Independence Day | CIS Dominion of Fondor

[Madalena Antares]

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Wearing: This
Tag: [member="Cardinal Vi'dreya"]

Feeling Cardinal's arms wrap around her was like coming home; no matter how few the seconds or how long the days were in which they were utterly forced to spend time apart from each other, no matter how Sandala was his home and Endelaan was hers though the other would find it in the other's at some measurement, the only true home Madalena felt was when the two were touching; it didn't even matter whether the touch was of the sensual sort of not. It was home.

Her own arms wrapped around Cardinal and she rested her head against the side of his face, eying the fighting warriors and the damage they were so insistent on creating. When she was ready, she was going to introduce her sister to them. She'd have a ball with people like that. Looking at the fighting men again, she shook her head. They were going to have to learn how things worked outside of their home planet; it was funny now, but sooner or later there were going to be consequences to such behavior, and not all consequences could be dealt with by delivering a punch into someone's face.

He called her Yua. Madalena smiled. No matter how many times he'd use the nickname on her, it would always send a shiver of pleasantness down her spine. "Everything here is so complicated compared to your home," she sighed into him. There was no denying that. Fierce warriors as the Sandali might be, their home life was absent of so many complications that came not only with more advanced technology, but with the never ending weave of politics of the galaxy at large.

"You can always go back and visit Sandala again," she said with a soft smile as she straightened up, looking at him. Of course, she meant a visit. A few days. A month. Not permanent. Moving anywhere permanently – they were not ready for that conversation just yet, and she wanted to be selfish about it, keep Cardinal close to her until they were.

Grinning, Madalena pushed herself up and away from Cardinal so she could stand, giving a fake-yawn as she stretched out, showing her body off. She knew the effect it would have on the warriors. She smiled again, and turned around, not giving them a moment before she lashed out with the Darkside Tendrils she'd come to love using so much. It had been the first thing she'd learned as a Sith Sorceress. Now? She could hardly imagine herself not knowing how to do them.

"This means I win, yes?" she asked as she turned to face Cardinal once more, batting her eyelashes in the most innocent of ways.

 

[ToKola Bakari]

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Post: III | Tags: [member="Madalena Antares"]​

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There was a feeling that came with Madalena being in Cardinal's arms. It made him feel powerful, complete, even fulfilled. It was far more than it had once been and even now he knew that the woman before him was practically crafted for him. They had grown close and now every moment together only made it harder to part. Did he have to leave her side at times? Of course. Following Cardinal's dismissal from his position of Dominus Prime, he had found a new, less grand position. He now acted as an agent for his brother, serving him however he could so he could atone for his treason. He had betrayed a brother who had gifted him a new life when none was to be found. Still, the betrayal had been an act done out of love, and he would do it again. His hand came up to caress Madalena's cheek as he thought of the day he lost his position. It had been a hard reality to face, but it was easier with her by his side.

"Perhaps another month or two, but it will be a while. Isley has a number of assignments that need my attention. I'll return to Sandala once they have been taken care of." His caress deepened as he held her soft face in his hand. "Perhaps by then you can return with me." He said, smiling as she moved from his grasp. The thought of another trip to Sandala was an exciting one. The grin on Madalena's lips caused Cardinal to smirk as he realized what she was doing. As her form was shown to those warriors amidst the fight, a number of them paused to admire.

His smile deepened. They paused to admire that which he had already claimed. The shadowy tendrils of the Dark Side flashed from her hands, flying through the air and slicing into the two dueling Sandali warriors. Each of them were thrown back by the strike, causing a number of the warriors to gaze back at Madalena curiously. When she turned back to Cardinal he could only let out an amused shout of a laugh. "Khemu, Taji, it looks like you have both lost this round." He looked to the men as they pushed themselves to their knees. Even on their faces were the faint hints of smirks, clouded by blood and wreckage but there none the less. The group of Sandali were looking to Cardinal, almost expectantly and that could cause the large man to say but one thing. "Kunywa!" It was a word, that in the Sandali language could be interpreted for a few things, however there was one meaning that they prized over all others.

DRINK​

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Khemu and Taji, the two warriors who had just been facing off against each other, were some of the most enthusiastic in their response. Below them were the spare scraps of the tables they had shattered and in an amusing unison each of the men took up a broad piece of the tables and one of the legs.

"Kunywa!" They shouted, slamming the plasteel legs against the base of the table pieces. The drum-like sounds soon began to follow a rhythm as they continued to shout. "Kunywa! Kunywa! Kunywa!"

And then the drinks began to flow. The bartenders had done well to catch up to the demands of the Sandali warriors and now they were bringing a number of bottles to the group. Despite the bit of damage, these warriors were a good deal of fun. Cardinal smirked over the beating of the tables that was sounding out, wrapping an arm around Madalena while taking a bottle from one of the bartenders. "Let's see how good at drinking this body is." Cardinal said, resting his hand on Madalena's hip with a challenging smirk. "After you, my Yua." He held the bottle out to her with a warm smile, never once taking his eyes off hers.

 

[Layla Solari]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hosCuzo6JKo​

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She slowly wound her way through the ever present crowd, down dark city streets. The pickpocket she tailed felt he was being followed. His pace hurried, but he never did seem to see HER, the small girl passed by unnoticed. As she dodged the crowds, she was careful to not touch anyone. The pain around her neck was growing, she would have to do something soon. However, she could feel that this was the right choice, the right prey.

As he moved to the edge of the restaurant district, he ducked into an alley way near a twi'lek restaurant, and warehouse. Near the end of the alley way, outside the back door of the warehouse, the pickpocket ran up to two beings standing guard over the door. “Hey, I had the weirdest feeling out there. Like I was being followed, but I didn't see anyone. Was weird.” Layla walked into the alley. The men looked at the girl. “A fething kid? Hey Kid, get lost!” They reached towards their blasters. However, the pickpocket seemed to have better instincts than the others. He moved behind the two larger beings, fear welling inside him. The force was strong with him, even if it was untrained.

As the girl stepped into the shadows between the flickering lights, the blackness of the nanech crawled over her skin. It pierced into her flesh, causing untold pain as it connected to every pour and so many nerves throughout her body. After the teddy bear in her backpack dissolved, and poured out of the small opening, and began to cover her body. Four arms, a mass of tentacles, a horrifying appearance, and two pulsating swords were in her head. It happened in an instant. The moment she stepped into the light again, the girl was gone, and the monster had taken her place. Before the guards had time to react, she rushed forward, her blades sliced at their throats, cutting their vocal cords. A tentacle went between the two guards, and wrapped around the pickpocket's neck, and lifted him in the air.

Blasters were raised up, despite the pain, and fired at the girl. A sword raised up, and absorbed the bolts. With a telepathic scream into their minds, her tendrils struck out, piercing through the chests of the two guards. Two hands touched their chests as Layla drained the force from their bodies. All the while, the two tendrils began to pulse a red color, as at the same time they drained each drop of blood from the bodies.

When done they fell to the ground. The tendril that was still strangling the pickpocket brought the man over to the monstrous form of the girl. A hand touched his chest, and she began to feast. There was so much more energy found inside a force sensitive. It was highly satisfying in a way no other being could be.

When the time was right, when his energy was almost gone, one of her blades drove into his stomach. It pulsed red with his blood, sucking up each drop. When the pickpocket went limp, the next stage began. Her form shifted, twisted, and shrunk a bit, as nanech oozed out of the armor, and coated the beings forms. Soon the nanech had dissolved every bit of their bodies, no drops of blood, bones or even hair remained. It transformed it into nutrients, and spread it out among the armor to each aspect, feeding the entire entity.

When it was done, the monster moved away from the doorway. She was no hero, what did she care for the people being smuggled inside the warehouse. Layla walked out of the alley way. In the space of time between flickers, the nanech retreated. It undid from her flesh, and traveled to her wrists and neck, where the bracelet and choker thickened, and hardened. The remaining black goop slid back into her backpack, once more taking the form of a teddy bear. With her addiction and the nanech fed, she felt comfortable once more. The pain around her neck and wrists faded some, as the material stopped eating her, and without the painful craving for force energy, her body no longer shook with need. She could get back to eating the delicious food!

She took a deep, happy breath, smelling the food from the twi'lek restaurant. Mynock was delicious! So, she went inside it, and sat at a booth, and ordered to her heart's content.

 

[Alessandra Creed]

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Tags: [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Chikako Liona"]​

Wearing: Ah, Maternity Aisle​

So, this is what it felt like to become a beached whale.

The Minister of Commerce was noticeably with child, which left her face aglow, and her eyes touched with a gleam that only motherhood could bring. That didn’t stop her tongue from being the most waspish thing this side of the galaxy. Since stepping from her ship she’d been immediately escorted by several tall, handsome, Illyrians that seemed determined not to let her out of their sight. She couldn’t even sneak off to the refresher without someone knocking on the door to ensure she hadn’t fallen in.

No, she had not fallen in. She was pregnant and there was a little epicanthix hybrid sitting comfortably on her bladder. The snarl that crossed her lips was legendary.

The security team were plenty afraid of her. Only, they feared failing [member="Adron Malvern"] more.

With that in mind the stoic soldiers that seemed intent on keeping her from having any privacy followed her every move. She could swear, truthfully, that one of them had been hiding in the bushes outside the Citadel in Golbah City. At the very least, it seemed, they kept their distance when she was within arms reach of their new monarch. Adron, they feared, Adron, they trusted. For the time being she was just the incubator for their future prince. To be protected; certainly. Respected?

That was still up for debate.

With that in mind she was far from understanding when the soldiers tried to offer her this, that, and the other as they made their way toward Exarch Malvern. His coordinates were plain as day on her holo-comm, but, it wasn’t like the Illyrians needed them. They seemed to innately know where Adron would be, when, and how long he would stay, and where he planned to go next. Even she didn’t know his complete itinerary. It was just one more thing about being suddenly titled, responsible for a world, that left her feeling unsettled. Alessandra didn’t feel suited for it.

Adron had been born into nobility. Alessandra had not. Her parents were privileged but those titles did not necessarily carry on to her. If anything, it went to her brother, because he was the male heir. She had always been secure in the knowledge that she would never have to deal with any of that red tape but as it turned out—Not entirely true. Privacy had already become a pipe dream. Soon, she would be stuck on Golbah City, bedridden, if this child did not arrive.

Her anxiety was hidden. However, those that knew her best would feel it.

As she walked the streets of Fondor she could begrudgingly admit that this wasn’t the worst place to spend an afternoon. The scent of sweet treats and savory items that would likely make her expanding waistline even wider teased at her nose and she did her best to ignore it. The Minister of Commerce was known for being stern, severe, and darn near perfect. She couldn’t sully that image with a truckload of funnel-cake.

When she first caught sight of someone with white-hair standing beside her fiancée she rolled her eyes heavenward. Of course, [member=”Srina Talon”], would be standing somewhere nearby. The sense from the Force was wrong though. It was lighter. There wasn’t such a heavy presence or layers of darkness permeating the air. The Exarch had no idea how to hide her signature. This slender creature was most definitely an Echani. But, upon squinting, she could see that it wasn’t the one she was used to seeing. A brief scan with her holo-comm provided her identification. Viceroy of Tythe. A princess, no less.

“Exarch.”, she greeted, her tone teasing, though covered with unspoken velvet. While it was true that she wore his ring of promise, a notice of marital intent, they were not married yet. Alessandra would maintain appearances as best she could while obviously…Propriety had already been broken. “Viceroy Liona.”

“Am I terribly late?”

 

[Vora Kaar]

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Appearance​

[member="Voph"],​

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Just a curious look. The man knew his history of the Mando'ade. More over, their most recent history with people despising them to a great deal due to the most recent leader's actions in joining hands with the Sith Empire, even more so with attacking people outright for what seemed to be no reason. I smiled and shook my head.

"Now here, is where you don't gain points. I do not fall into either category. While yes, our current Mandalore is rather controversial, and I do wish to remove them from power, I do not think simply removing them will solve problems given. Nor do I feel that the Mandalorian people will rejoice under a new name. No matter who becomes the new leader, people will find hatred somewhere. Its up to the individual to choose if they want to sing and dance."

I lightly shook my head. Hating the fact that my choice of life was brought up, and scrutinized. However, I understood why. So many people who were with the CIS hated the fact that so many Mandalorians joined us. It made an otherwise rather balanced place, become sided into a war with people they otherwise wouldn't be in. I didn't want to be anywhere near a war, but I am still here.

"Just like any group, there will be ups and downs. We just happening to hit an all time low in recent years."

Voph was likely one of those who saw the Mandalorians as the most recent plight on the galaxy. Or at the very least, the current reformation under them. It made me hate those who decided to follow this Infernal trash pile.

"I am sorry Voph, As much as I would be fine with talking about politics any other day, this is an off day."

 

[Kerstan Blackmoore]

Tag: [member="Áine"]​

Different. Kerstan had spent much of his time apart from Áine looking for different. The search had been futile, as it had been put to him at their last meeting. Kerstan has already created perfection, so why was he continuing. His drive to work and create was as natural to him as breathing. If he did not create he would cease to exist. While Áine had been his crowning achievement, his first of many more, there were always going to be experiments and creatures. The Sith had given his life to succeeding where his grandfather had failed. His drive was the only thing he had left, until recently.

Kerstan eyed the red haired assassin as she spoke, affirming his words. It was odd to hear her agree with him when their reunion had been so heated and contrary. Áine had refused to relent and forgive until they both had been so tired she could not help but give in. Kerstan had not outlasted her, he had not worn her down. Had she wanted to keep her grudge, Kerstan had made her to attain what she truly wanted, so she would have kept it.

“Except where you are concerned. There is nothing simple about you, but it does not mean you have to avoid enjoying simplicity.”

He loved the way she looked at him, the same curious expression written in her eyes as had been there the day they had met. When she woke up she had been curious, and now that same curiosity danced about her face as Kerstan offered the dumpling. He loved the way she embraced new. Her life and her world had been one way for so long, but now it was time for that to change. Of course, Kerstan smiled as the rest of the dumpling was pushed into his mouth. His own eyes returning the curiosity which came natural to Áine.

Her next request was for something sweet. Kerstan pondered the options, but settled for simple once again. There many carts of food, but off to the side sat a smaller man with a large blade and a bunch of mangos. His hands moved the blade about the fruit with expert precision as he quickly cut the skin and membrane off the yellowish fruit. Once the pieces were cut up, the fruit was tossed in a bag where some kind of powdered confection was sprinkled over them. Kerstan paid for a bag and offered a piece to Áine before sampling it himself.

His eyes remained fixed on her, watching as she sampled the food. He allowed his eyes to wander about her alabaster frame on occasion to remind himself how perfect she was. “Never be afraid to the fancy clothes aside for the common cloth of the street vendor. I know what I made you, and how I made you to do it, but this world opens more possibilities.”

 

[Madalena Antares]

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Wearing: This
Tag: [member="Cardinal Vi'dreya"]

Another month or two. Cardinal was optimistic if he intended or her to join him. Much as she would have loved to, there were matters brewing. Those that had gathered at the summit had left with an understanding – war was coming. Madalena would be swept away to Mandalorian territories sooner rather than later, and if the other governments were to be believed, it would be for more than short term, more than a single day.

But she would not take it from him. She would bathe in the optimism with him instead, and smile, and know they could handle anything that was sent their way. The two, albeit not alone, had defied death itself, and while it had not been specifically to be together, it was one of the major things both had gained by it. She would not let him go, not while he wanted her and she wanted him.

The drinks flowed and Madalena took her place back by Cardinal, picking up her own drink. It was refreshing, being able to do that. Knowing that her former decision not to drink was the result of things she had not gone through, not done – she was free to drink as she pleased now, without any fear.

"Kunywa!" she shouted along with everybody else, taking the bottle from Cardinal and from that, taking a few gigantic gulps. It tasted… Sweet, old, alcoholic. Like she'd expected. Smiling, she took a small sip that time, and handed him the bottle back. She'd chosen to be a Sandali man's woman – drinking was part of it, a part that she enjoyed. "Don't drink too much, my love," she winked at him, "I still need you operational when we get back to the ship."

 

[Visanj T'shkali]

Where:Guild Tower - Balcony II Wearing:XXX

Independence is a strange thing to celebrate, at least in our modern viewpoint, Visanj thought, finishing the first drink and searching about for another poor server to way-lay. We act as though it something we might win, or have won, or which was won for us. But as any Dagatan knew, freedom is the natural, unaffected state of all living things and beings, sentient and non-sentient alike, and anything else was abhorrent to nature. That wasn't to say she was some kind of anarchist, only that government or rather, societies from which governments arise, begin only two ways: When someone conquers another, that is, the other lacks the courage to die fighting and thus succumbs to slavery, or else when sovereign beings shall choose of their own volition for form together as groups, which then evolve into societies. Confederacy of Independent Systems....sounds rather like the latter, Vi thought, smiling broadly as she gazed out over the lights of the city. Independence was not freedom either, it was something more, an upgrade from primitive freedom to self-sufficiency, to declaration of mastery over self, and to the assumption of duty to seek one's greatest potential. That, that is worth celebrating.

Vi finished her drink, politely tossing the empty glass from the balcony as she went to find another.

One only muses like this when one hasn't the sufficient amount of drinks or company to allow one's mind to revert to that dangerous domain of philosophy.

She would have to correct this, post haste.

**OOC: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL AMERICANS, AND TO ALL THE WORLD, PEACE AND PROSPERITY**

 

[Valencia Hadley]

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Location: Guild Tower - Roof-Top Balcony​

Tags: [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Faye Malvern"]​

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She hadn't needed to spot that set of casually dressed broad shoulder striding through the crowd to know that the Vicelord was approaching - she could feel like. Much like that deep, dirty bass was rattling the walls of the spacious club, the power presence of the man she'd come to know so well resonated along her skin like static. It wasn't entirely pleasant, but it wasn't unpleasant either - like a gentle alarm to keep her alerted to his nearness. Though, being able to spot him prowling along through the crowd and making his way up to her wasn't the worst thing.

Those smiles that had made her so appealing to those in her previous field of work were a rarity of late - those dazzling flashes of teeth as that made her dimples stand in stark relief in the soft curves of her cheeks were a bygone product of a time now passed. However, she managed to dig one up for him as he approached, keeping her arms tucked tightly under her chest as he came to a halt before her, inquiring if she'd been waiting for anyone in particular.

She gave her head a gentle shake, loosing a few strands of blonde hair to curl across the shoulders that her gown had left bare. "No one in particular..." Her voice was teasing, as was her smile, though both her tone and that smile dimmed noticeably as the stunning creature in red moved up beside the Sith to provide an answer to his second question. Years of struggling through social situations had made the former Viceroy aware of the Minister's accolades - though she'd never had the pleasure of speaking with her directly. As a hand was extended and a greeting offered, Valencia took a gentle breath in and slid seamlessly back into the world she'd willingly left behind.

"Minister! It's wonderful to finally have a chance to be introduced properly. When the Vicelord mentioned who our guest would be this evening I was overjoyed to hear it was you." Her own hand rose to accept the one the cobalt haired beauty had offered, shaking it firmly but not taking liberties to posture with her grip. The Minister of Influence was a kind if not calculating woman, had the rumors she'd heard been true - there was no need for her to be anything but polite to the woman who'd been invited to join them this evening. "And I couldn't agree more, let's retire to the balcony and get away for this music, shall we?"

Releasing the Minister's hand, Valencia stepped back and to the side, leaving the doorway wide open to the pair as she turned on her heels and strode out into the crisp night air. The fireworks exploding in the distance bathed the roof-top patio in light that mimicked the neon dance floor within - but at least the distant crashes of the powder igniting was dull compared to the bass behind them.

She returned to the railing at the edge of the balcony as she awaited her companions, signalling one of the serving droids to bring them a round of the gently clinking champagne flutes that they were passing around.

 

[Kyyrk]

Location: Guild Tower​

Objective: Socialize and enjoy the party
Wearing/Equipment: Tunic, Fashionable Gauntlets,​

Ring of Blades (Worn over Gauntlets, Left ring finger),​

Mantle of the Pilgrim, Ciniel
Tags: [member="Lucina Sunstryker"]​

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Voph pushed himself off the railing. "Don't worry. I'm not in the mood to discuss politics either." He knocked back the rest of his drink, and set it on the tray of a passing waiter. He turned back to Lucina ever so briefly and offered a bow. "Good evening, Sunstryker." And with that, the tan-clad man turned away. He didn't know where exactly he was going. But the Mandalorian was right. It was an off day. Truthfully, he'd only been back among the Confederacy proper for a few days now. A special trip to Vylmira, then back to Silver Jedi space. His ships needed upgrading, and he'd payed a visit while he was there. It had given him much to think about. And he found his mind was clearest when his feet were moving...

Voph walked slowly among the streets mere moments later, his security team falling in step around him. They were not obvious, and in fact would seem to be normal patrons to the untrained eye. Save for the hulking brute in red armor and cape that was forever lurking nearby. Voph sighed quietly, breathing in the night air, the smell of food, the screaming of excited children, and the chatter of carefree adults. Though his heart was heavy....this felt right. This was what he fought for. This was what he had sacrificed everything he had for.

He supposed this was...happiness he felt. And for a brief moment, his mind wandered to a time in his younger years. Walking down the noise filled avenue, lights he could not see flashing about him. His hand reaching out to take the hand of his childhood sweetheart. The barely perceptible smile on her face. Voph realized he was physically reaching, and paused, curling his fingers back into a fist, and letting his arm slowly return to his side. That feeling of loneliness once again haunting him. But it didn't last. Not this time. He thought back to that evening on Kashyyyk. Friend. He smiled quietly to himself, head bowing back towards the ground. His hands clasped behind him as he continued walking.

For now, Voph contented himself with prowling the streets of the fair, and basking in the joy of the celebration. The war looming over them all would come, sooner or later. That bridge would be crossed in due time. But for now....it was time to cast worries aside. Enjoy the moment. Relax. War would come soon enough...

 

[Chikako Liona]

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Location: Guild Tower
Objective: Character Development?
Wearing/Equipment: Standard dress
Tags: [member="Adron Malvern"] [member="Alessandra Creed"]

​One again she needed to stifle a small chuckle at the mans words, certainly the Eternal Empire appeared to be good, but she knew about the less, 'savory' things their leader had done. Though that was what happened when you were apparently in some fanatic government order lead by Mythos. "Well our circumstance wast one m're out of needeth then actually wanting to establisheth prop'r relations, though i doth has't to giveth grant you mercy f'r hath said tradeth, tythe though t hath tried to beest self sufficient might not but relyeth on imp'rt'd goods to stayeth a floateth" To an extent the worlds complimented each other, one being an agricultural world, the other being a mining one while to an extent being both highly militarized and almost inhospitable waste lands.

She tenderly sipped her drink as the question about her position and power which yes, was something very few people attained at her age. "I am yet to beest prop'rly co'rdinated, queen is not a title i've attained, but as f'r mine own position t is a v'ry rare case". "in mine own early years as apart of the cis i w'rk'd as an aide f'r muad dib during his reigneth as a vic'ry, s'rt of learning from that gent and getting in some much did need practiceth, then at which hour turning 18 i wast given the chance to runneth f'r office, though becoming the ruleth of a fully did develop planet wast a dram beyond mine own art". "The blasted w'rld of tythe did prove of beest a valorous choice, i hadst the ability to shapeth the w'rld as i prithee and groweth t acc'rding to mine own abilities without much risketh" To an extent it was the perfect starting world for any new ruler... minus the toxic areas, red contaminated lakes, deadly mutated beasts and lack of almost any natural recourse.

The explanation was rather long, but it was nice to talk with someone about her potions, though the change to her abilities did make her intrigued. "I wast apart of thy beldams 'rd'r f'r a sh'rt timeth, and did obtain the blessing 'r jart, but mine own new position meanteth i didst not has't timeth to continueth mine own training, I wouldst fain taketh on a guardsman to teachest mine own furth'r in the ways of the f'rce, wouldst thee has't a recommendation f'r me"? She knew little about the Obsidian Knights, only having met deWinters and even then that was in a casual sense. Surely Adron had a much better understanding of the CIS force order and their individual members, or at the least knew someone else who did.

Speaking of someone else their conversation came to a short halt as a feminine voice was heard, Chikako turning her head to face the newcomer, the women easily identified who she was but the same could not be said the other way around. The young Echani cocking her head a little at the new arrival, looking towards Adron with a face that said, 'who might this women be'?

 

[Bryce Americus]

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Location: Skywheel | Wearing: [x] | With: [member="Kaden Farr"], [member="Daisy Americus"]​

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The last morsel of food left on Bryce's plate was lifted in his hand and brought to his mouth. He saved the best treat for last: Manaan Surprise. The surprise was how spicy it was. Bryce enjoyed spicy food. Especially the kick that came with them. When that spiced heat hit his taste buds, it was a kind of rush he loved. "All done." he stated victoriously. "I'm fuller than a smuggler's cargo bay." Bryce looked around, searching for where he might go next.

Then something caught his eye.

An enormous wheel-like structure not too far from him that appeared to be some kind of ride. "Ain't that somethin'." he said under his breath. Bryce took a look at his plate covered in bones then back to the wheel. "No point in wastin' time." Bryce got up from his chair and started walking towards the wheel. Moving through the crowds, Bryce's eyes caught glimpses of several interesting people. Few pretty girls here and there attracted his attention more than anything, but he'd have time for that later. This was his special time for just himself.

Bryce looked up with a look of amazement on his visage as he approached the Skywheel. It was the fact that something so simple could be so amusing that amazed him. That and how big this thing was. He was about to get on when he noticed quite the line ahead of him. He sucked his teeth before looking around. There wasn't a place to sit so he buckled down and got himself into the line.

This was going to be a while.

 

[Alkor Centaris]

He took a step toward the door as the Caterpillar crawled toward its final stop. It creaked open with some resistance as the pod nestled in to a full halt, an alarm buzzing behind the Knight Commander to inform him that the ride had yet to stop.

"Sir, please, remain seated until the ride ends," the attendant muttered as he moved to assure Alkor's safe exit. "There's a high fall risk if safety protocols are not observed-"

"I appreciate your concern," Alkor relied gruffly as he placed a hand on the lad's shoulder. It was then that he recognized the uniform as that of a Knight Obsidian, and he went cold for a moment. "Keep doing a good job and keep everyone safe. Makes my job easier."

"Y-yessir," the boy sputtered, "you got it, sir."

He strode back toward the main fairway, utilizing his Datapad to locate the place where Naedira said he should stop. A dunking booth? Was that some sort of archaic form of entertainment he wasn't privy to? Regardless, if Darcrath thought he might enjoy it, maybe it had something to do with his horrible personality, or one of her other myriad complaints about him.

He came around the corner just in time to see [member="Gerwald Lechner"] pressing the button that would shortly thereafter cause catastrophe for [member="Vyra Silara"], and looked between the man and [member="Naedira Darcrath"] slowly.

"Knight Lechner," he folded his arms behind his back and regarded the man- who he had never met, but knew of from reputation due to his recent elevation in position. "I trust you are enjoying the evening's festivities in accordance with their defined parameters?"

 

[Vyra Silara]

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::Location::​

Street Fair; The ‘Shooting Star’ Dunking Booth​

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::Status::​

Officially dunked!​

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::Attire::​

‘Shooting Starlet’ Liquid Dress & Firework Heels​

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::Tags::​

[member="Naedira Darcrath"] | [member="Gerwald Lechner"] | [member="Alkor Centaris"]​

For a moment, it seemed the towering young man had failed at his button-pushing maneuver. The white throne quivered, briefly dipping dangerously. Vyra, though clearly very amused, held her chin high in confidence as she tightly gripped the sides, but she remained unseated. The Star Master in his garish costume had the grace to look genuinely surprised, and after a minute or two of working the small crowd and garnering all the anticipation he could, he made a show of trying to figure out what was wrong before winking at the lot, and gave the side of the booth a sharp, exaggerated kick.

It was at this moment Vyra caught sight of her lovely cousin in the audience, let go of the chair in her glee, and waved at Naedira.

Fireworks burst from the target and lights flickered across the stall as the bottom of the throne fell away and dropped the costumed politician like a sack of flour. Vyra met the waters below with a magnificent splash, sending glittering sea-spray into the crowd around the booth! The impact knocked the crown from her head and sent one heel rolling around the bottom of the tank before both settled among the shimmering ‘space rocks’ decorating the underwater floor. She lingered beneath the surface for a moment, looking for them, but she’d had no time for air before her dunking. Breathe first, shoe and crown later.

She kicked her way to the top, pushing wet strands away from her face as she swam towards the edge of the tank, grinning ear to ear. “You!” she hollered imperiously at the man who’d pressed the button, though there was laughter in her tone and her eyes glimmered in delight. “Cheaters never prosper, you know! No prizes for you, not until you’ve earned it!” Vyra rested her forearms on the lip of the tank and peered over the edge, though it wasn’t more than a foot above the crowd. Another man (Alkor) stood near the button-pusher, seeming to speak to him though there wasn’t much familiarity there, from what she could see, however they both seemed to know her cousin.

Which, of course they would. Anyone as mind-mindbogglingly beautiful as Naedira Darcrath would certainly know all the attractive men.

Her gaze alighted on the lithe brunette nearby, and though her tone was playful, she met her cousin’s enviable chestnut eyes with familial love. Life devoted to the Confederacy was rewarding but left little to no time for anything else, and the two had found their plans falling through at the last minute too often. It’d been so long! A million inside jokes that hadn’t seen daylight in years suddenly flew through her thoughts, memories of making elaborate armor from lake kelp and sword fighting with sticks across the white Naboo beaches in the summers of their childhood, the ‘wars’ they’d waged against the boys who lived next door and the ‘peace-making’ bonfires they’d have together afterwards, and laying in Vyra’s bed later eating the candy they’d snuck upstairs as they watched the moon long into the night.
It made her heart warm.


“Do you know this scoundrel?” Vyra inquired at Naedira and the other gentleman (Alkor), gesturing to the dirty-blond giant who’d dunked her.

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

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Attn: [member="Vyra Silara"] | [member="Naedira Darcrath"] | [member="Alkor Centaris"] | [member="Gerwald Lechner"]​

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• Street Fair
  Fondor City

Here and now, in the midst of the celebration and the cacophony of noises that people in the more cosmopolitan areas of the galaxy, called music, all he felt was disgust. Entertainment for the masses was just a fancy way of describing a free-for-all of debauchery, degeneracy and hedonistic overindulgence. Oh, how he hated it all, how he loathed those politicians who bought the compliance of their people with such wasteful displays of meaningless, materialistic excess.

With few exceptions, the masses that had come out into the city, today, were all sheep. Mindless drones with no purpose in their lives, no concern for anything other than the selfish satisfaction of momentary hedonistic desires and worthless comforts, engrossing themselves into the self-perpetuating cycle of pathetic impulsiveness which they had dedicated the entirety of their existence to, growing ever fatter, weaker and more ignorant as they gorged themselves on pointless luxuries that were unearned and worthless.

Indeed, on worlds such as Fondor, what stood as the ultimate thing to aspire towards, was a carefree existence of luxury, laziness and debauchery, free of any and all responsibility and hard work. A life of endless partying was what these creatures, reduced to barely more than animals, aspired to. Where were the candles lit to honor those who gave their lives in the line of duty? Where was the respectful silence owed to those who fought and bled on far-away battlefields in order to keep worlds such as this one, safe? Did all those countless sacrifices mean so little to these people, that they wouldn't even take a moment away from their disgusting revelry, to make the smallest gesture of respect for the countless fallen soldiers who had died for the nation and the countless more who risked their lives every day, to defend it?

The moral fabric of this world, he realized, was irredeemably corrupted, rotten to the core. It would take a stoic, iron-willed Viceroy to cleanse Fondor of this despicable disease that had gripped its society. Most likely, it won't get one. Most likely, they would elect another greedy politician who hypnotized them with further promises of yet more luxury and yet more excess, the cycle repeating itself as the world descended even further into madness and decay.

The silver-haired man shook his head and made his way through the mindless crowds in silence, ignoring the discordant cacophony of noise pollution that cosmopolitan worlds such as Fondor, called music, ignoring the colorful billboards of the businesses and shops which promised further debauchery. Clawed fingers tightened further around the hilt of the longsword which hung from his belt, sharp talons piercing the calloused flesh of his hand and letting loose a steady stream of crimson fluid, staining his immaculate white uniform with the bloody color of war and sacrifice. He paid it no heed.

Slitted, cat-like eyes scanned the crowd, glowing with a golden inner light as they cast about a mixture of disdain, sorrow and seething rage, until they fell upon a peculiar display. A provocatively dressed woman was dangling precariously on a gilded chair that was suspended above a tank of water, as a golden-maned individual he recognized, was trying to operate some controls. An employee made an elaborate show of trying to fix an imaginary problem, giving the machine a demonstrative kick, before finally triggering the mechanism that dropped the woman into the waters below. The lupine and his friends then moved closer, engaging the swimmer in a light-hearted chat.

With a low, barely-audible growl, the Sith Lord pushed himself from the pillar against which he had been leaning, fur-lined cloak billowing behind him as he strode through the crowds and towards the group. He knew what the golden-maned lupine wanted and he decided he wasn't going to allow things to go his way. He still owed him a lesson or two, after what he did to [member="Scherezade DeWinter"]. The lupine male's smug pride and massively inflated ego were in need of some long-overdue humiliation.

He made a short detour towards one of the many stalls which offered drinks and procured the finest bottle of champagne and a pair of glasses, covering the distance towards the establishment which the sign above identified, in bold, colorful letters, as the 'Shooting Star' dunking booth, with calm, confident strides, his bearing exuding the kind of casual authority that could only be earned through experience, shooting the lupine a dismissive glare as he climbed the steps to the platform propped against the tank. "Already eying your next conquest, Lechner? What, got bored of the last woman who's heart you broke?" he asked with a deep, gravelly voice, not bothering to give the lupine the time required to wait for a reply.

Instead, his attention focused on the breathtaking beauty in the water as he knelt down, extending his right hand to her to help her climb out, his other, bleeding one tactfully hidden within the folds of his cloak, just as the protocol droid from the drink stand caught up with him, mechanical appendage holding a silver tray with a bottle of champagne and two already filled glasses. "May I offer you a drink, my lady, in exchange for the pleasure of learning your name?"

 

[Daisy Americus]

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Location: Sky Wheel [Uh oh, Overboard?]​

Wearing: xxx | w. [member="Kaden Farr"] and [member="Bryce Americus"]​

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“Ah don’t know how bad your eyes get when you’ve been drinkin’ but my peepers work just fine thank you very much.”, Daisy returned with a touch of sass and a little sideways cock of her hip while she walked. It was impressive that she could do it while holding his hand, and, in a pair of bright colored pumps. The youthful Mandalorian only wore them on occasion. Mostly, when she was trying to get gussied up for something. Her paw really, really didn’t like them so she usually had to change into them after she left the house.

Kaden felt a little nervous to her when the stepped on the ride. She was curious. Here was a man that had died, been a ghost, and had been through all manner of chaos—And a little Sky Wheel scared him? Her lips quirked to the side while she tried to stop herself from finding it cute. “It’ll be okay, I reckon. These things are probably safer than being in a starfighter and we do that all the time.”

She entirely misunderstood why Kaden felt strange. As inept with the Force as she was, she didn’t notice, that he was picking up on some of her more private feelings. Empathy through hocus pocus wasn’t something she even knew to really be possible. The pangs of worry she sometimes felt for her friends, like [member="Scherezade deWinter"], she figured were just sympathy pains. Or, her imagination.

The taller man paid for the ride before she could start rummaging around and she uttered a soft word of bashful thanks when she stepped inside the hanging carriage. It was held in place by what looked to be repulsorlifts and a series of rods but, for the most part, seemed fairly sturdy. Kaden looked like a kid in a single-credit candy store. Her features softened while she settled in beside him and watched the skyline rise, beautiful, as promised. He mentioned that it was nice and she nodded her head, absently, playing with the fingers that were still wrapped in her own. “Ah’ve only seen lights like this during festivals.”

“Important ones.”

She could feel Kaden looking at her. Suddenly, she was reminded that he was too close again. The young woman was pressed softly against his side. When his voice softened...When he seemed hesitant…It was hard not to see something more. Something, that should have been impossible. One did not simply divorce the Mandalore…Did they? “They are pretty complicated. Ah don’t mean to be such a fraidy cat....”

She looked away, cheeks touched with a little pink, and in that moment, she saw someone that she hadn’t seen in quite some time. His face was hidden among others in the crowd and she had to lean forward to see better. “Ah think ah know him…”, she trailed off, leaning further, while a little bit of excitement made her misjudge how steady the carriages actually were. “Howdy! Bryce!”

Her hand slipped and Daisy made a small squeak as she fumbled the stuffed toy she was holding. Unthinking, she made a grab for it, and suddenly the slow turning of the Sky Wheel made her feel a little dizzy as the ground pulled away rapidly from her face. The carnival prize was trapped between one of rods that held the carriage, inches, out of reach. Daisy stretched further, leaning over the edge, to a point where if a strong breeze blew—She could fall over.

Daisy reached. And reached. “Almost got it…”, she wheezed, her stomach crushed, while her fingers wiggled. It was right—

A strong breeze blew.

 

[Kaden Farr]

Location: Skywheel​

Wearing: xxx | w. [member="Daisy Americus"] - [member="Bryce Americus"]​

Daisy was sassy when she wanted to be, and Kaden had to admit to himself that he liked it. There was a lot about Daisy that he liked, but her personality had always been the draw. Her concern over his nervousness was interesting, but it was not about the way the skywheel carts were put together. Kaden had never ridden one and was excited to do so. The empathy was something odd to Kaden, but he assumed it was part of whatever kind of bond he still felt to Daisy from when he had been dead. It still seemed a bit odd that he was spending so much time with the woman he had haunted, but here they were, and sharing a semi normal moment.

Kaden could only imagine the kind of festivals which Daisy was referring to. The kinds of things celebrated on Mandalore had not involved lights like the ones they were looking at. Sitting with Daisy while looking at them, her fingers playing with his as their hands were still entwined. Kaden suddenly felt how close they were. There was something a bit more intimate about the moment than Kaden had expected there to be, but he was not going to complain about it. It wasn’t until she affirmed the fact things were complicated. Kaden should have finished his thoughts and told Daisy how he felt, but Daisy seemed to pick up what he was implying.

“You’re not a fraidy cat… but I can assure you my past is exactly that… the past.” Kaden said as his eyes settled on her with a small smile and a shrug. Perhaps he would have continued, but he could see the pink in Daisy’s cheeks, and then she mentioned someone she saw. She called out to the man, but Daisy leaned so far forward the cart began to roll, further than Kaden thought it should be able to.

“Daisy…” he said, but it was too late. The prize he had won for her fell, and tried to get it unstuck. She was leaning too far forward. Kaden was genuinely worried, and kept his hand out ready to catch her in case she fell, and as the breeze began to blow, Kaden felt the cart shift, and watched Daisy tip forward. Kaden reached out for her arm and watched as many possibilities flashed before his eyes, all of them not good.

There was one thing Kaden was determined to avoid seeing, and that was Daisy’s death. On Thyferra Kaden did everything he could to ensure her survival, and it made Kaden aware of the fact he did not want to imagine his life without her in it. What was he going to do without her when so much of the life he lived now had been a direct result of knowing her. As Kaden reached for her arm, and held her tight Kaden spoke with determination. “Do not let go, I got you, Daisy.” The stuffed animal fell to the ground as the wind blew once more, threatening to send Kaden over as well, but he gripped the opposite side of the cart hard. He was determined to keep her from falling.

Kaden looked for the man that she had hollered at and shouted to him. “Quick, tell the operator to lower the skywheel!” There was a panic in his eyes as he looked for Daisy’s eyes and without even thinking about it all the complications he thought were there were suddenly gone. Suddenly he felt the force moving through him as he wrapped the force energy around Daisy’s body and helped her back into the cart. His head went to her forehead immediately. He was close again, too close. This time Kaden didn't care if she was going to protest. If she didn't know by now that he cared and was attracted to, she would know soon enough.

“Daisy… are you okay?”

The Skywheel began to lower back down to the ground.

 

[Malok]

Location: Guild Tower - Fondor​

Tag: [member="Valencia Hadley"] | [member="Faye Malvern"]​

This was...not the typical affair.

At least when it came to politicians of the Confederacy, of course. Typically speaking, events which required any sort of attention from the Viceroyalty were of the black tie variety. There was always a "gilded" air about any of the proceedings. Marble floors, vaulted ceilings, and the finest stringed music that credits could buy. The women with whom the Sith intended to spend his time were cultivated by this world. And as such, a bemusing thought settled into his mind about what they thought of his attire selection for the evening. After all, denim jeans were not something he wore practically ever - even when lounging about in the Well.

Nonetheless, the party this evening was a stark contrast to the norm. The thunderous bass was a welcome change of pace for the Vicelord - who had formerly frequented seedy cantinas filled with the same noise decades prior. As a Mandalorian, hunting in environments such as this was commonplace. And thus, the noise hardly bothered him. However, as the freshly-appointed Minister of Influence first met the former Viceroy of Manda, it was evident that the cacophony was a challenge to any meaningful conversation. The balcony was to be their final destination - without any complaint from any of the three parties.

No one in particular... Valencia greeted him with a tease in her voice - and Darth Metus offered a wink in response. Yet the jesting did not last for too long. The Sith noted the change in his special council-turned-apprentice when greeting the Minister. The casual air that she had cultivated over the course of her training quickly reverted back to that graceful tone that he knew all too well. Both Valencia and Faye were speaking the same, professional language. Upon stepping onto the balcony, the former ordered a round of champagne flutes from one of the attending droids whilst the Sith nodded towards another for the balcony to be closed. In short order, both requests were fulfilled and the thunderous bass would be drowned out by the closure of towering, wooden doors.

Now the only sources of noise were the fireworks erupting in the air and their own words.

For a moment, the Sith said nothing - only raising his beverage to his lips. However, after indulging in a light sip, he stepped over to the balcony's railing and leaned his back upon it. His head raised in a clearly exaggerated manner before he let loose a monumental "K A R K." Never before had he sworn in the presence of either - not even when he and Valencia were stealing the sheets from one another. But he did so intentionally...He did so to tell them to lower their guards. To be themselves and not the political molds they had grown accustomed to.

Tonight, they would celebrate each other. And there was no celebration better than getting to know the real person.

"I tell you...It's been way too long since I've had a second to breathe, you know?" he began, casually stoking the embers of conversation. "I'm sure you both know more than any how that goes. It's nice to just...breathe." He punctuated his thoughts with a swig of his bubbly champagne. He then motioned his glass in the direction of the newly-appointed Minister and then to his student. "Have you both ever been to a party like this before?"

The way his lips curved into the bemused smile told them that he had. But he didn't go into any details just yet.

 

[Ascendant Muse]

Though dazzling pyrotechnics had been erupting throughout the night...upon the instant of the next hour clicking past, heads began to turn. A tremendous wail erupted through the city's speakers: a din to draw the eyes of each and every soul in attendance. From the depths of the watering hole, to the shallows of the dunk tank. From the heights of the Guild Tower, to the furthest corner of the main avenue - all were within viewing distance of the Grand Finale. The very best and brightest fireworks let loose into the heavens in a breathtaking display: a rapid salvo of vibrant colors exploded one after another after another.

And as the fireworks began to slow - the last of their booming bass echoing to a silence - so too would the pyrotechnics for the evening. Yet, despite this end, new memories abounded on the surface below. Fondor would remember the monarch who bravely suffered the dunk tank, all in the name of spreading joy to her comrades. Fondor would remember the gallons upon gallons of strong drink consumed this day. Fondor would remember the thunderous bass of the Guild Tower's party. Thus began its new life as a member of the Confederacy! Thus began a new chapter that would be as bright as the shining pyrotechnics in the night sky.

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Note: You are free to continue your stories beyond this point!​

 

[Áine]

Location: Street Entrance - Fondor City | Wearing: [xxx] | [member=Kerstan Blackmoore]

When his eyes were on her, nothing else mattered. It was almost as if the deep brown pools enveloped her in a world where just the two of them existed. Once upon a time it was a feeling she coveted, like fine jewellery or expensive wine, but now it was the very thing that made her heart beat. It was the very thing that made all the strains of life worth it. Áine grinned at Kerstan. A grin that pressed dimples into her cheeks, that drew her eyes up to form soft wrinkles, that illuminated her face till it shone just as brightly as the neon lights cast upon them. 'Hmm...' Her crimson lips crushed together as the thoughtful sound emanated from her throat. 'I wouldn't say there's nothing at all simple about me.' As she spoke she slipped her arm over his, her slender frame easily overshadowed by his muscular one. Even with their stark differences it was clear there were never two people more better suited to each other than creator and creation.

Her heels played rhythmic taps on the cobblestone street as they peeled themselves away from the first of many delicious smelling stalls. 'Complicated is what you assume when you look quickly. Complicated is what strangers see. The more you get to know someone the more you discover they hide their simple desires behind facades. We've spent a long time apart, I'm more than what you created me to be now.' Her emerald eyes fluttered up to him with a bright glow in their core, coming coupled with a daring smile that curved the corners of her painted lips. The taste of the savoury dumpling was still dancing across her tongue as she spoke. Subtle spices had finally caught up and overtaken the meaty taste of the filling, enough to make her delight in the foreign flavours all over again. She had posed her request for something sweet, and Kerstan had eagerly taken it. One glance at his sun kissed face was enough for her to see the cogs in his mind whirring as his eyes drew in all the delicacies on offer. He brought them to a stop in front of a cart with a weathered man who brandished some impressive knife skills behind its counter.

The sticky sweet fruit was no match for the blade, which flashed a fantastic rainbow of colours as it caught the light with each swing. Áine could only beam at the sight of it, following up with a noise of giddy excitement as a sprinkle of added sweetness sealed the deal. With some eagerness she found her fingers diving into the bag to seek out a piece of the sugar coated fruit. Bright emerald eyes sparkled with delight as her teeth sank into the yellowy flesh. It was sweeter than anything she had ever tasted before and it left a coating of its sugary syrup behind on her tongue. 'Mmm...' The noise of appreciation was muffled as she licked her fingers free of the juices that coated them. Her following tone was filled with bell-like elation. 'How have I never tried this before? What is it exactly? It's so good!' Despite her now rabid fascination with the sticky treat Kerstan still held out for her, Áine was listening closely. As she popped another piece of fruit into her mouth her eyebrow cocked just a little.

Mild confusion hid itself well behind the satisfied smile the fruit had left behind. Áine, in all her years, never considered Kerstan one for brushing elbows with those he considered a lower status. But here he was vouching that their world had more possibilities than she had already garnered from power and wealth. 'Perhaps, but I've never found much of actual value in the common cloth. Beyond good food.' She grinned as she popped another square of mango past her lips. 'I will say that the times I stayed with those who had little to give were the times I found the most generosity. Many were blissfully and most irritatingly content with their style of life with absolutely no desire to achieve anything higher than they'd already reached. So much so that they're willing to give away what little they had to a complete stranger.' There was no shame in her chastising tone. Áine felt no mercy for the fact that she had taken what was offered and left with no regard for the consequences, her very design was to latch on to those foolish enough to trust her. 'In my experience they are the embodiment of everything that makes you weak and I prey on the weak, I don't mingle with them.'

Her tongue peeked from behind her lips to free them of the sticky syrup as she reached out to slide her arm into Kerstan's once more. There was so much more to see, and Áine didn't want to waste a second of it standing in one place for too long. Slender fingers exerted the lightest of pressures on his forearm to restart their journey down the busy street.