Private Decisions... Decisions...

[Cesare Demici]

Lilianna L'lerim

A faint smile protruded from his face, perhaps the most genuine sign of content he had shown in months. His ungloved hands touched hers, and for a moment, a singular shock of light jolted through him. She wouldn't see it, but there was, at least for a moment, some modicum of peace within him. He still maintained his stoic demeanor, however, as he could not take any chances of failing this mission. Everything hinged on him getting an audience with Solipsis... everything was crucial when it came to confronting his father's killer...

As they walked through the ship, he would offer her a smile. It was slight, but clearly more genuine than those that came before.

"He will listen, should you make your voice heard."

Some time passed as they continued their walk, before he placed a reassuring hand on hers.

"You say he is a crusader. Tell me more about his views."

A brief pause followed.

"Crusades can attract a lot of different kinds of people to a cause. Trust me... my father dedicated himself to one. I wish to know his mind, or at least, what you can share."

It was a much less aggressive approach than he had before, but somehow... he felt more at ease as he shared this moment with her.

 

[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

I gave Cesare a sad little smile when he encouraged me to let my voice be heard, saying that my father would hear me then. If only it had been that simple. Ella and Tancred’s situation had been much easier in that regard. I sighed a little, sorrowfully, then glanced at the man as we walked.

"I can try, but it’s not that simple. In his eyes, I’m only the little girl to be protected, to be shielded from everything… the one forced to live her life in a sterile room because of the Sith poison that killed my mother. Every day when I woke in the morning was a gift from Ashla. Someone seen in such a way… I don’t believe he thinks of me as an adult, or treats me as one." I explained to the man in a somewhat sorrowful tone.

The walk itself was pleasant, though I had begun to grow a little tired; in the last few days, while confined to my room, I had lost my daily rhythm, and now I found myself more easily fatigued again. I knew it also played a part that I hadn’t eaten, but truly, I couldn’t even think of food in this situation. I worried a little that perhaps I might fall ill. It was Cesare taking my hand that pulled me back from my thoughts into reality.* My eyes widened slightly as I looked at our hands together, and I flinched a little. I wasn’t used to such things and I blushed.

"My father… the King… he is much like Lord Pietro and Kaiser Cedric were. Stubborn, with endless faith in Ashla, and sometimes perhaps a little too quick to make a decision; but once he makes one, it is very difficult to convince him otherwise." I explained. I loved my father, but I knew he was not perfect.

For a few moments I thought, for I too had a question, but I wasn’t sure how to put it into words. Even the thought of it left me flustered, for perhaps this whole matter might change and seal my entire life. Indeed, from the moment he had spoken the words, nothing had ever been the same again.

"I too have a question…" I began, flustered, my face turning completely red. "How serious are you about marriage? Is it only to be a symbolic wedding, a mere alliance that lasts only while Aaven is in danger; and when the Emperor is dead, we dissolve the marriage? Or do you take the vow made before Ashla seriously, and we remain married, yet live separate lives because it was only diplomacy? Or perhaps…" My voice faltered there, and I lowered my gaze to the ground, my face burning red with embarrassment. "Or perhaps you truly want one day to rule with me; and… and… you would wish for your heirs… our heirs to inherit the throne?"

The question embarrassed me so much that I didn’t have the courage to look at Cesare; but I had to ask it. Perhaps my father might accept it better if it was only temporary. I didn’t know the man’s intentions, I didn’t know which option he had in mind or perhaps something else entirely, something I had not even dared to voice aloud. Ashla, please, help me!


* Cesare will feel the same again, and every time he touches Lilia.

 

[Cesare Demici]

Lilianna L'lerim

Cesare nodded, taking in every word she spoke. She didn't speak like a politician, or a crusader, but rather as a woman truly doing her best with what she was given. In that, Cesare found a great deal of respect for her. Yet, his purpose... his sole, singular goal... still drove every aspect of his being... even while he tried to listen and understand.

"Pietro... Cedric..."

The names themselves almost drew him to the point of uncontrollable frustration, but somehow, through the Force or sheer will, he managed to keep his frustrations at bay.

"How pragmatic is he? Is he as blinded as my father was?"

A loaded question, to be sure, but if she had any modicum of understanding, she would know it wasn't meant to be a jab.

"If I present a path to an end of Solipsis' reign, do you think he would listen?"

In truth, he may find himself in a position where he'd have to lean on his father's reputation more than he would like to, but he would do what he must.

As she asked her question, he couldn't help but to shoot a look to her. Such vows had incredible weight, perhaps more than he was willing to bear... and yet... his father kept creeping back, as he always did. Cesare had gone down a darker road than he had ever perceived, but his values had never left him.

"Whatever my vows, I will uphold them. And as I said, I have no wish to harm you. But whatever promises are made, I intend to see them through."

He did his best to offer a reassuring smile.

 

[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

Cesare Demici​

After how Cesare had spoken earlier about the Cardinal and the Kaiser, I could not be surprised that I felt a trace of frustration from him through the Force when I said that my father was like them. I did not understand why that was such a terrible thing, for the Ashlan Kaiserreich had endured for so long, and the faith of Ashla seemed more widespread now than it had ever been before; not merely confined to the remnants, but spread throughout the entire Galaxy. At least, that was what I had learned in my theology classes.

When his next question came, I looked at Cesare in surprise, and at the word “blinded”, I furrowed my brow for a moment. I did not think of the Cardinal as blinded. For a fleeting instant, the thought crossed my mind... would Cesare still have said such a thing if the Cardinal had not been his father, or at least his kin? I supposed that was a question I would never receive an answer to. Somehow, I knew that even if I asked, he would still insist that he meant every word of it. A few heartbeats later, I remembered that he had asked me something…

It took me a few moments to think of a reply. Unfortunately, I had not known the Cardinal as well as I would have liked, since my health condition had not allowed me to leave my sterile room.

"Yes, I suppose he is like the Cardinal was." I answered hesitantly.

The next question, however, required even longer contemplation. The truth was, I did not know how my father would react to such a situation. Cesare was now a prisoner of Bogan; and yet, he was the Cardinal’s son, a man my father had admired and respected greatly. Not to mention that he himself was a warrior, and my father had always held warriors in high regard. And yet, the shadow of Bogan remained a great obstacle.

"To be honest, I do not know. It is possible, since your enemy is a common one and my father always listens to the crusaders." I replied truthfully, a little uncertain, yet hopeful.

Then came my question the one that I could not tell whether it embarrassed him more, or me. I knew that I was embarrassed, but Cesare…? I could not tell. Yet it was an important question for us both, for it decided the course of both our futures. I did not know what answer I had hoped or expected for, but what I received was far from it. It was another avoidance – one of the many he had already used throughout this day.

"That is not an answer, Cesare." I whispered softly, my voice was confused. "For there are several paths before us… and by your own words, I have few choices left; only you do. I wish to know which path you will take, how our fates will change in the days to come. Please…" Perhaps he did not even hear that last word, for it escaped my lips as little more than a breath.

All I had wanted was to know what future awaited me…