably end in mixing business with pleasure. Then again, it was not like this woman had been ever stopped by a common sense; slender digits reached to a small purse, looking for a gilded card with her name, position as CEO and a string of digits. It could be that Xan had never heard about Liv and Co though it was unlikely as they had a lion share of Core Worlds entertainment business. He might have not, however, taken her for its leader. Formally it was still Cassius running the things....In theory.

”Here is my card Mr Xan, if you would like to talk business for a change, I have couple of hours free tomorrow.” Her tone returned to cold and official, maybe with a slight of typical irritation always ringing there as she handed the card to the male. The woman didn't know if the Falleen would even accept the invitation, but Liv and Co was rich enough to buy at least three noble houses from his home planet...In theory.

At her comment about her being more than he bargained for, he laughed gently, shrugging his shoulders in a slow roll before he spoke. "Perhaps, Ms. Liviana, but then again, you may be underestimating my abilities." That quiver in her voice was not missed, not this close...nor was the sound of relief that was so faintly whispered from those full lips as he drew back and gave her some breathing room. There was a hint of amusement and pleasure in his smile, felt by the knowledge that he'd managed to get under her skin and affect her. He doubted that many managed to disarm her so easily and make her sheathe her claws so willingly. "Besides, challenge is the spice of life, best to be savored whenever possible. We could talk more about plans for the morrow."

He took the card from her hand as she offered it to him. Those angular, oddly pleasant features shifted slightly and allowed him to show disappointment. His brows furrowed and the bemused curl of those lips drew down. He would look over the card, nodding his head slowly before he secreted it away. Taking her hand, he would lift it and draw her into a light twirl, drawing her closer while he stepped forward so she came to rest, her shoulders back against his chest, his arm about her waist and holding her own. His breath teased against her ear as he spoke low and he twirled her back around, holding that arm out while he stepped close, his free hand coming to rest on her hip as though they were about to dance. "Please tell me you need not leave again so soon. I was told that you have an excellent band prepared and dancing after dinner and the formalities."

Letting that smile curl his mouth up once more, he offered her a playful, hopeful wink. "I was hoping for a dance and the chance to continue our scintillating conversation."

Motionless, Danica stared at the man, feeling a bit lost slowly losing the border between what was a game and what was a genuine interest. Her entire life she had been dealing with to put it simply, bluntly and rude – heartless d*cks. Starting from her father, through every relationship with a man...and one woman but that was beyond the point. At first her judgment of Xan was like that – cold, calculating and lacking any sensitivity. Being wrong was a horrible feeling, especially for someone like her so the woman looked signs of any ruse, lie or trickery. Giving his species and experience, it could be just a game, to humiliate her. A memory came to the woman's mind, crept in unwanted and uninvited. An image of Cassius promising a reward, a small gift but for a five year old girl it meant a world, only to take it away later in a harsh lesson that life is cruel and people don't give away things. Especially warmth.

The flashback took only a second, barely registering in her consciousness but Danica's demeanor changed drastically. The nicer Xan was trying to be, the colder the woman before looked. Her muscles tensed again with features shaped into something of a doubt and suspicion. She quickly took it under control although the distance building between the two was seen in the way Danica's body reacted as if getting ready to escape. ”Some challenges may be impossible.” Her voice was trembling now a bit more, hinting fear and growing uneasiness.

Carefully, she watched the man's sculpted brow arching in interest, then swiftly turning into a faint expression of disappointment. Her mind raced trying to calculate if it was genuine or not although the string of thoughts was abruptly halted by a gentle pull applied to her hand. Led by instinct and years of dance practice, she made a perfect heel turn landing with her slender back pressed to the man's well toned chest. Danica closed her fingers on the Felleen's hand, even more so when feeling his other palm touching her hip. A tremble of both, pleasure and surprise shook her body and nerves as sensitive nose picked Xan's scent. Heavily masked by whatever cologne or joss sticks that were in the air. With mind distracted and confused by the strong and masculine undertones of his aroma, Danica could feel her resolve faltering and normal caution being overcome by simple, primal urges. She did want to stay and dance, although on formal gatherings had never let herself to spend too much time with aliens. It was not acceptable by her … high societal' who still had a fair share in Liv & Co.

”Mhm...Maybe, but I don't like crowds.” The woman purred like a spoiled feline, turning her head a bit. With a slow, deliberate swaying movement of her hips, Danica brought her hands up to place them around the male's neck. A spark of previous rivalry awoke anew, but this time she didn't let him to pull away first. With another dancing step, the woman tried to get free. ”And I really, really have to go...But hopefully, tomorrow...we can continue this...thrilling talk. At evening in Echelon Palace.” There was a feeling of satisfaction that she didn't give in to the urge, which wasn't necessarily a result of a strong will as the caution...The woman was indeed from a picky sort.

"I don't believe in the impossible. Difficult, yes. Complicated, yes. Impossible, never." While he couldn't perceive what was going on in her mind, it wasn't difficult to pick out that her mind was changing. He could all but see and feel the warmth seeping from her as she tried to mentally and emotionally distance herself from him. That, in itself, was very interesting to watch. It made him very curious. What brought this on? People do not simply cut themselves off from positive experiences...not without reason. He wondered what her motivation was...what reasoning was behind it and how had she, possibly, been burned in the past. Of course, he knew nothing about her upbringing...it would have clarified so much.

Fortunately, he then took her hand and led her into that twirl. With her against him, he could almost feel that ice around her melting away and bringing her back to the way she'd been only moments before. It was evident the that small tremor that worked through her frame...felt so readily as it was pressed against his body and that firm press of her hand against his own. The dichotomy had the darker, more primal part of him wanting to go in for the kill...to go for more. However, the rest of him knew that now was not the time, no matter how much it might be otherwise wished for. They would be looked for soon. His absence couldn't remain long and he knew she had things to attend to as well. The winding of her arms around his neck had him smiling a bit wider, teeth shown for the first time in that expression.

When she went to move away, he felt the silken slide of her arms from around his neck. That hand came up again, catching one before she could fully make her retreat. The pad of his thumb stroked along the sensitive skin at the inside of her wrist, teasing the petal-soft flesh there before his head dipped. He pressed a cool kiss to her palm, his eyes sliding to hold her own while he made the motion and then drew back. He inclined his head to her slowly before he allowed himself to release her from his grasp. "Very well, Lady Liviana...but I do hope you'll save me a dance before you depart. I look forward to conversing with you... at length... tomorrow. I hope you enjoy your evening, M'lady."

He would step back then to break away and head for the room holding the grand banquet that she was serving. It was about that time the sole other inhabitant of the area stepped away. The man was one that worked in the circles that her father had frequented and had followed the same idealism about human superiority. The lawyer had payed him a handsome sum to keep an eye on her...just in case. He'd seen enough...having happened across seeing the heated conversation between Danica and the alien noble after she'd sent everyone to eat. Given how their interaction ended, his brow was furrowed darkly as he stepped away and exited via a different route...seen, perhaps, in parting as he slipped out the other door.

For perhaps the first time in her life, Danica was so enthralled with a man from the moment she had noticed him but instead of bevy butterflies fluttering in her stomach, the woman felt uncomfortable anxiety only to discover it caused new ball of anger tightening in her throat and chest. No one could have been so annoyingly perfect. Not even Cassius. The odd ambivalence from anger to longing had already given her a headache.

Once their bodies she was more relaxed, tension eased a bit but unsure expression in the woman's eyes and furrowing of carefully plucked brows betrayed that it wasn't gone completely. Especially when noticing the Felleen's smile. Danica's thoughts began racing, looking for all the interpretation. Was it genuine? Was he serious? Was it...Stop it! She chided herself, catching the unruly mind before it could run away with her; letting tremble inducing touch to caress her skin. The woman loosened muscles of her palm at the same time, taking cautiously a step back as if her body couldn't decide if it liked the moment of intimacy Danica had shared with the alien noble.

”Messere.” She responded with a slight bow, feeling how her throat went immediately dry at the promise of a lengthy meeting. He’s baiting you, don’t fall for it. A thought flashed in her mind, but was quickly overcame by a feeling of displeasure and frustration. There was something very off about this male, mostly because the Falleen wasn’t raising red flags when he should have been, this wasn’t the norm for her. Everything about Xan was against what she would have pinned a noble for, even the way he -

A sudden feeling of dread overcame Danica so suddenly the woman stumbled. Green eyes grew wide with panic but the surge of emotions lasted merely few seconds. Her head moved from right to left, looking for a source of any danger but the hallways was empty. Xan had returned to the guests. Somehow this realization brought a pang of sorrow.

Shrugging all the emotions off..or at least trying to, Danica directed her steps toward the exit, not really feeling well enough to stay. With shaking fingers she sent a short, teasing message to Xan's number, every guest received one, if only to be informed about all the events.

From:Liviana, Danica
To: Xan,Rizzen

I will save our dance for later; good things come to those who wait.

Echelon Palace restaurant tomorrow at noon.

D.


Before clicking 'send], Danica looked over the message sceptically discovering she was scared to meet him again. Really, really scared. Chastising herself for being childishly foolish, she let the message to reach its destination, before stepping into cool, evening breeze.

Dinner was an exceptional affair, only slightly marred as he received that message on his small, personal datapad. Dark brows furrowed slightly, but he smoothed the expression away as he tucked the device away and turned back to the other guests. The evening went well and he made many contacts and met several influential business partners that might prove to be very lucrative in the future.

Given the press of people there and general mill of bodies moving about the room once dinner had completed and the entertainment portion of the evening commenced, it took him some time to realize that there were particular people paying attention to him. These people didn't match the ones that had orbited around him for much of the night in their attempt to woo his good will and pave their way into a better financial contract. They paid attention to him, but they never came up and introduced themselves or in any way interacted with him. In fact, at one point, he made an effort to go to them, only to have the pair split away and move into the crowd.

Peculiar indeed.

Once the night was over, he accepted the offer of one of this patrons to have a ride take him back to the sector where his accommodations were. The ride itself was largely uneventful, save for the fact that he noted another air speeder take off behind his own and follow his. While this wasn't necessarily anything noteworthy by itself, habit caused him to note the look of it. Without much else to occupy his mind, he searched for the Echelon Palace restaurant and began familiarizing himself with the area of the city it was in. Somewhere along the way he realized after a casual glance that the air speeder was still there behind his own.

Sighing, he leaned forward, getting the attention of his driver. "Please drop me off a block before the hotel please. I feel the need to stretch my legs." None the wiser, the driver agreed and before long, he found himself let out on a landing platform. He caught the speeder that had been following him pass and move to land farther on closer to the hotel. He made his way along slowly, carefully modulating his gait and motions to be loose, relaxed, and slightly uncoordinated...just the way an inebriated noble should look after a gala of being wined and dined.

It didn't take long for a shadow to peel away and form into a man in front of him. Rizzen slowed up a bit, feigning surprise and stumbling slightly. The stumble and his "need" to catch himself allowed him to glance back slightly, seeing the second body behind him now.

The man in front of him called out. "You should have stuck with your own kind, lizard." A glint of light could be seen from a blade as it appeared in the man's hand. Stopping, Rizzen held up his hands a bit. "Hey now... I don't know what you are talking about."

"We don't appreciate you attempting to soil human perfection. It's time to make certain you don't do it again." Blinking, Rizzen made an effort to turn to the side, as though he was surprised to realize that there were two and that the other one was behind him. Of course, the statement was just to distract Rizzen from the knife in the lead man's hand, which he was now thrusting forward.

Rizzen slid his heel back as he continued the turn, sliding his body back enough that the thrusting knife missed, whispering harmlessly where his abdomen had been. His hands came around the man's wrist in order to trap it and lifting the trapped arm up. Rizzen side-stepped back underneath the arm with his back to the man and twisted the wrist so the elbow pointed down toward his shoulder. He wrenched down hard so the arm hit his shoulder, making the joint bend in a way it was never meant to. Tendons tore and snapped and the elbow shattered. The attacker screeched in pain and tried to pull away, dropping the blade in the process. Rizzen let him go, bending forward and lashing out with a mule kick that caught him betwixt the thighs, ratcheting up the scream a few octaves before the pain as he tumbled back.

The man's partner rushed forward, a blade in his hand as well and bringing it down in a stab. He was quicker with the blade…Rizzen pulled back and away, but not quite quick enough to keep the edge of it from slicing along his cheek. He felt the sting and the warmth of the blood begin to flow as he put himself on the defensive. The man lashed out…literally and figuratively smelling blood and attacking swiftly. The noble kept his footwork loose and quick, shifting out of range and to the sides to avoid the weapon, his hands up and moving to intercept the strikes, coming up inside his assailant's guard and blocking him at the forearm and elbow to kill the strength of the blow and causing it to come up short.

The man was grunting now, trying to put more power into the attacks, throwing himself at Rizzen and sacrificing balance and control in his desperation. Meanwhile, Rizzen kept himself low, centered, and only used the force necessary to counter the blows, letting him over-extend himself more and more until the moment seemed right. It came when the man believed that he was beating down Rizzen, who had lowered himself almost to a kneeling position. The man raised up his hands to bring the blade down in a double-fisted strike. If he managed it, Rizzen wouldn't have been able to stop it. Just as that strike began to come down, Rizzen thrusted up from that crouch, crossing his forearms over his head as he blocked the attack.

The blade sliced through the sleeves on the double and would have sliced along his skin, but instead struck against the bracers that were hidden beneath the foppish attire. The blade did not even knick the beskar hidden there as he stopped the attack with the violence of his upward movement. Bringing his hands down, he grasped the collar of the surprised man's jacket, dropping down suddenly and pulling the man off-balance. Rizzen's foot came up, catching the man in the midsection as he bent over and helped to propel the man over Rizzen….

…and off the edge of the walkway to tumble, screaming, down into the abyss of the lower city far below.

Pulling himself up to his feet, Rizzen looked around himself as the screams faded away. The other man had slipped away during the fight and was nowhere to be seen. It appeared that no other attention had been paid to the altercation either. Straightening himself, Rizzen lifted his hand to his cheek, feeling the blood. His color shifted from that deep olive to an annoyed fiery orange before it eased back toward its normal hue again. Sighing, he would reach into a pocket and draw out a black handkerchief, dabbing away the blood as he completed the walk to the hotel and retired for the night.

The next day, at precisely noon, he would enter the Echelon Palace, violet eyes looking around. His garments were simpler and less gaudy than the previous night, but no less fine in make or material. He'd chosen simple black breeches and shined boots to match a shirt that cut to his frame excellently and was loose in the arms for ease of movement. The cream of the shirt offset his coloring nicely as he looked around for her. The look seemed far more natural for him…a simple, subtle grace to it…marred only by the small kolto bandage strip over that cheek where he had been cut.

Ambient

Pearly white stilettos echoed audibly in the long stairwell as the dark haired woman ascended to the VIP section of a restaurant. A small pill of a mild painkiller dissolved slowly on her tongue. It's just a headache....just a little headache, you can make it. The last night had really been dragging on. Sleep came only around four in the morning, after hours of struggling with growing anxiety. Then there was a message, a vague meaningless blurp about Liv & Co image and how important it was to stay in a proper company. Proper company...Cassius had loved this phrase and would abuse it, especially when around Danica. Men around his daughter were never proper. Something had told her a little birdie told on her antics with the alien noble. Infuriating.

Tension in Danica's body didn't vanish even as she sat down in the comfortable black couch, waiting for the male to arrive. A waiter quickly followed her , making sure there was everything she needed. It was her restaurant after all, a small venture comparing to others but it had one advantage – privacy. The booths were separated by dimmed glassy walls and the staff was hired solely by Danica's HR and not her father's underlings. She might have been oblivious to many things but Cassius' and now Devon's men were rarely subtle. Disgusting little man... Slender digits pressed against the cold glass of cosmo.

For a second her face was blossoming in a powder pink glow of a datapad. Almost noon. Tapping manicured fingers nervously at the glossy surface of a table. They quickly moved to fiddle with emerald earrings and black pearl necklace. Her outfit was as usually exquisite but this time the dress was shorter and more fitting for an informal meeting than business talks.

Feeling an intrusive stare settle upon her, Danica blinked, green eyes narrowing, and looked around before locating the source of the gaze. Her features immediately softened and even a genuine smile appeared briefly on rosy lips. But only for a moment as the, remembering everything this man had put her through yesterday, both pleasant and unpleasant, Danica's expression changed into this of polite indifference.

”Mr.Xan, you made it.” She said calmly, her composure much better controlled than yesterday. Even her emotions were hidden aside from a small flush of dark red, forming on her cheeks.

Danica let her gaze linger on the tall, strong frame. Alien yet familiar.
How was this possible? Even his clothing was easier on the eyes. Not fashionable but not obnoxious either. Maybe Falleen just likes to look funny on expensive parties...Verdant eyes moved up, passing a white bandage with only a small hint of surprise and curiosity. ”I wouldn't suspect you of having shaving cuts, Mr.Xan” The woman smiled, gesturing at the seat beside her. Trying to hold back any tell tale signs of nervousness: slightly trembling hands, shallow breathing, blushing. But the thing Danica wanted to hide the most, was how she was pleased with the male's company.

Seeing her there, he'd politely waive off the staff member that was coming toward him. He made his way toward her, weaving his way around the tables between them languidly. His attention didn't remain solely on her, though he did appreciate the slight rush of color that had tinted her cheeks and throat at the realization that he'd arrived. He let his attention languidly take in the restaurant itself, admiring the efforts that had been taken to ensure the privacy of it's patrons. He also took in the features of those staff members that he could see, as well as doors that were potential points of ingress and egress from the establishment.

After all, one never knew when they needed to have an alternate means of leaving an establishment...

He'd done his research, realizing swiftly that this place was owned by Danica herself. A little bit more made it clear that it was solely hers and not a part of the empire her father had built. It was her own venture. It brought up questions, not the least of which was where she stood regarding Liv and Co. It wasn't difficult to learn from public knowledge that her patriarch was currently on life support in a coma. Rumor had it that there was some sort of power struggle occurring between Danica and the man's lawyer. The plot there thickened and brought up even more questions that he did not have answers to yet. He intended, however, to find out.

Rizzen appreciated the genuine expression she gave him before he watched her carefully modulate her features to a cooler expression. It caused a small, bemused expression to curl the corner of his lip. Still with the games, it seemed. At her greeting, he nodded his head and moved to the offered seat. "Indeed. I could hardly miss such an enticing offer. It is a pleasure to see you again."

When she brought up his wound, he nodded his head and shrugged, drawing out the chair and easing into it. As he did, his knee would lightly brush against her own, stroking against it and lingering for a moment before drawing away. He waved away her concern lightly. "There was a small misunderstanding after the gala, I fear. Nothing of consequence, but I profess that a mistake on my part, a slip-up if you will, resulted in a minor accident."

He did not intend to speak earnestly about what had happened yet. He still didn't know enough about the people that attacked him or the cause of it. Until he did, it was better to leave others uninvolved however possible.

It was amazing how he could pass all these tables without looking at them as if something had told him when to take a turn. It was natural for a human to watch where they were going. For him it was as if he would observe many things at once, only briefly glancing over the potential obstacles. Was in inborn or honed in the same kind of training that shaped his body into a bundle of muscles. Now visible even more as the whole outfit was thinner; she couldn’t stop her eyes to wander for a moment but the woman quickly looked back to meet mauve gaze. He was no simple noble for sure. It took a while to find some information regarding his family as the Falleen seemed to guard their privacy well. Their society was strictly Feudal which many times meant you were born a peasant you stayed that way for the rest of your life. Terrible system that made Danica cringe at its primitive nature but Xan's family seemed to break from that rigid system, making deals with off-worlderls to climb higher in ranks. Unfortunately the information on this particular nobility was scarce but in different universe one may called them Medicis of their people.

”Likewise.” Danica responded, trying to read the male's features. Enigmatic smile but nothing more. How...frustrating. The woman inhaled slowly, not to let herself to be inflamed with anger as yesterday. She did feel bad for losing control so easily, but it was a stressful event and the whole day of work. It was understandable one might get unreasonably angry with...What?! Resonated in her mind the moment Rizzen's leg brushed against her own. Eyes widened for a moment. Danica observed his movement, all so far were deliberate and inherently careful, controlled. There was no way it was an accident, especially as the touch lingered there for a moment in gentle strokes. A spark of rivalry awoken again, followed by a small, coy smile.

Her own leg went slightly up, letting a shapely calf to move up the Falleen's leg. Even after knowing him only for an hour, even less, Danica knew Xan was a male whose impeccable control she would love challenge. Everyone had their edge, and the human woman persistently made it her goal to push him over his. ”A misunderstanding? With other guest?” She asked curiously. High societe were still humans...well majority of them which meant brawls and arguments would happen even there, but no information of such thing reached her ears. ”I am glad you are alright, who would pick a wine for me otherwise.” With a wave of her hand Danica called up a menu on a terminal hovering above the table. List of dishes, both exotic and local appeared with various beverages that would complement them nicely. Half of the names was in High Galactic, although the meals had their names in Basic.

New  Laurus Gardens, read the words on top of the menu, it was actually one of the most successful restaurants from small establishments she owned which was also a source of a great distress for Devon which made Danica to love this place even more.