Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 65
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on Dec 3, 2021 0:51:00 GMT -8
An alert message came up on Neith's HUD then, informing her of a change in a mission target. She gave a nod of her head toward Jenia Kasalle, bidding her cousin farewell before silently making her way through the crowd toward Fiora and Jin Song. Her hands coming to rest on the raven haired girls shoulders as she turned her visor toward FioraApologies Princess, but I'm afraid I must make off with your friend. Until next time...She didn't give Jin much of a choice but to come with her as Neith lead the way through the crowd and off toward one of the hangar bays that had been set aside for use by the Knights of Ren...
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Ravelin
Dec 3, 2021 21:44:50 GMT -8
Post by Akulas Ecklund on Dec 3, 2021 21:44:50 GMT -8
She felt a little guilty, but ignorance of the rules really was bliss for the cadet. I suspect I will be spending more time learning court procedures than battle tactics in the next coming months... Next time I see you I will probably know most of the rules... Well more of them.
She flips her hand in his, pushing down on it with the back of her fingers. It would look like he was dipping her. She had the core and leg strength to hold herself up if he didn't realize what she was doing. She trusted, given his fitness and training, his other hand would find the small of her back. If not the pressure against his hand would increase, and he would naturally resist providing a leverage point to keep her from the floor. She was having to trust him, but people rarely let her down. She had always been good at making others look good. Much of her life, that got others noticed. Standash noticed that she was the constant, and when she pointed this out to the instructors they saw it as well. That was when Standash started to take a special interest in Akulas The only people that notice are the ones that are told.
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Ravelin
Dec 3, 2021 23:02:11 GMT -8
Post by Fiora Ren on Dec 3, 2021 23:02:11 GMT -8
Fiora had little recourse but to nod her head in farewell as Neith appeared and then disappeared with Jin. Even in this time of celebration, there was still a great deal of work going on around the First Order. The Ren were busier than most, primarily working in the shadows to put down threats before the First Order became aware of them. They still led forays into neutral and hostile territory, seeking to bring order to the chaos. Their workload was nearly endless, which meant that even if she had wanted to spend more time with Jin, it was an impossible task. Even Harnan would refuse to act on her behalf.
To take her mind off the situation, she turned her attention out toward the dance floor where her twin brother could be seen dancing with someone that appeared to be a cadet. Part of her training had included identifying the various rank and command uniforms, so she was able to spot the dress uniform of the New Carida Academy with ease. Why her brother was dancing with the cadet was the real mystery though. As far as she was aware, he had never really taken to dancing - much to their father's chagrin - and that seemed unlikely to have suddenly changed.
If this had been some planned event, she could have believed he might have tried to practice. But no announcement had been made, meaning this dance was entirely in the moment. Either he was about to fail spectacularly, which would provide a good laugh for her, or someone was about to make him look incredibly good
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Ravelin
Dec 20, 2021 20:12:46 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Dec 20, 2021 20:12:46 GMT -8
She felt a little guilty, but ignorance of the rules really was bliss for the cadet. I suspect I will be spending more time learning court procedures than battle tactics in the next coming months... Next time I see you I will probably know most of the rules... Well more of them. She flips her hand in his, pushing down on it with the back of her fingers. It would look like he was dipping her. She had the core and leg strength to hold herself up if he didn't realize what she was doing. She trusted, given his fitness and training, his other hand would find the small of her back. If not the pressure against his hand would increase, and he would naturally resist providing a leverage point to keep her from the floor. She was having to trust him, but people rarely let her down. She had always been good at making others look good. Much of her life, that got others noticed. Standash noticed that she was the constant, and when she pointed this out to the instructors they saw it as well. That was when Standash started to take a special interest in Akulas The only people that notice are the ones that are told.
As she drew lower, his arm snapped to a more firm stance, preventing the cadet from falling any further. And yet, Octavian sort of froze for a moment. The crowd, though, that it was part of whatever dance was unfolding. As he looked up, his eyes spotted the gazes of his sister, his stepmother, his uncles... stars above! Even the Emperor!! One of the guards had turned Nicademus' attention upon his son. Now the spotlight was truly on him. He turns his gaze back to Akulas and proceeds to pull her back up with his hand on her back.
Well, best to keep a pace! So the male did what he could manage; a slow waltz. One hand on hers, another on Akulas' hip, and their eyes focused on each other. Slowly, Octavian began to move. 'Don't look down!' the instructor's voice bellowed as his eyes glanced for but a second. 'Listen to the music! Keep good posture!' it was like reliving a nightmare in his head despite Octavian's best attempt at a slow waltz. |
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Standash Thul
Member
Posts: 1,377 
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Dec 21, 2021 21:31:08 GMT -8
Post by Standash Thul on Dec 21, 2021 21:31:08 GMT -8
Standash silently watches the dance unfold like most everyone else in the room. The difference, Standash had learned to see when Akulas was making others look better. She could see the girl trying to lead without anyone noticing. She was again impressed by her protege. She was disappointed in the prince, however. The first time they had met, Standash had tried to teach the prince a lesson in trying to be perfect. She smiled, he had taken it to heart in many areas, but clearly not all. She could see the tension and unease on his face. This instinct to be perfect was one that the young man needed to get past. Here on the dance floor, it just made him look stiff. In battle or in court, it would make him look weak and people would die. She watched Akulas more closely to see how the girl would respond to this.
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Ravelin
Dec 22, 2021 21:00:13 GMT -8
Post by Akulas Ecklund on Dec 22, 2021 21:00:13 GMT -8
Akulas feels the prince move to lead. She cautiously let him. One hand in his, the other on his shoulder. The fingers of this hand gently move to find his brachial artery, she wanted to keep track of his pulse. This endeavor was fruitless, the young man's muscles were far too tense. She could literally feel his stress and nerves in his body. She leans in as he stiffly guides her on the floor barely keeping in time. Are you always this nervous?
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Ravelin
Dec 24, 2021 13:45:34 GMT -8
Post by Brock Ferrum on Dec 24, 2021 13:45:34 GMT -8
In a rare moment of authenticity in front of a rival, she admitted a failure on her part. Not directly at Brock, but she said it knowing he would hear it. Maybe an honest vulnerable moment would thaw the relationship. She was not hiding her emotions in any way. She felt fear for her protégé as she saw the daggers cast the soldier's way by the elite with teenage daughters. Worry gripped her for a moment, but it was soon replaced by a cold determination to protect. She made a note to pull up the information on those that may seek to express their anger. Akulas may not be a noble or a political force, but the girl was under Standash's protection.Taking a break from this wonderful exchange Lord Ferrum, to your knowledge... Does his highness know how to dance? |
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Standash Thul
Member
Posts: 1,377
Affiliation: First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Ravelin
Dec 24, 2021 21:37:21 GMT -8
Post by Standash Thul on Dec 24, 2021 21:37:21 GMT -8
I do wish that I could take credit for any of this. Akulas was a skilled dancer when she arrived at the academy. She has told me that her father taught her as a girl, and that she likes the exercise it gives her physically and mentally. She said that she enjoys that it is based on the randomness hidden inside the order. She says you don't know what is going to happen but you can react... To be frank with you... That quality makes me nervous about her. The other side, the part that can make others look better... I can't take real credit for that either. She has had that from the start. That is likely why she wasn't sent to a more specialized academy. Instructors missed it that she was the key, they thought the people around her were really as good as she made them. I noticed it after a while myself.She had no idea why she was being so open with the man. Maybe she had just grown tired of the sparing. Or maybe this play was over, the bets had been made no more use in hiding the hand. So she opened up to the man.
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Ravelin
Jan 28, 2022 21:09:52 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Jan 28, 2022 21:09:52 GMT -8
Akulas feels the prince move to lead. She cautiously let him. One hand in his, the other on his shoulder. The fingers of this hand gently move to find his brachial artery, she wanted to keep track of his pulse. This endeavor was fruitless, the young man's muscles were far too tense. She could literally feel his stress and nerves in his body. She leans in as he stiffly guides her on the floor barely keeping in time. Are you always this nervous? |
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Ravelin
Jan 28, 2022 22:52:15 GMT -8
Post by Akulas Ecklund on Jan 28, 2022 22:52:15 GMT -8
This place, not knowing the rules... That, that is a bit is nerve-racking. It is new, I don't know quite how to handle new. But the dance? No, that I know how to handle. And being watched by everyone? I am a stormtrooper cadet, this may be half the eyes I normally have on me. At least this time I won't have to go back to watch the film of the activity...She pauses, remembering who her mentor was and the hundreds of social rules she was likely breaking Actually, Standash will likely make me watch this back the entire trip home.
It makes me sad, but I am also very accustomed to people not letting me help them...She adds willing the prince to let her lead in secret.
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Ravelin
Feb 20, 2022 21:35:30 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Feb 20, 2022 21:35:30 GMT -8
Akulas Ecklund Once more, the cadet was persistent on letting her lead. Octavian glances about, noticing all the stares and murmurs. Coruscant and the whole of the Empire would be alive with buzzing news once footage of the Crown Prince dancing with a cadet was shown to all. There would be speculations, estimations, even inquiries. Thankfully, there was a relatively tight lip on the media being allowed to interview the royal family and high-ranking personnel. They had their own military news network which worked to 'compensate' the civilian HNN's inability to interview and speak with certain persons directly.Alright, go ahead.Octavian says in a quiet voice, letting Akulas take over as she desired.Grand Moff Thul is a rather... stern, yet insightful teacher. I ran into her once when I was several years younger. Training with my uncle, Brock, and she popped in. Tested me on my form with hand-to-hand combat, offered advice, and talked to me at length. I still remember the conversation well.The young Imperial remarks as he reflects for a moment. His eyes glancing at Standash's direction and noticing the Grand Moff was already watching.I suspect she will have many questions, given how she is among the gazes eyeing us.That's when Octavian noticed the gaze of his father, step-mother, uncles, and even his sister. A slight annoyance came over his face....and likely the same for me it seems.
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Ravelin
Mar 8, 2022 21:40:29 GMT -8
Post by Akulas Ecklund on Mar 8, 2022 21:40:29 GMT -8
The girl doesn't take a moment to respond to the permission. She makes sure her hands were in a position to make her pushes and pulls looked like the Prince's pulls and pushes. Her feet again to move them both around the floor, so fast that the Prince would be unable to think about the next step, he would just have to make it. She was always aware to follow they way he unconsciously led. To anyone that wasn't a dance coach or expert, it would look like he was leading. You spend a lot of time focusing on things you can't control, don't you? I guess given your status, that would make sense. I have been trained to plan and be smart, but I learned that a lot is out of our control. We are in control of right now. She says as they cross the floor gliding and spinning. The uncontrollable future is something that will come no matter what. So we have to act. Like there has been a move I have always wanted to try, but I have never had a dance partner I felt strong enough to do it. If the prince isn't I will never get to try it. This time she didn't ask for permission. She spun away twirling 4 times until she was around 2 meters away from the prince. She then went for a full sprint at him and lept over his head. Her hope was that he would catch her. The second hope was that she could tuck and roll if he didn't. Now that she was in the air, she realized the chances of that second part were very slim at this point. He would just have to catch her...
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Ravelin
Apr 10, 2022 20:56:18 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Apr 10, 2022 20:56:18 GMT -8
Octavian listened to the cadet as the two danced. Given that she was leading the movements and making wonders with the display of a 'capable dancer' within the Crown Prince, it gave him a pause to think as she spoke. The uncontrollable future, too much time focused on things one can't control... she was right that, given his station as the future leader of the Empire, a lot was on his mind in terms of wanting to do the best for the First Order and his father's legacy. But that was still a ways off and his father, the progenitor of the renewed Imperialism, was still alive and well, leading from the front as he always did.
His mind snapped though when Akulas mentioned a move she always wanted to try, but didn't have a strong enough partner to perform it. His eyes went wide as, within a few split seconds, the cadet thrusted herself forward, taking a great leap with her rapid pace. Within seconds, the shadow of female was overhead and coming in fast. Octavian felt way out of place, but he had to react quickly! Reaching out with the Force, Akulas would feel the energy surround her waist, slowing her descent just enough for his hands to physically grab hold of.
Before the congregation, there stood the Crown Prince, holding up Akulas. She was left suspended by his hands for a good while before the Imperial cadet was gently brought down. Those among the supporters of Octavian clapped their hands, while others did so half-hearted and with murmurs being spoken. From afar, the Emperor watched, intrigued by what had just happened. Once she was set down, Octavian glances off to the left and then down at Akulas.
Next time, give me more of an advanced warning.
Octavian asks, quietly, before striking a smile.
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Ravelin
Apr 16, 2022 21:15:32 GMT -8
Post by Akulas Ecklund on Apr 16, 2022 21:15:32 GMT -8
She helped with the balance, but to everyone watching. It would look like the Prince was doing all of it. Also, no one, well aside from Standash, would think the cadet would have done that on her own. They would think it was the Prince's idea, or that he at least agreed to it. She let him bring her down as the song came to an end and the room erupted in applause. She fought off a sigh of relief that the move worked. She smiled innocently at the Prince when he spoke to her.
If I did that, you would have said no. I would have likely still tried it, but I would have gotten into a lot of trouble. You can tell me if you didn't enjoy it. I told you, your highness. I make people look good.
As I said, do what you feel is right that you know you can do, and have a plan for either outcome...
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Ravelin
Apr 17, 2022 8:08:40 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Apr 17, 2022 8:08:40 GMT -8
Octavian glances about at the reaction of the pair dancing. It was... different. Something that wasn't planned, something that didn't involve the Prince's acumen towards statesmanship or leadership, but rather a more public appearance that the Imperial had experienced. A few lessons ran through his head, for a moment, recalling the education of his younger years. One of which stood out in his mind: "Is a ruler meant to be feared or to be loved?"
At the conclusion of his little thoughts, the Crown Prince turns to Akulas.
And yet, if I had said no, I would have not experienced this. I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy this.
The fact that it was different did make it enjoyable in the end. Octavian did have some issues being confident at times, considering the immense role that he was due to play when the time came. However, worrying about the future would ensure the present may not be enjoyed or experienced properly. Life was about experiencing all kinds of things. And if he was worried about the future to come, then Octavian would miss out on the experiences he needed for that future. Calmly, he bows his head to Akulas.
Would you like to dance some more?
The Crown Prince asks the cadet.
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Ravelin
Apr 25, 2022 21:01:15 GMT -8
Post by Akulas Ecklund on Apr 25, 2022 21:01:15 GMT -8
She smiled at him, and for the first time. She really noticed how handsome he was. She blushed at this realization. She wasn't attracted to his title or power. But at the young man himself. His desire to learn, to work. His genuine caring for her. His subtle timid nature. And well he was cute as well. I would love to... However, that kind of song normally means the band is finishing. Though, I am sure if someone like the crown prince asked them to, they would keep playing. Standash will scold me for staying too long and taking up too much of your and the court's time, but she has plenty of things to scold me over on the flight home already. What is one more thing?
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Ravelin
Aug 4, 2022 17:09:05 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Aug 4, 2022 17:09:05 GMT -8
The clicking of boots pierced the relatively large, but quiet halls of the Imperial Palace on Bastion. Many a time, parties and celebrations were held by the Emperor himself within this very complex. Not even the Governor was privileged enough to utilize it. In the days of old, before his birth, Octavian had been told that another resided here, a man by the name of Matar Lyndruss. When he departed, the then Supreme Commander Nicademus, turned it into a museum, dedicated to Imperial history and culture. Only when he ascended the throne, as Emperor, did this role change and the Imperial Palace was turned into a royal property of the House of Delvardus. It's official function served well whenever the Emperor called upon it to be utilized.
His visit was never meant to be official. Even the Governor of Bastion, a good and loyal Imperial by the name of Heinrich Rus, a descendant of Konrad Rus, a Fel and Krayt Era Moff that served as the Director for the Imperial Mission, was surprised that Octavian would not want a pompous and public arrival. Although history was not kind to Konrad, Heinrich displayed profound and noted loyalty to the reigning Emperor. In fact, his son, Roderick, was among the Crown Prince's circle of companions. A young officer within the Imperial Army who had potential and was becoming a rising star. Nonetheless, the wishes and request by Octavian were respected, allowing him to come to the Imperial Palace, relatively, unnoticed, save for the detachment of the 501st Legion and the Inner Guard that patrolled the area.
Octavian went in alone, having his companions go and enjoy the hospitality of Roderick's home in Ravelin. In doing so, the Imperial Knight simply came to visit the legendary Pellaeon Gardens, dedicated to its namesake and founder, Gilad Pellaeon. Walking into the center of the various plants, gathered from across the galaxy, one would find the emblem of the Imperial Remnant and the Fel Empire, emblazoned, upon the floor. For a moment, there was silence, but as tranquility settled in, Octavian began to sense past events. A red lightsaber flashed by him, parried by a white one. The sound of a commemorative speech, spoken by a female. The presence of an older male, keeping the order of the garden with sounds of clipping and trimming. Then there was silence once more.
Octavian turned to one of the plants, which was leaning more so than its brethren. The Imperial came over, touching it gently, sensing that it was deprived of something. He looked around, finding a source of water, utilized by the staff, and brought it some fresh liquid to stimulate its health and growth. From his knelt position, he looked upward and around at the garden, hearing the trickle of water and the Living Force that resonated throughout. A voice, echoing from the past, rose.
'Every ruler should have a garden. It's always useful to draw lessons from nature...From a garden one learns to cull the weak and unfit, and to encourage the strong and the vigorous. An inferior bud soon feels the strength of my pinch!...Each receives its proper allotment of space and sunlight, and no more.'
Then, it faded away into nothing. Octavian was alone once more. He proceeds to walk down one of the small aisles, taking his time within the garden to draw lessons from it. The Force, the nature, and more had plenty of lessons to give to the young prince.
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Ravelin
Aug 7, 2022 19:25:17 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Aug 7, 2022 19:25:17 GMT -8
=Female=
Your Highness!
A remark of astonishment was spoken by a middle-aged female, dressed as a public official of the Empire. Several attendants, organic and machine, all turned to see what had gotten the attention of the female to see the physical visage of the Crown Prince within the Imperial Library. As stated before, Octavian had taken great lengths to ensure his arrival was relatively unknown and unseen, so it was no surprise that she, and those with her, were taken by surprise by his sudden arrival. When bows were attempted, the Imperial Knight quickly raises his hand to stop them.
Please, no need to bow. My visit is of a private nature after all.
In truth, there was a reason why the Imperial did come to the library though. His gaze turned left of him and behind, noticing the rows upon rows of records and archives. Octavian had visited the Pellaeon Gardens yesterday and decided on a new location today. Knowledge is power as told, many times, by his father and uncle. But also knowledge can give people wisdom and insight. This Imperial Library was especially known to have quite the array of available sources from which the Crown Prince could draw upon. His gaze then turned back to the female, who was likely the Headmistress in terms of taking care of the archives.
Which way to the archives about the Fel Empire, Miss?
Octavian inquires as she walks forward and points at one of the aisles. Thanking her politely, the Crown Prince heads that way, disappearing down one of the aisles to begin his search. There were a number of topics to review, such as the rise of Jagged Fel and his life, the late Imperial Remnant's years, the union of Jaina Solo and the future Emperor Fel I, the formation of the Imperial Knights, and more. More importantly, it situated him close to the aisles that contained the records of the Imperial Remnant under Supreme Commander Gilad Pellaeon, who laid down the foundations for the future Fel Imperium. For a time, the young Prince delved into what was available and began some thorough research to pass the time.
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Ravelin
Aug 11, 2022 18:32:27 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Aug 11, 2022 18:32:27 GMT -8
Within the Imperial Library, Octavian began his research, encompassing many hours that turned into days. The Headmistress of the Library, as well as her attendants, came often to check in on him, ensuring that he did not forget the time nor to nourish himself. The young prince never asked for much, but water and simple food was provided, a diet that was encouraged by his upbringing. Never would Octavian give himself less than what his body required nor would he fall for the pomp of more... luxurious dishes, ones likely enjoyed by a greater portion of the renewed Imperial nobility.
As he calmly chewed on a piece of fruit, Octavian's eyes gazed upon the records of the Fel Dynasty, who was related to notable Corellian houses of Antilles and Solo by marriage. It is by the birth of Soontir Fel that it all began, climaxing at both his career and that of his son, Jagged. His siblings, Davin and Chak, were promising officers of the Empire of the Hand, who died young in their lives. In the end, Jagged rose up and would ascend as not only the most powerful man of the Imperial Remnant, but eventually as Emperor of the renewed Empire under his family's line. Taking a moment, Octavian began to think of his own lineage, the Delvardus family, who began on Eriadu.
Never had he met his grandfather, Cyrus II, but his own father told him much of the traditionalist. Having fathered four children, one out of wedlock, and managing his family as well as any father would. Nicademus was the eldest, followed by Brock, Baltasar, and his late aunt, Azria. His own father began as a simple security officer on Eriadu before enlisting in the Imperialized militaries of various nations that came to control the system. It was only after the death of the Dark Sided bloodline of Tarkin that Nicademus ventured to the Deep Core and began the very same path that Jagged Fel took. Both became powerful men, by bloodline and by action. Both were raised with an Imperial education, motivated, and eager. Both had careers within the Imperial Military and showed promise throughout their lives. Both founded dynasties, forged nations, and renewed the Empire in their respective timelines.
Looking at the history that followed, there wasn't much unfortunately. Fel II, heir of Jagged Fel and his wife, Jaina, seemed to have been a rather unremarkable Emperor, likely due to the peace and stability brought by his predecessor. It made the Crown Prince wonder... would his father's shadow continue as it did over Fel II? Would he be remembered as an Emperor that ruled due to what had been established by his father? Sometimes, it was hard for the son to rise above his father. Especially ones like Jagged Fel and Nicademus Delvardus who achieved what few had been able to do: a truly revived and strong Empire. Sitting upon the floor, Octavian finishes chewing the piece of fruit and slides the datapad away into its slot.
The Imperial Oversector, that which had been ruled by Ardus Kaine, had seen the revival and continuation of the Empire in three forms: the Pentastar Alignment, the Imperial Remnant, and the Fel Empire. Here, Nicademus had revived the Imperial cause under the banner of the First Order upon the planet of Muunilinst. Coruscant was theirs and a greater part of the galaxy as well. What would be his mark? What would be the achievement of Octavian Delvardus?
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Ravelin
Aug 27, 2022 10:25:01 GMT -8
Post by Octavian Delvardus on Aug 27, 2022 10:25:01 GMT -8
Eventually, after several days of time spent in the Imperial Palace, Octavian's presence rejoins that of his cadre of companions. The first to obviously notice the return of the Crown Prince was the one who was hosting their circle at his family's estate, Roderick Rus, son of the Moff of Bastion.
=Roderick=
About time you rejoined us, Octavian.
Hasana, Titus Sallaros, and Amelia Corrand all turned to see the Imperial Prince returning. Roland wasn't present with them as other duties called for his attention. The four stood up welcoming Octavian as he joined them. Roderick poured a cup of wine for his benefactor, handing it to the Delvardus who thanked him for the gesture. Sitting down, Octavian drank from the cup silently, his mind obviously distracted by other thoughts. This did cause the other four to glance at each other, wondering what was going on with the Imperial. Never had he been as deep in thought as his father, the Emperor, usually was. Yet none did seem willing to break his train of thought.
A few moments passed before the eyelids of Octavian blinked. Setting the cup down, the Imperial Knight looked at those with him.
Bastion... needs a greater place in the Empire.
From those words, his companions could tell that Octavian had a growing connection with the Imperial fortress world, once the seat of power for the great names such as Gilad Pellaeon, Jagged Fel, Roan Fel, and Matar Lyndruss. It had been the seat of nations, the first step of empires, and more. Although his father had given it great amounts of attention to this world, Octavian wondered about the time to come, where Bastion could rise above what it was now. It's citizens were fervent Imperialists. Many good Imperial families either lived here or had property upon the surface of the world. It was a symbol... a symbol that needed to be tapped in for its full potential.
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