Private Decisions... Decisions...

[Cesare Demici]

Lilianna L'lerim

The ship whirred through hyperspace, its trajectory set in stone. Destination... Aaven. Objective... well, that was yet to be seen. Cesare's previous encounter with the heir to the L'lerim name had been... unfruitful, at least as much as one might think. He hadn't eliminated his initial target, but at least, as a silver lining...

He had managed to take Lilianna prisoner.

One that didn't understand the finer points of his father's now defunct crusade might not understand the importance of this abduction, but to Cesare, he held in his hands a potentially great treasure. As such, he handled his "guest" with care, ensuring her comfort, at least as much as a captive could have. The small shuttle was lifted from an old contact of his, off the books, and more importantly, off the radar of the Empire. He'd probably be executed for this... going rogue in the middle of the Empire's conflict. But deep down, he did not care. His goals were his own, and procedure be damned.

He approached his captive, offering her a bit of food.

"Here..."

She would hesitate, likely, and he couldn't blame her. He knew all too well the machinations of a jailer. His mind couldn't help but to call back to his time in chains before his father's death. Nothing felt right. Nothing felt sacred. That pain... that... tribulation... it gave him some small amount of sympathy for his captive's position.

"I promise it isn't poisoned..."

He took a bit himself, just to prove his point. In truth, Cesare wasn't even sure of his plan anymore. It had all gone out the window some time ago. All that was left was his hope that he was making something resembling a smart move.

Would it be? Well, that would take time to find out...

 

[Lilianna L'lerim]

Information

Crown Princess of Aaven, Priestess of Ashla​

"Galactic Common" | <"High Nelvaanian"> | ["Essonian"] | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Objective: Survive
Location: En route Aaven
Equipment: Noble Attire | Ashlan Rosary || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tags: Cesare Demici

Most of my days were spent in quiet prayer; I still struggled to believe what had happened. Ashla; how could She allow all this? Or rather, what purpose could it serve? I had no answer, nor was one given to me. When I first saw Cesare on Serenno, I thought he had come to help me. But I soon discovered he was there for entirely different reasons on the planet and or on the university. I believed he was my saviour; instead, I became his hostage.

Why? I’d asked myself that so many times.

I sat alone in my "prison"; currently a rather uncomfortable room aboard the shuttle. The communications were blocked; I couldn’t use my biochip to call for help or reach anyone. My telepathic abilities through the Force were nowhere near strong enough to connect with another mind. Though I hadn’t seen my brother, Tancred ( Michael Barran ), in years, he was still the one I felt closest to. I tried reaching out to him in the Force, just like I had so many times before, but, just like then, I failed once more.

When I wasn’t praying, I tried to sleep, but there were too many thoughts swirling in my mind. I simply lay on the bed in silence. Our family had long shared strong ties with House Demici, especially with the old cardinal, Pietro. That’s why I truly believed his son had come to help. But all I felt from Cesare was darkness; even though the Demici family, like us, were Ashlan believers.

Who had turned Cesare away from the righteous path? When had he fallen? No matter how much I searched, I could not find the answer. Would he even tell me if I asked?

Lost in thought, I didn't realise for a moment that the door to my room had opened. I sat up slowly and turned to face him. When I saw the food in his hands, nausea welled up in me. When he offered it, I simply shook my head. I blinked in faint surprise when he added that it wasn’t poisoned. I know it can be oddly enough to others, the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. I suppose, as always, I still expected the best of him.

"Thank you, but I’m not hungry." I was far too anxious and afraid to eat. "Why are you doing this, Cesare? Who did this to you? When did Bogan take hold of your heart and soul?"

The questions spilled out at once, in a voice full of innocence, sadness, and quiet heartbreak. And as I looked up at him, my blue eyes shimmered with sorrow; sorrow at seeing him like this. Yes, I know I was naïve. But not so naïve as to miss the fact that there was a reason he hadn't let me go…

"What do you intend to do with me? Where are you taking me?" I asked softly, for I knew none of the answers.