Prologue: Vos Nescitis Quidquam

[Valessia Brentioch]

THE IMPERIAL'S RISE: BLOODSTAINED
PROLOGUE: VOS NESCITIS QUIDQUAM

ON BOARD THE PHANTOM, VALESSIA BRENTIOCH MUST NOW DECIDE THE FATE OF HER BROTHER,
VINSOR'STAL BRENTIOCH. ANY PLANS VALESSIA HAD FOR HERSELF AT THE FIRST
ORDER'S ECONOMIC SUMMIT HAVE BEEN PUT TO THE SIDE. SHE CALLS UPON AN ALLY,
A COMPANION SHE MET ON HER WAY TO RAKATA PRIME; SUMIKO TANAKA. WITH SUMIKO'S
ASSISTANCE VALESSIA PLANS ON DISPOSING OF HER BROTHER. RETURNING HOME TO
BRENTAAL IV. MEANWHILE, VALESSIA MAKES PLANS WITH POP-STAR MARZENA CHOI
ON A FUTURE LINE OF FASHION. IN THE HOPES OF BROADENING SAN GUINEM'S
PRODUCTS - AS THEY STILL SEEK A MAJOR INVESTOR...

"How long will he be out?" Valessia asked Edra, her fingers curled up to her chin. Shifting her weight between her feet, looking over to where her brother was cuffed to a medical table. They walked out and sealed the door, walking into the cockpit, both sat down and Edra answered.

"For a little while longer, what's your plan?" Edra inquired relaxing into the back of her seat, both of them looked out to see the blue of hyperspace. Cin was concentrating, but on occasion, she'd turn her head just a little to hear them.

Valessia's brows shifted she wasn't sure. "I don't know."

Edra cupped Valessia's chin. "You always have a plan, Val."

There's a sigh, and it's clear whatever she did have planned had been wiped off the table. "I did, I planned to have the First Order invest in San Guinem, and I planned on settling right there on Bespin." Licking her lips she shook her head, "how did he find me?" Valessia had left Bespin refusing to let her brother have any sort of sway or influence over the Order, or how she operated on Bespin. Though she supposed nothing in life went the way you planned it, and she of all people she know about plans and how quickly they can get ruined.

"You're not a hard woman to track," Cin remarked, "and even if you wanted to disappear."

That much was true, she was a noble of Brentaal IV. Brentaal IV a place that enjoyed the deceit of calling themselves a democracy when in fact it was an oligarchy. The wealthy vote, and the wealthier control that vote and those at the top oversee it all. Even if she wanted to hide, she couldn't. She was too loud in everything that she had done, and when things were quiet - they were too quiet.

"Suppose you have a point." Val conceded as she put her back against the seat's edge, running her thumb along her fingers. "Still doesn't change the fact that I don't know what to do with him." She gestures toward the medical bay. "How long until we've reached Brentaal IV?"

Cin sighed. "Not long, why?"

"Edra do you still have Ms. Tanaka's holo?" Valessia asked rising from her seat as if she just thought of something. Edra smirked she liked where this was going, if they were going to involve a Sith, it was going to be delicious.

The zabrak quirked up a devilish grin, "yeah, whaddya got in mind?"

"Wait, hey!" Cin called out as she watched the two of them disappear from the cockpit, and in moments like this, she hated being the pilot. "I wanna know what you have in mind!"

Valessia approached her holoterminal with her all too familiar wolfish grin, slung around her lips as she turned her gaze toward Edra. "I'm going to deal with that speed-wreck once and for all." Her voice was low, in a dangerous tone as Edra dialed up the Sith. "Ms. Tanaka, I do hope I'm not disturbing you." Valessia greets the Sith Inquisitor. "I would like to speak with you, in person - how far are you from Brentaal IV?"

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]

Tygara

As chance would have it, Sumiko was far away from any centres of civilisation. She was also presently engaged in schooling an acolyte. Their arena were the snow-covered grounds of an island in the far north of Tygara. Once the Xioquo had maintained a slaver base here, but the old underground complex had been abandoned after the fall of the Underealm.


Here she had gathered the janissaries who'd joined her during the Final Battle. It was a fitting place for them to train and be educated. Over the past week, each day had been a gruelling workout session. One trial after another. Sumiko was a harsh taskmistress and demanded nothing less than the best. One acolyte in particular needed breaking in, for Qual'Zyanya was very proud. Above all, she had once been a noblewoman.


"You're sloppy. Life has been too easy on you," Sumiko spoke disdainfully. With both her hands on the hilt, Zyanya charged at her, performing a forward-thrusting stab towards her mistress' chest. But the Atrisian was already gone, moving with lightning speed, so that the Xioquo's blade only hit the air.


"You're telegraphing. I can see when and where you're going to make your next move." Zyanya spun and blew snow towards Sumiko's eyes before swinging at her legs. But the human closed her eyes and let the Force guide her, jumping over the sword before jabbing towards her opponent. But Zyanya blocked her attack and rammed her boot into Sumiko's stomach with Force-enhanced strength, causing her to stumble back.


However, the sensation of pain did not seem to slow Sumiko down. She could feel her acolyte's aggression growing, for a fire had been stoked inside her belly. Good. She would need it for what was to come. Zyanya came at her again, snarling like a beast, as she unleashed a flurry of attacks, but they seemed to have little effect as Sumiko parried, blocked or side-stepped out of the way.


Finally, when the Xioquo's frustration had reached its peak and she launched a furious overhead blow, Sumiko unleashed a blast of the Force and sent the witch crashing into the cold ground, as if she'd been struck by an invisible hammer. Zyanya was gasping for breath when Sumiko approached her. Snowflakes fell from the sky, but despite the cold the drow was sweating. She probably had a broken rib.


"Tell me, did you fight like this when your sister was butchered?" Sumiko asked mockingly. "Are you a woman...or a slave?" The tip of her sword was pointed at Zyanya's neck, so close she could feel it.


An expression of fury crossed Zyanya's features. "Go to hell. I am no one's slave, human," she hissed hatefully and lashed out with her power, calling upon her kindred element to send a powerful shockwave rippling through the earth. The ground beneath Sumiko trembled and shuddered.


Sumiko was caught off-guard and blasted away, landing hard. The Atrisian broke into a roll when suddenly the elf bombarded her with small, super-accelerated rocks. A rock rammed into her chest, another cut through her shoulder, drawing blood. Pain coursed through her being and she welcomed it like an old friend. Drawing upon her power, she sent the rocks hurtling back towards her attacker, but Zyanya seemed to have anticipated this and wrapped herself in her stoneskin, causing rocks to disintegrate upon impact.


Then she charged like a vengeful fury, launching a vicious attack in an attempt to cleave her opponent in twain. The snow across the ground did not seem to impede the fleet-footed elf, but then she cried out in pain when a mental spike was driven through her.


Agony wracked her being as it felt like her mind was being cut open. The sensation was only momentary, but she stumbled and her blow went wide. Sumiko knocked the sword out of Zyanya's hands and stepped forward. Her black eyes were cold, her lips smeared with blood. Her free hand made made careful, calculated gestures. Each of them caused another seizure of pain inside Zyanya, as if those fingers were boring into her mind like parasites. Her mental defences crumbled before the onslaught, leaving her mind defenceless.


"Do you want to relive her death, my dear?" she asked conversationally. "I can use my powers to conjure up your worst memories and bring them to life before your eyes. Again and again and again. I can trap you in a loop and turn you into a vegetable."


Zyanya tried to move, attack, call upon the Force...but she felt paralysed. "I hate you...you monster." she spat angrily. But she was still an acolyte and felt drained, so her rage was an impotent one.


"Do you? Or do you hate your own weakness?" Sumiko asked, tone still as calm as ever. "Do you hate the fact that you could not save her? That you could not save your people? And are now forced to submit to a human?"


"Not forever...one day I will be strong. I will have justice," Zyanya declared, tone firmer. "And all who wronged us will pay. You are as mortal as I am. If you think me unworthy, then spare me the taunts and strike me down, but I will not go quietly."


Surprisingly, Sumiko's lips curled into a smile, though it did not reach her eyes. She wiped some blood from her chin, then extended a gloved hand towards the drow. Reluctantly, the Xioquo took it and was pulled up. "Good. Keep your anger close to you. You must burn white-hot, but apply your fury like a thermic lance instead of a flash of wildfire."


At this moment Sumiko's comm beeped. She glanced towards [member="Illyria"] and gestured to the other acolytes. "You take over. Set them against each other in mock-battle. I want them to fight till they're exhausted, but make sure they're intact." She stalked away a bit to get some privacy, leaving small footprints in the snow. Then she pressed a button on the device and was soon greeted by a holographic projection of the Scion of House Brentioch. The Atrisian definitely remembered her. "Lady Brentioch, what a pleasant surprise. I'm about a day away. Is this a business matter?"

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

When the holo-image of Sumiko Tanaka appeared on her screen, Valessia threw back the heavy fabric of her cape. Adjusting her poise she then spoke. "You could say that." Her eyes veered toward something off screen, her lips formed a thin line, and her expression was something of deep disgust. In an instant, her facial muscles moved into something more agreeable and her voice sunk into her deathly low tone. "To be quite honest, it is both business and pleasure. I have something- someone, that I need to dispose of and I would like your assistance and discretion."

Her fingers curled into an elegant fist, index finger and thumb pressed together beneath her chin. "A personal matter has disrupted my plans with the First Order and has prompted me home to Brentaal IV. I am sending you the coordinates of my personal shadow port. No one must know you are there... Yet." There was something rather malicious in her tone, the Scion of House Brentioch was up to something, and what that was no one quite knew.

If her brother wanted to go home and speak with mummy and daddy, then they would go home. Only, she would be talking and they would be listening. Valessia needed to settle all matters with her family once and for all. Then, and only then when they were settled would she return to the First Order, to her suite on Bespin. Her eyes met with those of the Inquisitor, "I appreciate this Ms. Tanaka, I truly do appreciate it." And you, although the latter words were not spoken as she maintained her bravado. Something that at times could be more tiring than simply being herself.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Sumiko cocked her head slightly as she considered. Pretty snowflakes fell down from the sky onto the snow-covered ground. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold and breath frosted around her. However, the Force kept her warm, serving her better than a tight fur coat would have. The note of maliciousness in the Scion of Brentioch's tone did not escape her. Of course, the Atrisian was not the most trusting person, but she found herself intrigued.


Or perhaps she was simply 'intrigued' by the noblewoman. "I see," she spoke, then her lips curled into a thin smile. There was something feral and predatory about it. "Well, if you put it that way, I believe I can spare time for you and help you discreetly eliminate this troublesome person. We can discuss the question of my remuneration when we meet."


Illyria could be trusted to supervise the minions for a short while. However, Sumiko would be taking Souldrinker with her. It was best not to leave the sentient sword behind in case it gave the Dark Eldorai ideas the former Inquisitor would not approve of!

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

A day later, the Scion of House Brentioch arranged to meet with her parents. Fortunately, they were on holiday which afforded Valessia time to plan a few things. She wanted to get back to First Order space as soon as possible. In the meantime, she sought to work out what to do with the offer from [member="Marzena Choi"]. It wasn't so much an offer as it was something the two of them had been meaning to do and that was to design a fashion line. With Marzena's connections to Ms. Organa owner of Contessa, this provided Valessia a means of distribution and a way to get San Guinem's name out there.

Exhaling, Valessia thanked Cin for the drink as she watched the Devaronian take a seat on the chaise lounge. Edra walked by the pair, her reflection showed along the transparisteel that overlooked the city below. Cormond the capital of Brentaal IV was ever the mega-metropolitan city. It was still mid-day and the star of the system hung in the sky shining brightly down reflecting off various windows. Traffic passed just below the balcony, Valessia owned a penthouse that had an easy view of the Museum of Arts. She had arranged for [member="Sumiko Tanaka"] to be escorted privately to her place under the guise of a real estate agent from Lehon. Articio's doing, bless his little heart Valessia had done so much as to pay for the hotel. Pay is a little bit of an exaggeration, she had a 'friend' who worked on behalf for the Grand Hotel corporation.

As such she had her own personal suite at many of their locations around the planet. Sumiko was put up in the Grand Cormond Hotel, in one of Valessia's said suites. Today would be the first time since their arrival on Brentaal IV that Valessia would be sending for the Inquisitor. "Are you sure I look alright?" Valessia whispered to Cin, who rolled her eyes and replied.

"Val, you're fine." Cin leaned in and kissed Valessia on the forehead. "Relax, I'll go fetch our little lady friend."

Valessia rolled her eyes playfully and watched as Cin departed. Edra came to her side and whispered. "It'll be alright, Val. Stop your worryin'."

"This is a huge power play, Edra." She says softly to her life long friend as she walks around the coffee table, past the chaise lounge, and to the transparisteel. "What did the Dajaals say when you answered their call?"

Edra adjusted her black duster and looked at their reflection. "They'll send one of their attorneys over to finish the deal." She could see the uneasiness in Valessia's face, she's known this woman since she was a teenager. There wasn't a lot about Val that Edra didn't know. Closing her eyes she nuzzled the side of Val's face, burying herself into the side of her neck. "You'll be fine, we'll be fine. This is all gonna blow over and we'll be back in First Order space, where you can play the glorious villain."

Lifting her gaze, she tucked a hand under Val's chin and placed a kiss just to the side of her lips. "Val?"

Val slipped her hand around Edra's wrist. "Thank you." She replies with a sweet whisper, leaning her forehead to rest just below one of the Zabrak's spike. The brunette takes a step back looking into the eyes of her loyal servant and wondered when the lines between them had blurred. She scoffs, when did that ever matter to her? For a moment she contemplates going a step further but then she remembers. Cin would be back with Sumiko shortly. "How's the reconstruction on Paddy going?"

"The uh - um." Edra clears her throat and crosses into the office, handing a data tablet to Valessia. "Here's the final estimate and the report on what it'll take to repair him, turn around isn't so bad - considering."

"As if I wasn't already bleeding credits..." Valessia comments as her eyes all but bug out of her skull when she looks at the price. "There has to be someone better for the job."

"Short of putting out an ad in the lower wards' paper, I don't know, Val." She slips her hands into the pockets of her duster.

Setting the data tablet down on the Brentaalan turned her gaze listening as she could hear Cin approach the door. "We'll have to think of something better. I love Paddy, but no way am I paying that." She gestured to the tablet on the table and walked toward the door. Taking a moment to breathe, Valessia prepared herself to receive the Inquisitor. When the door opened, the Scion of House Brentioch greets the Atrisian. "Ms. Tanaka, welcome, welcome please come on in. I am so pleased you could meet with me on such short notice."

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


A day had passed, and then Sumiko stood the threshold of the Scion of Brentioch's suite, accompanied by the Lady's Devaronian pet. In order to blend in better since she was here under the cover of being a real estate agent, Sumiko was formally dressed.


Tank tops, jeans and combat boots had been foregone in favour of a classy black pants suit and flat shoes. Unlike a certain Countess this one also writes, Sumiko really loathed high heels. Her dark hair was tied back into a ponytail. Keen, intelligent eyes that gave little away swept across the suite when the door opened, taking it in. It was definitely a reflection of its owner's personality and designed to impress any visitor.


"Thank you, Lady Brentioch. A pleasure to meet you again," Sumiko said politely. Her Atrisian accent was barely noticeable. "I thank you for your hospitality. That suite you put me in is most exquisite. I trust you've been well since Lehon," she added. Rumours indicated that the Scion might be having financial troubles. At least this was the gossip that travelled down the grapevine. It made Sumiko curious whether the request for her presence was connected to resolving this. There was a pause before she uttered another word. "If I may say so, you look lovely." The appreciation was genuine.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"Thank you," Valessia replies tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. She motioned for Cin to shut the door, the penthouse wasn't nearly as large as one might think for a woman of Valessia's stature. It was small, with room enough for four people should they decide to share the two rooms. An office was converted from what had been a study, the carpet was short but uniformed in color - a monotoned ocean gray with just enough blue to keep you. White furniture accentuated the main room from where you could see the kitchen and dining room and the access points to the bedrooms and fresher.

Honestly. "I could've been better." Since they had last met on Lehon things have been something of a roller-coaster of which Valessia was now on the downhill of. "Please, have a seat, would you care for a drink?" She asks politely, as she takes gestures toward the white sofa that sits with the back to the door and faces the aforementioned balcony.

Once Edra and Cin move about collecting drinks, coats, and settling everything in order. Valessia gets straight to the point, "again I thank you for arriving on such short notice, I have need of your assistance. While away on business, I received a surprise visit from an unwanted visitor." Clearing her throat, "he's currently cooling off but I would like to have you with me when I speak with him." To put it plainly, "I intend to be quite assertive with where I want him to go and how I'd like to move there. Secondly, I am planning to move into my parents' seat in the Trade Hall and assume control of the estate, now at the moment my parents are away on vacation."

"When they return, I am hoping you will be there with me to..." Valessia put her hand to her lips. "To provide comfort and reassurance." Lastly. "If I am to secure my position within the Trade Hall, I will need more than just your skills and expertise." She'd need a show, a show to the members of the Hall and the Guilds that resided within them that the 'eccentric' child of House Brentioch was stable. "But that will take more time and patience, and as for payment."

"I've set aside a rather generous amount for our first problem, and the second will see you receiving a rather handsome reward as well." Snapping her fingers, Cin brought forward a case and set it on the coffee table. Opening it revealed credits that - seemed to number upwards into the millions. On the up and up, she was bleeding money - but considering she'd set this money aside as part of the deposit for a factory within First Order territory... Valessia was more than betting that her gamble here on Brentaal IV would pay off for the better. "So, Ms. Tanaka, are you still interested?"

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


"I understand. I confess myself intrigued," Sumiko said softly. "You had my curiosity. Now you have my attention." Her eyes swept over the substantial stack credits. "I believe I can assist you in this matter. I'm very skilled in the art of mentalism and can use it to persuade people when words fail or need reinforcement. I'm skilled enough to make it noninvasive while gently soothing over doubts." She presumed that Valessia did not want to cause her parents harm.


"Regarding the unwanted visitor, who is he and how permanent a solution are you looking for? If you merely want him out of your life and not troubling you anymore, I'm fully capable of wiping someone's mind or manipulating memories." Or turning someone into a vegetable.


She imagined that Valessia did not want this awkward person dead, since she already had minions who could have done that for her. Of course, the Atrisian didn't know the person in question was the Lady's brother. "But you say you require more than my...expertise to solidify your position in Trade Hall. So, what role do you have in mind for me?" It seemed like the Lady wanted to project an aura of normalcy and stability to make herself appear as a worthy inheritor. She took a sip from her tea. Whoever had made it sure knew the way the Atrisian liked it.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Valessia swept her hair back with one hand while adjusting her skirt with the other as she leaned back into the same chaise lounge that Cin had been sitting in earlier that day. With her feet tucked under her properly, she took a sip of her tea and took the moment to think about her answer. "Good." She could at least affirm that. "We'll need gentle persuasion and with your talents, I'm sure my parents' doubts will be put at ease, after all. I was one of the finer graduates from the Academy." Albeit one of their more crude, and unrefined talents, but a top one nonetheless.

"He." She pauses and looks to her servants, Edra, and Cin who work to secure the penthouse, pulling blinds from behind Valessia, and disconnecting anything that looked remotely as if someone could be listening in on this conversation. "His name is Vinor'stal Arhul Brentioch, my older brother." Licking her lips she leaned over and set the tea down on the coffee table. "Vinny was always a troubled child, and even more so as an adult."

"He's always had some form of instability but as he got older he gained a spice addiction, and had been in and out of various rehabilitation centers around the galaxy." She took a deep breath and sighed, thumb running against her knuckles of one hand while the other laid across the seams of her skirt. "But it seemed the more he frequented his 'rehab' centers, the more aggressive and unhinged he became."

"In short." She said with a sad look. "The man that tried to kill me and my servants on Bespin, is not the same Vinny I grew up with." Looking away for a moment, she's not exactly pleased with what she has to say but it has to be done. "But I need him gone, one way or another. He's got to go, he destroyed my personal droid and barged into my suite demanding that I take him to mother and father." Now she looked a mixture of pensive and crossed. "The moment he had been involved in the spice ring bust, was the moment my parents swept him under the rug and threw me into the limelight."

Rising from the lounge Valessia began to pace behind the sofa. Her fingers running along the back. "I suppose his plan was to force my parents to do more for him than just pay his medical bills." She stops and turns with her hands grasping the back of the furniture. "Unfortunately for him, it would seem I have a bit of a... force awakening if you will." She looked down at her hands. "It happened before then on Togoria. I needed people out of my way, and I was in... a hurry." No, she was frantic and in such a heightened state that her body simply reacted, she supposed. "At any rate, I sent him flying and with him down, we left Bespin, and kept him under heavy sedation until we came home."

"Articio's family runs a port here so we came through there, and managed to slip him into the morgue." Yeah, they might be using something a tad bit stronger than just heavy sedation. "I apologize, Ms. Tanaka. I didn't mean to discuss the entirety of what happened on Bespin."

Edra brought her a glass of wine and sat her back down on the chaise lounge. With the glass of wine in hand, Valessia thanked Edra and sighed, "as for the Trade Hall." She took a large sip of her glass of wine, and then looked Sumiko and continued to chug it until it was empty. Edra simply refilled it and Valessia took another sip. "I need to keep them at ease, with everything that has happened in my family, the Brentiochs are not nearly as high in the food chain as once were."

"My parents have done little with the grand Brentioch fortunes and their company is rather pitiful, meanwhile I'm-" She was stopped by Edra who motioned to the wine. Valessia kept drinking it, and eventually just reached for the bottle while handing Edra the glass. "What I am asking you, Ms. Tanaka. Is beyond reason, but you are one of the very few that I can see being able to accomplish this."

Cin rolled her eyes and threw her hands up, as she had been watching from the kitchen. She slipped into the room she and Edra shared, Edra noticed and followed the devaronian. Leaving Valessia and Sumiko alone, she only gave Val a wink but it was enough to send Valessia back to the bottle of wine. "What I am asking you is, is, if you would agree to be my significant other. Articio can work something out for the customs agencies here that his family is on good terms with and flood their circle with the details of how we met and where he met. Being on Lehon he would be able to fabricate a number of things."

Goddess, she was nervous. She looked at the bottle of wine in her hands and set on the table, the last thing she wanted to do right now was to remind herself just how much like her own mother she was. "You do not have to agree, I will simply have to relocate an old flame and hope to the high credits that she'd be available." Nervously, Valessia placed one hand along her temple and another on her hip. "I- I mean, I do feel, something - an attraction perhaps to you... Ms. Tanaka." She cleared her throat, oh Goddess this wasn't getting any better.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


And so our two ladies finally got a way to work through all the sexual tension between them! Err, yes, moving on with the plot. Sumiko listened attentively while Valessia elaborated on the cause of her troubles and what she needed her to do. The revelation that the uppity, disruptive manling was the Lady's brother did not faze her.


It was common among noble families to have an unhinged, disruptive black sheep who needed to be kept out of the public eye, lest his or her instability bring shame upon the house. Alas, Vinor'stal Arthur Brentioch had not understood this and apparently tried to commit homicide.


Well, she could definitely help there! "I understand. Well, I can definitely help with him. I'm glad his attempt to kill you failed." Of course, since Sumiko lacked meta information, she could not rule out that the Lady might be embellishing, though then again she wouldn't need to since the Atrisian was kind of evil.


"I felt the Force flowing from you on Lehon and surmised you were drawing on it on instinct," she remarked in response to Valessia describing her Force awakening. The elaboration drifted towards what needed to be done to assume control in Trade Hall. This was the part of the dialogue that gave Sumiko pause. Truth be told, she was a bit taken aback.


Another part of her felt amused by the fact that Valessia was clearly nervous and flustered. This was a stark contrast to the confident, even theatralic mannerisms she usually projected. Perhaps this was her without the mask. Amaya will never stop trolling me about this, she thought to herself. [member="Amaya Tanaka"] was a terrible troll. "I must admit that this a...surprise," she finally said.


"But it's not a dealbreaker for me. I will have to call my people to make sure things run smoothly in my absence since I did not expect to be away for long. But if that's what's required, I can play your flame. We will naturally need a suitable cover story and I'd need a rough idea of how long I'd have to say on Brentaal so I plan accordingly. I'm a good actress...and you are a very beautiful, intelligent woman. I'm flattered by your attraction to me," A thin smile played across her lips. Then she leaned forward and planted a kiss on Valessia's lips. Purely to break the ice and because they needed to be comfortable. It helped that she was a good kisser.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

A dejarik table kept Edra and Cin occupied while Valessia and Sumiko finalized their deal. "Stop pouting," Edra told Cin as she leaned back and smirked. "Your move sunshine."

"Not pouting," Cin commented and sighed. "You know for a penthouse, these walls are really thin. Kark you, and your horns."

The two sat in their room in a corner looking over the pieces on the table. Their room was decorated from wall to ceiling with various posters, flags, banners and cases filled with little knickknacks and trophies. A carpet bought on Belsavis decorated the floor while a work bench just beside the door was filled with Paddy's metallic remains. From the doorway, you could see all of this and the two beds that were parked in each window bay. Nightstands parallel to each other, while the bedstands were next to each other like one could see in a hotel.

Edra had a desk that sat against a wall, not too far from where she sat now. Cin's wall had model ships and model military vehicles. And the wall they were beside now was the one shared with Valessia's bedroom, and it just so happened to be where her headboard was placed. Each time the headboard moved against the wall, Cin cringed and did her best not to show her emotions but she could not simply push them aside. "Is she really beddin' this sith?"

"Not a sith, karkin' feth Cin," The Zabrak corrected and pointed to the table, "still your move sunshine."

Cin slumped into her chair. "Well whatever she is, is she really necessary?"

"Cin. Are you jealous?" Edra asked and then took a moment as she shifted in her seat, "fethin' nerf herder you're jealous, you are completely jealous that Sumiko is in there right now, and you're not." The Zabrak laughed, she tilted her head back and laughed harder hand swiping down her face. "Oh for force sake, Cin. You've been around Valessia long enough to know that just because she's in there now with her new toy doesn't mean anything. C'mon."

Edra just watched as the Devaoronian's face shifted into various shades of red, purple or whatever color they turned when flushed with embarrassment. "Listen, Cin. I love ya, and trust me - I've been with Val since she was married to that Dielan guy. It'll be fine."

"Think I'm gonna go for a walk or something," Cin remarked dejectedly.

The Zabrak couldn't let that happen, not with how Cin was feeling and what was on the line. "Hey, Cin. C'mon let's go and finish that bottle of wine Val left out, alright? I'll even put on a pot of caf." She looked down at the board. "Besides, you ain't got no chance for a comeback in this match, sunshine."

Cin looked down to the dejarik table. She analyzed it for a moment and then made her move, she when she did her eyes, met with the Zabrak's and she smirked. "Your move sunshine."

"Fething Goddess, Cin. Fine, c'mon karkin' poodoo of a dejarik player, lucky I'm not a Wookiee." Edra remarks as she gets up leading Cin from their room to the kitchen which is right outside their door.

Laughing Cin said to Edra. "If you were a Wookiee, Val woulda had you skinned for show," So the two turned down along the hall, just past Val's room and then the office to the sofa and chaise lounge where the bottle of wine had been left behind. Between the glass that was left and the bottle itself, the two friends got to work on completing it.

​

------​

​

It was certainly unexpected but not unwelcomed the kiss turned into two kisses and that turned into three. From there they moved quickly into Valessia's bedroom. What occurred in the bedroom seemed to be a mix of a lot of things, want, lust and perhaps the confirmation some form of mutual attraction. The one thing Valessia did make absolutely clear, was no play of force abilities in the bedroom. She wanted Sumiko and purely Sumiko nothing else, she had made this one rule while atop of the Atrisian, with her tresses of dark brown hair falling over her shoulders.

She moved it back with one fluid motion of her hand, as the light played against their bodies. Soft shadows along the wall, but to assume this encounter was slow and romantic one would be mistaken. While there was a romantic intention to it, this was motivated by several reasons. At least now they could physically be comfortable with playing the role of partner, significant other additionally this allowed them to work through the leftover tension and any feelings from Lehon.

At some point both of their bodies had given, expended of energy. Bodies entangled with sheets, Valessia turned to her new lover and smiled sheepishly from her pillow as she held it close to her body. "Atrisian, mhmmm?" She suspected at much but did not want to say these suspicions aloud - or be assumed some sort of speciest. "Suppose this wouldn't have been the first nor the last encounter of our kind." She snorted, Goddess that sounded terrible she turned away blushing. "My apologies, Sumiko." Her eyes seemed to have a sparkle in them, maybe something that the former Inquisitor may not have noticed before.

The sheets were very smooth, and silky to the touch and felt so good against the skin. They were colored with the mark of someone who fancied themselves an Imperial. Black with white trimming and red beneath it, they laid upon black mattress coverings, and white trimmed black pillow cases. Shifting up to her elbows, she pulled her hair to one side and leaned over to where Sumiko laid. Pressing her lips against the Atrisian's, there was a soft sound that went into it - and if Valessia was working herself up again, it would have to wait.

A knock came to their door, Edra. "M'ladies, Mr. Borsk from House Dajaal is here."

"We'll be right out," Valessia called shifting away from Sumiko as she walked to her closet for something to wear. "Have you served him tea?"

"Yes, he's having tea with Cin right now," Edra called through the door.

"Feth." Valessia cursed throwing her hair back, trying to slip into something suitable. Clearly, she hadn't been ready to receive the lawyer so soon. She was fumbling with her dress and getting frustrated. The Scion of House Brentioch would have much rathered spent more time with her lover, and before she could become anymore flustered with her clothing. A set of all too familiar hands came around her. Clearing her throat she tucked her tongue firmly in her cheek. "Thank you, Sumiko."


[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


As for what happened in the bedroom, well...alas, elaborating on the details would upset the kiddies. You see, dear reader, their innocent minds would be wracked with torment by the mere sight of a nipple. This writer can recommend a couple good invasions since brutal slaughter is family-friendly.


Suffice to say both Valessia and Sumiko were rather willful women and this translated into a dance of passion. Want, lust, mutual attraction and a had lot of sexual energy that had been pent up since Lehon made for a rather erotic mixture.


At the end of it, both were spent, baked in sweat and thoroughly satisfied. Their limbs were entangled, their bodies obscured by smooth, silky sheets that felt heavenly against your skin. The Imperial mark on the sheets did not escape the former spook's attention. "Well, that was lovely," Sumiko remarked, sounding quite pleased.


"Yes, Atrisian. I imagine the tea gave it away," she said dryly, chuckling. The former Inquisitor was not the type to cuddle, but she shifted towards Valessia and eagerly returned the kiss when the aristocrat pressed her lips against hers. She soon deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue into the woman's mouth. Soon she was massaging Valessia's tongue with hers...but then the knock on the door brought the dance to an abrupt halt before it could even begin.


Sumiko felt something close to an annoyance, but soon composed herself and got up, looking for something appropriate to wear. "Nothing to thank for, dear," she purred when she appeared behind Valessia. The warmth of her breath brushed against the noblewoman's ear like a caress. Her hands stroked across her shoulders before helping Valessia put her hair in order. "Well, I'll get dressed. Do you have something suitable? Who is this manling you...we...are meeting?"

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Valessia looked her partner over and replied. "I do, a few things actually." She walked into her closet which was a fraction of the size of the one she owned on Bespin. Going through it, she pulled out a few suits and laid them on the bed, "these are beautiful and they should show you as a confident agent of your trade." Looking herself over in the vanity she sat down to it and began to reapply a fresh round of cosmetics. "We met on Lehon, Articio Rufigioni introduced us. The Rufigioni's are a branch from the Curovao line and manage customs throughout the world. They are allied with, or had been allied with our family. Although our family has done little but decline over the past few generations."

A sigh as she informed Sumiko of who they were meeting. "Mr. Borsk Lya'Fey. A Bothan attorney who has worked for the Dajaals for quite sometime." Flattening her own dress out she continued on. "The Dajaals have their hands in a variety of services, equity, stock, distribution, recreational activities. They're what we like to call a jack house, jacks of all trades - master of few." It was a small inside joke, "now they are above us in stature and prestige, something my mother never quite liked... My mother."

"My mother." Valessia remarked with a smirk and a shake of her head, "always had her ace in the hole." She eyed Sumiko from the mirror's view, "me." As she leaned in to apply some eye makeup. The Scion continued to explain. "I am the daughter of House Kallea's former patriarch, you see he had a thing for younger women and my mother being at least." She put her brush down and thought it over for a moment, "well at least twice his junior, I could be exaggerating the man is a fossil at this point in his life. He's kept alive so that the Kallea house might seek his wisdom." She scoffed, "just let the old thing die already."

"Now, you, my dear will be up against plenty of opposition. You're an Atrisian, and that will work for and against you. People will surely look your family up and wonder about them," Looking herself over once more she turned to her jewelry box. "Next, I will have Articio speak of us. We met at Lehon, I was there to survey some property you were my agent and that is how we met."

Standing up, Valessia squared her shoulders and looked herself over in the floor length mirror beside the vanity. Seeing Sumiko appear behind her, she was reminded. "Here, you'll need these." She moved to the rotating shelf of shoes. Grabbing a lovely pair of 'suit heels,' she handed them to Sumiko. "I've always had a preference for those taller than me, and I rarely wear heels while here on Brentaal, but you will need to play up to that."

The heels would give Sumiko at least two inches of height. This was both for professional and personal reasons, Valessia quivered with a few thoughts and then. "Oh, and my mother, her name is Carmina. She came from a lesser house, her family the Irachions. The Irachions manage the production of duracrete, and are heavily invested in various construction alliances and factions here on Brentaal IV. My father, Aruhl is a rather obstinate and dull man. Especially for conversations, he is a second generation owner of Luxem Velum. Where he 'prides' himself on handcrafted luxury liners. He hasn't managed a sale of a single liner in years. The only person around this family who sells anything is my mother."

"My father had quite the reputation of a spoiled child, and as such, my brother inherited everything about him." Valessia rolled her eyes as she adjusted parts of Sumiko's suit. "If Mr. Borsk asks about my brother, he's in a rehabilitation center somewhere on a coreworld. We're not sure where because my parents are very discrete about his actions."

With that Valessia held out her arm, "shall we?"

-----​

​

They sat in the dining room, which was as formal as one could get in a private penthouse. Valessia sat at the head of the table with Sumiko on her right, and Edra on her left. Cinica would play the part of the butler for now. Mr. Horne, an attorney on behalf of the Brentioch family arrived while Valessia had been getting ready. He sat next to Edra, while Mr. Borsk sat the other end of the table. "Mr. Borsk, may I present to you, my partner. Ms. Sumiko Tanaka. Mr. Horne let it show for the record that Ms. Tanaka is here to act as a witness on behalf of my interests."

"Good." Mr. Horne remarked, "Mr. Borsk, may I presume that the Dajaals have sent you here alone?"

"Of course." The Bothan acknowledged. "The Dajaals regret that they cannot be here, but as you can understand, their eldest daughter Yvaine has come down with quite the mental break."

Valessia's lips tightened and placed a hand splayed against her chest. "It breaks my heart to hear such a thing, Yvaine and I were so close."

The Bothan nodded, "indeed, you two were as thick as thieves. We had hoped and by we, I do mean the Bothan Guild of Law, had hoped the two of you would become partners. It would've been a very agreeable arrangement for both families." Adjusting his glasses the lawyer took out his case and placed it on the table, and began to take out various data tablets. "However that is not why I am here, I am here to present to you the final contracts on behalf of the Dajaals."

Mr. Horne received the tablets and began to look them over, motioning for Valessia to read them over with him. Cinica addressed Mr. Borsk's needs and sought to attend to them whenever necessary taking her cues from Edra. Speaking of, the Zabrak excused herself as she headed for the office. It was not unusual for someone to get a recording device and that is exactly what Edra was doing, adjusting the recording device in the office so that they could get more of the conversation.

While Mr. Horne and Valessia went over documentation, Mr. Borsk looked squarely at Ms. Tanaka. "Sumiko Tanaka, is it?" He inquired as he took a sip of the tea, "Atrisian, which - explains the tea." The Bothan held an even smile, "so what has attracted you to Ms. Brentioch, and where did you two meet might I ask?"

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


So they sat together in the dining room. Valessia, Sumiko, Edra, the Brentioch Family's attorney and Mr. Horne the Bothan. The roles they played were clearly defined. This was all part of the Game. A game that was being played for high stakes. "I'm sorry about your friend. I know how dear she is to you, honey," Sumiko said softly, speaking in a voice that seemed suffused in compassion and understanding.


Her speech patterns and mannerisms seemed to have changed once the pair returned from the bedroom. Usually she spoke with a slight Atrisian accent. Not a particularly noticeable one, but now it was gone entirely. Instead she spoke in flawless, coreward Basic. As snobbish as it sounded, language and speech could say a lot about your class and social strata. The so called Rimkin were looked down upon by the inhabitants of the Core. Hence why even aristocrats from the Outer Rim tried to sound like Coruscanti or Alderaanian highborn.


She reached out to gently pat Valessia's hand, showing her support. Her expression did not waver when the Bothan went on about how close the Scion and Yvaine had been and how unfortunate the woman's fate was. Her stance projected confidence, but not overbearingly. She was letting Valessia taking the lead.


"Yes, Sumiko Tanaka," she said in response when the alien addressed while Valessia saw to the contract. "I first met Valessia on Lehon. She was surveying some property on one of the islands and I was her agent since I'm very familiar with real estate on the planet. Articio - that is Articio Rufigioni - introduced us. A very capable, efficient fellow, if I may say so," she said with a slight chuckle.


"We spent plenty of time together surveying vacation homes, visiting some of the recently excavated Rakatan ruins...and, as they say, one thing led to another. We both have a private passion for archeology. As for why I'm attracted to her, well, I'm biased, but it's difficult for me to imagine not being attracted to her," she snuck an adoring glance at Valessia. It was brief enough to avoid appearing clingy.


"She's a very beautiful, intelligent woman and above all, she has drive and passion. When she wants something, she'll achieve it," she said with a smile. "And that little thing you call charisma. I could go on gushing about her for ages, but she's sitting a couple metres away from us and I don't want to embarrass her."

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

The Bothan chuckled understandingly so, Mr. Borsk replied to Ms. Tanaka in a very professional tone if ever slighted due to his affiliations with the Dajaal family. "It is true, Ms. Brentioch was voted most popular at the Commerce Academy three years in a row, would have been four if not for Yvaine." He adds with a wink toward Valessia. "Vacation homes?" He questions adjusting his cup of tea, looking down the table toward Valessia. "After your purchase of the suite on Bespin, I would have thought you done with your equity investments."

Valessia was now ever more grateful for having brought Sumiko on. She had indeed caught the look from Sumiko and perhaps smiled in return but now she addressed the Bothan. "I believe in a diverse portfolio, Mr. Borsk and like my mother before me I am not afraid to take on a little risk." Taking one of the contracts she placed it squarely in front of Sumiko. "Ms. Tanaka if you will read over the tablet and confirm that this indeed the signing of Yvaine's ownership of a resort here on Brentaal in addition to her forfeit of shares to a Curovao owned shipping company?"

Mr. Borsk smiled and then watched as Valessia took the tablet back. "I, Valessia Kallea Brentioch hereby agree to this contract and with Sumiko Tanaka as my witness hereby accept the details of this contract and all that it affords me and my company. Do you acknowledge this Mr. Horne? Mr. Borsk?"

"On behalf of the Brentioch House, I hereby acknowledge this." Mr. Horne replied, and then looked down toward Mr. Borsk.

"On behalf of the Dajaal House, I hereby acknowledge this." Mr. Borsk added, and then the tablet was sent back down to him.

There were at least two other data tablets to look over, and so Valessia and Mr. Horne returned to reading and discussing the assets that were at stake, while Mr. Borsk was served a small snack. After all, he was the guest here at the home, and Cinica was doing her best to resist the urge to slap him. He'd been elbowing her since the minute he got here, she was only ever so relieved to be free of the duty when Edra traded places with her.

"Ms. Tanaka, I must say your basic is very becoming from someone who grew up along the Rim." He commented, goading to see how well mannered she was and how she would respond. "Tell me how did you get into the real estate business?" He noted the mentionings of archaeology and ruins. "You know, Ms. Brentioch here has had quite the knack for getting herself into trouble around ruins."

Hearing this, Mr. Horne raised his head and then his brow, and perhaps his voice if only by an octave. "Mr. Borsk, I would kindly ask that you not discuss this in front of my client and her partner."

Valessia was now irked, she looked between them both. "Discuss what, exactly?"

"Nothing, my dear. Mr. Horne is absolutely correct, besides I would hate to disrupt our contract session now, but perhaps we can meet privately?" The Bothan was stretching now, trying to gauge a lot more than just reactions. He wanted to know how far Valessia would, how far Mr. Horne would go, and what exactly did House Brentioch stand to gain from this incessant legal action against House Dajaal.

Mr. Horne adjusted his suit. "Mr. Borsk, may the record show that this now my second objection to this. You will refrain from instigating any sort of response or reaction from Ms. Brentioch and her partner. We are here to finalize the forfeit of property and assets from one Yvaine Dajaal to one Valessia Brentioch, after Ms. Dajaal has so wounded Ms. Brentioch her former business associate."

"I will refrain, as asked Mr. Horne, and I do apologize. It's just, if I may, Ms. Brentioch." The Bothan took off his glasses and looked between the three opposite of him. "The timing of all of this is rather, interesting, don't you think. Are you planning on running for a position within the chamber of commerce?"

Valessia's eyes widened, she looked to her lawyer. She was more in a state of shock, no one was ever so upfront. It was never recommended if you wanted to play the game you didn't throw all your cards on the table. It seemed Mr. Borsk had little understanding of it. Not that Valessia could really see how he could play it, the game was often played between the rival noble houses but scarcely understood by those outside of it. Although most of the noble houses, even lesser houses had their service members trained properly.

"Do not answer that, and do not answer any of his questions. Mr. Borsk you will address me and me alone, are we clear?" Mr. Horne demanded, "if you will not comply with this simple request then I will have to speak with your Guild Officers, and House Dajaal's primary attorney."

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Needless to say Sumiko was not experienced in the Great Game of Brentaal. She had visited many planets during her time as an agent of the Atrisian Empire, but never this world. However, this did not mean she was wholly out of her depth. The internal politics of the Inquisition had been just as messier. Probably even messier. You always had to be on guard against a knife in the back. The covenant pledged loyalty to an Empire that both feared and needed their kind. It had been a dangerous dance...and ended with the Great Purge.


Thus it did not take her long to realise that Borsk was trying to goad her or Valessia into some sort of reaction that would reflect negatively on them. She was a foreigner, which was a mark against her, Valessia was supposed to be branded as irresponsible and incapable.


"Thank you. I went to a boarding school on Coruscant. My parents wanted me to broaden my horizons. Atrisia's not part of the Core, but culturally we've had more in common with it than the rim. It's made us a bastion of civilisation against our western neighbours," she remarked, expression placcid.


"One of my aunts is into real estate. You could say I picked up the knack for the business and property law from her. I like helping people fulfil their dreams, and one of the ways is through a beautiful home tailored to them. Moreover, I like to travel, am good at making bargains and have an eye for quality."


Then Borskr shot off his arrow when he made the remark about Valessia getting into trouble in ruins. However, Mr. Horne intervened. Sumiko did not deign respond to this line of questioning. 'Sumiko reminded herself that using the Force to give the Bothan's throat a Wookiee hug would be a bad idea. In this moment she missed the good old days. Tearing through his mind and turning him into a vegetable was also appealing.



She was an observer for most of the dialogue between the two lawyers. The Bothan was not just fishing for reactions now, his arrows were meant to pierce through their walls and determine Valessia's agenda. His approach was crude and thoroughly lacking in subtlety, but was not without effect, as the expression of shock on Valessia's features showed.


Sumiko's eyes narrowed slightly. Her tone became colder. "Your lawyer is right, sweetie. This line of questioning is completely inappropriate," she said to Valessia, reaching out to take her supposed girlfriend's hand and give it a reassuring squeeze. She would have used telepathy to communicate with the noblewoman, but she could not be certain how she would react to that. Having someone suddenly speak in your mind was an awkward experience. However, she could use her empathic mental gifts to soothe Valessia's nerves a bit. Nothing invasive, more like the mental equivalent of a reassuring caress and soothing words.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

It hadn't escaped the noblewoman that Sumiko was trying to play her part. So when the Atrisian squeezed her hand, she had also felt something calming in her mind. Taking a deep breath she sighed and looked at Sumiko, running her thumb along her partner's hand. Turning her gaze to her lawyer and then Mr. Borsk, "well it seems then our meeting is near its conclusion, but before we conclude. Allow us to settle this." Her delicate finger taps a tablet.

"Of course," Mr. Horne replies with a smile. "Ms. Tanaka if you could read over the information here and confirm that Ms. Brentioch is hereby agreeing to take on ownership Ms. Dajaal's private yacht, any and all contents found within the yacht will also be hereby henceforth become property of Ms. Brentioch and yourself, should Ms. Brentioch endeavor to include you in her future prospects."

And then Mr. Horne turned to Ms. Brentioch. "Ms. Brentioch, Valessia."

Valessia looked to Sumiko and studied her partner for a moment, "it is something we shall indeed have to discuss in the future." Her eyes peered toward the Bothan and then back to Mr. Horne. "I'll need the proper permits and contracts of course if we are to add Ms. Tanaka as an account manager of our company."

Mr. Horne smiled and looked between Mr. Borsk and Ms. Brentioch and then to Ms. Tanaka. "So then you really are serious about your courtship with Ms. Tanaka." The older man's eyes then shift back to Ms. Brentioch. "Should I forward the notes to your parents or would you like to surprise them?"

"Father is rather old and I wish not to 'surprise' him any more than he shall be when he returns home, so please, send him the notes and inform him that I will be asking for sole proprietorship of his and mother's seat within the Trade Hall." She added and then brought Sumiko's hand to her lips. "I think it's past time that the Brentioch family make their way back into the chamber of commerce, don't you think Mr. Horne?"

A wolfish grin as Mr. Horne sat back and gathered the various data tablets toward him. "I couldn't agree more Ms. Brentioch, and let the record show that on behalf of the Brentioch family I will be filing a complaint against Mr. Borsk and the House Dajaal, and we shall allow the committee of the upper houses decide what to do from there."

"Excellent, and as always it is a pleasure to see you, Mr. Horne." She remarks rising to meet with him, the sound of chairs pushing along the carpet can be heard. Edra and Cin have reemerged with coats and hats ready. "Mr. Borsk, I trust you can find your way out."

There was little word between the three of them from there. Mr. Borsk huffed as he left, Mr. Horne accepted his hat and coat from Edra and Cin. Turning to Ms. Brentioch he gave a wink and then to Ms. Tanaka, "and you my dear, do take care of Ms. Brentioch. I suspect many great things are about to happen." With that, Mr. Horne had left the penthouse as well, and Edra sighed with relief while Cin just threw off the butler's jacket.

"Kark what a fethin' mess." Cin retorted heading straight for the liquor cabinet. "I thought you were gonna blow a vein or somethin' Val."

Val's shoulders relaxed as she began to take off her earrings. "Trust me, I wanted to, but." Her eyes fell to Sumiko once again, and a smile. "I had some help in the matter."

"Good." Edra commented as she took Val's earrings and eventually heels from both her and Sumiko. "While they're off doin' paperwork. Cin and I need to start hittin' the streets to see about Paddy."

Cin groaned, "do we have to go now?"

"No." Val interjected as she walked into Cin and Edra's room. Pursing her lips together, "no, we'll need to think about someone more appropriate to repair Paddy. For now, we need to rest, so you two are free to do whatever it is you need to do. I ask that you both return home for the evening meal where we can organize an outline."

"Awesome, c'mon Cin. I know a place you might like." Edra says having dressed down in the time that Val had entered the room. She walked by Val and gave her a quick kiss, and Val squeezed the Zabrak's hand watching her and the Devaronian go out the door. The Scion of House Brentioch went to the chaise lounge and relaxed her body into its curves. The blinds were partially open, Brentaal's twin moons could be seen in the sky although it was still day, they were both there as a reminder that it would soon be nightfall.

Val looked at Sumiko, and motioned for her to come and sit with her. "I apologize, I had no idea Mr. Borsk would be so crude and forthcoming today. We were supposed to sign three contracts and only got two done." She put her hands to her face and heaved another sigh. Looking at Sumiko, Val ran her hands through the Atrisian's hair, just as the former Inquisitor sat beside her. Whatever Sumiko was going to say or attempt to say, was interrupted by Valessia propping herself up on her shoulders, and pulling her lover down by the fabric of her tunic.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Lawyers and servant girls departed, leaving the 'couple' alone. "Oh, it's fine. I'll just make my displeasure known by arranging an 'accident' for him to make an example," Sumiko said in a deadpan tone and with an expression of the utmost seriousness. Her accent had become more noticeable. It tended to happen when she was vexed about something.


There was a beat. "That was a joke." It always best to make sure of that if you had a moderately sociopathic girlfriend. She did not need any further encouragement and walked over to the chaise lounge, joining Valessia on it.


She unconsciously leaned into the touch when Val ran her hand through her dark hair. A soft sigh escaped her throat. Sumiko could not quite place the feeling, but she felt...comfortable around the Scion of Brentioch. Relaxed. The feeling was both welcome, perplexing and very disconcerting. Attachment meant vulnerability. It left you open to attacks.


However, it would make her assignment easier. After all, they had to convey the impression that they were a couple and this meant acting naturally. The conversation about what seemed to be the Scion's droid did not escape her. Perhaps she could have a look at it later. "So I'm being courted now, am I, dear? I suppose this means I've jumped over the space wall," she quipped.


Brentaal was home to a xenophobic, nativist movement that was dedicated to 'making Brentaal great again'. Somehow this intersected with agitating against 'illegal aliens' and demanding the construction of a space wall to keep the planet safe from 'foreign pollution'.


However, anything else Sumiko might have wanted to say was very effectively blocked by Valessia pulling her lover down. The thoughts that were running through Sumiko's mind seemed to take a dive through the metaphorical airlock and she captured Valessia's mouth into a kiss that soon became heated. Suffice to say, neither of them would be wearing clothes for long.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

With the servants away, Valessia and her lady played. On the chaise lounge, on the sofa, and the bedroom which the noblewoman supposed now could be considered theirs. They had explored one another in every aspect that the two of them could come up with. Forgetting for the time who they were supposed to be, shedding any facades for a genuine appeal. Lips pressed against one another, hands intertwined and legs tangled up in the other. It felt as if they were the only two people left in the entire galaxy. They didn't even hear Edra and Cin, who made a few sardonic yet playful comments as to the sight of the living room.

Valessia had laughed, chortled really at the comment of Sumiko jumping over the proverbial space wall. "As if they could ever build one high enough." That would keep me from getting to you, she doesn't say with her voice but her eyes say it all. There's a softness in her tone, and in her gaze. Her hands cup Sumiko's face and pulling her down for a kiss, the noblewoman's body was flush against the mattress, the door to the room was slightly ajar. There's a feeling here, a feeling that cannot be described when two people have come together... It wasn't love, no, not yet anyway and if such a thing could be felt it would not be felt for awhile, but there was a genuine affection felt for one another, affection, yes.

"Hey when you two lovebirds are done bustin' the headboard, we got some grub," Edra said loud enough to catch their attention.

The scion of house Brentioch laughed, "we'll be right there, Edra."

"I guess dessert will have to wait." Val leaned up and kissed Sumiko again before wriggling out from underneath the Atrisian.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


It was not love between them, for it was not a fairy tale. But there was...affection. That was enough to strongly unnerve Sumiko. Even scare her to a degree, though she hid her uncertainties well. In the Inquisition, attachment had been death. It was even difficult for her to express affection for her younger sister.


Lips pressed against one another, hands intertwined, limbs entangled upon a soft mattress that seemed made for lovemaking. It was a beautiful dance that took them from one place to the next. Passion, lust and desire permeated the air. Perhaps even...a degree of trust? Enough to be this comfortable with one another, at any rate. Sumiko was feeling unusually relaxed and lightheaded, as if there was no one else in the universe except the two of them. Then they were interrupted!


Sumiko flushed slightly, feeling equal parts annoyed and embarrased. "I'm sure it'll be most sweet when we get to it." The line sounded remarkably corny to her. She got up to give Val room to rise and taking her hand to help her up. "I overheard your droid - Paddy - was damaged. I could have a look at him."