Round 4: The Mekh Gala of 2045

[EmBark]

Every few years or so, there comes a time when an event of most glorious import and aesthetic is organized, purely to gather a full accounting of who's who and the true people who are a Somebody rather than a Nobody. In Tekhum, there were several such regularly occurring events that could claim such illustrous pedigree. One of these was the Mekh Gala.

In the Year of Our Emperor 2045 of the 99,803rd Era, the Mekh Gala was organized again, this time on the small planetoid of Hayeli that was ever the companion to shining al-Miraiya in the Mekhala belt of Tekhum. As always, the invitees made up a list of well-known film stars, music stars, artists, sports stars, celebrities and the children of high-ranking and renowned politicians and military folk. It was held at the Mekhala Museum of Arts and Fashion Institute, with all the arrivals walking across the ruby red carpet before all the Snake News paparazzi, then ascending the stairs into the Institute and walking into the Gala across a long catwalk. Entry was strictly reserved to invitees and catering, though invitees were welcome to bring a 'plus one'.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Princess Tiyansi has taken up position half-sitting, half-leaning on a stool by a bar nearer to the entrance, with a good view of the catwalk. She sipped some dark green drink that had a strong whiff of alcohol coming off it. For the occasion, she'd unpacked a silver dress to match her eyes and horn-glow, with patterns of feathers that became more erratic and asymmetric the further down it went, and with four wings flowing from the back and hugging around her waist and shoulders like capes.

She kept her eye on those who came in, though she also stole a glance to a side area where someone was pulling a curtain to hide a large mechanical chair-like contraption from view while the chair appeared to be giving someone a deep-tissue massage.

Towards the far end of the room was a stage where a live band played music appropriate to the occasion.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---

Ani-Quin was waiting outside. They had managed to acquire a fine suit with a crimson red colour and a flaring collar and tails, looking like an anthropomorphized explosion. While photographers occasionally shot them, they didn't keep their attention for long. They were famous enough to be invited, but they hadn't placed high enough in the Mekhala Mad Dash or the Grand Prix to really command media attention in recent years.

 

Mekh Gala rough layout and appearance, with room for dining, room for dancing, and room for the self-care chair

 

List of invitees

Film stars

[insert any of your choosing!]

 

Music stars

[insert any of your choosing!]

 

Artists & Inventors

Baladisilab Tesela, creator of the self-care chair

Raoic Tàirn, engineer and creator of the dealan-sleagh

 

Sports stars

Ani-Quin, famous national racer

Alud Soom of the Soom-Clan Marauders, racer in the Mekhala Mad Dash of 2037 and younger brother to the heir of the Soom-Clan

Lady Naqi'a, the Thrice-Crowned Wings of Night, racer in the Mekhala Mad Dash of 2037 and member of the House of Fire

Valus Vile, winner of the Mekhala Mad Dash of 2037

Velocipede Excelsior, racer in the Mekhala Mad Dash of 2037

 

Celebrities

[insert any of your choosing!]

 

Prestigious progeny

Navarch Tuahine Roa of the Eucrus Alliance

Princess Tiyansi of the Llort Society Protectorate

Sorcha of Deargabh of the Eilif Dhaoine

[insert heir of the Bafatis Dynasty]

[insert heir of the Glorious Purifiers]

[insert heir of the House of Fire]

 

Journalists

Snake News

 

OOC

Do you want to attend future Mekh Gala events? You can! Either with the following types of characters:

• Your heir or their siblings (if you have Renown 3+), if they'd fit at this sort of fashion and fine dining event
• The champion of any sporting event, like the Mekhala Mad Dash
• Any artist or equivalent who has won an arts competition or been exhibited at the Arkhive's Hexennial Conference
• Snake News journalists (they will have to stay outside the event, but they can interact with other characters there, probably through too-personal questions and taking pictures)
• As the +1 of another player

 

Edited March 26 by EmBark (see edit history)

[Rocket Relm]

The distinction between Heir and Ruler was a difficult one to discern sometimes, Titania occupied a space in between. Still, for all the issues, their diplomancy and public imagework had caused them to hit a high point of renown. She made sure to wear some high fashion, curated by her friends and acquired by her associates, taking a strut while on the walk. She gives handy waves, and even a cute little hiss for the Snaking Snews.

"I love the music. I'll have to have my people get a listing to recommend back home."

She's making chit chat with some random stars, smelling the food as it comes out. Generally having a jolly good time and showing off some of the images from the renown grabbing wars which got people quite impressed.

[farothel]

==BSS Yoshiro==

...
"So, what do you expect of the gala, miss," Rustam asked the movie star that he had in front of the camera.
"Oh, the usual," the young woman said, "it mainly talking, but deals are made in such an environment.  And we will be showing the trailer of our last movie after dinner.  It's a great opportunity to meet with people, connect and maybe get a new project."
"And what do you think about the Duchess joining you there?"
"She's a great patron of the arts," Laksmivati said, "so it makes sense that she's here."
"Thank you for this flash interview," the reporter said, turning to the camera, "and this is another exclusive for Voletha News Network."

At that moment the BSS Yoshiro was an hour out from its destination.  The captain signaled to the two destroyers that had joined them to drop back as they manouvered to dock at the planetoid.  The two destroyers would stay out in space just in case.  The Bafatis Space Force wasn't going to take any chances with the wife of their commander in chief.  The battleship group and one of the destroyer squadrons of the second Space Battle Group was holding 'exercises' in the vicinity, but as the big battleship had been considered a bit too much for a Gala, the Duchess and the others from the Bafatis who were going to join had stepped onto the cruiser for the last couple of hours.

==the gala entrance==

While a reporter of VNN had joined the party on the way to the Gala, the network had a second team on site already, standing at the entrance and trying to get flash interviews with the people arriving.  When the shuttle with the Bafatis delegation landed, they were at the front row of course.  First to descend from the shuttle was the Duchess, Lady Selai Bafatis.  She was dressed in a simple dark red gown with pearls embroided at the front and on the sleeves.  Her hair had been done up in the last fashion of Voletha with elaborate interwoven braids.  A step behind her walks her 'plus one', a psion bodyguard.  A request for a squad of marines as bodyguards had been denied, so the Bafatis had done it this way to have at least a few bodyguards in.  All people joining in had a bodyguard as their 'plus one' if they wanted to join.  Even Senarathne, who had come over from the Arkhive where she resided to give workshops on her painting technique, had agreed to this.

Besides Senarathne and the Duchess, there were two movie stars, Laksmivati and Basheer, who were there to promote their latest movie and the reporter Rustam Najafi, who had won prizes for his journalism and had written some bestellers about the Imperial Court.  It was based upon these that he had been invited, but for VNN it was very interesting to have someone inside, even though he wouldn't be able to cover the event life.

The Duchess speaks shortly to the assembled press before heading inside.

The Duchess Selai Bafatis

The Duchess' hair

Laksmivati's dress

[EmBark]

@Rocket Relm

At the entrance, Titania of the Glorious Purifiers gets a lot of news reporters thrusting their recorders towards her. "Titania! Titania!"

"Who are you wearing? What dress is that?"

"What do you say to the rumours that you've taken a new lover?"

"Do you care to comment on the slavery allegations from the Veehran unionists?"

"Why are you getting in bed with Basu-Rahman? Snaking News is all you need!"

"What is your opinion on the kaiju of the Moonsoul Mountains? Cute or not? Smash or pass?"

--- --- --- --- ---

Once inside, the voices of the journalists faded into the distance. There were tables spread throughout the hall, with plates and cutlery lying ready. The seating arrangements were all set so that people of different kinds would mingle. This would surely be an interesting time.

 

@farothel

Similarly, the group that Duchess Selai Bafatis strolls across the red carpet with garners a lot of attention, given the proximity of one duchess, two movie stars and a bestselling writer. Various news outlets clamor for their attention, even as VNN hogs much of their time. Disappointed and hungry journalists, tabloid columnists and influencer 4D-vloggers call out to them.

"Duchess Bafatis! Duchess! Who are you wearing?"

"Mimi! Laksmivati! What was your most dangerous stunt for the film?"

"Basheer! Basheer! How much A.I. was used in your nude scenes?"

"Rustam! Who's your source? What do you say about the rumours you slept with High Lady Petra of Veehra?"

"Basheer! Kiss Laksmi for us!"

"No, Laksmi, you kiss him! You're in charge!"

"Hey Rustam! Kiss them both! Smile for the camera!"

"Duchess Bafatis! Who is marrying who for the Divine Right of Wizards? Inquiring Minds wants to know!"

Naturally, some were far cruder than others. Thankfully, there'd be none of that once they were inside the doors of the Gala.

[Gaius Hermicus]

Cycle after cycle of chaos had passed in the Globe as the Merely Players squabbled over the correct interpretation of the Bard's plays. Some even dared to go so far as to suggest that the dramas had not been composed by the Bard at all, but by various alternative hypothetical authors. It had taken the influence of the Illumined Utopian to restore order to the asteroid and reinstate King Claudius III to full control. The King is now ready to make his grand entrance to Mekhalan society and to seek allies for the newly-ambitious Merely Players.

 

Claudius is smallish by the standards of the Merely Players, standing barely a foot tall. However, his colossal plumed hat adds another six inches to his height. The hat is so wide-brimmed that to taller dignitaries observing from overhead, nothing of Claudius can be seen beneath. Nonetheless, he is a gregarious personality more than capable of making himself noticed if necessary, observing curiously quaint rules of etiquette to the letter and speaking in eloquent blank verse. He struts past the paparazzi at the door, doffing his hat (an action requiring both hands) and flourishing a bow.

 

No questions please, I cannot spare the time,

Though I need hardly say you flatter me.

But at your leisure, knaves, I do prithee,

You may occasion take to go a-play,

And if the gnat for spectacle, known well

To all of us, should land upon your heads,

Come see the Globe, where all the world's a stage.

 

With this, Claudius completes his flourish and dons his hat once again.

[BladeofOblivion]

OOC

Alud Soom has invited Lilium of the Twilight League as +1 (though LadySerpentine currently lacks access to the thread), and invitee Naqi'a of the House of Fire is currently being hosted by the Soom-Clan. OOC, I do not know if either plans to attend, but they may travel together if so.

Though fiercely Veehran and rarely seen away from its homeworld, the Soom-Clan is no longer a complete unknown in the world of politics - and it thus may come as little surprise when Alud Soom steps from the speeder onto the Red Carpet.

Despite his personal apparent fascination with the cultures of Mekhala, he has chosen to come as a representative of Veehra first and foremost - or, that's what he'd say: His ensemble for the night is done up in the style of a Nadiratnan Gladiator albeit sensationalized, romanticized, dramatized, and frankly inauthentic considering Nadiratna's Gladiatorial traditions are reserved for a form of execution. It's clear his ideas about what a Gladiator is are much more influenced by the celebrity combatants of the House of Fire. Either way, his dress includes iron bracers and greaves decorated with images of serpents beaten into the metal by hand, a headdress of real white hair braided with catseyes, and a geometrically-sculpted fired clay mask polished to a mirror sheen that shines with internal light. He wears no shirt but for a harness of leather from a mammal of uncertain origin, bound together by a circular miniature "buckler" medallion at the center of his chest with a skull (again, mammalian, but hard to be sure what kind - some kind of giant rat?) placed on one shoulder as a sort of pauldron - the lower jaw is missing. His legs are also protected by a red kama that extends down to the knee, with an uneven gradient of red to darker red that invokes a low flame.

[EmBark]

@Gaius Hermicus

The paparazzi are stunned by Claudius's showing. The micro-performance is caught by several cameras and several more audio recorders of various kinds and sizes. The king's humble request is clearly heard and noted, but--ever hungry for more information and gossip--ignored.

"King Claudius! Where have you been? Why did you not attend the last few Galas?"

"Claudius! Claudius! What fancy hat do you wear! What hatmaker do you use?"

"Hey monkey man! Is it true what they say about Players?"

A figure came to stand in front of Claudius to block the cameras. He easily stood six times the height of the king and wore a wide cape, so this was a fairly easy feat.

"Please, no more comments." Then, turning to the king with a bow: "King Claudius, I am Leyonarad. Allow me to escort you away from these curs."

 

@BladeofOblivion

OOC

LadySerpentine has been given access to the thread!

Ani-Quin spotted Alud Soom from a distance. The outfit drew tons of attention and theirs as well, though recognizing it for containing Alud Soom took slightly longer, but that white hair with those pecs was unmistakable.

However, before they could reach their friend, the Soom-Clan prince received a lot of attention from news outlets, Snake and more disreputable alike.

"Alud Soom! Alud Soom! Are you planning to take part in the next Mekhala Mad Dash?"

"How will you deal with the more deadly races?"

"Prince Soom! What magnificent clothes you wear! Who's the artisan?"

Ani-Quin made his way through the people walking up the staircase to stop worse questions from being fielded.

"Ludi! What secrets can you tell us about your workout regimen?"

"Prince Soom! Rumours abound of your dalliances with foreign princesses. Which one is the best lay?"

"Prince Soom! What will you do if your sister dies on the battlefield? Will you seize what is yours?"

"Woah! Some of this is getting too personal," Ani-Quin interjected, stepping next to Alud and putting a hand on the prince's non-ratted shoulder. "Hello dear friend! No further questions, please."

 

OOC

Left some room for you to respond to any questions, if you like.

 

[Stygian]

_{"No, I am not getting out of this shuttle--I do not care that it is not proper--you. I am not leaving without my armor, and I am your superior--fine!"}

Someone was getting a court martial for this. Maybe. Probably not.
 

---

Landing Pad:

Tuahine Roa did not feel prepared for this gathering of the pristine and powerful as she stepped out of the shuttlecraft.
 

The heir to the Alliance was garbed in a long, flowing dress of royal blue that tapered down over her hips, and a darker, sleeveless jacket that stopped at mid-thorax. On her left arm sat a shell armband that was hand-carved with intricate workmanship, and a metal bracelet rested on her left wrist with what appeared to be small, sharp teeth set into the design at periodic intervals. Notably, in spite of her past appearance at the ArkHive, she is unarmored.
 

It is only out of respect for the Llort—and perhaps equal protest that she is also unarmed. Delicacy, her advisors stated, would be needed with the controversy currently staining Eucrusian foreign affairs. If Tangata was focused on being a hammer, she would need to be something more palatable.
 

She preferred being the hammer.
 

To be without armor or weaponry feels akin to being naked. Attending at her side—or rather, on her shoulder—is one larger-than-average Jy'mar--the Console-Elect Antonius. She takes some care to make sure he is not overly jostled by their departure from the spacecraft, before walking the catwalk.
 

Tuahine does not pause for questions with the media unless Antonius seems so inclined—in which case her answers are concise and managed with relative politeness.
 

Inside:

Try as she might to contain her discomfort, there was some nervous awe at the display set out by the Llort—Eucrusian affairs were never quite so materialistic, even at the height of celebration.

She looks around, slightly lost—before her eyes are drawn to Alud Soom, who stands out among the opulence as someone who may have a sort of kindred disposition.

“I confess, I am surprised to see a member of the Soom off-world. Your people’s dedication to your homeland is one of your most admirable qualities. That, and your ability to fight.” She chuckled, mostly to herself.

 

“..Would that I had convinced someone that I would not have been the only one wearing some form of armor to this affair. I am Tuahine Roa, of the Eucrus Alliance. We have been watching Planum Khassia’s affairs with great interest from afar.”

OOC:
Tuahine Roa has invited Console-Elect Antonius of the Illumined Utopian as her +1 to the Mekh Gala.

[SerakHawk]

_{"Come now, you look absolutely stunning, let this poor soul do his job"}

They probably weren't getting a court martial.

Landing Pad:

Riding on Tauhine's shoulder was Console-Elect Antonius - A larger Jy'mar than most, the Console-Elect stood at a whopping 4" tall. Towering over other Jy'mar his markings were similarly striking, orange fur sliding downward in twin arrows over his eyes melding into a soft white band that well hid his large cheek pouches. Black fur took over from his chin down his chest disappearing under his attire.

A sharply cut blue tunic matching the blue of Tauhine's dress formed the base of Antonius' outfit, a golden toga with what appeared to be polished shell sequins rested on top complemented by a royal purple sash connecting the edge of his cloak at his shoulder to the simple black belt at his waist. Opposite the shoulder with the cape sat an ornate shell armband carefully etched with ornate detailing. The cloak draped down one arm in a triangular fashion from his shoulder to his waist. Its material seemed like a stiff leather and when extended a diorama in the Kanmara tattoo style was visible. The diorama seemed to depict a Jy'mar reaching upwards toward a Kanmara youth.

Antonius leaned against Tauhine's neck when required to maintain balance and whispered into her ear as the press approached - her gait only paused when he asked her to stop for him to answer questions respectfully when asked. Without significant halts they proceed into the gala.

Inside:

_{"Steady my shell, you've got this, breathing exercises remember?"}

At some point between the entry into the Gala and Tauhine finding her way to Alud Soom Antonius had found a drink from a Llort server that was sized for Jy'mar pleasure. He idly sipped from the glass as his partner introduced herself before chiming in himself.

"Console-Elect Antonius, Pleasure to meet you - Snake News has had an most excellent coverage of Veehran events."

[volthawk]

Scorcha had been a little surprised to recieve an invitation to the Mekh Gala. It's not like she hadn't attend high-profile social events before, of course, but more just another way that her country's rise to fame had been rather unexpected in general. Still, she had found that she quite enjoyed this kind of thing, and had eagerly accepted. As usual for the Dhaoine at formal events, she wore the sgaith-loinn, a sort of shimmering coat made from fine iridescent pieces of bàscail chitin and scale, this time generally of a deep blue hue, although hers is in a newer style that looks less like a long coat and more like a dress. Stepping out of her transport onto the red carpet, she surveys the scene in front of her and grins. This will do quite nicely.

The man at her side as her plus one is a bit of a mystery, unless the observer had been paying attention to Scorcha's past appearances. At every past public appearance, she has been shadowed by the commander of the lannan detachment protecting her, and this time was no different - except of course for the fact that this time he wasn't in armour. This time around, Scorcha had succeeded in convincing him that things would be safe enough that such measures weren't necessary and would appear strange and potentially rude to their hosts. Instead, he wears what one could only assume is the dress uniform of the Eilif Dhaoine military - not quite as flashy as the sgiath-loinn, but still incorporating some black bàscail chitin that catches the light in eye-catching eyes. At first, he looks a little unsure of the situation, but a quick whisper of "Ease up, Adair. It's showtime." seems to do the job of getting him to adopt the proper posture for the situation, that peculiar carefully crafted sort of relaxed confidence that was necessary in the spotlight.

Trailing a little behind them was Raoic Tàirn, looking a little uncomfortable in the green sgaith-loinn provided to him by Scorcha. He had been inclined to just ignore the invitation that made it to his room in the barracks outside Deargabh, but it had been followed up by a visit from Scorcha insisting that he accept. It was important that the Dhaoine were seen as being a part of everything, that they played nice in the world of diplomacy, so that meant here he was, in the kind of clothes the stupid kind of sealga wore, smiling for the cameras and dying inside a little.

[farothel]

On 3/17/2024 at 1:48 AM, EmBark said:

Similarly, the group that Duchess Selai Bafatis strolls across the red carpet with garners a lot of attention, given the proximity of one duchess, two movie stars and a bestselling writer. Various news outlets clamor for their attention, even as VNN hogs much of their time. Disappointed and hungry journalists, tabloid columnists and influencer 4D-vloggers call out to them.

"Duchess Bafatis! Duchess! Who are you wearing?"

"Mimi! Laksmivati! What was your most dangerous stunt for the film?"

"Basheer! Basheer! How much A.I. was used in your nude scenes?"

"Rustam! Who's your source? What do you say about the rumours you slept with High Lady Petra of Veehra?"

"Basheer! Kiss Laksmi for us!"

"No, Laksmi, you kiss him! You're in charge!"

"Hey Rustam! Kiss them both! Smile for the camera!"

"Duchess Bafatis! Who is marrying who for the Divine Right of Wizards? Inquiring Minds wants to know!"

Naturally, some were far cruder than others. Thankfully, there'd be none of that once they were inside the doors of the Gala.

 

The Duchess just waved and smiled as she moved on. Who had designed her dress (a relatively young and unknown Bafatis designer) was in the press release that would be given out in a few moments by her press officer on the cruiser.

 

Laksmi smiled at the questions and she gave Basheer a soft peck on the cheek before they too moved further in. Rustam looked at his colleagues/competition.

"You know a reported never gives up his sources, my friends," before he too moved further inside. There Senarathne, who would be giving a demonstration of her painting just before the dinner, was intercepted by some people from the organisation and brought towards the location where she could set up. Her implements were brought through the backdoor. The others went to the main room to mingle with the other guests. Laksmi and Basheer quickly found people they knew and started talking shop, while the Duchess looked around for other political figures to essentially do the same.

[EmBark]

Outside, the Red Carpet, with the Journalists

@volthawk

"Scorcha! Scorcha, a moment please!"

"You look beautiful! Radiant! Stunning! Hot! Spare a moment for Hot Bods Monthly?"

"Mister Tairn! When will you unveil your next weapon of mass destruction? Inquiring Minds want to know!"

 

Inside, the Gala

@farothel

Tiyansi saw the Duchess of the Bafatis Dynasty make her entrance with a full entourage of famous figures and she perked up. Now here was someone certainly worthy of her attention. She took a sip of her drink and moved off her seat, gesturing for a waiter to follow her with a number of drinks for the new arrivals. She floated over, landed a few steps away, and walked up to Selai Bafatis, giving a curtsey as well as she could in her dress.

"Duchess Bafatis, it is a pleasure to see you here at the Gala," she said. "I don't believe we've been within each other's sight before, though you may have met my zather the Consul. I am princess Tiyansi of the Llort Society Protectorate."

--- --- --- --- ---

@SerakHawk @Stygian @BladeofOblivion

Sometime after they had shaken off the paparazzi and made their way inside, Ani-Quin stood next to Alud as the prince was approached. Ani-Quin looked over the crab woman and the hamster man and leaned closer to Alud. "Friends of yours?"

[BladeofOblivion]

Quote

13 hours ago, EmBark said:

Ani-Quin spotted Alud Soom from a distance. The outfit drew tons of attention and theirs as well, though recognizing it for containing Alud Soom took slightly longer, but that white hair with those pecs was unmistakable.

However, before they could reach their friend, the Soom-Clan prince received a lot of attention from news outlets, Snake and more disreputable alike.

"Alud Soom! Alud Soom! Are you planning to take part in the next Mekhala Mad Dash?"

"How will you deal with the more deadly races?"

"Prince Soom! What magnificent clothes you wear! Who's the artisan?"

Ani-Quin made his way through the people walking up the staircase to stop worse questions from being fielded.

"Ludi! What secrets can you tell us about your workout regimen?"

"Prince Soom! Rumours abound of your dalliances with foreign princesses. Which one is the best lay?"

"Prince Soom! What will you do if your sister dies on the battlefield? Will you seize what is yours?"

"Woah! Some of this is getting too personal," Ani-Quin interjected, stepping next to Alud and putting a hand on the prince's non-ratted shoulder. "Hello dear friend! No further questions, please."

The Red Carpet

Alud Soom struck a pose but strode past the news reporters at first, casually evading questions about the Dash - though when asked about his clothes, he confidently declared that the artisan work was done by Hila-Soom of his own clan, a distant cousin, but the skull and hide displayed had been struck down by his own hand: An Arvax soldier that had been part of an attempted ambush on his warwheels, on the backlines of the Mraza campaign. It was Soom tradition never to wear a part of a beast one had not hunted themselves. But even that explanation came to an abrupt end as some of the more invasive questions came to be asked.

He parted the crowd quickly as Ani-Quin swooped in, who he quickly moved to embrace with surprising candor. "Ah-ha, you live after all! I had not been so sure when I did not see your ship at the finish line!"

Quotes

7 hours ago, SerakHawk said:

Inside:

_{"Steady my shell, you've got this, breathing exercises remember?"}

At some point between the entry into the Gala and Tauhine finding her way to Alud Soom Antonius had found a drink from a Llort server that was sized for Jy'mar pleasure. He idly sipped from the glass as his partner introduced herself before chiming in himself.

"Console-Elect Antonius, Pleasure to meet you - Snake News has had an most excellent coverage of Veehran events."

7 hours ago, Stygian said:

Inside:

Try as she might to contain her discomfort, there was some nervous awe at the display set out by the Llort—Eucrusian affairs were never quite so materialistic, even at the height of celebration.

She looks around, slightly lost—before her eyes are drawn to Alud Soom, who stands out among the opulence as someone who may have a sort of kindred disposition.

“I confess, I am surprised to see a member of the Soom off-world. Your people’s dedication to your homeland is one of your most admirable qualities. That, and your ability to fight.” She chuckled, mostly to herself.

 

“..Would that I had convinced someone that I would not have been the only one wearing some form of armor to this affair. I am Tuahine Roa, of the Eucrus Alliance. We have been watching Planum Khassia’s affairs with great interest from afar.”

12 minutes ago, EmBark said:

Inside, the Gala

Sometime after they had shaken off the paparazzi and made their way inside, Ani-Quin stood next to Alud as the prince was approached. Ani-Quin looked over the crab woman and the hamster man and leaned closer to Alud. "Friends of yours?"

Inside the Gala

"Not yet.", Alud answered Ani-Quin dryly. It wasn't possible to be sure if he was grinning beneath that mask, but it sure sounded like he might be. "A pleasure to meet you both", he followed more loudly, addressing the newcomers with a sudden put-upon bravado. "You seem well aware, but I am Alud Soom of the Soom-Clan!" He laughed. "You know, mighty Conqueror of the Forgotten Deserts!" He laughed louder, before he quieted himself. "Forgive me. I am aware my people are seen primarily as...violent and exotic, and I must amuse myself somehow. I appreciate Snake News' coverage more than Basu-Rahman's tripe but it does paint a sensational picture nevertheless."

[Stygian]

“Exotic. What does that even mean?” Tuahine snorted softly in response to Alud’s words. “The struggle of the Soom is familiar. A different path from similar roots. I do not wish to make a mockery of that by distilling it into so cheap a word, used to describe trophies and playthings. It is your commitment to your people and your ancestors that I respect.”
 

The kanmarra seems to pause for a moment, as if introspective.. She then folds her arms, feet tapping rhythmically on the ground in a sort of physical tic, almost. “And in doing so, I completely miss the greater point. It is good to meet you, Alud Soom. Hopefully tonight provides a chance to learn who you are. I have heard tales that you are a storied pilot. Is there any truth to that?”

 

 

[Lumaeus]

Velocipede Excelsior the seven hundred ninety-sixth and seventy-two hundredths rolls up to the scene in the Oily Thunder, at least depending on your answer to the Ship of Theseus. Since the Mekhala Mad Dash, every single inch of the car has been vaporized and replaced, just as most of the bones in his body have been broken several times over. He takes off his helmet--a dress helmet this time, he knows what he's about--and "hup"s his way over the side of the door. Landing, he flails wildly to keep his balance, feet somehow sliding whenever they attempt to find purchase. After far too long at this, he finally catches himself, standing awkwardly on his toes for some reason, and then straight yeets the keys over his shoulder, where a band of durats (the Pit Crew) appear to valet his car away. He pushes his hair back with the palm of his gloved hand ooch ouch the velcro and snaps some finger phasers at the assembled.

He's wearing almost a robe, golden triangles generously arrayed at the top and swirls and whirls all the way down. It opens in the center to reveal a skintight black body suit that would probably be frankly c*te on any other athlete but unfortunately reveals too many knobbly bits where bones healed funny. Here, away from the censorship of the public eye, he's got a cigarette and he's smoking it because that's what cool guys do.

Excelsior takes one look at the attention he's getting and, entirely out of character, pushes past towards the relative safety ahead. PSYCHE! He whirls back, spinning on wheels hidden in the heels of his shoes. He holds up one fist dramatically. Hopefully that looked as good to everyone as he hoped it would when he practiced.

Edited March 19 by Lumaeus (see edit history)