Dressed int their new outfits for the occasion, the four Dathamrian siblings headed to the ball. And when a trooper in a similar outfit joined them, no one commented. Instead Maul just moved to the back with Savage, Feral moved to Lynis left, and Thire was on her right. As they entered the room, she held onto the arm of the men she was standing between.

Looking around at the glittering crystal all around them, the five took it in silently. If they were also unconsciously checking for threats they gave no sign, as Lyni smiled at everyone that turned to look at them. The Pandorians smiled back at her and quickly crossed to the group. Chruchi was the one who spoke, "You all look even better than I though you would." Smiling at Lyni, "What a beautiful craftsmanship, it turns the rest of us to shame."

"You both look amazing too," came the quiet voice. The two blue women were also wearing more subdued colors as if to join forces with the other five. But these dresses were also magenta with gold accents in the case of Riyo Chuchi but Ilonia Fari's dress had black accents. The similarity to Savages kilt around the waist was surely coincidental, and no one commented on that silent showing of support.

Instead they spoke in quiet voices as they moved in mass to the tables on the side of the room to give more space to those who wanted to dance. They were mostly ignored by the crowds around them and were allowed to sit down without anyone else acknowledging them. Padme Amidala then dragged Senator Organa and his wife over to them. After a few minutes of pleasant conversation the married couple moved on and the other senators stared to do their rounds.

Lyni on the other hand was still holding on to Thire and Ferals arm as if they were the only thing preventing her from bolting. To Thire's surprise Savage finally broke the silence, "Lyni." Then he extended a calloused hand which his sister took and they danced to a slow tune speaking quietly to each other. Lyni did most of the talking, but Savage listened and answered her.

When the song ended he took her back to the knot of men they left behind. Maul then Feral each took their turn dancing with their sister while the other three waited, talking among themselves. The Pandorians came back and talked to them some more, but none was very talkative. Finally Lyni came back with Feral and they had more of a conversation about the other Senators. Mostly about how weird it was that specific ones were dancing with each other.

Finally the little group broke up with Lyni, Feral, and Thire going with the Pandorians to meet some more people with Savage and Maul remaining at the table they had claimed. Both brothers didn't like the atmosphere and kept a close eye on their siblings as they moved around the room with the two blue women. There was also a close watch kept on everything around them, looking for danger as they used to while hunting on Dathomir.

Savage was reflecting on how the duty to protect his family had changed. The Nightsisters were clear with their demands and swift in the punishment. Here the enemy tried to keep their daggers hidden, until the time came to strike. However it was still clear that these are not warriors and could not understand the extreme patience that can make the enemy act rashly.

He was brought out of his musings by something he couldn't name afterward. Maybe just a feeling of something being wrong. Maybe a sound. But he noticed that Fari was no longer with Feral, Lyni and Churchi.

A quick scan found the other Pandorian who was speaking to an older human male who seemed very familiar with her. Yet it was clear that the incessant stroking of her arms was making Fari uncomfortable. Savage didn't realize he had let out a predatory growl, instead he determined to stop this. Something about him made everyone part as he headed towards Fari and the human.

"I can make your Senator the best connected in the galaxy." The man was telling Fari reaching towards her face, "All you have to do is…."

He never got any farther. Savage's orange and black hand caught his wrist, "Elder, because you are not family I do not believe your amount of touching is permitted." Savage's voice was quietly conversational, but there was still a trace of a threat that made the human flinch slightly.

Soon he regained his steam though, "Shall I escort you away from this beast, little lady."

Fari had taken the opportunity to slip slightly behind Savage as if hoping he would sheild her from the obviously drunk man. "Fari, would you please dance with me?"

Savage hadn't looked at her, but was still staring the other man down. Swallowing to try and bring saliva back Fari answered, "I would love to Savage."

The human took a step forward but a predatory sound from deep in Savage's chest stopped him. Finding his voice Savage observed, "I would not Elder. My brother who is blood red can be seen slightly to my right, and he has a dagger up his sleeve which he is itching to throw." His voice was slightly darker but he his observation was correct, "So I suggest that you allow us to leave." Then he turned his head slightly towards Fari and offered her his arm which she took and they went onto the dance floor.

Looking at the broad chest in front of her as the moved around the floor in a classic waltz Iilonia did not know what to say to him other than, "Thank you for the rescue."

His answer was simple, "You are welcome."

Glancing up at his face she realized that he wasn't looking at her. Instead he was scanning the area around them as if on the lookout for threats. After a few moments she broke the silence, "Why?" He glanced down at her and slightly raised an eyebrow to request clarification, "Why did you come to help me?"

Enough time passed for her to think he wasn't going to answer. Finally he spoke, "Nightsisters."

She looked up in surprise, "Who?"

"Nightsistsers," he repeated. Going on to explain, "They are the ones with power over all the Nightbrothers." A change in his voice as he continue still not looking at her, "The way he was treating you reminded me of how they treat us. And I could not allow it."

Before she could find an answer to that the dance was over, and he was leading her back to Riyo. When she was back with her friend he quickly stepped back and bowed his head slightly to her before going back to where Maul was sitting. After another ten minutes the pair went to Lyni and Feral where Savage gave them a look. They took it as a signal and bid the Pandorians good night.

Taking Thires arm again, Lyni went with her brothers out of the room and back to their apartment. Thire saw them there before returning to the Guards building. Laying in bed that night Savage wondered why he had felt so protective of Fari when he moved to help her. Maybe because she was so close to Lyni in age, they seemed to be two of a kind. So to protect one he would have to protect both of them, or all three of them as his logic added in Chruchi as well.

Lyni looked up at her ceiling and wondered if Thire enjoyed it. She knew that it was much better with him there and for the first time wished that she hadn't been with at least one of her brothers the entire time. Maybe Thire was able to dance as well.

Thire was staring at the ceiling of his bunk and thinking to himself that he should have asked Lyni to dance. It wasn't as if there wasn't opportunity to do so. But it was hard to ask her with one of her brothers always there. Even Feral seemed intimidating in that strange new situation. But next time he would be prepared, he promised himself before falling asleep.

Ilonia was also laying awake thinking of Savage. What was it like to grow up with people who treated him like the retired Senator treated her that evening before he came. It was nice to know that he would come to the rescue when she was in trouble, but what did it mean that he danced with her. The only other person he danced with was Lyni. Could he like her the same way she liked him, or did he think of her in the same lane as his little sister? Rolling her eyes Ilonia turned on her side, she was acting like a school girl with a first crush. But Savages image still came to her mind, and her hand still felt the warmth of his as he had danced with her. Placing her left hand where he had laid his on her waist she couldn't help but smile at the memory of him being right there. Even when she fell asleep they were dancing together in her dreams.