Dawn | Vyra Silara

[Malok]

This was much different than home.

As his boots echoed upon the polished marble of the Palace, Darth Metus silently noted the differences. At a glance, the lives held by he and his compatriot were much alike. Both were responsible for the care of countless lives. Both rose from seemingly nothing to stations of enormity. And yet, Darth Metus and [member="Vyra Silara"] went about the days very differently. Simply noting the decor of her home told the story of just how different they were. As an attendant escorted the Sith Lord forward, he noted that the Palace had a distinctly welcoming aesthetic.

It was warm. Every fixture screamed inviting. Every color sang of comfort.

His own home, which was more Fortress than Palace, was a stark contrast. It was erected to guard his closest secrets. To shut out the Galaxy, where Silara's palace seemed to welcome it with open arms. But that was just how the monarch of Relovian was - as warm and welcoming as the home she presented. And, today, that hospitality had been extended to the Vicelord. With exception of a few meetings of the Viceroyalty here and there, the two had not seen each other since the deadly parade on Relovian. He had seen to her protection that day, but they never got to speak much beyond that.

Today aimed to fix that.

The conclusion of the Sith's journey through the Palace took the form of two towering doors of pure white. Once opened by the attendant, his gaze was greeted to a balcony overlooking the capital skyline. The hour was early, and thus the sun painted a dazzling display for them to enjoy. And, waiting atop the balcony was a single table, two chairs, another attendant bearing a kettle, and of course the Queen herself. The aroma of fragrance greeted Darth Metus as he approached, bearing a smile.

"You know, I could get used to this." he began, chuckling. "Thank you for the invitation."

[member="Vyra Silara"]

 

[Vyra Silara]

​

​

“To be honest, I should have extended the invitation sooner,” Vyra admitted, rising from her chair with a smile as bright as the dawn. The Queen of Relovian extended her hand, meeting his with a fond, friendly grasp. “Much sooner. You’ll forgive me for my faux pas? I could blame it on the wild pace of events since the Coronation, but…” She gestured to the open chair, taking her own seat once more. “A viceroy has no excuse to ignore her leader,” she finished with a self-chiding tone and a wry little twist of her lips. “I’m honored you took the time to come at all, especially at such an early hour.” Vyra was not a morning person, but after weeks of back and forth trying to line up their busy schedules for a dinner, they’d taken what they could get. Truthfully, the Naboo native had no qualms with daybreak so long as she didn’t have to spend it on her throne or tending to matters of state. Casual brunch with someone whose company she genuinely enjoyed? Very much worth the early rise.

The light of the new day bathed the balcony in golds as it pushed the shadows back, the navy-violet skies giving way to vivid blue with each passing minute. A myriad of green plants, tender grasses and fragrant flowers in large vases were clustered at the corners of the terrace, sparkling with morning dew as they stirred in the gentle breeze. The chairs were comfortable and adjustable, able to reform around the occupier depending on their seating wishes from alert and upright to relaxed chaise lounge. Vyra had hers set somewhere in the middle with her bare feet still flat on the ground, peeking out from under the hems of her simple white jumpsuit.

The table was set with humble white and lilac china, but aside from spoons for stirring, there were no utensils. Empty teacups sat warming in the sun, small dishes of cream and sugar at both ends, and in the middle lay an extravagant charcuterie board full of sliced meats, cheeses, boiled eggs, succulent fruits, vegetables and freshly baked breads. A thin layer of ice underneath kept the food and the pitcher of mountain spring water cold.

“I may have sneaked a roll or two while I was waiting,” the brunette confessed, selecting some fruit and cheese from the board and placing them on her plate. “Everything is grown and purchased from local farms, and the breads I made myself last night,” she finished with a coy flick of her lashes. “Much to the royal baker’s surprise. I suppose I don’t look the homemaker type? But, please! Help yourself, if you’re peckish.”

| [member=Darth Metus] |​

 

[Malok]

Though her eyes were a deep sable tone, they gleamed as bright as the morning sun.

The atmosphere of Her Majesty’s abode was splendid. With each passing moment, the Sith Lord found himself subject to a rather peculiar sensation. He could not identify whether it was the absolutely pleasant decor or the dazzling smile offered by the Viceroy, but Darth Metus noted a lightness upon his shoulders. It was as if the perpetual tension he carried was being eaten away - consumed by the warmth offered by [member="Vyra Silara"]. To be honest, I should have extended the invitation sooner. came the chime of her voice, coupled with a touch. She offered a polite shake; and in turn he graced her hand with a kiss. ”Nonsense, there is nothing to forgive.” he began.

Following her invitation, the Vicelord lowered himself into the open seat. He hearkened to her every word, though his sulfuric gaze waltzed across the spread. Though he had indulged in a cup of caf on the way to the palace, Darth Metus had not consumed anything substantial this morning. And due to this, every morsel before him looked absolutely scrumptious. However, before so much as lifting a finger, he returned his full attention to the radiant one before him. Her words alluded to the whirlwind that was aligning their schedules for their brunch this day; and frankly, he was grateful that they were able to make this happen. The Sith was at the point where he was about to clear an entire week just to make room for her dinner availability - before the stars aligned and a morning sitdown worked itself off flawlessly.

He smiled, genuinely. ”I could hardly say you’ve ignored me, your grace. Our schedules have danced together to make this happen so much...that I think you know what I have upcoming more so than I do!” It was clear that, though their brunch was just beginning, the Sith was clearly enjoying himself already. ”Nonetheless, it is I who am honored. Thank you for opening your home to me.”

Then, the Queen introduced the menu and Darth Metus immediately knew what he wanted to try first. Reaching, he claimed a pair of the rolls that had been tirelessly prepared by the Queen beforehand and took a solid bite out of one. The flaky, buttery texture melted upon his tongue immediately, eliciting a faint mmm as he chewed it over. When at last his mouth was clear, Darth Metus chuckled. ”You are full of surprises, aren’t you?” he remarked. ”Radiant. Caring. And an excellent baker? If you’re not careful, I just might have to bring flowers and chocolates for our next breakfast.”

His chuckle was punctuated by a bite large enough to finish off the first biscuit, which was promptly chewed over. ”You know, when it comes to my own residence, everything is imported from abroad. I do support the Rylothian locals as best I can, but I admit, I enjoy the tastes of my homeworld a little too much sometimes. You are a stellar example.”

He then leaned back in his chair, motioning towards her with his offhand. ”How are you?” he inquired. And though the question was the most standard of all time, his tone and inflection stated that he genuinely wanted to know. He wasn’t looking for a “fine” or “excellent”, he wanted to know how the Queen was faring since their explosive meeting. But just in case his meaning wasn’t crystal clear, he added: ”You haven’t...had any other issues, have you?”

[member="Vyra Silara"]