Public New Year Gala | Kingdom of Naboo

[Vazz]

Vazz was, at the end of the day, a coward. Ansisa had walked away, and his need for involvement had completely diminished. He hadn't responded to Damian much more than a simple nod of his head. Elise had made it clear who actually wasn't welcome here, and he had no intent of trying to convince her otherwise or make any further problems for himself.

He existed in shadow, as that's where he preferred to be. He turned to leave, only to hear the Vizsla speak. His ear twitched before a rather bewildered expression took over his features. Whether it was a real emotion or not was up in the air, though. "Miss Vizsla, I did not come here to threaten you or the people around you. I misunderstood what was going on, as it seems. My acolyte can be very.. Rude." And violent. If left to her own devices after Damian had snatched her wrist, it was very likely she was going to beat that man into the ground.

Whoever he was.

"You are certainly not a prisoner or something of mine. I simply wanted to let you know that Lord Malum would like to speak with you. I can bring you to him, if you would prefer?"

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira | Damian A. Drake

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

Elise scoffed at the canine, an almost amused expression on her face. Malum truly was chasing her out here? With her deluded self image, she was wondering why. But, she reached out with her Force Sense, trying to find a certain Force Signature. And indeed she found it, near the entrance to the garden. Elise's face became guarded and cold, as she spoke to the Defel.

"I'll find him myself."

Whatever conversation would take place between the two of them, it was none of this wolf's concern.

She looked back to the protector one more time. She did not know his name. She would have asked it, if she was not more concerned with leaving this entire experience behind and running to *him." Her face shortened considerably, and she gave him a sad smile.

"Thank you again. I won't forget it, friend."

And then, using Force Stealth and Force Cloak, she disappeared. She left without a trace, slipping away.

She destealthed herself once she was at the other side of some thick foliage. She kicked her shoes off. She had a habit of running barefoot through grass and dirt. And now, she sought that comforting sensation as she drew closer to the Force Signature she chased. She reached back, trying to pull her hood over her head, only to remember that she wore no hood to this gala. She shivered, cold and alone in the dark.

Eventually, her bare feet slapped against a stone path. She followed the Force Signature closely, and she found it. She looked down to path, towards him. She had little awareness of their surroundings in the garden. She held one arm with her hand, hugging herself. Timid, insecure, sad, she approached the noble, the king, in all her filth. A muddied, grass stained, wrinkled dress. Tangled and let down hair, half covering her face. Swollen face and reddened eyes. Tear stained cheeks, bare feet, cuts and scrapes from running in the garden. In her humiliating, serf class form, she approached him. She was unable to meet him in the eyes, blushing as her fears raged in her Chiss irises.

She looked down at his feet, defeated. With a slumped posture, she spoke in a heartbroken tone. Vulnerable, woeful, and with self loathing, she asked with her hoarse throat, "Why me, Malum?"

Tears glistened in her eyes, "What do you somehow see in me?"

She awaited his judgement, ready to be broken.

Darth Malum of House Marr Vazz Damian A. Drake

 

[Clarron Vall]

Objective: Conclude the evening, Epilogue



Pleasant though the event had been, Vall found himself curiously unfulfilled as he made his way back to the "comfort" of his fighter's cockpit. It was dark, and the other guests trickling out gave him a wide berth.

His clawed boots clack-clack-clacked on the duracrete path leading up to the landing pad. He'd accepted the invitation out of a hope that he'd find some remnant of what had once been. A dim chance that he could rebuild something like a life in what remained of the Empire, or if that failed, find something else to fight for.

It would be hard to imagine a greater failure than that he'd borne witness to tonight. So much chaos, so much petty tyranny or foolish optimism. Not one soul in there worthy to lead the galaxy out of its self-destructive madness.

He settled into his chair with a groan, grasping past one of the numerous potted plants that cluttered the TIE Phantom's relatively-spacious cockpit, for the stack of stale ration bars he knew he'd find. 1000-year-old synth-protein wasn't so bad, when you got used to it.

He reached up, undid several vacuum-sealed fastenings, and painfully removed the partly bolted-on helmet-mask that hid his features. Blood trickled as the implants responded to this invasion by biting in deeper, and his hiss of pain echoed in the cockpit. He sat it down on the control board in front of him, where it stared up at him emptily. He stared back at it, the cold, skeletal metal outer face and the ruinous mockery of the inner face meeting, gazing their contempt at each other.

He caught a glimpse of that true inner face in the reflective surface of the control board's sleek metal surface. He'd seen it several times, when he accidentally spied it like now, or when he could muster the courage to groom himself in the small handheld mirror that he kept among his supplies. Vall was no coward, and feared next to nothing, but he'd rather stare down the cold muzzle of a blaster than that mirror.

This was one area where he could wholly sympathize with the more extreme Mandalorian sects. He would cheerfully rather die than allow anyone to see that apparition. Aside from the surgeon who had cobbled his shredded remains back together, and one other special case, no one ever had.

He crunched on the bar as he leaned back in the chair, thinking. Just because he hadn't found the Emperor here, didn't mean he wouldn't elsewhere. He'd keep trying until he either died of old age, or something else got him first. If all else failed, he still remembered where the wreck was. He could always go back there, step back into the freezer, and wait out a few more centuries.

He sighed. What a clusterkark the galaxy was now. Really, it always had been, but with no one around to beat order and sense into it, it was right back to business as usual. He sure wasn't the man to fix it, but he knew he had a responsibility, a duty, and an oath to find whoever could.

 

[Kurayami Bloodborn]

Kurayami chuckled at the apology from Ivalynn, a broad smile on his features as he answered the young woman. "No offense was taken Ivalyn, from either you or your cousin. It was more a reminder that yes, there is more to me than one would gather upon first sight. You and your family are very close to my heart being as close to a second family as I have had in many years." It was surprising to hear her admit that she was wrong in this matter as it was so trivial and even more surprising that she wanted to hear some of the old stories. "Well then I'm always easy to find if you are ever keen to hear one." He did notice her checking the time and the sidelong glances traded between her and Raqos though he paid no heed to her comment as he set down his empty champagne flute and picked up another.

That look had said everything it needed to, but the worries of such things were seemingly dismissed when Raqos inclined his head and garnered an inquisitive look from Ivalyn. Kurayami couldn't help but smirk at the boldness of the man's entrance and was even more entertained by Rik's asking if those around her were fans of hers. As Ivalynn introduced everyone to Rik, the Corellian turned and nodded, extending a hand in greeting. "Nice to finally meet you Mr. Perris. I have heard much about you from Ivalynn, she seems quite enamored with you I must say. You two have fun, oh and Ivalynn? Don't do anything I wouldn't." He chuckled and winked at the pair at they set off to find a quieter place. Behave? Since when had he misbehaved at a gala? Okay so maybe there was that one time during the flyover at the Victory Day Celebration on Dosuun, but that was eventually a faulty astromech that the mechanics insisted had to be paired for that route.

Tahraqos Yvarro | Ivalyn Yvarro | Rik Perris | Ijaat Mereel | Mia Monroe | Djonas Vile​

 

[Ijaat Mereel]

Smiling at the whirlwind of conversation, he chuckled to himself. Kuryami had certainly become more polished and matured, but then again a handful of decades or more would do that to almost anyone. Idly flagging a waiter over, he took the offered whiskey. The Naboo stuff wasn't bad. A tad sweet, charcoal mellowed it tasted like. But what it lacked compared to tihaar was hardly a fair or unbiased comparison.

"How the times have changed, old friend. You have a family, speak with culture, and I lead my people and work to build and restore a planet. What would the old brass think of us now?"

Looking to Mia, he faltered for a minute, then spoke to introduce her. The exact nature of their relationship was undefined, so it took him a moment he disguised with a further sip of the drink in his hand.

"You might remember Mia Monroe here. At least by reputation. She is gracious enough to be my partner and put up with me. Which, I admit, can be a chore..."

Mia Monroe | Kurayami Bloodborn | Djonas Vile | Rik Perris | Ivalyn Yvarro | Tahraqos Yvarro

 

[Bastila Sal-Soren]

Wearing: XxXx
Equipment: None (Lightsaber stashed away...)
Location: On OBJECTIVE 1: In Your Heart Shall Burn
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren | Corazona von Ascania | Makko Vyres

Bastila was confused, albeit briefly, at her brothers sudden shift in the opposite direction. She didn't allow it much thought, merely laughing softly as he pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly in his one armed hug. She nuzzled against him, bringing both arms about his form and squeezing tightly in return. Bastila rolled her eyes in slight annoyance as he mentioned the ugly state of things, a notion that she didn't give any attention to. She did give thought to him, and how he was always so protective of her - but recently their relationship was so distant. Perhaps it was because she spent alot of time on Jakku, training and studying to be a Jedi.

Something he wasn't aware of.

Something Bastila didn't know he wasn't aware of.

As far as he knew, she was off-world studying on Coruscant or New Aldera - in some intergalactic studies program. She would chuckle softly as he swung her around to face his friends, or acquaintances and upright himself and introduce her. She felt his awkward adjustment to her height, and would smile brightly - she was growing up. "My sister. Bastila Sal-Soren. She's the pleasant one." Bastila wiggled free from the grips of her brother and bowed softly to the two. "Indeed, I am the more pleasant Sal-Soren to have to tolerate." She smirked.

"Oh pleasure to meet you," Makko said. The woman on his shoulder would nod to her.

"Corazona von Ascania. I see that you are the more fashion forward sibling - that dress is stunning."

"Oh!" Was all she could get out before her attention was brought, like that of others, onto a commotion with people she had never seen before in her life. She blinked a few times, not sure what to think of it, but these things did happen - even at fancy events. Maybe there was some kind of scandal, and some rich aristocrat was caught cheating - and the husband punched out the suitor? Maybe, but it sounded like some cheap Corellian love novel. She mused over it briefly before coming back to the moment, with Corazona and Makko.

"Thank you for your kind words, I really try to make the name Sal-Soren be associated with something other than his ugly mug..." She chuckled and gestured to Brandyn behind her. "Although, he does clean up well. So, maybe there is hope for him after all..."

​

 

[Djonas Vile]

Djonas would give his nods and shake the hands before him. "Pleased to meet you all. A colorful little group we have here." he chuckled. Seeing the clear war veterans standing beside the younger generation. It had brought back memories of the Confederacy. When he was a young soldier standing besides the veterans in battle. There was peace this time. A shaky one, but there was peace.

Ivalyn had gone off in a hurry with a friend of hers. "She's a fast one. Just like her momma." Djonas took this as the opportunity to split off with his son. "Raq, let's take a walk. Let me show you the gardens. It's got this view of the city that'll blow your mind." Djonas looked to the others and nodded. "Enjoy the party. But not too much, hopefully!"

Djonas started walking through the crowd, weaving through the dancing duos and tangoing twos. He'd look back to see if his son followed. Whether he did or did not, Djonas would still find his way to the gardens.

Tahraqos Yvarro | Kurayami Bloodborn | Ijaat Mereel | Mia Monroe ​

 

[Vera Mina]

"The fifty years of practice have most definitely paid off..." Vera complimented as she waltzed with him, her artificial mind drifting back to Nathan even as she executed the dance moves with wondrous precision, keeping track of everyone in her vicinity the way he was to avoid bumping into them... though given how fine she was, her sheer beauty caused a male dancer nearby to lose track and stumble...and the same thing happened to a female dancer at the same time. You have no idea how much this boosted her already immense ego.

"A legal career might not be as exciting as, say, military campaigns, but every once in a while, a case comes across your desk, and if you play your cards just right...and the evidence is on your side...the consequences of a ruling can reverberate just as much as a military victory..." she said, right as her expert movements successfully distracted a dancer many meters away into stumbling. A full quarter of the people gathered at the edge of the dance floor focused almost exclusively on her and Vulpesen ...but mainly her...

While the thirst meters of various onlookers rose, Vera posed a question.

"So tell me, Valde, what campaign stuck with you the most...and had the greatest consequences for you, personally?"

 

[Damian A. Drake]

THE ROYAL BAR - THEED - NABOO
Elise Ahana-Gwyneira || Vazz

Drake's gaze never let the Defel out of his sight. Upon careful observation as the Sith spoke, Drake could notice there may have been a measure of truth to his words. That was rare for a Sith. The Defel had no intention of harming anyone and simply wished to escort Ms. Vizsla. Still, Drake furrowed his brow for a moment. There was no way he was letting Ms. Vizsla out of his sight nor let the Defel escort her alone.

He did not have a moment to intercede before Ms. Vizsla cut in before him. She would find him himself? Good. Perhaps he could follow along and maintain a measure of security through his presence.

If the woman had not turned around to offer him thanks and disappear into the evening, remaining invisible to all the conventional senses. One word stood out to him. Friend. Drake lightly shook his head a few times before removing the thought from his mind. It was likely she would forget about him entirely or they would never meet again. Still, having favor with her may help him in the future if he ever had dealings with Lord Malum.

Something to keep in mind for the future, he figured.

"Hm," Drake swirled the champagne drink before tucking the handkerchief inside his tuxedo jacket. His work for the evening was not done.

Closing the distance between himself and the Defel, Drake did the one thing he could for the evening as he stood next to the Defel. He needed to test the waters and see what bites.

"This evening was quite eventful for the both of us," Drake lifted the glass towards the Defel with one hand, "A drink? It's on me."

Tilting his head and raising an eyebrow in minor jest at those last few words, the offer of the drink very much remained true. Drake sought to have the offer provide enough of a distraction to slip a small yet adhesive tracking device on the edges of the Defel's cloak. The strategy would only work if the Defel took the drink and focused his whole attention on taking it, even for a moment.

A moment was all Drake needed.

If he did not accept or did not pay full attention to the drink, this would not work and Drake would never slip the tracking dot. He reasoned that the Defel and Chiss keep close to one another, and, if he had the one tracked down, then he would have a general idea of the whereabouts of the other. It would make leaving off-world far easier and give him a measure of peace of mind.

But he had other methods of making sure neither were attempting to track him down.

Whether or not his strategy worked, all Drake had left to say to the man were only a few polite words.

"Well, may you and your acquaintance have a good evening."

Smoking in a ballroom or in the garden was poor manners and not ideal for how he should carry himself in these social events, but a few drinks and a fully-stocked bar was an ideal alternative as he continued his vigil over the ballroom and its proceedings.​

 

[Vazz]

"If you're going to put a tracker on me, I think it's clear what you think, mm?"

The Defel shrugged before heading off, disappearing in the crowd.

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum having turned away still heard most of what both Lord Zambrano and Lady Djo said, most of it was quite queer in his opinion, enough certainly to return to them and continue the fiery exchange of words.

If he did not have greater concerns at the moment, as he offered a backhanded wave.

He refused to meet the eye of any other patron or individual, even if there were certainly those of great note and station that in any other circumstance he would have enjoyed conversing with.

But at this moment, there was only one that he wished to converse with, only one which he wished to deign his eyes upon, his great mistake.

But perhaps too his great joy.

Of course, as he finally crested the ballroom exit, the entranceway to the gardens, he was privy to quite a confusing sight.

Ansisa was off in the far distance, seeming to be scurrying away, while there seemed to be an extremely tense stand-off between Lord Vazz and some stranger ( Damian A. Drake ), who he assumed by the uniform was some sort of security for the event before Lord Vazz as was his won't, seemingly melted back into the crowds.

Odd, but for the most part, not involving him.

What did involve him, however, was the woman that had appeared right before him.

Eventually, her bare feet slapped against a stone path. She followed the Force Signature closely, and she found it. She looked down to path, towards him. She had little awareness of their surroundings in the garden. She held one arm with her hand, hugging herself. Timid, insecure, sad, she approached the noble, the king, in all her filth. A muddied, grass stained, wrinkled dress. Tangled and let down hair, half covering her face. Swollen face and reddened eyes. Tear stained cheeks, bare feet, cuts and scrapes from running in the garden. In her humiliating, serf class form, she approached him. She was unable to meet him in the eyes, blushing as her fears raged in her Chiss irises.

He blinked, once, then twice, then thrice.

Still, no amount of blinking cleared his vision enough to explain what... this was.

She was in a sorry state, she was without shoes, her feet covered with dirt, and her red dress was both wet and wrinkled, covered by dirt and grass.

Yet far more important was Elsie herself, her face was puffy, swollen even, as best as he could tell, not from any physical harm, indeed the drying tear tracks, that were being maintained by a stream of fresh tears were enough evidence that it was from her ducts. Yet, the question remained then.

Who had made his Elsie cry so?

Dark eyes looked towards the fountain, a step taken toward the location, towards the only one who remained that could be a target of his ire, the only one that he could possibly blame for her current state of duress...

She looked down at his feet, defeated. With a slumped posture, she spoke in a heartbroken tone. Vulnerable, woeful, and with self loathing, she asked with her hoarse throat, "Why me, Malum?"

Tears glistened in her eyes, "What do you somehow see in me?"

Apart from him, apparently.

His eyes returned to her, question in his red orbs, as he turned to face her. Had somehow his words not made themselves clear, had they been misconstrued and misunderstood?

He bit his lip, what had he done to set this off?

Had he not been entirely clear and true with his intentions?

Did he say something wrong during their dance?

There was but one thing to do then.

His gloved hand found itself on her chin, gently tilting her head so their eyes met, and his heart broke, her eyes looked so fearful, filled with vulnerability, defined by their softness and hate.

Hate not to another.

But hate to herself.

How anyone could hate her, he did not know.

How she could hate herself, he could not stand, nor tolerate.

His other gloved hand, ignored all etiquette cautiously finding itself to her face, wiping away the wetness that had made itself home upon her majestic form, her glorious visage.

"Is it not so obvious, my darling?" He offered a smile, a weak one, as he was unsure how to portray in words, what he felt so fully in his heart, "I see one so pure and good-hearted despite all the horrors she has witnessed, both herself and through others, I see one who was willing to betray her own people, if it meant what was right could be accomplished, I see one..." He stopped, choking back emotions, as he pulled her away from the public path deeper into the gardens, knowing, he could not do this with witnesses about, "...I see one, who I cherish and long for, with all my heart, the only woman I wish to have at my side, the only woman I can lov-" His breath hitched, even now, he could not say those words, that would make this also so real, "The only woman that I care for in this way, the only one that brings about emotions within me so utterly confusing, but so utterly electrifying..." As he spoke, his smile grew firmer, his words easier, as all he felt were translated and made manifest, "I did not choose to crash on Archais those months ago, but I know..." He smiled a smile filled with warmth and emotion, as his own eyes watered, "...My life would be infinitely less, without you."

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

His hand gently lifted her face. Elise gazed into Malum's, fearful of his disdain. But he only gazed down at her with upmost care and passion. Sadness in his gaze, he lifted his other hand and wiped away her tears. Elise shivered.

"Is it not so obvious, my darling?" He offered a smile, a weak one, as he was unsure how to portray in words, what he felt so fully in his heart, "I see one so pure and good-hearted despite all the horrors she has witnessed, both herself and through others, I see one who was willing to betray her own people, if it meant what was right could be accomplished, I see one..." He stopped, choking back emotions, as he pulled her away from the public path deeper into the gardens, knowing, he could not do this with witnesses about, "...I see one, who I cherish and long for, with all my heart, the only woman I wish to have at my side, the only woman I can lov-" His breath hitched, even now, he could not say those words, that would make this also so real, "The only woman that I care for in this way, the only one that brings about emotions within me so utterly confusing, but so utterly electrifying..." As he spoke, his smile grew firmer, his words easier, as all he felt were translated and made manifest, "I did not choose to crash on Archais those months ago, but I know..." He smiled a smile filled with warmth and emotion, as his own eyes watered, "...My life would be infinitely less, without you."

Elise's tears doubled as they stood in the darkness of the garden. She sobbed. She was the only woman he wanted. The only woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Elise wanted to embrace him, but she instead pulled back a bit, motioning for Malum to look at her frame.

"But-" She blurted out, "Wouldn't it be easier to find a noble or Sith warrior in your own kingdom? Someone with better, well, assets?"

She blushed, shyly looking away upon voicing that certain insecurity, "And I'm no Sith, and I'm not that attractive, I'm Moridinae. Kark it, I'm infertile!"

She took a sharp breath, forcing herself to quiet down, "I don't understand! There's so many fashionable, more beautiful, women in that ballroom. I was shoving food in my face like a gundark in there, and-"

She slumped, stepping closer to Malum again as she pleaded, "You see so much in me that I don't see in myself. I'm a failure, Malum, and a lowly traitor."

She reached out, placing her hand on his shoulder as she poured her heart out to him, "My life... would be miserable without you. When I pulled you out of that wreckage, I had not known the flurry of new emotions and desires I would feel. But now I feel them, and I-"

Green vision came to her, when she remembered Malum kissing that woman's hand. She gulped, biting her lip, "-I'm suddenly jealous. Possessive. And it's dark inside..."

She bit down on her lip harder, her eyes looking to Malum's own. "You really mean it, what you said? About me being pure and good hearted? About how you want to spend the rest of your life with me? About how you only want me?"

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He thought for a moment he was able to wipe the self-doubt, convince her that she was all he said he was and more, that they would carefully embrace, cautious to make certain they would not set off her psychometry, and this would be done, that she would be happy, that she would know she was lov-, that she was cherished by him.

Yet he should have known the universal rule of the galaxy would strike him down.

Nothing was ever so easy.

She pulled back his touch, sobbing more, as she gestured towards her form, speaking such words, that they hurt his soul.

Yet, he could not help the smirk that came over his features, knowing exactly what he needed to do.

Stepping forth into the gap made by her retreat, his breath frayed itself across her face, "Easier? Perhaps, but nothing worth having is easy, I could have lived many decades perfectly content with some noble wife, and I could have lived happy with some Sith warrior, yet would I feel this, this beating in my chest, this fluttering in my stomach, this absolute will and desire to cross mountain and hill all in service to you? I doubt it, sorely, and my dear..." He gave her an exaggerated glance up and down, his smirk widening, as he brought his lips closer to her ear, whispering with a husky breath, "I have nothing to complain about regarding your... assets."

He withdrew, a cocky grin plastered on his face, as she looked away shyly blushing, with another stream of insecurities for him to calm, soothe, and convince otherwise, "You are no Sith, though admittedly that is for lack of trying, yet I knew that when I crashed on Archais, did it make me fear this? Yes of course, but here we now stand, and you need to believe me," his gloved hands wrapping themselves around her arms, compelling her to look into his eyes, which were brimming with the same cocktail of emotions as before, "I fell for the most beautiful woman in the galaxy on Archais, and Mandalorian or not, my feelings will not change," Then he grimaced, he tried to keep it hidden, yet that word, infertility, it was like a poison, that he still was uncertain how to deal with it... changed so much of what he expected in his life.

Yet, had not this entire relationship done that already?

"I chose you, faults and all, and though this is not a fault, and I see you as nearly faultless, you must believe me... I am happy with what we have, I am content with what we have, children... is it not too early to consider such things regardless?" He tried to joke, tried to jape, yet it was proving difficult.

He could not lie to her, not purposefully.

Yet he would do anything for her.

Including this.

He smirked, "You are right, there were many a fashionable and beautiful woman in attendance tonight... I assume... I cannot be certain after all, for my eyes never trailed away from you, for you were the most beautiful and fashionable woman tonight that I cared for, and I hope for my sake at least, that is all you intended, for I may certainly be jealous enough to track down and... have a chat, with any who looked toward you with untoward intent," His smirk transformed into a chuckle, a deep belly thing, something now he was truly able to joke and jape about, which did not make him so intensely uncomfortable, "And please, do not dare blame yourself for your metabolism, something you cannot control, and something charming, in its own way," He resisted the urge to roll his eyes, yet kept them still, this was a real insecurity for her, even if it felt like lunacy to him, he would respect that, the last thing he wanted was for her to feel as if she could not come to him with her problems, that she could not come to him for aid.

The chuckle ceased suddenly at the words she used next, Malum could not help but again have his gloved hand gently tilt her eyes back into his, "I became a traitor the moment I followed my Mistress into rebellion, it was to be the day that the Sith Order was freed from the immortal tyranny of Darth Empyrean, the immortal failures of Kaine, yet we lost, and we failed, and I became a turncoat as I negotiated with the Emperor to betray my own Mistress... do you believe me free from the bonds of failure, of treason? You became a traitor for what was right, I did it out of duty to a woman I murdered, you did not fail, for you remained true to yourself, while I... lose myself, every single day." He shivered, feeling her presence even now, swelling in his mind, for some reason balefully silent.

He breathed out softly, as her hand rested on his shoulder, bringing herself closer, as more and more words thick with emotions flowed freely out of her lips, "My life would be just as miserable..." He would rebuild the Tsis'Kaar, with only one other man in the galaxy that knew his pain, yet incidentally had caused it, even if... even if... Malum had signed their fates so long ago, he would rebuild Alvaria, yet never see it as home, he would have his family, that he had... not seen in months, "Jealous? Possessive?" Malum could not help the smile that fluttered on his face, he should not feel so happy with himself at bringing out such emotions.

Yet... he could not help the feeling of being desired, of being wanted.

His stomach fluttered, his chest tightened, and their faces were so close, why could he not simply do with action that he was failing with words?

He knew exactly why.

"I am yours, and you are mine, Elsie... yet do you not believe I too feel such emotions, jealousy, possessiveness? Do you believe me immune to the bursts of anger as others look at you, do you believe me immune to..." This was embarrassing, and there was little way to say it tactfully, "...do you believe me immune to the animalistic desire to protect the one who I cherish and crave with all my heart from all others?" He resisted the pink flush at his cheeks, was it strictly necessary to say all that? He was entirely unsure.

He had little idea of if he was reassuring her, or making this so much worse.

Yet his heart was in his throat, and he must proceed on.

He quirked his face at the mention of the last, "It is normal to feel, Elsie, and when Force sensitives like us feel, it has the power to move mountains, destroy forests, annihilate entire planets, it is human to feel, it is... life to feel. The Jedi would have us corral our beliefs, control what is entirely normal and pure, the darkness will welcome you with open arms, just as I have, for the darkness is freeing," Or at least the illusion of freedom, as another aspect of the Force led them astray, "The darkness accepts who you are, the darkness knows who you are, and the darkness will allow you to become exactly who you wish to be."

Her hands left her chin, as she looked at him independently, biting her lip in furtive thought, as her gaze broke his heart so, "I mean it with all my heart," The crescendo, the climax, capstone of a performance that was entirely too real, one which he needed her to know was all he felt and even more, for he could not watch her be in this state for another moment, "You are pure and goodhearted, I wish to spend my life with no other, and..."

He smiled, a hand coming up, and a figure playfully poking her nose, "...I want only you."

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

Crying, shivering, and blushing, Elise stood in awe of all he told her. Malum was never enamored by those other girls. Malum was just as jealous and possessive as she was. Malum looked at all of Elise's flaws, and he saw beauty. There was a slightly frightening intensity, at the deep hunger in his gut her felt for her. And that darkness he told her to embrace, she hesitated still. And yet, she wanted to follow it as well. Risk the awkwardness, risk the embarrassment, to be so, so close to him. Bound to him. Malum, her Malum, only ever wanted her alone .

Elise gulped, looking at his finger as he pulled it away from the nose her adorably booped. The Ajayid looked up at him, and she smiled a small but genuine smile. "Malum..."

She clenched her fist, mustering her bravery. "I..."

She closed her eyes, her smile growing, "I don't see what you see. But I trust that what you see is true."

She opened her eyes again, "Kark my psychometry, let me show you my gratitude."

She stepped right up to him. One hand gripped his waist, and the other laid on his chest. Pressed against him, the Ajayid leaned in close, her intentions clear as her eyes fluttered half shut. Her fears were dispersed under what he told her. She realized how silly some of her doubts were, when his infatuation was so incredibly obvious. He was loyal to her, and he cherished her, both the good and the bad.

"I cherish you. I want you."

The hand on his chest slid upwards, onto his shoulder. His words on the subject of betrayal struck a chord. He clearly saw this actions were less noble than her's. And yet, she saw past that. She saw a man on a path she did not agree with, but who genuinely fought for what he believed in. He had the power to enact his plans, and he had the iron will she lacked to do what needed to be done. She sensed within him, a desire. A desire to be wanted. A desire to be seen as more than the noble heir, or Ophidia's evolution, or House Marr's redemption. He was Malum, rapidly losing the identity that Elise had fallen in love with, and craving that that identity be truly cherished. He was Darth Malum of House Marr, the Lord of deception and lies, a shadow of the Sith... but he was also just Malum, no matter how much of himself he was losing. Elise feared, more than anything now, that she would lose Malum to the voices in his head, and that Ophidia would erase the man she loved. Elise knew that she had to do whatever she could to make sure that did not happen... for the man who loved her as she was, the man she loved for who he was.

"Did I ever tell you what I see in you?"

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

Malum could not help the gasp that released from his lips, as her fingers found his waist, the other pair finding his chest, and trailing methodically up to his shoulders, it was far from the most intimate act they had undertaken together, chaos, it was far from the most intimate act which they had accomplished at this gala. Yet still, he had not expected it, after all these moments of doubt, these moments of fear, these moments of inadequacy, he had never expected his Elsie to make the first move.

Yet like every time she did.

He could not resist.

He found himself melting into her touch, his mind growing foggy, his gaze softening, "Elsie, please, your psychometry..." His resolve was weakening by the second, as her eyes fluttered at him, as her lips grew closer to him, he could feel her breath on his face, the warmth, the solace, this closeness.

He had wanted nothing more than to claim her lips in the ballroom only metres away from them, when the eyes of the brightest and strongest of the galaxy would have bore witness to what he felt.

Emotions so powerful, emotions so confusing.

Lov-.

Yet now, now he resisted?

His heart was beating rapidly, passion, and anger swirling with every pump, passion at all this, this energy brimming between them, as their lips were so close.

Anger, that he was a fool, that at this moment he hesitated.

This was what she wanted, if he did this, showed her through actions what he could not show in words, her doubts would disappear, her worries melt away, her fears banished.

So why still did his mind stop him from taking the plunge?

He had told himself so long ago, on the savannah of Archais, that he would never lie to her.

Yet too, he had promised himself something else, that he would do this correctly.

She was in a vulnerable, emotional, doubtful state, he could not... he cannot... do this now.

Thankfully, it was her, who saved him from any choice at all.

"Did I ever tell you what I see in you?"

They were so close now, that her words needed to be nothing more than an intimate whisper for him to hear her entirely.

He could not help the smirk that came upon his features, "Was it not my roguish good looks? Was it not being able to play doctor on Archais? Mayhaps your hearts desire is set on the gloomy, dark, princes of darkness." He made japes for time, he could not extricate himself from this position, nor was he even sure he wanted to, her warmth, her closeness, her comfort, he drank it all in, yet something still wavered about him, the wrongness of this.

Yet could he stop?

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Jun Chiyo]

Tags: Jalen Kai'el
In the Royal Gardens of THEED…

Jun scrunched her nose.

"Visions?" she said curiously. "I've had... dreams. Sometimes they come to pass, other times they're just manifestations of emotion."

Her thoughts shifted to the vivid nightmares she sometimes had of her father. Whether they were prophetic or simply dreams of things that would happen one way or another, she wasn't sure.

"What did you- erm, see?" she asked, trying to avoid distasteful verbiage. Jun's logical mind found it difficult to understand how a blind person could see visions if they've never known sight as a sense, but she had to constantly remind herself of the metaphysical properties of the Force. She was a Jedi, and so was Jalen - the limits to which the Force could bless and empower its envoys knew few bounds.

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

Elise could not help the feelings of woe, that Malum was not pressing his lips against her's. Why was he holding back? Did he not see that Elise, so vulnerable and passionate, wanted him to cover her with his strength? His security? But the kiss never came, and there was so much weakness in her eyes. She did not realize that it was that very weakness that made him refuse. He refused to take advantage of her current state. It was a truer act of love and care than the kiss ever could have been.

Of course, he smirked. He flirted. He drew attention to the art of their escapism, and recalled the moments she healed him. But looking back at their time on Archais, some of the best weeks of her entire life, she knew that it was so much more than superficial flirting and nagging lust. Elise sniffled, closing her eyes. She had no idea why, but he would not kiss her right now. She assumed that it was the Psychometry he pleaded her with, but had she not just said that she did not care? She tried to hide the disappointment in her sigh as she took a step back, opening her eyes to gaze at him.

"I think it started when you thanked me for saving you. No one ever thanked me when I did something for them. The Galactic Alliance showed no appreciation when I turned my back on my own people and family to protect their civilians. But you thanked me, genuinely. And..."

She looked away shyly, blushing, "From the start, you complimented me. You flattered me, lulled me. I was drawn in, because it made me feel good about myself."

She started rubbing her arm, smiling as she continued on, "But you showed genuine interest in me. You were locked in when I spoke of Archais' history, and that made me realize, that I was being admired for me. Not a Shaman, not a Mandalorian. Not even a prodigy. You didn't see that, you just saw me... and that was when I realized that-that I wanted something more than just light flattery. I wanted genuine, real love. A-and I wanted it from you."

"And as we got to know each other, we just clicked! We both loved all forms of research and discovery. We both wanted to see a galaxy reshaped into something better. We both had dreams, and goals. And as people, we just mingled well. It was always natural and easy going, talking with you or repairing the ship with you. And..."

Her blush grew as she looked up to him with admiration, "You're kind. You were always worried about me getting hurt, and you value the lives of your men. You're compassionate. You never stood for blind cruelty and malice. You hate the scum of the galaxy. You're brave. You'll throw yourself into any risk, even losing your own self, to achieve your dreams. You're a planner, a thinker. You always have a goal and agenda on your mind. And you take action. You don't just dream, you do whatever it takes to make that dream a reality."

Elise shrugged, "Do I think you're misguided a bit? Maybe. But for all I know, the Resol'nare could be just as wrong as the Sith Code. As far as I do know, the Mandalorian people have their problems. Do I think it's scary, that you would cross lines I wouldn't? Perhaps. But you're like me, you're doing what you think is best for the good of the galaxy. You desire freedom, peace, justice, and security for all."

Elise stepped into his chest, hugging him as she smiled. "I wanted to be loved for me, not what I was. I was never as drawn to your nobility, or wealth, or status as I was drawn to you. Because I love you for you too, flaws and all."

Her smile faded, and her fears made her clench him tighter. "I love you. I don't want to lose you... to her."

She shivered, hugging him tighter still. "Please, don't let her take you from me..."

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

She was disappointed, that much was so clear to him, his heart sang to him, begging him to do what she so clearly wished him to do, yet still he held firm. She deserved so much more than him, deserved so much more than a traitorous, betraying, Sith Lord, whose very presence brought misery, that brought her danger.

Yet they had found each other still.

She had chosen him.

He would not be the sort of man who would make himself any more unworthy of that choice.

Yet he would never make her feel unwanted.

As soon as she took a step in retreat, he took a step in pursuit, wrapping a gloved hand around her waist, as he brought her close, his other gloved hand wiping the remnants of the tears from her face, gazing at her with pure desire, pure devotion, begging with his orbs where words had failed, where lips had hesitated, that he wanted her with a ravenous hunger.

Yet as she spoke, as words so touching, and so caring spilt forth freely from her lips, Malum stood stunned. How ironic, a Sith and a Mandalorian who thought of the other as better than themselves, who thought themselves to be unworthy of the other.

His hand tightened around her waist, bringing her ever closer, as his other hand caressed her face, his eyes and smile glimmering in warmth, in mirth, in unshed tears of joy.

"Even as I so desperately wish to return to those easy days on Archais, there were as many uncertainties then as there are now," Their breaths melded in the air between them, "I was uncertain what you would think of what I am, I thought I would face my death in the upcoming days upon Fiviune," He smirked one twinged with bittersweetness, "I suppose only one of those things has changed now." He was in constant danger now, traitor to half the empire, betrayer to the other half, it was selfishness that he kept this going still, but... but...

Was it so wrong, when it brought him such joy?

When he needed it like air itself?

"I have already spoken at length about all I feel for you, all I believe you are, how you are the only woman in the galaxy I desire, that I want, that I need," His breath was growing heavy, her lips were right in front of him, he could claim them now, and he so desperately wished to, yet still, he resisted, "When you saved me that day on Archais, when you nursed me back to health the days after, when I fell for you hard, when I thought I would leap into the unknown, leaving my fate, my destiny, to the Force, you were the only one," Tears trailed down his cheek, as he continued still yet smiling, "You were the decision I made, that whether I lived or died, that in my last moments, I would see your red eyes, that I would see your golden locks, that whatever happened, you would be in my thoughts, as you would be in my heart."

He choked back his emotions, losing himself, losing her words, she looked to him with such certainty, such belief, it was as how the Guard looked to him, how the Alvarians looked to him, yet at this moment, he could almost believe it.

"There is so much to be done, to free us, to free you from the malevolence that still haunts us, that haunts the galaxy, yet before all that, there is so much more that needs to be done, the Sith must be revolutionised, our immortal tyrants toppled, the galaxy restored to good rule and governance," He spoke of it, as if it was all so simple, as if his goals were not truly vast like the oceans, as vast as the galaxy itself, "In my lifetime I thought we would never return to Dromund Kaas and Korriban, yet, here we are, anything can be possible... anything... with you at my side."

He paused, as the last of her words reached him.

Wincing, as the parasite stirred.

His hands left her quickly, withdrawing, as he wiped the weakness away from his orbs.

He offered a smile still, a weak one, as he kept his emotions at bay, as the amulet around his neck began to warm. Breathing calmly, but breathing deeply, "She will never have me, she will never take me away from you." Their eyes glimmered with an orange glow, as red eyes stared directly into the red ones opposite.

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Natasi Fortan]

Natasi regarded Jenn Kryze curiously. The woman was fascinating, now that Natasi's rage-blinders had been removed.

"Well, regardless, you have amnesty tonight. I wouldn't dream of upsetting Queen Kalantha's soiree, so it seems we have some time to ponder these things. A galactic game of cat and mouse would be tiresome, but if that's the way it must be, then that's the way it must be. I assure you I have the stamina for it." The Senator shrugged, as if it was a matter of no consequence.

In truth, Natasi was deep in thought. The primary reason for justice was to prevent recidivism but the Mandalorian opposite her didn't seem likely to re-offend. Her dark eyes narrowed a little, and she twisted her bracelet self-consciously. Was she pursuing Kryze, insisting on some abstract justice for her own selfish reasons, some need to punish her? Surely she deserved punishment; Natasi's jaw still clicked when she ate sometimes. Marring the perfection that was Natasi Fortan must deserve some sort of recompense.

Didn't it?

She inclined her head, still frowning thoughtfully. To someone who didn't know her, she might have looked haughty.

"The future is always in motion, I've heard Jedi say," Natasi told Jenn enigmatically. "I don't know if we'll meet again face-to-face, Alor Kryze, but I have a feeling I will be giving you the opportunity to test your bravery some day. I assure you I will be watching the development of your clan under your leadership with great interest."

Natasi paused a moment, a secretive smirk crossing her face. Jenn didn't know how lucky she was that Dyrn Grav wasn't accompanying Natasi tonight. She didn't think he would have cared a fig about Queen Kalantha's peace.

"I ought to bid you good evening, Alor," said Natasi. She studied the woman again for a brief moment before sticking her hand out. The gesture was perhaps paradoxical to the way she had spoken earlier. It said no hard feelings and may the best woman win.

Jenn Kryze​

 

[Elise Ahana-Gwyneira]

Held close by her lover, Elise was lost in Malum's words. They both felt crushing guilt, eternal loneliness, and the weight of the entire galaxy upon their shoulders. They thought of themselves as rotten, but saw bastions of light, bastions of hope, in each other. Elise saw the burning passion and care in Malum's eyes. She was secured by his hold, and comforted by how he wiped away her tears.

He could do anything, with her by his side.

And she could do anything with him by her side.

Together, they carried the same agony, and lightened their burdens just enough. They were free together, themselves together, and stronger together. Not even differing allegiances could keep them apart. She wanted to feel this closeness deeper, and continued to beg him with her eyes to claim her. But the kiss she desperately desired never came. Even then, however, the previously self depreciated and timid girl was so much more confident now. She could believe in herself now, because he believed her. Held her. Treasured her.

But the question remained, would he be taken from her?

When he broke their hold and he declared that he would remain himself, Elise should have been reassured, her doubts put to rest. But she saw it in his eyes, and she sensed it in the Force. Other Force Signatures meshing with him, consuming him. The burning amber, like a dark fire, was partially hidden in his eyes. But she saw it. And it frightened her.

Elise stepped back into the hug, grabbing the back of his shirt as she teared up. She needed him. She needed him to stay with her. She closed her eyes, tears falling from her eyes. She held onto him, searched out his true Force Signature. Through the Force, he would be able to Sense her attempt to connect her own Force to his. Holding hands through a Force Bond. She hugged him, in both ways, and buried her face in his shoulder.

"I can't lose you, Malum. I can't. I've lost so much already..."

She held onto him, refusing to let go. Malum would have to force her off to if he tried to break away. Elise held on, her heart pounding against his. She sniffled, lifting her eyes from his tear stained shoulder.

"Stay with me."

Naboo looked beautiful tonight. The stars shone over the garden, as they stood hidden from all other eyes. Alone, they were allowed to be lovers, be soulmates, and be vulnerable. She did not even want to think of returning to the ballroom, or leaving their little haven. She just wanted to be with the man who was becoming more of a home than even her own people.

"There's no music here, but we could dance again. We could just walk along the garden, or we could stay here. As long as we're together. We could do anything together, couldn't we? But we can't risk the galaxy knowing. Not yet. So stay..."

Darth Malum of House Marr