Dominion Festival of the Lost | CIS Dominion of Fennesa

[Eternal Storm]

F E N N E S A​

Fennesa was a mountainous, rocky world inhabited by herders, living in their villages as they tended their flocks of mountain nerfs. The humans and their nerfs lived in a symbiotic relationship; the nerfs would give their caretakers their meat, fur, hides, and milk to sustain themselves and to sell to the galaxy, while in turn the humans looked after and cared for the beasts.

It was largely a simple life, but a peaceful one. Most on Fennessa never left their village, let alone their homeworld, and seldom did their eyes cast to the stars above. But for all its simple sincerity, those who led Fenessa from its modest capital of Roosthold, the Nerf Herding Council, were not ignorant of the galaxy surrounding them and the events that were taking place.

The Confederacy of Independent Systems had ever bordered the rocky world, and Fennesa for its part had thrived from its relative monopoly on nerf products in the surrounding area. But when the Confederacy had been plagued by a series of terrorist attacks, borders had suddenly become more strict, and citizens warier of outsiders. This new skepticism, this constant state of panic, was not good for business. And so, the Nerf Herding Council made a decision to show their empathy for their hurting neighbor.

Invitations went throughout the entire Confederacy, inviting any who could to the mountain city of Roosthold for the annual celebration of the Festival of the Lost; a bittersweet time in which those who had passed on to the next life were remembered and celebrated. At a time during so much suffering, there was no better time than to find closure for all of those who had recently departed.

The streets of Roosthold were illuminated brightly by paper lanterns, each uniquely-colored floating lantern made by someone who had lost a friend, a family member, or a loved one. Patrons crowded the streets as they carried lanterns and sung folk songs of mysticism and longing, while those who wanted to celebrate in a more traditional manner -- or those who couldn’t yet come to terms with their grief -- spent the night drinking away in the various cantinas and taverns of the mountain city.

The Festival of the Lost was a time for remembrance, a time to honor those who had sacrificed themselves to make the galaxy a better place.

Spoiler: Objectives

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• The floating lanterns are a way to remember those who you have lost. Cast a lantern each to remember and honor their lives, join with others as they reminisce on lost friends and acquaintances, or simply enjoy the bright colors.

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• Celebrate those who you’ve lost by parading through the streets of Roosthold or by partying in the taverns. The Parade has an element of somberness and sobriety as those who are bundled up for the cold of the mountaintop city sing songs of their people or ones that long for what is lost; the Taverns have none of that sobriety but have the same sorrow. Be careful about the fermented Nerf milk, though -- it’s definitely an acquired taste if anything else.

​

• The Festival of the Lost is a beautiful time to remember those we’ve loved that have passed on, and on Roosthold it is truly a beautiful setting. Roosthold, and Fennesa, is yours to explore.

Spoiler: Tag List

Alban Roble
Luca Donskoi
Alkor Centaris
Amelia von Sorenn
A Arisone
Archon Xris
Alaria Telwith
Aston Jacobs
Aya Clarke
Bastille Rommer
Beric Layne
Bentil Mortop
Bullwark
BX-1335
Caesar Kenway
Corvus Dravere
Colton Renth
Damsy Callat
Jayce Pryde
Decious
Eli-Mae Forrest
Fawn Alzi
Faye Malvern
FN-1138
Gerwald Lechner
Holt
IG-65A
Ingrid L'lerim
Joannis Campbell
John Locke
Karlie Lynn Destat
Kasca Fen
Kathryn Foster
Kayla Wylen
Kiff Brayde
Krystal
Kurenai Yumi
Kyber
Lady Moll
Luna Terrik
Lyla Quinn
Maani
Maple Harte
Mathieu Brion
Rabbit
Rann Thress
Maria Savilia
Maur
Millu Lee
Muad Dib
Myrrdin_Emries
Nine Lives
L LGMForever
R4-AUD
Razelle Breuner
Redd
Roy Americus
Ryk Gaelir
Rylan Kordel
SC-A1
Srina Talon
Startorn
Subject 73 Red
Talon Rahl
Talak Jenste
ToKola Bakari
Tess Valnora
Tyran Numeck
Valencia Hadley
Vanric Dannon
Veronika Fleischer
Visanj T'shkali
Kyyrk
Vyse de Valorous
Vytal Noctura
Valeria de la Vallée
Uxagi Xatash
Rayne Centaris
Ryk Gaelir

​

 

[Danielle Mueller]

Fenessa,
Festival of the Lost.​

Danielle Mueller wasn't anyone of any particular importance to the Confederacy nor Fenessa, she was at this time an Army Brat turned civilian since her leave of Shor and entrance into Confederate Space, however when she had learned of the Festival of the Lost and why the people of Fenessa were reaching out to invite outsiders to their celebrations of life and those passed, something prompted the young girl to entertain the notion of a new experience.

Their seemingly simplistic life-style was a refreshing change from the buzzing city-scape's such as the Capital of Geonosis. Life here seemed much slower and somehow more appreciated compared to the rest of the Galaxy which often took for granted their technological strides and convenient methods of transit. For a fifteen year old girl with a love of animals (at times more so than other people), Dee found herself pleasantly agreeing with her decision to step out of her isolated shell so to speak, to take part in such a social event and one acknowledging the recent terrorist attacks that had rocked the border territories.

Having been raised in a military orphanage, a hostel of sorts that jumped her straight into basic training from the age of ten galactic standard years, she understood the concept of war and why others chose to fight, their various justifications for killing however were always countered by 'the other side of the story' and at the end of the day, the poor suffered while those in power gained from the deaths of soldiers much alike her Father's before her birth.

The Galaxy was a hard place, and Dani's upbringing had robbed her of that typical childhood ignorance, replaced with the reality of how ugly people could be and why those willing to fight, were so crucial for the protection of the innocent. Shor was a rather independent and isolated world to have grown up upon in itself, and their reach did not hold the influence that the Confederacies did; however that hadn't deterred the Girl from watching the holo-news over the years or reading about the political state of the Galaxy via the holonet.

Standing on Fenessa alone and feeling somewhat out of place, the young and easily forgettable Danielle watched as others prepared to light and release the lanterns in respect for the dead, thinking of the parents she had never had, and the stories of so many others who had suffered.

Eternal Storm

 

[Adron Malvern]

Location: Fennesa Hillands

Objective: Commerce
Tag: Faye Malvern

Fennesa was a planet that Adron was ultimately unaware of. In fact he pointedly did not take interest in the world because he believed it to be worthless to him and the Greater Confederacy as a whole. Still, the Viceroyalty had deemed it necessary to offer this world a place among their union. This was something he could understand, since strategically the world did hold a good deal of value serving as a border system for The Confederacy. The natives of the world had invited The Confederacy to join in their remembrance celebration. Something to do with lanterns, if Adron was remembering correctly. He had some intention to make his way to their Capitol to lay eyes on the celebration, but before he would rest in the thought of loss he would gain.

The speeder with the King and Princess of Illyria sped over the terrain, moving over the rocky surface with precise maneuvers. It finally came to a Gulch hidden behind a range of mountains. The shuttle swept over the terrain, circling back to land on a cliff overlooking the lands. When the ramp to the shuttle came down the Illyrian Royal Guard filed out, walking with their hands firmly gripped around the hilt of their Vibroswords. The King of Illyria descended from the ramp, his younger sister close upon his heel as his amethyst suit was kissed by the evening sun that fell over the horizon. The members of the Royal Guard spread out, scouting the surrounding area to ensure Adron's safety. Behind the man and his younger sister were a number of BX-Commando Droids who ran out of the shuttle, soon scattering themselves among the terrain. Adron paid them no mind, instead he turned his eyes down towards the Gulch before them. There was a rather large settlement below, surrounded by a number of Nerf Herds that seemed to flood in and out of a pass leading into the Gulch.

The horizon before them seemed to slowly fall behind the mountains, causing a shadow to loom over the town. Adron turned to Faye, exhaling softly before looking to the younger woman. He showed her a keen eye before his hand fell to her cheek lovingly. "How have you been, Francesca?" He asked, turning from the shuttle and making his way down the pass that led into the Gulch. The Royal Guard moved ahead of the two, keeping a silent vigil as they escorted the royals down towards the town.

"You may be wondering why we stopped here first. An old acquaintance of mine said this Gulch is home to almost three thousand Nerf Herds and nearly two thousands people. I thought we could engage in a bit of training. Due to the Great War Illyria suffered before I took over, the planet is in desperate need of actual animal life. Well, animal life that won't destroy you when you go near it." He said simply.

"The import costs for meat are ridiculous and I'm sick of hearing people complain because it costs fifty dollars for a Nerf steak. Banthas were acquired from Tatooine and Enos and there are yet some other things we could introduce."

When they finally reached the end of the Gulch, the man looked to the settlement before them. It had a certain stench to it that caused the man to wrinkle his nose up before looking back to Francesca. "Tell me, how fares your work?" He asked curiously.

 

[Faye Malvern]

Location: Fennesa Hillands
Objective: Commerce
Wearing: [x]
Tags: Adron Malvern ​

Fennesa was beautiful, or at least as far as Faye could tell from the lush rolling hills that zipped passed the speeder window. There were many planets that passed her by, many who simply got on with their life and required nothing from the Confederacy beyond the occasional check up, which was her job. But she had never been to Fennesa before.

The speeder pulled to a stop, jolting Faye from her reverie. The door slid open, pushing a cool, relaxing breeze through the interior. Following her brother as he slipped out of the speeder and onto solid land, Faye found herself jumping slightly at the appearance of all the guards. Still still wasn’t used to the amount of protection detail her brother’s job afforded him. She still wasn’t used to the amount that her job provided, but things were different now. Especially after Siskeen.

Finally given the chance to inhale something other than stale shuttle air, Faye took a deep breath, only for her attention to be drawn by the shift of her brother’s shadow. She smiled at him, and lent into the hand he placed on her cheek. It had been an age since she’d felt such a tender approach from him. “As well as I can be.” She responded with a smile. “And you? Ale? My darling nephew? I trust they’re well.” They began to walk, to where Faye was unaware at the present moment, but it wouldn’t be long before she found out.

At Adron’s words, a smirk crossed her lips. He didn’t seem the type to want to invest himself in something as mundane as the meat market, but he surprised her every day.

His question about her job gave her thought. “It’s…” Faye paused, humming softly as her brain scrambled for the right words. The burns across her arms and legs still stung painfully every time she cast her mind back to Siskeen. Alden had been beside himself when he found out, Adron had yet to be party to the knowledge. “Well, dangerous, I suppose. More so than I expected.” A heavy sigh escaped her lips. “It was just a paper pusher job until the Agents. I don’t think I’ve been in that much danger since...” She stopped.

Since Serenno.

Faye slipped her arm in her brothers as they walked, grateful for the chance to spend some time with him, even if it was work. She missed him every day they were apart, and their jobs kept them apart regularly. Turning her gaze up to face him, she offered a soft smile. “And you? How is it being a King? I always thought the role would suit you.”

 

[Adron Malvern]

As they approached the settlement, Adron smiled a bit before nodding. "Alessandra has been doing well. Of course, she is still hurting after losing her sister but..." He trailed off before turning to look at Faye with a soft expression. "Our boy is growing. He's so full of energy these days, it's almost exhausting actually." He said.

Still, when Faye spoke of danger, he could not help but arch a brow. The thought did not sit well with him at all. "I'd rather you return to Illyria. Work with the people there." He said simply, before exhaling softly. "However, I am not fool enough to believe you would do such. Still, your protection won't be overlooked. I'll task a team of the Royal Guard to you from now on. They will keep you safe. Also, when you do return home you will be assigned a Knight to serve as your own bodyguard." He told her.

Faye asked about his Kingship and Adron looked to the settlement before him with a proud smile. "I love it." He told her, before running a hand through his hair. "I took time from The Confederacy to help set Illyria on a better path and now I am beginning to see the blossoms of that efforts. The Nobility have fallen in line, the people are progressing, and thanks to Alessandra the health and education systems are flourishing. Soon, so soon, Illyria will be a Galactic Power to be reckoned with." He promised.

"Our home will be powerful and most importantly it will be safe. No more running, no more hiding, and our children's children will enjoy it for thousands of years." He swore. Stopping just short of the settlement, Adron's eyes cut to Faye as he gave her a rather curious look. "Speaking of children....You better be...safe." The words were like a vibrosword slicing through his vocal cords as he spoke. Jeeze, there were some parts of being an older brother he wish he could skip. "I expect you to be...considering your futures well. You don't want any children before you are ready." He told her.

As they approached the settlement, a group had gathered to meet them at the entrance of the town. A mature, yet not aged, woman stepped forward to bow her head to the two. "King Adron, Princess Francesca. We're honored to host you here. Although...when the planetary governor said you wished to meet in the settlement instead of the capitol we were a little caught off guard. Not much out here we can provide in terms of comforts." The woman was well spoken, yet her accent had a certain twang to it that most would attribute to living in the Rim.

Adron nodded at the woman in greeting. "Do not fret. This will not take long. We actually are planning on attending the Lantern Celebration, but first there was some business to attend to."

The woman seemed confused. Her eyes fell back to the elders of the settlement before arching a brow. "I- what business?" Adron looked around before gesturing to the herds that circled the settlement in a rhythmic fashion. "I would like to buy them. All of them. Adult and young. From what I hear, all of the herders in the area have around two thousand that are privately owned, correct?"

The woman's eyes went wide. "But- I, I mean, yes your majesty we do have that many but that's just a ridiculous request." The King arched a brow. "It's not a request, it's a transaction. I believe four thousand credits per Nerf is appropriate." At the listing of credits, that was nearly twice the going rate for a full grown Nerf on Fennesa, the people before him stood shocked.

"I-your Majesty that is a generous price...but these aren't just Nerf's for sale. Almost half of them are breeders. If we lose them then we'd lose our livelihood."

"I'll be buying that as well."

At those words, the group went silent, to where even the leader of the settlement was speechless.

"Illyria is in need of your trade on our world. We don't just need the Nerf's we need able hands to tend to them. You will all be legally registered as citizens, moved, and given lodging free of charge. You will also all receive a generous stipend from the government for the first four months of your stay. Territory outside of Jassin City has already been cleared and a rather large settlement is being prepared to house you all and your families. Your children will be enrolled in the city schooling system in Jassin and all professional Herders will be registered in the agricultural work force."

The group before them stood shocked before Adron whistled out. Two members of the Guard strode past the King, holding a large metallic chest. They set the crate down, opening the lid to reveal a mass of credits sitting within the metal box. Likely it was more than the settlement made in a year. Adron scratched the edge of his eyebrow before clearing his throat. "I'll let you consider the offer. I expect an answer before I leave tomorrow morning." He nodded his head before guiding Faye by the arm. "Enjoy the celebration." He said with a smile still held on his face.

Faye Malvern

 

[Faye Malvern]

Location: Fennesa Hillands
Objective: Commerce
Wearing: [x]
Tags: Adron Malvern ​

There was nothing much she could say in regard to Ale. Faye knew what it was like to lose siblings. There were no words that could take the pain away. Only time could heal, and even then it never truly healed. Fortunately, her brother shifted the conversation to a more welcome topic. A beaming smile crossed her expression at the mention of her nephew. Faye adored him, and she made sure that both her brother and his wife knew that. “He is a treasure, truly.”

She shrugged softly at his mention of Illyria. In truth, she would have rather lived there too. Where she knew she was safe, and where she knew she would be well cared for, but that wasn’t the only place that provided that comfort. Casting her gaze onto her brother, she nodded her head at the idea of a protection detail. “I appreciate that, and I would rather be on Illyria too, but Alden needs me.” One of her hands came up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The subject of her betrothed was still a sore one between the siblings, but Adron was coming round. “Eiattu VI is beautiful... I wish you would come and visit.”

Regardless, she didn’t push the subject. Adron was as Adron would always be. He did things in his own time, when he was ready. She had always admired that trait in him, and she wasn’t about to attempt to change it.

Nodding softly at his words about his new title, Faye could only feel proud of him. They were a far cry from the siblings they used to be, and an even further cry from their time spent on Serenno. He had grown into himself. He reminded her a lot of their father now. Or at least, he did when he was faced with a task that required that particular mindset. “I’m proud of you.” She said it simply, and firmly, to impress the importance of it on him. “I know father and mother would be proud of you too.” Faye squished herself against his arm, squeezing it lightly. “Everyone would.”

The next topic of conversation was one that Faye had not expected in the slightest. She cast her gaze down, quickly. Her cheeks flushed an embarrassing shade of crimson, which looked strange on her slightly sunkissed cheeks. “Adron…” She could barely find it in her to turn and look at him, but she did. “You don’t have to worry about that. We haven’t... We won’t…” She cleared her throat, awkwardly. “Nothing at all beyond a simple kiss has happened, and we don’t plan on it happening until after the wedding.” Her tone was rather stiff, but how else could she subtly tell her brother she was still as pure as the day she was born?

Fortunately they were approaching the settlement, and were met by a weathered woman with a thick accent, smeared head to toe in something that Faye couldn’t identify. She could certainly smell it though. Doing her best not to offend, she refrained from bringing her fingers to her nose to block the stench. Watching the exchange with eager eyes, she had always admired how eloquent Adron was. He was able to admonish with such a regality that it would have been hard for anyone to suggest he was anything but royal. It was no surprise that the woman was a little taken aback. Having someone offer to buy your whole livelihood as well as shift you halfway across the Galaxy to do it was indeed a grand proposal for so early in the morning.

The woman glanced quickly. Between Adron and then Faye.

Faye kept silent. She was just well spoken as her brother, but she had no idea they were even going to be visiting the settlement, so she found it best to let Adron do the talking. Yet, when the chest of credits arrived and was thumped heavily onto arid yellow dirt, Faye couldn’t contain her smile. It was an eager, excited smile. Some part of her always enjoyed the look on peoples faces when they were offered something unbelievable.

Before too long, Adron was guiding her slowly away from the settlement. “I thought we could light a lantern for everyone tonight.” Her gaze turned to face her brother, with a soft twinkle of something akin to a long felt sorrow in her raven eyes.

 

[Adron Malvern]

Leading his sister from the settlement, the older of the Malvern siblings could not help but nod at Faye's words. Everyone. There were so many names, so much family they had lost when they left Serenno. It was to the point where all Adron could do was sigh and nod at his sister's idea. How long had it been? So many years.

A Mother. A Father. Two Sisters. A Brother. The price of blood that the House of Malvern had to pay was too deep and far too rich. No matter how old the man got, no matter how many lives he ended, no matter how many he saved, the Sith Lord would give almost anything to feel his mother's arms or hear his father's voice. It was a stupid notion, a stupid tie to his history and emotion that he worked so ardently to sever. It was only through the family that thrived that he could mend the wounds from the family that was ripped from him.

"We'll light one for them all." He promised his sister as he made his way into the ship. He sat beside his sister, looking out the window as the shuttle took off from the planet's surface.

"You're almost twenty-one." Adron said offhandedly.

"Aric would be eighteen." He said, smiling softly at the memory of his little brother. "The two of you were close when you were younger, you know? When you two started to grow up you bickered like rats, but when Aric was first born? You'd sneak out of your room to the nursery across the hall. He'd cry when you woke him up but every single time the nurse came to check on him, he'd be laughing. You'd be playing with him and he'd laugh until the nurse made you go to bed. Then he would cry and wail until mother finally came to settle him down."

"I never was too close with Aric. I always doted on you." He said, tapping the tip of his sister's nose playfully. "I would leave training to sneak back and see you at Blackgate. Father would be furious but he never punished me for it. Often I would sneak off to read or watch the guards train, he'd always punish me for that, but never for coming to see my Francesca."

"Now mother on the other hand? She would make me meditate for hours." He laughed.

Faye Malvern

 

[Damsy Callat]

S U R V I V A L​

Tags: Rann Thress Luna Terrik Danielle Mueller Ciri Jade​

Wearing: Dress​

Objective: Lighting of the Lanterns​

Damsy wanted to wail.​

​

Indeed, a whalesong lament had been stuck in her throat, restricting her already shallow breath, ever since setting foot aboard the Rebellious Hawk and hearing the devastating news regarding the crossfire on Rodia from a loose-lipped agent who assumed she already knew. She had not. Fortunately for him, Major Callat, the Siren of Kamino, had not had enough gumption left in her after the operation at Talay by itself, but certainly not after that sucker punch, to deck the petite trainee. And then, fortunately for her, Rann's appearance and the euphoria that realizing she had a new brother brought overshadowed her grief.​

​

But now, standing in the dimly-lit streets of Roosthold, it was back. Her heart and soul had shattered all over again and spread across the cooled cobble, not unlike, in her imagination, the factory-lined avenue on which half of Omega met its end. Maybe narrower. But just as chaotic - just with grief, not battle. ​

​

She would have spent the entirety of her officer's pay from the last few years for the dress she now wore and the lantern she now cradled. The two shopkeepers she had bought these items from nothing of the sort from her, rather a humble sum only each, but if they had, she would have supplied it gladly. She wanted to approach their memories as a person, a fellow Confederate, a friend, and not their commanding officer. And for that, a white dress would do nicely, hearkening back to the funerary color customs of Tatooine she had once upon a time learned from her cuddlefish.​

​

"Rann," she began, voice cracking as it likewise broke the spell of silence that had cast between the siblings. "You don't know how much it means to have you here." As they spoke, soft words and bodies alike wove through the noisy crowd amassed for the parades and Lighting, Damsy led them towards the city's nearest outskirt. ​

​

Over the humble capital buildings, foothill rose. It was only moderately high and mostly smooth in its slopes with a few craggy outcroppings. A terracette path, surely accentuated by the trampling of either mountain nerfs or some other native Fannesa fauna, wound up the hill. As the first step was rather steep, Damsy stooped to hike her dress over her knee to prepare for ascent. ​

 

[Maple Harte]

Wearing: Torquere Bodysuit

Armed with: Shadow Proclamation (2)

The Cane Without Fear

Came to Fanessa in : The Silent Erika

Objective: Aassassinate Sith Double Agent. Assassinate contacts.


A black chromium, J-Type 327 Nubian set down in the Fanessa wildlands, reflecting everything around it in gentle snow.

Its occupant was not here to mourn anyone. She had too much to mourn, and so much she had already lost, including her innocence, and whatever lingering sentiments she had held about her training from Ursula.

They had become aware of her antics on Atrisia. They had approached her for a job. Normally Maple took strictly non lethal, low level bounties, but they offered her 007 times her usual fee.

One of The CIS intel operatives had flipped, gone over to The Sith. A Count from Castagne originally, Castagne's IBI had a death warrant out for him ever since it was discovered he had sold some of their military secrets when he had started working for The Knight's Obsidian. The Obsidian Order had shielded him as long as it could but the unfortunate truth was that treachery was inherent to his nature...not six months after fleeing Castagne, he had begun feeding snippets of information about the organization to the Sith Empire.

Maple was here to correct that.

He didn't know his cover was blown. Her job was to pretend to be here to deliver him some sealed electronic documents. She was really here to put a bolt in his brain.

She had followed his instructions for a rendezvous, having crafted expertly faked documents and an ever so scant electronic paper trail that painted her as an amoral mercenary willing to do anything for credits. Someone he felt he could manipulate in other words. Most days after turning in a bounty she was in hiding, sequestered away with a therapy animal.

Her illness was getting worse. She was getting lost in delusions for up to five whole minutes now. And the Amalgam was still out there. Still killing.

Maple had failed at Kar Shian. And worse. She knew the wretched truth. She shut it out. Could not dwell on it. Could not bare to.

The overwhelming pain of the revelations at Kar Shian had almost broken her. Only these little assignments kept her distracted. Kept her sane. Part of her wished to cast herself into the oblivion of her own mind. Her will to destroy The Amalgam kept her from it.

She at last spotted a camplight in the cold white forest she walked through, her long brown hair expertly covering the Sulphur eye, her viridian one casting a glance at the team of armed men waiting around the fire to take her to the large red castle beyond.

She wore her favorite black Catsuit, her youthful, gorgeous physique instantly making everyone lock on her as she stopped in front of them.

"No weapons. Surrender them. Then we'll take you to Count Delut..." they ordered, though it was clear her beauty was very distracting.

Maple looked at them, smiled, and her hand went toward her belt, still clutching her new saber cane...

Twelve minutes later...

Maple walked out of the snowy forest, weapons still equipped, unaccompanied, still on her way to the elegant red brick castle overlooking the mountains. It was some serious Skyfall chit. The mourning lanterns made of paper released into the sky around it.

How appropriate this man should die on a day of the Dead, Maple thought as she walked toward it...

 

[Faye Malvern]

Location: Fennesa Hillands
Objective: Commerce
Wearing: [x]
Tags: Adron Malvern ​

Faye slipped herself back into the shuttle and settled herself into the seat beside Adron. Their brief discussion with the settlement had likely left a lasting impression. They would not soon forget the Malvern name, which was just how most Malvern’s liked it.

“I remember.” She grinned. “He had these adorable little sausage fingers and chubby cheeks that I just couldn’t resist.” It was almost as though it were yesterday. Padding across the cool marble floor in what Faye’s young mind considered to be the dead of night, just to play with the sweet rose faced child half awake in his crib. In fact, now that she thought about it, she could remember them all. Perhaps it was because she very often thought about them to this degree, but Faye was surprised by it.

Another smile formed on her face, this time one of a sentimental nature. She recalled the way Adron had doted on her. It was the same way he doted on her now. “She was always a fan of the more esoteric punishments.” Faye stretched her arms out in front of her and placed an expression of concentration on her face. It was another one of their mother’s rather formidable ways to tell them they’d done something wrong. She usually put an exceedingly heavy book in their hands, or something similar. Faye would have given anything just to spend an evening under her scornful gaze again.

Something clicked inside her, for a brief moment. What if it had been Adron killed, and not Aric? What if it had been Faye, and not Diandra? Life would have been cataclysmically different for both of them. Faye shook her head, trying to get the more than depressing thoughts from her mind. Instead, she focused on something a little more positive. “Do you remember the day of the big dinner Mother had spent months planning? I tripped and fell into the reflection pool? My bracelet caught on your waist coat and all your papers were totally ruined. Father was so mad.”

A soft giggle left her lips as she spoke. “I remember the ink ran and stained my dress... You pulled me out and we both took a stern telling off. The outfits mother had picked were so expensive. I don't think she ever truly forgave us.” The giggle turned into something akin to a sob. She did her best to hide it, but her lower lip wobbled a fraction too heavy. Faye rested her head against Adron’s shoulder, wrapping her arms around his and drawing herself as close as she dared. It was all she could do to not burst into tears right there and then. Adron had always impressed the importance of looking strong, of maintaining the trademark Malvern nonchalance.

She wanted to prove to him that she could do it, but every memory that leaked its way through her mind was one more sore reminder of how much they were missing.

 

[Vytal Noctura]

River, Roosthold, Fennesa
OPEN
​

It was one of those rare occasions, but then this was no ordinary gathering. Tonight, the Nightmother walked through the streets of Roosthold dressed in white and gold the robes Knight Commander Voph had made for her in particular as an Obsidian Lord. It was not that she thought ill of the garments. In fact they fit her well and were comfortable enough to move in. Nor did she turn her nose up at the man's gift, as he had a talent for crafting fine works. However, they were, ironically, the colors associated with the bright stars of the galaxy that most sentients favored. As a humble woman of the dark world of Dathomir, bathed in the red light of its sun, such were the colors of Nightsisters. These robes were... different.

Unlike the specter the Nightmother might seem otherwise in the gentle lighting of the somber festival, Vytal could be seen as she passed lanterns and shops alike on her way to the river.

Her green eyes shone in the night even when the subtle lightning of the community did not reach them. Song and story alike touched her ear as many reflected on the recent and not so recently departed. Every so often she spied a tuft of green flame loitering nearby a small gathering; and the Witch knew the words of the Living could still be heard by the Dead.

It was a humble world. Nothing overly developed -- which suited her just fine -- and built upon the backs of hard working women and men with a good connection to the world around them. Perhaps they could establish a Covenstead here some day; it would be a suitable place for spiritual people to gather away from the distractions of larger, more populated worlds.

When she arrived at last, Vytal waited to approach the river as people milled about. Her feet took her slightly to the side so as not to claim the most prominent place as she would require a little extra time. Not as long as some might, but enough. Just because she could honor the lost from anywhere as Nightmother did not mean that she should. Sometimes you needed to go out of your way. Sometimes you needed to do something you'd consider unnecessary under different circumstances. There was more to magick and spirits than route memorization and practiced hand waves.

As she crouched down before the river, the Witch conjured the first lantern using the Ring of Retrieval. It appeared in her hand unlit. Carefully, Vytal set the candle within alight and slowly lowered the vessel to the waters below. There were eleven more after this she wished to set afloat for those Witches at the Altar of Spirits. Then several more after those.

 

[Luna Terrik]

REMEMBER THE FALLEN

Wearing: Dauntless Command Dress
Objective: Grieve.
Tags: | Rann Thress | Damsy Callat | Danielle Mueller | Ciri Jade | Tyrias Aran |

War and death were not foreign concepts to Luna Terrik. She had served with the Confederacy for a long, long time. And with the First Order for longer before that. The scars of those battles littered her body, painting every inch of her flesh and mind. War always partnered with death. They could not be separated, and rarely, did Luna’s life not include one or the other. And most often, both held heavy places deep in her heart. She had fought in too many engagements, in too many battles, in too many ways for that not to be the case.

Eshan.

Kuat.

Taanab.

Atrisia.

Ryloth.

Rodia.

Yurb.

And countless others were no matter what forces they faced, people died. Every single time. It was the rule of law. War functioned this way. And Luna lived in war. She, and her Dauntless brothers and sisters, were bred for it. Every solider thought about what their first deployment would be during their basic training. The motto was drilled into their heads, and they knew exactly what they would be walking into. Every, single, one, knew what the stakes were once they put on that armor.

First in. Last Out. The Dauntless Lead the Way.​

Luna couldn’t help but hate the motto sometimes. It had been pioneered early in the Dauntless days, when they weren’t much bigger than a platoon of the best she could cobble together. Over the last few weeks, it felt much more like Last Out meant Never Out. There had been too many battles, too many terrorist attacks, and not enough time to mourn the dead. She remembered when every single dead mattered to the entire group, especially back when they lost a pilot from their starfighter squadron. You knew the person next to you. Lived with them.

Now? Luna just saw their names on a piece of paper as it was passed across her desk. The costs of growing larger and taking promotions, perhaps. She tried not to think about it.

But when she did, it was very, very hard to keep it all together. Now, she was kneeling in front of the tens of lanterns she had lit this night, fighting hard to fight back any tears that threated to spill from her eyes. A list of names, her third of the night, gripped tightly within a gloved hand. Many of these she did not know, yet some held more meaning. Each was spoken along with many others before the lighting of the lantern. Division after division, the list never ended.

And Luna’s heart broke more with each syllable.

 

[Nimue]

O B J E C T I V E | Lighting of the Lanterns
W E A R I N G | [x]
T A G S | Danielle Mueller​

Finally. A peaceful planet cast in the familiar, comforting cover of darkness. Nimue inhaled the night air, relishing the icy sensation that filled her lungs to a near bursting point. For once, she was entirely on her own. No Aries. No Aurelion. No Vytal. Just Nimue. How long had it been? Too long, in the High Priestess’s opinion. Far too long.

The real question on her mind was, why Fenessa? Why the festival of the lost? The Silmä did not believe in mourning their dead. They believed in keeping them, utilizing them even after the force had long since drained from their bodies. In a way, no member of the Silmä ever died, so they did not need to be remembered. They were respected and honoured by being placed in their tombs until they were called upon to defend their home, for the duty and responsibility of the Silmä coven did not end in death. The strange and unknown act of remembrance conducted by the inhabitants of Fenessa confused her to no end, but that was exactly why.

Curiosity.

Fenessa’s streets were home to the soft orange glow of thousands of lanterns littering the streets, either clutched in someone’s hand or allowed to float into the night sky prematurely. Against the backdrop of rolling hills shadowing the horizon, it was a rather beautiful, if eerie setting. The High Priestess wandered the streets slowly, sticking mostly to the shadow where her obsidian cloaked form was harder to detect. The only indication that she was there at all was the occasional shard of light that illuminated her moon white skin, and of course, the flame orange eyes that held an eternally stoic gaze. She was not here to frighten anyone, nor to disturb or cause unrest on such an important day. She was merely here to learn.

Nimue took the next corner, to avoid the swell of people that began to gather at the edge of a pool where the lanterns would be released.

The first thing her gaze settled upon was a young looking girl with a sweet face, standing at the edge of the crowd. Her attention seemed to be focused on the preparations, and like many, she held a look of reminiscent sorrow on her face. Nimue paused in her step, to take her in properly. All this time spent travelling the wider Galaxy had, regrettably, made her more inclined to meet new people. This young woman seemed to be alone, and alone wasn’t something you wanted to be during a festival to remember the dead. Or at least, Nimue assumed.

In three silent, elegant steps, Nimue approached. “It’s a beautiful night.” She spoke to the girl, in an ethereal tone that was caught easily on the gentle breeze whistling through the streets of Fenessa. More of a statement then an introduction, but Nimue was never one for the finesse of socialising. “Far too beautiful to be spent alone.” Her flame orange gaze cast itself up on the girl. Despite their hard and unforgiving nature, Nimue did display a somewhat friendly smile on her painted ebony lips.​

 

[Adron Malvern]

While Faye started to talk about their younger brother he couldn't help but chuckle. "He was cute to you. A brat to me. He used to always whine when I looked at him, told Mom that he was scared of me." He exhaled, glancing out of the window as he continued to speak. "Wasn't until I got older that he finally came around." He looked over to Faye while she mimicked the position their mother would have them take during times of punishment. He couldn't help but laugh out as he thought about it. "You spent a lot of time in trouble."

When Faye mentioned the big dinner party, Adron audibly groaned at the thought of it. "Of course I remember. Every Count on Serenno, several diplomats from Naboo, and a Senator from Coruscant. What does my baby sister decide to do? Douse us both in the reflection pool. Father told me I shouldn't have been so clumsy." He chuckled, nodding at his sister. "Oh, she was livid for days. The next time we went out for training I was sure she was going to leave us behind." He said.

As Faye leaned into Adron, he leaned over to press his lips to the girl's temple. Sometimes he forgot. He had been so young when they had lost their family, Faye had been even younger than he was. The scars that her body carried, the same scars that his carried, she experienced all so much earlier than he had. No matter how old you get it never washed away the pain of what had come from the hardest moments of your life, this was something even Adron was aware of.

As the shuttle flew over the capitol city, Adron looked to his younger sister and spoke softly. "I miss them too, Francesca." His arms wrapped around his younger sister to pull her into a warm hug. It was the same kind of hug that their parents had given them all their life, one filled with the warmth of love.

It was not long until the shuttle touched down in the center of the city. Adron looked up before turning to Faye, smiling and pressing his hand into her cheek. "Come on. Let's go and have a drink before we send the lanterns off." He told her, standing up with the members of his Royal Guard. As the men began to file out of the shuttle, he held a hand out to Faye with a smile. "Don't worry. Your big brother is here and I will always be here for you Francesca."

Faye Malvern

 

[Rann Thress]

M O U R N ​

​

Wearing: This​

TagsDamsy Callat @​

​

Rann stood there in silence, his arms clasped around each other in front of him, with his right arm covered with a white glove. His hair was pulled back tightly into a pony-tail and his facial hair was trimmed down neatly. He had cleaned up nicely, and this suit he was wearing was by far the nicest thing he owned. His lightsaber was also tucked nicely inside his suit. He was incredibly happy to have dedicated a sizable amount to this outfit, it was both fashionable and functional. Comfort was through the roof, but he wasn't really focusing on that right now. Right now, his mind was on his sister.
He kept his eyes down respectfully, mourning in silence as they moved.

When Damsy spoke up, breaking the silence, Rann rose him arm to wrap around her, rubbing her far shoulder.

"Of course," he responded, raising his eyes to look at her, and looking around to take in their surroundings. A few other mourners surrounded them, who knows how many further beyond. He could feel the sadness in the area, the regret. He struggled to keep these feelings distant, trying not to open up to them. This was hardly the place for him to have some sort of episode.

And this was also the time he needed to be strong, calm, stoic. If not for him, then for Damsy.

As they continued and began climbing the hill, Rann lagged behind Damsy slightly, just in case she tripped or stumbled. "Watch your step, but I got you if you fall. I'm here if you need me, don't forget that." he said, his eyes up following Damsy as he followed her in taking the first step up the hill.

​

​

 

[Danielle Mueller]

Fenessa
Festival of the Lost
Nimue | Luna Terrik

“It’s a beautiful night.
Far too beautiful to be spent alone.”
​

Danielle gasped in response to the voice that had spoken up from behind her, turning to throw something of a startled and frustrated look to the woman who had approached without a sound nor sign of her arrival until being within arms reach of her. Immediately Dani's fists balled up, nails digging into her palms in that learned fight or flight instinct. Evidently akin to the former.

"Who are you?!" she blurted out, asking in a defensive and demanding tone without taking the time to think things through. She'd been caught off-guard, and that wasn't a feeling she enjoyed at all. Staring back at Nimue , her face would read several emotions, wearing her heart on her sleeve and not knowing much better; A mix of intrigue, surprise and annoyance accompanied the older woman's arrival as she glanced her over studiously through furrowed brows.

Nimue appeared to be dressed all in black, although that in itself wasn't exactly out of the ordinary during times like these. Numerous cultures donned the darker spectrum in order to respect the deceased and share in the mourning of loved ones, yet something about this woman made it almost seem like home to her. Perhaps it was the pale skin, and the white hair that seemed to flow in length to the height of her chest.

Arguably her brightest feature, were the eyes that seemed to be looking down at her, although they too seemed somewhat...-Unnatural. Something reminiscent of the stories of the Sith that Dee had read about, and shared with others back home.

Something about her statement suggested an offer of company, though that too seemed a little peculiar for Danielle to be on the receiving end. Up until now she had mostly wandered, a bit of a loner with no direction. However, she wasn't stupid enough to blindly trust in others through first impressions either and so couldn't help putting her weight to the back foot as she summed up the stranger's approach.

"I'm not sure the dead would see it that way...".

 

[Tyrias Aran]

River, Roosthold, Fennesa
Luna Terrik | OPEN​

"Honor their sacrifice, don't bury yourself with it."

The Chiss Fleet Marshal had stepped out of her accommodations on the planet that evening with no intention of participating in the local's traditions. She could respect them. Understand them. Yet, Tyrias would not weep in public for the duty that men and women of all species and creeds had carried out. For her, there was nothing to lament.

True, they were not Chiss. On a certain level perhaps she held some of that aloofness of her people despite being separated as an adolescent. Tyrias was not a xenophobe, however. Nor a heartless monster. She had lost people under her command before as well. Drafted letters, addressed loved ones, been railed against, and found consoling those left to grieve. It was the consequence of battle. A known cost. Not a welcome one, but any commander that waged war thinking they would not suffer any casualties was a fool. Statistical abnormalities rarely lasted long. Cowardice... now that could make you appear invincible, if you rewrote the history books.

Still, the blue skinned woman felt for the people around her. Accepted this night help them acknowledge and, hopefully, close the chapter on their grief. Tyrias felt for one in particular having found Luna Terrik setting many lanterns out into the river that night.

It was the isolation... the desire to privately lament her own loses that had drawn the Chiss. Tyrias knew how the woman felt. The burden she took on. How she held it all in so none of the Commandos knew -- a stiff upper lip. Tyrias could even appreciate one not of the Chiss managing to maintain such discipline in front of others. However, it was because Luna was not Chiss that the Fleet Marshal was concerned.

A study of Human psychology revealed repression could lead to mental fatigue, exhaustion, and even breakdowns. It could go so far as to induce recurring instances of panic brought out by triggers, or even lead to certain psychosis of the mind. All rather dramatic, but then their neurological and physical makeup was simply different in that regard.

Though it was perhaps that exotic mixture of strict discipline and emotion, which drew Tyrias' red gaze at times.

Emotion that needed to be set free.

Tyrias slowly drew closer to join Luna at the riverside. She slowly slid an arm about the other woman as she spoke, "They were strong in life. Now is when you should let them know in more than words, Luna. This is the time." Luna was still trying to hold that stiff upper lip. Trying to be strong. But for whom? The dead did not need her to be strong, though they might be honored to know their commander cared for them as more than tools in the galaxy's countless battles and wars strewn throughout the stars.

 

[Nimue]

L O C A T I O N | The Streets of Fenessa
W E A R I N G | [x]
T A G S | Danielle Mueller​

A single moon-white brow rose up at the young woman’s reaction. Surprising her had not been her intention.

For Nimue, her reaction was like flicking through an open book. Page after page of emotion displayed in thick, shimmering text. Nimue had never seen such a ready display, but then again, she wasn’t used to people displaying emotion around her at all. Is this what happens when you introduce yourself to strangers? “My name is Nimue.” She answered her question honestly, she wasn’t trying to hide. “I apologise for scaring you, it wasn’t my intention.”

Perhaps her motion to keep her company was unwelcomed, because the young woman took tentative steps backward. Nimue didn’t pursue the matter, staying firmly where she was. When she commented on the dead, Nimue couldn’t help but crack a soft smile. It was always a source of amusement to her, when the young spoke of the dead. This young woman had many, many years ahead of her before death came calling. The only thing Nimue seemed to forget was that you could experience death without dying yourself.

“The dead are dead. They see nothing, and feel nothing. Giving them sentience gives you reason to hold on. I have never met a dead person who wanted to be clung to. I have met those who desired to be useful, but none who wanted their spirits to linger on this mortal coil.” Nimue cast her gaze out to the people who were fiddling with their lanterns. “No… days like these are not for the dead. They are for the living.”

Once again she cast her a curious gaze. “Who are you here to remember?”​

 

[Danielle Mueller]

​

Fenessa
Festival of the Lost
Nimue

Dani's shoulders visibly relaxed some as the Woman before her sounded off in a more casual and collected manner, showing no interest in the desire to frighten or offend her. Nimue had a peculiar way of speaking about the deceased, so matter-of-fact where as most others seemed to take an edge of caution as though they might be disrespected in some manner. A difference in cultural etiquette or worldly views perhaps?

“Who are you here to remember?”​

It was a worthwhile question, and Dee figured that most would have had an answer with a deeper, personal purpose. "No one" were the words that escaped her lips as she turned back to watch the others gathering around their lanterns, lighting them in remembrance. Dani hadn't been affected by the fighting that had taken place, these attacks on Confederate Space were fortunately timed just prior to her arrival within their territory.

"I've come from Shor" She added, not wanting to appear rude or as though she wasn't thankful for the company. She wasn't afraid to be on her own, but being so during a time like this felt strangely uncomfortable and as though she were in the way of people who actually had a reason to mourn the lost. "I guess I just figured I'd pay my respects..." she shrugged her shoulders indifferently, knowing she had nothing to offer these people but merely being there.

Turning back to look to the older Woman, Dee found herself questioning what part her new companion had held within the attacks against the Confederacy, whether or not she had been there to help protect the afflicted or fight back against the terrorist cell. "What about you?" she asked a little too bluntly, though not her intention to offend; "Were you around when it happened? The fighting, I mean".

 

[Redd]

MOURNING​

Equipment: Outfit​

Tags: Open​

Her footsteps slowly made their way through the crowd as they carried their own lanterns, where some of them seemed colorful and others seemed intricate in design. As she paused to take note of one of the other lanterns, the wolf couldn't help but wonder why some people would spend that kind of time to make something that would simply float away on a water’s surface. Her lantern was simply plain white. It was a reflection of the simple times that she and her pack used to enjoy. It was a symbol of what their pack stood for, but because they didn’t stand for anything but a natural balance and wanted nothing to do with anything outside of their pack, their pack had been destroyed by the Sith.

The Snowfire pack deserves more than just a lantern, Redd thought to herself as she approached those gathered by the water and were placing their lanterns in. Green eyes watched the many different people and some of them she recognised from one place or the next. Most she absolutely didn’t know and it was strange to say or even think, that she didn’t know most of those that lived in her CIS pack. Who were these people? Why did they mourn? Who did they miss? Had so many lives really been impacted on such a large scale that warranted so many people to attend such an event?

This isn’t right, The wolf within chimed in and the woman couldn’t help but nod her head in agreement. What use was balance when so much destruction was caused? Ryloth and Siskeen had been one such incident. While they had also evacuated Rodia and Talay, people had still lost their lives and the wolf felt anger boil from within. What use was balance if people only fought for their own selfish reasons? Why couldn’t they just leave those that lived peacefully; alone?

Redd drew in a breath as she felt the robes that she wore, itch against her pale skin and she wanted nothing more than to shred them and shift. To run as a wolf and to hell with those that got frightened by her wolf. She wanted nothing more than to rip out the throats of those who had caused so much pain of those that she had considered pack. Their grief mattered just as much as her own and it was a disheartening sight to see so many grieving. If this was because of the recent war attacks, she couldn’t help but shake her head. For war didn’t discriminate, especially when it came to those who had been defending against the invaders. The invaders didn’t seem like they fought for much, except petty revenge.

She herself wanted revenge, but the wolf wasn’t strong enough. Not yet and even as she limped with both hands holding the lantern, Redd still felt the anger that burned ever brightly. Even though she got to say goodbye to her parents, she still felt their loss as if it happened just yesterday and she hoped that with this lantern it would help her to let go of that pain. Yet even as she watched the others, she wondered if it would ever leave her body. Her bandaged covered wounds were a reflection that physical wounds could heal, but mental ones? Seemed to linger.

Quietly she dropped down so then she’d kneel upon the water’s edge and one hand let go of the lantern so then she could fish out an unlit candle from the pocket of her robes. A stranger moved to light it for her and the wolf simply nodded her head in thanks. With no words parting her lips, she gently placed the lit candle inside the lantern and placed it upon the water’s surface. Her hands had gotten wet, but regardless of that fact, she placed them within her lap as she sat back upon her heels, so then green eyes could watch the lantern gently float off to join the rest. As she watched the floating lanterns, the wolf didn’t feel any relief. Instead she only felt the grief of those around her and the burning anger of her own emotions.​

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