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[James Stratus]

The High Prince looked out from the balcony of his private suite inside the Royal Kuati Palace. He took a deep breath as he overlooked the beautiful Kuati terrain. It was breathtaking. He loved this place. It was peaceful. He had not allowed much construction in the area, nor had his father, nor his father's father, or any of the House Stratus, as they wanted to maintain the beauty of the Palace grounds and its surroundings. It was a lot like the beautiful Naboo and Hapes. His sister would soon be getting married to a fine officer of the Imperial Republic Navy. It was a good day. He was already in his special ceremonial dress uniform, and was getting ready to head to the ceremonial hall.

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina was already at the Ceremonial Hall, sorting out the last minute security details. The position was not an extremely difficult one, in that she simply connected with those in charge of security at their destination and ensured that there would be no issues on days such as this. While she wasn’t familiar with couple in question personally, it was quite the event that was planned from what she could see. It seemed that was what she’d gotten herself into in this position, one event after another. It wasn’t a totally unfamiliar process however, as she’d served in a similar role as Regent of Naboo. That was something that she was trying to forget however, a part of her old life that she could no longer entertain thoughts of.

Now Selina simply focused on her job and her training. Working through the pain wasn’t exactly effective, but she knew of no other way. The fact of the matter was she didn’t know if she’d ever really be okay. It was said that time healed all wounds, but she certainly didn’t know how long it would take. It was a slippery slope when it came to emotions and the Force. She could add fuel to the fire so to speak with her emotions but at the same time she risked falling to the dark side completely as her brother did. But simply burying them was just as detrimental. So, Selina simply had to take things one day at a time as there was nothing more she could do.

Though the scenery was rather calming, Selina was pushing herself harder than was necessary. She was wound up to say the least. In fact, she’d almost seem hyper active and overly helpful to those that encountered her on that day. Anything to keep her mind from wandering... Just stay busy…

[Kaidlen Shan]

Kaidlen sat calmly in front of a mirror, finishing up the last touches of her makeup. It was not something she wore every often, since it was hard to find colors that worked with both shades of her striped skin. Finishing, she stood up, and finished dressing. No armor for her today. However, the Colonel would still be armed, as she adjusted her skirt enough to tie on a holster to her thigh which held her lightsaber. She adjusted the holster, making sure that she would have easy access to it through the pocket like opening of her skirt.
"Well, I'm as ready as I'm going to be for this." Kaidlen stated to herself, as she made her way to the door. "It's time."
Colonel Shan walked out of her apartment, and made her way over to the entrance to the High Prince's suite. There she stood, waiting for him to come out, when he was ready to do so.

[Aurielle Stratus]

"Aurielle, I'm serious." Ryden was exasperated. He stood outside of her bathroom door holding a dress. As he had been doing for the last 15 minutes, while she dressed. "Put this on."

"No thanks," came the reply. Aurielle was wearing an appropriate pair of dress pants and a nice, tight wrap around strapless top. The rest of her had been done up thanks to Brynn and a lot of patience. Hair, make-up, nails ... a whole new her. "This is not the ball, Ryden. Stra ... Dad said I should be comfortable. And wearing that circus tent makes me nothing but a royal laughing stock." She brushed one of the loose locks from her eyes and turned sideways, looking at her red top and black pants that flared slightly at the end, hiding the heels that tied up her legs.

Ryden groaned loud, on purpose, so she would hear. But by now he knew it was a losing battle. She looked okay, he admitted. Her long hair was half-up in some sort of fancy pile with small white flowers in it, and the rest of her curls were left down and long. He watched her pull a suit coat over her bare shoulders. It was long, knee length. He watched as she picked up a silvery belt that looked like decoration, and draped it across her hips, maneuvering it on the inside of her outfit and clipping her light saber to it. With a smirk, Ryden set her dress down on her bed and moved to the table inside the room, and poured himself a glass of wine. He sipped at it, moving back to Auri in the bathroom. "Well Princess, you look absolutely ..." Ryden made himself stumble on the door frame, wine pouring down the jacket, shirt and pants. Auri's face went from surprise to shock to pissed in about a second.

"Ryden, you did that on purpose!" she accused angrily, taking off her jacket and throwing it to the floor. Belt came next. She let the hilt of her saber hit his sock-clad toe with no less force than throwing allowed. Ryden, holding the empty glass. "I do not have time to go back to the ship to grab another set of clothes!"

"Lucky you that this perfectly nice dress and the undergarments are all here waiting, ready for you, Your Highness." Ryden smiled, a little too sweetly. Auri had not noticed how he missed her hair and face so conveniently. She had absolutely no faith in him that this was accidental. She pushed him, hard, both hands against his chest.

"Get out of my room. I'll be ready in 10 minutes. And don't talk to me today." Aurielle was seriously angry at Ryden, who could not hide his smile now to save his life. The mission with General Cognatus had put life back into Aurielle. She had gained her personality back.

*** 15 Minutes Later***

Auri, dressed in the intended gown, was standing in front of Ryden inside the ceremonial hall with a forced passive look on her face. Ryden was still laughing on the inside, watching Auri. He knew she'd be fine as soon as the General was in sight. He looked around, seeing faces from the Kuat staff he had not seen since he accepted his new position. He recognized many in the crowd, but when he caught sight of Selina, he smiled.

The smile was brief. She seemed .... not herself. He thought that something was off. He decided to stay back. If she wanted to see him, he would let her come to him. Right now, it looked like she was anything but in the mood. Making herself overly-distracted. Making herself happy, outgoing. Ryden's smile turned into a look of concern.

[Selina Vadcasta]

As always, Selina could feel many sets of eyes on her. It wasn't anything to do with her really, but she always dressed to kill, so to speak. That evening was no different and she definitely wouldn't disappoint in the dress she'd chosen. The chipper exterior was already exhausting, and the day had only just begun. Everyone seemed pleased however, so her job was simply to maintain. All will be well she told herself.

With a deep sigh she looked around, momentarily alone. Her eyes fell on Ryden, who seemed to be the only one that wasn't smiling. She allowed her gaze to linger much longer than she intended, and didn't turn away in time to give the impression that she hadn't seen him yet. No, now she'd have to make contact, as he already seemed to know that something was up.

Helping herself to a drink, she moved toward Ryden and paused beside him so that they faced the same directions. ~It's a wedding, not a funeral. Not going to smile even a little?~ Her eyes stayed on the crowd around her, and the smile remained on her lips even as she took a drink.

[Aurielle Stratus]

Ryden cocked an eyebrow, keeping his face forward. He had expected a verbal greeting. He did not know whether to be offended that she did not acknowledge him publicly, or honored that he chose to do so privately. But his little face rearrangement was all for Selina's benefit. ~The fact that you can't pull off a real-looking smile leaves me little initiative to smile. Plus, after my little ... activities this morning, I think the Princess would have my head on a stick.~ Ryden and Selina had figured out a way to communicate silently, even though Ryden was not force sensitive. Since Selina was telepathic, she could project her thoughts into his mind without controlling his will, and he could think things repeatedly for her to pick up on. It worked out well enough.

Ryden then replayed the scene of spilling a glass of wine all over Aurielle's first choice of outfit, followed by the memory of Stratus' stress to make sure Aurielle looked the part. He repeated both scenes in his mind, now having to try harder not to stifle a laugh, but hoping Selina would appreciate the morning's events.

*****

Aurielle stood still, nodding her head as Selina approached. She had the strong urge to find the nearest exit and run like a mad woman. The formal events were never her favorite part, as a child or now. Ryden and her father had picked out a halter top dress that served to make her feel completely silly. And the color made her light features stand out. Since she had no place to hide her light saber, Ryden had been ordered to stay close. It was in his inner jacket pocket. Aurielle watched for either her father or the General, wanting company but deciding not to bother Selina and Ryden. Being the third wheel was kind of lonely.

[Selina Vadcasta]

Selina closed her eyes for a moment as she listened to his thoughts. It was slightly alarming to her that he knew something was wrong and she was faking it. However, the last tidbit that he dropped was decidedly more interesting to her. ~And what did you do to warrant such an action?~ Even as she asked he was already trying to show her what she'd missed. Her eyes opened and she smiled genuinely at Ryden. “I'd have your head on a stick too.” Her gaze moved to Aurielle then, and she offered the woman a smile and small wave in greeting.

When her gaze turned back to Ryden, she averted it almost as quickly. Was it really that obvious that she'd rather be anywhere but at a wedding at that moment? Or was Ryden simply reading her better than others were? Selina couldn't be sure, but evidently she'd have to raise her defenses a little more. Maybe if she didn't mention it further, he wouldn't either. It was a long shot of course, but one that she wasn't excluding just yet. It was possible she could simply shrug it off as stress, but whether or not Ryden would buy that was beyond her.

[Aurielle Stratus]

Aurielle's empty thoughts were interrupted, thankfully, by Selina's wave. She smiled a little, and waved back. She liked the woman well enough. Since they had met at the Ball, most of Auri's opinion was influenced by Ryden's thoughts. So her opinions were positive. Aurielle had liked her on her own, and with no reason to really contradict it, she did not fight it. Having a friend was new to her, though. She had not had one before. Her life had made that completely impossible.

But in truth, Aurielle was a little jealous of Ryden and Selina. Both lived lives as equally public as hers. And yet, both were able to find a small bit of happiness in another person. With a sigh, she caught Ryden's eye and nodded off into the crowd's direction. He nodded back, understanding she meant to disappear for a little while.

Auri smiled to Selina once more. "You look lovely. I hope we both can enjoy ourselves a bit today." And with a wink, she wandered, trying to catch sight of someone she felt. Her sister was present. Aurielle had not known the woman from when she had been a small child, and if she did she could not remember. But since Stratus had taken Aurielle in, it seemed Kaidlen had, too. Auri remembered her brother Jacob quite well. They had been close. She felt the same connection with Kaidlen.

*****

Ryden smiled as Selina agreed with Auri's anger, then quickly wiped his face emotionless as Aurielle turned, encouraged by Selina's wave. He was slightly glad that the two got along. When Auri told Selina she looked lovely, Ryden felt proud. Aurielle was so genuine in his eye. She honestly wanted what was best. But she seemed to punish herself, moving away from them. And then there was Selina, doing the same and thinking she was a good enough actress to actually pull it off.

Ryden had come to terms with the fact that he had testosterone to keep his sanity long ago. Women seemed to breed trouble, wherever they went. Aurielle and Selina were anything but exceptions to this rule. In fact, they were prime examples of how circumstance can royally mess with a person, altering them completely. He knew less of Selina's story, but one look at her showed it all. She was not so good at hiding it. Maybe it was him, though. Ryden had always had the ability to pick up on a person's emotions. His empathy towards those whom he felt was also taxing. But it often was worth it.

Aurielle had won him over from their first meeting. He had been brought in to her room on Kuat and introduced formally, while she was still in recovery. It had only been a few hours since her world had shattered. Aurielle's dreams of meeting her parents again would never happen. Her Aunt and the entire family had been murdered. Her siblings were gone, without a trace. And she had felt what it meant to be truly alone.

He watched her protectively as she moved through the crowd, allowing those thoughts to distract him a few seconds, before turning back to Selina. Turning their conversation to verbal instead of thought, he resumed where they had left off. "I can't say that I blame you. But better my head on a stick than hers on a pike, risking her father being upset." He intentionally ignored whatever was making Selina upset. If she wanted to talk about it, she would. If not, then ... Well, one thing at a time.

They had not made their connection official by any means. He had no claim on her heart. Whether he wanted one or not at this point was irrelevant. He would not even consider it if she was not ready. And she didn't seem to be too keen on one right now, anyway. They both had their hands full with assignments. But Ryden knew Aurielle well, and knew that soon, she would have to go seek out solace. She had mentioned to him a solo trip she wanted to take soon. Some time away from everything would be good. Ryden would use the time to clear his thoughts. The women around him seemed to enjoy meddling with them.

[Selina Vadcasta]

The Princess' voice diverted her attention back to the source of the compliment.“Thank you, Aurielle. You look great.” With a small smirk, she commented softly “The pants were nicer.” She winked to Aurielle and watched her move into the crowd. When Ryden turned back to her, she looked up at him. He was doing his best to lighten the mood, but she knew that he was worried. Hell, he had every right to be. Selina wasn't exactly fine psychologically. In fact, she often felt like she was on the verge of insanity.

As she looked at him, she sighed. Ryden had a right to know what it was he was getting himself into. What she really was. Hmm. Maybe not what she really was. That might be too much for him all at once...Gently she tugged at his shirt and motioned for him to follow her, nudging him telepathically as well before moving to one of the balconies nearby. His teasing nature wasn't making it any easier for her to tell him what she needed to, and his expression changed nearly instantly when she told him there was something he needed to know about.

Ryden wasn't happy about it clearly, and Selina couldn't blame him for that. She wasn't exactly happy about it either. It was quite simply, torture. It didn't make her feel good to hurt Ryden, but she couldn't lie or deceive him. He was a decent guy, and quite frankly deserved better than that. For the time being, she would grant him the space he desired, and wait for him to initiate contact once again. When he left the balcony, she stayed behind for a few minutes to calm herself, letting the Force flow her and her mind clear for the job ahead of her. When she was ready, she resumed her post.

[Kaidlen Shan]

Kaidlen smiled, but did not move from where she stood when she felt her sister's presence brush against her.
*Feel free to give Ryden a good chewing later for messing up your chosen outfit. I'll help you, if you like. But it will have to wait until after the wedding. I would come over to where you are, but I can't at the moment, since I'm part of the wedding party. However, feel free to come over and wait with me, if you like. Also, if you like, I can let Dad know that you are prefectly capable of choosing suitable clothing for occasions like this.* Kaidlen sent to Auri.

[Dene Vye Cognatus]

Dene stood in the ceremonial hall, fiddling with his belt. "Oh, how much I hate these things.." His bodyguards smiled and were dismissed and made patrols. Dene spotted Auri and made his way over. His dark green uniform came with many awards and medals and to top it off he had a black cape. Dene was a real super hero tonight.

"Your highness, it is good to see you." Dene gave a slight bow and a smile. "You look beauti...." He mumbled off hoping she didn't hear that. Many people had filled the room, Dene's thought's were everywhere tonight he wondered what was going on in his head.

[Koru Tav]

Koru arrived early as usual. He was once again in his military dress and as usual, not enjoying the stiff feeling it gave him. He saw his commander arrive and noted that the princess had arrived as well. His mind out of habit went to where he had is knife and prayed nothing would happen.