The day before Session 7

It seems as though I will not get any work done until I have written out my thoughts about last evening. Memorable, for certain!

And apparently memorable for everyone in Bin Prime; INN had several stories published this morning on the event, and I happen to feature in a few. I suppose it is too late to negotiate with Ms. Wazertiz to destroy some of those holos…

Speaking of holos, I am inserting a candid of Damaria from the banquet, compliments of the INN. Some of their reporting is worthwhile, I suppose.

I was half-expecting her Imperial uniform, so I barely managed to refrain from gaping like a teenager when I picked her up with the groundcar. This journal entry will be worth re-reading… In any case, I found myself at Telmarr's chateau with a beautiful woman on my arm, and surprisingly I was authentically looking forward to what normally is a painfully inane political event.

Telmarr greeted us amidst the holo-paparazzi and fluttering fans of the chattering class. He thrives during these events. I introduced Damaria, and he responded in his typical charming and suave fashion. I was extremely grateful that Damaria evidently does not understand Ryl (it is extremely rare for a non-Twi'lek, I suppose, particularly since there is no way we can respond in kind!) - Telmarr's lekku were twitching in a rather inappropriate fashion. I was having a hard enough time concentrating without his suggestions.

Of course, bloody Larness had to come over. And I was shocked to see Via on his arm along with an exotic Falleen. My concentration level fell further; the Falleen, Ysanne, wore a translucent green gown, and Via's dress had a rather provocatively plunging neckline. She pretended not to recognize me, and I have no idea why she was there in the first place. I have a guess or two, but hopefully I will find out this evening. But, back to the good memories…

The orchestra struck up a waltz, and Damaria surprisingly accepted my offer to join in. Maybe she merely wanted to practice a Force ability she recently learned; as she took my hand, a sense of connectedness washed over me, and I was able to anticipate her steps. It was far too enjoyable, but needed. The tension of the last few weeks in particular disappeared. If only the evening had ended here!

Bloody Larness again - apparently our display caught his attention. As much as I would have liked to punch his face, I nodded to Damaria when he asked her for the next dance - I only restrained myself because I know he is up to something, and she has the best chance of finding it out.

Not that I had much time myself - before I knew it, Via grabbed my hand and her closeness was rather intoxicating. She told me everything was under control, she was undercover, and that it was a great honour to dance with a Zeltron that I should thoroughly take advantage of, among a few other things that I will not record.

Honestly, by this point I was so flustered that it is not surprising that I found myself cornered a few moments later by both Via and her fellow secretary(?), quickly followed by Renee Wazertiz, a fairly prominent INN reporter who had recently arrive on Bin Prime.

I almost feel that this was one big setup, but I cannot figure out a reason or result. Wazertiz managed to get a few quotes out of me, and evidently she or another holographer made the most out of two attractive women doing their best to make me flush. Via was plying me with drinks again, and I was too polite to refuse. My stomach still feels unsettled - I think she found some hardcore Whyren's Reserve.

Thankfully Damaria rescued me, though she certainly took her time, dancing with Telmarr after she noticed my predicament. I do not know what to think about that. In any case, when she finally arrived, I did my best to pretend to take it all in stride. All I could think of was possible consequences of this whole event, and I was beginning to stress out.

A last dance with Damaria helped, but I was well past ready to leave. We said our goodbyes to Telmarr (who tried to give some less-than-helpful advice in Ryl - as if he knows anything about healthy relationships), and headed out into the crisp evening air.

I walked Damaria to her door, with the stars shining above and a warm breeze bringing the scent of flowers (blast it - I knew I forgot something… it has been too long!); I said a few charming things - cannot remember exactly what - and I may have soothed some emotions with the Force a little (not the mind control stuff, though - that would be cheating), and Damaria surprised me again with light kisses on both cheeks. And then she was gone.

So here I am, trying to interpret all this, and process one crazy evening. I should call my sister and see what she thinks - because I am a fish out of water. Bloody Circe, messing me up psychologically… then again, I allowed my fear to trap me for the past decade. Circe probably loved me in her own way; seems similar to Via, honestly, and that is why I cannot bring myself to completely trust the poor Zeltron. Too forward, too unpredictable (not that Damaria is predictable either). Maybe I am just repressed. I need help.

Via did send me a message this morning. She wants to explain her actions yesterday, making it clear that there was a lot more going on than met the eye. It is times like these where I wish I could sense thoughts like Damaria; I guess I shall do my best the old fashioned way - careful observation.

She insisted I head over to her apartment for supper, and added that I should bring my Zeltron lute. I am not sure I really want to; I guess she has not actually had the chance to hear me play - I doubt I am half as good as an authentic Zeltron bard. Of course, the Force helps!

In any case, it looks like another night where I do not have to eat my own cooking - a definite plus. I expect a good meal and a real explanation - she owes me for her behaviour last evening. Then again, her way of apologizing may not help at all. I think I shall ask to meet at a public restaurant instead.