Faction Valborg Notte | The Confederacy

[Darth Metus]

F R O S T H A L L​

The Great Thaw was coming.

Amidst the frozen peaks of Vandor, cold was the reality that all souls called home. For months on end, the howling winds were nature's symphony. For what seemed an eternity, snow covered every portion of their lives. Yet, even for those who called the coldest reaches of the world home, there was relief coming. It was infrequent by far. So rare that it filled the heart with joy and the stomach with excitement. It was such an occasion that, to simply watch it pass by was unheard of. Valborg Notte they called it. The Night of the Great Thaw.

On this day, the heavens themselves would become a masterpiece. While typically nighttime would be a blanket of black, riddled with stars - splashes or color would take their place. Dancing lights wriggled and waltzed above the mountains, blessing those below with a breathtaking performance. This phenomena was the herald of wonderous things to come. For in the wake of this evening, the sun would rise every hotter. Ever stronger. The howling winds would carry with them more than bitter cold - but a comforting warmth. The frost which dominated their lives for the majority of the year would begin to melt away, giving rise to a verdant era of spring.

And so, the people of Vandor would celebrate.

Over centuries, Valborg Notte came to represent a time of new beginnings. Of "coming out of the ice." Thus, as the night began, the people would fashion for themselves wreaths made of Holly or evergreen leaves. More than just a fashion statement, these wreaths held special significance for the people, as they would gift them to treasured souls in their lives. With each gifting, they would start anew with that special person by confessions of love, kinsmanship, or camaraderie. Along with these wreaths, it was not unheard of for the people to present additional gifts to one another, as tokens of their affections.

Beyond this, the people would brave the cold of night to celebrate in earnest. The streets of every Hamlet and village would find themselves lit. The people would muster together in the squares, warmed by many bonfires. Voices would raise in song and music would be played. Couples, children, and friends alike would dance in the center of it all. And for those who didn't cut a rug? Barrels of the finest spirits had been rolled out. And a hearty feast took place at the tables adjacent to the celebrations.

On this day of Valborg Notte, the Southern Systems were invited by House Layne of Frosthall to partake. As of recent days, the nation itself had begun to come out of the ice via its declaration of placing Confederate worlds and people first. For the House, there was no better way to commemorate such a momentous move than by sharing their celebration!

Spoiler: Places of Interest

As the Auroras fill the heavens with lights, horse-drawn carriages await. Take shelter from the evening's cold for a ride through the night. Up the mountains' paths to quiet spots, where the Lights can be witnessed in full. Where the closest souls can enjoy the day, and exchange their wreaths and words. Will you ride with a treasured soul to witness the lights dance? Will you share your wreath and emerge from the ice with someone extra special?​

As the celebration moves deeper into the night, the chance to explore is upon you! The streets of Frosthall's village are yours to browse and enjoy. Shops of all sorts remain open - from jewels, to oddities, to dresses - and hope that you'll stop by. And if the urge reaches you, to the woods you can fly! Will you make the city your own this night? How far and how fast can you explore?​

As the beating heart of the celebration, the town square is a sight to see! Decorations line the houses, and tables are lined with a feast. Dancing and music await you, as does the finest drink around. Will you dance and sing tonight, in the heart of this great town?​

Spoiler: Tag

Alban Roble
Luca Donskoi
Alkor Centaris
Amelia von Sorenn
@Ari Riggs
A Arisone Irithiel
Archon Xris
@Ashara Evanaris
Alaria Telwith
Aston Jacobs
Aya Clarke
Bastille Rommer
Beric Layne
Bentil Mortop
Bullwark
BX-1335
Caesar Kenway
Corvus Dravere
Colton Renth
@Cypher Raige
Damsy Callat
Jayce Pryde
Decious
Destroyer 2873
Eli-Mae Forrest
Fawn Alzi
Faye Malvern
FN-1138
Gerwald Lechner
Holt
IG-65A
Ingrid L'lerim
Joannis Campbell
John Locke
Karlie Lynn Destat
Kasca Fen
Kathryn Foster
Kayla Wylen
Kiff Brayde
Krystal
Kurenai Yumi
Kyber
Lady Moll
Luna Terrik
Lyla Quinn
Maani
Maple Harte
Mathieu Brion
Amaris Tanenat
Rabbit
Rann Thress
Maria Savilia
Maur
@Malich Fray
Muad Dib
Myrrdin_Emries
Nine Lives
L LGMForever
R4-AUD
Razelle Breuner
Redd
Roy Americus
Ryk Gaelir
Rylan Kordel
SC-A1
Srina Talon
Startorn
Subject 73 Red
Talon Rahl
Talak Jenste
ToKola Bakari
Tess Valnora
@Teyla Riggs
Tyran Numeck
Valencia Hadley
Vanric Dannon
Veronika Fleischer
Visanj T'shkali
Kyyrk
Vyse de Valorous
Vytal Noctura
Valeria de la Vallée
Uxagi Xatash
Rayne Centaris

 

[Tess Valnora]

VALBORG
Location: Frosthall, carriage platform
Wearing: here
Tags: Open​

The cold wind whipped around Tess as she stood on the platform that was serving as a pick-up point for the Auroras. She hadn’t invited anyone to join her but she had BD-404 as a companion, and he was the most loyal companion she had ever had. A sharp trill and series of beeps came from the bipedal droid as he ran around in the snow. Error had created himself a small circular track and continued running loops as he entertained himself. She giggled before raising the hot cocoa to her lips and sipped, the otherwise scalding liquid was exactly what she needed with the wind. Tess had gotten to the platform a little too early but her saving grace was the kindly old man that conveniently had a hot cocoa stand just before the platform.

The night was still young, in fact, it had only recently set and Tess looked up into the night sky hoping to see some early starlight. Of course, being a different planet from Druckenwell the constellations will be different, and she always liked searching for them. Imaginary images in the sky that natives to the planets would use to tell stories or directions at night. The twin moons glowed peacefully just above the mountains on the horizon. She tore her gaze away from the skies to look about her and saw some villagers, all bundled up, waiting for the carriages to begin transporting them to the viewing spot.

Her boots crunched in the snow as she sidled back and forth from one foot to the other. It was cold, but the wind was thankfully blowing to her back and she had her cocoa. Error stopped his running and looked up at her beeping twice. “No, no, I’m fine Error. It’s not that cold.” She replied before taking another sip of cocoa, “Error, show me a constellation map please.” The droid chirped and aimed his holoprojector toward the starless night, seconds later Tess’s view was filled with a holo-projection of the hiding stars with thin lines connecting them.

[/CENTER]

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[Telula Vale]

(Sort of)

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Location: Lingering on the outer edge of the Gala
Attire: [This]
Tags: | Open |

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This....This was all more than she had ever imagined, even in her most wild dreams! All of the lights, the decorations, and the music! There were so many new things to look at, so many new things to explore and delight in. Despite the fact that Telula was by nature a shy little thing, right now? Her curiosity and delight was far out weighing the fact. When she had braved the immediate Gala area, she had managed to find some sort of warm concoction meant to be drank; to warm the insides, she had been told. Well honestly at the moment, she was using it to warm her hands while she gazed up at what she could see of the sky. While the colorful decor of the Gala was astounding, the natural beauty of the Aurora above was breathtaking.

Occasionally, Lula would half turn so that she could peer within the Gala area - usually when a song would change, or excitement of something or another would rise. Surprisingly, the noises were not startling her. She didn't find herself paranoid, or jumpy for a change. In fact, she was quite comfortable for the time being despite the fact that she was currently stood alone. Perhaps that was a part of it, really. No one to try and impress, just Lula herself, and the (almost) overwhelming views around her.

There was a part of her of course that was lonely. Such an occasion occuring, and at the current time no one to share it with. And while she was pleased that she didn't have to impress anyone, she did at least understand what this whole bought of festivities was. What it was for. And because of this, for the briefest moment there was a sour expression that crossed Telula's face. It creased her forehead, heightened her currently rosy cheeks, and scrunched her red little nose. The air had turned her alabaster skin quite the rosy color, but she didn't mind it. The expression also didn't last long; as soon as the music behind her changed tempo again, the light-haired witchling pivoted on a heel so that she could observe and watch as the dance changed pace.

There were most definitely more positives to being here this night than there were negatives, and that fact caused Lula to curl her fingers more tightly around the cup in her hands and raise it up just a little higher as she continued to watch the festivities unfold around her.

 

[Rylan Kordel]

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Location: The Streets of Frosthall
Wearing: [This]
Tags: Alora Fae | Open to others

Tugging on his sleeves slightly before buttoning them up properly, Rylan left the store dressed in a more appropriate outfit for his date with Alore. Though she disagreed with him, he felt he owed her many dates to make up for all of his time away, and had fully planned on making it up to her in every way possible, so this event? It seemed like a good a place as any to start.

Everything for the night had been taken care of, their new outfits paid for, dinner reservations prepared, any other small things he thought of, checked, set, and ready. He waited by the till in the store, leaning on the counter as he waited for her in silence, thinking about how all he could surprise her, and wondered at just how many others they knew would show up this evening.

 

[Rann Thress]

Location: Mountain Overlook
Wearing: this (hood down)
Tags: Open!

Rann stared up into the sky, dumbfounded at the natural beauty. He, to his knowledge, could not remember ever seeing something so ethereal and beautiful. All manner of symbolism, however, was lost on him. All he saw were pretty colors and that's all he cared to make out of them.

He shivered a little and grabbed his arms. He wasn't very used to the cold and hadn't thought to grab something warmer. In fact, he didn't think he owned anything warmer. He didn't think he'd die from the cold and raised his eyes to stare at the lights again.

Sure, Force lightning was pretty and all, but it usually hurt. City lights and neon were "pretty" too, but unnatural. This... was magnificent. Nothing like Rann had ever seen before.

He broke his gaze to look around, seeing a couple couples and carriages in the distance. People spending this lovely moment together. He frowned and remembered that Aren wasn't here with him. He sighed, and looked around the Overlook. Thankfully, the scattered couple avoided Rann like the plague. Whether because of his dark clothing, lightsaber, or the fact that this was a lone man staring at the lights in the sky slackjawed, Rann didn't know. He didn't think about it too much.

He gripped his arms tighter, shivering a little bit more and stared longingly at the beautiful lights in the sky.

 

[Neina Raethi]

Location: I don't know, I'm lost!
Wearing: xxx | xxx
Tags: Ticca | Valeria de la Vallée
Nearby: Telula Vale ​

An icy breeze caught the skirts of her white dress, ruffling the fine silk along the sleet covered cobble-stone. Effie wore a slender, tailored coat that covered a large portion of her dress and nipped her waist in where the corset sat. She had never worn such fine clothes before, most of the material they had back home were rough spun and scratchy, but not this. As she strode down the street to the rhythmic click of her heels she remarked that soft silk skirts felt like air against the bare legs beneath.

Everything she passed was a marvel, especially to the girl who had come from a planet of wood and basic stone. The tall buildings that felt like they were crushing you as you walked between them, the roughly hewn cobblestone floor that wobbled her dangerously high heels, even the smells were different, but Effie wasn’t paying attention to any of it. As she walked, she held her head high. Where one would have expected to see a block of grey cloud and black sky, there was instead a dazzling picture.

A masterwork artist had picked up his brush and painted the sky in dazzling shades of green. They swirled and twirled around each other in intricately complex patterns that were guaranteed to steal your attention no matter how you looked at them. Strands of blue interlaced with the green, performing the steps to a complicated dance only the gods could replicate. This was why she had left home. To escape her reality and find the beauty in others. To be free.

So invested in the enrapturing skies, Effie hardly noticed that she had walked directly into the centre of the town. At least, until she bumped into a complete and total stranger. “Sorry!” Effie squeaked out at the man as she pulled her gaze down to the earth once more. She didn’t linger to hear what he had to stay next, but instead drew her attention to the gathering in the square. It was decorated beautifully, and the sounds of enjoyment littered every corner.

This wasn’t where she was supposed to be.

Had she taken a wrong turn? Vynter had said there would be carriages and horses, not a highly decorated square filled to the brim with joyful people. She wasn’t exactly concerned about her current whereabouts, but it was a confusion. There must be someone around here who knew their way better than the lupine? Effie glanced around the crowd, and finally settled her sea-glass eyes on a table where a handful of people sipped at their drinks. Effie approached, confidence coming from the young witch and caution coming from the wolf who shared her soul.

“Hello…” Her thick foreign accent asked of the gathering shly. “I am looking for someone. He is tall, and has hair on his face and head the colour tree bark, and bright blue eyes like the sky. Have you seen him?” While by all accounts she appeared calm and collected, a hint of concern was apparent in her tone.

 

[Beric Layne]

V A L B O R G
Tag: Millu Lee | Kyyrk | Tess Valnora | Telula Vale | Rylan Kordel | Rann Thress | Effie

Beautiful was a word that Beric rarely described Vandor as. Of course, that was not to say that his home was ugly; far from it. It was of Beric's opinion that few things in the galaxy could compete with the pristine cleanliness of newly-fallen snow, the blank landscape of mountains stretching on for miles. It was an environment that conveyed raw, primal power, yes. But not grace, nor beauty.

However, on Valborg Notte, Vandor transformed from a simple ball of ice into a true, majestic fantasy.

Beric had only experienced it once before when he had just turned a decade old. He did not remember much from it, but what he did remember -- the celebrations, the feasting, the dancing -- it had been enough to make Beric eagerly anticipate the upcoming celebration. And not only would he be participating, but hosting it, as was his duty as Lord of Frosthall.

But more importantly, for perhaps the first time in centuries, outsiders were flocking to Vandor to take place in the feasting and celebrations. Vandor had become a part of a larger force now, the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Their Lord was not just a ruler of a planet, but Knight of Obsidian. Everyone in the Confederacy had been invited, so much that even Frosthall would've been overflow with guests, and so celebrations were moved to Fort Ypso, the town of Vandor.

Beric now beneath the head table of the large feast that had been laid out for those attending the feast, a flagon of firewhisky in hand, and his new apprentice stood at his side. The lights of the Valborg Notte danced in the sky, creating a beautiful scene. Tonight was a night for revelry and celebration, on the scale that hardly ever happened on Vandor.

Tonight was the night of the Valborg Notte.
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[Luca Donskoi]

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Location: Vandor (Gala)
Wearing: Wedding Ring | Prosthetic Arm | Semi-Formal Winter Wear
Tag(s): Faye Malvern

As a gentle breeze caressed the snow covered cliffs of the encircling mountains, Alden couldn’t help but to take a step back and admire what nature offered. He was a fan of the winter weather, but even then he couldn’t say that this degree of cold was anything close to what he longed for. But still, the innate beauty of windswept mountains capped in blankets of snow beneath an immaculate display of dancing lights amid the speckled sky, was simply breathtaking. A beauty surpassed in his eyes by the extraordinary woman who accompanied him. Faye Malvern was his fiancée now and it still seemed as though it were all a dream he’d yet to wake from. That this singular person in his life that made him whole, to complete him, had said yes when he’d asked if she wanted to spend the rest of her days with him.


She was the single best part of him and he cherished it, so whenever an opportunity arose where the two could be reunited once more, he lept after it. He wouldn’t let such a moment pass by the wayside if it could be helped. Their respective duties within the Confederacy already saw them separate enough. There was no reason for him to add to it.

He found his hand in hers, fingers interlaced with one another as they embraced the exuberance the Gala offered. Music rang outward with simple rhythmic melodies of varying keys. Voices joyfully verberated through the air, a reflection of the utmost excitement which boiled up within Vandor denizens. This “Great Thaw” as they called riled a certain excitement from the people which seemingly pulsated outward. It was contagious and just being present brought forth a similar degree of elation.

Alden turned his head to gaze upon the woman who would soon be his wife, gently squeezing her hand before pulling her close to him, allowing his arms to wrap around her figure. He lowered his head slightly as to place a tender kiss atop her head as he embraced her.

He was happy in this moment, and there was simply no better way to define it.

 

[Ticca]

Location: Celebration in the Square
Tags: Effie, Valeria de la Vallée

Ticca was not normally one for parties. Frankly, she didn't see the appeal. She could not understand the pretense of something grand and magnanimous when effort could be better applied elsewhere. 'Just say what you mean Ticca. You think they should be doing something with this time.' She chided herself mentally, maintaining her mask of stoic politeness as she slipped through the crowds. So Ticca had not come to the Valborg Notte for the party as so many around her. No, she had come for the historical significance to this world, and at the request of her superiors who had insisted that it would be good to have a medic nearby just in case. Purportedly, these parties were known to be somewhat wild.

And so Ticca sat in one corner of the square, quietly watching the events and feigning joining in with the raucous crowd as she sipped from a glass. It was fascinating to watch the proceedings. The way the alcohol slipped insidiously through their physical shells, like streams of vapors and settled. The way it muddled their auras as they slipped into its sway. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of these aura form blips pinged in her senses, even through the translucent walls. They pressed in around her, but remained a respectful distance at the sight of Ticca's simple, medical robes. Most partygoers tended to do this, as if to invite a doctor into their midst was to kill the mood. That is why as a single figure approached the table, Ticca's eyebrows rose a fraction in surprise.

Ticca's masked gaze seem to pierce through Effie's soul as she studied both the translucent physical shell and aura form... no wait forms beneath. A wolf and a witch together. Ticca remembered seeing a aura form like that once deep in a desert. She listened calmly to Effie's plight. She was lost, and searching for someone. Ticca found herself instinctively slipping into the reassuring tone that she used with her patients. The one that promised things were going to be fine. "Could you be looking for Gerwald?" Ticca ventured, a complete guess at Effie's description and their similarities. "I have not seen them, but I would be willing to help whoever you are looking for." Ticca said, peeling away from the table and glad to be assisting someone instead. She offered a small smile to Effie.

 

[Kyyrk]

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G A L A
Wearing: Lord Commander Robes​

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Voph stood at his usual post at the Gala. This one, he had tried to escape, but given his new position as Lord Commander, he was somewhat obligated to attend. And so he stood, clad in his new dress robes with his hair neatly tied back in a strict ponytail that hung just past the tip of his collar. Many of the patrons had engaged in dancing, but Voph had, as per usual, refrained. He, instead, stood near the edge with a drink in hand simply observing the proceedings.​

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He figured that it was only a matter of time before someone would seek him out. Such was always the case at gatherings such as this. But he didn't mind. Not as much as he once did. Matters were calm, and tonight was to be a night of celebration. There would be time for work later. In the mean time, Voph planned to enjoy his evening as best he could. Even if he had been dragged to another party against his will...​

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Tags: Open to all....​

 

[Millu Lee]

Tags: Beric Layne

Millu once thought, the first time she had come to be on this frigid planet, that if she ever had to come back her it would be too soon. But now that she was here not because a starship she was piloting had run out of fuel, but simply because there was going to be a huge celebration and her master was Lord of Vandor, the girl could very well admit that this place wasn't so bad after all.

Sure, she still didn't like the cold, and most certainly didn't like having to dress in a thousand layers just to keep herself warm, but there was a certain magic to this occasion, something one couldn't quite put ther finger on, but could feel was there. This was suposed to be the start of the "warm" season, and frankly, Millu didn't think it deserved the title, for it was still cold as kriff.

But the lights in the sky... that was something that the girl had never once seen in her life, and it was breathtaking. Also, being surrounded by people celebrating was always a blessing. It left Millu's spirit light as a feather. Tonight was going to be her first party in a long, long time. It really was very different from the fairs and carnivals of her home planet, but it had the same magic feel of a celebration that brought people together in joy and unity. It was going to be great.

 

[Alora Fae]

Wearing: xxx
Tags: Rylan Kordel ​

Alora twirled in front of the polished glass she had leant up against the wall of the changing room. The black thigh length dress caught the breeze and billowed about her hips. Her ordinary attire usually consisted of thick leather armour bound in leather straps stained the colour of blood. This was the total opposite. Since arriving in the Confederacy, she was getting much more used to wearing things like this. The heels too. Granted her boots had a slight heel to them, but nothing of this size. As she came to a stop in front of the mirror, Alora couldn’t help but smile. She was a far cry from the woman she was when she left home, and she liked it.

After smoothing down the edges of her dress, and fixing a few fly away flame red hairs, Alora stepped out of the changing room to join Rylan at the till. “You clean up well.” She grinned at him with an unpracticed smile. That was another thing Rylan had tried to help her grow used too. Smiling in public. To her people, smiling was akin to showing your naked flesh. Not something you did in public. “Where are we going first?”

 

[Valeria de la Vallée]

Location: Town Square
Wearing: Formal Attire
Tags: Effie | Ticca

Valeria looked around her as she stepped off of her shuttle, wearing her formal attire, on to the surface of Vandor for the Valborg Notte celebrations, though it was a place which she had never been to and really had not had any real desire to go to in addition it reminded her of Hoth which was never a good first impression. That being said, with her upbringing she knew that if nothing else, it would be a good chance to socialize and perhaps make some allies and see what kind of people truly made up the Confederacy since there would likely be several of them here. After all, there’s never a better time to find out people for who they are then at a party. Valeria exhaled, frost coming off of her breath, though caused less by the cold temperatures and more due to her unique cryokinesis force powers’ side effects, she hoped that at the very least there’d be some good food or drink and began making her way to the town square where the festivities were being had.

Valeria walked for a few minutes from where she had landed her thigh high boots’ heels clicking against the stone and the occasionally frosty breeze causing her hair to flow in the wind along with the longer and more free flowing parts of her attire to billow and causing the lightsaber hanging from the forward and visible position on her hip to move ever so slightly. She walked with purpose, carrying a dignified look and a look that ensured she would not be delayed to her destination. Once she reached the square she grabbed a drink and began looking around casually greeting those that came up to her but finding most of them uninteresting or inelegant she moved on as she occasionally sipped her drink, a decent alcohol but it seemed watered down and cheap unlike the wines and liquors she normally consumed and hers only seemed to be room temperature chilled. Though a couple of individuals a short distance away did catch her eye as perhaps being mildly interesting, what appeared to be a Miraluka being approached by a young girl. Valeria made her way towards them though as she did she tilted her head slightly, she could sense the Force from both of them however the young girl gave Valeria an odd feeling but she couldn’t quite understand why though if the girl could feel the force she'd feel a truly balanced nature from Valeria as would the Miraluka. She got close enough just in time to hear the Miraluka respond to a question of some kind from the, it now seemed lost, young girl: "Could you be looking for Gerwald?" Ticca ventured, a complete guess at Effie's description and their similarities. "I have not seen them, but I would be willing to help whoever you are looking for."

Valeria thought for simply a second before speaking from behind the Miraluka as she approached:

“Gerwald? You must be quite the important one then young lady, what’s your name?”

Valeria stopped walking at the end of her sentence as she reached a middle and to the left position of the two people and her annoyance at her drink’s temperature reached its height as she created several ice cubes above her cup and let them gently fall in. She’d decided to tag along with the two for now since the girl had piqued her interest though she wondered why a Miraluka was here as well considering they aren’t well known for partying.

 

[Alessandra Creed]

Tag: Adron Malvern
Location: On the Trail [Horse Drawn Carriage]
Objective: Gaze
Thoughts: "Two men and a lady..."

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A horse drawn carriage.

Were it not for the warm blanket, lined with fur, that draped about her legs she might have complained. Alessandra was not made for cold weather. She enjoyed the sun, warmth, and everything that planets like Geonosis had to offer. Nestled in the warm fur beside her slept her naughty little child. Aries was intelligent, too much like his Father, and without a shred of shame. His wide smiles and little snores brought a distant smile to her features. It was still an adjustment.

The Minister of Commerce had gone from being a shrewd, fierce individual, to worrying about formal education and playdates. It was a strange dynamic that she still found herself adjusting to. Her nose and cheeks were a little cold and the raven-haired woman reached up to rub the chilled skin. At the same time—She cast the profile of Adron Malvern a hidden glance. It had been quite some time since they’d been able to escape general duties. Alessandra managed, mostly, but there was a simple fact to endure. The Court of Illyria waited for no one. They had grown. They demanded—They did not enjoy her frequent trips off-world.

There was an entire counsel dedicated to ensuring the continuity of the Malvern line. As long as she was legally a Queen consort, her womb, was of the utmost concern. What if she was with child and birthed it outside of the system? How could the rituals be performed? How could the child be immediately be presented to the public? So many, many questions, and pieces of protocol that made her head spin.

Even being here—Now, today, rustled feathers. It placed the current crown and their progeny in the same place at the same time. None seemed to realize that both she and her husband could well handle themselves. “I’ve never been fond of the quiet.”, Ale began, rather carefully. She had never told him what had transpired on a routine visit to Atrisia. About her sister. Or, about the virus. She had a clean bill of health now. That was what mattered was it not?

“But this is almost nice.”

Alessandra shifted when she felt Aries move. His small body always sought warmth, curling into her, and the chill in her body was dispelled. He was perfect in every way. Often, her reason for listening to the overly domineering officials on Illyria in the first place. They would serve Aries one day. She didn’t want them to remember her as the Queen that made things difficult for them, lest, they make things difficult for him. To be so small, so innocent, and yet, set to inherit millions of people?

A little prince indeed.

The clip-clop of the horse hooves was rhythmic. Soothing. Chocolate eyes fell closed and dusty lashes danced against pale skin. Sure, there was plenty to see. Glistening snow and lights that made the low-hanging tree limbs seem like they were filled with fairy-sprites. If this was to be the entirety of the evening before they returned to the main buildings, she could certainly, certainly get used to it.

“We could take another pass and then take Aries back to our rooms to rest. He’s had a long day.”

Snowball fights, snow-sculptures, and all manner of wintry related activities. Aries had squealed with eternal delight at the tiny taste of hot (warm) chocolate that she had let him have from her cup. Everything delighted their son. Colors, shapes, animals, and even the weather. People. Alessandra could see a world of purity in his eyes. She missed that blind innocence. Had she ever had it?

In quiet moments like this she remembered Michelle. She thought, sometimes, that she could almost hear her. Bad manners and dare-devil nature included. Others had given up on the spacer-sith. Alessandra never had. All she had ever wanted was for her sister to come home. Find happiness. But it was only too late that she realized Michelle was happiest among the stars. She had given her everything on Atrisia. Everything. All she had, all she didn’t.

“Unless you want to stay. It’s up to you…”

 

[Adron Malvern]

Winter winds flew around the carriage they road in, sending delightful chills along Adron's neck. He savored each one as they were few and far between on his homeworld of Illyria. They reminded him of his childhood home on Serenno, though it had been almost two decades sense he set foot on the planet, he remembered the whipping winds of the mountains vividly. His amethyst eyes had been resting on the snowy scenery that surrounded them. They rose with the hills and fell with the valleys though his mind was far removed from the moment, it was back on Illyria. He considered laws and routines that awaited him when he returned, a thought just as cold as the winds that flew through the carriage. The only warmth in the carriage came from his hand, a hand that rested on the inside of Alessandra's thigh underneath the warm blanket she drew over them.

It was that warmth and the pleasant melody of his wife's voice that pulled him from his thoughts. His left hand had been resting against his chin when Alessandra finally broke the silence. He turned to her, only half-hearing what she'd said as he worked to dig himself from his own mind. A second passed and he registered what she said, his lips curling into a soft smile at her words and then the sight of their young child. "Aries seemed to enjoy himself." The man returned, before his hand squeezed Alessandra's thigh warmly.

"This is his first time seeing the snow after all." Adron closed the small distance he'd crafted when he adjusted to look out of the carriage window. He leaned over, briefly pressing his lips to Alessandra's cool cheek, enjoying the scent that fell from her long, tawny brown hair.

It was true. They'd had little time together like this, something that caused Adron more than a little bit of thought. Even as a child he'd belonged to the nobility and suffered the distancing that duty requires. Yet, his father had been Governor of a province on Serenno. The duties of a Governor were far outmatched by the responsibilities of a King. Yet, Adron and Alessandra had spent the better part of the last year organizing the Courts of Illyria, a governing body to take the brunt of responsibility in running the planet. So the King could rest his mind for a while yet.

Alessandra suggested they continue along another pass before returning to their rooms for the evening and Adron nodded in agreement. "That's fine." He said simply, before his eyes drifted to his wife in a wondering expression. For all that she was it was always so plain to Adron when something was plaguing her mind. His hand reached up, letting the back of his knuckles brush over her silk skin just before his fingers curled under her chin, turning her face towards his.

"What's wrong, Alessandra?" He asked her with a tone that had only the slightest hint of worry. Alessandra was like no other woman. For something to bother her to the point where her husband would notice could only mean it was something significant.

Alessandra Creed

 

[Jorik Valnora]

Location: Frosthall, Vandor
Wearing: Formal Winter Wear
Tags: Jari Valnora | Tess Valnora | Isla

The flakes of snow fell gingerly overhead, adding to the already amassing blanket beneath Jorik’s feet. The wind was brisk that tugged at the man’s coat and hair, hands buried deep in the coat’s thick pockets. His pale blue eyes flashed around the area, absorbing what information he was able from his surroundings.​

Truth was, the man wasn’t sure what had brought him here on this day. To a planet whose bitter chill cut like knives to the core no matter the layers one managed to pile onto themselves to fight it. It was quite the contradiction to the moderate climate of his home back on Druckenwell. Where the land was full of rolling green hills which breathed a wealth of life into the world. A planet whose embrace was welcoming, not repulsive. Cold never seemed to breed joy and happiness - at least not to the CEO of Valnora Enterprise and Viceroy of the Druckenwell system. No cold bred spite and discontent. Connecting with the darker side of man’s emotions. Especially for a man who was raised in a manner which saw it difficult for him to make any such meaningful connections beyond that of business.​

Even his relationship - if you could even call it that - was a contract of sorts. An arranged marriage between families intent on seeing both names rise in prominence. There was no meaningful connection there, at least not that emanated from him. Even with that, he held to it as the arrangement had been sealed by his father prior to his passing.​

Perhaps, though, it was the woman he was sworn to that drug him away from the solace of his home and his work. The incessant nagging that he actually do something - anything - meaningful. At least it’s how it came across to him whenever the young woman would plead with him to do something. Maybe it was to try and build something that wasn’t there. To force a love or genuine romance to blossom between them, but for Jorik, he seemed to be cold and hard. His heart closed off to any such developments.​

His upbringing didn’t help with any of that.​

Ever since his birth as the first born son, he’d been thrown into a regiment of training to be the heir to his father’s mantle. To beseech his prominence and grasp for more. Power had been built this way within the family for years now. The first born son taking over the company and swallowing in more resources and more influence. He hadn’t been allowed to build a meaningful relationship in his adolescence, even spending hardly any time within the walls of his own household. And as such, he knew nothing in the way of such outside the dealings of business. He even took to the governance of his people as Viceroy in the way he would a business. They had wealth and a certain level of prosperity, sure, but the level of happiness might be challenged by any who might be more connected and relatable on a people front.​

Perhaps that’s why he and Isla had been sworn to one another.​

As he trudged up to the carriage platform, he eyes befell the figure of one of his younger siblings, though he couldn’t really tell. Not with the massive parka she wore with the fur filled hood pulled over her head. As such he didn’t even venture a greeting to the woman and instead stood, defiant of the sheer cold, awaiting for the next carriage.​

 

[Taramaz Arcturus]

.​

​

​

Zahra Laurs ​

​

​

Black leather boots marched through the thawing snow, the plain and simple traditional Sean-Olc Robes a stark contrast in their black to the extravagant and beautiful lights dancing in the sky above, reflecting on the snow around them. His weapons of choice, Pride and Freedom, were hooked to his belt. Trusted sabers that had served him well. His ice-grey eyes gazing above, his arm outstretched for his High Queen, Zahra Arcturus. The darkness in the light, the Mother of Nightmares.​

​

Truthfully, he was quite unsure what she had thought of the change of surname or position. To go from the wife of a regular man to the High Queen to a High King was most certainly a change, then for him to take up an ancestral family name he had ancient connections to? It was all quite surreal, even for Taramaz.​

​

He had elected not to take a carriage, for now. He had even elected to take his own path along a separate trail, rather than follow in the footsteps and wheeltracks of others before him. The occasional, casual swipe of the hand was needed to clear a path in the snow, though more for comfort than out of pure necessity, as snow that was knee high for most humanoids hardly came up halfway a Sean-Olc's shins. He looked left to his lover's eyes, hardly down at all. Her height before her assumption of the Sean-Olc form had been favourably tall, and the ritual had blessed her with a height not far from his.​

​

He felt a touch of sympathy for the Lord Commander of the Knights Obsidian, who had been summoned to the Gala in service to the Order, most likely unable to spend the night as he pleased and unable to enjoy life's many pleasures, subtle and lurid. Truthfully, he deserved to be stuck at the festival as much as Voph. The ranks of Lord Marshal and Lord Commander were akin to an Exarch and a Vicelord, extensions of the latter, and who's authority was inferior only in their presence.​

​

Instead his presence at the festival was graced by Zahra, who never failed to remind him of why he had married her by simply... being there. Her beauty was unrivalled in his eyes, her voice smoother than the finest silks, more charming and cogent than the words of the most practised politicians. She was blessed with midnight hair and skin pale enough to rival the gems of Sean-Olc perfection. She was truly the finest Paragon of Beauty, bringing a wolfish grin to his face.​

​

He stopped their walk next to a cliff, overlooking the civilisation down below, celebrating The Great Thaw as the lights danced in the sky above.​

​

"I hope you find the lights as beautiful as I find you, my dear, and that the lack of a carriage doesn't ruin the experience. It has been... far, far too long since I've had but a moment to enjoy with you, in all your gracious beauty."​

​

Taramaz stared into her eyes, letting the love, warmth and truth behind every word be apparent to her. There was no point in attempting to hide anything from her, not in the least, not when she could see his dreams. And see his dreams she had... he truly feared to know her thoughts on them, particularly the more... vulgar of his fantasies.​

​

He leaned in slightly, whispering a quick compliment of less than polite wording into her ear. He then removed the glove on his left hand and offered it to her, his wedding ring prominent on his ring finger. His touch would be characteristically cold, not by choice or circumstance, it held all the same emotion and desire as any others, yet was plagued by the cold blood of all Sean-Olc. Should she take his hand, he would lean in to kiss her, his face illuminated by the sky.​

​

​

 

[Jari Valnora]

Location: Frosthall, Vandor
Wearing: Formal Winter Wear
Tags: Jorik Valnora | Tess Valnora | Isla

It wasn’t often Jari found it within himself the motivation to travel simply for the sake of travelling. His work as a doctor and a scientist and researcher kept him busy and as the galaxy ran rife with needless conflict waylaying innocent denizens in its wake. As a healer, their plights always called to him. He needed to be there. They needed his expertise to heal their wounds and treat their injuries. But it seemed now that there was just enough of a break that he could for once focus on himself and his own health and happiness - a moment he truly cherished. That moment would be amplified as his eyes befell the figure of his twin.

Even with as well as she had hidden herself beneath layers upon layers of clothing just trying to get warm, there was just something special about the connection the two held to one another. Perhaps a byproduct of having shared a wound together. Or maybe even the friendship they had nurtured through childhood. Whatever it was, it kept the two bonded. A sense of a mental connection that never truly seemed to break no matter how hard Tess tried to separate herself from the family.​

He couldn’t, and wouldn’t, blame her for that.​

The Valnora family was not exactly the epitome of what a family should be. They were not a one to strive to be like even if their outward appearance portrayed something far different. Within, they were dysfunctional. A struggle for greater power ever present and an unkindly flaunted sense of favoritism that had been shown among the child toward the eldest throughout their youth. Jorik had been destined for something by virtue of birth whereas the siblings, Jari and Tess simply were who they were. Born to a name yet carried no pre-written destiny.​

Jari offered a warm smile to his sister as he approached, cast a cursory glance at the droid acting rather odd as it frolicked through the snow. Strange, sure, but it wasn’t his concern.​

“Tess,” Jari questioned, squinting somewhat as to try and make his sight somehow clearer or more focused. “Is that you?” It had been months since the two had seen one another, so when he came to the realization that it was indeed his twin sister, his heart raced with excitement.​

“What has it been, now? Months? Years?” He paused for a moment, shaking the question off as rhetorical. “Whatever’s it’s been, it’s been far too long.”​

 

[Fury of Aerðs]

"In the light of the moon, they call me back."

_______________________________________________________________________
​

Location: Town Square [Gala]
Interacting With: None, at the moment
Wearing: XOXO

Celebration? Party? Morrigan hadn’t been to one of these in more than a few years, having spent more time in captivity than in freedom, at this point in her life.

Still, she was there. Though, she didn’t quite look dressed for a party, clothed in what appeared to be riding leathers with her thick, coal-black hair, loose around her shoulders.

She had found purchase against one of the many stone walls; a small distance from the bonfire, close enough to feel the heat on her skin, but far enough away that she was not being crowded in. Morrigan was not by nature a social creature, preferring her solitude for a variety of reasons. Yet, she was starting to find enjoyment in the company of a few, although she would never willingly admit that outloud.

With a deep, contented sigh, she gently tugged at the jacket around her, trying to keep the chill of the evening from seeping into her bones while balancing a chalice of wine loosely between her gloved fingers before taking a sip.

She’d always preferred wine to any other kinds of alcohol, and was generally adept at being able to tell the difference between a good wine and a mediocre one. The red she nursed was a little sweet for her taste, but enjoyable enough, doing its job to keep her mind occupied as the effects of the liquor spread through her. ​

 

[Kerstan Blackmoore]

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Áine
​

Cold. Snow. Ice. This world boasted things that reminded Kerstan of Yavin VIII, the moon where his first success had been perfected. She was perfect, perfect in every way, every detail. The Alchemist had done what few ever achieved, he had become the creator of life. As was with most, the creator had fallen in love for the creation. She had been made to exact his revenge, but when it came time for it, he had not wished it done. Doing the one thing he created her for had broken his heart, if such a thing were possible.

500 years they had waited, half a millennia they continued to miss each other until the day fate brought her back to the lab. He did not remember how long they fought, he just remembered her words. They had been laced with hatred. Would she forgive him? That question was one they were both still answering, yet they could not deny the powerful draw between them.

Despite the ongoing reminders of their nature, the barbs and the jabs, there was on truth they both knew.

Áine belonged to Kerstan, and he belonged to her.

Tonight was no different. As they pair walked into the extravagant hall which housed the gala they had been invited to attend. One thing could be said about the Confederacy of Independent Systems, they knew how to entertain. While the Sith Lord was in allegiance only to himself, this was where his beloved had chosen to align herself. He did not understand it, nor the attachment she seemed to have to the man that he often see her with. To say the sight of them made Kerstan jealous was an understatement, but there was one thing he had learned about Áine, she loved to make him so.

Kerstan put it out of his mind. Tonight she was his, in every way he desired. His arm laced around her slim waist as they music played. His black and red suit fitting to her hair and dress she had chosen for herself. They were the perfect couple, both immaculate in their appearance. Leaning in as the pair moved to the music, Kerstan whispered in the woman's ear.

"This song, do you remember it," he asked as the melody danced about the room. "I taught you to dance to this song. Do you remember the steps?"

He already knew the answer to the question. Kerstan had made her to be perfect.

And she was perfect.