Of Lights and Lurking. (open!)

[kellaishleya]

Lights flashed and pulsed, like so many fractured thoughts. Chaos and confusion were the only order, the music the only rhythm by which anything could be aligned. The flurry was both overwhelming and mind-numbing.

Sheera lurked in her own respective corner, glints of color reflecting off the wetness of her eyes, sparking through her hair. Her eyes were rage-violet, murder-red, sultry-green, and then there was darkness and they were gray again.

Sheera did not hide among the shadows. She was a shadow. And being a Nagai, she always appeared more dead than alive. Black nails tapped out a complicated rhythm on the column Sheera was leaning against, though the sound was drowned out but the utter weight of the noise.

Sheera hated it. And she loved it. There was that ever present part of herself that wanted to be only alone, to be only quiet. But then there was that other part of her. The part which had been forcibly repressed by a parent's hand, until it grew and pressed out of proportion. Sheera resented her sheltered childhood, and clubs were a symbol of that Rebellion. Here she could be nothing. Noticed by no one. Anonymity.

And yet, acceptance. For everyone belonged in a club. Sheera mused over this, thing black lips cutting into a dagger-straight half-smile. Her gray eyes continued to scan the room, looking for everything and nothing.

She waited to see if she would be noticed, waited to see if someone would strike up conversation or ask her to dance. And if not, she was content to simply sit in her corner, relishing in the way the chaos made her feel so much more in order...

[Latus Itani]

The party was certainly well underway, the guests were showing up and the locale was ablaze with action. The turbolift hummed around the man and his companion as they descended through the massive station. Latus smiled as he leaned against the wall of the small compartment. Zarrish, the massive lion, took up most of the space but with his soft fur the Feanturi had to keep himself from treating his friend like an over-sized domestic cat. Sentient beings rarely enjoyed being treated like pets. The lower levels had appealed to both of them and, with their assignment to keep the peace they had left together. In Latus' case, he was hoping that they would be able to talk if only for a short while.

It warms my heart to see everyone again, Zar. Talau, Jenno, you... With life so unsure its refreshing to see that some things haven't really changed.

It was true, what he said. Life can move in mysterious and often unexpected currents that finding something that has resisted the flow for so long is nothing short of miraculous. He gave Zarrish a friendly pat on the head scratching him gently behind an ear. As the lift continued its descent, Latus began to hear the pounding and throbbing of the music from the lowest levels of the space station. Concentrating for a moment he slipped a barrier of the force across his ears. The auditory protection would help knowing that the noise level would make talking impossible. If nothing else he could keep the peace.

The lift finally halted and the door slid open revealing a dark room with psychedelic lights and a band pounding away on a slightly raised stage. Looking down at his companion Latus motioned out into the room.

Well, even though we're working lets try to have a good time.

Stepping out of the turbolift he looked around the room, locating the bar, tables, dance floor and anything else that might be interesting. He had to carefully pick his way across the dark, semi-crowded room to get to the bar. Calling the bar keep he ordered a double Corellian Scotch on ice. Turning back to the room he pushed out with the force, identifying everyone that he could either by state of mind or aura. If nothing else, Latus was happy to see everyone was starting to have a good time.

[Talau]

Zarrish app.

The rusty colored being had curled himself into the small (well to him it was small) lift carefully, lifting the flaming end of his tail to rest along the soft fur of his underbelly where it wouldn't accidentally set anything aflame. Brother Firians had needed to enter the lift first so that the large cat knew just how much room he had to work with. Just barely enough. Oh, if sister Firians or daughter or son Firians could have seen him trying to fold himself into a cub sized package to get into the lift they would have laughed themselves silly. He'd managed, however, and now there was 456 pounds of cat in the lift with brother Firians.

Poor man. Ten feet and seven inches of four foot, five inch tall lion could not be comfortable to be smooshed by....

Thick, soft, rust colored fur covered the lion-esque creature, his mahogany colored mane falling in a mohawk like style along the top of his head and trailing down to his mid back. Tribe Leader Firians had been kind enough to adorn the long hair with metal trinkets that wouldn't be overly harmed should he need to loose his temper for a while. He certainly didn't want to have to do that, considering it was immensely more difficult to control the flames of his mane than the one on his tail...and he really would rather not have that situation happen anyway. It was never pretty to have a giant cat bear teeth and claws at someone, never mind them being a flaming giant cat.

One black and orange ear flicked around to listen to brother Firians as he spoke. The lion's massive head turned in the direction of the rilan man, milky white eye a startling contrast to the vibrant orange and silver one as he looked up at him. Zarrish gave a stout nod to his comment and let out a low purring as the space behind his ears found itself being scratched and relieved of the near constant itch that seemed to like to dwell there.

Yes, indeed it is good to see familiar faces. Talau has missed seeing you and Jenno...she bvelieves that Nikos hwill be arrriving as hwell...

A loud purring yawn escaped him, long incisors glinting slightly in the light of the lift as his deep red tongue stretched outward and curled upward and around before retracting as he closed that gaping maw once more.

She hopes that Sanarriel hwill arrrive thrrough some mirricle...bvut I'm not so surre...

As the lift came to a halt, a deep sigh and slight growl escaped the male as his ears flattened backward against his head. Already the music was loud to him. The doors slid open and the vividly lit hallways met his eyes ((*pokes description for Lat*)), and he allowed his companion to exit first. Finally unfolding himself, the feline padded out of the lift just as the doors closed. Following the man down the hall and into one of the rooms, Zarrish blinked a bit, his pupil expanding to take in as much light as possible. Large pink nose twitched as he scented the air, ignoring the fact that some of the more timid beings near by shied away or squealed sightly as they noticed him.

Vibrant colors cycled over the floor, reflecting on his glistening fur and dying his black mottling and striping that color for a tenth of a second before it shifted to the next color. One ear perked forward at Latus' comment and he let out a deep chuckle.

I'll do my bvest, frriend, bvut I make no prrromises.

[necrofear]

In the corner of the room, a very tall, metallic creature stood clad in armor watching over the crowd. His battle scarred armor, and dark visor only made him seem that much more daring to approach. Jorgun mythrax had somehow wound up on the station, and worked his way down to the lower levels where he belonged. He'd come in through the entrance, witnessed the higher ups musing and mingling on the top levels of the station... that wasn't for him. Being a Gen'dai ... he had very specific tastes... and the music playing down here seemed to tickle his fancy.

He crossed his arms, leaning against the wall, as he watched some furry creature or rather a peculiar relationship between said "thing" and a man by the name of Latus. Jorgun could not figure it out... it was indeed a strange being, and he drew a blank the longer he stared. He turned to look at the entrance watching new people piling in.

"hmm.... the scum always know where to congregate."

[Latus Itani]

The auditory guards seemed to be doing their job. He had nearly zoned out as the beating of the music and the flashing lights served to lull the former Jedi into a sense of self-sustaining languor. Sir... sir? Your drink, sir. Latus' head shot upright, instantly awake though his thoughts still swam. Turning to face the bar again he looked around at the sudden lack of bartender. Glancing quickly to his left he watched as the droid hovered farther down the long wooden bar. His drink sat there ice and all, golden and inviting. Grasping the thin chilled glass Latus turned away from the bar and took another glance around the hopping party room. The dance-floor was still largely empty even with the pounding music, pity. Latus took a sip of the golden liquid and relished as the warming sensation of alcohol reached his stomach. Deciding it would most likely be better to converse through the force, Latus reached out and touched Zar's mind.

You mentioned Nikos on the lift. Haven't heard squat from him in ages. Him and Sana...

Latus paused both physically and mentally; that was a thought. Sana... he hadn't even thought of his "Brother-in-law" in the longest time. He had several things he wanted to say to that Jedi from so long ago. Maybe he would now have the chance.

A chill slowly ran up Latus' spine as he took another sip of his scotch, the alcohol not alleviating the feeling. Reestablishing his link to the force Latus swept the room again until he found what he was looking for. It's form was quite bulky, positively alive with the force. Twisting his head in the being's direction he met the being's eyes. Latus' brow furrowed as his eyes met the gaze of the man, a Gen'dai whose aura seemed familiar. Lifting his glass in the man's direction Latus forced out a half smile.

Gen'dai, Zar. Might have to keep an eye on this one.

Sweeping the force and his eye around the room again he looked for anyone who might be hidden, might be a wall flower... bingo. Slapping the bar the serve-droid hovered back over. Before it could ask a question Latus ordered the drink; a fruity cocktail that was also strong with alcohol.

There is a young lady over there in the corner, leaned against the main pillar. This one goes to her, free of charge.

The droid bobbed its affirmative and took off with the drink still being created. Everyone deserved to be having a good time, it was a party after all.

[kellaishleya]

A quick flash of light on metal in her periphery, and Sheera was alerted to the approaching droid. He handed her a drink, and since this wasn't exactly the place for table service, it meant someone else must have bought her a drink. A look of interest set itself upon her face, and when she inquired as to the gifter's identity, the droid directed her to a middle-aged man, standing near the bar. It was at this time that Sheera noticed an immense lion-like creature, much larger than any Kath hound, but she'd seen stranger things.

The room wasn't overly populated, and Sheera watched the man a moment, letting the sweet tang of the cocktail was over her tongue. Her palette tingled a moment then went numb, and she bared a shadow of a smile. Not a bad mix, not a bad one at all.

Sheera began to make her way across the room, pseudo-slipper shoes making no noise against the floor. However, the crimson ribbons which crissed and crossed up her calves glinted in the changing light. Tight black leggings hugged her legs beneath, disappearing under a knee-length skirt that slit up to the hip on each side. The skirt was anquored by a pseudo-corset, black like the rest of her garb. Across her shoulders draped a gauzy cloak, light as a spider's web. It was held in place by a unique clasp over her left shoulder; silver molded into the shape of a Lunar Moth, circumscribed by a four-strand braid. Detatched sleeves ran down her arms, stopping at her wrists while a thin tendril of fabric crept out to hook around the rings on each of her middle fingers.

Sheera watched the world through a curtain of hair as dark as a no-moon-night, its entire length feathered, ends just reaching past her shoulders. Twenty-five paces had brought her to the bar, and she was now looking up at the man, the man who'd bought her a drink.

"Thank you greatly," she said, a Noble childhood making such gratitude instinctual. For once, though, she actually meant it. To an extent. Her voice was low, just above a whisper. It would never grow any louder, and it never had since that freak accident stole away half her voice. The effect of her speech could be compared with the feeling of having a spider crawl up one's arm. "Do I owe this drink to any special reason?" she asked, already feeling the effect of the alcohol as unseen worries and anxieties faded slowly away...

[Talau]

Settling his massive frame along the floor beside brother Firians, the lion curled his tail around his feet, the flame at the tip of his tail flicking gently along one of his legs and against one of his massive front paws.

One orange and silver eye followed the lead of the milky white as he scanned the room. The vicious scar that crossed that seemingly deadened split and marred the orange and black fur from just below his ear and stopping at his jaw shown clearly, even in the darkened lighting, making him look even more dangerous. Thick, rippling, cords of muscle wound their ways beneath the glossy rust colored pelt that coated his body in silky layers. The odd combination of black striping and black spotting that marked his fur was surprisingly complimentary, the only white spot on his entire body a small roundish marking surrounded by black in the center of his forehead, the white that rimmed his eyes, and (if it counted) the grey that was creeping into the fur of his muzzle. Massive paws sheathed twenty deadly daggers, ten readily useable to him at any time. Shaking his head to rid himself of an annoying itch, the piecy and flowing mane flopping about with the motion, the hefty sentient watched the dancers move about the floor, and room in general.

I have not heard from the Contess mate either…

Due tone eyes turned in the direction the man had looked, resting himself more lightly on his haunches as he tried to get a glimpse of what he was talking about. There was a large being, fully armored, from the meeting earlier, but he didn’t know what difference that made to him.

I know not what a gen’dai IS, but if you mean that metal thing standing close by, he is one of us from the meeting earlier.

It wasn’t surprising that, while speaking through the force, his accent was gone since the hindrance to his speech had been removed.

I wouldn’t worry over much about him Brother Firians.

He yawned widely, his deep red tongue flickering out and curling up to lick at his nose. One large ear flicked toward Latus as he ordered the woman a drink and watched the droid trundle off to fix it and serve her. It wasn’t long until the young woman was making her way toward them, drink in hand, looking like one of the night fliers on Rilia, all smooth black feathers and purposeful movements. He eyed her cautiously, those thick muscles keeping easily relaxed, despite the urge to tense them up. Dark pink nose flared as he scented the air, whiskers quivering slightly at he took in (and processed) as much information as he could about her.

Remaining silent, Zarrish listened to the woman’s words and gazed at her steadily. She was quiet, not just soft spoke, but something else had happened to her it seemed. Both ears swiveled in her direction to catch her words better. Ah, a thank you and asking if there was a reason for the drink. By her diction, the Goran Lion wanted to pin her as some form of nobility, but why, then, would she be down here and not up with the other nobles? Well, she certainly had his curiosity perked.