| Logs |
2003 December 13
| These Shattered Stars |
| Realms |
Retired
| Reality Fault |
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| Realms: These Shattered Stars Logs |
Chapter Eight, Part Two
Vakkal realizes something, and sends a little mental note to Fhazil, Freyja, and Zero (although Fhazil probably already knows this), I don't know if anyone has mentioned it to you or not, but these dinners are regarded as social events. Discussion of the war, or other shipboard work is usually avoided. This isn't hard and fast, but I thought you might like to know.
Freyja seats herself smoothly, brushing a scarlet curl of hair back with slender golden fingers. She smiles quietly to herself, enjoying the scent of the ivory blossom tucked behind one ear. Dinner should be interesting, she thinks. She's looking forward to seeing what sort of relationship Lord Ghang has with his officers... especially since she suspects that will directly impact on how she and her friends are perceived and treated.
Freyja nods mentally to Vakkal, sending him a quiet thanks, then curiously adds, Define 'social,' please? Like a Balmorran dinner and dance, or a formal gathering over food, or something else?
Zero mms softly. I can think of a thousand other topics I'd prefer to talk about right now, anyway.
Vakkal's reply comes back as, Social as in 'not work.' Dinner is something of an escape from the continued pressure of the tasks at hand. I'm not sure how this relates to your examples, though. Freyja nods silently, not sure herself either, but deciding (as always) that following the lead of a native of a culture new to her is always wiser than trying to blunder through alone.
As conversation begins at the other tables, Lord Ghang says to the officers seated at the horn of the table, "Our guests have not been introduced to everyone. Shall we start with that?" Kang Nael, the Executor and a pureblood Sith, smiles and says, "I am Executor Kang Nael, in service to Lord Ghang. I am pleased to meet you all."
The Sith pureblood turns and looks at the Hkkal officer next to him, who says, "My name is Gor Nadaan. I am the Captain of the Malice. It is an honor to meet you, travelers." Next, a tall Arkanian introduces himself, "I am Izumar Sang, chief engineer." He does not seem unpleasant or rude, merely preoccupied.
The pureblood seated next to him shakes his head in quiet amusement and says, "Coronel Nazra Iolaan, at your service." Finally, a Sith pureblood introduces himself, "Admiral Juir Holk Vaahn, in charge of the Malice's accompanying fleet. Welcome, strangers." The collection of officers waits expectantly for the strangers to introduce themselves.
Freyja smiles and nods pleasantly to all the officers as they introduce themselves. She wonders curiously at the high percentage of Sith standardbreds here... then realizes the reason why. True, there is a lower percentage of them in the Empire as compared to the other races (as Fhazil and Vakkal have informed her), but it makes sense there'd be a higher percentage of them in the ruling classes -- such as that class of individuals which commands the invading battle fleet.
Freyja also wonders idly if the collection of officers knows anything of the triat. She supposes it doesn't really matter in the over-all scheme of things. Fhazil introduces himself, "I am Journeyman Fhazil Taas, traveling with Freyja and Zero, formerly apprenticed to Lord Ghang. It is good to see all of you well."
Freyja smiles politely, "Well met, and a pleasure. I hight Freyja Rigg of Balmorra, Padawan of Master Roakkana of Kashyyyk." She glances inquiringly to Vakkal, Should I introduce you? At his silent assent she adds, with a graceful gesture, "Vakkal, of Haus Rigg, is my Soulguard." Vakkal merely nods at Freyja's introduction and smiles politely at the officers.
Zero bows slightly, one hand clasped over the other, "Sah. Zero Satau of Sedrak, likewise student of Roakkana."
Freyja looks back and forth as the silence awkwardly lengthens, then politely inquires, "Fhazil, this must be a pleasant bit of home-coming for you?"
Fhazil smiles, "It is good to see the people aboard the Malice, and the Malice herself, are well. There have been a few faces it has been a joy to see again." He adds, "Admittedly, I have rarely been honored by company as esteemed as this."
Freyja looks around thoughtfully, wondering if Ghang has new apprentices yet, and where apprentices are usually seated. She knows Apprentice Kaltach by sight... is he visible? Apprentice Kaltach is in the hall, but is seated some distance away, at another table.
The Executor asks, "You said you're traveling with Freyja and Zero. How did you meet them?" Fhazil replies, "Well, as I recall, Zero shot me." He looks over and grins, "You might remember better how it went."
Freyja covers a grin, "Um... actually, he rammed you. I shot you." She giggles softly.
Zero scratches the back of his head absently, "Funny story, that. And I, er, cut the Khar Velosi nearly in half. Come to think of it, this isn't a terribly funny story at all."
Fhazil says, "Now you see why I thought someone else should tell the story," and grins.
Freyja smiles, "It ends well, so far."
Vakkal coughs and says, "Actually, I was watching you, and I think it was Freyja who shot me. I recall being quite surprised and thinking, 'A blaster! No fair!'"
Freyja blinks, "I did? Oh. Er... sorry?" She sounds a bit sheepish, "You did look a bit, um... insane at the time, though." She grins again, her eyes dancing.
The Engineer is apparently paying attention, but it's quite possible he's thinking about some other problem as well. Executor Nael smiles, "How did you ever wind up with Vakkal as your Soulguard, then? It does not sound like it was love at first sight."
Freyja laughs delightedly! Then she glances at Fhazil, Is it all right to speak of the Oath of Fire? She considers, then glances at Ghang -- he'd be the one to decide what was appropriate here, actually. She's not quite sure 'sending' a question to him would be wise, though.
The Captain is smiling a half smile and listening to the banter, watching the strangers, but not putting much in to the conversation as of yet. Zero says, "Love? Not precisely. We rather viewed each other as military objectives, at the time. Freyja was good enough to keep me from killing them both at the time."
The Admiral and Coronel are both listening avidly, apparently perfectly happy to enjoy a good story about how a fight went off -- and particularly when it's clear the ending was good. Unusual, perhaps, but one that everyone was happy with. Zero clears his throat quietly, "And I would not call the blaster unfair, considering your stubborn refusal to submit after what had to be six minutes' worth of combat... and your tendency to froth when you're angry."
Fhazil comments, "Not to mention the lanvorak."
Vakkal replies, "I do not froth," but they can tell he doesn't really mean it.
Freyja grins ruefully, "Hey, he got better!" She grins cheerfully at Fhazil, "So did you, my dear! I even got warned about you not, er... being all 'there' in the head."
Zero says, "Well... all told, he did better than that Rodian mercenary."
Lord Ghang comments, "It would be an interesting story to hear in more detail, Padawan Freyja, if you wouldn't mind. I think most of the people here are familiar with the larger story of what went on, but you have unique insight in to the details."
Freyja looks pleased and smiles to Ghang, then turns back to the officers, "Let's see... this was on Marnaas, and Zero and I had just arrived with Master Roakkana because the previous abbot of the monastery had just been murdered. We didn't know it, but there were not one, but two groups of Sith there. There were those of Lord Methel-ssa, including her apprentice Fhazil... and those of the Oather Lord Qatto Verg, along with his apprentice Vakkal."
Coronel Iolaan mutters, "Dirty fanatics." The pureblood admiral nods, but listens quietly, interested. The Executor glances over at the Coronel but doesn't say anything. While he doesn't seem to mind the mention of the Oathers coming up as the story is told, he probably will interrupt if they become an unpleasant part of the conversation. As long as things are moving along to other topics, he'll leave it more or less alone.
Freyja continues with enjoyment as dinner is served. Story-telling is an art on Balmorra, and while she isn't a professional, she does speak with animation, drawing her audience in with gesture, changes of accent and demeanor, the occasional suspense-building pause for a nibble of food... and other useful techniques to keep an audience enthralled.
Freyja tells the whole story as best as she can remember, including the two defeats of Verg, Zero and Master Roakkana saving her from the angry revenant in the Force after Methel-ssa threw it off, Freyja's Force-relayed call for help which resulted in the revenant's final death, the careful trip the two Padawans made to check on Methel-saa, and so on. She does not draw any attention to Valsha, however. That, she feels, would be unwise.
Freyja grins at the end, adding, "And then Fhazil left with Lord Ravos... and that was it!" She doesn't mention the arrival of the Jedi after the Sith have left, either. No need to show off the Order's dirty laundry, as it were.
The officers find this a fascinating story, and ask for a little clarification on a couple of points. To have the Jedi from Marnaas here on their ship is an unexpected experience, and they all seem to take it in stride. All of them seem astonished, but Captain Nadaan in particular, over Freyja's insistence on checking to see that Methel-ssa was all right. The Hkkal officer finds this baffling. Wonderful, but baffling.
The most revealing comment is one Admiral Vaahn makes to Fhazil, "And you said they thought you were crazy."
Freyja grins mischievously at the Hkkal, "Well, I admit I'd love to get another medscan of a healthy Hkkal, so if I'm ever in such a position again I'll have better data. May I scan you, honored Captain?"
The Captain answers Freyja, "Since you are so interested in doing so, we will make sure you have a chance to. It is difficult to begrudge something so simple to help others from my home, particularly when the person asking has already shown her desire to aid."
Freyja laughs at the Admiral's comment, then delightedly bounces to her feet at the Captain's reply, "Thank you so much!" She darts around the table with a flurry of silks and a faint jingling of jewelry, kneeling on the seating cushion next to the Hkkal Captain. She shows him the medkit, "All you have to do is hold it in your hand for a moment, please?"
The Hkkal does so, obviously amused by the Padawan's enthusiasm. "Not one to miss an opportunity, are you?" He smiles as he speaks.
Freyja grins as she politely nods, "Hai, this is so, Captain." Her eyes are dancing again -- she certainly didn't miss the opportunity to get the Oathers into trouble either, but she doubts that's something Ghang wants freely bandied about. While the medkit is scanning the Captain, Freyja glances at Ghang, then at the lone Massassi at the table -- then back at Ghang with an inquiringly raised eyebrow.
Lord Ghang chuckles and says to the Massassi, "Qoor, would you mind if Padawan Freyja took a moment and scanned you as well? She mentioned to me earlier that she hadn't had a chance to scan a healthy Massassi before, and I suspect she'd be happy to do that while she's scanning."
Qoor smiles, "I see no difficulty with that." She introduces herself as well, "My name is Qoor Cheing, and I am the head of ground forces aboard Lord Ghang's fleet."
Freyja beams her warm appreciation to first Ghang, then Cheing. Once the Captain is scanned she bows and thanks him, then moves smoothly over to repeat the procedure with the Massassi. She murmurs with quiet pleasure, "Many thanks, honored lord -- I very much appreciate your kindness!" A few moments later she's re-seated herself at her position, happily reviewing the data. She's quite delighted to have good scans of healthy members of Empire species!
The dinner passes pleasantly enough, with the stewards serving the meal expertly and carefully, and conversation remaining light and inoffensive. As the last course is delivered, the Lord stands and waits for any talking to die down. It does so, and he says, "As is the custom, we now open the floor to any who wishes to demonstrate to one and all their mastery of their art. Anyone who wishes to have this chance, please let your steward know."
The stewards are stopped by a few people, and they quietly deliver those names to Lord Ghang. Fhazil silently asks Zero, Would you help me with a display of swordsmanship?
Yes, of course. Be happy to. Do you want a real sword, Kuwatuara, or a real staff? Or something else?
Fhazil grins wordlessly at Zero, and quietly stops one of the stewards. He sends a question to Freyja, Is there anything you would like to demonstrate?
Freyja blinks at Fhazil, her eyes a bit wide with startlement, I... don't know, Fhazil! I don't think I can ask Lord Ghang to, er... she grins in spite of herself, take his shirt off for me... er... well, how's this -- let me think about it while you and Zero are demonstrating? Put me on the list, and I'll have something by then? Is that all right?
Fhazil lets the steward know the guests have two demonstrations. He also tells Freyja, What makes you think the Lord wouldn't take off his shirt for a pretty girl like you? Freyja almost chokes on her drink at that! She coughs, blushing, then excuses herself apologetically to the others at the table. Under the table, however, she punches Fhazil's thigh, and he can feel her mental giggle. XXX
As the final course finishes, Lord Ghang has a list of the people interested in demonstrating their talents for the audience. As the final dishes are removed, he stands and waits for attention, which he soon gets.
Freyja watches with alert interest. She wants to see what sorts of things the 'regular' Sith will demonstrate, for some indication of what the audience will expect.
Ghang says, "We have several people who would ask our attention tonight, and I believe we will be impressed with their successes. Before we give them the floor, I wanted to point out something which one of our guests can do. It is not something which can be demonstrated in a place such as this, but it is a great boon to us all." With a casual gesture, he flips his tunic open, and shows off a shoulder. A healthy, unharmed shoulder. The Sith in the room stare in quiet shock, and Ghang revels in their stunned silence before going on. He says, "Here, I bore a blighted wound, which likely would have contributed to my eventual downfall and demise. Most older Lords are forced to manage these horrible wounds, and I had thought I was now part of that august group."
Freyja blinks, then smiles, deeply touched by Ghang's gesture. That was unexpected, but very kind of him.
Ghang continues, "At great risk to herself, and because she thought it was the right thing to do, Padawan Freyja", and he points her out to the room, "succeeded in removing blight from this wound. Through her efforts, my work will be able to continue unburdened by this draining wound. She has shown that there are those among our foes the Jedi who are the thoughtful, selfless doers of good that they claim to be."
Every eye in the room turns to look at Freyja, in apparent astonishment.
Freyja blushes a warm gold in spite of herself, but she smiles and nods courteously to the Lord. "Thank you, honored Lord."
Zero thinks to himself, Well, that's put the katarn among the pigeons...
Freyja's mental nod to Zero is faintly amused, Hai. Well, we'll see if anyone's foolish enough to try threatening a healer... or a healed Sith lord.
Ghang smiles, and says, "Knowing that even this traditional disaster can be overcome, it is even clearer that we can continue to meet our own goals and that whatever our enemies may throw at it, we can overcome!" He lets the words sink in, and says, "Now, we have some demonstrations of power, might, and personal skill." Ghang glances at a list, and announces, "First, Centurion Garru Fareen, Apprentice of War under Lord Khon Shu Fan, commander of IV Century, Marine Legion Malice." So saying, he sits, and looks to the Centurion. The floor is his.
Centurion Fareen is an Arkanian who has constructed a dual-bladed lightsaber for a variety of gemstones. His announcement of his intention to perform a kata with such a weapon is met with a mixture of slightly tired but polite applause and some grumbling from the more traditionalist swordspersons. All conversation is silenced when he ignites the paired blades, however; instead of the monochromatic, steady blades that one would expect, they are coruscating, rippling sheets of every visible color and, if some of the winces from the Massassi are any indication, quite a few non-visible colors/ The whirl of the blades is eerie to look at, as they act like no saber blades should. Instead of maintaining their stability, they are sweeping sheets of energy that reluctantly fade after a few moments.
Freyja wonders in quiet amusement just who the Lord wishes to overcome... but politely says nothing. She's not sure she wants to be known as healer to the mad invading Sith lords, all things considered... she'd rather be known as the healer of the Sith allies of the Republic. Still, she reflects philosophically, time will tell.
Freyja oohs quietly, enjoying the rainbow of color.
The kata goes on for several minutes, culminating in a somewhat daring -- some might say foolhardy -- flip of the sword into the air, letting it whirl dramatically, before catching it and extinguishing the blades in the same arc like motion. There is a great deal of applause, both at the artistry of the saber and the kata, and at the skill of the apprentice -- which while not virtuoso is nevertheless quite good for his apparent grade.
Freyja smiles, applauding as well, then whispers to Fhazil, Is he a Smith, that he wields such a lightsaber? Neh, he can't be if he's Fan's, right? Do the Sith just commission unusual weapons like that?
Zero taps his lips thoughtfully. What a fascinating choice. Flashy, but it must have been a nightmare to construct.
Freyja nods in silent amusement at Zero's comment.
Fhazil answers Freyja, letting Zero and Vakkal hear as well, It was very beautiful, and quite unusual. He must have altered it himself, which is odd, but not unheard of. The Arkanians seem to have an affinity for unusual and varied gems.
The senior officers make a few comments, mostly regarding the construction of the weapon. Fareen confirms that he modified it himself and that as it is now, it's nearly useless in combat: the blades are dramatically unstable, as was seen.
Freyja's quiet mental appreciation is tinged with curiosity as she wonders how effective a weapon the lightsaber is. She smiles as her question is answered.
Lord Ghang stands, and says, "Thank you, Centurion. That was unusual and beautiful." He glances at his notes, and says, "Fhazil Taas, one of our guests, has something to demonstrate, with the aid of Zero Satau." He gestures to Fhazil and is seated again.
Zero rises and follows Fhazil quietly. On reaching the floor he clears his throat and makes a more formal introduction, as that seems to be the custom. "Zero Satau, Knight of the Silver Path and disciple of the Shenlong school." He smiles politely. Seeing that Fhazil is wearing his scabbard now, he pauses and turns to the assembled. "Would someone here bestow me the honor of using his or her blade?"
Qoor Cheing offers him her blade, which should be about the right size, and not poisonous. She seems amused to be able to do so, and curious what the human will do with it.
Fhazil has also borrowed a sword, from one of the junior folks nearby, who he knows from long ago. He grins at Zero's loan from the head of the marines.
Zero smiles, "Thank you very much." He bows politely, and quite deeply, taking the blade in both hands. He returns to the center of the floor. Fhazil grins, bringing the blade up in a high, aggressive posture. "Ready?" "When you are." "Gonna draw that, or just handle the grip?" Zero simply smiles, and takes a single step back, turning slightly and holding the blade by its grip, still scabbarded, along his back. His other hand he raises a bit, beckoning, and grins a caustic little grin. "You first."
Fhazil opens aggressively, "If you insist." with a wide cut to Zero's head, forcing the little Knight to give ground, and follows up with a series of quick, one-handed thrusts that would leave a lesser opponent quite bewildered. Fhazil just says, "C'mon, we can do better than that." Zero for his part simply floats in and out of the attack, his long cloak sweeping behind him. Fhazil feints once, and then unleashes a vicious floor lunge, carrying him all the way down, one knee and one hand on the floor, the sword point gliding for Zero's midsection. "Are you gonna fight or not?!" Zero does not give ground this time; instead he simply drives the scabbard at the floor, and draws the blade, singing, from its sheath, to intercept the blow. A spark flies from one of the blades. "I am fighting, brother mine."
Zero smiles, the two swords still intersecting, and gives his blade a single, powerful twist backed up with a brief surge of Force; driving Fhazil's blade away. He turns the blade again and slides it smoothly back into the sheath. Fhazil rides the momentum of the counterattack, using it to swing himself around for a wide roundhouse kick at Zero's head. Zero drops forward as if bowing, letting the attack slide over him, then steps past Fhazil, unsheathing the sword again to intercept the inevitable strike at his open back. "I think that's enough preliminary, now that we've established our skill level, no?"
Freyja blinks startledly -- they're using the Force in a duel?! That's not standard procedure with the Order... huh. Fhazil and Zero must have arranged this ahead of time, she guesses.
The Force users in the room look at Zero a little more attentively as they can feel his using the Force. Fhazil also seems a bit startled, but he grins, and says, "'Bout time." and grins just a bit manically at Zero.
Fhazil changes tactics, opting to quit testing Zero's defenses with simple thrust-and-advance tactics, and assaults his opponent with brutal, chopping assaults, a flurry of quick reverse arcs. Zero smiles, "I thought a little application of the Force would whet your appetite... shall we show them what we're really capable of?" Fhazil answers, "That's what we're up here for." Zero's borrowed blade catches one blow after another, throwing Fhazil a quick riposte now and then to keep him off-balance. "If you say so." Zero drops to one knee, suddenly changing styles, his sword rotating, describing a circle as he brings the point in line with Fhazil's chest inside his guard; for a moment it seems like he's about to impale the other fighter--
--and Zero certainly lives up to expectation, standing suddenly, lashing his arm straight up above his head, the blade extended, vertical as if he were holding a beacon. Fhazil, however, is not there when the blow lands-- he takes off as if on wires, leaping straight up with a brief shout of exertion. He catches the edge of some of Malice's overhanging buttress-work. Zero follows, leaping up and slightly behind, to kick off of a column to fling himself at Fhazil. "Seiyahh!" Fhazil, for his part, is already moving through the air for Zero before he even leaves the ground.
Freyja grins, her head turning, craning back to watch happily. There's something uplifting about seeing people you love having a wonderful time!
Fhazil and Zero exchange a brief series of blows in the air; their movements are quick and economical, having no time at all to recover from a staggering impact or a wild swing. Fhazil says, "Now you've got some fight in you!" A shower of small sparks marks their passing and falls. The two warriors pass, Fhazil grabbing an overhanging buttress-ledge and swinging himself atop it with one hand, Zero righting himself with a tumble and landing atop a decorative column's flat top. Fhazil taunts, "Come and get me brother, if you can."
Zero smiles and flicks his long braid over his shoulder. "Hmph." He leaps for the other column, a whistle of displaced air as the Force carries him across the wide gap. He takes a passing low-line swing at Fhazil's head, then runs a few steps up the buttress above him to right himself, bringing his sword down overhand as he descends again toward the floor.
The crew was somewhat blasé about yet another swordfight. The Force-users sat right up at the first touch of its use, and at this point everyone in the room is captured by the high-energy and high-leaping actions of the two swordsmen.
Freyja grins as she notices the audience's growing interest. She whispers proudly to Vakkal, Aren't they great?
Vakkal is busy watching his brother get chased around the room. His return thought is finally, I'm glad they're not mad at you or me. They'd kick my ass.
Freyja laughs mentally, You're silly!
Fhazil easily bats the attack aside and is right behind him, descending on him with down-pointed blade as if to impale him when they reach the floor. Zero lands first, and flips himself backward out of harm's way as Fhazil's sword point grazes the floor, rather expertly restrained from nicking it. Zero smiles and raises his sword parallel with the floor, its point aimed for Fhazil's eye. "You know, I haven't considered how we'll end this yet." "Well," Fhazil answers, "I was thinking I'll clean your clock, and we'll call it good." Fhazil misses not a beat, pressing the attack, switching back to his thrusting style, but now incorporating some of Zero's own style, with fast, rotating swings of the blade as defense. Zero laughs softly, "Ahh, someone has been practicing..." Fhazil just grins.
Zero simply glances to Vakkal and flashes him a grin. Since losing the scar, he seems to be getting the hang of smiling.
Zero smoothly shifts into his native sword style, matching his opponent blow for blow. Zero's grasp on the style is quite good, and he supplements his defense with a few lashing kicks and brief body strikes just to keep Fhazil from getting too comfortable. As he moves, he keeps the blade in motion with quick, decisive movements, so that as the two men move, it almost appears that one sword or the other is spinning almost by itself, kept in place as it flies back and forth with nothing more than the occasional push to keep it going, like a wheel. Whether this is the case or simply a show of great skill on their parts, is hard to guess.
Zero says, "Clean my clock? Oh, I don't know about that..."
Fhazil seems to have tired of the stalemate, and says, "Let's finish this." With a high-pitched clash of metal on metal, Zero's sword sails high into the air, higher than he could hope to chase it. "Gotcha!" Fhazil takes a quick thrust at Zero's head-- Zero leans out of the way and, with a gentle nudge in the Force, knocks Fhazil off balance just enough to get a second's respite. He reaches out quickly with the Force, snatching the scabbard from its leaning place next to a column. As it sails into his hand Fhazil is already wheeling around for a crushing overhand blow...
Zero takes a single step back, and holds out his hand with the scabbard. The blade falls cleanly into it, singing one last time. Zero just stands there and smiles as Fhazil brings the blade down, putting forth his absolute trust in his friend as Fhazil halts the sword so close to him that it makes onlookers gasp. Zero can feel the metal on his skin but never stops smiling his secret little smile... there was never any doubt in Fhazil's technique. "I concede," is all he says.
The audience bursts out in applause, and both the swordsmen and the Force-users are very impressed, with a quiet murmur of appreciation going through the crowd.
Freyja beams delightedly as she applauds with the others. Her paramours can feel her pride and enthusiasm with their performance, That was a real crowd-pleaser -- you were good!
Zero smiles, and shrugs, padding to the sidelines to return the sword he was lent with a bow, "Thank you very much, for lending your sword for my unworthy technique."
Qoor smiles, and accepts the sword in return, with a quiet and silent salute. She had been admiring both men through the entire demonstration.
It takes a little longer than usual for the applause to die down, and Lord Ghang stands and waits for it to do so. He said, "Another one of our guests, Lady Freyja Rigg has a demonstration for us. I'm sure there will be no trouble in giving her our attention, while she shows us something a little different than the usual."
Freyja's small golden hands are resting palm-down on the table as she thinks, studying her slender, ringed fingers a little nervously. She glances at Ghang... aside from healing him of blight she can't think of anything that unique or special she can do. What to demonstrate?
Freyja finally looks up and says apologetically, "I... am sorry, honored Lord, but I can't think of anything wonderful which I can... er..." She pauses, considering. It's highly unlikely these folk from the Empire have seen her sister, who is a professional entertainer, so hopefully they won't know she's not as good as Syf. Also, Humans are considered somewhat exotic here... maybe they'd like to see a dance?
A bit hesitantly Freyja murmurs, "I... would dance for you all, if you would be pleased?"
A quiet murmur of assent goes through the crowd, and Lord Ghang says, "Anything you feel would be worth our seeing is worth your doing."
Zero can't suppress a smirk, Oh, and in front of the soldiery! The nobles back home are going to be scandalized, just scandalized...
Freyja smiles a little gratefully at the Lord's encouragement, then gives Zero a faintly puzzled look, Who better to inspire than one's soldiery, Zeriza? She rises gracefully, considering music choices as she neatly tucks some of her jewelry more firmly into place.
That's it -- she'll dance to the overture from the story of the Lady Sha'ari Zaad; that seems appropriate somehow. Not only does it have a variety of musical styles in it which are fun to dance to, but the story is one which appeals to her at this moment -- the hero is a prisoner of circumstance, her life in danger, using her wits to stay alive even as she longs to return safely home again.
Freyja taps up the appropriate musical selection on the datapad on her belt, then swings her arms and fingers gracefully out into the opening pose. The be-ringed toes of one slender golden foot extend before her, as she waits for the music to start.
The music begins slowly, hesitantly, sketching out in low tones and slow trills the imprisoned, lonely girl who tells stories every night, always not finishing quite in time for the dawn, in order to keep her captor interested until the following night, so she will not be put to death at morning's light.
To Freyja, the music speaks richly of time passing, of loss, of the call of ancestral lands and kurasai waiting patiently for her return... of the eternal longing of the traveler for home, that place where one rejoices without fear, and is always loved and welcome. She throws all her concentration into evoking those emotions through her dance, starting slowly, self-conscious, taking graceful little steps, her hips gently starting to swing with slow rhythm.
All dance is performance and presentation, inviting individual interpretation... but truly passionate dancers can share their personal feelings through the language they express with their bodies. As Freyja gains confidence, letting herself fall into the music, she becomes bolder. Her body quivers as she takes her small steps, dancing with both golden fingers and slender hands. A special look has appeared on her face as she abandons herself to the music -- daring and beckoning, designed to attract, to pull in, but at the same time obviously reflecting a power she only has when lost in the dance.
Freyja's Force mute slowly starts slipping as the music teases gently at her, dares her to drown with pleasure in its seductive rhythms... and the passion she keeps so carefully bottled up, tightly under control, starts to slip free as well, like a genii of Light swirling to life. Delight in the dance, her passionate love for her beloveds and life itself, the ecstasy of the Force glowing endlessly through her, moving her... like the flowing strains of the music itself, Freyja's Light starts to gently insinuate itself into the dance and the evening.
Balmorran dance is so unique, such a mixture of subtlety and brazenness... there is a hazy, lazy, flirtatious look in Freyja's half-closed blue eyes, and her scarlet hair floats like a silken, swirling veil about her. She is elusive in her movements, sinewy and tactile; she twists, twirls, winds and unwinds. Her graceful golden hands curl and uncurl in time with the music; her hips seem to coil smoothly and rhythmically about her slender waist, her embroidered sash swaying hypnotically in counterpoint; her dance is openly seductive, but not surrendering, like the Light itself.
Freyja's large, Force-glowing blue eyes and slim, willowy body easily add to her unconscious allure. With each sway of movement, each swirl of a graceful arm, she seems to free herself from the colorful layers of cloth, making them emotionally diaphanous, their texture adding to the mystery of her dance. She is Creator tonight, fully embodying its bright, iconic beauty, and her current glowing creation is rapturously, non-consciously shared with all present -- the beauty and wonder of timeless life, of eternal Light, and its dancing, floating representative, alight here tonight.
The members of the crew in the room sit quietly, surprisingly enraptured by the dance. The Force users know there's something going on, but everyone else is merely caught up in the feeling of the dance, and understanding quietly what Freyja feels about the dance. Despite the allure and sensuality of the dance, most of the viewer's attention is caught by Freyja's eyes and face, and held there.
Fhazil, however, is not so caught, and winds up staring at the beautiful dance. He sends to Vakkal and Zero, And she keeps thinking she's not very pretty.
Vakkal just responds, Drooling on yourself in public isn't polite.
Zero tosses his braid over his shoulder, and clasps his hands behind his back. She can't see herself now. She's only looking when she's got something to fret about... I suspect she won't even remember much of this.
Freyja's dance has wound smoothly between the various tables, and as the last gentle strains of the overture start -- the light, delicate, floating waltz finale -- she finds herself back near the head table. She smiles slowly, her golden face glowing and her half-closed eyes brilliant with the intoxication of joy and Light. Her throaty laugh of pleasure ripples like the music itself, completely unaware of the effect she's creating within the Force. On a whim she changes the steps, even though she has no partner -- she falls gracefully into the swaying rhythms of a Ziost waltz. She wonders, the Light whirling mischievously within her, if any will dare partner her.
Zero hms. Well, Vakkal? Go on and help the lady. I'll stay here and... He glances at Fhazil. Keep the mop handy.
Lord Ghang, who has been enjoying the dance, recognizes the pattern. He stands, and steps up to her as she dances, taking up her hand and matching the pattern smoothly, as one who has danced this step a great deal. His own Dark Force flickers and her essence of Light send a confusing and astonishing message to those who watch.
Zero blinks. Or you could stay here, and be dumbfounded as the rest of us.
Some of the audience applauds, while a few are scandalized. They are not scandalized by the dance, or by the sensuality or by the strange humanness, but by the Light, and by their trusted Lord being so willing to step in to her embrace. They don't know what to make of it.
Fhazil just stares for a bit.
Vakkal answers, Well, he's got excellent taste.
After a moment Fhazil gets, I shouldn't be jealous of the Lord, should I? to Vakkal and Zero.
Zero glances at Fhazil. Which one of you will be sleeping with her later
?
Vakkal manages not to laugh, or to choke on his drink. He does wind up grinning widely at Fhazil.
Freyja's ice-blue gaze, pale and bright with the Force glowing within her, is a little startled as the Lord himself rises! -but then she beams delightedly, swirling a small pirouette of acceptance under his hand clasped with hers, of his invitation to the waltz. Her eyes go half-closed again with pleasure, and that low, throaty laugh ripples joyously from her again as she realizes -- Ghang is good!
Freyja dances with glorious abandon, her scarlet mane rippling behind her like a joyous banner, letting the crescendoing music and her tall partner's strong arms sweep her away. Ghang is in very good shape and, as her sister would put it, a peachy dancer!
Freyja doesn't really notice the Dark or the Light -- she's swirling magically in the music of the Force, where it doesn't matter -- only the beauty of creating beauty is important. She's almost startled when the music stops.
Fhazil answers, Right. We will. And then, after a pause, I think. Another pause, and then, I never realized she's so beautiful.
Zero gives Fhazil a quizzical glance, You think?
When the music stops, applause begins. Lord Ghang says, "A beautiful dance, Lady Rigg. Thank you for allowing me to share it with you." and escorts her back to her chair with the old-fashioned grace that the very powerful and self-confident can afford to have.
Fhazil looks at his feet for a moment, and replies to Vakkal and Zero, Well, it's not like I don't know, but it's not every moment that it's so notable. He looks at Zero as if he's challenging him to find anything wrong with that statement.
Vakkal relaxes a little bit once Ghang has left Freyja by his side again. He has been watching the reactions of the people in the room, and noting who is applauding, and more significantly to his suspicious mind, who is not.
Freyja smiles and bows gracefully in return, her eyes alight, "Thank you, Lord Ghang, for the honor." She's still practically glowing still with the enjoyment of the dance as she settles back in her place, beaming happily at her three best friends, I think they really liked it!
Vakkal doesn't look, but replies, I think so too. Fhazil, for instance, nearly embarrassed himself.
Zero folds his arms and smirks, You said that as if you had some doubt, Fhazil. I for one was planning on it, myself.
Freyja blinks curiously at Fhazil, What happened? Are you all right?
Freyja gives Zero a curious glance also, then grins, What'd I miss?
Fhazil blushes, and can't say or send a word. Vakkal sees this and tries very, very hard not to laugh, which leaves this to Zero to explain.
Freyja starts looking quite inquisitively amused!
Zero answers quite truthfully, It has been my intention to make vigorous love to you for some time. I had assumed Fhazil had similar plans, but now I could be wrong?
Freyja grins, gently running a hand down Fhazil's thigh to reassure him as she listens to Zero... then she looks a bit startled, looking to Fhazil, Are you not feeling well, Fhaziza?
Freyja's thoughts are almost humming with pleasure as she adds to Zero, Mmm... sounds like a plan to me!
Fhazil's blush does not get any better. He does take her hand and move it away from his thigh, and send, More likely too good, Freyja. I don't really need anyone rubbing me right there right now. Maybe once we're not in public?
Vakkal looks away, saying nothing. It's unclear if he's still overcoming his urge to laugh, or if this is something else.
Freyja blinks a bit startledly at Fhazil... then she puts two and two together, Oh, I'm sorry, sweetheart. I wasn't thinking... I was still kind of glowing from the dance. Enthusiastically she adds, So you all liked it too, hai? She looks around the room happily, pleased to see smiling faces directed at her. It's so nice to have an appreciative audience!
Zero has got his placid martial arts master expression down pat. It's the only way he can not laugh at Fhazil. Explosively.
Fhazil answers Freyja's question of "You liked it?" with, You could say that, yes. Vakkal finally looks at Freyja, and answers, It was, and you are beautiful, Freyja. Don't let these two jokers make you think otherwise for a moment.
Freyja beams warmly at Vakkal, then at the other two. Her tone is full of almost intimate happiness, Thank you -- all of you. I really appreciate that, truly.
Zero hmphs dismissively. Joker? You know me better than that.
Freyja grins quietly, her joy in the moment still glowing with serene warmth through the link to them all.
Vakkal gives Zero an unreadable look, and doesn't reply.
Ghang has returned to his seat, checked the list, and had a word with a couple of the other people nearby. He stands, and says, "The demonstrations are over. Thank you all for your attention, and we are adjourned." Conversation starts up soon after, and the big doors open out.
Freyja is still smiling dreamily, her glowing eyes half closed as she hums a strain of the music to herself while others exit. She'll wait and leave with her friends.
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