Private Survivor

[Lily Rhodes]

there was more to being a telepath than reading thoughts, something she had been sure to learn was to read intent...the subtle shifts in a mental aura that nudged into different things. For Lily, it was like seeing colours in her mind, for example one that might be shifting from calm to violence would be an angry flash in warning. For someone that was lying, a soft glow, like a heat spreading through her chest.

This was the first time Malum was not being entirely truthful with her.

It gave her reason to pause, eyeing him warily. She could dig deeper, she could press to find out which part he was lying about...or rather not being entirely truthful. Was it the effects of the travel? Or was it centred on where he was taking her.

"Up until a few seconds ago, I was starting to." she said flatly, she didn't need to press mentally. "This is the first time since you started talking to me that you have actively lied, or tried to conceal something from me. Why?"

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

"..." His mouth opened to a barely perceptible degree, his eyes widened to a similar degree, as his tongue grew rapidly dry, the way she was looking at him. So certain, so judging. She did not accuse without merit, she knew at least in her mind, what she had said was the objective truth. So shocking, that the mask that he had been bred and trained his entire life to maintain, cracked.

And... he could not deny it, for it was the truth.

Foolish... he had underestimated her gift.

What was it that he could say?

He narrowed his eyes, "I had not realised you could see beyond simple thoughts..." Malum began, heart, beginning to beat rapidly, his relied on deceits, lies, deception, it was what rogues and assassins were made for, yet now...

...Now he confronted one who could utterly see through him.

There was only one another like her that he had met in his life... and she was just as concerning.

He closed his eyes, allowing a breath to leave his lungs, reviewing what he had said, what his intentions had been... nothing too false, nothing too deceitful had been said... he could survive this.

"The planet I will take you to is Alvaria, a planet that I rule, one which they call me... Ki-..." He stifled himself, almost telling a lie, even if this one was minor enough, and far from her purview... indeed he most avoided it, for the fact he still felt somewhat embarrassed regarding it, "...They call me Emperor... but the rest of the Order sees it as Kingship, or Governorship," It was all he wished to say of it, the near messiahlike devotion of certain sects of the Alvarians were already far too much to bear, especially when he knew, in a galaxy filled with Empires that spanned multiple systems, being an Emperor of one system... it was perhaps not embarrassing, just not something to boast, and further, it was something to not make public.

For the true Emperor may begin to grow curious.

"Force Travel... is not easy on one's form, it depends you bend time and space around you to move in seconds what would take days or weeks, even months... suffice to say, the body is not meant to move at such pace... and there are consequences, immediate pain... being the most notable." There was no lie.

He hoped it would be enough.

Lily Rhodes

 

[Lily Rhodes]

They were such strange things to be deceitful of, to shroud in half truths. Her brow furrowed trying to unravel this possible reasons behind it, realising that she didn't know enough about Malum to be able to join the dots, she didn't know his history, nor the means of which he came to be called Emperor of Alvaria. The omittance of details from the pain that could be caused from Force Travel she understood, no one wanted to be told that whatever they were about to learn was going to hurt.

Slowly, she sat up, twisting carefully as not to aggravate her injuries, to swing her legs off the edge of the bed to face him fully. "Telepathy goes beyond reading thoughts, I can sense intent, truth and lies. Its a specific skill set for the crowds I move in." Criminals weren't exactly the most forthcoming honest folk.

She slid off the bed, testing the ground beneath her feet, testing her weight and its shift up her spine, letting out a long breath, before settling her gaze back on him. "I don't get why you would start lying at this point, but thank you for telling me the truth." she managed a small smile. "I don't trust you, not fully, but I'm willing to take a risk."

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

"Certainly a useful ability..." He mumbled, though, of course, nobles did not mumble, thus more trailing off, at least according to himself. What he did for certain was breathe out a hollow breath, it seemed his indiscretion, as minor as it was to him, though a matter of great import to her, had not indeed broken his chance, his opportunity, to bring her onto the path of... fixing all that had gone wrong.

He was not so naive to believe that a simple meeting with Elsie upon Alvaria would be enough to mend this... mend the relationship she had with her family.

Indeed, considering Elsie was not a Marr, he had no idea why he even thought this plan had a chance for success.

...Well, that was not entirely true, a friendly face, a vaunt of optimism and enthusiasm, someone who inexplicably could brighten any room she walked into.

Who could make anyone smile.

She was someone Lily could definitely use right about now... to make her lower her walls... and maybe...

...Maybe that would present him with an opportunity.

And who knew... someday... Elsie may be a Marr.

Pink dusted his cheek for a moment, as he threw that thought away.

It was not much of a plan, but at this moment, with two who could read his mind, both from within and without, deep planning did not have much merit.

And alas he had little opportunity to think further, as she slid off the bed, swinging her legs over, testing the ground, as his eyes widened, following her, hand not leaving hers, as the other cupped her back, "I appreciate that, I do," He truly did, it filled his heart with the barest amount of joy, it was not full trust, but he could not have expected that, this... this would do... and from there, he could gain her full trust, he could make her see the truth of their family.

Their house.

That she was part of.

"I remember what happened last time you tried to stand, you will not have recovered in a day, let me carry you, and we will be off," That sharp, agonising pain when he had slammed her down to the earth, that flicker of pain when she tried to stand, the cries as she awoke... they would not leave his mind.

And he would not make her feel them ever again in his presence.

Lily Rhodes Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Lily Rhodes]

He wasn't wrong, as she allowed her full weight to settle on her feet a spasm ran up her spine, but she didn't yelp in pain, a sharp intake pf brwath and a tightening grip on his hand were the only outward signals.

She was impatient, desperate to move freely, to be free of a bed.

Lily let out a sigh of annoyance, nodding reluctantly. "Ok fine. But..." she trailed off, biting her lower lip, her eyes sliding to her books, the the cushion, to the few things that she held dear. "My things...my ship...?"

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

"Will be handled with care and stored safely, you have my word," Malum answered, face filled with concern, for even if she did not yelp with pain at the touch of her feet on the ground, there was definitely some sort of spasm up her spine if the long hard breathe was any indication. She had both the IV painkillers and the tablets... for her to even feel that... was that a dangerous prospect?

He was no doctor, so he had no idea.

Was taking her from here a good idea?

He had even less idea.

Elsie was a healer... she could help... and he had physicians and doctors upon Alvaria, it would... yes, who knew, perhaps she could be tended to better upon Alvaria.

Or perhaps he was lying to himself.

Still, there was little time to consider, for more time to think and consider, may take him away from the course that may not be right...

...But was true, was necessary.

He transferred her to a bridal carry, Bogan, she was so lithe, so thin, so dainty... and he knew exactly why she was like that too. For all his family had done to her.

For all he had done to her.

He closed his eyes, using all that he felt, to grasp the air around them, pulling the Force, bending, breaking, it to his will, surrounding them both with its potent energy.

And with a snap, and spinning heads.

From Faldos, they were at Alvaria.

He opened his eyes, gazing down upon her, as he felt the flames crackle in his chest, as he felt blood drop down from his nose, he swallowed the pain, the pain of bending time and space around oneself. His room, as bare as ever, yet still with the regalness of imperialism, red and black, his colours, as light filtered down from the ceiling window above, it was not the first time he had made this trip.

Yet... before, it was always with another.

One very much not family.

His heart struck for quite another reason.

He gently laid her down upon his bed, as he struggled to stand.

It got easier.

Yet, so painful still, even with Faldos and Alvaria relatively close, the hurt could not be avoided.

Yet, for now, all he cared, about was how Lily was faring, "Are you well, Lily? Tell me if anything hurts."

Lily Rhodes Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Lily Rhodes]

Lily hesitated as he scooped her up, she was not used to being cared for in this fashion. Tentatively she looped and arm about his shoulders, feeling the force shift around them, squeezing them as the hospital room span and twisted. Colours shifting from clinical white, to dark black and deep red hues.

Lily might have paid more attention to the room were it not for the pain that followed. She gasped as he lay her on the bed, a hand clutching at her chest. She'd never felt the darkside like it, she'd leaned into darker emotions utilised them where necessary, but never had she felt it grip her back.

She was breathing heavily, eyes wide. It took her a moment to respond to his question, a moment to recover her breath as the pain subsided. "I'm okay, I'm okay." She said though whether she was reasurring herself or him, she wasnt sure. Her eyes flicked about the room seeking a distraction.

"Who's room is this?"

Darth Malum of House Marr

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He squinted his eyes, seemingly trying to look through her, rather than at her, as if looking at her form for any hint of a lie in her words. He knew she was lying to some degree, she was certainly not okay in an objective sense, her injuries still fresh, and first-time Force Travel was not kind on a soul, even if she was simply passenger, even if the distance so relatively short.

Still despite all that, he looked for anything of greater concern than those already present and expected.

Quirking his eyebrows, as her nose still did not bleed.

Perhaps she truly was fine.

He wiped the trace of single blood flow from his own nose, as he gazed around his own room at her question, pink dusting his cheeks, it was not that it was unclean, indeed, it was immaculate.

However, those of the opposite sex only saw his room for one reason, and one reason only.

And this time, it certainly would not be for that reason.

"...It is my room, if you wish to stay here for a few days, you would have one quite similar... though perhaps a small bit smaller," There were some perks at being Emperor, though considering what little he knew from what Lily had told him, from what more he could imply from those words.

Such rooms may have been the most comfortable places, the most spacious, she had ever seen, let alone felt.

He parsed his lips, Bogan, he and his family, had failed her so much.

A thought struck him, "You will need to change... I would offer one of my sisters' dresses, but I am afraid their wardrobes have not yet arrived," A conundrum indeed, one he was not entirely sure how to solve.

Unfortunately, he would have little to consider a solution, as a simple three knocks struck the door behind him, a voice not so far behind.

His staff, his Guard, had long since gotten used to his comings and goings, "Your Imperial Majesty," Oh no, pink dusting turned to full blush, titles not ever used outside this world now stuck to him, "One Elise of Clan Vizsla is awaiting for your presence in the gardens, as instructed, we welcomed her with our finest hospitality."

Elsie...

She was here.

His heart warmed at that.

He could not hide the smile that came upon his lips.

Lily Rhodes Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Lily Rhodes]

A small frown of concern crossed her features as Malum wiped a trickle of blood from her nose, but she filed the questions away for later, as her own pain became a dull ache. she became a little bit more aware of her surroundings, in particular, the soft mattress and even softer sheets she was lying on. She'd never been in anything so comfortable and the thought made her feel woefully inadequate.

She was not meant for a bed like this.

She suddenly felt dirty and every bit the scavenger she was and wanted to get out of it. the rational side of her brain told her to stay put, movement was dangerous. Lily pulled a face at the mention of dresses, she'd never worn a dress before in her life. The were impractical not to mention expensive, besides, what reason could she possible have for wearing one, if anything it made her feel worse.

And the icing on the cake?

Your Imperial Majesty...

Lily reached for a pillow and stuck it over her face wishing very much to not be there. After a beat, her discomfort won out and she threw the pillow back to where it was and pushed herself upright. "No dresses. Just...a shirt and some trousers, I'll make it work. Go and meet your friend."

Darth Malum of House Marr Elise Ahana-Gwyneira

 

[Darth Malum of House Marr]

He knew rather quickly that something was wrong, it took no detective nor one with Lily Rhodes ' ability and gift to figure out why either, watching her, witnessing her gaze around the room, and not as was expected by one of his kind, simply note and appreciate, and not as he might have expected from another like her, simply be in awe.

No... she was... the subtle arm movements, the sitting with complete unease.

Ironically enough, despite how much effort had been put into the room to not only be regal, but too comfortable.

She was deeply uncomfortable.

He noted the face she pulled at the mention of dresses. That was... he did not exactly know what to make of that, certainly, he would not force her into one, but at the same time... in his mind, it was quite rare for one of the fairer sex to not desire a dress if the opportunity presented itself. Perhaps Lily would have gotten along rather well then with Elise of House Marr , she also had a distaste for the longer garb.

Though... this felt different.

Elise preferred the shirt and pants pair, but would have worn a dress without too much fuss if needed.

This though, Lily's reaction...

...Had she never worn a dress?

It was as he reached out a hand, eyes widening as she grabbed one of his pillows, and stuffed it against her face, that thought, fully registered.

As he felt himself centre... had his cousin, a scion of Darth Marr just like him? A Lady of the House of Marr in her own right... not ever worn a dress?

He did not have too much time to consider the implications of that, as the pillow was thrown away, as Lily seemingly recovered... though he could see beyond the act to know she had not. He wanted nothing more than to simply hug her, to tell her it was all okay. But with Elsie so close... with Lily needing to change... and knowing some space at this moment, where she was shown she was trusted... would do her a whole world of good.

He parsed his lips.

"The closet is over there," He pointed over to his ensuite, "Feel free to shower or take a bath if you prefer," He indicated to his bathroom, "Once you are ready, inform my Guards at the door, and they will escort you to the gardens," He believed Morsus was likely outside, good, another one of her kin, and for a member of the Guard, remarkably friendly.

He turned away, toward the door, twisting the knob, but stopping at the last moment, "You are home here, Lily, no matter what." He said before leaving, informing the pair outside, which did include Morsus of the quick details.

Oddly, they seemed rather more relieved that the woman inside was another of his long lost cousins rather than anyone else.

...An unfortunate reminder of... all that had taken place in that room... all that had taken place across this palace.

It was instinctive, as he felt their closed bond.

Despite everything.

He missed her.

He threw out the rogue thoughts, marching off to the gardens, red eyes flashing in his mind, hissing out the slightest wince. They were Elsie's, they had to be Elsie's, she who was here, who had dropped everything to come help him as soon as he had asked.

The one... who had saved him.

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira