Private Children of Shiraya: Paths of Ruin

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

​

Wearing: Standard Jedi Robes
Equipment: Standard Lightsaber
Location: Guest Accommodation for Aiden Porte
Tag: Cybelle Elyance Velda Nar-Donna


Brandyn didn't sleep. Not much anyway. The gala had ended late, and people had taken time to trickle out. After being excused by the Queen, Brandyn had found his night ending with a tender moment between he and Cybelle. She likely would not remember him carrying her back to her guest accommodation. Nor him pulling the blanket up over her. She was so tired, that he wondered if she had woken even in the slightest. There was no suspicion within Brandyn that there could be enough guile within the woman for her fake being asleep just to see what would happen.

The sweetness of the moment had been a mere eye midst the tumult within. He had sat on the edge of his bed all night, his head occasionally bobbing into sleep, but then being jolted back to alertness with a nightmare that was never far away. Even now, he paced in the room of his friend and now confidant, Aiden Porte. Brandyn couldn't not tell his friend what had taken place. Aiden was sticking his neck out for Brandyn, it was the least he could do to tell him why. Well, most of the reason why.

He had told him everything except the most crucial detail. It was his father. Baros Sal-Soren was on Chandrila the night of that Glimmik concert. He, who had supposedly been locked in a small non-descript room for the months surrounding that time. It was a clue that had tipped Brandyn off to the reality that his own father was somehow engaged with the activities of the terrorist group, The New Way.

"Are you positive that you scrubbed the history after your search?" He said to Aiden, confirming his friend's story for the third time already. Brandyn was clearly nervous. He wanted, no he needed, to control the flow of information. The timing of its release. This sort of family destroying news could not just be thrust out into the aether to settle where it may. He would need to be careful about how this went down.

The young Jedi glanced at his chrono-piece. He was late. Cybelle was likely waiting for him. While she had access to his apartment, it was not good form to leave your...Cybelle...waiting. It only added to the pressure headache that was engulfing him completely.

He was walking to the door without saying goodbye, as if completely distracted by his need to move on quickly. He paused. Looking back at Aiden with a deep intensity. "You are taking a huge risk, Aiden. Are you sure you want to go down this path with me? Hiding evidence...that is the sort of thing...that gets you expelled from the Order."

This was too much to ask of anyone. Brandyn now felt the guilt of the situation giving him a cramp in his stomach.

​

 

[Cybelle Elyance]

H A P E S
[ Brandyn's Flat ]
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren | Aiden Porte | Velda Nar-Donna
Location: [ Brandyn's Flat ] Standing Near the Door

_____________________________________________​

Cybelle didn't remember much.

From the moment the news of the attack on Coruscant poured through the crowd like a well-placed virus until the Queen addressed the masses; It was a blur. She'd lost Dreidi Xeraic in the crowd and ultimately found herself waiting alone in one of the far-flung hallways. No official orders were given, nor, had she received any sort of summons. All she could do, like many others, was wait with bated breath to find out the extent of their losses. She couldn't get through to her family.

Her real, family. Master Gianna Aegis and their mutual friend John Locke . She had many missed messages from her maternal grandmother but Cybelle was still unsettled by this new presence in her life. A quick missive toward her well-being would have to suffice for now. They'd had half a decade to come to find her. To do more than send passive inquiries—And now she mattered? Because she was comely and relatively well-spoken? Or…Was it because she was the last of them?

The last female, male, or anyone capable of carrying on the family name. The fact that she had openly pledged herself to the Jedi Order had nearly caused the aging matriarch to have a coronary.

All she could recall from the end of the Gala was a deep sense of well-rooted grief. Exhaustion, so deep, that it was riddled in her bones. The fact that her mind and body had eventually caved to some form of sleep, even, sitting up on a stiff marble bench wasn't a surprise. She'd been running on fumes since they landed. This was just one more weight. One more stone to add to the pile that rest across shoulders that felt much too slender to support all they were tasked with.

Cybelle wasn't entirely sure how she'd wound up in her quarters the next morning but she had a sneaking suspicion. There was only one person on Hapes who cared enough about her to see her warmly wrapped in a blanket, shoes by the bedside, safe as houses. The young Knight felt an intense sense of tenderness if only because she'd meant it to be the other way around. She'd wanted to be there for Brandyn—Not the other way around.

The fact that he'd spared a thought for her at such a dark hour was humbling. It always would be.

The majority of her morning was spent reaching out to her contacts on Coruscant and Naboo whilst scrubbing what felt like cement out of her hair. Cybelle wasn't vain, but she did believe that appearance should matter to a Jedi. It was their honor to look the part. To inspire and keep to the traditions of those that had come before. Thus far—The death toll was less than anticipated. Still. More than it should have ever been, but her Master urged her to take comfort in the knowledge that the wounded were being tended to by excellent hands. That the guilty would be apprehended and held accountable.

That—This injustice would be met with justice.

Would it?

The members of the New Way were ghosts.

For every effort they'd made to track there whereabouts, even, while following the credits, they all seemed to be coming up empty-handed. So engrossed in her research Cybelle infinitely lost track of time and was actually running late herself. She hated, being late, when someone was expecting her at a certain time. Especially, if that someone was a certain dark-haired, dark-eyed Sal-Soren Jedi.

Cybelle was relieved to find his flat empty, though, was pleasantly surprised to find out she had been programmed into his security allowances. A few quick adjustments on her data-pad returned the favor on her holdings on and off Hapes. Some he knew of—Some he didn't. She turned on the lights and in true Cybelle behavior put on the tea kettle. Aside from hunting around the kitchen for a little while she respectfully avoided anywhere, a guest shouldn't be.

While she hated being late the auburn-haired Hapani didn't mind that Brandyn was. She was only relieved to have arrived before him and not after. The time would be spent curled into the corner of the couch watching the Holo-Net News, while, enjoying a cup of tea for breakfast. It wasn't as good as the Shore but Cybelle had never one to snub it regardless.

She left cream-colored outer robes and a light scarf hanging over the back of it, chuckling under her breath that her "sloppiness" had annoyed the resident protocol droid. "All right, all right…", she intoned and picked it up to hang it properly near the door. Cybelle had returned to clothing that she might have worn on the Shore. A sleeveless pale-green tunic and cream-colored leggings that were tucked into soft leather boots. Aside from the small flowers that were hand-embroidered, it was very quaint, very plain.

Everything that a Jedi might have preferred—And everything that the nobility of Naboo or Hapes would have turned their nose up at. If she needed to actually go to work the ever-present jade bangle that seemed glued to her wrist would take care of the rest. Mr. Locke had seen to that. Not to mention that Brandyn Sal-Soren still had her lightsaber.

Cybelle paused while hanging her robes and gave the droid a side eye, "There—Happy now?"

"Unquestionably, my Cybelle."

She blinked and squinted after it, mouthing the words 'my Cybelle', while it toddled away.

Eventually, she shrugged. Must have been a glitch.

 

[Velda Nar-Donna]

Location: Brandyn's Door
Wearing: xoxo

​

With the events of the earlier evening, and the brash bombing of Coruscant by this New Way group, which seemed to be some futile attempt at distracting from the contrived solidarity that The Gala offered. Velda had noted that she wasn't the only one that didn't allow them to bring her mood down so much. There were plenty of politicians, a few celebrities, and even a few Jedi that opted to keep doing what they were doing, such as dancing, even though the bombing affected enough attendees so much that they might as well have been dead on the dancefloor.

Still, there was a part of it all that seemed devilishly satisfying, with how some Jedi cared more about dancing than they did their own home planet being bombed. Priorities among a few of them were most definitely in order.

One crucial person to Velda that the news seemed to affect rather negatively was Brandyn. She could tell that he seemed immensely bothered by it, and Velda had found that concerning. It was easy for Velda to disconnect Brandyn the man, from Brandyn The Jedi, and The Queen's personal guard. Her concerns were for him, and not the role he had that night.

The New Way itself was for Velda. A tediously boorish affair. So much in fact she found the galactic politics of the galaxy much more entertaining. She didn't even have time to get a drink of champagne or wine during the entire episode before she left the Gala and retreated to her vacation beach mansion she was staying at in Hapes, which was probably for the best since she can get even bolder when under the influence.

And now she had just left the mansion and was out in her limospeeder. Heading toward the destination where Brandyn's apartment was. Brown eyes would glance out the window, as she watched the peasantry of Hapes fly by before her eyes fell back on her datapad which was lying on crossed legs.

That was when she heard the voice of her driver come through the speakers.

"Countess Nar-Donna, we are nearing our destination."​

A few moments after that, the limospeeder parked outside Brandyn's apartment. And Velda took her time leaving the limo, but she eventually turned off the datapad and placed it to the side. After making sure everything was in order she reached for the button for the communicator of the limo to speak to the driver.

"I'm Ready."

The driver stepped out of the limo and came around to open Velda's door as she stepped out, closing the door behind her the driver went back to the driver's seat while Velda made her way to Brandyn's apartment. Her presence was still cloaked under Force Clouding. And As for her own two dual lightsabers, she did not bring them with her. Partly because she knew she just wouldn't need them. They were left back at the mansion.

She walked toward the door in a confident sway, with Brandyn on her mind, and within moments found herself standing in front of it.

And she rang the doorbell "Brandyn??" Her voice was smooth, soft, and thoughtful; anyone on the other end of the door could hear it. And she patiently waited for the door to be answered.

| Cybelle Elyance | Brandyn Sal-Soren | Aiden Porte |​

 

[Cybelle Elyance]

H A P E S
[ Brandyn's Flat ]
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren | Aiden Porte | Velda Nar-Donna
Location: [ Brandyn's Flat ] Standing Near the Door

_____________________________________________​

The scent of well-brewed tea was just about ready to call her back to the sitting area when she felt a presence approaching at her back. Her first thought was Bran—But that notion was swiftly dashed just as soon as it arrived. Wishful thinking, as it were. Cybelle felt confident that she would know him anywhere. Even when they'd played games of hide-and-seek as younglings, he had always been the easiest one to find. During the day, and even at twilight, when her vision started to fail. Some invisible hand always led her back to him.

That same energy, now that she knew what it was, told her definitively who it was not.

The bell chimed pleasantly and her next thought was a neighbor. A courier delivering a parcel, perhaps, but the luxurious feminine voice that called for Brandyn by name held a note of familiarity. Not professionalism or that of a distant association. She reached for the panel to open the portal but hesitated a half-inch from the screen. Would Bran want her to answer the door?

He'd given her access, likely so that she wouldn't have to wait outside—But Cybelle was very careful not to overstay her welcome or accidentally meddle in his affairs. He would hate to know of her thought process but she was ever mindful. Despite the fact that Hapes was her homeworld Brandyn seemed to know far more about the political sphere and state of affairs than she could ever hope to during one hyperspace jaunt. It didn't matter how much she read, studied, or tried to take in at a rapid pace—Cybelle was an off-worlder on her own planet. A fish out of water.

Still.

It was incredibly rude to keep someone waiting without an answer when they were just a foot or two away.

Her innate need to be both conscientious and respectful warred with itself before she released the deep breath she'd been unconsciously holding. It was just the door for Force's sake. Cybelle's recorded bio-imprint caused the door to unlock when she touched the keypad and a warm smile would greet the polished woman that stood on the doorstep. Something about the way the pristine brunette carried herself felt vaguely familiar, though, Cybelle couldn't place it. Regardless, she had spent the majority of her formative years on Naboo—Training beneath a kindly Master that had impressed the virtue of presenting an earnest, welcoming atmosphere.

She might not have known Hapes, but she knew very well how to be hospitable.

"I apologize—Jedi Sal Soren isn't home yet."

Cybelle let her hand fall to her side before reaching up to brush wayward lengths of auburn hair behind her right ear. It fell like silk, straight as a pin, and immediately went back to where she'd moved it from. "Would you like to leave a message?", the smiling young woman both asked and offered, though, if that were the intent surely the woman would have called first. It would have been far easier to leave a Holo were that the case. Finely arched eyebrows seemed to flow into something of concern while she worked through the options. What if this had something to do with the Gala? Coruscant?

What if something else was wrong?

"I do expect him soon, though…Would you prefer to wait inside for him, Miss…?"

 

[Aiden Porte]

Guest Accommodations
Brandyn Sal-Soren

The window view was incredibly nice.

Aiden was dressed in his Jedi jumpsuit as he looked out the window at the world before him. Given everything that was going on, Aiden was quite calm. Granted there was much about the current situation that he didn't know. Something he did know was that whatever it was, it was important to Brandyn. And if his senses served him correctly it had something to do with the attack on Coruscant, and this mysterious group called the New Way.

"Are you positive that you scrubbed the history after your search?"

"As positive as I am about this view being amazing." Aiden said, however he couldn't help but chuckle. He wasn't sure how many times he had been asked that question. "I covered my tracks my friend." The Padawan turned around and had his hands behind his back. "Now will you tell me what's going on. I am your friend, you have my trust as I hope I have yours." Aiden said with a small smile. The Padawan had only made a handful of friends on his path, and he intended to keep them true and steady.

"Tell me...."

Cybelle Elyance Velda Nar-Donna

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

​

Wearing: Standard Jedi Robes
Equipment: Standard Lightsaber
Location: Guest accommodation for Aiden Porte
Tag: Cybelle Elyance Velda Nar-Donna


"The view is fantastic," Brandyn muttered without looking out the window. He appreciated the lightness with with Aiden approached the moment. Having only known the Padawan for a little while now, they had fast become close. Being undercover with The New Way had a certain effect on Jedi that were working together. They had almost picked up a intuition as the others thought processes. It was a little scary at times.

For example. Brandyn knew that Aiden would not let him leave without a reasonably full explanation about what was going on. Having to say the words out loud though, made the weight on Brandyn's shoulders grow ever more.

"Someone said something to me...at the gala..."

Brandyn couldn't even look at Aiden, instead facing towards the door wanting to run away from the words that were straining out of his teeth.

"...they said that they didn't much care for Glimmik...after hearing Sithspawn in Hanna City...on Chandrila..."

Each word felt like torture, his heart feeling as though it may stop at any second. He tiled his head back, and let out a strained gasp of air.

"...this was when he was apparently being held to ransom..."

Brandyn left the rest unsaid, trusting his friend would pick up the pieces and fill in the blanks. Brandyn looked down to see briefly that his hand had found a support against the door post, he was leaning heavily on it. His knees felt week, stomach knotted, and a slow rage had begun to simmer deep within.

"...he lied to all of us....Aiden...I don't know...what to do."

Brandyn wasn't completely truthful. He knew his options. He knew their consequences. He didn't know how everything would unfurl depending on the paths he took, but he knew that either way his family would be torn apart and after his father - Brandyn would be next in line to cop the blame, from some of them at least.

It was clear what he should do as a Jedi. It was clear what he should do as a new resident of Hapes. It was clear what he should do by the law, and by some inner code of righteousness. But all of that was weighed in the balance of this...being...his...father.

​

 

[Aiden Porte]

Aiden sensed some unease coming from Brandyn Sal-Soren , yet it wouldn't have taken a Jedi to realize that or even feel it. Aiden was about to ask who it was, but it seemed irrelevant at this point. Every word Brandyn spoke seemed to answer itself with the next series of words that were spoken. Aiden himself couldn't hide his caution or perhaps his uneasiness about the situation. Whatever had Brandon worried had worried the Jedi Padawan as well. He knew the orders that were given to him at the Gala and the secrecy and careful searching of such information.

Aiden cleared his throat slightly before beginning to speak.

"Wha-......" The Padawan started to say but then found himself struggling to find the right words. And then they came out as casually as anything. His father was involved somehow, Aiden didn't want to assume he wanted to be correct and well, logical in his thinking.

"What has he done, Brandyn?" Aiden inquired as he stepped forward and placed a hand on his friends shoulder.


"What can I do?"

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

​

Wearing: Standard Jedi Robes
Equipment: Standard Lightsaber
Location: Aiden's Guest Quarters
Tag: Cybelle Elyance Velda Nar-Donna Aiden Porte


The hand on his shoulder was more reassuring than Brandyn could probably articulate. Although his grief did not subside entirely, it was good to be reminded that he was not actually alone in all of this. He had developed a family beyond those that were named Sal-Soren. People he could rely to provide some stability and comfort throughout the times ahead.

"I don't know how far his reach goes. If he is in leadership...or just a funder of the organization...but I know he is involved enough to be having meetings with the leadership."

Thinking of the people that he had to support him brought Brandyn's mind back to Cybelle. He was going to be late to meet her, and her presence was that which he was starting to realize might just be the balm to complete his refocusing. He straightened his back, and turned to Aiden with an appreciative half-attempt at a smile.

"Right now...I...don't know what I am going to do. But I will do something soon. And I will keep you in the loop."

With a deep breath, Brandyn steeled himself to depart.

"I am going to be late for another...meeting," he said, leaving out everything else that would clue Aiden in to his destination.

​

 

[Velda Nar-Donna]

Location: Brandyn's Apartment
Wearing: xoxo

Her patient wait at the door wasn't long at all, and when the door opened, Velda was met by someone other than Brandyn. She had assumed it would be Brandyn, except that it was someone else entirely. The lady's face did seem familiar, however. She was the one who Brandyn was talking to during the Gala the night prior.

Perhaps Velda had the wrong apartment, she was not at all familiar with the building so that was possible, Velda tilted her head to her left and beamed a smooth curiosity at the woman, soaking in the scene before her as she addressed Velda. She didn't answer the question about leaving a message at first. And as Velda's head came back up and out of her curious gaze, she met the woman with a thoughtful smile of her own.

"I suppose introductions are in order, Countess Velda Nar-Donna, of Corellia." She paused after that for a moment. "And you might be?" Then Velda went on to explain her reasoning for stopping by. "I decided to stop by in order to see how Brandyn was faring. I did wish to talk to him last evening but the Gala was a discordant affair with the little time available. Still, if you expect him back soon, I can wait."

That would also give the two the time to become acquainted. And as they both walked inside, Velda continued. "He did seem to be quite distraught with the news of the bombing. I assume most of us were. Still, I couldn't help but be concerned for his well-being."

In reality, Velda did not care at all about the terrorist attack or the pathetic little band of Anti-Force zealots that was responsible for it. For her, the issue was inconsequential, it was something for the Jedi to worry about, it did bother Brandyn highly, however, which did gain Velda's attention.

When they made it to the apartment's main area, Velda turned to her. "Your hospitality is quite appreciated."

Brandyn Sal-Soren | Aiden Porte | Cybelle Elyance​

 

[Aiden Porte]

Aiden's Guest Quarters

"Right now...I...don't know what I am going to do. But I will do something soon. And I will keep you in the loop."

"I am going to be late for another...meeting,"

"Please do my friend. You are not alone, Brandyn." Aiden said with a confident tone with his friend as he noticed his smile and the fact that he had another meeting. He wasn't going to pry, if there was something that he needed to know. He was sure Brandyn would tell him if and when it was needed and necessary.

"I'll be around." Aiden whispered long after he left the room. The Jedi Padawan couldn't help but show a small smile and then even take a deep breath. "May the force be with you my friend."

Aiden took another long lasting glance out the window before in turn left the room, closing the door behind him. Perhaps without too much more trouble, he would be able to take a look around the palace. He was inquisitive by nature and well, this palace by far had surpassed the one on Naboo.

Brandyn Sal-Soren Velda Nar-Donna Cybelle Elyance

 

[Cybelle Elyance]

H A P E S
[ Brandyn's Flat ]
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren | Aiden Porte | Velda Nar-Donna
Location: [ Brandyn's Flat ]

_____________________________________________​

Cybelle inclined her head respectfully to the Countess of Corellia and silken-sable tresses slipped over her shoulder once more. The woman before her was the picture of cultured poise and she was a little bit nervous about not being able to keep up with pleasantries. The Elyance Family was well-to-do and easily known on Hapes but the lightly tanned woman hadn't been raised in aristocracy. She didn't know anything that she hadn't gleaned from a book or a holo. "Knight Elyance.", she introduced herself without thinking, though, a blush immediately stole across her cheeks with at least one foot already firmly nestled in her mouth.

Hapes wasn't quite as rigid as Naboo when it came to structural procedure among their Jedi.

"You can call me Cybelle."

Hearing that a friend of Brandyn's had come to check on his well-being drew a much warmer smile from the displaced Hapani. She didn't detect anything that wasn't true from the explanation and graciously ushered the woman inside. Her hand moved over the panel to re-lock the door, but she quickly caught up with her sudden guest. Visually…The Countess was everything, Cybelle was not. Her plain green tunic and leggings gave her the distinct feeling that she was underdressed. "There's nothing on the Holonet but coverage of the attack and speculation…I'm worried that Jedi Sal-Soren hasn't stopped since it happened."

Not to sleep. Not to eat—Likely, not even enough to take a full breath. Cybelle felt doubly guilty that he'd been forced to find the time to see her safely to her quarters. Time that Brandyn could have spent doing any number of vastly more important things.

There was nothing Velda said that wasn't true. Brandyn had been bothered, equally as some, more than most. Cybelle caught up with her manners and gestured toward the sitting area that still had the news running faintly in the background. It was so low that it could barely be heard. The mysterious woman thanked her and the Hapani gave a warm smile. It was everything it should be. Sweet—Without becoming saccharine. Unassuming. "Not at all. I would be remiss not to offer kindness to a friend in Brandyn's stead. I just put on the kettle…Would you like a cup of tea, water…Juice perhaps?"

She was trying, with some difficulty, to remember what Brandyn had available in his chiller. Someone like Velda Nar-Donna likely preferred a beautiful bottle of wine or some other high-end spirit but Cybelle wouldn't have had any idea where it was, if it existed, or how to serve it. In the end, the young Knight stuck with what she knew.

"I'm fairly new to Hapes. Have you been here long?"

It was a strange statement to make. Her surname was splashed all over household commodities, textiles, and all manner of valuable trade in the Cluster…And yet she was new? What a silly thing to say. Especially, if the Countess had noticed. "It reminds me of Coruscant—"

"—But a little too bright. A little too clean."

The near-humans were just a little too perfect.

Cybelle would stand for the moment, waiting, to see if Velda would request anything. She wanted to leave a good impression but she was also more than a little over the moon with meeting someone that knew Brandyn for the man he was. Cybelle, knew the boy he had been.

She wanted to know both.

"And a lot more of the feminine persuasion in charge, certainly."

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

​

Wearing: Standard Jedi robes
Equipment: An over active imagination
Location: Brandyn's apartment
Tag: Velda Nar-Donna Cybelle Elyance


His pace quickened. He could sense Cybelle was present in his quarters, not more than a hundred meters away. There was someone with her. The realization as to who it was the instigator for the quickening of his gait. The very fact that Cybelle was talking with Velda had sent his mind into a world of over-activity. What could they be talking about? Him? Her? Her? Him and her? Her and him? Them? Them doing things? Them saying things? Arguing? No. They were just talking. There didn't seem to be any overly heightened emotion.

Brandyn attempted to calm his nerves, but frayed was an understatement for his current state. Having your Cybelle talking with the Velda? That was the stuff of his nightmares. He had nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Nothing even to hide. But still, the very thought of them being together made him nervous.

Rounding the corner, he finally cast eyes on the door to his room. It was closed. They could be arguing and he wouldn't hear it. No, Cybelle wouldn't argue. Velda wouldn't either. It wasn't like them. They were different, but both inherently good people.

With a couple of Force elevated steps, Brandyn cut down the time between where he was and where he needed to be.

His door slid open.

"Hi! You.......two!"

Classy Brandyn.

He allowed for half a second to close his eyes and breath out softly through his nostrils. It was enough to grab a hold of his mind, and center himself in the moment.

"Apologies. Velda. How lovely of you to stop by," he was already on his way over to the noblewoman, and properly greeted her with a kiss on both cheeks. He felt his own cheeks flush red, not with what Velda would think but what Cybelle would think.

Holding Velda's hands just briefly, he looked over towards Cybelle. "I see you have already meet Cybelle. Ah..." He still did not know how to introduce Cy. There were clearly discussions that needed to happen. Instead of calling her his friend, or partner, or some such thing, Brandyn just gave her no label. It felt awkward.

"Cy...Velda and I have known each other about as long as you and I have been acquainted." Probably the wrong thing to say. He gently released Velda's hands, and made his way to Cybelle's side.

He felt his smile was forced. The awkwardness with which he was going about this not being his finest hour. "Are you on Hapes for long, Velda?" he said, before resting his hand on Cybelle's back, and leaning over to quickly kiss the top of her head.

​

 

[Velda Nar-Donna]

Location: Brandyn's Flat
Wearing: xoxo

So, she found herself in the company of a Jedi knight. Despite the fact that she didn't find it all that shocking, Velda thought it at the very least interesting that Knight Elyance was a member of the order. If only due to the interaction between her and Brandyn at the gala the evening earlier. It all began to make sense. And yet, Velda knew there was a bit more going on than just simple camaraderie with being a slave servant to Ashla.

She mused quietly in regard to calling her Cybelle, which was something Velda would prefer, because referring to her as Knight Elyance might become a bit too cloyingly annoying and formal over the course of the encounter. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, you can call me Velda." A smile drew on her lips as Velda took a discrete look over Cybelle's green tunic and leggings. The countess felt that perhaps she might have caught the Knight in an unexpectant moment with her visitation. And momentarily, Velda wondered if it had been a good time to come. Brandyn, after all, was not here. At least, not yet.

Still, she looked forward to the idea of getting to know Cybelle, that would do in the absence of the boy. And it was easy to see why Brandyn seemed to have taken to her. First impressions let her know that she was sweet, kind, unassuming, and pretty. So, it seemed like Brandyn's refined taste in women continued.

It was not lost on Velda that the possibility that the bond between Cybelle and Brandyn was romantic. More than likely that may have been the case. Still, Velda had a feeling with how that situation would unfold if that indeed true, but she was not about to get her thoughts lost in the "what ifs" entailing the arrangement.

She took in Cybelle's words over the coverage of the bombing. And close by, Velda could faintly hear the news coverage in the background. "Yes, it seems as if coverage of the attack has been going non-stop on the Holonet, and that is understandable. Although, you should be mindful not to take everything they say about the attack at face value. Sadly, at times they fear-monger and gaslight for watch time. Even if the majority of what they say is accurate." She gave Cybelle a quick glance, a glance of smoky confidence. "Trust your instincts on the topic."

To Velda, the revelation that Brandyn was working non-stop on the New Way attack didn't seem to surprise her. "Brandyn is a very sweet, kind." Smiling to herself she continued. "Charming and handsome man. However, I have noticed he does seem to lose himself while chasing his duties. It turns into a fixation of sorts."

Cybelle offered her something to drink while they waited. "Tea would be lovely, thank you." Velda would on many occasions take to a lovely and rare vintage of wine, champagne, or some other exotic drink. She didn't feel as if such a beverage would be Brandyn's choice, seeing as he was living the lifestyle of a Jedi. Still, who knew, perhaps he did.

Velda did find the statement that Cybelle was new to the world a bit strange. Perhaps Cybelle was stumbling over her words just a little bit. Still Velda noted it and filed it away as a bit of nervousness, perhaps she did reside off-planet before coming here. None of that really explained why Velda found Cybelle in Brandyn's flat though.

Still Velda would try to smooth out the interaction just a bit, so the two could converse more casually. "I've only been here, since the evening of the gala. I have to agree though it's a little bit too clean, a little too bright."

"It makes me miss the moonlight." Her face betrayed a playful deviousness while looking at Cybelle. "It's romantic…" Velda continued with her thoughts "All the private time away from Corellia offers me a window to get away from all the practiced tediousness of royalty as well. It can be so boorish sometimes."

And that was when the door slid open and Brandyn walked in.

"Hi! You.......two!"​

You..two?? She thought as she closed the distance to greet him. His arrival was more than a pleasant interruption, however. And within his close orbit she felt excitement, its Brandyn. The very charming Jedi she was looking for. As if practiced she fell into the kisses on both cheeks. And was silent while she took his presence in. With her hands within his, she gently squeezed his hands reassuringly as if that was a hello, from the heart, as obsidian in shade as Velda's heart was.

"It's very lovely to see you as well, I was starting to worry that maybe you wouldn't come." Lovely, she remembered the last time she used that word with him on Corellia. He did seem slightly nervous and now he was okay using such words himself, how interesting.

She finally found herself in the wake lost her thoughts in presence of him when he noticed Velda had met Cybelle. And Velda turned to look at Cybelle, happy that Brandyn was now here. "Why, yes, she's an amazing and gracious host." She said as Velda's and Brandyn's hands parted, and she watched Brandyn float over to Cybelle.

"Oh…" The word came out in a whisper with surprise etched over her exotic features. Brandyn and Cybelle were just acquaintances? How odd.

When he asked how long she would be staying, she answered "The travel in hyperspace between Corellia and Hapes takes quite a long time, so I decided to stay a little while and hung my hat at a vacation mansion with its own private beach here. I must say it is quite beautiful and pristine. I should be here no longer than a standard week. And you are free to visit whenever you like, you both are."

Watching Brandyn kiss her on the forehead, she wondered about these two. "I would have approached and made introductions during the Gala, but you did seem busy with security, and I felt it might have been rude of me to bother you with you doing your duty and such things."

Brandyn Sal-Soren | Aiden Porte | Cybelle Elyance​

 

[Cybelle Elyance]

H A P E S
[ Brandyn's Flat ]
Tag: Brandyn Sal-Soren | Aiden Porte | Velda Nar-Donna
Location: [ Brandyn's Flat ]

_____________________________________________​

The well-kept flat would seem lighter, brighter, when Cybelle offered Velda one of her naturally humble smiles. There wasn't anything in the young Knight that understood the potential for deception in this scenario nor had she any reason to suspect that the Countess was anything but a concerned, kindly friend. For that fact alone the young Hapani was more than grateful and her bird-like movements would let that show. Hovering, seeing to the needs of their guest over her own.

Anyone who cared for Brandyn, especially while she had been absent, was surely a welcome presence.

"That is very wise counsel, Ms. Velda. I will take it with me going forward.", the ever-modest Knight intoned graciously while she kneeled down gracefully serve the tea that was already on the table. She could have called the sassy protocol droid to do it but there was something a little too impersonal about that. Her Master had taught her better and would have been appalled at the notion. Never use a droid for something would result in a lack of generosity or knowledge.

The sudden burst of compliments about Brandyn caused Cybelle to pause for a half second while settling the hot teacup down on a waiting saucer. Not because she had an issue with it, but, because it was all too true. Bran was sweet, kind, charming, handsome, and everything else in-between. The fact that he was no longer a boy and had grown up was also not lost on her. A faintly rose tint crossed her cheeks before she moved to stand. Aware of it—She was grateful for the change in subject.

"We arrived a few days prior. I had some personal business to attend that I have been…", Cybelle paused, almost, wincing delicately at the admission. "Hesitant to address."

Procrastinating. The word, was procrastinating.

Already she had been inundated with calls and summons from her maternal grandmother that she was only narrowly avoiding. Nobility was a…tiresome thing. Cybelle knew that she'd need to settle things eventually, but until the issue with the New Way was handled, once and for all, everything was subject to an indefinite holding pattern. Including, but not limited to, Elyance Industries. At the whimsical notion of moonlight Cybelle couldn't help but nod her head. Evenings on Naboo were the closest thing to magical she could name. Romantic.

Romantic? Velda had been the one to say it—Right? Soft hands came up to hide blushing cheeks for a moment while she buried her embarrassment. Convinced, it was brought on by the news pouring quietly from the viewing screen. She was distracted. That was all.

"Is it really as…tedious… as it sounds? Being a royal?"

Her question would likely be forgotten as the portal swung open and the owner of the flat burst in like a hurricane nipped at his heels. Cybelle merely crossed her arms behind her back and waited patiently while he greeted Ms. Velda, though, not unaware of something unspoken. There was a nervous energy to the air that hadn't been there before. With the swift dash toward the Countess, hand holding, cheek kissing and…All of that, Cybelle, took it in stride.

Clearly—It was a custom. Afterall, Brandyn hadn't greeted her on Naboo that way.

She chuckled softly at part of it. The poor Countess must have been far more concerned than she had initially led on. "Don't worry Ms. Velda—I did tell you he wouldn't be too long. Safe as houses.", her words of reassurance were meant to ease any doubt the beautiful woman might have had about Brandyn returning home in one piece. She could feel his fatigue, rolling beneath the surface, but that would mend itself in time. A good meal, solid sleep, and perhaps a little meditation to top it off.

Bran would be right as rain.

As the much taller man made his way to her side, she leaned into him without thought. Given recent developments and the way he hadn't hesitated to be near her during the Gala she could only assume it to be correct. It startled her. How much she had missed him, merely, overnight. Her head tilted up toward him at the kiss to the top of her head and her smile would be the world. Unassuming and without anything but an understanding softness. "I wish we could do that. The distance between Hapes and Naboo isn't something I've experienced since I was a child. A beach sounds…"

Like home. Like, Naboo. Only Naboo wasn't her homeworld. The Hapes Cluster was.

"Lovely."

Her smile would be a little tighter, then. She missed the Shore. Missed the simplicity of helping the local populace without being referred to as a "child thief" or some sort of devilish sorcerer. Subconsciously, she burrowed a little more into Brandyn's side. He eased her sense of loss without knowing it and Cybelle would be willing to weather all manner of discomfort if this was the reward.

She didn't need anything more. Just to be able to reach out—And find Brandyn reaching back.

 

[Brandyn Sal-Soren]

​

Wearing: Standard Jedi robes
Equipment: An over active imagination
Location: Brandyn's apartment
Tag: Velda Nar-Donna Cybelle Elyance


"A week. How lovely," Brandyn said, smile all a twitch.

He offered himself a silent reprimand for his nervousness. The reprimand was quickly followed up with a calming breath through his nostrils. "Your invitation is much appreciated, Velda. It would do me well to have some down time and relax a bit," he said, leaning into the lean that Cybelle offered, "but I suspect that I will have to ask a raincheck on this invite. This awful situation on Coruscant is quickly demanding my attention. So I will likely be leaving Hapes soon enough."

His attention turned to Cybelle. His eyes seeking out any level of understanding that she might have regarding the awkward interplay between he and Velda. "Did you get a chance to find any decent dance partners last night?" He offered with a teasing smile. Given the encounter he had partially witnessed, he was sure that anything would have been able to top that moment.

His attention cast up towards Velda. "The Gala was busy enough as it was...without the travesty of The New Way attack. I likely would have been far to distracted to give appropriate attention."

​