Erisi sighed as the shuttle bearing herself and her colleagues started landing procedures in Alderaan's atmosphere. Roshti (a nervous Togruta) and Hatslu (a pureblood Sith as arrogant as they came) were pressing their noses to the window, soaking up what they could of the famed beauteous Alderaan views. Mantik and Rrovrr, a Muun and Wookie respectively, were less enthralled, occupying themselves with their own musings as the shuttle soared over the landscape. The Thul delegates that greeted them used flowery language, their gracious smiles not reaching their eyes. Erisi mused to herself as they were led to the imposing Thul grounds; at least when she smiled, people couldn't tell as easily if she was genuine or not.
Lord Ki'ti had sent them to Alderaan to ensure they learned how the Empire should conduct itself in negotiations with potential allies, feeling that some of the party were particularly lacking in this regard. Of course, other members were more skilled in such diplomatic ventures, but Ki'ti was never one to waste an educational opportunity. The group were to observe and assist in the talks between House Thul and the Empire, though as mere apprentices they were not to involve themselves unless directly ordered to by the superiors already present.
Their hosts showed the rooms they were to attend when summoned; enclosed meeting rooms with high ceilings and tasteful décor, large tables and comfortable chairs, on the side of a cavernous banqueting hall with marble flooring and rich, thick carpets. The group were suitably awed for the most part, Roshti in particular behaving like an owl as his head swivelled around to try and take in the entire sight in one go. Hatslu and Mantik were less impressed, Hatslu clearly preferring the designs and sculptures of Dromund Kaas to Alderaan.
The group were led to one of the staterooms, their guide knocking twice before hearing the affirmative response from inside. The apprentices made their way inside and bowed deeply as one towards the occupants. Their Thul guide introduced them to the delegation members, who included several diplomatic servicemen in their distinctive red jackets, representative Sith from the Diplomacy and Expansion sphere, and a couple of members of the Sphere of Military Offense. Erisi had to suppress a shiver as Lord Vio's piercing gaze swept over the group of apprentices.
"...and finally may I introduce Lord Vio and Captain Izzik of the Sphere of Military Offense; given the crucial part that House Thul may play in serving the Empire, we are in need of their expertise on the field to better direct our forces to bring victory and Alderaan much more swiftly to the Empire."
"Ah...the rabble from Lord Ki'ti?" A pureblood female Sith cooed, sinister smile lingering around her chin tendrils.
"Their part is to watch, learn, and keep silent unless directed otherwise, Linci," Vio snapped, the enclosure with so many Sith versed in talking rather than doing clearly having taken a toll on his patience, "Assuming they know how to obey, hindrance should be...minimal."
Lord Linci tried to send a withering look to Vio, though was obliged to lower her eyes in deference to the more powerful Sith. Vio merely curled his lip in mock satisfaction, waving his hand to indicate that the apprentices should take their places standing around the table. Hatslu immediately positioned himself between Vio and Linci, whereas Mantik stood as far away from Vio and as close to the door as possible. Roshti and Rrovrr stayed fairly close to Mantik, leaving no room for Erisi to stand with them. She made her way down to stand near some of the diplomatic Sith, trying to keep her mind off the insidious presence of Lord Vio's Dark Side aura. Vio's smirk deepened so subtly, the only indication he gave of being aware of Erisi and her slight distress.
After an hour or two, the preparatory meeting was adjourned, the apprentices ushered away to their assigned rooms in the Thul residences. Each apprentice was given their own room, large, well aired and with a seemingly endless excellent view of the far mountains toward the Glarus Valley. Their guide advised them of the evening meal time, warning them to come prepared for entertainment before withdrawing and leaving them to their own devices.
Finally alone in her room, Erisi decided to wash and rest before the evening requirements, shuddering as her travel-stained padded armour peeled off her skin. She found the bathtub ready filled and waiting, steam wafting off the top of the water in glorious tendrils. Long blonde hair still restrained in the thick plait, she stepped into the tub, hissing a sigh of relief as her body sank slowly under the surface of the water. Despite her relief and relaxation, her senses kept nagging at her. After a moment's reflection, she realised why; she could sense Vio heading to his own rooms above her. His potency was enough for his presence to reverberate across a floor, allowing her to sense his frustration and pent up energy. She bit her lip, deciding to try to send something back along their connection in the Force.
A sense of relaxation, excitement...
