Faction [RNR & Foundation] Restoring the Balance

[Lorn Reingard]

Kahne Porte | Lossa Aureus | Briana Sal-Soren | Rook Merriex | Efret Farr

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Lorn felt a knot forming in his stomach. This whole Council of Light thing was new, and already it felt heavy. He nodded stiffly at Rook and Master Farr, trying to project an air of calm he definitely didn't feel. Vizion was right to get things moving; the longer they sat in this awkward silence, the worse it would get.

"Right then." Lorn said, his voice a little rougher than he'd intended. He stood up, his joints protesting with a series of quiet cracks. He caught Rhys, one of the younger Initiates, hovering near the doorway. "Rhys, could you bring some water for our guests? And maybe some of those little biscuits from the kitchens? Just in case."

Lorn pointed Rhys towards the others. "If you need anything at all, just ask Rhys. He'll sort you out." He winced as he lowered himself back into his chair. His back was still screaming at him from the recent… well, everything, really. He just hoped he wouldn't have to stand up again too soon.

Now that he'd done his bit as host, Lorn was eager to get to the real reason they were all here. He glanced around the table, his eyes lingering on each face in turn. Kahne looked as stoic as ever, Lossa seemed a bit nervous, and Vizion was radiating a focused energy that bordered on intense. They all seemed eager to discuss everything.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Interacting with Lysander von Ascania | closed

Sibylla tilted her head slightly at Lysander's words, the flicker of sincerity beneath his usual bravado catching her attention. Stubborn? Hardly a revelation. But the fact that he considered it an endorsement rather than a flaw made her hum in quiet amusement.

"I'll take that as a compliment," she replied smoothly, tapping her commlink to check for updates. "And if you're only in this for the desserts, then you're in luck -- Naboo's pastries are legendary. If you're very good, I might even let you try one."

The moment of levity was brief. As the palace loomed before them, Sibylla's gaze swept over the tents and wounded beyond the gates. Theed's scars would heal, but only if they moved quickly. Only if they played the game right.

Her voice was quieter when she spoke again, a murmur beneath the weight of responsibility. "You're right. You can't predict every threat." A beat. Then, with a wry glance, she added, "But that won't stop me from trying."

—
Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains

Days later, the landscape had changed. Humanitarian aid flowed through the capital, dignitaries came and went, and the Junior Assembly was adjourned in light of reconstruction efforts. That left Sibylla with a rare reprieve to convene at House Abrantes' seat of power...and, apparently, a Jedi guardian.

Seated beside Lysander aboard the transport bound for Dee'ja Peak, she swept a finger over her tablet, absorbing the latest Assembly reports. Every now and then, she'd glance up, the flicker of a smirk betraying her amusement.

"You know," she mused, not bothering to look up from her screen, "if you keep sitting that still, I really might start mistaking you for a protocol droid."

After a beat, she tapped a finger thoughtfully against her chin. "Though, now that I think about it, protocol droids do tend to be a bit more talkative. More apologetic, too."

With a small sigh, she leaned back, the cool hum of the transport filling the silence. "A shame. I could've assigned you to handle all my diplomatic meetings."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Sibylla Abrantes

​

Lysander leaned back in his seat, stillness enveloping him— a rare respite from the lingering thoughts that had been consuming him lately. His mind felt heavy with the weight of his upcoming journey to Ukatis and then Korriban; uncertainty and excitement overshadowed any duties he had here on Naboo. The allure of ancient temples and darker inclinations was a constant tug on the Padawan’s conscience

Just as he was about to lose himself in contemplation, a voice broke through the silence.

As Sibylla began to speak, his head rotated in her direction; there was an elegant arch of his brow at the jab. “Be careful what you ask for,” he started, his tone light, “you might just find yourself stuck in a long lecture on economic policies of your own planet. And unlike protocol droids, I can make any report interesting. It's obvious you already take your fashion advice from them.” A shake of his head followed, now looking towards the viewport. ”I forgot to mention.. you’re now stuck with someone who just so happens to love his own voice. My monologues could rival an entire HoloNet series. Believe that.”

His posture became more relaxed; a soft sigh escaped. "Also, there's nothing to be apologetic about either, so don't start acting like I owe it for something or to anyone. Maybe you should be more thankful that you actually have someone who can keep your constant sarcasm sharp. If anything, it's me who deserves condolences.”

The Padawan's gaze scanned over the landscape. "Dee'ja Peak," Lysander murmured, more to himself than the girl next to him. Perhaps the one constant since his arrival on Naboo some time ago was the steadfast captivation from the beauty Naboo offered. “I’m positive there are zero restaurants for dessert in this area. If there were, I would already know of them."

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Interacting with Lysander von Ascania | closed

Sibylla let out a quiet hum as her hazel eyes flicked over Lysander with the barest hint of amusement. "Oh, I believe it...." She tapped a finger against her chin, mock thoughtful. "Tell me, is there a secret Jedi doctrine on how to monologue? Or is that just a natural talent of yours?"

She expected him to quip back, but when he spoke again, there was an edge of sincerity beneath his usual bravado. His tone softened, just slightly. That was new.

Sibylla considered him for a moment before exhaling a quiet chuckle. "I'll admit, sparring with you does keep me on my toes," she conceded. "A rare skill, really. I should have the Representative Assembly draft a formal recognition." Her lips quirked. "Something grand and official. 'Lysander Von Ascania, Keeper of Sarcastic Rebuttals and Guardian of Dessert Rights.'"

At his remark about Dee'ja Peak's culinary offerings, she feigned an affronted gasp. "How tragic. A remote, defensible stronghold and a dessert shortage? Perhaps I should just surrender Naboo to the first invading force with a decent pastry chef."

But behind the banter, there was something else, something thoughtful. She tilted her head slightly, studying him in the way she often studied her political counterparts as if peeling back layers. "You have plenty to say about the sites and culinary aspects of my world.." she mused. "What makes Ukatis different?"

The question was light, but it held weight beneath it. A flicker of curiosity, of understanding. After all, she knew what it was to carry a name, a legacy, a duty to a homeworld that demanded more than it ever gave.

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Sibylla Abrantes

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Lysander felt the all too familiar tug of a smirk, which then broke through his air of nonchalance. He allowed a barely noticeable shrug of his shoulders. "I believe it’s a natural talent," he replied, his voice calm, yet laced with a hint of sincerity. "If there were a secret Jedi doctrine on how to monologue, few could probably master it like me."

The crooked line on his lips stretched a little further at her comment about his verbal prowess. Though tempted to fire back, he allowed a moment of silence to envelop him instead. There was no denying that he enjoyed their exchanges; they were light and almost felt like a dance, keeping him on his toes just as much as she said he did for her.

A chuckle bubbled up from her gasp as he continued gazing out the viewport. In truth, the familiar contours of Naboo’s landscape were aesthetically pleasing to the eye, no matter where he was. When his head turned once more, he allowed himself to meet Sibylla’s gaze briefly. He knew the look— she was studying him. However, it didn’t seem to bother Lysander.

“Ukatis is different in many ways,” he began, allowing a soft smile to form. “But in others, Naboo sometimes reminds me of home.” He was fond of each planet. “Both have beautiful gardens and breathtaking landscapes,” he continued, allowing his thoughts to drift. Warmth lit up his green eyes. “The architecture is different.. of course, but still pleasant in its own right.” A pause followed before playfully adding, "And guess what? The desserts aren't half bad."

Glancing away, Lysander began considering his next words. “But I have to admit, Ukatis isn’t that advanced.” His tone shifted. “Our economy is still developing, and most of our market is agriculturally based. We don’t export many of our goods off the planet. Maybe you wouldn’t like it there.. it’s more.. modest, you could say.”

His head tilted slightly, feeling genuinely curious. The Padawan decided to shift towards a different landscape that wasn't political. There would be plenty of time for that later. “What’s your favorite part about Naboo? Or I guess.. what do you see when you look at your own home?”

​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Interacting with Lysander von Ascania | closed

Lysadner's response to his perfect oratating skills earned him a quiet chuckle and a shake of her head. However, at his mention of Ukatis, her expression shifted, amusement settling into something more thoughtful.

Similiar but different, she echoed in her mind, her gaze drifting toward the passing scenery. "And here I thought you were implying your homeworld was some secret galactic paradise, hoarding superior desserts away from the rest of us."

His admission about its modesty earned a quiet hum of consideration -- then a pointed expression in mock affront.

"Modest," she repeated, arching a brow. "I'm starting to think you are implying my tastes are too highbrow." A playful lilt colored her tone, though beneath it was a genuine interest. "Though, in case you weren't aware, Naboo's wealth does come in part from agriculture as well. Our exports are just… wrapped in a prettier package.... or as we found out with our Mandalorian raiders, in plasma."

She turned to the viewport as the Gallo mountain range spread before them in a breathtaking expanse. The last vestiges of winter clung to the peaks, while spring crept into the valleys below, turning ice to rushing streams and snow to wildflowers.

"This," she said finally, voice quieter, more sincere. "This is my favorite part of Naboo."

Her fingers brushed absently over the tablet in her lap, though her focus remained on the view. "When I look at my home, I see history, legacy, expectation… but I also see resilience. No matter what happens, the seasons change, the rivers keep running, and Naboo endures." A small, wistful smile tugged at her lips. "We endure."

She let the moment breathe before glancing back at him with a smirk. "That said, if Ukatis really does have better desserts, I may have to endure a trip there just to confirm it for myself."

But now that they were delving into homeworlds.

"So, tell me about your family then. From your self-proclaimed fashion sense, I've a feeling you were not born into that monastic Order of yours."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Sibylla Abrantes [

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Experiencing the oppressive atmosphere on Coruscant for over a year gave him a deeper appreciation for the tranquility and simplicity of his homeworld. Memories that he tried to savor, along with her words that wrapped around him, summoned a genuine smile that illuminated his face. “Ukatis is a hidden gem,” he finally replied, his voice soft.

The corners of his mouth then curled up; amusement flickered in his emerald eyes. Lysander wasn't going to deny the accusation. “Maybe just a little."

A subtle nod was offered next to acknowledge one of Naboo’s essentials for economic activity; his gaze then wandered, mirroring Sibylla, as they viewed the scenery from the viewport. He had already grasped the concept of seasons from prior academic studies and training phases as a Padawan; now, he was eager to better understand how these applied in business from his mentor.

Lysander's focus returned to the girl, his brow furrowing from contemplation, taking his time to find the right words, as to convey he understood what she said. “You’re right,” he said, his tone more measured now. “Naboo is timeless. Everything has its ebbs and flows. Instead of just surviving these storms.. It’s about finding beauty in the struggle, and growing stronger through it all.”

The Padawan's attention flickered to the ceiling above while processing the last question.

While he hadn’t known her for long, perhaps their banter unexpectedly built rapport just a little quicker— enough for his shoulders to ease slightly, allowing his walls to crumble.

“My family has ties to the nobility,” he started, his tone steady, reminding himself not to sound boastful. “We have deep roots in our region.” The words rolled off his tongue as though they'd been rehearsed countless times. His expression softened, gauging Sibylla's reaction before continuing.

“Before joining the Order I spent a considerable amount of time in court, engaged in local politics and the complexities that come with it.” His voice remained calm, briefly reflecting on past experiences. “I had the privilege of private tutors for nearly every subject outside of my academy.. History, philosophy, you name it.” A beat later he added, “Riding and fencing, too “

Though he was open to unveiling more pieces of himself, he decided to hold back.

Allowing the words to settle, Lysander shot her another glance. “Oh, and that pushy behavior of yours when we were walking back to Theed the other day? It’s totally not going to work with me. You saved my life, so I was just being extra nice.”

The blonde's cheeky smile was a challenge.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Interacting with Lysander von Ascania | closed

Sibylla let out a slow, deliberate hum, fingers tapping idly against the edge of her tablet, her hazel eyes settling on Lysander with a knowing glint.

"Ah so you were also raised to leverage skills in the noble arena... No wonder you enjoy arguing with me... although perhaps your fencing footwork requires some refinement." she teased, referencing his fight with the Mandalorian days ago.

She returned her gaze to the mountains, letting the weight of his words settle. There was something oddly familiar in them, in the expectations, the duty, the responsibility woven into every part of his upbringing.

"I imagine Ukatis must miss you," she murmured, voice quieter now, thoughtful. "A son of nobility, trained to lead, only to be swept away to another path entirely."

Then, without missing a beat, she shot him a sideways glance, all dry amusement.

"And for the record? That wasn't pushy behavior...it was strategic persuasion. You chose to follow my lead. If I saved your life, well…" She lifted a single elegant shoulder in a half-shrug. "I'd say that makes us even."

She held his gaze for a moment longer, then let out a small musing exhale, "My House runs along a similar vein...centuries of public service since before the four-hundred year darkness. Born into privilege and with that comes specific ... obligations."

"Granted, as I am not the first-born, at least that duty of lineage is not mine to observe," she added, providing a little more information regarding her family.

"So, did your family encourage you to join the Jedi Order or was it your own choice?"

 

[Briana Sal-Soren]

Briana kept her posture straight and shoulders squared, as much for trying to appear 'together' and the picture of composure, as it was to mitigate the lingering ache.

Her blue eyes briefly met the deep pink of Lossa's in silent answer to the sharpness and question behind her cousin's otherwise impassive expression, giving her a subtle nod before Vizion called their session to begin.

"Right," She sighed, picking up the water glass that'd been poured by Lorn's eager young initiate — giving a grateful smile before taking a sip to wet her pallet. "This meeting was called for a few reasons... But first, we've received fresh intel that the group formerly known as the New Way, is now operating under the name of The Unblessed, and that they were behind the recent Netherworld incursion. We've also learned, that they have the lofty goal of trying to use the Netherworld to eradicate the Force in its entirety..." She swallowed the feeling of her heart trying to claw its way up her throat, forcing herself through the next sentence. "With reason to believe that your daughter is apart of that equation."

She let that information settle with Lossa, the horror of the implication, waiting to see what emotions would sing through the Force, information that would give Briana an idea of what kind of condition Lossa was truly in. After everything Lossa had experienced at their hands, after the months of grieving and searching... Briana braced, expecting the barrage of emotions to be fierce. Especially if recent reports on her handling of the Mandalorian situation were to be believed.

The longer Zeriana was kept from Lossa's arms, the further her cousin seemed to slip — however she responded now, would inform them all on whether or not there was truly a need to bench their Battle Master for the mission ahead... a path Briana hoped they would not have to take.

After a quiet, tense moment, Briana shifted her attention towards Rook. "You said that you personally uncovered this information... what more can you tell us? About The Unblessed's plans and the situation with the Netherworld?"

TAG: Vizion Trozky , Lorn Reingard , Kahne Porte , Rook Merriex

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[Kalantha]

Restoring the Balance
a Royal Naboo Republic story...

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The queen nodded her agreement. “Yes, I must agree. The Foundation’s growth has been quite remarkable. Its commitment to the people of the Southern Systems is something the Republic is quite interested in supporting.”

While other companies and trade unions used relief as a simple tax write off, the Foundation placed their emphasis on the welfare of the people they serve. Kalantha saw it firsthand on Naboo after the Second Cataclysm and she didn’t want it to cease. She hoped that Naboo’s needs were as beneficial to the Foundation as their services were for the Republic. Perhaps a meeting with Mother Askani was in order, to touch base and ensure that things were moving smoothly for both sides.

In the meantime, Kalantha could at least see to it that Altan was well equipped for his duties. “Is there anything I can get for your team, Master Altan? Additional supplies or perhaps more hands? If nothing else, maybe a meal? The palace kitchen is more than happy to prepare some local dishes for your people.” It was a small gesture, all of it, but she felt she needed to offer some kind of aid to Altan.

Tags: Echo Athoth | Michael Angellus | Altan​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Sibylla Abrantes

​

Lysander shifted slightly in his seat; the hum of the transport shuttle became background noise. Next, he shifted slightly towards Sibylla.

Beneath different circumstances, both carried history through duty and expectations, albeit from different angles. He was also more than familiar with the balance between privilege and responsibilities. It made him curious about exploring the different layers that made up Sibylla's identity.

Studying her for a moment, his brow furrowed. At least the weight of lineage on her shoulders appeared to rest comfortably. “Well, it seems your House also passed on a more natural air of grace too. You wear it effortlessly.. like a crown.” A warm smile adorned his lips. “And at least you don’t carry the full burden of that legacy.”

He then shifted the conversation back to her inquiry. “My eldest sister is a Jedi,” he said, his voice carrying a note of pride. Lysander then sat up a little straighter. “For as long as I can remember, I wanted to follow in her footsteps. She had a way of always encouraging me.”
There was a moment of hesitation before continuing, suddenly feeling the weight of his own decisions. “But my family, they didn’t push me one way or the other. It was my choice. I left because I wanted more freedom to build my own future. Some other things back home felt so.. predetermined. But now I feel like I'm capable of creating a life that's actually mine.”

The Padawan lofted what passed for a shrug. “Fencing may be an art, but so is arguing. With you, I feel like I’m dueling.. even if you seem to be losing constantly.” His eyebrows arched knowingly. “But at least you can match my rhythm, so it's acceptable. I mean, you wouldn't get any better fencing with someone who isn't close in skill level.”

 

[Lossa Aureus]

Jumpsuit
Bracelet | Echo Stone​

Vizion cut through the tense air that had settled over them. Reminding them of their need to be here.

Each corner of her mouth turned up in the barest hint of a smile as her eyes slid over to him before returning to Briana. The answer to her question shared in those sparce few seconds that their eyes had met.

A slight nod to Briana as she settled her expression once more.

Lossa did not seem to react to the news of the name change for the group responsible for her child's abduction. Her blank stare maintained until Briana continued on. The hint of a smile burned away as bland solemn line of her mouth twisting into a tight downturn. Her eyes turning to hard stones as her gaze seemed to burn into her cousin at the information.

The newcomer to the room being the source of the information drawing the full attention of Lossa.

It wasn't just her own eyes that seared into the newcomer. The realization that news and information was so near sending her once controlled thoughts into a spiral. An aching burn of regret, shame, and loathing giving flase life to the illusory dark side form that hung over Lossa and burned holes into the newcomer as well. A familiar form to Briana and Vizion of a much younger and angrier Lossa.

A physical manifestation of her feelings as her real body shifted in discomfort. Every muscle tensed to control the reaction that threatened to slip free any further than it already had. A deep cut in her lip forming as she tried use the pain of a bite to clear the emotions that threatened to break all of her control. The Dark Side pouring out with the intensity of her need. The need to know more. To understand. To make right the wrong done to her.

Her breathing carrying a ragged edge as her hands tightened around her arms. Nails digging into the skin hidden beneath the protective material covering the skin.

A great effort given to keep her words as flat as she could manage against the dire urge to pry the information from the newcomer without a care for her well being. To remind herself that despite the urgency of her need, that she did not need to take from these people what they were offering freely.

That she did not need to follow the same path she had burned in the Outer Rim trying to find the information that was hidden away from her. Now so close that it felt like her time had been utterly wasted.

Burying the feelings deep to keep from acting on them.

"Please. Please share. What you know." Eyes ablaze with emotions that went against everything she had vowed to stand for. Thankful she'd had the foresight to keep herself free of any weapon besides the natural ones she could not rid herself of.

The taste of metal in her mouth as her whole body shook. Certain that a single step from the center of the storm she had made might be her own undoing.

Lorn Reingard | Kahne Porte | Briana Sal-Soren | Rook Merriex | Vizion Trozky​

 

[Rook Merriex]

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Location: Theed, Naboo
Tags: Briana Sal-Soren | Efret Farr | Kahne Porte | Lorn Reingard | Lossa Aureus | Vizion Trozky

​

The purple-eyed woman blinked slowly, gathering her thoughts before explaining what she knew. She hoped it would give them the answers they were looking for, or at least be enough to buy her more time to find them.

“The Unblessed,” she said, as if the word was a foreign translation of something more familiar. “The demons call them the Chosen. They arrived… not long after I did. Time moves faster in the Netherworld than here; four years on Naboo was fourteen on the other side.”

Rook swallowed hard. “I aged at an accelerated rate, but the Chosen– er, the Unblessed? They did not. I decided to follow them, spy on them. Understand what made them different. I learned many things.”

Now would be a great time to start writing things down. There were many small details that seemed unimportant, but Rook was certain that the Council could piece together the things that she hadn’t. “The Unblessed move in teams of three or four. When I first noticed their groups, I kept my distance; they were too noisy, too proud. The demons eviscerated them for it.”

“This happened several times. At least three, to my knowledge. Then they sent a single man down from the hills into Theed. He stayed for a long time before returning. The demons no longer hunted his people for sport after this.”

“I followed him to their camp. I recognized it as a mirror of a summer villa on Naboo. Your Unblessed were using it as a camp.”

Rook paused a moment to allow for questions. She realized that the more she shared, the quicker she spoke. It was a nervous tick that followed her from childhood, one that made insightful individuals see guilt where there was none. Rook hoped the Council was on her side here.

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Interacting with Lysander von Ascania | closed


Sibylla considered his words carefully, turning them over like a delicate piece of glass, searching for the shape within. A family of Jedi, at least it seemed so, yet no pressure to follow. The freedom to choose. How…novel.

"So a family of Jedi?" She echoed from her mind.

"That must be nice," she mused, her voice warm but thoughtful. "To have a future you can shape rather than one set out for you." There was no envy in her words, only quiet reflection. Then, after a pause, she arched a brow. "And your sister…does she approve of your, shall we say, creative interpretation of Jedi discipline?"

His next comment drew an amused huff from her, and she placed a hand over her heart with mock solemnity.

"Oh, forgive me, Master Orator. Clearly, I should be honored to serve as your sparring partner… both in words and in combat." She shot him a sideways glance, the corner of her lips curving. "But for the record, if this were a proper orating duel, I'd have already claimed victory and graciously allowed you to keep your dessert rations. Because, unlike some, I am merciful."

Her tone was teasing, but her smile softened at the edges. "Besides, if I didn't challenge you, how else would you stay sharp? Consider it my way of making sure you don't get too comfortable."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Sibylla Abrantes

​

While Lysander’s smile became gentle, there was also a hint of introspection in his emerald gaze. “Well.. it’s not as straightforward as it sounds,” he admitted, allowing the words to fill the space between them. He didn’t wish to reveal the shadows lurking in their family—shadows cast by a father who was abusive and manipulative. He tried to meticulously craft a good response, but it still fell short. “It’s just my sister and me, really.”

The Padawan’s mind shifted as he considered Sibylla's question about his interpretation of the Jedi. The real challenge was staying awake during boring lectures, especially when their history was so heavy with failure. Perhaps that was why he devoured so many Holotexts in moments of leisure— to give his brain the engagement it truly craved.

A quirk then flickered across his lips. "You mean the art of not taking life too seriously? If I didn’t add my own.. spice, their flavor would be quite bland." A pause followed, his expression becoming perplexed. “But.. it won't always be like that, you know.” A chuckle bubbled in his throat; it was a sound that felt foreign on Naboo, but then the answer was finally delivered. “Honestly, I rarely find her approving of anything I do. I’m guessing you don’t approve of my unique perspective either?”

The blonde's head shook slightly from her comment of a true verbal spar before he flicked his attention to the viewport, almost finding himself lost in the vibrant landscape. When it returned to Sibylla, he held her gaze, not wishing for the small bridge of understanding to crumble. "You may get your opportunity one day, and if you do, I hope you'll be ready," he stated firmly.

It carried the weight of a vow.

“I’m not opposed to you keeping me sharp.” The sentiment was easy to admit. “In fact, I would further argue that one of the Jedi’s biggest flaws is they grow complacent.. and settle for mediocrity.”

Part of him guessed the girl’s days were filled with legislative duties, collaboration with colleagues, and the constant demands of public service. “Sibylla,” he started thoughtfully. “What brings you happiness outside of the office and your obligations?”

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

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Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Interacting with Lysander von Ascania | closed

Sibylla listened carefully, noting the subtle shift in his tone, the way his words danced around something left unsaid. It's just my sister and me, really. A simple statement, but weighted. She didn't press -- she knew the delicate art of letting someone speak only as much as they wished.

"No, I don't disapprove of your unique perspective...I simply question if you've ever sat through a full briefing without mentally rewriting it into something more dramatic."

His vow about being ready caught her off guard, and for a fleeting second, she saw past the playful veneer. He meant it. The moment lingered, heavier than the usual back-and-forth, before she allowed the edges of her lips to curve.

"I don't intend to wait for opportunities, Lysander," she replied, voice quiet but firm. "I plan to make them."

At his question, Sibylla exhaled softly, letting her gaze drift over the landscape. What did bring her happiness? It was a simple question, but not an easy one.

"Music," she admitted after a pause. "I was taught to play as part of my education, but I kept at it because I wanted to, not because I had to."

She glanced at him, amusement flickering back into her voice. "And before you say it -- yes, I'm aware that's a very proper answer for a noble, but I don't just perform for state functions. Sometimes, I play for myself."

Her expression turned thoughtful. "What about you? Or does your definition of leisure only include filibustering and surviving on sheer wit?"

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Sibylla Abrantes

​

As he tried to maintain a more serious facade, his lips easily betrayed him with a playful tug at the corners, hinting at both amusement and sheepishness; yet, his eyes remained locked with hers, as if confessing that her suspicion was indeed correct.

Lysander then leaned back slightly when she delivered the next jab, one he welcomed with open arms. He had anticipated such a response to some extent. As usual, a reply was already lingering on the tip of his tongue, though he might have taken a moment to admire her tenacity. His gaze shifted to the side, her voice having ignited a spark that was at times too easy to set off. “Well, then,” he replied, his tone more pragmatic than earlier, but as always, carrying a note of mischief, “you’d better have a good plan. Opportunities don’t just appear out of thin air, you know. You’ll need a more strategic vision against me… and maybe, just a dash of audacity.” He tilted his head, and a beat later he added thoughtfully, “I can’t wait.”

Her next answer invited a flood of questions to Lysander's mind. Personally, he was quite fond of the piano; the instrument could tell an entire story without a single word being spoken.

"What do you play?" His voice held a tinge of curiosity, and he would continue without a pause, "..do you convey the same passion in your music as you do in your debates?"

Admittedly, her returning the question was something he wasn’t entirely prepared for. “Close,” he said, but his smile faded slightly, eyes shifting to the ground. When Lysander continued, it was with sincerity. “Most of my time seems to be consumed with training or studying.”

Inhaling a deep breath, he could now feel the weight of all his ambitions. “I’m just trying to remain focused,” His voice began to soften from vulnerability. “It's not that I don’t enjoy leisure; it’s just.. I have this vision of becoming the best version of myself, and sometimes that means sacrificing moments of free time, or things that could prove to be a distraction.”

The words lingered in the air for a moment. “I want to honor those who truly believe in me, and I can’t afford to let distractions pull me away from my goals.” He shifted his focus back to Sibylla. “Every time I finish another hard training session or reach some kind of.. new understanding during study, I feel one step closer to that vision. I’ve just been completely absorbed in the process of it all.”

He released a sigh. “I’m know everyone just sees me as the clown. But honestly, when I'm not in the enclave or study halls, I'm just a regular, boring guy.”

A playful smirk returned. “But.. I have been working on a recipe for the most complex sandwich ever lately. The food at the enclave really sucks.”

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Interacting with Lysander von Ascania | closed

Sibylla arched her brow in amusement as she considered Lysander's words. None the less, at his inquiry about music, she allowed herself a softer smile, fingers absently tracing the polished edge of the table before her.

"The pianoforte," she replied, with the kind of measured poise expected of a Lady of House Abrantes. "It is, after all, an instrument most becoming of one in my position." Then, after a brief beat, she added dryly, "I play much like I debate... adequately enough to suggest talent, though never so well as to suggest true mastery."

She let the teasing linger for just a moment before shifting into a contemplative, thoughtful expression as she considered his admission of relentless training and discipline.

"Well, it seems the Jedi do have quite the rigorous training regimen," she remarked, her tone carefully neutral, though there was the slightest edge of knowing skepticism. After all, she had met many an ambitious politician who wore their workload like a badge of honor, only to find themselves drowning in it.

Then, with a considering glance, she asked, "Just what are you training in, then? Besides those fancy curious fencing steps of yours?" THe tease was light, but there was curiosity beneath it. She knew well enough that the Jedi training extended beyond mere physical prowess.

Of course, the moment he mentioned his so called 'most complex sandwich ever' she let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head.

But then, after a slight pause, her hazel gaze softened just enough to let sincerity slip through. "For what it's worth, Lysander, I don't think you're just a clown. I think you choose to be one when it suits you. And while ambition is a fine thing, even the best version of yourself should still be allowed to enjoy the life you're working so hard to build."

A small, knowing smirk returned to her lips as she added, "Though I reserve judgment on this so called sandwich until I see proof. The burden of excellence is yours to bear, after all."

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Enroute to House Abrantes
Gallo Mountains
Sibylla Abrantes

When Sibylla mentioned that she played the pianoforte, his expression transformed– his eyebrows lifted a hint, and curiosity lit up his gaze. It was a rare moment of sincere intrigue. Just after, the wry self assessment about her playing caused a smile to flash. It was a response that shouldn’t have surprised him, given how their rapport was being built over random musings and never ending quips.

Appreciation etched across his youthful features from her comment. Perhaps amidst the constant pursuit of mastery, he had a better balance of levity and seriousness than realized. He remembered Danger saying everyone wore a mask. Maybe his was that of a jester.

There was an amused glint in his eye, well aware of her skepticism— something he faced all too often. He took a moment to gather his thoughts carefully, wanting to avoid coming across as a Jedi of the Enclave by day and a sandwich builder by night. In truth, he believed his path to be one less traveled, one most wouldn’t understand.

“I guess you could say I treat it like a sport,” he said, his tone calm. “I’m fully committed to it.” He tried to gauge her reaction before diving any deeper into explanation. “The physical training is only part of it,” he continued, “there’s a delicate balance split between strength and endurance, and everything else."

A more contemplative beat passed. "Most important is the mental preparation." Lysander could feel the passion, like a spark, kindling now. "Meditation.. mindfulness..those are just as essential as any lightsaber form." Warmth crept into his words. "I've been taking my diet and nutrition more seriously, to tie everything together. And with all of that comes the discipline of having a lifestyle that can support my goals.”

The Padawan’s fingers tapped with a rhythm in sync with his current thoughts. "I imagine all of your sound incredibly boring to you.. but outside of that, I just like to read or study old holotexts on a few different subjects.“

A barely noticeable pause followed. “And I do enjoy other moments too.. like the conversations I've shared with you.” His attention then drifted to the viewport. With each passing second, a building became more distinct. Lysander guessed it belonged to her House.

When he turned back to Sibylla, the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly, revealing the hint of a playful smile. “Honor me with one of your melodies on the piano and I'll totally whip up one of my gourmet sandwiches just for you!”[/div]