XXX: The Gala

Ariam Vorru squeezed his way through the crowded ballroom in search of his father. As he maneuvered around groups of politicians, holo-news reporters and fellow aristocrats, he spotted Moff Vorru instructing one of the attendants in the corner of the room and made his way over.

"Father, have they arrived yet?"

Moff Vorru waved off the attendant and turned to his son. "Not yet. I'll be informed when they do."

"But they truly are coming, aren't they? This whole affair is pointless if Rebecca doesn't arrive."

Moff Vorru put his hand on his son's shoulder. "Relax, Ariam. I informed Elsa, she promised to have Rebecca here."

"Then why isn't she?" Ariam shifted slightly."This is a big moment..."

Moff Vorru led his son into the hall away from the guests. "You need to relax."

"I can't." Ariam said. He started pacing back and forth impatiently. Every waiting moment seemed like an eternity. "I want to get this over with..."

"Making a proposal unnerve you that much?"

Ariam shook his head. "No...but I feel as if the ring is burning a hole through my pocket..." He sighed and checked the time. "Blast it all, where is she?!"

Moff Vorru sighed. "I'll check with the doorman. "He put his hands on his son's shoulders. "Do me a favor, alright? Go back inside, have a drink, and take a deep breath."

Ariam nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, father. I'll...be a lot calmer once she arrives."

~~**~~ 

"Hurry up, darling." Elsa said as she hurried Rebecca out of the speeder and into the Vorru estate. "We're very late. Fliry and Ariam are waiting." 

"I'm coming, I'm coming." Rebecca replied, rushing as fast as she could without tripping over her own feet. They were met by Moff Vorru as they approached the ballroom. 

"My dear Fliry, I apologize for our tardiness." Elsa smiled apologetically and discreetly nodded towards her granddaughter. "We've had some problems getting started today." 

Fliry smiled at both women. "Fear not, ladies. Everything is fine now that you're here." He offered a hand to Rebecca. "Come, milady. Ariam has been waiting for you." 

Rebecca gave a small smile back. "Then we shouldn't keep him waiting." She responded quietly.

Moff Vorru led the group into the ballroom. Ariam spotted them from the bar and rushed over.

"Thank the maker you're alright. I was getting worried."

Elsa embraced Ariam in a brief hug. "Just some minor complications getting started. Nothing to worry about."

"Good, good." Ariam stepped forward and grasped Rebecca's hand, kissing it gently. "My dear, you look...most exquisite this evening." He said, flashing a debonair grin at her, causing her to blush.

Elsa quickly stood forward, interrupting. "Ariam, Rebecca's been feeling a little blue all day. Perhaps you could cheer her up a little." She nudged his arm.

"With pleasure." he grinned and took Rebecca's arm. "Come, my dear. Lets see what we can do about this mood of yours." Rebecca glanced behind her briefly as Ariam led her to the dance floor. He slipped his arm around her waist and grasped her hand. "Now...what seems to be the trouble?"

Rebecca shrugged a little as the music started up again. "Have you ever had one of those days...where nothing seems to go right, and all you want to do is go back to bed and wake up some other day?"

"Mmm," he nodded, pulling her closer. "I think I can relate to that."

"Well that's how I feel." she sighed. "I shouldn't have come. I'm not really in a party mood."

"We all get like this sometimes, my dear. It'll pass. And if you'd like, I'd be happy to cheer you up some."

"Feel free to try.." she replied quietly. Ariam continued to twirl her around the dance floor, and as the dance continued, Rebecca glanced around her taking notice on more and more people watching her and Ariam's every move. "Is it me or are we being watched?"

"Oh we are." he gave a small grin. "I believe we're going to be the most exciting bit of news at this event."

"Why?" she asked, looking around nervously at the reporters and photographers.

"Young love. There's no sweeter subject to report about." He said, leaning down and kissing her gently on the lips. The cameras began flashing nonstop. Ariam held the kiss for a few moments, but then broke off when he didn't get much of a response from Rebecca, him contributing her lack of emotion to her mood. He then turned to the reporters and chuckled. "There's a kiss for your front page."

The lights in the room then dimmed and all attention went to Moff Vorru who was standing on a raised platform in the front of the room. "Lords and ladies, I have some announcements to make. First, I know there has been much speculation over the future of my career. I can safely guarantee I will not be stepping down as Moff of our great society anytime soon." He raised his wine glass for applause. When the noise calmed, he motioned for Elsa Everon to stand beside him. "Second, as you know Lady Everon has been a proud supporter of my campaigns. We are both proud to announce that my son Ariam has been chosen to take my place as Moff when I do become eligible for retirement." He made another pause when the audience broke into applause. "And for the last bit of news, I believe my son Ariam has his own announcement to make."

The lights shifted and centered around the cleared middle of the ballroom where Ariam and Rebecca were standing. Rebecca looked around, feeling increasingly uncomfortable at every eye in the room looking right at her. When her gaze finally fell back on Ariam Vorru she gasped and covered her mouth, for he was positioned down on one knee in front of her, holding out an open black velvet box. She found herself staring down a gold diamond ring.

Ariam cleared his throat. "My dearest Rebecca...you are a lady of pure beauty, caliber, grace and virtue. You have no faults, and I do believe it was destiny that brought us together. Everything you do brings me great pleasure, and I am blessed that you will be my wife."