The Short List | Faye Malvern

[Malok]

Location: Golbah City, Vanguard of Polaris​

Tag: [member="Faye Malvern"]​

Wearing: xxxx​

Influence.

The ability to sway the hearts and minds of the cosmos was an invaluable gift. Wars could be won without so much as a finger being lifted. Lives could be saved and elevated without a drop of blood hitting the earth. Or, conversely, those who shuddered at the sight of battle could be motivated to take up arms. Influence was such a crucial gift in every facet of life that failing to value it was the sign of true folly. Thus, the Southern Systems did as was best and uplifted one gifted in the art of Influence to the mantle of Minister. Through this role, the craft of swaying the stars to be in alignment with Confederate interests would be plyed. And, for a time, the craft was employed quite beautifully by one Kip Ridel.

However, with the conclusion of terms came the purview of the Vicelord to select anew. Typically speaking, as the saying went, if something was not broken there was no need to fix it. Yet, while the previous Minister was not abhorrent in his duties, the Southern Systems demanded more from their wielder of Influence. And as such, a short list of potential candidates had been compiled and presented to Darth Metus. The vetting process had been immeasurably discreet, so much so that those who were being considered would never have known this was the case. In the end, when it came time for the Vicelord to make his decision, he only asked for the opportunity to sit down with the final candidates individually.

After all, if he was to entrust a vital corner of the nation's future to them, he had best make the most informed decision.

Thus, the resplendent [member="Faye Malvern"] was summoned to Golbah City. As a member of the nation's political landscape, she would have been no stranger to the capital city. Nor would she have been a stranger to the monumental Vanguard of Polaris that would be the site of the meeting. Upon one of the lower levels was an exquisite dining experience that the Vicelord had come to adore. There was cuisine from every region of the Galaxy, expertly prepared by the finest chefs credits could buy. This was one of the few luxuries the Vicelord afforded himself - and frankly, it seemed fitting to offer towards a woman as refind as his apprentice's sibling. Though he did not know Miss Malvern in person, if she was anything like [member="Adron Malvern"], he knew that she would be a woman of poise. Class. And fully capable of undertaking any task handed to her.

But, while she certainly had a favorable advantage simply due to how well her sibling performed as Exarch, she earned the opportunity to sit with the Vicelord this evening by her own strengths alone. The Sith was not ignorant at all to her contributions to the Confederacy - and as such was eager to see if she would be the best fit moving forward. Faye would find the Vicelord after being escorted from the turbolift through the quiet establishment. Live music would filter into her ears as she walked, with quiet conversations rumbling beneath the line of cellos. The sharply dressed host would bring the noblewoman to a balcony, where only a single table resided.

There, the Vicelord waited - rising at the sight of her. He offered a warm smile and would assist her in sitting down, before descending into the seat across from her. The host would do his duty, offering them the house's finest wine before giving them time to mull over their selections for the evening. The Sith would accept a glass of course, but did not touch the beverage just yet. Rather, once the host had stepped away, Darth Metus clasped his hands together. "Thank you for coming on such short notice." he began. "My only regret is that I did not ask for this opportunity sooner. It's good to finally sit down with you, Miss Malvern."

 

[Faye Malvern]

Golbah City - The Crown | xxx - xxx | [member=Darth Metus]​

Golbah City was quickly becoming just as familiar as Vengard was. Though her bones deeply protested to the stark contrast in temperature, they were quickly growing used to being warmed to boiling point then thrust back into frozen winters as she made the journey back and forth. 'The Crown' was most like home. Not only was it where the bulk of her remaining family resided, but it held the most similarities to the grandeur she had once belonged too. The towering spiral of Venguard still held no candle to Serreno, but it was enough to give Faye a taste of the life she once knew. Ordinarily her presence on Geonosis meant a visit to Adron and Ale, and the bump, but not this time. This time, instead of the turbo lift shooting upward to the residential levels of Vanguard, it came to a halt at a fine dining establishment.

The invitation to such an esteemed restaurant had come from someone Faye had never expected to meet in person. Someone she had heard great tales of, someone who's power surpassed all others, someone who had a reputation that by far proceeded him. The only connection of note that the Lady of Serreno and the Vicelord of the Confederacy shared was her brother and his apprentice, Adron Malvern. Faye could hardly imagine what the great Darth Metus wanted to discuss with her. She pushed her thoughts to the side as the gracious host greeted her and directed her toward the crowd of diners. Splendour was something the Confederacy never did by halves, and Faye was reminded of that as her guide picked a path through the maze of tables toward the balcony.

When her charcoal eyes landed on the Vicelord she couldn't help but smile, ever the Lady of the court she was raised as. Silver chains adorning her sun kissed skin jingled softly as she took the seat their host offered out. Despite how nervous she was about being the presence of Darth Metus, Faye couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the evening. A sunset lit up the horizon in beautifully deep oranges and purples. There was still enough heat left from the day that the gentle breeze of approaching nightfall was a welcome presence. Wine was a welcome accompaniment and Faye accepted the glass with a graceful nod of thanks. When the host finally slipped away Faye let her gaze settle not upon the slowly setting sun, but upon the deeply intreguing eyes of the Vicelord. 'The pleasure is all mine. And please, call me Faye.' She spoke softly as she settled herself into her seat, shifting the white sheen of fabric covering her thighs.

At his words she offered out a dazzling smile that pressed dimples into her cheeks. 'It does seem a shame that we've waited so long to meet. Adron speaks so fondly of you. I'm pleased to be afforded the chance to get to know you myself.' Faye had been in the presence of many a powerful man before, but none so much as the Vicelord himself. Though she had no doubt in her abilities to not make a fool of herself during this short dinner, the reminder of Adron was enough to make her sit a little straighter. One of her slender fingers flitted up to tuck a strand of raven hair behind her ear. 'Tell me, to what do I owe such an honour?' She used the same hand to gesture gently to the lavishly decorated dining table in front of her.

 

[Malok]

Location: Vanguard of Polaris, Golbah City​

Tag: [member="Faye Malvern"]​

Serenno.

When it came to the distant world adorned with nobility, one could always tell if a native was nearby. From servant to the highest office, those born upon the gilded lands of Serenno tended to carry themselves with a certain air. Some might mistake it as arrogance - but as the Sith Lord got to know his apprentice better, it was best described as pride. Everything one did, every step one took, was a reflection of the court that had cultivated them. And as a result, they were living representatives for their entire lineage and circle. The natives of the distant world took this reality quite seriously - and thus their pride in who they were caused not a single step to be out of place. Grace. Elegance. These were commonplace of those who had risen to noble stations within that society. And the lovely [member="Faye Malvern"] was no exception.

As her presence was announced by the footsteps of the waiter, the Sith's gaze journeyed in appreciation. It was said that his apprentice, the wintery Srina Talon, was a woman of exceptional dress - yet despite the resplendent fabrics that he initially introduced her to, he would have never have thought to present a dress such as this. She was adorned with stunning chains about white, which turned more than a few heads as she approached. However, in the privacy of the balcony, the only set of eyes which remained with the Vicelord's. And for now, his bottom eyelids raised as his lips curved into a genuine smile. Upon descending into her seat, the Sith joined her, reaching out as was custom.

And as her preference of name reached his ears, his fingers graced her own. In true, "courtly" fashion, he then raised the rear of her hand to his lips briefly before settling fully within his seat. "Faye it is." he began, before offering a half-nod of acknowledgement. "And you may call me Metus." It was not long until she offered additional pleasantries in that lightly accented voice of hers. Ah, Adron spoke fondly of him? Now this was a fact he made a silent note to pester his apprentice with later on. After all, the Exarch prided himself on being quite affectionate to Alessandra Creed exclusively. All else would receive a backhand if necessary.

The thought alone caused the Sith's smile to grow. After which, he said: "Tonight...I seek to fulfill a need of our nation. Our people look up to Golbah City and they see their Vicelord. But, they know only their Viceroy. I wanted to take the time to bring myself closer to the people, by first getting to know those who served them as representatives and leaders. I could think of no other better deserving of my first efforts than you. Your work has been extraordinary, and the people owe you a great debt for your tireless work."

The lie of omission was eloquent. As eloquent as a Serenno noble, in fact. Darth Metus was certainly present to fulfill the needs of the people - but not in the capacity of getting closer to the Everyman. Not yet as if were. He paused for a moment, reaching for the glass of wine before him. A taste was indulged, filling his mouth with the distinct sensation before the vessel was returned to the tabletop. "If you are willing, would you indulge my curiosity? What drives you, Faye? What is that you ultimately crave more than anything?" For most, especially in the political realm, the answer was Power. The Sith was very interested to see what the Noble's priorities were.

 

[Faye Malvern]

Golbah City - The Crown | xxx - xxx | [member=Darth Metus]​

How many powerful men had she sat across a table from? Her previous life on Serenno had ensured the number was too many to count, and her current life in the Confederacy was making quick work of the incomprehensible number. Even then, through all her experience, Faye couldn't fight the swell of butterflies that fluttered relentlessly in her stomach. The Vicelord's gaze as she crossed the balcony had not gone unnoticed, and she found herself searching for it as he lifted her hand to place a delicate kiss against her skin. Not surprisingly, her name sounded sweet in his rumbling baritone, sweet enough to illicit another smile from her painted lips. With his permission to call him Metus, and the elegant display of courtly fashion, Faye felt a little more at ease as she sat across the table from the most powerful man in the Confederacy.

Eloquent though his lie was, and Faye had to admit to herself it was very much so indeed, the young Serrenian saw beneath that. Such was her curse, or gift if you were so inclined to the thought. Whether or not they wanted too, the pools of charcoal set in her lightly tanned face saw behind the facades, behind the false smiles and sweet words. Faye didn't need the force to search his soul for the truth, she simply needed to know that there was a truth to hide behind a lie. The specific details of this truth was beyond her power to decipher, but she held enough skill to feel that there was something else behind his finely spun silver words. Somehow it felt wrong to dive into the complex emotions the Vicelord had no idea he was providing, but the curse was like a third ear that couldn't be covered or muffled. Try though she might, there was no ignoring it. The Vicelord had something to hide.

The empath did not let her discovery show. 'Thank you for your kind words, Metus. I've only accomplished as much by the good grace of Adron and yourself.' He was as charming as the whispers told, that alone was enough to make her play along with his game. As he reached for his wine, so did she, but she took a moment to inhale the sweet scent as the crystalline glass drew close to her nose. Faye couldn't help the smile that formed on her face before she followed his lead and took a sip of the crimson liquid. When she returned the glass to the table 'I don't think anyone has ever asked me such a complex question so soon into our first dinner.' In truth, she admired his brutally honest curiosity. The question was indeed complex, but somethings he had rarely had the chance to consider. Her eyes narrowed in thought as silence crept over the table, which she allowed to persist for only a few moments. 'What drives anyone? The chase for power, fame, glory, eternal life... All good things to aspire for.'

A soft sigh filled the space where her words should have been as she shook her head, causing soft ebony curls to ripple gently. 'I could tell you I crave all these things too. It would be an easy lie to tell.' Without persuasion from their owner, her lips curled into a smile that was just enough to press the beginnings of dimples into her cheeks. 'I fear I'm much more simple than that. I trust Adron has regaled the long and arduous tale that makes up our past?' She didn't wait for a response. 'All I crave is home. Everything that drives me to get out of bed in the morning to do all the things you praise me for is simply that.' The subtle smile she wore expanded into a beaming grin as she fell easily into her next words. 'Serenno was beautiful. So green and full of life, so... resplendent. Nothing I have known since has compared. Granted, I remember it with a child's gaze. Perhaps I was naive in my judgement and innocent to any trouble greater than that on my own front door, but Serenno was perfect in every way.'

Her gaze fell to the table, her expression still wearing the fond smile of remembrance that cast her back to brighter days. Completely unaware, a faint blush had crept over Faye's cheeks. Her passionate words displayed in a beautiful rose that filled her face. To distract herself from the obvious flush, she reached out and took another sip of the sweet alcohol. When the glass made a dull thud on the table, Faye found herself glancing back up at Metus' face. 'I suppose resurrecting a whole planet is a bit beyond anyone's reach.' A sweet laugh trickled from her throat at the notion, which she followed up quickly with an words dressed in a tone of subtle realisation. 'Perhaps perfection is what I truly strive for. My heart's truest desires are impossible to achieve, but I can chase the perfection they imprinted on me. I can chase the life I was supposed to lead on Serenno.'

 

[Malok]

Location: Vanguard of Polaris, Golbah City​

Tag: [member="Faye Malvern"]​

Humility.

Despite the resplendent garments that drew his admiration, the first true impression offered by the noble was the absence of hubris. Though their conversation was within it's fledgling stages, the woman seated across from the Vicelord had not once placed the spotlight upon herself. There were countless denizens of the political realm - most of which would have seen a chance to dine with the Confederacy's finest as an opportunity. They would have done everything in their power to make the leader of the Southern Systems see their skills, know their worth, and to consider them for a swift advancement through the ranks. Not so was [member="Faye Malvern"]. In the few moments since descending gracefully into her seat, the sole praises were uttered from the Sith's mouth alone. Yet, instead of boasting or basking in the limelight, the woman attributed her successes to the world forged by He and her sibling.

Even the Exarch himself willingly accepted praise - yet his sister was simply different. It was the different that the Vicelord was after: the sort that would be an ideal member of the nation's Ministries. However, while this was indeed an excellent start, there would be more required before he signed off just yet. After all, they had only just begun to sip on their wine. "You've accomplished as much by your gifts and your efforts. While Adron and myself may have opened a door, you were the one who stepped through it and seized every opportunity therein." His remark was punctuated with a genuine smile, despite the lie of omission uttered only seconds prior. Though he did not lay any cards on the table, there was no malicious intent in his dealings. Though ignorant of her gift, she might even feel as much.

He was certainly hiding something - but it was nothing that would bring a blight upon her world. "Well, if I am to have the pleasure of your company, I'd certainly like for our conversation to be...unforgettable." His sulfuric eyes, made gleaming against the candlelight, were alive with intrigue as he made his last remark. And, from that point, she could tell that she had captured his undivided attention. As her thoughts formed and fell from pristine lips, his posture leaned forward ever so slightly. T'was if every syllable was a precious jewel that he could not do without. And how could he not? As the woman voiced her thoughts, her voice became colored with a passion that he could feel without the Force. This was the inner workings of her essence, laid bare before him.

And though she was born of nobility, what she desired most...what drove her forward...was something that even the most common soul could relate to. From the most powerful men in the Galaxy to the orphans of war - all could understand the desire to build the life one once had. A silent understanding burned within the Vicelord's eyes - for Adron had indeed spoken of the plight of Serenno, and the Sith's own experience had informed him as well. The world was beyond a state of typical restoration, of that there was no doubt. And thus, its children were forced to move ever forward. Adron, for example, chose to rise above even the station of his nobility each and every day. And his sister...lived to chase that life that once was. To build that warm environment of home again. Darth Metus completely understand.

When she had finished speaking, gracing his ears with a laugh before returning to her glass, quiet ruled the man for a moment. He simply joined her in taking a sip of his beverage, noting the beautiful crimson that had splashed upon her cheeks as the savory taste filled his mouth. When his glass returned to the tabletop, so too did his gaze return intently to her eyes. "Thank you for indulging me." he began, mustering that same, genuine smile that was as warm as the candles between them. "What drives you...is beautiful." As she had indulged in his first question, it was only fair that he raised the curtain on his own life ever so slightly. There were very few who truly knew what he craved above all else, or what drove him daily. But this day, Faye would be among them.

"As for me...I was born quite different. Born to...relative squallor. But, what we lacked in wealth, we made up for in love. My siblings and I had each other, above all else. And as I grew, those who I loved grew as well. Comrades. Lovers. Children. I was raised a warrior, as you know - and because I loved, I wanted to protect." His hands began to move in tandem with his words. "At first, I was a mercenary. I did my part by sending a cut of my earnings home. But, when the Galaxy went belly up...wars...Akala...you name it...being a mercenary wasn't enough. Being a man wasn't enough. For how could one soul stand against gods? Armies?"

"So...what drives me is as simple as wanting the life one once had. What drives me is to be that shield from the Galaxy's worst, so that those I love do not have to suffer. Doing so, I can bleed. Hurt. Toil. Struggle. Because I know that they won't have to. I know that they will be able to wake up and enjoy life in peace." If it were not for the advantage of his complexion, he might have been as crimson-cheeked as the beauty before him. Nonetheless, after speaking his truth, the Sith straightened in his seat before motioning to Faye once more. "And, it would appear as though what drives me has been enabling the paths of others. So tell me, Faye...How has your position enabled you to chase the life you once had? How close are you to that aspiration? And...How can I help?"