Caged Birds Don't Sing (Ash)

[Poludnica]

Bland, colorless evening settled over the Jaemus metropolis. Carefully controlled climate was barely noticeable with its ideal temperature caught between sobering chill and pleasant warmth. After Korriban heat everything felt better and Danica began to wonder if she simply lost any sense of what climate was moderate. It had been almost two years since her foot touched artificial shores of Coruscant. Two long years during which plenty happened and even more would. For the first time Danica felt truly free, free to do as she pleased without her father looming over every move. Forbidding from associating with lowly alien life. You are a Zhell, behave like one. The old man demanded, as if Danica cared for shallow bloodlines. Strangely though her favorite place to do business was this primarily human world with but a fraction of aliens lurking about. Mostly as servants. In many ways Sith aristocracy was far more elitist than she had been taught to be. On Coruscant Cassius had to hide his true attitudes whereas the Sith had no such qualms.

Always a provocative individual, Danica brought a non human body guard and a member of a Sith Order to make a point. Not that she despised the petty racism, even shares some superiority complex that came along with her pure heritage. The woman simply liked to be memorable – whether by conduct or presence. Dark teal dress spoke of expensive taste – the recent fashion rave in the Core: long, modest and shapely clothes made from silky, natural materials. Danica wasn't on Coruscant but certainly wanted to look like its child: snobbish, arrogant and elegant. Like she had the right to be there.

The Coruscanti businesswoman stepped out of the hotel doors and gracefully slid into the speeder limo back seat, almost immediately adjusting her ebony black hair gathered in an elaborate coiffure. A small net made of emeralds adorned it and Danica delicately patted it, trying to keep the thing in place. With a wince the young woman pulled one precious stone out – it broke off the rest, leaving horrible opening in the net. In moments like this Danica simply refused to accept anything but impeccable perfection. She muttered a cuss that didn't fit the proper lady image she strove to create. The tension showed on her oval features and not even a careful make up couldn't hide it. That was an important party for those that mattered. Anyone worth knowing on Jaemus would be there – shipyard owners, rich merchants, old Outer Rim bloodlines. To be invited meant Danica finally made a name for herself – nothing would ruin this evening for her. Not even a pesky emerald net.

Slender fingers for a moment longer struggled with the hair arrangement as Danica waited for her guard to join. Sadly no one she knew could attend it – the ongoing war left the most skilled in the Order busy, leaving only those that currently had nothing better to do or rest before another mission. The sparse note on her datapad included only the knight's name and race – a Firrerreo accidentally. Not that it mattered really, the most important thing was that he would be somewhat presentable and capable to fend off drunks. Not really this complicated. Am exotic toy other nobles can look at, talk about during long, boring evening. Danica had yet to meet this Sith but didn't have high hopes - not many from this rag tag bunch knew what a word 'class' truly meant.

[Ash]

I hate dressing like this. This is the reason I don't even wear robes or loose clothing...

Yea, but you look handsome. You should dress like this more often.<3

Yea, not gonna happen, Rose.

Diarmuid, better known as Lancer among the Sith and all of her collective people, continued to look at himself in the long mirror in his hotel room. His black suit was perfectly tailored, not even showing his usual skintight armorweave outfit. Of course, he didn't have the more bulkier parts of it right now, just the basics. A dark teal dress shirt covered his chest: matching his usual skintight outfit's color, as it was the iconic color of his Master, and was worn to make a statement to him. His black suit jacket was over this, buttoned up to his chest. What didn't change was Lancer's black and dark grey hair, which was swept back as usual, save for the single long, curly lock which fell between his eyes. He did have to admit, this outfit did compliment his exemplary features, and he wondered how many women he would end up swooning.

As he chuckled to himself, Rose came around and began to tie his tie for him, and when it was finished, got it snug against his throat, and forced the man to come down to her much more diminutive height, and kissed him.

Now no messing with other women there, Diar... I know how you are...

Rose, baby.... no promises.

While Rose was talking, he slipped her hands between his, freeing her grasp from him, and holding her hands close to him. He kissed them before his final two words, and when those were spoken, he winked, used the force to grab his formal longcoat, and dashed out the door, leaving Rose inside. He already made sure he had everything he needed: Gae Dearg and Gae Buidhe hidden on his back and in his jacket respectfully, a few smaller things, and his red-colored lightsaber swinging from his hip, almost purely for show, was all that he needed tonight. B

Diarmuid took the turbolift down to the lobby, and went right outside, looking for a familiar face, and after a moment, he did: that of his personal pilot and slave, Suzuka. She had a fancy scarf around her neck, hiding her neck cuff, but otherwise, was dressed like a fancy limo driver. He met her near the speeder limo, leaned against it, and crossed his arms, orange eyes smiling just as much as his face was.

I take it she's inside already?

Thats right. Someone's looking good tonight.

Only because im forced to by her and her father, my master... Im a reflection of him, and she needs to make me dress like this for good show... besides, id rather not be crushed by her... again...

She has you whipped... Now get inside, or else ill fly long and slow and drag out the trip.

I... yes ma'am...

Did both these women have him whipped? Rose would crush him with her mind, and Suzuka would fly so slow it would drive him literally insane. Quickly, he slid into the back seat, amber-orange eyes going up and down the women already seated in both normal and UV vision, purely based on habit. She was gorgeous, dressed like those he was used to seeing when he was on Coruscant.

Ms. Danica Liviana. Diarmuid Ua Duibhne, at your service. Feel free to call me Lancer, if that name is too hard to say, please call me Lancer.

((He's dressed mostly like This. Only, you know, with a somewhat larger build, probably some of which can be seen even with the suit. lol))

[Poludnica]

The doors opened with a soft hiss, chilly air. Dispersing cloud of flowery perfumes that nestled around her frame. Danica blinked, her body quickly tensing into a rigid, cold elegance. Pale skin caught faint glow from the light that flickered when the speeder let this new guest in. A Firrerreo, like she expected – by now they were a species the Coruscanti woman knew too well. Two tone hair looked nowhere near exotic as ones with deep blue in them rather than gray but at least his features seemed decent enough not to cause major embarrassment. Too delicate for her tastes but some women would find them appealing. Her aloof, verdant gaze quickly assessed the near-human's clothes, giving them careful scrutiny before she nodded in approval. Either the knight knew recent trends or found a woman that helped him. It didn't matter – Danica needed him prim and proper, there he was. Good to know some Firrerreo had some fashion sense or simply listened to their partners. The colors were almost a match to her own which put the fainest, slightly distant smile on the woman's lips.

”It's comforting there are Sith who know when to wear a suit.” She commented dryly before the Firrerro had a chance to speak up but opened his mouth almost immediately after. The almost insisting glance he had given her didn't escape Danica's keen gaze. The woman had only latent Force talents, never honed so could only use own vigilance and wit. The Livco CEO didn't comment on it though – after all looking wasn't forbidden even if uncouth. Not that the Sith were known for their social conduct, especially Firrerreo ones. A Deplhic smile ghosted across Danica's lips at some vague memory but it quickly faded when Diarmuid greeted her. Politely all things consider though his assumption she wouldn't remember the proper name did irk the ambitious businesswoman.

A delicate gesture that betrayed inborn superiority – a slightly risen chin and narrowed eyes – welcomed Diarmuid offer. ”I studied in the best Coruscanti schools money can buy.” She started, edgy irritation lacing the words spoken in clear Core accent. High Galactic undertones could be found in their lilt. ”Do you really think your name will be too difficult for me to remember?” Danica asked but didn't wait for an answer. ”As social protocol requires, you will be sir Diarmuid Ua Duibhne of the Sith Order.” The dark haired woman folded hands on her lap when the sky car began to ascend. ”Do you know what party are we heading, Diarmuid?” She asked with slightly less demanding tone. Below city blurred into a streak of racing, colorful lights when the limo reached its proper speed. Danica could feel her stomach turning at the rapid acceleration.

[Ash]

The entire time Danica was talking, the air of superiority about her, Diarmuid sat back in his seat, arms behind the headrests and his left ankle on his right knee, perfectly relaxed, besides the pressure of his spear on his back. He had a pleasant smile on his face, but kept his pronounced canine teeth hidden behind his lips.

Momentarily, Diarmuid felt the limo rise into the air and take off. The woman before him fell silent right after. Her arrogant, snobby, superiority complex was something else, but he should at least be thankful that there was nothing racist said. Diarmuid was quite laid-back and easygoing for anyone, nevertheless a Sith, but that would have bad for everyone. When Danica was finally silent, Diarmuid leaned forward, elbows on both knees, fingers pressed together, and a sharp Coruscanti accent, well built from his time as a Jedi. It also held a slight mocking tone, and was an imitation of how Danica sounded.

Sorry, princess, I didn't realize how special you are. However, this isn't Coruscant, so please, keep the attitude to a minimum.

Diarmuid resumed his previous relaxed pose, but eyes closed this time, and thought about her last question. He remembered Rose talking about it to him when it was assigned by her father to him, but the details were long gone from his mind now. When he spoke, his voice was back to its normal tone, a twinge of aloofness in it.

Hmm... I did. All I remember now is im suppose to guard you. Would you be so kind as to enlighten me?

Diarmuid showed a half smile, and opened one of his orange eyes to look at the woman, curious as to how she took him as he was moments ago.

[Poludnica]

The Firrerreo that called himself Lancer had much different smile than one she experienced from others of his kind. It was more reserved, hiding the non human fangs that often could look threatening, creepy. Maybe he was simply considerate or this manipulative or simply tried to look like a human. Additional membranes flickering on amber orbs and gilded skin destroyed any illusion Diarmuid was a man. By now though Danica was familiar with the Firrerreo to look pass those small quirks.

A theatrical scoff greeted Diarmuid words. So, he was all bark and not just well mannered bore. Refreshing as subdued, sleekly polite people lacked character Danica liked. She preferred challenging, cheeky and interesting conversation partners rather than dull. Danica still had doubts if Dairmuid was the former. ”It's the attitude these people expect so you better get similar one.” The Corsucanti woman offered with amusement. It couldn't be really discerned if mocking one or genuine. ”I am not a princess, but certainly someone special.” She proclaimed with a sense of entitlement, ignoring completely sarcastic undercurrents in Diarmuid's voice.

”How many other aristocrats affiliated with the Sith you can see strolling about in the Temple?” Danica asked, this time offering more welcoming yet still prideful smile. As far as she knew, no one else from outside the order had been granted such privilege. The Coruscanti woman had built this position from nothing, even when her father had moved heaven and earth to take it all back. ”It's a celebration of engagement between two prominent families. De Vries and Alyema. Lady Darrah De Vries is an old shrew but a good ally to have. I want her to endorse your Order officially and fund their endeavors.” Danica explained patiently. ”In the end credits win wars and not soldiers.” The woman relaxed her posture, almost mimicking the Firrerreo's body language. She got used to his presence now, he didn't seem to be a threat nor an antagonistic ass like some knights. Less happy to have a mere businesswoman to order them around.

”It is important for you to behave.” Danica added, her expression growing serious. She didn't know what background this man came from. It would be good if he was a former Jedi, where they had been taught importance of social conduct but that was only a fraction the Order had to offer. Most of them crawled out from the slums or slave pits.

[Ash]

So, Danica didn't really seem to be too worried about his words, which was good. And her comment about him getting the same attitude as her amused him; he was more laid back and easygoing than anything, so that attitude probably wont be coming out. He kept that to himself.

As for what she said second, that made him think. It was true, he didn't see many aristocrats wandering around the Temple: he didn't see many period, come to think of it. He personally didn't care about that side of the wall, so he wondered why he was picked for this: lately, he was a drunk and a pervert who would use his force powers for pleasure. Not exactly the kind of person who you would see in a social gathering, especially one how Danica explained.

Now she said that it was important for him to behave. A sly smile took over his face at this point as all sorts of things went through his mind, not all of which were healthy to his or anyone else. He kept them all to himself, and mimicked the same voice he had previously.

I will strive to be the very best, like no Sith ever was. To be good is my real test; to guard you is my cause.

Diarmuid leaned back again: he sat forward slightly when he was talking. He would be a good Sith, but there were no promises that he would be Jedi perfect again. As soon as a few drinks were in his system, every women around him would be free game, and he wouldn't have Rose or Suzuka around to keep him in line. Now this brought a more predatory smile to his face, which vanished after a few seconds.

In all seriousness, I will be a good Sith. And, for your sake, act more Human.

Unlike some members of his own species, he didn't have golden skin that turned silver. His was a general color between tan and pale, so he had that for him. Or maybe he would show to be as alien as possible around here. That brought a ghost smile to his face. Oh the choices.

[Poludnica]

The smile he gave her was unnerving. A distant, predatory expression but also one she had seen before and even learned to appreciate yet not in such situation. It could speak of troubles, unruly nature or something much darker. Her own features came together to form an aloof frown. Almost scolding one. Even when Danica decided to hold biting words back, her expressive features rarely hid what was going under the surface. Lack of a true poker face, one Cassius mastered, did cast a dark shadow on many business deals. Too often people read in her as if she was an open book.

”A good Sith?” Danica asked with something caught between a scoff and amused chuckle. ”An oxymoron I haven't heard in a while.” The woman added with a sigh – there were clear mischievous undercurrents in the Firrerreo words. They weren't even subtle. That would be a long, long night it seemed. What was with this species and pushing all social boundaries? Their planet was a lame, uninteresting rock. They had almost no influence on Galactic politics. Danica wasn't even sure if they had their own representative in a senate yet those she knew tried very hard to break social norms rather than adjust.

”A Firrerreo lecturing me on how my own kind should behave?” Danica asked with a shadow of smile. ”I am as human as they come.” Her expression was lit up by a flicker of pride that quickly faded into a polite, neutral mask. She couldn't really recall the exact number Cassius raved about but it certainly came to six hundred. Six hundred human generations, one of the purest lines that were left in this sorry Galaxy. Diarmuid couldn't have known that of course and Danica didn't feel like explaining the little joke that coaxed impish smile to ghost across glossed lips.

[Ash]

Diarmuid looked at Danica for a moment as she spoke her most recent words to him. A quizzical eyebrow shot up over his left eye, then he let out a laugh, deep and filled with humor.

The human thing was about me, not you. But if thats the case, then maybe I will just act as alien as I can to compensate for your humanness.

Finally Diarmuid managed to calm down some. He still had a smile on his face, but he was no longer laughing. His eyes didn't reflect the smile he wore on his face. He just sat there now, looking out the window as his eyes slowly slid away.

This was one of his few moments where he unwillingly was sent to the past, his rage, hatred, and most of off pain of lost rushed at him. It was random why it decided to sprout now. He was only gone for a handful of seconds, so his eyes came back into focus.

So, Lady Human, how far away is this place from the hotel? We cant be too far away now.

And here was his boredom of being in a cramped place. Diarmuid hated enclosed space, and the quicker he was out, the better.

[Poludnica]

”Act however you like as long as no one complains.” Danica quickly replied, a faint smile tugged at the corner of her full lips. ”They are old families that rarely reach beyond their own circle. Seeing an alien once in a while won't hurt them.” She shrugged elegantly, noting a sudden change in her companion. Something shifted in his moods but the woman didn't dwell on it, instead looked out the window. They were reaching the luxurious mansion that sparked with cool, azure colors. Inviting lights. ”We are here.” Dancia summed up the view as the speeder descended toward the landing pad.

An army of servants and guards lurked at the premise. It was difficult to tell one from another. Danica for the last time before leaving the comfortable interior of the speeder, looked at Diarmuid. She had certain fondness of Firrerreo men, they were beautiful kind with golden skin and exotic hair colors. Like birds of paradise – luring gazes of plain humans. At least bored Sith ladies would have something to talk about. With appreciative nod, Danica stepped into the pad that led toward the entrance. She walked with grace and gallantry of a well mannered aristocrat that put effort in every step. Flowing teal dress swirled behind her, making a statement.

”Come.” Danica encouraged the Firrerreo with gentle wave of her hand. ”I am curious if Sith aristocracy is as dull as the Core one.” She wondered if Diarmuid expected he would start from a position of a nice looking trinket rather than a lord.

[Ash]

Diarmuid watched as the luxurious and and overpriced mansion came into view. Diarmuid would have liked it, if he had a taste for that sort of thing. Hell, he'd probably love to have something like this, but there was no way in hell he was able to afford something like this place.

And then they landed right outside the mansion, and Diar could say he was fairly happy to be on the ground, and in a more open area than the compact limo. There were quite a few servants and guards roaming around, but he paid little notice to them. Danica soon left the speeder, and Diarmuid fallowed right behind her, picking up the more formal stance of a Jedi, which he deemed more appropriate for this occasion. He fallowed close, and let on a slight smile as she spoke.

From my experiences, it probably will be.

It was formal events like this that Diarmuid wasn't very fond of when he was a Jedi. He was more of a free spirit, which the Sith suited, rather than someone who would attend stuff like this for missions as the norm. Thats when he got a mental itch: He loosened up his tie and the top button of his dark shirt, and also undid his jacket, letting it hand open. He ran a hand through his hair, loosening up the strands, though it retained its usual style. A sly smile graced his lips, and his eyes narrowed slightly: With a touch of the force, he would have women swooning over him all night: he would make himself some fun while he could, if to at least alleviate any boredom.

[Poludnica]

Indifferent, verdant gaze carefully assessed the building they were to enter. It reminded her mansions and penthouses her father owned. Cassius liked rich, pretentious and rustic look. Unpleasant association and Danica glanced around, as if expecting him to show up. Instead she met Diarmuid's eyes – the Firrerreo casually loosened his tie, undid some buttons. Even the male's hair now looked carefully unkempt. An enigmatic smile crossed Danica's lips: a mixture of bemusement but also hidden worry. If the Firrerreo shamed himself, her and the Order, she would ask Renata for a favor. A favor of picking Diarumuid's brain apart. ”You don't look like a guy who visits many parties.” She offered while nodding at the guards that quickly opened the doors. They checked the guest list:

Danica Liviana plus one. Livco Deux CEO and a Sith Order liaison.

The woman liked the sound of that. For almost twenty five years she had been Cassius' Liviana daughter. His less polished shadow – the troublesome child everyone pitied but they mostly felt sympathy toward the father that for the tenth time had to pull Danica from an arrest. Drinking and driving was her favorite. No one expected much and now they all could choke on their judgmental comments. ”Now, look nice and smile.” Danica reminded the Sith as the ballroom opened before them. Already some people loitered the halls: glamorous women, elegant men. The newest trends from the Core had yet to show up in those verges of the Galaxy and Danica with her dress did stand out but in a way she always liked. Turning heads were rewarding, though some were more interested in an alien accompanying her. Almost all of them humans – Sith aristocracy, old Outer Rim families that kept to themselves. An atmosphere Cassius wanted to create on Coruscant but managed only a tight circle of friends following this elitist, racist attitude. Strong, conservative fundamentalist bit made up less than twenty five percent.

Danica scanned the crowd to fish out some familiar faces and wasn't disappointed. She gestured at Diarmuid before nodding at a group of fair haired women. ”Sisters Arevalin, bunch of boring, entitled b*tches but they collectively own three ship factories.” Danica commented while grabbing a drink from the tray. With a wide, charming smiled she waved at the girls, hiding all the contempt and own hypocrisy.

[Ash]

Im fine with parties; Its social gatherings like these that bore me. Gotta make the best of it while i can.

Diarmuid nodded to the guard as they went past. His only title was that of a Sith Order liaison. Not even a name or anything. Oh well. He didn't need any sort of name or title.

When a tray went by, Diarmuid grabbed himself a glass of champagne, or so he guess that what it was. He took a sip of it, and found he didn't care for the flavor too much, but he would drink it. It wasn't long before Danica pointed out a group of women. A short explanation of who they were, and a very charming smile and wave later, and Diarmuid was holding back a laugh.

I wonder how many times I can catch someone talking smack behind others back while we're here. Ill count that as one.

He looked down at Danica and winked, then took another sip of his drink, his usual sly smile behind the glass.

[Poludnica]

”Go make it interesting then.” Danica proposed while playing with a glass of fizzy wine. She looked it over and sniffed with a growing suspicion the host made budget cuts. That was no exquisite beverage, expensive but certainly not enough. ”This is disappointingly mediocre.” The dark haired woman commented with a sigh. ”My mistake to expect Coruscant quality in this backwater sector.” She shrugged elegantly before taking a sip anyway, deciding it was still better than being completely sober. This night would be long: filled with vapid conversations, dishonest flattery and hypocrisy. Diarmuid didn't look like someone well versed in a delicate social game, not many Sith were. Danica didn't have any power, just a certain degree of sensitivity. She had to rely on other skills, softer ones that acquired important friends.

Corners of her lips formed an expression caught between a smirk and a mischievous smile. ”I never gossip. I observe.” Danica corrected Diarmuid. ”And then relay my observations to practically everyone.” She added, gesturing inconspicuously at a short, brown haired man that joined the sisters. Despite rather thin, unassuming frame he carried himself with an arrogant pride. Typical of aristocrat class. ”It's Curio Seffron, He acts as if too good for the bevy of aristocratic beauties , but the servant girls know him well enough .” The Coruscanti woman offered before walking toward one of the tables where delightfully looking desserts were displayed. She quickly grabbed a chocolate covered fruit.

”Help yourself, I doubt Sith Order spoils its knights with refined cuisine.” Danica took a dainty bite and a pleased hum escaped her lips. This food could make up for poor drinks.

[Ash]

My type of interesting isn't the same as everyone else I would assume you wouldn't want an incident?

Diarmuid was only half lying: he didn't really care to much for all the chaos and destruction that many other Sith seemed to have devoted their lives to. He was just a simple man on this side, which happened to have good benefits, besides the chance of death at any moment, but he had the force to help him out of a pinch.

Diarmuid looked to the woman near him when she mentioned that her drink was mediocre. What did she expect on this backwater planet? Even he missed some of what Coruscant had to offer. Perhaps he would chance a trip back for his own amusement. Diarmuid chuckled at her comment about not gossiping.

They have a word for that. I believe its called gossip.

He sent a sly smile her way, then looked at the man she mentioned, who decided to join the sisters in conversation. When she mentioned about helping himself to something, he thought for a second about that. He wasn't much of a desert person. He downed his drink and set it on the edge of the desert table.

Don't mind if I do. I'll be back

As he walked off to a different table of food he spied across the room, he used the force to call another drink to his hand. Diarmuid never used it much for combat, but it was quite usefull for turning off the lights when he went to sleep at night.

[Poludnica]

”If it's an interesting incident...” Danica shrugged , wondering if Diarmuid wanted to impress her with dangerous and edgy demeanor. She had spent enough time around the Sith to tolerate their inclination for chaos. The human woman wasn't much different herself, just lacked power to wreck havoc. Instead settled for throwing glasses in angry fits. Despite her complains she finished the first drink and already reached for another. Maybe after fifth the party would promote from 'boring fest' to 'bearable gathering'. Danica remembered all the awful events like this, his personal show off doll that only smiled but had been forbidden from having own opinion. A decade later and million years away she still got trapped in such places.

Of course, the knight ignored delightful irony, instead stated the obvious. Danica shrugged, her thoughts drifting to those who should have been on the party. Maybe someone else from the Order made their way there. Eating and drinking was for now the most fun thing around so Danica focused on that, watching Diarmuid coming to a similar conclusion. She shook her head seeing the Firrerreo showing off, already gathering few stares when a glass drifted toward him. Of course. Danica commented inwardly.

With a corner of her eye she caught a plump figure coming toward them. At first Danica couldn't recall who that could be but after a heartbeat the memory returned to her. Boora Kshyk The aristocrat was a nuisance but not for any indecent motives, but a desperate need of patronage. Just because someone had a name and money, didn't mean they could paint. Kshyk didn't know that and nurtured a delusion of own talent in that regard. Nagging Danica to sell his things for steep price. The woman wouldn't donate those horrid paintings to a Korriban orphanage, let alone show in own gallery.

”Crap.” Danica commented but knew pretending not to see him wouldn't work so quickly stalked after Diarmuid. ”Make him go away.” She leaned in to whisper fervently, trying not to gesture frantically at the self proclaimed artist.

[Ash]

Diarmuid heard the quick, soft footsteps of Danica stalking up behind him, and felt that she was was somewhat flustered now. She whispered frantically into his ear about making someone go away, and in a casual twist of his body, saw who she was talking about: some fat guy heading their way. For a quick second, the Sith wondered if the fat man would pop like a balloon.

Diarmuid waited for a few heartbeats before acting on the man with the force. On a forward step, he gently continued his legs movements, then he went over backwards as if he hit a patch of ice. To finish it off, he fell right onto a server with a platter of drinks and some finger food, which now covered both him and the fat man, and easily turned both into laughing stocks. Diarmuid turned fully now, as if looking at the man and the commotion for the first time, a look of mild surprise on his face.

Oh my. I hope they're alright.

Diarmuid's eyes didn't show the concern his voice had. They still had the predatory look they almost always had. He looked at Danica, winked, then took another sip of his drink and kept watching as the scene before him unfolded.

[sparrow]

Zarene Yin sat back in her chair and decided that these sorts of fancy parties weren't so bad after all. Sure, she really didn't care for all the gossip, the little political games that the nobles houses would play with each other, maneuvering for favor and influence, fake smiles and hidden daggers. But she didn't really need to get involved with most of these things.

Instead, her job here was mostly to just appear. An invitation had been sent to the Sith Temple, a house wanting to show the others that it was "in" with the Order. The Lords and Ladies were of course too busy to attend, so a Knight was sent instead. Fortunately for Zarene, some of her previous interactions with members of the Sith aristocracy meant that most of them gave her a wide berth. A few attempted to approach her and start idle conversation, but they did not stay long.

So what it mostly came down to was a chance for her to take a break from the Temple, an evening to people-watch while enjoying some decent food and drink, and an excuse to wear a nice dress. Royal blue silk, with a high neck, short sleeves, a floor-length skirt, and bits of silver embroidery creating a floral pattern. An ivory-white half-mask obscured the right half of her face, matching the color of her plasteel-covered mechanical arm. Definitely a nice change from her usual Temple garb. Last time she had a chance to dress nicely had been months ago, at a gathering organized by one...

Well, speak of the devil... Zarene thought to herself as a certain group of guests came into view. Of course, it should have been no surprise to her that Danica Liviana was also as this particular gathering. The woman seemed to be present at just about every major social function involving the Sith aristocracy. Behind her was man, a Firrerreo from the looks of it, although not the usual one. Hmm... curious. Taking another sip of her drink, Zarene continued watching.

[Poludnica]

There was a sudden noise, a sound of spilled drinks and fallen platters. Danica rapidly turned around, noticing Diarmuid covered in food along with the annoying aristocrat spewing curses. A snort of amusement mixed with embarrassment left her lips. Boora shot her a hateful glare, easily guessing who stood behind this accident. Throwing a racist remark up in the air, probably a jab at the Firrerreo Sith, the man strolled away, having static of chuckles following his every step. Finally something happened at this boredom fest. Danica slowly walked toward the Sith, her eyes betraying disapproval but lips curved in a smirk. Gently, she picked up a morsel of cheese that stained Diarmuid suit. ”That was...unconventional.” She admitted before letting the food fall onto the mangled mess at their feet. The waiters already appeared, frantically cleaning the floor as if feeling a master's whip on their backs.

The dark haired human stepped over them, watching not to ruin her ridiculously expensive pumps. ”Clean yourself Diarmuid, I can't have you running around like a food covered, uncultured swine.” Danica sighed at the response to his wink, somewhat enjoying the chaos that erupted. That was when her gaze met too familiar features of Zarene. A Sith knight. Even the nice dress couldn't distract from the vulgar cybernetic arm. Danica always felt strange pity over the woman, mutilated to the point of having body parts replaced with crude technology. Mild surprise ghosted across Danica's features – she expect the Order minions to be present but more someone like Bellinda or this annoying Echani. The event wasn't this important though.

”Zarene, what a pleasant surprise.” Danica spoke up as she approached the Epicathix woman. A charming, welcoming smile graced her lips. ”Your dress is simply breathtaking.” The Coruscanti aristocrat continued. Her words weren't a lie – she did like Zarene if only because the Sith's mild, inoffensive attitude and clever nature. Too many in the Order were feral, uncultured brutes that knew only brutal strength. Zarene's clothing was also a pleasant disappointment: beautifully crafted blue and silver dress. Rivaling her own haute couture garment.

Realizing she had forgotten something important, Danica looked around in attempts to find the Firrerreo, mostly to make sure he hadn't stirred anymore drama. This species had some genetic mischief predispositions – she could swear it was truth.

[Ash]

So, things didn't go exactly how Diarmuid planned, and he was also involved in the little incident. At least it wasn't as bad as the fat man, nor the server. After a racist remark, which Diarmuid didn't bother to retort against, he left, chuckles and remarks fallowing him the entire way.

Danica picked a little bit of food off his jacket, which caught the worst of the impact for him, and let it drop to the floor just as servers were frantically trying to clean up the mess. She said that he should go get cleaned up, and he agreed. He knew that she was only really saying it because he was a reflection on her own status, but he decided to have some fun with it.

I'm glad you care about my appearance, Princess, therefore, I shall obey.

Diarmuid kept his voice light, if full of sarcasm, and was simply meant to get a smile out of the woman. He left, however, right after he finished talking, heading for the fresher.

Once there, he got a good look of himself; food stained his jacket, but the rest of his outfit managed to make it out relatively intact. He brushed something from his hair, and ran a hand though it, making sure there were no crumbs left. He took of his jacket, as well as his tie, and undid the top button of his shirt. He also took off his vest holding his collapsed spear, then his shirt, and put his vest back on under his shirt, so at least he still looked presentable. His tie he folded up and stuck in his trousers pocket.

Once out of the 'fresher, he found a server, and passed off his jacket, telling them to get it cleaned, and fast, or there would be a mess of trouble. A touch of the force greatly implanted that in the mans head, and off he ran, jacket in hand. Diar laughed slightly, then reached out to feel for Danica.

Indeed, he found her, along with someone else who was strong in the force. Looking that way, he saw Danica talking with another woman. He had seen her around before, but never talked with her. Quickly, he began to make his way over there, only to slow up as a well endowed young woman caught his eye before mentally taking a note, and continued towards his original destination.

[sparrow]

Zarene remained in her seat as Danica approached. "Good to see you too, Liviana," she replied, a slight hint of a smile on her lips. "And your dress as well. Not so many feathers as last time, I see." She drained the remainder of her drink, placing the glass on the tray of a passing servant.

Zarene motioned to the empty seat next to her, inviting the other woman to sit. Danica was pleasant enough company, and one of the few people at the gathering that she could count on not trying to make some sort of transparent attempt to curry favor with Order. Danica had access to people higher up in the chain of command that she could do that with.

The male companion that she had spotted earlier had wandered off, likely to clean off his food-stained clothes. A few minutes later, he came sauntering back into view, having pawned his jacket off on a servant. She had definitely seen the fellow at the Temple before, most often hanging around the sparring grounds with Nieraan Onin. Maybe that was where Danica had picked him up.

"So... who's the new Firrereo? Got bored of the old one?"