Private Luminous Shadows

[Velda Nar-Donna]

WEARING: xoxo
WEAPONS: The Dark Side
TAG: Cybelle Sal-Soren | f.y.i Xander Blackmoore | f.y.i Brandyn Sal-Soren

It was a guilty pleasure watching a Jedi fall from grace, or from their point of view, become corrupted. To some others, that corruption could seem like an epiphany of freedom and embracing the decadence of power. To Velda, the perception of falling to the Dark Side was merely coping. And was, in reality, simply a choice.

In the case of Brandyn Sal-Soren he appeared to be somewhat entangled in the middle of that choice. He had anger, a bottomless pit of it, at least in Velda's presence, and in her opinion. Yet, he was still holding on to his dream. Ever the Jedi, ever the hero. And when The Jedi Order rewarded him with jail time and house arrest.

How long would it take before Brandyn realized the truth? That the chains he wore weren't those of the prison cell, but those of the Order itself.

On the other hand, Cybelle was an enigma. Now more than ever since Velda met her a while ago. Velda had a list of questions the moment she spotted her while she was leaving that doomed freighter in the throes of the conclusion of Exegol. Velda knew something was amiss with her. It wasn't until a short time later that she discovered the truth about what happened.

And yet, there still was that insidious unknown that surrounded the woman. Of all the things Velda, by rights, should have despised about her. The fact that she was a Jedi Knight. The fact that she was Brandyn's fiancee and set to be married to him. None of that really mattered much to Velda.

It was the fact that even to Velda, whose foresight was exceptional, Cybelle's fate was clouded. And that made Velda much more cautious than perhaps she should be.

Still, while caution was necessary, just not too much. Their correspondence had already begun through private channels. The exchange of messages, the calculated politeness, the pretense of civility—it had all led to this moment. A meeting. A day spent together, in each other's presence, rather than staring at glowing Aurebesh on a screen. And more or less an opportunity for Velda to sate her curiosity.

And, of course, Velda's interest in a potential vacation house on this very planet didn't hurt. She had entertained the thought more than once—a vacation mansion, perhaps next door to the Elyance Estate. A place for her and Xander Blackmoore to retreat to.

It would be convenient and delightfully nefarious. The Dark Side could take root here, spreading its poisonous influence and seeping through the very cracks of reality in the area and in the very stones of the Elyance Estate. Such delicious possibilities.

But today, none of that mattered. Today was for her and Cybelle. The pearlescent limo speeder purred as it pulled up to the estate's gates. Her personal driver, a shadowy figure who knew better than to speak without need, stepped out and approached the gate's security system. A droid appeared—standard security, no doubt. In time, the gate opened, and the limo rolled forward down the narrow, twisting road leading to the estate.

The limo finally made it to the parking area of the estate. As it crept to a stop. And its gull-winged doors came open with a hiss. Along with a step to make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.

Velda's brown eyes gazed out of the open doorway to the estate from her seat. While she awaited Cybelle.

When Cybelle appeared, Velda greeted her, with a happy and warm smile, and gave her a hug.

“Hi!” She said, taking in her presence. “Good to see you Cy!”

As for the estate, Velda would not be going in. . .

 

[Cybelle Sal-Soren]

TAG: Velda Nar-Donna | Brandyn Sal-Soren
ITEMS: Petal Blossom (Jade Bangle) | Green Lightsaber (Generic, Hidden)

Cybelle finished the last holo-note that she had tacked onto the auto-chef in the kitchen. There was a slew of them littered around the Elyance Estate for Brandyn to find when he finished meditating, though, he would be used to her affectionate oddities. She knew how he felt about being cooped up, especially, after the incident in the cave…So she did her best to make him smile. A plate of lemon bars was on the countertop, and the scent of sweet citrus wafted into almost every room. A glass cover would keep them fresh—But it wasn't as if they'd last long. The first note appeared on the glass.

"Eat me. But, not all of me or else!" – With a small rabbit waving an angered fist.

The one on the auto chef offered equally sage advice, coupled, with that same rabbit winking knowingly. "You can't eat spicy nuna wings every night…But I'm stocked with the ones you like anyway. You see, this is clearly love."

They would appear randomly, activated, by motion.

She'd stashed more than a few in places he frequented, often, changing the content. They could range from "you're this close to doing laundry for a week" on the banister to "love you to the moon and back" in the refresher mirror. Bran had been working really hard on keeping his mind steady and settled. On finding his path—Wherever it might have led. It was with that in mind that she didn't want to interrupt him when she was heading out for a few hours.

The door had one final note on the back of it – "I'll be back soon. Don't miss me too much."

The rabbit pulled down it's eye and stuck out its tongue to blow a raspberry.

It was overly sappy, but, Cybelle didn't really care. They had been through so much since finding each other again that she didn't want to miss an opportunity to communicate. Even if it was with…little rabbit holo-sticky grams. She also wasn't sure if Bran would even remember that she was going into town over the breakfast that he had mostly wolfed down. The droid network pinged to let her know that her friend had arrived and the Jedi Knight perked up while a bounce was added to her step. She emerged from the estate with a soft, welcoming smile, as mouse-brown hair tousled in a gentle breeze.

The Estate was peaceful…Even moreso than the homely house of Sprite Gate Shore on Naboo.

Cy was grateful for that. Grateful, to have some part of her history. Even if it was full of memories she couldn't recall. The warmth in topaz eyes was unmistakable as she walked down the few steps to greet Velda Nar-Donna and her smile widened. There was always something striking about Velda—Her elegance, her confidence—But Cybelle had moved past finding it intimidating. "Velda…", the name fell from her cheerfully, though, she hadn't expected to be embraced so swiftly. She returned it sincerely with a faint blush on her cheeks. Not from discomfort…Just surprise. Pleasant, surprise. Not everyone was so willing to befriend a Jedi.

"I'm glad you could find the time, I know how busy you must be…", the Hapani spoke, reaching up, to tuck an errant strand of hair behind her ear. Everyone was soooo busy. The Alliance was slowly migrating into a wartime state and even though Cybelle and Brandyn were still on mandatory leave…She still kept up with the news. "I thought that maybe we could do something different today—?"

She paused, blushing again, at her lack of manners.

"Unless you want to come in? Bran probably wouldn't be free for at least a few hours though..."

Cybelle thought it might do him good to see a friendly face, other, than her own and family. He claimed that it was enough but they needed some semblance of normalcy. She glanced down at her attire and couldn't help but make comparisons. Velda looked as if she'd literally walked right out of the Holo-Net while Cybelle…Could have passed for a primary school teacher. With a cream-colored blouse made of lightweight fabric and trousers that were a shade of muted green…The once "cute" outfit she had been proud of picking out felt exceedingly frumpy.

Worse than her robes.

Nervously, she started twisting a jade bangle that always sat on her wrist. There was a newer weight on her left ring finger that even though it was purely decorative…It offered far more protection. Her fingers brushed the cool metal before she launched ahead. Taking charge. That was one of the things they'd often talked about, considering, her tendency to defer to what others wanted more than her own wishes.

Cybelle breathed deeply and her smile came like sunshine… "There's a new market district and I thought we could do a little shopping…Then brunch? There's a nice new tea shop that I think you might like.", she paused, innocent eyes widening a little, "And me—I think I'd like it too!"

She didn't want Velda to think she was regressing, after all.

 

[Velda Nar-Donna]

​

WEARING: xoxo | WEAPONS: The Dark Side
TAG: Cybelle Sal-Soren | and a message for Brandyn Sal-Soren

The life of a royal is indeed quite eventful and busy. Especially when one such as herself lived the secret life of a Sith Lord.

Velda's gaze on Cybelle was uncharacteristically soft and unassuming, almost approachable, and yet her aura was surrounded by the mystery that she always seemed to have. Her smile only widened with Cybelle's comments about time and how busy she was. "That is quite true, I am," she shrugged. “But when I do find the time, I always find it to be time well spent, especially with pleasant and charming company such as yourself.” This was not merely flattery; she really did think that of Cybelle. But despite all the charm Cybelle had, and despite Velda knowing what happened to her during the Battle of Exegol, with all those details being known to her, there was a mystery—mostly with how Cybelle felt about it all. And what changes, if any, were happening to her right now, unseen. And how it, if at all, would affect her long-term plans.

Cybelle mentioned that Brandyn was in the home, and privately, Velda was thankful that Cybelle didn't insist on inviting her in.

She looked toward the house. “Would he? ...” Her head tilted as she continued gazing, as if she were really contemplating venturing in. But what she was really thinking about was how absolutely pertinacious he was with his beliefs, especially in keeping with the Jedi.

What would she say to him, though, if she were to go in there? Brandyn was about to find out, as her words gracefully floated into his mind, as if her voice was carried on the wind, thoughts only for him.

“I really do find your struggles captivating. I love how you presume that I'm trying to destroy you and your relationship, and then you double down and don't believe me when I tell you otherwise. It is quite the superficial observation. Why would I wish to destroy this? Why would I wish to take your agency away from you in making such grand and beautiful mistakes?”

“With all these things you tell yourself and convince yourself of—I wonder, is it just soliloquy, or psychosis, or perhaps a kind of self-hypnosis?”

“And what of your beloved? She had quite the romantic observation about her opponent during Exegol. Oh yes, I believe it was, 'Every wolf has a moon to cry for...' Something of that nature. I must admit, watching those events unfold, I was almost swooning when she said that. They were getting to know each other so well.”

“But what happens when she feels the moonrise inside her heart? And what if she comes to feel the consequence of everything that you've left unsaid?”

“I've watched from afar as you turn to the right and turn to the left, trying to find your place, only to discover that the Jedi won't accept your true nature—and you hold on as you will. Balancing on the fine line of your spiritual event horizon, caught between the light and dark, and you just scream into the gray.”

“And yet, in between all of this, you have yet to have one final, crucial revelation.”

“. . . YOU'RE THE SITH! . . .”

“And I shall always haunt you—in requiem, and in your dreams. But make no mistake... hero...”

The final words she breathed into the abyss between them resonated not as mere echoes within his thoughts, but instead wrapped around him like a haunting melody, her voice lingering at his side, timeless and unwavering. Reaching his ear, but she was not actually there with him.

“The dream calls for blood, and it shall have it, one way or another.”​

After a few moments of contemplation, she turned back to Cybelle, looking mildly annoyed with the circumstance. She took in a long thoughtful breath. “If he is preoccupied, perhaps it’s best we do not disturb him. And we can catch up with him at a more opportune time, as it permits, of course.”

She listened to Cybelle’s suggestion of shopping and brunch. “That sounds like a splendid idea! Let’s do that. I’m not so familiar with the city, and that means you are my lovely guide for the evening. So I’m open to go anywhere you find interesting!”

It wasn’t lost on her that maybe Cybelle felt slightly self-conscious about her choice in attire. The two did seem to come from two different worlds and two different lifestyles. Yet, she didn’t judge; she knew the life of a Jedi was one of modesty, but despite such reservations, Velda would offer advice on the topic if she was asked during their shopping.

“Shall we, darling?” She gestured toward the limo speeder to invite her in.

Once they were in and settled, and the address given to the driver, they were on their way. And she was remembering the last time the two had met...officially. “If I remember, it was here on Hapes when we last were together. How have you been faring since then?”

She could only imagine. . .​

 

[Cybelle Sal-Soren]

TAG: Velda Nar-Donna | Brandyn Sal-Soren
ITEMS: Petal Blossom (Jade Bangle) | Green Lightsaber (Generic, Hidden)

Cybelle beamed at Velda's warm words, her heart swelling, while she reached up to tuck mouse-brown strands of hair shyly behind her ear. It was impossible not to admire the way her new friend carried herself—poised, graceful, and seemingly unshakable—but there was something else that the slender Hapani found interesting. There was a quiet power to her, a confidence, that Cybelle often wished she possessed.

She made it seem so effortlessly as if their time together truly mattered.

It was a feeling that the little Knight was wholly unused to, outside of a few individuals. Mattering. Cybelle had done her duty on Naboo, but she had always held herself back from the people who lived there because they weren't looking for a friend. They were looking for a teacher, a leader, a savior to make them feel safe after the Cataclysm. They didn't want Cybelle. They wanted the swift Jedi Knight who would swoop in when they needed it most. That person…That person could barely be human at all.

"Still…I'm just glad you were able to come. I appreciate it.", she murmured thoughtfully, doubling down, so that Velda wouldn't feel as if her kindness wasn't noticed or taken for granted. Part of her felt a little guilty that she was heading out while Brandyn Sal-Soren was left behind, but she didn't particularly think he'd be interested in an afternoon of "girl talk" and whatever else they got up to. He would feign it for her sake…But still. Maybe, she would bring him home something. A sweet treat?

Her shoulders wiggled while she tried to settle. This was what people did when they weren't working, training, or on some sort of hair-raising mission, right?

Today was meant to be fun.

"You're right. Meditating is helping him right now…I really shouldn't interrupt."

Carefully, she brushed aside her concerns for the time being and accepted Velda's silent invitation to the limo-speeder with a happy little bounce and bob of her head. "I think you'll enjoy it. There's this small boutique that has the most delicate fabrics and embroidery. You'd look stunning in just about anything they make—It's all made by hand.", she explained while she slid in, perhaps babbling a little bit while her enjoyment bubbled over. "Not that you don't always look stunning—"

She blushed, realizing that she was digging herself into a hole, but unable to escape it.

"It would just be your style, I think. Modern."

Yes. That was smooth. Modern. As if Velda didn't know she looked like she'd stepped straight from a holo-screen. Cybelle blamed it on the extravagance of the limo sending her into a slight tailspin. Velda never commented on her inherent shabbiness, as if it was perfectly natural, just another part of their friendship and not a barrier between them. Once they were settled and the speeder purred to life, Cy gave the location and suggested a good place to park. Leaning back in the plush seats, she pondered the last time they had physically run into each other.

It felt like so long ago. A different time…She felt like an entirely different person.

"Has it really been that long?", she mused, tilting her head in obvious thought, unaware that all of her emotions played over her features like a little song. "Things have been…well, busy."

"Getting Bran acclimated after what happened, wedding planning, arranging time off from taking missions from the Order, trying to juggle it all without…Losing my mind.", Cy laughed lightly, though, a trace of weariness flickered behind warm topaz eyes. "I keep thinking I have it all under control and then someone or something reminds me I forgot flower arrangements or some obscure tradition that I apparently must follow. Like…Something borrowed? What am I supposed to borrow? Who from?"

She shook her head, her smile turning sheepish, because at the end of the day it was just a lot of colorful wrapping paper to hide the biggest present of her life. Being able to say "Yes" to the man she loved without a shred of guilt or fear that she wasn't good enough. "But I'm managing. I think. It helps to have moments like this—just a day to breathe, you know?" Her gaze softened when it settled on Velda again, eyes searching, but not clear on what they expected to find. "And you?"

"How have you been? Anything mysterious going on in your world?"

Cybelle's tone was teasing, but there was genuine curiosity in her voice. She couldn't really imagine what the day-to-day looked like for someone as important as a Countess. The family that she had on Hapes was dead set on her integrating into the nobility of their society, as the last Elyance, but Cybelle didn't feel like it was her place. She was a Jedi. She'd been raised on Naboo. That was her home…Not here.