Private Fault Lines

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Valery Noble | Azurine Varek

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Roman's breath hitched as the comms went silent, the lack of response a prelude to the violence that was about to unfold. His earlier apprehension morphed into a surge of adrenaline, and he practically vaulted from his seat, the half-finished cup of tea forgotten. He knew his role, and it was time to play it. He scrambled through the narrow corridor towards the gunner station, his boots clanging against the metal floor.

He slipped into the gunner's chair, his fingers fumbling with the straps as they locked into place. The controls were an intimidating array of buttons, switches, and a joystick that looked more like a weapon than a pointer. He pulled a headset from the side panel, jamming it over his ears just as Azurine's voice crackled over the comm, "Hang on and buckle up!"

Roman whirled the gunner station around, his heart hammering against his ribs as he faced the approaching fighters. They were spitting red streaks of laser fire, and he could feel the ship lurch hard to the left as Azurine threw it into a desperate evasive maneuver. The viewport swam with chaotic movement, and Roman's head spun. He desperately tried to understand the controls, his fingers hovering over various buttons, unsure of which to press.

"Hey! Hold her steady!" he yelled out, his voice strained as he tried to lock onto the darting fighters, his movements jerky as he tried to align a shot, his finger twitching over the trigger. His body was practically being thrown against the confines of his seat. Despite his protests, he knew she was doing her best to keep them from being eviscerated, but if she didn't hold a somewhat still target for him he would never get a shot.

Red bolts streaked just past the viewport, the ship groaning as it twisted and turned. Roman was becoming increasingly frustrated, his stomach churning as he was tossed around. He fumbled with a trigger as the targeting lock finally began to catch on a ship. He could see the red targeting box, just barely, flickering. Another hard jolt shook him, throwing him off the shot again. "C'mon, c'mon," he muttered to himself, jaw tight as he tried to regain his lock.

Finally, a small window of opportunity opened as both ships separated slightly. One of the fighters momentarily aligned itself perfectly in his sights. The targeting lock solidified, the red box locking into place. Roman didn't hesitate this time, his finger pressing down on the firing trigger. A rapid volley of red bolts tore through space, streaking towards the fighter. The bolts connected with a brilliant flash, and the fighter exploded in a burst of light, the fiery debris spiraling into the void.

Roman's breath hitched, his eyes wide. "I got one?" he muttered to himself, his voice still a little shaky as adrenaline coursed through his veins. He pulled back on the firing trigger, his body shaking as the reality of what he had just been through settled in, and a small dose of pride in himself began to stir.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery braced herself against the console, her fiery eyes darting between the displays tracking the two enemy fighters. The Bastion jolted sharply as Azurine pushed it into a daring dive, narrowly avoiding a barrage of laser fire. Valery couldn't help but grin faintly, her confidence in her Padawans burning brightly even in the chaos.

Azurine's voice crackled through the cockpit, sharp with focus and tinged with her usual sarcasm. Valery chuckled softly, her grip tightening as the ship twisted through the deadly dance. "Keep it up, Azzie," she called back, her tone steady. "You're doing great."

The Bastion rocked again as another volley zipped past them, and Valery quickly reached for the auxiliary systems. She rerouted power to the shields and engines, her hands moving with the precision of someone used to multitasking under fire. "I've got secondary systems. Focus on flying, Azzie — we'll keep them off you."

A bright flash erupted outside the viewport, and Roman's voice echoed through the comms, half in disbelief. Valery's gaze snapped to the targeting display, where one of the enemy fighters blinked out of existence, replaced by a glowing debris field.

"You got one!" Valery called out, her voice proud and filled with encouragement. "Nice shooting, Roman. Stay on them — we've still got one more to deal with."

Another series of red bolts streaked toward them, and Valery adjusted the shields to absorb the brunt of the attack. "Shields are holding," she reported, her fiery gaze narrowing as the remaining fighter broke formation and darted to their flank, trying to catch them off guard.

Azurine Varek Roman Vossari ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

New Points Of View

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azurine gripped the controls of the Bastion with white-knuckled intensity, her jaw set in defiance as the ship lurched under the relentless onslaught that she had managed to maneuver around thus far. The cockpit lights flickered briefly, casting her determined face in alternating shadows and harsh illumination. She didn't have the time for much more than a quick nod and determined grin to the Grandmaster as she worked the support controls, which was much appreciated.

The ship shuddered again, forcing her to throw it into a sharp roll, narrowly evading another hail of laser fire. She twisted into an evasive spiral, the fighter's shots streaking past with menacing precision. Too close. She swore under her breath, focusing even more intently as she pushed the ship through another series of maneuvers. Her mind raced, balancing the ship's trajectory and Valery's rerouted shield power.

Azzie allowed herself a split-second grin at Roman's voice in the comms. "About time! I can only keep them off of us for so long!" She quipped, her voice crackling with both tension and teasing. Her stomach dropped from the acrobatics, but she was used to the discomfort by now, focusing on the fighter now slipping to their flank.

Her mind raced for options as the remaining enemy darted in. They were smart; she had to give them that. Their opponent wasn't flying blindly into her trap, and every sharp maneuver to outpace them brought her closer to the edge of her skill.

The targeting sensors flickered as the fighter swung into their blind spot. Azzie's heart sank; she couldn't see it anymore. A deep breath steadied her nerves, her thoughts racing. Remember what you were taught: It's not just about seeing—it's about anticipating. She could still see the faint, blurry auras, but she needed something more clear. Flicking a switch, she pulled the Bastion into a wide loop, forcing the fighter to show its hand.

The gamble worked. A faint blip returned to her sensors as the enemy fighter took the bait, slipping into view for a split second. "Vape bait on your left!" she said swiftly, trusting him to react.

Valery Noble | Roman Vossari​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Valery Noble | Azurine Varek

​

Roman slid around in his seat, the sudden shift in direction sending a wave of dizziness washing over him. "On it!" he called out into the comms, his voice a little strained. He trusted Azurine implicitly; if she said the enemy fighter was there, he would bet his last credit on it. He'd lost sight of the nimble craft moments ago, and the way it was moving, it was almost as if it were gone.

His fingers danced over the targeting controls, his eyes tracking the faint blips that Azurine's evasive maneuvers were allowing to reach him. The Bastion spun in a wide, sweeping arc. Each rotation was a calculated risk, a gamble to force the unseen fighter to reveal its position. The ship tilted and shifted, and for a moment Roman felt like he was upside down. The view of space outside the viewport changed rapidly. He swallowed, his stomach lurching at the abrupt changes, but he forced himself to focus. Azurine was playing a dangerous game, but if it paid off, they'd be free and clear.

Then, it happened. A faint blip on his sensors solidified into a solid targeting lock as the enemy fighter, lured by the Bastion's loop, emerged into his line of sight. A triumphant grin stretched across Roman's face as he unleashed a barrage of laser fire. The red bolts streaked across the short distance, impacting the enemy fighter with precision. A brilliant flash erupted, followed by the slow blossom of a debris field. The enemy was gone.

A wave of relief washed over Roman, his body relaxing from its rigid stance. He slumped back into his seat, letting out a slow exhale he hadn't realized he'd been holding. His heart was still pounding, but the adrenaline was starting to fade, replaced by a blooming sense of confidence. A grin stretched across his face. Feeling the need to break the tension, he chuckled, "Bet you're glad you brought me along now, huh?" he called out into the comms, his voice laced with playful arrogance.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery gripped the edge of the console, her eyes darting between the targeting display and the viewport. When the second enemy fighter finally emerged into view, and Roman's precise shots turned it into a glowing debris field, a triumphant grin spread across her face.

"Woo!" she cheered, her voice carrying both relief and pride. She leaned back in her seat, letting herself savor the victory for a moment before turning her attention back to the comms.

"Nice work, both of you!" she called out, her tone warm but teasing as her smirk deepened. "And Roman? Very glad you hit that shot. Because if you didn't…" She paused, letting her words hang for just a second. "I'd have to stop Kahlil from coming after you."

Her laugh crackled through the comms as she glanced back toward Azurine's display. "And Az? You're a hell of a pilot. Keep us steady while I check the systems. Let's see if we can find a safe spot to land." Even as she teased them, Valery's fiery gaze flicked back to the displays, scanning for any additional threats. But for now, the skies around them were quiet, and the Bastion hummed with a sense of momentary calm.

"Let's keep this up," she added softly, her voice steady and full of pride.

Azurine Varek Roman Vossari ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

New Points Of View

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azzie’s hands gripped the controls with a focus that felt like second nature. The Bastion had been in one hell of a fight, but she could feel the hum of the engines, steady and true beneath her fingers. Her gaze swept across the displays, fingers instinctively adjusting the ship’s stabilizers. The debris of the enemy fighter twinkled faintly through the viewport like shattered stars. A flicker of relief washed over her as she eased the ship into a more stable glide.

She exhaled deeply, leaning back in her seat. "And not a scratch," she murmured with relief, patting the console as if to reassure both herself and the ship. "Kahlil won’t even know we borrowed her."

After everything had settled, Azzie couldn’t quite keep the laughter in. Az sure was a new one on a long list of nicknames she'd been given throughout her life. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about this one, but the novelty of it mixed with the compliment made her grin wider than she’d intended. She could decide whether or not she was a fan of it later. "I guess you can just call me an ace from this point, then." She teased, giving a wink and sly grin.

The sensor array pinged faintly, highlighting a promising outcrop nestled between two cliffs, its rocky surface wide enough to fit the ship if she was careful. It was close enough to where they needed to be as well that it shouldn't be too much trouble to get there. It wasn't going to be an easy landing, but they needed to keep a decent distance, just in case. “Got a potential landing zone,” she said, pointing out the area on the displays. “It's not the most ideal, but it’s better than being sitting ducks out here.”

Azzie tilted the Bastion downward, the ship cutting through the atmosphere with a shudder. The turbulence hit them hard as they descended toward the rocky cliffs that formed the edge of the massive forested land. They skimmed close enough that the tops of the tallest trees seemed to reach for its underbelly. “Easy there, baby.” she muttered, coaxing the ship forward with gentle but firm adjustments. The ship groaned in protest as she guided it toward a narrow plateau high above the shoreline.

The landing was rougher than she liked. The landing struts scraped against uneven stone, the ship jolting with a metallic whine as it settled. She quickly ran a systems check, her fingers flying across the console. Still no damage, thank the stars. Jokingly, she spoke up, "Thank you for flying Air Rebel; you are free to safely move about the cabin."

Valery Noble | Roman Vossari​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Valery Noble | Azurine Varek

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Roman unclipped himself from the gunner's chair, the release of the straps a small but satisfying click. "Nice flying, Az." he echoed, a genuine smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He hadn't missed Valery's new nickname for Azurine, and though he was far too reserved to tease her about it himself, he did appreciate the way she rose to the challenge. As Azurine began their descent, Roman made his way toward the small galley to grab some water.

The landing sequence, however, was bumpier than he'd anticipated, and he gripped the edge of the counter, his knuckles turning white. He mentally added another item to his growing list of reasons why Kahlil would be furious - the potential for scratches on his beloved ship. He'd be sure to blame Azurine, as subtly as he could, of course. He couldn't bear the thought of the Master disliking him any more than he already seemed to.

Then, Azurine announced their safe landing, and a wave of relief washed over him. Roman wasted no time in moving towards the exit, his hand slapping the button to lower the ramp with a little more force than was necessary. He needed to be off the Bastion, now.

The ramp hissed as it descended, revealing a scene of vibrant life. The forest was an explosion of green; towering trees with broad, leafy canopies formed a natural, cathedral-like ceiling overhead. Sunlight filtered through the thick foliage, dappling the forest floor in shifting patterns of light and shadow. The air was thick with humidity and the scent of damp soil and decaying leaves. Ferns and other undergrowth carpeted the forest floor, punctuated by splashes of color from wildflowers in shades of purple, red, and yellow. In the distance, he could hear the gentle murmur of running water, and the occasional call of unseen wildlife echoed through the trees. It was a welcome contrast to the sterile interior of the ship and the cold vacuum of space, a wild and vibrant tapestry that soothed his frayed nerves.

Roman took a deep, steadying breath, the scent of the fresh forest filling his lungs. The tension that had coiled in his shoulders began to loosen, replaced by a sense of quiet wonder. It was good to be on solid ground, under a sky he could almost see through the canopy, and away, even briefly, from the confines of the Bastion.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery stepped off the Bastion's ramp and onto the rocky plateau, her fiery gaze immediately sweeping over the ship. The landing had been rough, but Azurine had done a commendable job bringing them down in one piece. Valery crouched slightly, running a hand along one of the landing struts. No visible damage — the ship had held strong.

She straightened with a small smirk, glancing back at Azurine and Roman. "Alright, no scratches. Kahlil might forgive us this time," she said teasingly, though her tone carried genuine relief. "We've done well so far but now…" She folded her arms and let her gaze shift toward the forest beyond. "It's time to get moving."

The dense canopy ahead was both beautiful and foreboding, sunlight filtering through the leaves in scattered beams. The vibrant green undergrowth and the faint sound of flowing water in the distance made it seem alive, almost breathing, but Valery knew better than to let her guard down. Their target was somewhere out there.

She turned back to Azurine and Roman, her voice soft but firm. "We'll keep quiet and stay in formation. If we can avoid a fight, we will, but if it comes to that…" Her fiery gaze flicked between them.

With a final glance at the Bastion, Valery adjusted her lightsaber on her belt and nodded toward the forest trail ahead. "Let's go."

The group moved forward, their steps deliberate and quiet as they entered the forest. The sounds of wildlife surrounded them, and the occasional snap of a twig beneath their boots seemed deafening against the otherwise serene backdrop. Valery stretched her senses out through the Force, her connection guiding her toward their target as they navigated the dense wilderness. The hunt was on — they had a Dark Jedi to catch — but for now, they kept to the shadows, the element of surprise still on their side.

Azurine Varek Roman Vossari ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

New Points Of View

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

"Nice flying, Az."

"At least you aim better than you punch, Rom." Azzie replied with a sly grin that also showed her displeasure at the name, though she smiled still at the compliment all the same. She pivoted from the pilot seat and hopped to her feet, striding to follow behind Valery, checking that her lightsabers, swords, and gears were all in place.

The ramp gave way to jungle flooring, natural beauty on full display.

"And to think you were worried about my flying," she said with false bravado, secretly feeling waves of relief wash over her. She did not want to be the one to explain a scratch on the Bastion to Kahlil.

Piloting was one thing; hunting a group who were so devoted that they were practically cultists in the forest was another. As well as they had handled the dogfight, one careless move could land them all in poodoo. Keeping quiet was something she could do—keeping in formation, avoiding dry brush or twigs, staying alert with eyes and ears as well as through the force—her practice with Aadihr Lidos had borne some fruit, even if he was a woolheaded nerfherder sometimes.

Of course, hunting wasn't necessarily their priority right now. It was making contact with the settlement and gathering information. One could never be to careful, though, when in potentially hostile territory. "I didn't set us down too far from the map points, so it shouldn't be too far of a trek."

Valery Noble | Roman Vossari​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Valery Noble | Azurine Varek

​

Roman chuckled, a low sound that barely disturbed the forest's quiet hum. "Yeah, yeah, you're a regular ace in the cockpit, Az." he said, his tone light. He fell into line behind Valery and Azurine, his boots treading lightly on the soft earth, doing his best to mimic their quiet movements.

The trek was a test of patience. The undergrowth was thick, forcing them to slow their pace but in return masking their movements. They moved with a practiced grace, a silent dance of hunters in the shadows. Roman's eyes darted constantly, scanning for movement, for any hint of danger. He trusted Valery's senses, her connection to the Force was their compass in this strange world, but he didn't want her to be the only one on alert.

Finally, the trees thinned, and they found themselves on the edge of a cliff overlooking a small settlement nestled in the valley below. The view was spectacular, but Roman's eyes were instantly drawn to the heavy fortifications, the rough-hewn walls and watchtowers. Mercenaries, their armor glinting in the dappled sunlight, patrolled the perimeter, their movements alert and purposeful. They weren't just here for show.

"Look," he breathed, pointing with a slow gesture, careful not to draw attention. "They're... collecting something. Tributes, maybe?" It looked like some form of organized collection, the mercenaries moving from dwelling to dwelling, their actions demanding, unquestionable.

Then, a new sound reached their ears – the distinct sound of approaching footsteps. From the mountain path leading down towards the settlement, figures were starting to appear, their forms still a little blurry at this distance. They moved with a steady pace, not quite the swagger of the mercenaries, but not quite the defeated slump of the villagers Roman had already glimpsed. He glanced at Valery, a raised eyebrow and a slightly puzzled expression in response to the new arrivals. Were they mercenaries, reinforcements for the Dark Jedi's operation? Or were they, perhaps, locals coming with whatever offerings Malvok's men had demanded? It was a gamble either way. Roman knew one thing for certain though, this new variable needed to be considered before any move.

 

[Valery Noble]

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Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery crouched at the cliff's edge, her fiery eyes scanning the settlement below with a measured intensity. The walls, the watchtowers, the mercenaries moving with militaristic efficiency — all of it painted a clear picture of a well-organized operation. This wasn't some ragtag group of mercs playing at being soldiers. Whoever was running this show had resources and discipline on their side.

Her gaze shifted to the figures approaching from the mountain path, their movements deliberate but still ambiguous in intent. Roman's observation about the collection of tributes caught her attention, and she nodded slightly. "Good catch," she murmured, her voice low. "If they're collecting tributes, that might mean the locals are being coerced. Or worse."

She glanced between Azurine and Roman, her expression thoughtful. "I'm going to let you two take the lead on this one," she said, her tone steady but encouraging. "Work together to decide our next steps. Do we observe longer? Try to approach the settlement quietly? Or intercept those figures on the path to gather intel?"

Her hand rested lightly on the hilt of her lightsaber as she continued, her presence calm and grounding. "Whatever you choose, remember the bigger picture — our goal is Malvok. But gathering information along the way could give us an edge. The more we understand about what's happening here, the better we can act when it counts."

Valery shifted her weight slightly, her fiery gaze lingering on them for a moment. "I'm here to support you, but trust your instincts and each other. I've seen what you're both capable of. Let's see it in action."

Azurine Varek Roman Vossari ​

 

[Azurine Varek]

New Points Of View

Outfit: Clothing/Armor | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman
Weapons: Lightsaber 1 | Lightsaber 2 | Hook Swords

Azzie inhaled deeply, steadying herself against the wave of anticipation rising in her chest. The cliffside vantage point gave them an excellent view of the settlement, but sight alone wasn’t enough—intel was everything. If Malvok had a proper mercenary force stationed here, charging in blind would be the quickest way to get themselves killed.

Her amethyst eyes flicked between the figures making their way down the mountain path and the mercenaries patrolling the settlement below. Something about the approaching group nagged at her. They weren’t necessarily moving with the downtrodden weariness of coerced villagers, but they weren’t swaggering with the confidence of soldiers, either.

“Intercepting them outright might be a little risky,” Azzie murmured, shifting her weight to her back foot as she considered their next move. “If they’re mercs, they’ll be on guard the second they spot us. If they’re locals under orders, spooking them might make them scatter—and then we lose the chance to figure out some valuable info.”

She glanced at Roman, then back at Valery. “I say we get close enough to listen in first. Figure out who they are and what they’re talking about. If they're part of Malvok's operation…” A slow smirk crept onto her lips. “Then maybe we ambush, borrow their gear, and walk in like we belong there.”

Disguises could easily be a gamble in many situations, but if these mercenaries had a structured chain of command, lower-level grunts might not question a few new faces slipping into their ranks. And once inside, they could gather far more intelligence than they ever would skulking around in the trees.

Azzie turned to Roman, her eyes asking for his input without having to speak.

Valery Noble | Roman Vossari​

 

[Roman Vossari]

Tags: Valery Noble | Azurine Varek

​

Roman's gaze remained fixed on the figures descending the mountain path. They were still distant, their forms hazy against the rugged terrain, but their approach demanded attention. He agreed with Azurine's tactical approach. A direct confrontation with unknowns was foolish, especially given their aim to find Malvok and not get bogged down in a fight they were not prepared for. He nodded towards Valery, acknowledging her input about the need for intel. Then he turned to Azurine, "Splitting up makes sense. If they are hostiles, we divide their attention and lessen the risk of a coordinated attack on us." He gave her a quick pat on the shoulder, a silent signal of his readiness to take the lead. Without another word, he slipped away from the cliff's edge, melting into the shadows of the trees.

Roman moved with practiced ease, navigating the uneven ground with the agility of a seasoned hunter. Reaching a thicket of bushes providing cover, he positioned himself strategically along the path the figures were using, allowing him enough room to listen in on their conversation. It wasn't long before the figures came into earshot. He could hear their gruff voices, complaining about their current posting. One grumbled about the paltry "tributes" they were hauling in, while the other wished he was stationed at a more "affluential" village, where skimming off the top would be easier. No doubt about it, these were mercenaries, plain and simple. Roman hoped Azurine had reached the same conclusion, as he was about to move into an infiltration plan.

A low whistle pierced the air, catching the mercenaries' attention. One of the men turned sharply towards the sound, his hand instinctively reaching for the handle of a blaster. "What was that?" he muttered, peering into the dense brush of the forest. The other mercenary, a wiry fellow, stayed put, his blaster trained on the opposite side of the pass, "Probably some forest critter, don't go wandering off." When the first merc moved closer to the brush to investigate, Roman was ready. He moved quicker than any critter, appearing from his hiding spot and pulling the man into the undergrowth. A swift chokehold, expertly applied, silenced the mercenary before he could shout, and within seconds the man slumped, unconscious. Roman trusted Azurine to handle the remaining guard, and quickly stripped the man of his armor.

The mercenary's gear was a tight fit, to say the least. As Roman straightened, he could feel the cuirass pressing against his chest, restricting his breath. Each joint felt stiff, and every inch of movement threatened to burst a seam. He took a cautious step out onto the pass, the metal of the armor creaking loudly with the effort. He flexed an arm experimentally, and the breastplate seemed to bulge outwards, threatening to pop open like an overripe melon. He let a small laugh slip, it was going to be a long day of infiltration in this thing.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring
Weapons: Lightsabers

Valery moved with practiced precision, shadowing Roman and Azurine as they took position. As Roman incapacitated his target, she slipped through the trees, closing the distance between herself and the remaining mercenary. The wiry man was still scanning the undergrowth, his grip on his blaster tightening as unease settled in his bones.

He never saw her coming.

A swift, calculated strike to the side of his neck sent him reeling, and before he could let out more than a strangled gasp, Valery hooked an arm around his throat, pressing her weight into the maneuver. The struggle was brief. The merc's body went slack, and she gently lowered him to the ground before surveying their makeshift disguise plan.

Roman had already donned his armor, and judging by the way he was shifting uncomfortably, he was struggling.

Valery glanced down at her own target — another male, of course. The armor looked broad, thick, and clearly built for someone with very different proportions than her own. She sighed through her nose. "Of course, they're all men," she muttered, already stripping the unconscious merc of his gear. Once she had the cuirass in hand, she eyed it with suspicion.

Strapping herself in, she immediately regretted everything.

The chest plate strained aggressively against her, pressing in ways that made breathing a challenge. Every slight movement threatened to push the seams to their limit, and she swore she could hear the faintest creak of protest.

She exhaled sharply, adjusting the cuirass as best she could and rolling her shoulders to test for mobility. It was awful. Roman's armor might have been a tight fit, but hers? A death trap.

She shot him a sidelong glance, her fiery gaze flickering with amusement. "Well, this is an awful fit." She smirked but didn't elaborate, opting instead to give one final pull at the straps before shaking her head. "Alright," she said, determined to power through. "Let's get this over with before I lose circulation."

She glanced at Azurine and Roman, lifting a brow. "Ready?"

Azurine Varek Roman Vossari ​