Faction Valborg Notte | The Confederacy

[Acantha Malvern]

Wearing: xxx
Tags: Kyyrk ​

Felurian strode down the snow covered streets of Valborg, eyes set on the shimmering halo of man made light that battled on the horizon against the beauty of the skies above. Ordinarily, Fela didn’t bother attending these more exuberant displays of splendour the Confederacy held. She didn’t understand them. The sky was green tonight instead of blue, big karking whoop. But, there had been a rumour around the rest of the squires that the Lord Commander himself was attending the Gala.

This was why she strode down the street with a purpose, and why she didn’t stop to stare up dumbly at the sky like most of the others did. Fela never did anything without purpose, and the beauty of mother nature didn’t even cut close. The Lord Commander, however, did.

Though her time in the Confederacy had been short, she had already brushed tails with one of the higher ups. Alkor Centaris . The two hated each other with a passion bordering on death threats in the form of… gifts. She still had that stupid, loveable cat, and she still despised the man that had gifted it to her. Lord Commander Voph had been a much more elusive figure, yet he had somehow managed to earn a place in her memory. Perhaps it was the constant chatter of the other squires, or the records she poured over when the rest of the world slept. He likely wasn’t even aware Felurian existed. That was just how she preferred it. But she knew of him, and she knew of his power.

Fela dove into the edge of the crowd gathered for the gala, more than once having to clear her throat loudly in order to part it. It was just her luck that the commander happened to be on the other side of the gala. She loathed being bumped and jabbed by elbows and kriff knows what, but subjecting herself to this kind of close contact would have to be grumbled about later.

Feeling less than happy, and more than a little sore thanks to the more excitable members of the crowd, Fela finally emerged. The Lord Commander Voph was not ten feet away. She tugged nervously at the edge of her coat, chosen sensibly for the freezing weather of Valborg, and dove in. “Lord Commander Voph.” She said as she approached him, only stopping when she was close enough to offer him a respectful bow. “My name is Felurian Malvern. I’m sorry to disturb you during your down time.” Why was she sorry? She didn’t know. One of the squires had told her to say it. Fela would have rejoiced at someone interrupting this drag of a party with business.

Business was far more entertaining.

 

[Faye Malvern]

Wearing: xxx & xxx
Tags: Ettiene Kharne ​

Valborg was beautiful. A snow covered winter wonderland that had been blessed with the marvel of mother nature twice over. The thick blanket of pure white snow crunching underfoot as they made their way to the gala. A spectacle of dazzling green and blue in the sky above that rivalled any firework display Faye had ever seen. Between her work for the Confederacy, and Alden’s royal duties, time away was a rare commodity. Choosing where to go when the time proved fruitful for a moment's peace was often a trial in itself, but Faye was pleased they had picked Valborg.

Hera seemed to be enjoying it too. The vulptex bounded around ahead of the couple, diving into the snow that had piled up on the edges of the road. Yes, they had all needed this break, this chance to escape the chaos of regular life. Faye curled her fingers around Alden’s when his hand found hers. None of this would have been half as beautiful, or half as relaxing, if he weren’t by her side. The gala was already full to the brim with joyful, flushed faces, but Faye was content to remain at the edge of the gathering for now.

As Alden wrapped his arms around her waist, Faye was content to settle herself against his chest. Beyond simply enjoying his closeness, he was warmer than the cloak she had picked out for the night. The tender kiss he placed on her forehead caused her face to beam, from her painted lips to her raven eyes. She pulled away, only marginally, so that she could gaze into his eyes. “We should do this more often. Even if it’s just the two of us and Hera.” She smiled again, only this time Alden wouldn’t be given enough time to see it. Faye stood on the tip of her toes to press a gentle kiss onto his lips.

When she pulled away again, the smile still remained. “I heard Alessandra Creed and Aries are going to be here tonight…” She paused, as though the end of her sentence wasn’t quite finished. Faye didn’t want to necessarily spoil the evening for Alden, but it was better he knew now then to be surprised about it later. “And Adron.” The last they had seen of Faye’s brother, Adron Malvern , was the awkward night where he had accepted their relationship, but begrudgingly. He still hadn’t forgiven Alden truly. Neither of them had spoken about it since Alden had given her the ring, but it was clear it loomed large on their minds. If Adron had been offended by their relationship, what would he think now that it was going to be made permanent?

 

[Artemis]

Wearing: xxx & xxx
Tags: Jorik Valnora | Tess Valnora | Jari Valnora​

Why did she ever bother?

Jorik had hardly said a word to her from the moment the ship had departed Druckenwell. His reluctance to do anything but work shouldn’t have been a surprise anymore, yet Isla still found herself hurt at the notion. She was sure he did something to entertain himself, it just wasn’t with her. The last straw had been a few nights ago, during a dinner party Isla had organised in order to get to know some of his friends. Jorik had brought paperwork with him, and insisted on doing it at the table. Isla had managed to suffer through the entire dinner party without saying a word, but the moment the shadow of the last guest had left the door, they had argued.

It had been one of their biggest arguments yet, and that was saying something considering they argued every day, but she had won. She had convinced him to take a genuine break to Valborg where they could enjoy the “Great Thaw”. It shouldn’t have surprised her that he was just as amicable here as he was back home.

Valborg was a little more like Christophsis than Druckenwell, he would probably loathe her for that. For some reason he had chosen to wear his best suit, and the snow was leaking through the fine fabric, he would probably loathe her for that. She had made him promise to take a carriage ride around the edges of Valborg before joining in the gala, he would likely loathe her for that too. Whatever Isla did, this man that she had been forced into a lifetime contract with, would likely always find ways to be displeased with her. She had made up her mind from the moment they met that she wouldn’t let it bother her, and she didn’t.

As they made their way up onto the carriage platform, Isla couldn’t help but follow Jorik’s gaze.

She didn’t know the younger siblings personally, yet, but she did recognize them from the art hanging on the walls in Druckenwell. And from the extremely brief descriptions Jorik had offered her when he had been drunk enough to open up. Perhaps she could make more of an impression on the siblings than she did on her betrothed. Isla turned to her betrothed to see whether or not he was going to bother with the pleasantries, but just as she expected, he didn’t. Instead he stood frozen in the exact same place he was before. Isla rolled her eyes. “Those are your siblings, aren’t they?” She asked him with no shortage of ludicracy in her tone at the fact that she’d even had to ask.

 

[Zahra Arcturus]

Wearing: xxx
Tags: Taramaz Arcturus ​

The Mother of Nightmares had seen beauty greater than this. In the faces of fear she delighted in hunting, in the weak cries of the unwilling that succumbed to her darkness, in the shadow she coveted and made her kingdom. To human eyes and human mind, this beauty was incomparable, but not to Zahra.

Where her husband marched and where his feet left impressions in the thick snow behind, Zahra floated. Fine black fabric billowed at her feet, almost smoke like in the way it curled and twisted round her pale flesh. For one as cold blooded as they both were, the freezing temperatures of Valborg were by far better than the sweltering heat of Geonisis. Though she had not said it in as many words, she had displayed her joy at Taramaz’s choice of venue in numerous ways. When he reached out for her arm, something she would usually dismiss, she took it happily. Her lythe and slender forearm looped around his, bringing them an inch or two closer. It had been longer than either was willing to recall since they had been on anything resembling a date, but times and circumstances had changed.

Their walk came to a halt at the edge of a cliff overlooking the square and the skies that twirled and twisted in fantastic shades of blue and green, but Zahra wasn’t looking at them. Instead her milk-white gaze had turned to the man at her side. He was a husband in nothing but name, and had been for too long, but their reunion had reminded her of what they once shared. Theirs was a love of power and destruction, of darkness and terror, and it was a shame that they had both forgotten it.

“I walk everywhere, Taramaz. The lack of carriage does not perturb me.” She cooed at his flattery, placing an eerily beautiful smile on her crimson lips.

His whispered words did nothing more than spurr the smile on her face. Instead of taking the hand he offered out, she twirled into his arms, the eccentric placement of her bare feet causing the wind to catch the edges of her skirts and carry them up past her thighs. Nestled into his chilly embrace, Zahra was reminded that their connection had been strong before, and nights like these would see it grow strong again. The kiss that they shared only served to add merit to the thought.

“Times have changed so much since the day we first met.” Zahra grinned as she laid her arms over his shoulders. “Do you remember our wedding day?”

 

[Áine]

G A L A​

Tag: Kerstan Blackmoore

Cold rarely had little effect on those who were born in its embrace, and Aine was one such person. Yavin VIII was the eternal moon of ice and snow, far enough away from the sun to never experience what Valborg was calling “the Great Thaw”. Having lived a life in snow that never melted, Aine could easily grasp the concept of why it was being celebrated.

She had promised to spend the night with the man whose arm she currently hung off. Kerstan had given her… everything. The breath in her lungs, the legs she walked on, the ability to see the fractured green lights in the sky. He had nurtured and raised her into the woman she was today, but he had also been the man to cut her the deepest. The man who had abandoned her to the world without so much as a goodbye. But since their reunion on the anniversary of his abandonment, Kerstan had been making good on his promise to heal the scars he had created. Aine allowed him too, but it didn’t mean she had forgiven him entirely. Five hundred years was a long time to hold a grudge, and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

As the doors parted, and cast them in the strong white glow of man-made light, Aine turned to glance at Kerstan. He was as handsome now as he was back then. Red had always suited him best. When he enveloped her small frame in his embrace, her heartbeat sped up to a near unbearable rhythm. How long had it been since they’d danced? Until Kerstan whispered in her words, Aine had entirely forgotten there was even music playing. When her ears finally tuned into the sweet notes emanating from the instruments, her eyes lit up with recognition. The first song she had ever heard, the first they had ever danced too.

“How could I forget?” She smiled a sweet smile that put dimples in her porcelain cheeks. “I kept standing on your toes and tripping on the edge of that ridiculous red dress.” The warmth of his arm around her waist brought the memory rushing back. She had been so enamoured by her god then, just as she was now. Despite the centuries ticking by unforgivingly and the cruelties he had subjected her too, nothing had changed. Aine’s pale cheeks turned a shade of red that rivaled her hair. She quickly cast her gaze down to his chest where there was nothing to look at save for the patterns stitched into the silk fabric.

It was a wonder he could still make her feel like a child with a school girl crush, and it was a wonder she allowed it. Though neither said as much, they knew the reason why. Aine belonged to Kerstan, and he belonged to her.​

 

[Tess Valnora]

VALBORG
Location: Frosthall, carriage platform
Wearing: here
Tags: Jari Valnora, Jorik Valnora , Isla​

BD-404 turned off his hologram of the night sky since the stars were starting to appear here and there and he began running around again. Tess again chuckled and finished sipping her hot cocoa, she was about to go buy another when someone said her name, ‘Strange,’ she thought, ‘I wasn’t planning on meeting anyone here.’ the man’s voice brought flashes of Druckenwell and its warm summer days. His voice brought warmth to her chest as she realized who it was when she turned to face the speaker. She looked up at him and squealed his name, “Jari!” before leaping at him wrapping both her arms around him and burying her face in his chest.

Tess didn’t move or say anything for a minute or two, just enjoying being in her twin’s embrace. Finally, she broke the hug and looked up at him, “How are you?! Is Jorik here? You haven’t been locking yourself in your lab, again have you?” she bombarded her brother with questions knowing he wasn’t going to answer them all immediately, plus they had all night to catch up. Though one night of catch-up couldn’t make up for the months that they had been away from each other, him to his medical work and her to her profession.

She realized she was acting like a giddy school girl, but for once she didn’t mind. Bouncing on her toes Tess asked her barely-older-than-her-brother, “It’s quite chilly out here. Would you want to go grab some cocoa with me?” She pulled the sides of the hood closer to her face to block the bite of the wind that had already turned her nose a bright pink color. “There’s a vendor just right over there and the old man running the shop makes the sweetest cocoa you’ve ever tasted!” As if to emphasize the cold BD-404 pattered quickly to her right foot and quickly ran in place to shake off the snow that had managed to accumulate on his chassis.

 

[Laneya Wexler]

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Location: Where the music is!
Wearing: [This] (Hood down)
Tags: | None Thus |

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Now this...this was a holiday celebration that Laneya could get behind! Deciding to leave Druckenwell was by far the best decision that the curly haired brunette had ever made. Which wasn't at all true, really considering her past, but as of right now? As far as she was concerned this was the best decision ever! Thus far, Lana had found absolutely nothing about this Valborg Notte thing that she did not like. Sure, it was a little chilly, but that was easily forgotten about due to the adrenaline everything else caused. All of the colors, all of the people, the food - stars above, the food! - and the music. That was without a doubt her absolute favorite part of all of it. Yeah, the lights were great and all, but the music? That couldn't be beaten to someone who literally thrived off of the simplest of melodies, and tonight was no different.

Granted, it had taken her a couple of times to learn some of these songs, but that fact didn't phase her one bit. Oh no, because once she had learned? Well, it was show time. While Lana did not require nor demand a stage, she stood among the people and had no shame in singing along. This of course activated that alluring little vibe that she created any time she sang, but all that did was draw more people in. It amped the excitement and enjoyment of the festivities, and if that was the extent of her little Siren's gift, then hey! Lana was alright with that.

Music gave her the greatest joy, and if her singing helped to share that unbridled joy with the people around her? Then hot damn, she was gonna keep doing it! Especially since there didn't seem to be any negative repercussions for it at the moment.

 

[Greyhide]

Location: Town Square [Gala]
Wearing: X
Interacting With: Fury of Aerðs

This resurgent Confederacy bore few hallmarks of its forebears, but it caused him no measure of amusement, nor displeasure, to find the same man had a hand in it as before. Darth Metus and he had never been on the wrong side of each other in the past. Ever since the Confederacy stretched coreward to grasp the expanse of the Tapani sector, he had done little to show his interest, minding his own business, minding his own interests, which at times included Quietus , but more often than not were solitary and otherwise embroiled in the politic of Tapani aristocracy, where he was an anachronism to some, afforded a somewhat fear-laced respect by others, and was shown disdain by still more of the elites ignorant of their history. He was not Stalis'ur'talin, but the apple had fallen only so far from the tree. Some, after all, were his own descendants by way of his eldest son.

He was fortunate that it was not the cold which made his body seize from exposure, that he was free to dress in a civilised manner. There was an energy here, a feral undercurrent of the likes he hadn't felt in some time, and scents he recognised for what they were. Some... familiarity, the presence of his own kind that he elected not to investigate. Of all things, he was here to enjoy some culture and merrymaking of a different stripe than the one he had known from the earliest of his years, not to inflict potentially unwelcome attention on an unsuspecting stranger. As such, Lucianus wandered through the town at a measured pace, weaving amongst the revellers, plucking the occasional morsel, and nursing a glass of highly tannic red wine as he moved with a grace that belied his stature.

Just as there were those full of energy, others clung to the edges of the celebration, as he might have done in earlier years of his life, as a young Sith with a brooding disposition so common of those ilk; centuries did things to a man, one possibility being increased perception, and as his eyes tracked over and bypassed one young woman, the lingering energies that hooked into his senses, and the nigh-undetectable spice that snaked into nostrils gave him pause, then made him turn back in a slow way, to leverage his pale gaze on her with more intention.

"Is the wine to your liking?"

And saying nothing more obvious.

 

[Rylan Kordel]

Location: The Streets of Frosthall
Wearing: [This]
Tags: Alora Fae | Open to others

​

Watching Alora with absolute adoration, he smiled and paid for their outfits before offering her his arm so that they could go out on the town, "I've been known to clean up and come together from time to time." he grinned a little, "You however always seem to grow more beautiful, no matter how you appear." there was a sly grin, and a little wink, but he had meant it.

As they travelled down the streets, taking in the sights, he was amused it was no doubt beautiful, but to him, it didn't compare to Alora, her fiery red locks, the pale skin, her stunning smiles and eyes... He had to slightly his head to refocus on the night, "I'm thinking we go to dinner, then head up to the gala afterwards to enjoy a night of dancing, drinking, and socializing a little?" all that matter this evening was that he made up missed time and that they enjoyed this night, and forget about the crazy.

 

[Damien Van-Derveld]

Objective: Gala
Wearing: xxx
Tag: Telula Vale

Winter.​

​

Damien had rarely seen snow as a child. Being raised on Dathomir made the sight and sensation of the cold and solid precipitation something he was still adjusting to. This planet was nothing like Dathomir had been, even the aura of it all felt different. One thing was certain despite the differences, the wolf loved it. Deep within himself the urge to shift and run in the snow tugged at him. His eyes kept wandering from the guests at the gala to the white blanket which covered the halls grounds. The lights which danced across the sky kept pulling his focus away as well, until the dark orbs fell on a single lone presence.​

​

Her skin was porcelain, and her hair nearly matched the snowy banks which were beginning to show signs of the season's change. She was beautiful, and the backdrop only accentuated that fact. It was a breathtaking sight to behold.​

​

A drink was finished and set on an empty tray which Damien passed by on this way out toward place where the young woman stood. Two more glasses of a dark, sweet, and warm, liquid were proffered on his way. He needed an excuse to meet the girl, and the hot chocolate had given him the perfect solution he was looking for.​

​

His lips pulled in a smirk as his steps halted in front of her. A slight nod of his head was directed toward her as he reached out with one of the cups of cocoa.​

​

"Perhaps the young lady requires another glass, and if she does not then perhaps she would at least take it so I do not feel like such a fool for walking all this way to offer it."​

​

Was it smooth? She would be the judge of that. Damien was not one to try and be one way or the other. He was simply himself a young wolf that was somewhere between a playful pup and deadly predator. His life was one of irony and contradiction, and yet it was one he would not trade. He could only hope she would take the glass, as it was beginning to burn his hand.​

 

[Vess Sadragen]

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Wearing: [X]​

Tags: Open​

With: Laneya Wexler​

Current Mood: Freezing​

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Lana had almost seemed to have forgotten her in the mad rush to join the festivities, fighting through the cold and working her way through the mass of people she at least had managed to keep her eyes on her so to not lose her. Seriously of all the places in the galaxy to run to why an ice ball? Rishi sounded way better than this to her personally but Lana wanted to come so here they were. She pulled her jacket around her tighter, not a fan of the cold at all, she finally came up alongside Lana then laughed as she found her singing along with a cheery expression and sighed no complaint she would have made her want to ruin her mood, not after everything else.​

​

She left her side and moved over to one of the large bonfires and instantly felt the warmth if this was the thaw of this planet she didn't want to stick around for the dead of winter, the brunette surveyed the crowd and kept her eyes peeled but at least she wasnt being shot at currently, or chased, or you know shot at... Being shot at was not fun.​

​

 

[Falcon Rekali]

Location: Up the Mountain
Wearing: X
Interacting With: TBD

Cold was easily shrugged off - that was one of many tools the Force afforded, along with the means to get to this place on foot, well ahead of the couples and groups that would arrive. Part of his interests in his schooling as a much younger man were the different cultures that dotted the galaxy - what they celebrated, why... the common themes that popped up from world to world - and the natural phenomena he had not seen before. Little to no time in the past four decades had been spent in climes cold enough to cause the presence of the aurora, and the connection to the natural and supernatural realms that he gained in the time since he was a young man added another aspect to the why of his being here.

He wanted to feel the shift in the spirit of the place, and remind himself of who he was and where he came from, after so much loss and the ensuing darkness he entertained had forever altered his gaze. He'd never went to places such as this with Aaralyn; so much of their lives together had been marked by war. So much of his life after the loss of her, marked by grief and a thirst for vengeance, and once that ran its course, it left a bitter shell of a man in the place of one who once had so much spirit, so much fire; it birthed a psyche oft marked by demons, imploring him to walk through the darkest gate of all, and part with his body, in finality. It was a hard request to resist, when beyond that gate he could be with her for eternity... but that would be quitting.

Falcon rubbed his hands together fast and hard, heaving out a sigh, and drawing on the all-encompassing energies for warmth. He had students to educate, and out there somewhere, a daughter and two sons that still lived, to his knowledge. And one grandchild. The Mandalorian Witch shifted his gaze to the sky, the first wisps of the aurora teasing his interest. Short of making a visit to the Warlock's Gate on Dathomir, there were certain times and places when the veil seemed to thin between this realm and the next... so it was believed.

It was as close as he could get. It was the least risk. And even if that were not the case, aurorae were widely held as a wonder to behold. Even that would be enough.

 

[Laneya Wexler]

Location: Music!
Wearing: [This]
Tags: | Vess Sadragen | Open |
-----------------------------------------

There was a loud gasp from Laneya when she spotted Vess, and the melody vibrating her vocal chords had died off in reaction. "Vess!" she reached an arm out due to the gathering of people and beckoned her friend closer with quite the grin on her own face. Lana's cheeks were flushed from the cold, and yet it didn't seem to be really bothering her in the least little bit. She was riding a natural energy high at the moment, surrounded by things she had never really gotten to experience before, and it was almost magical to her. So when Vess got close enough for Lana to get a good look at, the curly haired of the pair didn't quite understand the sour aura radiating off of the other girl.

"You don't look like you're having any fun, what's wrong?" she questioned. When the other girl walked away, Lana's brow creased and nearly met in the middle as she began to follow suit. While Vess sat, Lana stayed on her feet, but stepped close enough to hear and be heard. "What's wrong, Vess?" she questioned. Yes, Laneya had been beyond thrilled to experience something new, and to find that she loved it. But if her friend - really her only friend wasn't happy? Well then that just wasn't okay, and Lana felt the need to fix it, pronto.

 

[Kyyrk]

​

G A L A​

Voph arched a brow as someone drew near, clearly intent on speaking with him, judging by the direct path she cut through the crowd. Voph chuckled quietly as the girl introduced herself, and said she was sorry for interrupting his free time. Voph looked down at his drink for a moment and said "No you're not."​

​

Voph took a gulp, then turned to look at the girl proper. Malvern, she had said. Royal family of Illyria, as he recalled. He knew the family reputation through the old Exarch, Adron. A man who had once come to Vylmira and offered a trade. A trade the man did not stay long enough to finish. But that was of no matter. This child before him was clearly not of the same generation as Adron. Daughter, perhaps? Niece? It did not matter.​

​

"A pleasure to meet you all the same, Lady Malvern. In fact I would dare say it is impossible to disturb me during my free time. Very hard to do when one HAS no free time. But no matter. I have the feeling the great house of Malvern once again has a request of the house of Verros. How might I assist you, my lady?"​

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Tags: Felurian Malvern​

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[Yusha]

D A N C E ?​

Tag: Laneya Wexler

Sights. Sounds. Mirth.

The King of Beggars could not put his finger on any one thing that caused the sensation, but the festivities had made him feel right at home. Perhaps it was the fact that the village had a pronounced lack of bustling aerial traffic and droids stomping about. Perhaps it was the frost which nipped his lips and encouraged wearing his trademark hood over his features. Perhaps it was even the proximity of his patron - Zahra. Whatever it was, Yusha found himself with a pep in his step during the night of celebration.

And with excitement came boldness.

On paper, he was a card-carrying Squire of the Knights Obsidian. He did so to be just a hair closer to the culture which had cultivated his mother. A melting pot of curiosity and misplaced grief at her passing had bid that he abandon his familiar streets in favor of her homeland. The Confederacy. Now ran by his grandfather of all things. It was a fact that the King kept close to his chest at all times. Why? Because such connections were a shining beacon placed on his person. To announce thus would be to deny his ability to disappear in a crowd.

And as any thief knew, strategic disappearance was mandatory.

Thus, the excited and emboldened larcenist prowled his way through the festivities. He found himself entering the realm of music and laughter, where drink was flowing quite strong. Easy. A well-placed bump and half apology in passing saw his hand swipe a coin purse in one practiced motion. Another saw the purse half-emptied in his pocket...and then, an unsuspecting victim found the purse left in their coat pocket. Never be too greedy, no? Best case scenario, the unlucky soul makes it home with a few extra coins. Worst case? He takes the fall.

Such was how the King of Beggars did business.

With pockets now heavier from his ill-gotten gains, Yusha settled down atop a table. While content to simply observe for his next mark, he found his attention being drawn to...a voice? Singing. A sweet tone that rose above the rest, yet blended all the same. He turned, finding the face of a young woman who...somehow...was captivating. Yusha raised an eyebrow. What little training he had said that this was a red flag. And thus he cleared his mind. As the Lord Commander instructed...loudly. Then, spurned by curiosity, the larcenist joined the woman's side.

A hand was extended, along with a bright smile. "You've quite the voice miss." he said. "Care to dance?"​

 

[Alessandra Creed]

Tag: Adron Malvern | Faye Malvern
Location: On the Trail [Horse Drawn Carriage]
Objective: Gaze
Thoughts: "Two men and a lady..."

​

"Faye is here. You know, she would like to see you."

Alessandra could feel that Adron was close. His hand to her thigh, certainly, but so was his mind. Wrapped around his family in the same way the fur blanket kept them safe and sound. Sometimes, she wondered if it was difficult for him. He had gone from being the singular most important person in the galaxy to her—To being forced to share that spotlight. Her son, their son, filled her heart with such easy warmth and joy. Sometimes, it almost felt like witchcraft.

It was no small wonder that she’d been so incredibly protective in the beginning. Before he was even the size of a peanut, even then, Aries meant everything. She had never known that she could genuinely love and care for something so completely. She was Sith. Her family, Sith.

And yet she loved. It was boggling.

“He’s going to sleep through breakfast.”, Alessandra observed, her tone fond, whilst she brushed delicate fingers through the dark hair Aries boasted. He had taken a little more after her coloring than his father. The smile that she issued in response to the light squeeze to her thigh didn’t quite touch her eyes. She was happy. Her boys were together. And for the first time, in a long time, there were no court officials telling her how to rear the first-born prince. She could let him play. He could get a scuffed knee. And all was right with the world. “We should come again for Life Day. He would like the decorations, games, and lights.”

As much as she wanted to protect Aries there was another part of her that wanted to show him every wonderful thing the galaxy had to offer. It was just…Dangerous. How could she teach someone so small, so innocent, to live in a world that designed to devour him. Adron kissed her cheek and the warmth stirred her from her thoughts. Normally, she might have responded in kind. Instead—He would see the wheels in her mind turning. “We need a larger fleet.”, she mused, entirely unaware, that the statement would seem awkward. Out of the blue.

“Stationed around Illyria. An orbital shipyard, perhaps? Defense platforms. Research stations.”

There was no imminent threat. Just, the one thing she wanted, needed, to protect.

Atrisia had left her feeling vulnerable. Scarred, but only in places, no one could see. Honeyed chocolate eyes seemed to flicker with an inner light when her husband took her chin. She was used to his touch. It was a comfort, always, but her stomach turned at the thought of anything coming to their world. She wanted to think that it was safe to leave Aries there—But was it? Atrisia was to have been safe. Perfectly, safe. It had been a nightmare. “I just…”

“I need Aries to be safe.”

It was the simplest explanation she could come to. Alessandra had been infected with a deadly force-based virus that would have turned her against her family. Mishel had sacrificed herself to cleanse her body of the plague. Is that what it would always take? Losing someone she loved just to survive? When would it be a choice between Aries? Or Adron? For him - What about Faye? There was always a price. “…I need to be stronger.”

“I need to be ready.”

 

[Rann Thress]

Location: Heading Down Mountain, going to Gala
Wearing: this (hood down)
Tags: Open!


Rann shivered and yelled quietly. More like a raised sound then an actual yell. But it startled the other stargazers around him who stared at him bewildered.

Rann looked at them, smiled, apologized and turned around, deciding to head down the mountain and get somewhere warm

He had finally had enough of the cold snow, no matter how intoxicating staring at the pretty lights were.

"Blasted cold. SNOW. Ugh. Pretty and all. Hate it." he muttered to himself. The snow was one weather phenomena he didn't need to experience anymore of.

"Should have got something warm. They allll said it was cold here. Did I listen? Noooo. All I brought was this dang ROBE!" he yelled, startling people enjoying the nice walk up the mountain.

"Sigh. Why am I even mad anyway. It's no one's fault but my own. The lights were neat. Worth it. But this cold. It's COLD. HERE."

He overheard the sound of a carriage making it's way down the mountain. No doubt going to ferry more people up who just want to enjoy a pleasant jaunt through the woods up a mountain in the freezing cold. Rann waved and whistled to get the drivers attention.

"After much debate," he said sarcastically, "I've decided I've grown in-fond of this unpleasantness and seek immediate transportation to places of higher temperatures."
He smiled, not waiting for a response, and climbed inside the carriage. Luckily it was empty, Rann didn't want to have to entertain people on the long ride down. Unluckily, this carriage didn't seem to have any source of heating.

"The Force will provide." he said quietly, rubbing his arms. "What garbage. I feel like I'm colder now."

During the ride, Rann pondered his new place in this Confederacy. It was new and different to him. He had been either on his own or with Aren D'Shade for so long, it was odd to be not alone and not with her.

He sighed, he knew why he was mad. He felt even more alone now.

"Hey, friend. How long until we're off this ice-hell?"

"About twenty more minutes."

"Oh good. Twenty more minutes of cold, lonliness. Great. Love it."

He held his arms tighter, hoping to rub them so hard and so fast they burst in to flame. Of course, they didn't. Rann remained cold.

He pulled his hood up over his head and laid it against the side of the carriage and continued thinking about his new Home. It was the Confederacy who extended the invitation for him to come to this planet and par-take in the planet's natural splendor. Rann didn't know if he was necessarily invited to the Gala or if that was reserved for the higher-ups of the CIS. Certainly, he thought, he wasn't dressed for the occasion. Though these were the nicest robes he owned, that wasn't saying much.

The time down the mountain stretched to an incomprehensible block of seemingly eternity, but they finally reached the bottom of the mountain.

"Here you go sir, bottom of the mountain!"

"Yeah, thanks."

Rann unbundled and exited the door. It was immediately a bit warmer down here, but not by much. He smiled slightly, but stopped suddenly and turned to look at the driver when he cleared his throat and held out his hand.
Rann blinked. Smiled again, and waved his hand
"You don't need payment."

"You're right. I don't need payment. I want a tip."

Rann stopped smiling and sighed. Technicality or this fella wasn't a dummy it didn't matter. That was his luck. Oh well, he thought. Rann got got. Fair's fair. He reached inside his robe and pulled out some credits, walking over and handing them to the driver before turning around and waving dismissively walking out away from the where the carriages were and towards the town. He continued in to the town, hoping to find something to drink or eat that was nice and warm that cost less then the tip for that driver. He started wishing he worried more about the concept of money, and less about using the Force to not pay.

He walked with a more brisk pace as the wind picked up just a little bit. It wasn't as cold but it still was cold. Rann wanted to get inside, bundle up by a fire with three blankets and a belly full of food and drink and call it a day. First he had to find a place to do that.

Some company while he did wouldn't be so bad either, he thought.

 

[Telula Vale]

Location: Gala Outskirts
Attire: [This]
Tags: | Damien Van-Derveld |

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There came a moment when Telula had been ready to retreat from her location. The crowds had grown vibrant and more jubilant and these facts had caught her attention more than once and caused her to glance towards the Gala's festivities. Of course, she didn't settle well within crowds easily, but for an occasion such as this, she could at least try to engage, right? And if she didn't like it, she could always skitter back away and none would be the wiser.

Besides, her cup was no empty and she at least needed to circle back and get another. Or so she had thought.

Turning about brought her to face a secondary body that had found its way to her (not so) secluded little spot just along the outskirts of the festivities. Lula took half a step back, not because she was afraid but because she had needed just enough room to be able to look up at this person who had addressed her. The air-induced pinkness of her cheeks darkened a shade beneath the surface of skin in a blush, and her eyes had widened just a touch. Why in all the worlds was someone this attractive speaking to her? And why could she not stop staring?

Thankfully, having this stranger speak to her earned a soft little, nearly inaudible sound from Lula in response, but her gaze did break from that ridiculously handsome face so that she could look at the cup in his hand instead. "Clearly you're some sort of saint, or at the very least a mind reader." Her voice was soft, much like her features, but not so soft that it was difficult to hear her. And with the offer presented, Lula set her empty cup aside to be discarded soon, and then reached out with both gloved hands to take the new cup.

"Thank you very much." she might be shy, but she was never intentionally rude, and once the cup was in her grasp she pulled it close to herself to soak up the warmth radiating from it. "You certainly saved me a trip..." Now, if only she could get herself to make eye contact again.

 

[Adron Malvern]

When Alessandra spoke of Faye, the man could not help but make a sound of amusement. Though there was something there to show he was not just entirely amused with the thought of Faye alone. "It's been a while hasn't it?" He said, glancing over to his wife with a thoughtful expression.

Still, of everything his wife said it was not until she spoke of a larger fleet that Adron's eyes quirked with a certain light. It was not as if Alessandra separated herself from matters of state with Illyria, in fact she was extremely active considering her other responsibilities within The Confederacy and being a mother to Aries. Even with all of that in consideration, her words had caught Adron off guard. A small bit of her words caused Adron a bit of agitation. It was not as if she was telling him anything he did not already know. His name came with a galaxy of enemies that would stoop to any level to harm him and those close to him. It was almost as if she did not realize the obvious.

"Illyria exists to protect our family." Was all he said on the matter.

He turned his eyes back to Aries, taking a single finger and pressing it into the soft skin of his cheek, stroking it softly before exhaling. Adron had lost all he had once before and in Alessandra he was able to regain that which was taken from him. "No one will take us from you." He understood her fears as clearly as his own.

He glanced up to see that the trail was coming to an end. His hand rested on Alessandra's cheek for a spare moment, savoring the warmth that came from her soft skin. "Let's go and find my sister." He said evenly.

Alessandra Creed

 

[Taramaz Arcturus]

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Zahra Laurs​

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A faint smirk of passion dominated Taramaz's face as his Flame took his arm. His double hearts seemed to beat faster for every moment she embraced him. He let out a low, hearty chuckle in response to her floating comment. His mind raced, reminded so much of the happiness he so often lacked, finally reunited with his beautiful Zahra. It seemed as if a million fantasies were imagined in a second, each detailing a happy life he could live with the woman in his arms.​

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None of the fantasies he imagined would ever receive attention though, for as she placed a kiss on his lips, his eyes trailed down, catching sight of her silken skirts briefly hiked to her waist. A sight that stopped his thoughts and stunned his body, a light, silver-blooded blush spreading briefly across his cheeks. An arm broke free of her embrace, to allow a hand to trail down her spine and lower the material of her dress back down, resting the hand there to keep her close and her skirts down.​

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He placed a light kiss on her cheek in partial response to her query, his ice-grey eyes locked on her milky-white peepers. The edge of his mouth curved upwards ever so slightly, his voice filling the windy silence in all it's accented, hearty warmth. As he began to speak, he raised a hand to caress her cheek and brush a lock of hair behind her ear, if she would allow him so.​

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"Zahra, it has been near on twenty years since we married, I'd say times have changed quite a bit!"​

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He offered another chuckle to accentuate the light joke, his smirk twisting into a warm smile of the mixed emotions of love, joy and comfort.​

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"But... I do remember our wedding day, it was hard not to. I only wish you had seen yourself in that outfit... I doubt I could have looked away if I had an obsidian blade pressed into my throat. What I remember more vividly though... is that honey moon, and the nights that followed~"​

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He lowered his hands, placing them gently around her waist, his feet raising off the ground, allowing himself to fly like the Sean-Olc. He was most definitely uncertain and cautious of it's use, if not exceptionally gifted. While he raised himself a few inches off the ground to match Zahra, he contemplated flying with her, letting the wind take them upon itself and allow them to float through the sky, admiring the beautiful world they found themselves on. ​

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The decision, however, he left to Zahra, sharing the feeling and want with her through a weak, touch-related derivative of telepathy. ​

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