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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Oct 21, 2018 14:38:42 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Oct 21, 2018 14:38:42 GMT -5
The penthouse suite of The Five Seasons was, without a doubt, Viatrix's favorite location to host events. Occupying the entire top floor of the hotel, its wrap around balcony provided stunning views of Soldon, the surrounding landscapes, and the Galactic Arena in particular. To the north, the snow-capped peaks of the Revati mountains stood their eternal vigil over the valley Soldon called home. To the south, the coastal breeze hinted at salt and seaweed. The sunrise was always a favorite for guests looking out over the eastern fields that stretched out beyond the city. But to the west was the best view of all. The most iconic of Soldon's skyscrapers always dazzled no matter what time of day, but sunset and night time were best. Among those spires, the colossal dome of the Galactic Arena was in full view, it's beacon shining a green column straight up into the sky. This evening, as the sun finished its slow descent to the horizon behind the city, Viatrix exited the turbolift just in time to be fashionably late.
"Whenever you're ready ma'am." a discreet voice whispered to her ear as Viatrix stepped from the lift. Paki'ala, or Kiala, was one of Viatrix's most trusted event coordinators. She had an eye for aesthetic and a firm but fair hand with wait staff. If she was in charge, Viatrix could be certain that all would follow schedule down to the second.
"Thank you, Kiala. I will make my rounds first. When you see me near the stage platform, you can have them bring out the champagne."
Kiala nodded and moved quickly back through a nondescript doorway that lead to the serving areas. Viatrix paused for a moment, checking her reflection in a large mirror on the wall of the empty foyer. Her floor length red dress, sleeveless and with a generous slit up to her left thigh, hugged her in just the right places. Golden arm bands snaked around her biceps and her curly black hair was gathered up on her head, decorated with golden clips and baubles. Content with her appearance, she stepped to the the large double doors and they silently opened before her. The muffled thump of the music came into instant clarity as the doors opened and the din of several dozen guests' conversations washed over her. Viatrix's smile bloomed across her face as she began to wade into the crowds. She extended her hand to shake with some, embraced others, and gave polite bows to those who were more accustomed to formal address.
Inwardly, she was tallying. Each body represented a combination of expense and profit. Those who leaned more toward the former were treated excellently, but those who leaned toward the latter were as if treasured family members. This was, after all, business. The mixer was one of many such events that allowed the extravagantly wealthy to get a little excitement by rubbing shoulders with the supposedly dangerous celebrities of the arena. Husbands sought to thrill their wives by placing them in close proximity to such rogues. Other beings maybe felt that being chummy with such individuals might say something about their own... virility, perhaps. Whatever the case, it was hot business to let the silver spoons slum it with the grunts. And so Viatrix provided them with just that, but in a setting where they would feel comfortable and safe enough to perhaps open their wallets and join the ranks of the prestigious Patrons of the Galactic Arena.
Beyond that, however, Viatrix had another goal for the evening, one that her trusty coordinator would not be able to help her with. Viatrix had received a communique informing her that a fellow member of the Order would be present this evening and that she was to make contact, establishing a connection should he need any assistance in Mecrosa endeavors while in Prazhi space. This was important because Prazhi was hers, in the sense that she was responsible for overseeing any Order activity in the system. It was, perhaps, the most delicate region of space due to it serving as the neutral hub between the two largest factions in the galaxy. Any Order business carried out here would require the most delicate and subtle touches to ensure that the Order, and the High Kingdom itself, could not be implicated in any less than legal activity. And so, any Order member in Prazhi space would have to first go through Viatrix. If she was to be entirely honest, she would have to admit that she relished the power this gave her. Her influence on Prazhi was rivaled by very few, and even fewer where clandestine operations were considered. She took the honor very seriously.
But Viatrix had not yet spotted her new guest, nor had she seen the other operative currently in Prazhi space. No bother, however. There was plenty of time yet to find them, and perhaps provide them with an introduction. In the mean time, duty called. Viatrix moved toward the low platform stage that had been set up in the center of the open floor plan of the penthouse. Perfectly synchronized with her foot stepping onto the platform was the soft sound of the serving doors opening. A stream of servants came moving through those doors, carrying large trays laden with champagne flutes which were distributed among the crowds with speed and efficiency. Viatrix had her own crystal flute in hand as the crowd quieted and turned toward her.
"Friends, new and old; honored guests, and celebrated champions; I thank you all for coming this beautiful evening. The Peace of Prazhi has blessed the galaxy with a grand opportunity for diplomacy, commerce, and brotherhood among all peoples. And from that peace, the time-honored traditions of noble sportsmanship has risen to the forefront of galactic attention. Our humble Arena had helped to unite the countless systems across the Republic, the Empire, and the numerous independent sectors through shared interest and amicable sport. This is no small feat, and it is possible through your support. So tonight, eat, drink, and be generous! I raise my glass to our daring heroes, and to our great patrons. May your stories echo through the ages!"
Viatrix raised her glass, pausing for a moment as the crowd did the same, then took a long drink. As she finished, she smiled and laughed demurely at the applause as she stepped from the platform and the music resumed. Soon, the buzz of conversation was back over the crowd and Viatrix was free to search out the Tapani knight she'd been told of.
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last online Jun 14, 2022 23:05:13 GMT -5
Padawan
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Oct 22, 2018 23:33:53 GMT -5
Post by hugo on Oct 22, 2018 23:33:53 GMT -5
Prazhi was on Lucian's mind often after the War had ended. The construction of the Galactic Arena had fascinated him endlessly, and he had a huge viewing screen placed in a newly renovated home theater back on Javis for the sole purpose of watching the fights live with other nobles and associates. The heroism, fearlessness, and talent of the fighters gripped his attention almost invariably, and he dreamed of fighting there himself one day. In the years after the war, his responsibilities increasingly took him away from the battlefield, and he relished in the opportunity to do so.
Order business had recently sent him to the Core worlds. Once such business was concluded, Lucian thought it would be harmless to stop by nearby Prazhi for a few days and see a fight or two at the famous arena. Of course, Prazhi was also a newly created neutral zone shared by the Empire and Republic, and as a consequence, had become a nerve center of galactic politics. Fittingly, the Order had dispatched an agent there as soon as possible as a sort of eyes and ears on the planet. If there was something big brewing between hegemons, the Mecrosa Order wanted to know about it. War was unpredictable, and House Mecetti needed to know if a conflict was brewing.
It was an unspoken rule of etiquette and sometimes a direct order that Order Knights made contact with these sector bosses before dropping in on their territory . In this case. it was the former. There was no reason why a Tapani noble wouldn't be in the sector, so there Lucian saw no harm in being there so long as his cover held. In fact many of his countrymen made their way to patronize the arena. A few even took their chances in the ring from time to time, with mixed results. The sector boss on Prazhi was Viatrix Monserrat. He had known her name and her face at the academy, but she was two years his senior and he didn't know much about her. As his yacht, The Blackest Crow, left Corellia for Prazhi, he had sent her an encrypted communique informing her of his imminent arrival.
The response was terse, like all Mecrosa communications, but suggested he join her and some guests for a fancy party at the Five Seasons. Scarcely one to turn down a swanky soiree, Lucian was more than happy to see himself to the Seasons and say hello. Besides, it was never a bad idea to get to know one's colleagues, especially when one's colleagues could have one killed in his sleep or framed for treason if you ran astray of their good graces. Besides, Viatrix was probably his cousin somewhere down the line, and he owed it to her to show up at the very least.
For such events, it always paid dividends to look your best. Lucian opted for a martial look, slipping into a fine suit of blue fabric with an elegant white floral pattern, cut to resemble an officer's uniform and complete with a flowing azure cape bound by a chain of glinting silver. His lightfoil, a matching silver, was clasped visibly on his side.
At the Five Seasons, he was escorted to the penthouse, where the party was already in full swing. His heart nearly skipped a beat when he realized that among Prazhi's movers and shakers, there were arena fighters. He even recognized some of the heroes from past matches. There was Gori Widat, a Nautolan swordsman with a prosthetic arm and a wide, ever present smile that seemed to be born from boyish arrogance rather than genuine satisfaction. It was arrogance well-earned, as Lucian had watched with bated breath as he dispelled one opponent after the other, claiming glory and riches for himself. There were others he could name, mingling with dazzled looking new money types.
Self-reflection was not lost on Lucian, and he realized just how ridiculous it might seem for a veteran of such a grizzly, protracted war to glorify combat entertainment. In truth, he had always viewed combat as art, and himself as an artist. He wasn't a killer, he didn't delight in taking life, but he was a warrior. To fight was to live, to demonstrate his prowess was to show the galaxy that he had done something with what little time he had here. Not to mention, women liked it.
As for the other guests, they were mostly commercial sort of men and women, new money, bourgeois types. Lucian didn't care much for those types, but he put on a smile and set about mingling. He hadn't had a drink since lunch and saw no harm in grabbing a champagne or three from the trays of the passing waiters. The well-to-dos were amiable enough, and he rather thought a young Mirialin tech billionaire sort was eyeing him down. No, he couldn't philander tonight. He wanted Viatrix to know he was an asset, not one of those brainless backbench knights whose glory days ended when the War did.
May your stories echo through the ages.
That line made him grin with excitement. He thought it was a very nice little speech. She played her role here well here, and Lucian was eager to catch her when she got a chance to talk. He didn't sense her, and she would be surprised if she could sense him. Her force presence was muffled so softly he couldn't distinguish it from the mass of party guests.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
Administrator
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Oct 28, 2018 11:47:54 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Oct 28, 2018 11:47:54 GMT -5
"I assure you, Minister, the duels are exceptionally safe." Viatrix said, her smile gentle as she spoke to the Rodian. He'd arrived earlier that morning with his family. Rodia was considering a tourism and trade agreement with Prazhi, and the Arena would of course play a large role. The Minister had been known as something of a squeamish man, but his eldest son was a dedicated fan of the sport.
"In the years since its opening, not a single combatant has died while participating. And that even includes our larger battle scenarios."
"That is not to say there are no injuries." A tall, well muscled man said as he stepped into the small circle of the conversation.
Varro was the sort of man one might think of when contemplating the term carved from stone. His features were all solid, angular, and the epitome of masculine. At nearly six and half feet tall, he towered over most, causing any who wished to address him to do so while looking upward, as if in awe. For the festivities, Varro wore a simple black suit that was tailor made to highlight his physique. Viatrix had made certain that it would, ordering it specifically for the man. He was, after all, one of her top earning combatants.
"Varro!" The minister's son exhaled the name, something more like a breath of adoration than a spoken word. The lanky boy couldn't have been more than fourteen, the typical age of many of the arena champion's fans. For while the donors and patrons of the arena were all adults, many began their investments due to the absolute fascination that the Arena held for their child, or a favored niece or nephew.
"Hey there, Chigo. Miss Vi told me you'd be coming tonight. I got your letter, you know."
Chigo's eyes widened in absolute disbelief. His mouth, a perfect "o" of surprise, hung open as he looked back and forth between his father and his Arena idol. The Minister, fully in on the plot to surprise Chigo, chuckled and waved his son away as Varro did his part to engage his young fan in a conversation that he would remember at least through the rest of his teenage years. According to some research studies she followed, Viatrix knew that Chigo's fascination with the arena would fade considerably once he reached the age of serious courtship and family building. But a conversation like this could, theoretically, ensure the boy's interest at least marginally through the rest of his adulthood. The Arena needed casual viewership just as much as it needed wealthy patrons, so while Varro saw to the former, Viatrix introduced the Minister to a coworker who could give him the reassuring details and numbers that would secure the deal with his government.
Smiling as she turned away from another task completed, Viatrix caught a glint of silver at the corner of her vision. Turning her head, she was able to take in source. It proved to be the familiar shape of a lightfoil. If that hadn't been enough evidence that this was the Tapani Knight she'd been informed of, his bearing and the military cut of his clothing certainly was. Tapani noblemen were well known for their fashion sense, and it seemed that this Lucian would not be one to disappoint in that department. Waving Kiala, who'd just appeared to inform that the dessert items would begin service shortly, Viatric moved smoothly to intercept the man.
"My Lord." she said as she approached, dipping into an elegant curtsy. "What a pleasure it is to receive you here this evening. I hope you will forgive me for not finding you sooner."
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CaptainBonkers
Nah, I'll just wing it.
314 posts
181 likes
Burger Security Chief
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last online Aug 6, 2021 9:38:52 GMT -5
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Nov 5, 2018 7:37:06 GMT -5
Post by CaptainBonkers on Nov 5, 2018 7:37:06 GMT -5
Prazhi's value had appreciated significantly Eidolon's books ever since the end of the War had left it as a neutral ground between the Imps and Pubs. Said status as neutral ground had left the once fairly unremarkable planet in the dead centre of galactic level intrigue and politics that was more than enough to invigorate the local economy and atmosphere. There were constantly something going on here, even if you couldn't see it at first. The pieces of the great game between the great powers of galaxy being moved behind closed doors, on a three dimensional board with no agreed upon rules beyond one; don't get caught. It was almost intoxicating, the way it affected the atmosphere of the planet. And with the famous arena of the planet’s capital drawing hordes of fighters of varying skill to its pits Prazhi was also an excellent place for recruiting new blunt objects to throw at the enemies of the Order when a direct approach was needed. It was also an excellent place to hone one’s skills against multitude of opponents, all with different set of skills and abilities.
It was also a good place to both conduct business as well as relax. Viatrix was a hell of a host and sat at the center of a network of spies and informants that span the entirety of the planet and a good deal of surrounding sector before beginning to thin. Whenever Eidolon needed something on Prazhi, he contacted her. It was plain good manners to inform the local Chapter Master of one’s presence upon entering the system and going to some so aggressively competent as Viatrix for help saved more time than trying to make do without her involvement. Rarely was Eidolon given a mission so vital that he could not involve someone of Viatrix’s rank in it for support and even then it was merely to minimize the chances of accidental leaks.
Today was mostly just social visit for him. He had no urgent business to deal with and his most recent task had been within the local sector, so on way back Eidolon had decided to pop in at the arena for a few quick sessions. The few bouts Eidolon had participated in had been spirited but alas no talent worth his attention had emerged among the opponents he faced in the ring. In due time some of them might have it in them to be worth offering a job to but until then they were best left honing their skills in the arena.
As always, Viatrix had spared no expenses with her soiree. The Master of Prazhi chapter certainly knew how to throw a party, especially fancy one. On occasion Eidolon wondered whether her ability in that regard was limited to high society or if she could organize an equally enjoyable gathering for people of lower class but knowing her track record on pure efficiency she could probably pull that off without a hitch.
The room itself was filled with all manners of guests and even though this was hardly a gathering of Core aristocrats and cream of the galactic society, Eidolon still stood out from rest of the guests somewhat, no matter how sharp and expensive his suit was. He could never convincingly pass for anything but a warlord or a mercenary chief of some kind in an environment like this, no matter what he wore. His size and build combined with the eyepatch covering his missing eye simply made it extremely unlikely to a casual observer to believe that his occupation did not involve killing people. However, rather than trying to compensate for this disadvantage in social stealth, Eidolon had long since learned that leaning into assumptions was an equally effective way of avoiding notice. If people could fit you in a neat box that confirmed their preconceptions they rarely bothered to give you more notice than was needed. Thus, Eidolon walked into the crowd with swaggering confidence and a wide grin that more often than not made people in the receiving end uneasy rather than at ease.
Despite being very much tempted to make beeline to Viatrix, Eidolon resisted the impulse and rather gradually weaved his way through the other guests, occasionally stopping to mingle with some he knew from some thing or another. When he finally reached their host, she was engaged in conversation with a well dressed man whom Eidolon recognized as a fellow member of the Order after a brief examination. He wasn’t exactly sure how he knew the fellow Mecrosa knight, but there were plenty of options. Maybe the man’s file had crossed his desk in the past or, seeing the fellow was around a decade younger than he was, he had given him a lesson or two in the past during the times he had served as a temporary instructor at the Academy. It did not matter much, ultimately.
“Miss Monserrat!” he boomed in a jovial tone, playing into the warlord off the clock character. “A helluva shindig you’ve thrown, as usual. Who’s this bloke then? I haven’t seen him ‘round here before.”
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last online Jun 14, 2022 23:05:13 GMT -5
Padawan
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Nov 13, 2018 11:36:55 GMT -5
Post by hugo on Nov 13, 2018 11:36:55 GMT -5
For many, the stuffy, superficial world of so-called high society was uncomfortable. Titles, pleasantries, and invariably dry small talk could be tedious and boring, doubly so for those accustomed to less formal social hierarchies. Lucian, for his part, had been completely immersed in the courts of the Tapani since he could walk, so he was like a Tusken in sand at these sorts of gatherings. He moved fluidly from one small group to the next, meeting a plasteel magnate here and a noble lady with a penchant for gallant ringfighters there. Court life at home was intrinsically political, and the importance of making good impressions wasn't lost on the Tapani Knight. It also didn't hurt that his fifth glass of Chandrila Bubbly was nearly down.
"Where did you have that jacket made darling? It's positively fabulous." said an older Coruscanti woman from the other end of a long cigarette holder, blue smoke wisping out of its burning end. The lady and her group were from a popular Core Worlds fashion house, Sylo Karin. As they chatted, Lucian discovered that they were on Prazhi designing costumes for the arena combatants. How fascinating, even out here in the Expansion, the Arena had attracted all manner of interests, even costume makers.
"...yes I have a few from last years collection at home on Javis, gifts from my mother." Lucian sipped his champagne, a sweet and airy vine from the shores of Chandrila's Silver Sea. His eyes scanned the room briefly. Viatrix was across the mass of guests, having a conversation with some Rodians and a well-built arena man he recognized as Varro the Bonecleaver. Perhaps it was time he paid his respects to the host. Once he was able to get away from the haute couture gaggle, Lucian made his way to the other end of the room with the intention of greeting his fellow Tapani, but she got to him first.
"Milady," he said, bowing gently at the waist, and kissed her hand. "The pleasure is all mine."
Viatrix had pale green eyes that bore a familiar look of reserved intelligence. She was beautiful, with a formidable air, and he somewhat regretted not getting to know her at the Academy. Lucian began to thank her for her invitation, but he was cut short when a big man cut in. Lucian hadn't seen him before that night, but recognized him immediately as Eidolon. He spoke crudely, but with an unmistakably friendly tone. Yet it was his great stature, easily taller than Lucian and considerably bulkier, and his striding, intentional gait that gave him away as the man Lucian had known at the Academy.
They didn't really know each other per se, but Eidolon had given several practical lessons to Lucian's class over the years, the most memorable of which was a stealth course he took in his later years at the Academy. There had also been rumors here and there that Eidolon was in fact the King's bastard. Lucian hadn't known if the rumors had any credence to them, but it was really of no great consequence. Such indiscretions were common among his people, and one's pedigree hardly effected his ability be effective. That was one of the war's many lessons. He had seen many good men die because of the bungling of their well-bred commanders.
"Sir Lucian de Mecetti, at your service." he extended his hand to the hulking man. "I was just telling Lady Viatrix how grand of a party she's thrown. I can't tell you how many open checkbooks I've seen tonight."
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Dec 2, 2018 11:17:33 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Dec 2, 2018 11:17:33 GMT -5
High society that they were, most of those present at the party were not entirely used to the courtly nobility of the Tapani sector. Nods, handshakes, even slight and polite bows were typical gestures one might see among the upper crust of Prazhi. This was mostly due to the vast number of cultures mixed there. Rather than learning every single custom of every single race or culture, those who came to Prazhi adopted a more standardized set of social protocols. It was, in fact, very similar to Coruscant in that respect. So when Viatrix had lowered herself into her Tapani curtsy and Lord Lucian returned the gesture by taking her hand and kissing it, those in the immediate area couldn't help but watch. There was a whimsy to it that was often absent in most upper class circles on the planet. The women smiled shyly, their hearts fluttering slightly at the courtly romance of the simple gesture.
Viatrix, ever aware, allowed her own lips to twitch demurely into a smile, turning her head slightly to the side as if embarrassed by this handsome Lord's gesture as she brought herself back to her full height. It was always good to cultivate one's image among the people. There was still an air of fantasy that surrounded the Tapani sector and Viatrix would play that to its full potential.
“Miss Monserrat!”
The voice, coming from behind her, was unmistakably that of Eidolon. A moment sooner, and Viatrix might have been frustrated with the man. But he had perfect timing, as it turned out. The little courtly show she and Lucian had just performed had reached its end. Those around them were just about to divert their attentions elsewhere. But now... enter the warlord, stage left! Viatrix's smile broadened and she clasped Lucian's hand with a slight squeeze as she turned. With a gentle pull, Viatrix maneuvered the Lord around so that the two stood side by side to greet Eidolon who, on Prazhi, was known as Baric Sordal. Lucian introduced himself and then Viatrix took a step forward to provide Eidolon with her customary greeting. She placed one hand on the man's shoulder and brought her head to the side of his as if to kiss his cheek. She did not, of course, but the motion was a familiar one. Viatrix often greeted fighters in such a manner.
"You are both far too kind." she said, returning to a proper distance from either man. For the benefit of those who might be eavesdropping, Viatrix continued with introductions. "Lord Lucian, I am honored to introduce Baric Sordal. He is one of Prazhi's finest champions in the arena." She turned back to Eidolon then. "Lord Lucian is from my home sector.." she said. "Knight Commander of the Mecetti House Guard, in fact."
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