Faction Royal Fantasia Gala: A Celebration of Nations

[Danger Arceneau]

Tag: Jhyrack

As Lord Jhyrack was new to Basic, Danger understood his need for her to use more common words that would be easily digestible. He did not seem upset and gravitated happily into offering to introduce her to his honored but despicable enemies to discuss trade, and the Queen of Trade saw this as a win-win for both.

Despite the language barrier, Danger's keen observation of Jhyrack's body language guided her next steps, a testament to her adaptability and perceptiveness.

"I am happy to make arrangements that would fulfill those requirements. I was born and raised on Tatooine, and I've done my fair share of moving around rugged terrain on the Jundland Wastes and the Western Dune Seas." She added that she was glad they could come to an agreement and that he was willing to provide advice.

"I'll be pleased to visit your mountain fortress myself. Please let me know an appropriate time, and we can move forward."

 

[Fevris Derzelas]

Tagging: Darth Garoul

​

His words held sincerity, a rare thing to find within the circles they both moved in. There was a comfort in his honesty, an ease in the way he spoke about his family, and it was this very ease that made Fevris feel safe enough to continue the conversation with the same level of openness.

She considered his question carefully before answering, her gaze momentarily drifting to the path ahead as she gathered her thoughts. "It's true that the pursuit of knowledge drives me," she began, her tone thoughtful, "but it goes deeper than that."

Fevris turned her gaze back to him, her blue eyes reflecting a mix of determination and something more vulnerable. "I was born with a rare condition—congenital adrenal insufficiency. It's a part of me that I've had to live with, something that has shaped the person I am today. But more than that, it has given me a unique perspective on life, on the fragility of the human body, and the importance of finding solutions to overcome such limitations."

Her voice softened as she continued, "I suppose, in a way, my work is personal. It started as a means to understand and perhaps find a way to overcome my own limitations, but it has evolved into something much bigger. I want to ensure that others don't have to suffer in the same way, that they have the tools and the means to live their lives to the fullest. It's about giving people the chance to have a future, one that's not defined by the circumstances they were born into."

Fevris smiled faintly, a hint of vulnerability still lingering in her expression. "It's also about control. My condition took that away from me, but through my work, I've found a way to reclaim it, to take control of my own destiny, and in doing so, perhaps help others do the same."

There was a brief pause as she let her words settle between them, before she added, "So yes, while knowledge is a powerful motivator, it's the desire to make a tangible difference, to create something lasting and meaningful, that truly drives me."

She glanced at him, curious to see how he would respond. Fevris had revealed more than she typically did in such conversations, but with Sarlow, it felt natural, as if they were both peeling back layers to uncover the core of who they were. And as she looked into his eyes, she found herself wanting to know even more about the man beside her, the man who was managing to, effortlessly, draw out parts of herself she rarely showed to anyone.

As they continued their walk, Fevris took a moment to observe their surroundings. They had reached the gardens. The night was cool, and the stars above seemed to shine just a little brighter in the stillness of the evening. Turning her attention back to Sarlow, she gently squeezed his arm, an involuntary gesture and perhaps, in its own way, an invitation to continue the exchange they had started.

"You know," she began, a slight smile playing on her lips, "for someone who's managed to balance so much, you strike me as someone who might have a secret hobby or two."

Fevris looked at him with a playful curiosity, letting the conversation take a more personal turn. "Is there anything you do purely for yourself? Something that has nothing to do with duty or responsibility, just something that makes you feel... more like you?"

 

[Ivalyn Yvarro]

​

At the Royal Fantasia Gala, the grand ballroom shimmered under the warm glow of countless chandeliers, their light casting a soft, golden hue over the elegantly dressed guests. The air was thick with the mingled scents of fine perfumes and the subtle fragrance of fresh flowers adorning the tables. Laughter and murmured conversations echoed against the marble walls, creating a symphony of human connection that filled the space.

As the evening progressed, the orchestra, led by the renowned Kenithia Aetos, transitioned into the familiar and beloved strains of "I've Had the Time of My Life." The notes, rich and full, swelled through the room, captivating the hearts of those in attendance. Amidst the sea of guests, Ivalyn Yvarro, the evening's radiant hostess, and her girlfriend, Merryn Sellek, found themselves drawn into the music's embrace.

Together, they moved to the center of the ballroom, where the galaxy seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in a world of their own. The crowd around them became a blurred backdrop as they swayed to the rhythm, their movements perfectly in sync. The music wrapped around them like a warm blanket, each note a heartbeat that pulsed between them.

As they danced, time seemed to slow, each moment stretching into eternity. The soft fabric of Merryn's dress brushed against Ivalyn's, the subtle friction grounding them in the present. They were aware of the people surrounding them—some dancing, others deep in conversation—but it all felt distant, secondary. For this song, this dance, was theirs alone.

The crescendo of the orchestra brought them closer, their bodies moving as one, communicating in a language only they could understand. The song carried them through the night, a perfect expression of their connection, their love.

When the final notes played, they remained close, the spell of the music lingering around them, as if the world had stopped just for them.

[Song Change, sorry about the delay!]
​

Eira Dyn | Darth Carnifex | Darth Empyrean | Srina Talon | Naedira Darcrath | Gerwald Lechner | Drazen Lutris | Seela Leini | Lord Tooka | Kurayami Bloodborn | Darth Xyrah | Rulonom Laborr | Rosalia Aros | Firrerreo | Allyson Locke | Tertius C. Nargath | Astrid pentoghast | Zarava Dekki | Danger Arceneau | Jhyrack | Fevris Derzelas | Makai Dashiell | Thessa Kai

 

[Darth Garoul]

Sarlow listened intently, his sharp eyes softened by a genuine interest as Fevris spoke of her past, her condition, and the motivations that shaped her work. The sincerity in her words resonated deeply with him. Here, amidst all the grandeur and posturing of their lives, was something real, unvarnished by pretense. He felt a profound respect for the woman before him, whose strength did not come from raw power, but from perseverance in the face of adversity. It was rare to find someone who balanced ambition with compassion so seamlessly.

He regarded her for a moment longer, allowing her words to settle like the first snow of winter, delicate yet impactful. The path ahead of them seemed to stretch into the unknown, much like their lives, filled with endless possibilities and challenges. He turned his gaze to the trees lining the path, their leaves rustling softly in the evening breeze, before shifting his focus back to Fevris.

"I admire your resolve," Sarlow finally said, his tone gentle yet firm. "It's not often that I meet someone who pursues their work not merely for knowledge's sake, but for something far more meaningful. To reclaim control over your fate, to ensure others have the chance to do the same—it's a noble pursuit, and I can see how deeply it matters to you."

He paused, his gaze lingering on her, appreciating the vulnerability she had shown him. In the world they moved in, vulnerability was often a dangerous thing to reveal. Yet, here she was, unafraid to share what had shaped her, and it stirred something within him—a quiet recognition of a shared struggle.

"I know what it's like to wrestle with something that defines you," he continued, his voice quieter now, more introspective. "I have not had to live with a condition such as yours, but I have carried my own burdens. There are... forces that shape us, that leave their marks on us whether we wish it or not. Like you, I've had to find a way to reclaim my life, to carve out something that is mine."

His lips curved into a faint smile, though it did not quite reach his eyes. "We are, in our own ways, reclaiming control over what we once thought we had lost. Perhaps that's what drives us—this desire to shape our destinies, rather than let them be shaped by the whims of fate."

He looked at her then, truly looked at her, not just as a brilliant scientist or an important figure within the Empire, but as a kindred spirit. "And perhaps that is why, despite all the trials we face, we continue forward. Not for power or glory, but for the hope that what we create, what we leave behind, will be something that lasts. Something that endures beyond the fleeting years of our lives."

There was a certain weight to his words, a reflection of his own experiences, and he let them hang in the air between them. The evening stretched on, the world beyond their path fading into the soft shadows of nightfall, but in this moment, there was a shared understanding. Two souls, each walking their own path, yet converging for just a brief moment in time.

Sarlow found himself caught slightly off guard by Fevris' question, her playful curiosity drawing him into unfamiliar territory. His gaze drifted away for a moment, an instinctive retreat as he considered how much to reveal. It wasn't often that he was asked about himself, about the man behind the titles and responsibilities. Yet there was a warmth in Fevris' tone, a genuine interest that coaxed a response from him.

His lips curved into a half-smile, a hint of nervousness flickering in his eyes as he returned her gaze. "A secret hobby or two?" he mused, his voice tinged with amusement. "I suppose I do have something of the sort."

He paused, considering his words carefully before continuing. "I have a home, far from the galaxy's noise. A log cabin nestled in the woods, surrounded by trees and silence. No technology, no distractions—just... peace. It's a place where I can be... myself, without the weight of everything else."

There was a vulnerability in his admission, a rare glimpse into a side of himself he rarely shared with anyone. He shifted slightly, his fingers brushing against the fabric of his sleeve as though grounding himself in the moment. "I've always been drawn to working with my hands. Carpentry, mostly. There's something about creating something tangible, something real. Building a chair, a table, a shelf—seeing it come together, piece by piece. It's... grounding, I suppose."

He let out a quiet chuckle, his nerves easing as he continued. "And as ridiculous as it might sound, I love to cook. I'm particular about ingredients, about quality. I suppose it's my way of ensuring some sense of control in my life. A well-prepared meal, made from the best ingredients... there's a certain satisfaction in that."

Sarlow glanced at Fevris, searching her expression for any sign of judgment or ridicule, but found none. There was only that same curiosity, and perhaps something more—understanding. It gave him the courage to add, "I don't often share these things. It feels... strange, to admit that beneath all the expectations, there's still a man who simply enjoys the quiet, who finds solace in creating with his hands."

The words lingered in the air between them, carried on the soft breeze that rustled through the trees. Sarlow held Fevris' gaze, wondering what she would make of his confessions, of this glimpse into the man behind the Wolf Prince.

Fevris Derzelas ​

 

[Fevris Derzelas]

Tagging: Darth Garoul

​

Fevris' eyes lit up with genuine interest as Sarlow spoke, revealing parts of himself that felt unexpectedly intimate. His words painted a vivid picture—one she could almost see herself. A quiet cabin, the smell of freshly carved wood mingling with something simmering on the stove, a world far removed from the lives they were accustomed to.

"A cabin in the woods," she repeated softly, her voice carrying a hint of wonder. "It sounds… peaceful. A world away from all of this," she gestured lightly to the grandeur around them.

Her gaze lingered on him, studying the man who stood beside her, not as a Wolf Prince, nor as some powerful figure, but as someone who craved simplicity in a life filled with complexity. It was something she understood on a deeply personal level—this desire to reclaim control, to create something tangible when everything else felt so far beyond her grasp.

"There's something beautiful in that," Fevris continued, her voice softer now. "Creating with your hands, cooking with care—it's not ridiculous at all. In fact, I find it admirable. You have the power to shape worlds, to influence so much, and yet you find satisfaction in the quiet, personal acts. I think that says more about you than any title ever could."

She smiled, her tone growing more playful as she added, "And I have to admit, I'm intrigued. Carpentry and cooking? I would never have guessed that. You'll have to tell me your secret to perfecting a dish—I'm a bit of a perfectionist myself in the lab, but the kitchen has always felt like a place I could use a little help."

Fevris' fingers traced a light path along his forearm, her touch both casual and reassuring. "But seriously, Sarlow, I think it's refreshing. Maybe one day you'll have to show me that cabin of yours. Perhaps teach me a thing or two about crafting with wood… or cooking something with more finesse than what I can manage."

Her smile lingered as she caught his eye, feeling a growing ease between them. In this quiet corner of the gala they weren't defined by their roles or the weight of their responsibilities. Here, they could simply be two people, and it had been perhaps too long since she had found herself in this context.

She glanced at him with playful curiosity. "So, what's the secret? Is it in the seasoning, or is it just that patience you seem to have in spades?"

 

[Darth Garoul]

The Royal Fantasia Gala was the very epitome of elegance and grandeur, a lavish affair held in one of the galaxy's most majestic palaces. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow upon the polished marble floors, while the hum of violins filled the air with a delicate melody that drifted through the opulent halls. The guests, adorned in their finest attire, moved with the grace and poise expected of nobility, their laughter and conversation blending with the music in a harmonious symphony.

For all the splendor around him, Sarlow's thoughts were far removed from the glittering surroundings. He smiled warmly as he heard that note of wonder in Fevris's voice, her curiosity so genuine that it made him forget, for a moment, the darker corners of his mind. "Yes," he replied softly, his voice a calm contrast to the lively gala, "it is a simple place, but that simplicity is what makes it so precious. A cabin in the woods, where the stars seem close enough to touch, and the only sound is the whisper of the wind through the trees. Peace, in its truest form."

Her gaze lingered on him, and for a moment, Sarlow felt the weight of her attention. He returned her look with his own, sapphire eyes resting on the beautiful blonde beside him. Here, amidst the grandeur of the gala, he was just a man—albeit one who had come to terms with the beast that lurked beneath his skin, always ready to remind him of the monster he was. He nearly blushed when Fevris spoke, her words cutting through his thoughts like a beam of light. She saw beyond the titles, to something simple and true. "There is beauty in it," he murmured, "as the Atrisians say, a wabi-sabi way. There is beauty in the imperfect, the transient. The sway of the trees, the sound of a babbling brook... Sometimes, the most beautiful things in life are right in front of us, waiting to be seen."

He chuckled softly as her tone grew playful, and he responded in kind, his voice low and smooth with a gravelly edge. "Well, Dr. Fevris Derzelas," he said, her name rolling off his tongue with a certain finesse, "you are more than welcome to visit my humble abode. I can offer you a fine Ord Trasian pizza, delicate Anaxsi crêpes, or perhaps a humble cup of Atrisian matcha tea."

As they strolled through the grand corridors of the palace, the music changed, but Sarlow remained focused on the doctor beside him. She had asked whether it was seasoning or patience that made his culinary skills so remarkable, and he smiled at the question. "Both," he replied with a soft laugh. "One must have the right seasonings, of course, but patience is just as important." He paused for a beat, his smile growing as he added, "And a little salt."

They continued walking, their conversation light and easy, though there was a deeper connection forming beneath the surface. When Fevris mentioned carpentry, Sarlow's gaze lingered on her a moment longer than was proper, as if seeing something more in her than the accomplished scientist she was. "A bookshelf," he mused aloud, the idea taking shape in his mind. "Yes, I could fashion you a bookshelf. You seem the sort to read more than just the latest scientific journals." His voice softened as he finished, the warmth of his words carrying with them an unspoken invitation for more than just a simple visit.

Fevris Derzelas ​

 

[Fevris Derzelas]

Tagging: Darth Garoul

​

His mention of crafting her a bookshelf brought a glint of amusement to her eyes. "A bookshelf, hm? That would be quite the gift. I do have more than a few books, though you're right—many of them are far from casual reading." she said, her tone taking on a playful edge, "Even the offer is delightful, hard not to appreciate a thoughtful man."

Fevris smiled at Sarlow's playful mention of seasoning and patience, the ease of their conversation feeling like a breath of fresh air amidst the elegance of the evening. The grand corridors seemed less imposing now, softened by the warmth of their growing connection. What had begun as a formal walk had turned into something more comfortable, and perhaps even meaningful, as they revealed parts of themselves that went far beyond the roles they played.

"You know," Fevris began, glancing up at him with a spark of amusement, "when you first offered that walk or dance, I thought keeping our feet on the ground might be the safer option." Her smile widened, playful yet thoughtful. "But now that we've shared a little more of who we are, I'm beginning to think I've passed up on a great deal."

She paused, her gaze meeting his, allowing the moment to linger. "So, if the offer still stands," she said, stepping closer, her fingers lightly tracing down his arm before extending her hand toward him, "I think I'd like to take you up on that dance after all."

Fevris' smile turned into a soft challenge, an invitation. She could see there was more to Sarlow than she had first imagined—layers of depth that matched her own, nuances that she had grown increasingly curious to explore. And while their conversation had revealed so much, now it was time to let the music take over, to allow the subtle dance between them to shift into something a little more tangible.

"I imagine someone with your patience and attention to detail would make quite the partner," she teased, her voice warm, yet filled with a deeper curiosity as she awaited his response.