Faction Promotion day

[Iandre Athlea]

This was an excellent day for Iandre and all the men and women of the Order. It gave them hope for a future and a position to pursue it. She smiled at them and followed Laphisto out, along with everybody else. For several long moments, she stood in a line, smiled, and thanked people as they congratulated her on her promotion. It was both heartening and a little bittersweet.

In her time, she'd never been to a ceremony like this. Instead, the soldiers were clones produced on an assembly line and were ready for war. They got field promotions often enough, and Iandre had led a few on missions. As the progression got shorter, she started looking around for some familiar faces.

She saw Zinayn and Rellik chatting to the side with Aknoby, who quickly made himself scarce, and she couldn't help but chuckle at his antics. This feeling of being welcome and loved by this family they had created made Iandre feel more at home than at any other time in her life.

Eventually, they were able to escape and begin mingling with one another. Giving each of her squad a hug, she left them to do as they pleased and started making her way to Rellik. While she walked, her eyes never stayed still. Watching the different groups form, she had a friendly smile. Getting stopped now and then on her way to her love was fine, and she chatted with no small number of Lilaste and Diarchy members.

Turning to look at Saul when he spoke up, she stopped to listen. This was something she could get behind and support. Joining in with the singing chorus, she finally made her way to her partner. Meeting his golden eyes, she tried to keep her grin in check and failed completely.

"Do you think we can convince them to play something I can sing and we can dance once again? You do make the best moves, and I'd like to enjoy them again."

Laphisto Saul Whesai Aknoby Zinayn Diarch Rellik Cora

 

[Diarch Rellik]

The noise of the hall had settled into a steady rhythm of laughter, clinking glasses, and off-key singing. Rellik stood among it all with an easy smile, watching the soldiers and officers unwind while standing next to Zinayn.

When he spotted Iandre crossing the room, his composure almost slipped. He tried to maintain that practiced calm, but the corners of his mouth betrayed him as they lifted higher. The sight of her, uniform neat, eyes bright, grin impossible to resist. It made his chest feel a quick flutter.

As she reached him and asked for a dance, he rested a hand near her hip, a small and natural motion, drawing her a little closer without making a scene. "An opportunity to dance with you?" he murmured, his voice low and sincere. "That's something I'd never turn away."

He leaned in, his tone softening to something meant for her alone. "But once the dance is done, I'd like to congratulate you privately on your promotion, Second Lieutenant."

Straightening again, a spark of mischief flickered behind his golden eyes as he extended his hand. "Come on," he said, the smile widening. "Let's go show them how to have some fun."

Iandre Athlea

 

[Zara Saga]

Zara was late, spectacularly late. The kind of late that would make any ordinary person turn back around and pretend they'd "sent their regards." But Zara was no ordinary woman; she was a force. When she swept through Aurora Station's pristine corridors, heads turned. Her heels clicked like gunfire, her blonde hair a sharp contrast to the polished steel. Poor Rokul trailed behind, clearly still uncertain why he'd been dragged along.

"Come on," she snapped over her shoulder, grabbing his wrist to pull him faster. "If I'm going to suffer through Laphisto and his merry men, you're damn well suffering with me." Truth be told, she adored Iandre. That was the only reason she was here. The Lilaste Order, with their stiff uniforms and pompous speeches about duty and honor, made her want to set something on fire. She couldn't fathom what Iandre saw in them. Zara rolled her eyes just thinking about it.

It wasn't as though she had much else to do. She'd walked out on the Brotherhood months ago, left a pile of half-finished reports, ignored the Council's summons, and laughed off her obligations to the Diarchy. War, politics, endless cycles of posturing, it all bored her senseless now. Instead, she'd spent her days floating through Bastion, flirting with danger, causing headaches for Rokul, and generally excelling at being a nuisance.

When the doors to the ceremonial hall opened, the sound hit her like a wave: music, laughter, the hum of post-ceremonial celebration. Perfect. She slipped through like a spark into dry grass, a smile playing on her lips. The crowd parted, if only slightly, as she entered, a deliberate sort of entrance that made it clear she wanted to be seen.

"Rokul, darling," she said sweetly, turning just enough to bat her lashes at him, "get me a drink, would you? Something strong. Surprise me." Before he could answer, she was already gone. Her heels clicked a direct path toward Iandre. She spotted her by the dais, radiant and newly promoted, laughing beside Rellik. Zara didn't hesitate; she slipped right between them with effortless precision, like she'd been parting conversations her entire life.

"Ian!" she exclaimed, her voice full of warmth and affection as she leaned in to kiss her friend's cheek. Her arms wrapped around her in a quick hug that smelled faintly of perfume and defiance. "Congratulations, my dear. Finally, someone around here worth celebrating." Then she turned to Rellik. The warmth drained from her face. Her blue eyes met his with a flash of thinly veiled disdain, a look that clearly asked, you're still here? Without a single word, she pivoted away. The bar called, and she answered. Sliding onto a stool, she crossed one leg over the other, scanning the room with the bored elegance of someone who'd rather be anywhere else. Still, her gaze lingered on Iandre a moment longer than she'd intended, softening just a touch before she looked away.

Rokul | Iandre Athlea | Diarch Rellik | OPEN​

 

[Rokul]

Tags: Zara Saga

Most men would perhaps not have the patience that Rokul did. He was not the biggest fan of the Lilaste Order himself. Not to the point that he made his dislike obvious. It was rare for Rokul to make any of his opinions or feelings obvious. And it was why it was obvious how much Zara meant to him, as much as he was being dragged off towards whatever this little shindig was meant to be.

"You know you don't have to drag me. Right?...And any time I spend with you is worth suffering."

That should have been clear as day as well. With how many headaches she had caused him, having to deal with the repercussions and make sure nothing actually seriously happened over it. If anything, what he hated the most was the fact she was making Rokul have to talk, especially to strangers. He wasn't a talker. His whole persona was meant to be of the strong silent type. Hard to be silent when you were having to solve headaches. He had been juggling that alongside his regular duties as a soldier. There was only so many times he could use the excuse of helping the archon to get out of training or grunt duties. It didn't help that Zara had also helped Rokul believe that he could be someone better than just a standard grunt. Yet he tried not to focus on that.

As they entered the hall, Rokul had no visible reaction to the sound of the music. The laughter. None of it seemed to have an affect on him, as he adjusted the collar of his shirt for a moment, letting his eyes glance around. So it was some big celebration. Seemingly for the Lilaste Order. Good for them. From what Rokul could hear, it was about someone being promoted. Well. Goodie for them. Before he could properly process it all, Zara was heading off, leaving him alone to grab her a drink.

"...I'll make sure to tell them to put the tab on the Archon of Light's tab."

He muttered to himself as he headed over towards the bar, trying to spot any familiar faces. The main faces that were familiar to him were that of Laphisto and Rellik. None of which he'd approach, instead leaning against the bar counter, trying to decide something strong to grab. It was going to have to be two of them. One for himself and Zara...Though knowing Zara, she'd probably want some more later.

"Two flameouts. Y'know. Hutt Stripper and Vaschean rye mixed together."

At that, he turned his back against the bar to get a good look at everything going on. He could see Zara talking to someone he didn't quite recognise that well. Then he saw her turn over towards Rellik, and Rokul couldn't help but bring his hand to his face, letting out a long sigh. That was one headache that Rokul wouldn't be able to deal with. He didn't want to oppose the Diarchs in the same way Zara did. He very much doubt he'd get out of it alive if he ever did.

And then once Zara strolled off to a stool, Rokul grabbed the two drinks and made his way on over, resting Zara's drink next to the Archon, whilst he raised an eyebrow, glancing off in the same direction she had been looking.

"So...is she a friend of yours? I don't think you've ever told me about any friends."​

 

[Aknoby]

The young red-haired Chiss looked silently at the new arrivals, more people from the Diarchy he didn't know. Silently, he watched Zara interacting with Iandre from afar and the way she looked at Rellik. What did that mean? He looked at Laphisto.

"Who is that blonde woman and the man with her?"

Laphisto

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto was meandering through the festivities aboard Aurora Station, the soft hum of the orbital engines a steady undercurrent beneath the laughter and music echoing through the great hall. The celebration had taken on a life of its own soldiers and officers of the Lilaste Order mingled freely with their Diarchy allies, the faint scent of spicewine and roasted meats hanging in the air. Lanterns suspended from the vaulted ceiling bathed the crowd in golden light, glinting off polished armor and ceremonial medals.

He moved at his own pace calm, unhurried, with that deliberate air of a commander who never truly stopped working. Between quiet exchanges with officers and passing toasts from subordinates, he spoke softly, offering guidance that few realized was more than casual advice. Each offhand comment about squad dynamics or platoon cohesion was, in truth, a calculated recommendation. Unbeknownst to Cora , Iandre Athlea , and Saul Whesai , Laphisto was already shaping the framework of their next deployments, placing each where he believed they would not only survive but thrive.

He would never admit it aloud, of course but he watched them all with quiet pride. Every handpicked recruit he had drawn into the Order carried a spark of potential that only he seemed to notice. They were his chosen, in a way. Soldiers who had crossed his path at just the right time some uncertain, some defiant, some lost and in each, he had seen something worth fostering. His guidance wasn't about control; it was about making sure they found belonging in the structure that had once saved him too.

The hum of conversation shifted slightly when the doors at the far end of the hall opened. Laphisto's gaze drifted naturally toward the disturbance he could feel the ripple of presence even before he saw her. Zara Saga stepped through like a storm cutting across calm waters, her stride deliberate, her presence impossible to ignore. Even amid the clamor of celebration, she commanded attention as if the room itself adjusted to accommodate her.

He raised a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes as he lifted his glass in a silent salute her way. It was neither challenge nor invitation just acknowledgment. The ghost of shared history lingered between them, too complex for words and too old for resentment. He did not approach, nor did he avert his gaze for long; he simply turned back to his conversation with his officers, his voice steady, his demeanor unchanged.

He had never apologized for what happened in the arena all those months ago and he didn't intend to. Both of them had made mistakes, both had bled for their pride, and both had found catharsis in the clash. In the tradition of the Lilaste Order, combat was the language of truth where words failed, blades spoke. There was no need for apologies when the lesson had already been learned through action.

Rokul Diarch Rellik

 

[Zara Saga]

Zara took the glass from Rokul with a graceful smile, her fingers brushing his just long enough to tease. She tipped the drink back and downed it in one go. The burn was sharp and welcome, a flash of warmth against the chill of her mood. Setting the glass down, she exhaled through her nose and shot him an incredulous look.

"Excuse me?" she scoffed, half-laughing as she turned in her seat to face him. "Of course I have friends, Rokul. What kind of woman do you take me for?" Her eyes narrowed playfully.

She continued, her voice softening a fraction. "Iandre's my best friend. Has been for ages. We just haven't seen much of each other lately, on account of her being swept up in this little Lilaste cult of theirs." She twirled her empty glass idly, watching the ice clink against the sides. "Still, I'm proud of her. She's done well. Even if I'll never understand what she sees in all of this."

Her gaze drifted toward the dance floor, where Iandre and Rellik moved together beneath the soft lights. For a moment, her features softened. Genuine affection shone through her practiced veneer. "She looks happy," Zara murmured, then smirked faintly. "Even if she could do so much better."

That warmth didn't last long. Her eyes found Laphisto across the room, and whatever softness she'd shown moments before turned cold. The sight of him set her teeth on edge. He was composed, untouchable, basking in the quiet admiration of his soldiers. He hadn't changed. Still the same self-righteous, pompous ass who thought his version of honor justified everything. She met his glance for half a heartbeat and gave him a glare sharp enough to cut through glass before looking away.

Turning back to Rokul, she let out a small sigh and reached for his hand, her tone shifting to something lighter. "You know," she said, tracing her thumb across his knuckles, "you should try making some friends here. Someone you can be grumpy with together." Her lips curved into a smirk. "Plenty of those types in the Lilaste Order, trust me."

She leaned back, amusement glittering in her eyes as she added under her breath, "Just don't start giving speeches about duty and honor, or I will throw you out an airlock."

Rokul​

 

[Rokul]

Tags: Zara Saga

A small smirk broke through his facade, as Rokul raised his hands up into the air somewhat defensively at Zara's response to him asking about her friend.

"Hey. Hey. I never said any of that. I'm just surprised you've never told me about her. Especially considering she's your best friend."

It didn't sound as if Rokul was teasing Zara over the fact. If anything, he was happy she had someone like that. Rokul...didn't exactly do friends. Until Zara, he didn't really see himself as someone who needed to be social. He was a nameless face amongst a group of nameless faces. But he did have a name. He was more than just a drone.

"I like that look on you. Y'know. The one where your eyes light up a bit. Actual affection. Warmth. Not the kind that burns. But the kind that comforts. Also, you know some would say the same about you. That you could do better than some farm lad. 'Cause at the end of the day, I have nothing to give you. Not even my universe. I can't give you yourself."

Rokul had also found himself being more...poetic with his words than he had remembered. But at the same time, he was serious about it. There were people who would think that. Rokul had been one of those. Not anymore however.

Yet as Rokul saw Zara look off in the direction of Laphisto, he just kept his gaze focused on his drink. Taking a swig from it, as opposed to the one go Zara had done. His tolerance for alcohol had been building because of the Archon, but he still wasn't on the same level as her. Even now, he still couldn't quite deal with the burn that tickled his throat as he clenched his fist for a moment, before being brought out of it as he felt Zara's thumb tracing along his knuckles.

"You know I'm trying not to be grumpy, right? And...I don't know how to "make friends". It wasn't something I learned as kid. You need a blaster stripped and cleaned? I can do that. You need a speeder's engine checked? I can do that. But make a friend?"

He let out a small sigh at that, shaking his head as his gaze focused ahead of himself to look around at the members of the order. There wasn't many that caught his eye if any. It was...difficult. He wanted to try...but that was much easier said than done.​

 

[Zara Saga]

Zara tilted her head, a sly smile tugging at her lips. "Well, you never asked," she teased. Her voice was light, but laced with that familiar sharpness.

"If you'd asked about Iandre, I would've told you. Honestly, Rokul, for someone who prides himself on being observant, you can be so oblivious sometimes." She nudged his arm with her elbow, her eyes glinting with amusement.

But when he went on, his voice soft, almost poetic, her initial teasing faltered. The words genuinely caught her off guard. The practiced smirk immediately wavered. The warmth that crept into her cheeks wasn't from the drink this time. She blinked, glancing away briefly as if the ceiling suddenly held something fascinating. She laughed quietly, the sound softer than usual, almost shy.

"Don't," she started, stopping quickly, biting her lip before meeting his eyes again. "Don't say things like that so easily. You'll ruin my reputation."

Her hand tightened around his instinctively, her thumb brushing the back of his fingers. "And for the record, I don't want a universe. I want exactly what I have right now."

The words slipped out before she could stop them. She immediately tried to mask the sincerity with a scoff. "Stars, listen to me. You've got me getting sentimental."

She drained the last of the melted ice from her glass, the edge of her familiar grin returning. "And for the record," she added, her voice lighter, "I know you're not trying to be grumpy. I'm just teasing. It's part of the charm."

Her eyes flicked around the room, landing briefly on a small group of younger Lilaste soldiers near the far corner.

"Still," she went on, squeezing his hand once more before letting go, "I'll just have to teach you how to make friends properly. You did figure me out, after all. That's more than most can say."

Standing, she smoothed down the front of her outfit and gestured toward the crowd. "Come on, soldier boy. You're not getting out of this one. Let's go socialize before I lose my nerve and insult another officer."

Her grin widened. "Besides, I'm sure there's at least one miserable bastard here you can bond with over your mutual hatred of small talk."

Rokul​

 

[Rokul]

Tags: Zara Saga

"Asking involves talking. We both know I don't like to do that much."

He returned the teasing with some of his own. Though he gave a small shrug as Zara pointed out how unobservant he could be, as he turned his gaze over towards the Archon, resting his chin atop his knuckles for a moment

"Well. You know that's not fair. When it comes to you, all I can do is observe you. If anything, you can be quite a distraction. A welcome one however."

And he spoke the truth. Watching the way the warmth crept onto Zara's face from his words. A small grin spreading across his face as Zara glanced away, bringing his spare hand up to gently rub his thumb along her cheek. He raised his eyebrow at the talk of reputation, letting out a small chuckle before shaking his head. Slowly but surely he was becoming more active. Energetic. It was the effect Zara had on him as he took his hand away from Zara's face to wave it amongst the room.

"I think both our reputations might be ruined. But I honestly don't think I care."

At the very least, she did manage to put at ease any doubts or worries that he had about being good enough for Zara. There was still a small part of him that wanted to take her home, to Dantooine. To let Zara see his family, the farm. But they were both busy in his eyes. Busy with work. Busy with the Diarchy. It was only in moments like this that they got to relax.

"Fine. Fine. I'll try to make friends. But, to make sure you don't go off an insult anyone."

Rokul smirked for a moment, before reaching down to grab Zara's hand, holding it tightly. If she really wanted him to let go, he would. But it was his way of wanting to show that he was willing to be seen with Zara, as something more than the man who just fixed the problems she caused.​

 

[Iandre Athlea]

When Rellik leaned in close, his whisper caressed her hearing, and she smiled knowingly.

"Of course. I'd like that as well."

Before they could head to the dancing area, Zara appeared. She didn't give her much of a chance to react, but she did try to wrap her in a longer hug. That didn't happen, and her prickly friend sauntered away again. Her eyes followed her for a moment until she got lost in the crowd (or sat down and went out of Iandre's sight).

"Thank you..."

She was speaking to the empty area that had just been filled with Zara. Shaking her head, she took Rellik's hand and they headed in the direction of the DJ.

"Are you ready to show them?"

Diarch Rellik Zara Saga