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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
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Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Apr 14, 2009 9:38:39 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Apr 14, 2009 9:38:39 GMT -5
Rook couldn't help but allow his satisfied grin. All through her response, she was giving him exactly what he said he should be seeking. At the table, they had played the word game, and he had seen her knowing smile when she feigned secrets with Iriel. He had seen her coyness, and upon his very first meeting of her, he had seen her shyness.
Ever since their dance had started, he had been on the hunt, spare that one moment of embarrassing introspection. But when he had countered the intruding woman's outburst, he had found it. He had illicited an unintended smile. It was the best way to see pure happiness on someone's face, to cause it when it wasn't expected. And once he had the taste, he couldn't help but seek more. So it was the slightly unformal that had caused it. His subsequent movements, those that brought the two closer were experiments.
The look on Sali's face when he brought her in close out of the spin nearly took his breath away. Her eyes, nearly every muscle in her face dropped her guard, if only for an instant. She tensed, yes, and so he had let go and drawn back. A little too sudden.
But he had gotten what he wanted with the slow approach. She caught on to his game, and that smile was his prize. Satisfaction at figuring him out, still a lingering of the look from when he first brought her close. Another wonderful taste.
And then the dip. She had not startled at it. Which was good. Rook couldn't have the cream of the crop of the galaxy thinking he was a bad dancer. And yet again, a success. Her wide eyes and shaking head framed a beautiful smile. How many of them did she have? He had an urge to discover them all.
When he felt her signal to raise her up from the dip, Rook obliged in a smooth motion. The crowd had begun to applaude the band, and Rook followed suit, but his eyes never broke contact with Sali's.
Genuine smiles… well, they’re nice aren’t they?
Yes... Yes they are.
The night was drawing to a close, Rook had already noticed a slight thinning of the attendees. Perhaps this would be a good time to depart. One never wanted to stay too long at such events. It gave the wrong impression, or so he was raised to think.
But his upbringing also implored that one always left at a lady's request. They were the ones in charge of when people arrived and when they left. And though Sali and Rook had not come to the Gala together, he would not dismiss himself from her until either someone of a higher station than himself came into her company, or until he himself helped her into the transport she would be taking home.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Apr 15, 2009 0:37:58 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Apr 15, 2009 0:37:58 GMT -5
He brought her up from the dip as smoothly as he had lowered her into it. She let go of his hand, that she had been squeezing lightly and was now feeling the tingling effects from that, and used it to meet her opposite hand in a clap. She glanced briefly off in the band’s general direction, as if seeing them would bring a bit of good fortune to them. It was a mere reaction Sali had unconsciously taken. She didn’t see them through the remaining bodies of the important senators and other high class celebrants. Sali’s eyes directed themselves back sideways as her hands lowered, back to where Rook stood beside her. The Queen knew he was still looking at her; the oh-so-soft nettling feeling of being watched that could be easily dismissed warning her so.
“You’re an excellent dancer, Prince Rook,” she commented. Sali had to admit to herself better than she. Well, better at the waltz that is. Perhaps there was something she could pull off better than him, but the waltz most definitely belonged to Rook. Without him, she surely would lost any count, and she had had to correct a few of her steps even then. The waltz was simply not so simple. “And if you ever only knew how to waltz, I would certainly do it again with you.”
Her fingers hooked around each other, and as the band began again while they stood there, Sali made way to move from the middle of the dance floor. She paused for a moment, then unhooked her hands, and then turned to grab his hand to pull him off behind her. She had gotten them half-way off the floor before she realized it probably would’ve been more proper to pull her arm through his. But she excused that fact with the simple reasoning that she had been already a bit too far to link her arm with his. One thing for certain, as soon as they were clear from dancers, Sali released his hand. Her face she kept turned away from him for a few seconds, tilting it slightly as if examining the people to hide the faint hint of color on her cheeks. That kind of hand grabbing had been different from when Rook had led her onto the floor, which caused that would be recognizable flush.
The many party visitors had begun to thin away like a heavy mist in a swampy forest. Either they had retired back to their quarters or ships or had passed out underneath the tables where the Queen of Onderon couldn’t note them. She realized that, mostly, only the thickly, heavily weighted drunks remained, too stupid to send for even their escorts. Those who had been rather sober had started to leave some time ago. A sigh escaped the Queen. And then, face washed of any color, she turned back to Rook.
“Now that we’re in no danger of being trampled,” she nodded at the dancers still on the floor, “I think I’ll actually take leave for tonight. There’s a murky air here that could disturb one of the drunks and cause for a fight that even Senators would deem most unworthy if they were thinking clearly.” Her hands were searched around her waist, prodding. Her eyebrows gathered in puzzlement. “Where did my… communicator go? I was so sure I had it…” If she didn’t find the communicator, her guards wouldn’t come to escort her off because they wouldn’t understand the Gala, for the Queen, was over. She patted across the front once more, and then let out another sigh, muttering under her breath: “Blast it to the hottest core of the nearest star…”
Perhaps if she brought her hair from its fancy hair-do and removed the crown and a couple of jewels, she could be mistaken for some Senator and return peacefully to her ship. It would have to be the risk, since she couldn’t find her communication device.
“Rook, I’ll bid you a good night,” she said instead, hands falling to her sides. She looked up into Rook’s face once more. Such an attractive man; how could one not tell him good night? The corners of her mouth lifted again into a small, rather polite smile to attempt to cover her very well obvious problem at losing a small communicator. She didn’t expect it to work too well on Rook, who she was sure would recognize there certainly was a problem. If he walked away, that was fine, but if he stayed, Sali wouldn’t object to it. Was she a little frightened of her own plan? Yes, but with plenty of reason to be paranoid, though she only thought of that paranoia as the faintest and insignificant whisper. Then she would acknowledge that paranoid presence, consider it, and then cast it aside in almost one fluid thought If it was her only answer to go alone, she wouldn’t deny the necessity of her plan.
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Dire Wolf
So who's ready to help me sock ol Adolf on the jaw?!
2,894 posts
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Have dakka will travel
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last online May 6, 2020 18:55:51 GMT -5
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Apr 15, 2009 13:52:15 GMT -5
Post by Dire Wolf on Apr 15, 2009 13:52:15 GMT -5
Ryn leaned back against the wall and sighed. Yes, he was really here and no, he was not happy. To be honest, the young Jedi would rather be off doing something exciting... not watching a bunch of sticklers as they try their hand at dancing, joking, and sometimes even flirting with women who were half their age. Again, the man let out a heavy sigh. Why? What was the purpose of all this? This... Gala? In truth... there was none, other than maybe networking.
The vociferous rasp of a respirator almost screamed Ryn's ear, it nearly made him jump out of his skin.
The Knight shifted his gaze around in a vain attempt to find the source of the disturbance. He rolled his weight back onto his feet, began to aimlessly walk around, hoping to catch a glimpse of something... anything... that could have made that noise. The it happened again, this time the sound was behind him... he instantly whipped around with his hand wrapped around his lightsaber, being sure to keep it on his belt.
When he came about he saw nothing but a few surprised guests, after a few apologies from Jedi he resumed his search. The man nearly circled the building. Twice. But he saw nothing... nobody that could have made the noise. Until he saw the man with long black hair and a mask attached to his face, how did the man NOT garner any attention from security? Or the guests for that matter? He shook off the thoughts as he saw the man walk towards Queen Hyria, the young Jedi tried his best to clamp down on the man's mind... but he could not. It was as if he wasn't there... that is when the Jedi slowed down a bit.
Was this man really a wraith? That would explain why Ryn could see him, but no one else could. The phantom dissipated almost the second that the young Jedi had this revelation, he sighed. The Force was trying to tell Ryn something... but what? He pondered this for a few moments before deciding that it would be best for him to accompany Queen Hyria to her ship... perhaps all the way back to Onderon.
The man slowly walked up to Queen Hyria, taking care to keep his back straight, chin high, and voice loud and clear. Ryn was never known much for his politics, or for being tactful... and he was about to show the two why.
"Queen Hyria... I am Ryn Sundar, Jedi Knight..."
He cringed on the inside as he gave her his title, appellations made Ryn's skin crawl.
"I would like to request that I be added to your security detail for the return trip back to the space port, perhaps all the way back to Onderon."
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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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Apr 16, 2009 9:24:36 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Apr 16, 2009 9:24:36 GMT -5
Her hand was soft. He hadn't noticed it when they were dancing, but when she unexpectedly took his hand in hers to lead him... she led him... off the dance floor, he couldn't help but notice. Her hand was wonderfully soft. His eyes had scanned around as she led him, wondering if any prying eyes were disapproving. Who knows what might show up in the morning news? But the guests were either too drunk or too engrossed in their own business to notice.
Once they reached the side of the dance floor, Sali seemed to reach the same conclusion he had. It was time for the respectable members of society to leave. But she seemed to be missing something. A communicator. Ah, Sali needed to contact her security. It had taken a moment for Rook to understand. Royalty as he was, he wasn't in need of the same protection as someone who actually RULED a planet. No, he didn't need guards with him all the time. He just needed a good security system at his residence and a low key transport. She needed armor.
It seemed that after a few moments of searching, Sali decided it wasn't important, and said her goodbyes. Rook didn't want to seem overbearing, but his eyebrows furrowed with concern. He knew the history of her family... what had happened to them. Things like that never went away. He was about to suggest that he help her get into contact with her people before she go, but a man suddenly appeared at their side. He introduced himself as a Jedi Knight, and Rook's eyebrows darted upward in surprise at his proposal to escort the Queen. Rook knew a few Jedi had been asked to help with security at the Gala, but he hadn't really noticed them around. He supposed they were good at keeping out of the way like that.
It was a strange coincidence that he offered his protection at a time when Sali needed it, or perhaps it had something to do with the Force, Rook didn't pretend to know about the Jedi ways. But he trusted in their institution. His family had counted on the Jedi on a number of occasions. He couldn't think of a better coincidence.
If you will excuse my forwardness, m'lady, I agree. He said, nodding towards the Knight. And if you will allow me, I would be honored to show you to your transport. As he finished his words, he reached out and took her hand again. Though he held it quite properly, his eyes transferred both his concern and a hint of flirtation. The corners of his mouth curved into the slightest of smiles. His thumb caressed her fingers ever so gently. She couldn't refuse such a chivalric and proper offer, surely.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Apr 17, 2009 0:14:27 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Apr 17, 2009 0:14:27 GMT -5
As she had stated her goodbyes, she watched Rook’s face as his eyebrows gathered. It turned his eyes a darker shade and she saw concern within them. He must have heard about her mother and father’s fateful ends. Many others would have smiled, bowed their heads, and wished her a good night. She knew not many acknowledged the fact her family was murdered by a group of rebellious assassins. Sali had had those encounters, though the politicians or high class members of society had probably not have cared for the Queen. That was simply because of the fact that Sali Hyria meant almost nothing to them. She had no influence on their lives.
This made Rook considerably different. Then again, he was also royalty. No, it’s not that, Sali thought, because none of his family have been killed. And if he’s placing as a Junior Senator, I wonder how his family ties are. Does he even CARE about his family? So what is causing the concern to sprout from him? She noted as his mouth partially opened, but it wasn’t his voice she heard.
Her head turned sharply to face the Jedi Knight, he said he was, slightly startled. She had noted the few Jedi slinking around in the background as if they were invisible little rodents. They seemed to believe they could think and observe from their clever hiding spots. Sali had noticed them here and there, thanks to the hiding tactics of her own security back on Onderon. She had become always wary of hiding persons, unless they were using some kind of spell to obscure her sight.
She offered her best forced smile when she really wanted to grimace. The Jedi Knight had obviously gotten his orders to watch her, otherwise, he wouldn’t be there wishing to escort her to possibly Onderon. The only way he would get that kind of mission is if the Jedi had heard it from her security. Sali had very protective security, especially when it seemed the assassin rebellion was on the rise again. Someone must’ve contacted the Jedi. The Queen couldn’t say she was displeased with their worry, but, a Jedi? She found that a little over the top. She wasn’t going to turn the man down, however.
“Jedi Sundar,” she addressed him, “You could not have approached me at a better time. Thank you; consider yourself as part of my security, as you put it.” The smile became a little more truthful.
“Prince Rook…” Sali enjoyed saying his true title over his senatorial one. She was about to wish him the night well, again, when he also spoke of ‘escorting her to her transport’. He took up her hand, his mouth uplifting in the barest of smiles, eyes still clouded with his concern though there were mingling glimmers of play. His thumb smoothed over her fingers and Sali felt her heart grow warm. She blinked, and her mouth parted once to say something, but she didn’t have the courage until it opened a second time. “Of… Of course.” She had said the two little words before she had really thought of them. Her cheeks flared a little at the display in front of another individual. “I’d be delighted.”
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Dire Wolf
So who's ready to help me sock ol Adolf on the jaw?!
2,894 posts
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Have dakka will travel
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last online May 6, 2020 18:55:51 GMT -5
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Apr 22, 2009 13:42:01 GMT -5
Post by Dire Wolf on Apr 22, 2009 13:42:01 GMT -5
Without turning his head, or the useless organs that were his eyes, the Jedi Knight shifted his gaze towards the man that Queen Hyria was with as he voiced his approval of Ryn's request and offered an escort to her transport in the same breath. The man couldn't help but tilt his head ever so slightly, why had he offered escort not five seconds after a Knight of the Jedi Order had done the same? What more protection could he give? Ryn wouldn't dare probe the man's mind for an answer, even if he trusted in his abilities in telepathy, because person's mind is far too fragile to play with and it was far too easy to... misplace... something.
The Jedi didn't argue with the Prince, however, if he wanted to accompany the Queen to the transport that was his prerogative... but if anything happened she would take precedence before anyone else. Something was just off about the whole thing, that vision he saw... it looked familiar, almost as if he had seen the face of the man before somewhere. But where?
Ryn surmised that he was a Dark Jedi by his attire, but he wasn't Grawn, nor was he any of the Dark Jedi that he saw on Korriban. Than who? Ryn forced those thoughts out of his mind and focused on the Queen as she spoke to him. The blind Jedi let a slight grin contort the features of his face as the Queen accepted his request.
Thank you, mi'lady.
Ryn nodded as he turned to take one last look at the “party” that he was leaving behind. What he saw surprised him to say the least. The Jedi saw that same figure; Long black hair, leonine features, and a hideous re-breather mask standing not twenty feet away. The Jedi's gaze washed over the figure as he tried to decipher who it was... but it seemed that just before he was about to have an “ah-ha” moment the figure faded from sight. The Knight nodded as he turned his head back towards the Queen, waiting for her to leave so that he may follow.
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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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Apr 29, 2009 9:42:11 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Apr 29, 2009 9:42:11 GMT -5
As soon as Sali agreed to both the Knight and himself, Rook smiled. He was relieved to know that Sali wasn't going to risk her safety. Wonderful. He said, pulling her hand through his arm so that they might walk a little more formally. Assuming the Knight would follow, Rook began to lead the way to the door. As people filed out of the Gala, it was easier to navigate the crowds. When they reached the door, Rook stepped to the side to speak with a security official. He asked that Sali's transport be brought around, and informed the man that Knight Sundar would accompany the Queen. He then requested his own transport as well.
It didn't take long for Sali's transport to be brought around. Rook led her over and opened the door for her, offering his hand to help her in. It was a pleasure, m'lady. He said, kissing the backs of her fingers. Might I be so bold as to ask that you grace me with your presence again sometime?
His smile was genuine as he asked the question. He truly hoped that their paths would cross again. After Sali was in the transport, Rook straightened up and faced the Jedi. He wasn't sure why, but Rook had a sudden urge to thank the Jedi profusely for his offer to protect the Queen. At the same time, he also wanted to threaten the man with all kinds of dire consequences should he fail in his task. He cleared his throat and reached his hand out to him. I umm... What is it they say? Oh... May the Force be with you.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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May 3, 2009 0:42:34 GMT -5
Post by Squee on May 3, 2009 0:42:34 GMT -5
As Rook pulled her hand through his arm, Sali couldn’t help but feel a little relieved. Even if her security were being seeming to be over-protective by contacting the Jedi, she found herself more relaxed than she had been but a couple of minutes ago. And there was Rook, who also seemed relieved when she accepted the Jedi’s offer, and even his. The concern had all but vanished from the man, who now led her out of the doors and approaching a man, telling him to signal her transport be brought. The Jedi, Sundar, was behind them.
So, with her fingers pressed lightly to Rook’s forearm and her opposite hand placed over that one, Sali tipped her head to look at the Jedi as they waited on their transports – Rook had called his too. He stood there, holding nearly the same gaze for a while before moving his eyes. They rested on her, and Sali saw that the Jedi really couldn’t see her. And that’s when she worried a bit. A blind Jedi? She had heard such things, but it was just so hard to imagine. The Jedi were well-known figures, and to notice one blind was like seeing a gizka surrounded by a bunch of rancors, and the rancors ignored the possibly considered “weaker” species. For a moment, she thought about how Ryn would be able to protect her if needed. But, then she figured the Jedi had a reason for assigning the blind one to this… this… well, she believed Ryn would call it a mission. What a terrible thought, kind of. Sali was nothing but a mission.
With a little shift of her weight, her gaze slipped from the Jedi, picking out her small assigned shuttle that would take her to her ship. There, her handmaiden, Nelani, awaited to greet her, to pamper her for a sleep on the way back to Onderon. Sali had half a plan to send the maid away to make sure the Jedi would be comfortable when they arrived. But, she figured, Ryn would refuse and she’d be stuck with Nelani anyway, who would mumble under her breath about the indecency of Jedi Sundar. It made Sali want to chuckle as Rook led her forward to her transport. She didn’t however, wishing not to appear mad at seemingly random sound.
“I enjoyed it,” she replied to Rook. Her kissed the back of her hand, and she smiled once again, genuinely. “And I wouldn’t mind meeting again sometime. Maybe I’ll plan my own vacation next time?” She pulled her hand gently from the Prince, scooting further into the small shuttling transport so the Jedi could enter behind her. She heard Rook say his few words to Ryn, and her chuckle was ghostly and unnoticeable by even the pilot of the transport.
Sali wished this not be the first and only time she met, talked, or saw Rook. Again, he was a handsome man, but there was something a little bit more about him than just the eye. She was attracted, yes, she’d admit. And she honestly would not mind meeting the Prince again.
When Ryn finally sat down on the seat next to her and the door was closed, the transport pulled away and toward the Queen’s ship. She spent the next several minutes staring at the passed world, glancing at the Jedi who sat silently. He was not a great impression for Sali’s first Jedi experience. Were they all silent and rather anti-social? ”Blind?” came the questionable thought once more.
The transport brought her close, and a couple of her guards came down the ramp of the ship. They paused once, hands falling on top of their blasters and fingering rifle triggers when they saw someone was with her. Sali merely held up a hand and informed them that Ryn Sunder was a peaceful addition to the security at the current moment.
“Jedi Sundar,” the Queen of Onderon addressed the Knight since leaving the Gala. “Here I suppose is with your choice: you may remain on Coruscant, or you may accompany me as you said before you might do.” She said no more than that. She wanted the Knight to feel that he had more of a choice. Sali didn’t know if he truly had one or not, but earlier he had spoken as if he did. This is where that decision was important. “If you choose to come with to Onderon, I will make sure that you are returned back to Coruscant.”
“My Queen! You’ve returned!”
Sali turned slightly, seeing Nelani at the top of the ramp. “One moment, Nelani. Go away. I’ll be up there soon. Yes, the guards are right here. Shoo.” The handmaiden looked prepared to protest, her mouth open, but she closed it, dipped her head, and retreated back within the ship. Sali’s focus was back on the Jedi, awaiting his answer with patient eyes.
((Jake, when Ryn says yes, you can just say the he followed her up the ramp and the transport began to lift off. If you want to say the Queen did something, like headed elsewhere or something, that’s fine. If you want to guards to do anything special, have at it. And, after that, unless Meira posts, I think that wraps up the thread.))
((Meira Edit: I'm good, we can end this thread with Jake's post))
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Dire Wolf
So who's ready to help me sock ol Adolf on the jaw?!
2,894 posts
49 likes
Have dakka will travel
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last online May 6, 2020 18:55:51 GMT -5
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May 18, 2009 23:07:32 GMT -5
Post by Dire Wolf on May 18, 2009 23:07:32 GMT -5
((sorry for the short post, but IDK... I just kinda wanna wrap this up quick))
Ryn perked his ears slightly as Queen Hyria addressed him, as he would most certainly do every time she did so. Did he really want to go? No, as a matter of fact he did not want to disembark with her. But he would go for two reasons: The first being the fact that the Council had asked him to do this, and the second being that he felt the Force call him to this woman.
"I have no choice in this, Queen Hyria, I can feel the pull of the Force. And it is pulling me to aid your guards in protecting you."
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