Miss Kenobi had found herself still yet flushed with elation on the evening that followed the wondrous news of her forthcoming elevation to the rank of Jedi Knight. The journey down to Coruscant with her Aunt was scheduled one day hence, but for now it was time to focus her endeavours on more worldly pursuits. She was to attend the Royal Niima Ball this night and she had made a promise to Mrs Kanata to be pleasing to those in her company and not to speak out of turn as she was 'suffered to do at home.'
Presently Rey was sat at her toilette, patient as St. Bastilla while attended by her maidservant Oola. Braids and wisps of hair were woven betwixt the silver bands of her head-dress which was also adorned with tiny white flowers and exquisite silver leaves similar to a laurel crown. It was a complex style; much-favoured in Coruscant, but Maker did it take an ageto arrange!
The curling iron had been at its work and Rey had to concede that the delicate ringlets now pinned and cascading about her temples had been worth the effort involved. Tonight, Miss Kenobi would certainly live up to her reputation as a great local beauty.
Jessika had once informed Rey that she should wear silver to complement her dark tresses. "You will look akin to a shining Goddess of Light from the tales of Old Corellia," her friend had declared. Rey now smiled at the comparison as she viewed her reflection in the glass.
"A shining 'knight' of Light perhaps," she mused.
With a few flicks of the comb, the tireless maid finally stood back to admire her work. "It is finished Miss, are you happy with the look?" enquired Oola.
"Yes, thank-you Oola, you've truly outdone yourself," replied Rey. "You may go about your other duties; I am quite capable of seeing to my jewellery."
The young maidservant was delighted at the praise of her mistress, but promptly reverted to stoicism as the mistress of the house imperiously swept into the boudoir.
"Oola, you are required by Mothma in the drawing room," stated Mrs Kanata.
The maid curtseyed at once and hurried away directly.
Aunt Maz was looking splendid in her fine burgundy satin gown and ostrich-feathered turban, which was quite rightfully expected, for Rey was privy to the fact that a great deal of coin had been spent upon them! Mrs Kanata had been sequestered away with her lady's maid for the better part of the afternoon to achieve the desired look. Despite her age of six and sixty, the Kenobi matriarch had been quite a beauty in her day and this vanity had not dwindled over time.
"I must say you look very well Rey, very pretty indeed! Whatever else might be said of us, we Kenobis are certainly a handsome family."
"Thank-you madam," acknowledged Rey as she fastened a necklace made of silver and opals around her swan-like neck. She stood upright to check her gown was in order. It was newly purchased and had taken weeks of alterations to match the fastidious tastes of her Aunt's notions of fashion.
"You have the waist of a wasp dear child and this white and pearl-grey muslin suits you perfectly. A man will travel a great distance to see a fine figure such as yours, if you would only make the most of it!"
The gown was indeed beautiful and in the end Rey was grateful for the care her aunt had taken with it. The short sleeves were gauzed and embossed with lace. The bodice sat over her corset tightly and cut rather lower than her day dresses, yet it was flattering of her bosom and entirely decent. The skirts had a hint of sheerness which made the fabric glow elegantly as it glided with her movements. The light of tallow candles caught against the subtle floral patterns which lined the hem. These were made up of seed pearls which had all been individually sewn by an exceedingly skilled seamstress.
After she had dispensed with compliments, the lecturing tone of Mrs Kanata then commenced its inevitable assault.
"Miss Rey, there will be many fine ladies and gentleman at the Niima assembly this evening and I want you to be on your best behaviour! No impertinent remarks and most definitely no politics! You may dance with whom you please, but try not to entertain a tradesman who could very well be serving you over the counter of his shop tomorrow."
"I will try for you Aunt," she replied dutifully. "But I shall make no promise to that," she thought in secret.
"I'll grant that I have never had any concern for you being too engaging with the opposite sex… unlike young Miss Pava!" Mrs Kanata continued. "However if you were a little more forthcoming, it would not do you harm… for a man needs a bit of encouragement or he may rightly assume a lady is indifferent to his advances."
The clanging of the hallway bell signalled the arrival of the chaise and four.
"Come girl, make haste to the door, lest we arrive later than is proper to our station!" stated Aunt Maz in alarm as she abruptly departed; leaving Rey alone in the room. She could hear the housekeeper open the front door and the clattering steps of Mrs Kanata descending to their transportation.
Ignoring the entreaty for haste, Rey instead calmly adorned herself with the pair of teardrop pearl earrings which Oola had already laid out for her. Her ensemble was now complete and she allowed herself one final twirl in front of the glass before nodding with approval.
Rey darted her eyes back and forth before proceeding to the nearby divan and grasping the strap of a beaded reticule purse which she had hidden away behind a cushion earlier in the day.
The purse was rather more cumbersome to carry than one would like, but it contained all the essential items a young lady would require on her person for an opulent social gathering. She unclasped the fastenings to ensure the contents were as she'd left them. Inside was a modest jar of cosmetics, smelling salts, a dance card and finally… the gleaming hilt of her lightsabre.
"One can never be too careful when the First Order are invited to a party," Rey had concluded.
Her grandfather rarely went into company these days and Sir Obi-Wan had specifically instructed the household that he did not wish to be disturbed from his library this evening. Indeed, these requests for privacy were commonplace and Rey normally respected his desire for solitude. Therefore she was hesitant to take her leave by him as she departed Mos Eisley, much as she desired to.
In truth, Aunt Maz made the decision for her. It was as if the lady were Force-sensitive herself and could read Rey's thoughts, for immediately she heard Mrs Kanata's shrill voice calling out to her.
"What are you about girl, fetch your blue witzchoura mantle and let us be off at once!"
Rey obeyed, given her new secretive status and her capital gown, she decided that she was quite looking forward to the ball.
The Niima assembly rooms were situated in the largest building within the town square. It had witnessed many an important event over the centuries and the local population were justly proud in maintaining its structure and customs. Remarkably an ancient tree of the Force still grew within the central courtyard, reflecting the Old Republican and Church of Light heritage that many in Jakkushire still revered; despite these concepts being disparaged in many other counties within the realm. Given the historic and mystical setting, the assembly rooms were the favoured location for hosting the grandest gatherings in the neighbourhood.
The Royal Niima ball was always a much-anticipated event in the Jakkushire social calendar. The leading gentile families would of course be in attendance, but it was also traditional to invite notable tradesmen and other more recently monetised dynasties.
It was an arrangement that Rey thoroughly approved of. She was of the opinion that a man's worth should be the sum of his deeds rather than the sum in his pocket-book.
"Besides, if one limited the congregation to the landed gentry, there would be little in the way of handsome beaux nor interesting conversation," she'd often thought to herself.
However this liberal policy was not the way of the First Order. They would find it contrary to their doctrines and she was more than a little curious to discover how well this ball would be received by General Hux and his officers. After all, the newly-arrived Greycoat regiment were now the guests of honour due to the overreaching ambition of some milksop politicians!
It was a warm summer eve and the braziers along the paved road to the assembly rooms were blazing brightly as the chaise carrying Rey and her great aunt arrived at the gated entrance and reception area. Several other carriages and phaetons joined nearby and Mrs Kanata cheerfully greeted friends and passing acquaintances alike as they alighted from their vehicles.
Among them were Mr and Mrs Pava and their daughter, the latter eagerly sought out Rey and the two friends heartily embraced. Although Jessika was considered plainer, she was slightly taller and dressed in much more finery than Rey.
"Pray do go inside with me Rey," beseeched Miss Pava, "Behold, our relations are already gossiping on the doorstep as if they were kitchen-maids. I am so eager to dance that I simply cannot bear to wait for them to finish!"
Rey glanced at Mrs Kanata, who caught her eye and anticipated her query. She signaled her niece her agreement with a wave of her fan.
"Very well Jessika, l too am in desperate need of some refreshment, let us go directly!"
Laughing and plotting together, the two young ladies joined the queue of attendees awaiting their turn to be greeted by the worthy hostess. This year the honour of organising festivities had been bestowed upon the wealthy Lady Ashoka Tano.
Rey and Jessika bobbed respectful curtseys to the amiable spinster as they approached her after liveried servants had helped them shed their mantles.
"Miss Kenobi, Miss Pava, how delightful to see you; and both looking so pretty!" exclaimed Lady Tano. "I'm so relieved you're here my dears, for such a large number of officers have turned out and the fairer sex are rather outnumbered! I fear there may be one or two disappointed gentleman this evening. It is imperative we show these First Order types that Jakkushire society is as enjoyable as any they might find in Coruscant," lamented Lady Tano in mock-distress.
"Have no fear madam, Rey and I will be sure to stand up with many partners tonight and your Royal Niima Ball shall be remembered as the smashing success of the season," gushed Jessika with girlish glee and with that Rey found herself pulled into the fray of the party by her vivacious friend.
The assembly room walls had been decorated with garlands of flowers and local family crests. In all it looked very charming, but Rey curled her lip with distaste when she saw the red and black banner of the First Order hanging from the central rafters.
Musicians had already taken their seats in the upper balconies and were cheerfully playing the popular country reel – 'The Bonny Lass of Naboo.'
The mosaic-tiled floor of the central assembly room was full of couples merrily dancing in both lines and quartets as the piece dictated. Those who were not engaged in this pursuit were grouped around the edges, drinking and watching the spectacle. Rey could sense the waves of emotion flooding throughout… joy, passion, love, envy… In such large gatherings it was easy for one talented in the Force to be overwhelmed.
Indeed the room was so thick with ladies skirts and well-heeled gentleman that there was quite a cacophony of sound and voices. The din was so frightfully loud that Rey could scarcely hear the excited chatter of Jessika in relation to the substantial clusterings of First Order Greycoat soldiers that were interspersed amongst the crowd and garnering much attention from various county belles.
Rey also noted sporadic Republic Browncoat attendees, but there were too few for her liking. Although old animosities were supposedly consigned to the past, Rey was aware that the local Niima militia would feel slighted at the undeserved honour being paid to the First Order. Most of the Jakkushire Browncoat officers had stayed within their barracks this evening.
In such a crowd, it was no easy task to make out acquaintances they might join with.
"Shall we start off with some punch?" ventured Rey and Jessika nodded her agreement to the notion. Rey was very fond of punch; it lowered one's inhibitions to dance as well as quenching a thirst.
Servants were somewhat in evidence, carrying trays of wine and liqueurs, but unfortunately each one became rapidly lost in the melee or accosted by rival guests before Rey was capable of capturing their attention. Therefore the only thing to be done was to proceed to the adjoining room where the majority of the refreshments were located and help themselves.
The two comely ladies began to tentatively push through the many bodies that stood between themselves and the punch bowl. The girls would whisper apologies for their interruptions as they pressed through the revellers. A few gentlemen even shot them admiring looks as they passed by; indeed they seemed pleased with the inadvertent touches rather than being vexed.
However these small embarrassments were nothing compared to Rey's mortification when Jessika led her through the centre of a huddle of Greycoat officers, who converged on them at once. Several wore unabashed leers upon their faces and lewd remarks were exchanged causing her cheeks to flush crimson. Likely they were emboldened in their impertinent conduct by their number as well as the girls being unescorted. Miss Pava seemed to welcome the attention, but oh how she wished she could give the fools a sound thrashing! She wagered she would best any of these scoundrels in duel of sabres!
"Judge me by my sex do you? Whereas you should not, for the Force is my ally and a powerful one at that."
After removing themselves from this unpleasantness our heroine and her companion reached the blessed sanctuary of the card tables where the gentlemen were for the most part too engrossed in their games of whist and gambling away substantial fortunes to pay the pair much mind.
"Ah success dearest Jessika, the serving table lies yonder and look they have peaches, cold ham and all things nice!" said Rey, delighted at the prospect of gorging herself on treats that she would not regularly be afforded at Mos Eisley.
Alas, just as she was on the verge of pouring a ladle of delicious-smelling punch into a crystal cup; she heard a familiar condescending voice behind her…
"Miss Pava, finally I spy your presence," called out General Hux.
The girls turned in unison to the sound of the red-haired gentleman's voice.
Hux was stood towards the corner of the room. As a commanding officer, the crowds had granted him a respectful space, yet Rey suspected rank was not the only reason for this gesture. The local distaste for the First Order was such that some guests would have willingly chosen to keep their distance from him; she included herself in this camp…
Rey suddenly exhaled inexplicably as she felt… a curious ripple in the Force!
On closer inspection she realised the source of the disturbance was a tall phantom of man who was positioned slightly apart from Hux. Dressed in midnight black, he seemed to blend into the shadows, untouched by the heavy glow of the chandeliers which served to illuminate the assembly rooms. Perhaps this mysterious gentleman was a more compelling explanation for the lack of company around the General. At her current distance, Rey could not discern whether his features were monstrous, but she felt his presence already and it was intimidating to say the least.
Rey had long ago been taught to mask her presence in the Force and she was eternally grateful to Master Skywalker for her past instruction this night… Every fibre of her being inclined her to believe that the mysterious man had dark alignments.
"Dear ladies, come and join us, for we are so lonely here in our little niche."
Hux's tone was demanding rather than requesting. He was quite obviously accustomed to his orders being obeyed without question.
"Do not address me like I am one of your soldiers, you hateful man!" thought Rey to herself.
Rey felt Jessika link an arm within hers and her companion began pulling her inexorably away from the refreshments she had been earnestly craving.
Miss Pava was beaming a radiant smile at Hux. Rey was now convinced the girl was tipping her cap to the General, though she could not fathom her friend's reasoning beyond his having good looks and connexions. The man was poison!
"Jessika… I would really rather not have to converse with them…" she began.
"Nonsense Rey, we must oblige our honoured guests and besides it would not be proper for me to go over to him unaccompanied. Pray don't be put out my sweet; for it appears he has brought a friend for you too!" giggled Jessika.
It was too late to back away now without her discourtesy being remarked upon. She would therefore indulge Jessika's entreaty this single time for the sake of her earlier vow to be agreeable and demure during the ball.
General Hux was in the full dress regalia of the First Order. His overcoat was fastened by shining brass buttons and the attached braiding and medals outshone the apparel of his peers. On the surface Rey would concede he was certainly one of the most dashing-looking men at the ball, but she noted with disdain that his icy-blue eyes also seemed to be quite openly appreciating the figures of herself and Jessika as they walked the length of the room. In this behaviour he was no better than his subordinates it would seem!
He bowed to them when they reached his private corner of the assembly room and they politely curtseyed in return.
Hux then gestured to his companion who now stepped forward, reluctantly being pulled into the light as he joined them.
Rey was both startled and intrigued as the gentleman's appearance was finally revealed…
He was remarkably tall with such a striking pallor it quite took one's breath away. It contrasted so severely with the waves of long black hair that framed his porcelain face; which was as beautiful as it was outlandish. He possessed a masculine profile and prominent nose combined with full feminine lips and eyes like two stones of onyx. These unusual qualities made him uncommonly handsome!
"His eyes… surely those dark pools could pierce one's very soul!" thought Rey.
"Miss Pava, Miss Kenobi… may I say you both look splendidly well this warm eve," Hux complimented. "I beg the liberty of introducing you to my compatriot, Mr Kylo Ren of Coruscant, a master of our esteemed order of Dark Knights."
Rey felt her stomach clench at the confirmation of the gentleman's connection to the Knights of the Dark Side. Her grandfather had warned her that one of their ilk may be amongst the First Order party, but she had not expected to be formally introduced to him so early in the proceedings.
Mr Ren bowed gracefully to them both.
"Good evening to you ladies," he said in a deep baritone voice.
Handsome or not, his manner was distinctly cold, formal and proud. Rey suspected he took little pleasure in balls and was better pleased with himself than what he saw around him.
Master Skywalker had informed her that the Knights of Ren always clothed themselves in black even at social events and this was indeed true of Mr Kylo Ren. His impeccably tailored attire was almost entirely black in hue; the breeches, waistcoat and gloves included. Even the layers of his cravat were made from fine jet silk. The high-waisted tailcoat he wore accentuated his height and the gentleman's ethereal silhouette stretched upward over the alabaster wall behind him, flickering in tune with the candlelight.
"Sweet ladies you have no beverages, how thoughtless of me!" stated the General.
Hux clicked his fingers once and a nervous young lieutenant immediately came over to their group. "Mitaka, fetch us four flutes of champagne and be quick about it man!" he barked to the boy, who bowed awkwardly before setting out on his quest.
"Why have common punch Miss Pava, when I can offer you the finest vintage from Arkanis?" declared Hux with a knowing smile. Jessika seemed to catch the seductive implication and gifted him the correct light-hearted laugh that he was seeking.
This lover's conduct was rather nauseating to Rey and Mr Ren did not appear to be amused either.
"Ren is assisting me in quelling the damnable rebellion I spoke of over tea yesterday Miss Kenobi," explained Hux. "The Knights are very capable when it comes to the sort of reconnaissance and interrogative tasks that are required to deal with civil unrest."
"Indeed General, I am aware of their fearsome reputation," said Rey who then turned to the taller gentleman. "I hope sir, that some of your more brutal services will not in the end be needed."
"As do I Miss Kenobi," replied Ren. "I yearn to leave this backwater county and return to the Coruscant Court."
Rey knew she must strive to keep her countenance, but his haughty dismissal of her beloved Jakkushire would not allow her to reign in her sharp tongue completely.
"I suppose you must find our old Republican ways rather quaint Mr Ren," she baited.
"The leniency shown to dissenters and the open invitation given to foreigners is the reason why this region has become a den of treason," said Ren dismissively. "Liberal policies reap what they sow and I find it tiresome to be called upon to clean up the mess of a county whose local government is not even represented by the First Order."
Ren's eyes flashed darkly at Rey; clearly he did not consider her entitled to debate him.
As a Master Dark Knight, Kylo Ren was almost certainly a wielder of the Force; but his mind was closed to her. This could only mean that he had constructed similar barriers to what she herself had built… It was a curious state of affairs.
Surely he could not suspect any other Force-sensitives to be present in Niima? The gift was exceedingly rare to the point of some persons actually questioning whether it still existed. It was generally agreed that her grandfather Sir Obi-Wan was the only resident who had ever had any connection to it… but that was a long time ago and in a city far away.
Mitaka had returned with their champagne and Rey allowed herself to drink a large measure from her flute. It was smooth, dry and heavy with alcohol.
Hux wanted his turn in the conversation:
"Miss Kenobi… my friend is blunt with his words, yet he forgets the September bi-elections may change our status somewhat. For my part I hope our assistance with the rebels will ingratiate us with the voters and perhaps our very own Mr Callus will soon be the elected the member of parliament for Jakkushire… Eventually all rebel counties will bow to the First Order and gentle ladies such as yourself, will have no fear of the lower classes burning your family estates and murdering you in your beds."
Jessika gasped in alarm at such a frightful scenario, but Rey simply smiled and arched an eyebrow. "You overstate our peril General," she retorted.
"You give your opinion very decidedly for a lady so young," said Ren in his velvet voice. "I take it you must be well informed on the riots and sedition in your midst?"
His gaze was fixing on her face expectantly, baiting her as she had baited him earlier, but this was dangerous territory and she would not be led by him.
"You are quite right to chide me Mr Ren, I am speaking on subjects which in truth; I have little knowledge of. I assure you that I and my family are very grateful that the First Order has sent two such gallant protectors to our aid."
She averted her eyes and took another long sip of her champagne.
Rey could hear the opening bars of 'The Dagobah Waltz' being played from the main room along with no small amount of raucous laughter and clapping.
Jessika, who was probably feeling rather uncomfortable and bored talking about such high matters, suddenly came alive once again. "Oh I do so love to dance to waltzes," she sighed.
"What a coincidence, for I too am especially fond of waltzes Miss Pava," exclaimed Hux. "Would you do me the honour of partnering me for the next two dances?"
"Of course General, it would give me great pleasure," Jessika replied eagerly, her nimble fingers writing his name on a dance card… Miss Pava's first conquest of the night.
Hux looked to Ren and then back to Rey apologetically. "I'm afraid Ren is not as chivalrous as he ought to be Miss Kenobi. He will not ask you to dance, although you are undoubtedly one of the prettiest creatures in the room. He endeavours to avoid the activity, and due to his esteemed lineage he rarely stands up at the Royal Court let alone these provincial country events."
She was being slighted, however it was an insult Rey could happily live with.
"If Mr Ren dislikes dancing, it is certainly no concern of mine," she said cheerfully.
"You are mistaken Miss Kenobi," said Mr Ren who outstretched a black-gloved hand to her. "I would be very happy if you would do me the great favour of dancing with me."
Surprized, Rey was momentarily silent and knew not what to say next. Hux wore a shocked expression as well.
"I thank you for the generous offer sir… but I fear I do not care to dance this evening."
It was a cold rejection she had delivered, but one Rey felt was justly deserved.
Now it was Mr Ren's turn to look surprized. Was it anger or disappointment she saw in his pallid face?
She placed her empty champagne flute on the silver tray of a passing footman. "Pray excuse me, I must attend to my aunt." she said hurriedly.
Rey abruptly curtseyed before taking her leave of Jessika and the two gentlemen as rapidly as etiquette would allow.
Deciding to make good on her earlier desire for punch, she walked directly towards the dwindling table of refreshments. If Miss Kenobi had but once glanced over her shoulder, she would have seen Mr Ren's smouldering black eyes staring after her intensely.