Prologue: Vos Nescitis Quidquam

[Valessia Brentioch]

"He's in the girls' room on the workbench right when you get into the door," Valessia called out from the fresher, after a moment or two she emerged and threw on her robe and tossed another toward Sumiko. "Here." Her robe was tied together loosely, it was there to provide warmth not so much to cover herself. Edra and Cin were more than well acquainted with her body, walking out of the bedroom she took in a deep breath and inhaled the scent of the greasy grub.

"Why do you two love going to Dex's Diner?" She asked with a bit of laughter in her voice, "and tell me you two got the extra cheesy protato wedges." Tucking loose strands of her hair behind her ear. "Oh you, did, you did I love you both so much."

Edra smirked, "I know." She came around with an arm wrapped around Valessia's waist, kissing the noblewoman's cheek. Taking another moment she nipped along her neck. "Someone's been busy." She murmured spotting the dark splotches of skin along Valessia's neck.

Clearing her throat she blushed a few shades of red and leaned to whisper into Edra's ear. "You're more than welcomed to join, you know that."

"I'll let you break her in first."

"Actually... I think she."

Cin just sat on the counter of the kitchen and raised a brow. "Wha?"

"Shhh." Val remarked giggling a bit, and Edra's eyes widened. "Stop it Edra, stop with the face."

"I remember this face, I have seen this face." Edra remarked as she began to set out the food on the kitchen table. "I got like six Manaan sliders, four CoCo sliders, two more protato cheese wedges, like eight things of juri juice, more caf and some Ardees." Edra winked. "Also, two double deluxe nerf burgers and a few of those veggie crisps."

Val took a seat at the kitchen table and was happily munching away at her fatty snack. "So you basically bought the place out and then hit up the liquor store."

"Pretty much yeah, oh man, Val, Edra took me to this cantina with like all kinds of females and the band was pretty rockin' too." Cin commented, "didn't even know this place had a seedy side, and I love it."

"This entire planet is seedy." Val replied and looked over her shoulder, "babe." It sort of slipped and she wasn't correcting herself. "Join our gourmet feast." She then laughs a little while taking one of the Manaan sliders. "Should probably hit up the Art Museum tomorrow, it'll be a good show of couplehood." She says to Sumiko while unfolding the wrapper of her slider.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


While Val chatted with her adorable servants, Sumiko had thrown on a robe and headed for the girl's room. Paddy's metal carcass lay spread out on a workbench. The droid was a mere shell of its former self, broken and glitching. Sumiko focused her gaze upon the machine, touching the metallic shell with her hand. The energies of the Force flowed through her, using her bodies as a conduit. Her mechu-deru senses tingled when she stretched out with her mind.


In doing so, she could 'see' the damage the droid's circuits had sustained and visualise them in her mind. It was comparable to how a healer would examine the body of a patient in order to mend damage to flesh, bone and internal organs. Mechu-deru was a rare ability that translated into using a technomantic aptitude to do all sorts of weird things with machines. The internal workings of the droid were as visible to her as the mind of an organic.


Some used it like a magical computer virus to bring droids and electronic systems under their control. Sumiko could not control droid legions and actually had little interest in doing that, but she had some skill in technopathy. It was useful for a spook.


Hearing that she was being called, she turned away and returned to the dining room. "I hear I was called," she said with some mirth in her voice. She had caught scraps of the conversation and gave Val a thin smile, glancing towards Edra. "As Val said, you are welcome to join us," her hand traced across Val's shoulder before sitting down. "My 'girlfriend's appetites are rather voracious. Not that I mind."


She sat down and unwrapped the slider. "The museum sounds like a good idea. I have an interest in art, so I will not even have to fake it. I had a look at your droid. I will need spare parts, but I should be able to fix him and get him back online. The more arcane aspects of the Force come in handy."

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

It was agreed that Sumiko would fix Paddy up on the morrow, the ladies polished off dinner, and watched a few holovids. From there it was a matter of drifting back into their respective rooms. The penthouse went silent as sleep became most of its inhabitants. The twin Brentaalan moons gave their light to the sleepless city, and it was their light that began to bleed between the thinly veiled curtains in Lady Brentioch's room.

Valessia found herself flush against the mattress once again. Eyes close and mouth just ajar, feeling Sumiko's touch along her neck. Skin tightening underneath the Atrisian's touch, a small wince of pain subsides as it's soothed by her lover's tongue. The pleasure of it elicit's a soft gasp of pleasure from her. Her hands move up along the Atrisian's back, fingers lightly tracing until she feels Sumiko make her claim along the Brentaalan's neck. And then, Valessia's light touch turns to a grip, fingers entrenching themselves along her lover's back.

The noblewoman bit down on her lower lip, tucking it in to keep from screaming. She was riding along an edge, an edge she didn't want to leave, so she moved the Atrisian's focus forcibly. Valessia looked deep into the eyes of her lover and in this singular moment you can choose to lose yourself, or you can choose to keep your walls. In this moment, she let them go and showed her own vulnerability. Hands shifted along toward Sumiko's face, thumbs sweeping along the former Inquisitor's lips. "You are so beautiful," Valessia says and it's honest, it's honest and sincere, she moves one hand along the Atrisian's cheek sweeping the long tresses out of her face.

Her soft lips move to press against Sumiko's. Their bodies shift between the sheets, and Valessia manages her way atop the Inquisitor. There's no other sound in the room, just the sound of their breathing, their kisses, and their everything. There's a steady rise and fall of the Atrisian's chest as she breathes. Valessia's soft lips move to leave sweet kisses along her skin, kissing along the breadth of her body.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Suffice to say things got heated, passionate and...very sweet.


The last was the most unfamiliar, even disconcerting experience for Sumiko. She was by no means inexperienced. Indeed, there was a rather passionate woman beneath the ice-cold exterior, though one capable of great cruelty and without moral scruples. But she was not used to these...feelings. She was a domineering, untrusting woman by nature who even retained an aura of aloofness when interacting with her own sister. Those tempered in the Inquisition's forge got their fuzzy feelings burnt out of them, for you were only supposed to be a sentient weapon.


So the reactions Val produced could not be anything other than confusing. She was at ease and relaxed when in the woman's presence. To the point of allowing her to take the lead. It was obviously not love, but lines were becoming a little blurred. Trust? Such an unfamiliar word, for it implied absence of threat.


But she felt...comfortable.


"So are you," she said in an unusually shy tone before any further words were silenced by a barrage of kisses, one she met stroke for stroke. Coherent, rational thought was soon the last thing on her mind and she focused purely upon the beautiful woman with her.


Black curtains descended from seemingly nowhere, leaving the two lovebirds to their nocturnal activities, until a new day dawned and the first rays of sunlight pierced the curtains, bathing the room in light. Sumiko was a light sleeper and so she was the first to rise. The Atrisian felt unusually blissful and at peace. Valessia was apparently using her chest as a pillow. She reached out to stroke the noblewoman's dark coffee brown hair and planted a kiss on her cheek.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Morning rose over Cormond, Brentaal IV's sprawling, bustling capital. Traffic could be heard just below the noblewoman's bedroom. Valessia had been used to the sound of traffic, what she was not used to was Sumiko's touch. No matter how familiar they might be with each other as of now. Shifting her body, the brunette rubbed the sleep from her eyes, "good morning." Her voice groggy with sleep greeted her lover. Taking a breath, she kissed along Sumiko's skin before pulling herself away. Sitting up on her bed Valessia yawned with the morning. Blinking the sun away from her eyes, the Scion of House Brentioch took a moment to adjust to the bright morning light.

Rising from the bed, she threw her hair back with one flip of her hand, while the other drew back the curtains. The sunlight no longer bathed the room but poured in like a rush of water over a dam. Valessia then crossed to her private fresher, on her way there her hand hit the holo button. A soft musical sound began to emit, easy listening from Cormond's finest soft jazz. The shower from the fresher could be heard running, where the noblewoman wasn't all too surprised to find that her Atrisian lover was sliding into as well.

Outside the bedroom, Edra had a pot of caf was brewing. Cin was still tending to her horns in their fresher. Edra had cleaned up the main room. Opened up the blinds to let the natural light come into the penthouse. From there she turned to opening the window above the sink, allowing a fresh breeze to circulate throughout the home. Cin emerged with a pair of cargo pants and low hung t-shirt. Cin worked to prepare some jogan fruit, while hitting the holo button that took the sound of music that once was contained in Valessia's room into the main room.

Edra was whistling to the sounds that flooded throughout the home now. Acyma Rayga was an up and coming singer for the genre and it was her song that played now. The Zabrak's naturally raspy voice fit smoothly with the lyrics. "Many times I've been told that I should go, but they don't know..." Her voice went so low you couldn't hear her but she was still grooving to the sweet morning beat of the song. She mixed gartro eggs in a bowl as she readied a frying pan to make some scrambled eggs, "sweet, sweet baby life is crazy, but there's one thing I am sure of." Edra looked to Cin, and Cin who now gathered some Dressellian prunes looked the Zabrak over.

She was dressed in what looked to be a floor length cardigan sweater, paired with a sleeveless white blouse and a pair of sleeping shorts. Cin snorted and decided to sing along even if she wasn't that good. "That I'm your lady always baby, and I love you now and ever." She began to add a few freshly cracked Wuli nuts, and then a type of yogurt produced from bantha milk. "Sweet, sweet baby, life is crazy but there's one thing I am sure of."

Valessia and Sumiko emerged from the bedroom looking quite refreshed, and filled with bliss and peace? Edra and Cin looked at each other with wide eyes. "I've got some eggs going, gonna slice up some jerba cheese and probably fry up some bantha patties, sound good?"

"Sounds like you want me to feel bloated," Val commented off-handly with a teasing manner, as she approached Edra putting her arms around the Zabrak's waist. "Are you making protato hashes?"

"Girl." Edra just drawled out as she slapped Val's arm playfully. "You act like I don't know you."

Val snorted and kissed Edra's ears. "Love you."

"Uh huh." Edra teased giving Val a kiss on the cheek as well, "go get your caf girl." A moment as Val shuffled further into the kitchen tip toeing to grab her favorite caf mug. "Cin's already got your yogurt going." Edra pointed to the Devaronian who gestured for Sumiko to take part of their breakfast feast. The Devaronian was chewing on the ends of some loose cheese pieces that she had been taking care for the Zabrak. Leaned up in her chair as Val came around giving her a kiss on the cheek as well.

"Your newsvids are ready by the way."

"Thank you," Val settled into her seat and then turned the holo on rolling through her selected vid feeds. She tried to focus on them but her eyes wandered, lingering on Sumiko's form as her Atrisian lover moved about the kitchen.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Morning came and banished the night. The Atrisian awoke with a beautiful woman at her side. The aforementioned lady soon departed to get freshened up after the two exchanged kisses. It was like your typical couple.


Sumiko felt like indulging herself and so she enjoyed the view when her lover arose to draw back the curtains. Suffice to say the view was...lovely. Her eyes might have lingered on the Scion's toosh for longer than was appropriate. Oh, come on, pull yourself together, she reproached herself in her thoughts. The bed covers were far softer than she was used to.


Having finally decided to focus, she did not follow Valessia into the refresher immediately. Instead she went through a series of morning exercises in the form of stretches and push-ups in order to properly wake up her body. Her mother had been fond of saying that idle hands were the daemon's workshop. Of course, that was before she came to the conclusion that her daughter must be a literal daemon because she had magical powers.


That done, she slid into the shower alongside Valessia. The water was already running. It was just the right temperature and felt heavenly against her skin. The kiddies need not fear for their innocence, for the only thing two ladies did was shower instead of engaging in coitus. Otherwise they'd probably get nothing done today. Suffice to say she looked and felt rather refreshed after emerging from the refresher and throwing on a rather loose robe.


Outside there was singing and the servants had prepared breakfast. Casual banter ensued. "You know I can make you feel anything but bloated, dear. You were very...energetic last night," Sumiko could not resist teasing. Wait, Sumiko was making jokes? Non-morbid ones. Her hand stroked down across Valessia's back before reaching her toosh and giving it a fond grope.


Then she joined her at the table. "Nice breakfast," she complimented. Valessia put on the news and the Atrisian helped herself to some breakfast. The news was fun, though your mileage might vary. Somehow a rift to the netherworld had been opened on Ruusan, something Sumiko made a note to study. Coruscant had been turned into a war zone because Sith and Jedi jihadists were clobbering one another. The famous pop idol Bela Talbot was single again and Benjamin Solo had been kicked out of Tatooine: Sole Survivor!


"May our Jedi friends ride boldly and well," Sumiko said sardonically with a note of disdain. She didn't like Jedi. "So I fix up your droid and we get to display loving couplehood at the art museum. I imagine I'll soon have the 'pleasure' of meeting your parents and being thoroughly grilled by them to make sure I'm not out for their credits. Have you given thought about how you want to deal with your brother?" After all, he'd tried to hurt 'her' Val!

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

There was a crude but delicious smile along Valessia's face when Sumiko mentioned her brother. Our dear Imperial blooded lady rose from her seat, moving to trace her finger along Sumiko's shoulders as she bent over. Her breath hot and heavy against her Atrisian's skin. "We're going to ease his sufferings." Oh and there it was her deliciously evil bravado. "Vinny has always been a sickly boy and now we'll finally see to his care." And of course, her parents would return soon, very soon. After all, they would be informed of Valessia's play for power. Walking toward Edra as she watched her Zabrak servant plate up breakfast. Valessia's hand curled along the tips of the Zabrak's horn. "And as far as my parents are concerned."

She turned her attention toward both Cin and Sumiko who were seated beside each other at the table. "They'll see what a wonderful woman you are, and how much you give to me, and to our family." Her eyes then drew to Sumiko and the color seemed to change, but maybe it was the lighting. "You are my chosen partner, not theirs. That'll be enough to set them ablaze, let alone that I chose an Atrisian."

"Let them talk, let them bite because soon there will be a new era," Valessia remarked with a low laugh bubbling up from within. "A new era guided by my hand, but of course quid pro quo. I shall pay you each your due rewards, and for some of you." She did a rather beautiful strut from the sink to where Sumiko sat and planted herself into Sumiko's lap, arms wrapped around the Atrisian's neck. "You may get something more." She whispered just above Sumiko's lips, and then got up just as quickly, "so I expect all of you to be prepared."

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Yes, she liked this woman. How much? That was up for debate. Sumiko was a very prideful, arrogant woman and it was rare for her to find someone whom she considered to be her intellectual equal. "I like the way you think." The devious smile on her lips matched Valessia. The noblewoman's warm breath caressed her cheek, causing pangs of excitement inside her. "I will take great pleasure in 'easing his suffering' by purging his mind." It was the least he deserved. Moreover, Sumiko enjoyed her work.


My chosen partner. It did not sound bad. Not bad at all. It was a power play that could benefit both of them. Sumiko had an agenda, Valessia had an agenda. But they both meshed very well together and enjoyed each other's company. An erotic cocktail of power, intrigue, passion and desire. Her eyes followed Valessia's lovely strut, then the noblewoman planted her shapely toosh in her lover's lap. Sumiko traced a hand across her shoulders.


"Our hand. You and me, we'll be going straight to the top. Sky's the limit. The pathetic imbeciles who get in our way will have to bend or be swept aside by the storm." Strictly speaking her words could still be interpreted in a non-romantic manner...or not.


She arose from her chair and suddenly put a hand on Val's shoulder, pulling her around. She was not being forceful, but a point was made. Her lips met the aristocrat's mouth when she kissed her deeply, as if staking a claim on her. Her eyes might have glowed. Then she withdrew, looking a bit smug. "I'll go fix your droid. He can mind the home while we're away," having said this she strutted away, her hips swaying in her robe.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Somewhere in Cormond...

Valessia and her Inquisitor, Sumiko Tanaka arrive at the morgue. Where Valessia has been keeping her unhinged brother, Vinor'stal Brentioch under heavy sedation. She and her partner as they are playing it arrive to 'identify' the body of a victim of a horrific crash on Lehon. Playing the part of a grieving sister, Valessia is escorted to the back where bodies are laid on cold metal slabs. She holds Sumiko's hand in hers, "thank you for coming along with me, Sumiko. It means so much to me." She says between tears, the escort informs them that the medical examiner will be here shortly.

When the door is shut, Valessia looks down at her brother, who to the untrained eye looks dead already. "My dear Vinny," she mourns, tracing a hand through his hair. "You taught me everything I knew, and then I watched you die from the spice." She put her head into Sumiko's chest out of the view of cameras and gave her Atrisian partner a look. A look to signal her to do whatever it was she needed to do with him. And then the medical examiner arrived, he looked between the two of them and then down at the poor man on the table.

"He could've been a great leader, but now I suppose it'll be down to you." He mentions, and it seemed the rumor mills were at full work if someone as lowly as he, knew of them.

Valessia puts a hand to her chest, "it is now, I suppose you're right. Could you, could you please spare me a few more minutes before I sign anything?"

"Certainly, but for now, if I may, just this one? So that I might release his body to your custody." The ME doesn't really care for the mourning bit, he just wants to get this part of his job done. Valessia scribbles away and the ME disappears behind some thick curtains and a door or two. The Scion of House Brentioch looks up at her beloved and then down to her brother...

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Sumiko's features did a good job of conveying sorrow and understanding for her lover's plight while the ME was there. "I am so sorry for your loss, dear. It's a shame I never got to meet him," she said solemnly, giving her partner's hand a squeeze. Every inch the supportive girlfriend who only wanted to help the grieving Scion.


Internally, she was examining the body dispassionately, as if studying an obnoxious species of insect. Well, she was here for the pest control! She saw the look Valessia gave her and understand the sign. While the Scion and the ME conversed, Sumiko stretched out with the Force and touched the unconscious Vinny's mind, whilst her outward expression remained unchanged. She barely noticed the ME vanishing from the room. Wiping someone's mind was a delicate process and not an easy thing to do, even for a mentalist.


However, Vinny was not a Forcer and not in a state to resist her assault upon him. One could compare it to deleting data on a computer, emptying the harddrive bit by bit. However, in the process she also saw flashes of Vinny's life in her mind. It was a bit like watching a holovid on fast forward. Pieces of his childhood, his descent into addiction and finally his attack on Valessia, which had caused the whole mess. All of this was being erased.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"I'll have his body taken to the family mausoleum," Valessia whispers between sobs, and after awhile she looks to Sumiko. And then ME returns. "Thank you for your patience and your understanding. I'll have my pilot Cinica, a Devaronian come and claim the body later this evening."

"You are very, very welcome Lady Brentioch, and I am sorry for your loss." He replies with some manner of sympathy even if it feels forced and very robotic, it had become just another day at the office for him.

Valessia nods and walks with Sumiko out of the office. She maintains her facade until they are taken to a private transport, where Edra is in the driver seat. "Edra take us toward the museum, but go the long way, let people assume I'm in here crying." She ordered while working her cosmetics. "After the museum, I'll need to make a call to [member="Marzena Choi"], and check to see how things are in the First Order and see about that fashion line." She would need another source of income, and soon.

Closing her compact she looked to Sumiko. "Thank you, dear, Edra and Cin will handle your reward for completing the task." In that moment as she looks at the Atrisian. She allows her hand to drift up toward the other woman's chin and pulls her in for a light and 'clean,' kiss. "You have my utmost gratitude."

Cormond was now as lively as it ever was, the city built off of greed and money ran like ants in a colony, running about their daily lives all for the sake of making just a little more than the guy next to you. If you could sell it, they sold it, if you could gamble on it, make a profit, 'legitimately,' then this was the place for you. Sure there was a Trade Hall that was the seat of power here on Brentaal IV. Was it democratic? No, this, this was a plutocracy as it was governed by the wealthiest and on top of this were but six families all together. Curovao, Dajaal, Okeefe, Kallea, Jo'uda and lastly Brentioch. Over the centuries these six families have always vied for the top seat of power within the Chamber of Commerce. Simply referred to as the Chamber, there only three seats here, one who could essentially 'veto,' and the other two who assisted in this effort.

The Brentiochs hadn't had a seat within the Chamber in quite a long time. Valessia's parents did have seats on the level of power below that was essentially filled with all the upper houses' representatives and like anything else on Brentaal IV they could be bought or designated to an heir, business partner or otherwise traded or handed off. Here members of various regional chambers met and convened to have their concerns and voices heard by the chamber. They were referred to as the committee, members of the committee were powerful but not as powerful as the chamber. All members were required to meet a certain level of wealth and to maintain it. Or they'd otherwise be voted off the committee and sent down to the lower houses.

Image is a large part of Brentaal's society and for those in the one percent such as Valessia it was everything. "When we get into the Museum, I will still be mourning my brother and the burden that has now befallen me, and you my dear." She looked up and her eyes met with Sumiko's. "You do what you have to do, but if we're questioned, you sought to 'distract' me from my grief." Her lips once again met with the Inquisitors. "Edra, how long until we reach the museum."

"We can be there within the next few minutes."

"Good." She acknowledged, "very good."

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


In Sumiko's somewhat biased opinion, democracy was a tedious waste of time. Any system based on the will of a fickle electorate inevitably gravitated to unscrupulous demagogues, those who could sway voters with overblown promises or simply buy votes. Ergo the fact that Brentaach was a plutocratic oligarchy behind a thin facade of 'democracy' did not trouble her. After all, she'd grown up on totalitarian Atrisia. The strong do what they will, and the weak suffer what they must.


Their business with Valessia's brother was concluded. He had been 'fixed'...and would hopefully not become a bother again. Now it was time to show off at the art museum, pander to the image-conscious highborn of the merchant world and enjoy priceless, classical artworks. Unlike Valessia, Sumiko had not been born in the upper class. The Tanakas had been well-off middle class, but nothing special.


However, she understood how obsessed aristocrats were with status and image. A single, poorly timed faux pas could mean social ruin. It was all very esoteric and more often than not downright petty. However, there was a certain thrill in fooling and outwitting these arrogant blue bloods, who thought their inherited wealth and titles exalted them above all others.


A speeder transported them from the morgue towards the museum, giving the two ladies a lovely view of the city. Anything to distract the Scion from her grief! "I understand, my dear. I will do everything to distract you from that...terrible loss you suffered. I shall be you candle in the dark," Sumiko said with a completely straight face. Deep down she was probably rolling over with laughter.


Her lips met Valessia's in a deep kiss, while she lovingly stroked the woman's dark hair. "I believe I've heard the name Marzena Choi. She is a business partner?" Sumiko queried when the magnificient art museum building came into view. The Atrisian took good fashion very seriously, unlike her tomboyish sister, [member="Amaya Tanaka"], who probably dressed sloppily just to troll her. As for the museum, many bigwigs seemed to be visiting it today. Perhaps a particularly rare piece of art was being shown. Naturally holocameras and journalists were not far.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"She is a set of eyes, and ears on the First Order." A pause as Valessia's eyes drunk in Sumiko's appearance. "Marzena Choi is a future collaborator on a new fashion line." Her hand caressed the Atrisian's cheek, and as much as she wanted to do more. She turned over her shoulder and looked to see what had caused such attention on the Museum today. "It would seem there is an exhibit regarding the Rebellion-era." She points to the sign where the debut time would be in a few moments.

Valessia moves to lean into Edra's ear. "Take us to the side entrance, a woman in mourning shouldn't be seen."

And with that, the transport moves to the side entrance, from there Edra assists both Sumiko and Valessia down from the transport. A tabloid journalist and her crew noticed Valessia and began to pull away from the museum exhibit launch. Edra was quick to keep some distance between her and the scion, but the questions were asked. "Lady Brentioch, Lady Brentioch can you tell us how your brother died? Did he overdose?" And then obviously questions about her new partner. "Is this woman your new partner? Are you in an association? Is it true that she's Atrisian?"

The Zabrak stepped up, "please, please Lady Brentioch is not here to answer your questions if you want an interview with Lady Brentioch. Then you can contact her lawyer, and he will set things up."

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


They had taken the side entrance, but nonetheless the arrival of the Brentioch Scion had inevitably been noticed by a tabloid journalist and her crew, like a bloodhound who'd smelt blood. Naturally she initiated her barrage by firing a salvoe of questions at the Scion. Word of Valessia's arrival would undoubtedly spread. Indulge one journalist for too long and more would arrive on the scene to swarm them.


"Valessia is in mourning. She deserves some peace and quiet after saying goodbye to her brother. I'm helping her through a difficult time. I'm sure you understand this," Sumiko spoke up, gently taking Valessia's arm.


She had surreptitiously touched an ornate ring she was wearing on her finger. Too subtly for the holocameras to notice. The same applied to the arcane symbols engraved on it. Magic was at work to delicately sway the mind of the reporters and convince them it would be best to stop pursuing them! They would realise how logical and reasonable hers and Ezra's words were. Not to mention how poorly pursuing the poor, grieving lady would reflect upon their reputation.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

Cormond Art Museum

Inside the art museum, Valessia did her best to avoid the crowds. The journalist had gotten the hint and did well to leave them alone. The museum was quite large as one might expect, they were now entering an exhibit that was dedicated to the Old Republic Era. Art from Manaan, Dantooine and as the force would have it, Rakata Prime. Lehon as Sumiko and Valessia knew it. Something warmed Valessia inside as she looked at the one of Lehon. "I wish we had seen this part of it." She motioned toward the lovely beach that was never part of their original meeting.

Instead, they faced Kahleeshi warriors, a dark lord and her rabid cult. "I like this piece here of this cave on Dantooine," she gestures toward the piece that showcases a dark cave with glowing rocks, crystals. "These are." She tried to think of it, "lightsabre crystals, or just regular crystals?"

"I enjoy the impressionism here, how the colors just." She tried to put a word on it, "I don't know, but they're here and they blend so beautifully, don't you think?"

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


The journalists had gotten the hint and buggered off, the couple deftly navigated the crowds to avoid being swallowed by them. They soon found their way into the Old Republic Era exhibit. The time before the Republic crumbled under its own weight and was reborn as the Galactic Empire, which was the culmination of a thousand years of Sith scheming and Jedi ineptitude.


The exhibition seemed to pay particular attention to the classical period, from the Great Hyperspace War to the rise of the pompously named Eternal Empire. Spoiler: As it turned out, it had not been eternal. Art from Manaan, Dantooine, Lehon and even from Onderon adorned the walls. Sumiko's attention was drawn to a beautiful artwork that was said to have been commissioned by King Omnin. There was also a piece that showcased Old Taris, before Malak had torched the planet in a fit of pique.


"We can go on vacation there sometime. Just you, me...your servants to keep us company. The beaches are beautiful," she said sweetly, wrapping her around Valessia's waist. She turned her eyes to the dark cave Valessia was looking at. "Those are regular crystals. These show lightsabre ones. The depiction is accurate, though a Solari crystal would only grow on Rhen Var. Whereas this shows a cave on Dantooine," she commented. She flashed Valessia a smile. "I like 'impressionism'. The colours are vivid, dear, and it's a nice blend," she planted a gentle kiss on the woman's cheek.

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"Are they?" Valessia asked feeling Sumiko's arms wrap around her from behind. "Mhmm, we should go back then, so we can actually see Lehon this time." She shifts a little so that she can see Sumiko. Following the Atrisian's gestures as she explains the various paintings. "Learn something new every day." She muses and allows herself to melt into the Inquisitor's embrace, and even if they had only just agreed to 'date,' just a little over a day ago. It felt like they had been together for years, "what's so special about the Solari crystal?"

Valessia asks, wanting to hear Sumiko speak more, "and this one I believe, is Old Taris?" She wasn't so sure, she didn't exactly pay attention to that part of her galaxy history courses. But at this moment, Sumiko could probably read the ingredients off of a box of grainpuffs and she'd be in heaven. Her hands moved atop of Sumiko's threading her fingers with the Atrisian's.

Something within Valessia seemed to swell, and just maybe it was her heart, swelling with adoration and care for the woman who now held her. "The colors are nice, and I love how they play off of each other." Her voice was smooth and calm, serene even as they stood here admiring the pieces of art.

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


"The original Solari was one of the oldest and most prized crystals in the Jedi's possession. Only a Light Sider is able to wield a lightsabre endowed with it. The ancient Jedi Master Ood Bnar bequeathed it to his apprentice Shaela Nur, who vanished when the Order launched the Great Hunt to eradicate the terentateks left behind by the Sith. The crystal vanished with her, but was later found by Revan on Korriban."


At this stage Sumiko was probably letting her inner geek come out to play. Who knew, maybe a Ms. Tanaka who had not been nabbed by the Inquisition would have become a college professor or an archaeologist. "Solari crystals can be found on Sacorria and the frozen world of Rhen Var. They give a boost to a lightsabre's ability to parry blaster bolts. Personally I believe they overrate its abilities, though, and mainly revere it because of its immunity to 'darkside taint'. Spoiler: There are two very rare crystals that can bypass that."


At this stage Sumiko seemed to realise that she'd gotten a bit lost in lecturing. "Sorry if I'm rambling, dear," she chuckled a bit. It seemingly did not occur to her that they looked like a couple out on their honeymoon. But she did not withdraw when Valessia leaned into her body. Somehow it felt natural to her. For the moment she'd forgotten about the parasites who called themselves journalists. Something in her heart seemed to have melted. "Yes, I believe that's Old Taris before Malak torched the place in a fit of pique."

 

[Valessia Brentioch]

"It's quite alright," Valessia reassured her, "I enjoy hearing you talk, and you talk so passionately about this." She said with sincerity. They really did look the part of a happy couple, didn't they? Something in Valessia didn't feel right, and she wanted, to be honest about her feelings. "Sumiko." She whispered, "I."

The Scion of House Brentioch departed from her lovers' arms but kept her hand in hers. She pulled the former Inquisitor into a corner between a sculpture of Kashyyk's treetop villages and it's undergrowth. Large enough that they were afforded some manner of privacy. "I want you to know that I think, no," She took a deep breath and smiles unexpectedly, her eyes draw into Sumiko's. "I know, I'm." She scoffs because it should be so easy to say, all the holovids make it so easy anyway, "I." It was hard to describe because she was feeling something, but she didn't want to be the only one in the pool.

Licking her lips she took Sumiko's hands in hers and brought them to her lips. "You're not like anyone I've ever met, and you make me smile." She admits, "and I can't, I don't want to stop smiling if I... I'm sorry if I'm not making any sense, right now."

[member="Sumiko Tanaka"]

 

[Darth Libertas]

[member="Valessia Brentioch"]


Awkward city: Presently it had two inhabitants.


Valessia vanished from her arms, but kept their hands entwined. Only now did Sumiko seem to realise how...coupley they'd been. Something did not feel right inside her. It was strange and almost frightening experience for her. She suddenly felt nervy.


She was pulled along into a corner between scultures from Kashyyk. Valessia was taking the lead here. It gave Sumiko some time to try and gather her scattered thoughts. It was not often that she was grasping for words.


"I am, well, not good at this." What? Talking about your feelings? Allowing yourself to have feelings? Probably both. "I'm used to being on my guard. At all times. It's been my survival recipe. But you...slipped past my defences and...I don't want to put them again around you. You make me smile, too."