Jin Song
Member
Posts: 196 
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 6, 2024 20:21:30 GMT -8
Jin let her face be moved by her lover's hands. She neither wanted to, or could, resist Fiora in these moments. What should have been a happy moment, a joyous occasion filled with kisses and more, was burdened with the weight of the responsibilities each of the woman bore. Fiora to lead her people in a war she saw as just, and Jin to stop in for, to her, no war was just. A sigh. Then the resolve to press forward, turn the conversation to what was important. No, Fiora, if I hadn't been there, maybe Yvaine gets killed trying to escape Horne, maybe Roland alone isn't enough to wage the underground war to keep Baltasar's men on the back foot, maybe Horne escapes... No, even though I suffered for it, I still did good on Coruscant. But Fi, when Nem found me, the battle had already started... Jin shudders remembering the smell of burning and death. The feeling in the Force of the people, the bystanders, suffering in the crossfire of the assault. It showed me, confirmed for me, the very thing that drove me to try to speak to Octavian in the first place. The suffering... Fi, I saw my homeworld burning. It's the same fate that will come to any system touched by this war. And I have to hope that we- that you can still stop this. Jin reaches up and takes one of Fiora's hands in hers. I- she starts to choke up, I love you, no matter what, but I still can't support this war...
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 7, 2024 0:46:21 GMT -8
There were a lot of details about Jin's time on Coruscant that she had not heard about before. Everything from the former Imperial Capital had been pretty dark with no news getting out or in. There was a lot to try and process and a desire to ask further questions, but even Fiora could tell now was not the moment for that. That could come later, for now she was focused and attentive to what Jin seemed to be building toward. A point that hit soon after like diving feet first into an arctic ocean. It was Fiora's turn now to break the eye contact as she felt her left hand gripped by her girlfriend... by the one true friend she had left.
Even though she knew and suspect that this moment was bound to come, it did not make it any easier. Her chest felt tight and the ache in her heart returned with a vengeance. The part of her that wanted to give Jin the thing she asked for tried to rage within her, fighting to the top
Jin... I...
She swallowed hard and gripped Jin's hand back in return. She knew what would happen if she surrendered this fight and it was that knowledge that fought back against the rising emotion. She sat silent for a moment, forcing down that feeling as she slowly met Jin's gaze
Jin, I would never ask something of you that I know you would not do... I... She fought hard, trying to find the words she needed I would do anything you asked of me. But this... Her hand tangled within Jin's hair gripped a little tighter This I cannot do... She wanted to scream from the piercing pain that tore into her chest, but instead the tears welled up and created fresh tracks down her cheek This isn't about what is right and wrong or just any more... If I surrender to him... h-he'll... he'll... She didn't want to say the words, to admit aloud the truth There will be no mercy... Octavian will not just pardon what has happened and been done. I may as well take up my saber and kill them all now... I-I cannot do that to them Jin...
Her hand loosened it's grip and fell from Jin's hair, whilst her grip upon the hand Jin held slackened as the strength was being sapped away
This is what I am sorry for...
She slid from her lover's lap to the floor, the weight of everything threatening to crush her once more. Unable to hold Jin's gaze, she looked at the ground
I... I understand if you do not wish to stay...
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 196
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 7, 2024 9:30:01 GMT -8
Hey, hey. Jin's free hand rose up from her own lap to take Fiora by the chin and lift her gaze back up to meet her own. She locked eyes with Fiora, it wouldn't be possible for Jin to look more serious or more sure of what she was about to say. I am not going to leave you. Not unless it is you who sends me away, okay? As easy as it seemed on paper, and as much as Nem would have probably endorsed it, Jin was not going to emotionally blackmail the woman she loved in order to achieve this goal. But this is not our fight, someone out there is pulling these strings, playing us all against each other. Someone wants you two to kill each other, I had hoped to find out more on Coruscant, but Nem was very... persuasive... that I would be more help here. Jin's hand moved gently from Fiora's chin to her cheek now, again not breaking her determined eye contact. And her other hand entwined fingers with Fiora's, still held in it. If we can find proof we can still salvage peace.
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 7, 2024 19:01:59 GMT -8
Even if she had wanted to resist, she lacked the strength to do so in that moment as her chin was lifted. She shyly meet Jin's gaze, finally holding it after a moment as her girlfriend made clear she would not leave unless sent away. The pain she felt dulled a little bit at that reassurance, even if some small part was trying to whisper about how Jin was just taking pity on her. But she shut the door upon that voice, not wishing to listen to any more lies
Okay...
She had no intention of sending Jin away again. She wanted to keep her girlfriend, her Knight in... armour by her side. However whether she might later change her mind in an effort to keep Jin away from the fighting and safe, remained to be seen. For now, though, they were back together again with one another and Fiora was going to enjoy it until the war forced things to be otherwise. She wiped the sleeve of her free arm across her eyes to wipe up the remnants of the tears that had been falling moments ago, sniffling a little as Jin spoke. But soon she was blushing as her lover's hand moved to her cheek and their fingers intertwined. It felt nice to be like this again
Well the list of people who it might be is not particularly short... It could be someone swearing loyalty to one of us, or someone who swore loyalty to Baltasar... Or maybe they're no longer alive... Is it Octavian and myself that are their target? or the Knightly Orders whom we command? There are a lot of possibilities, however...
Trying to cheer herself up, she brought her free hand up to her nose and pinched it between her thumb and forefinger
First we need to get you into a shower...
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on May 9, 2024 4:39:32 GMT -8
The Yuuzhan Vong Executor was difficult to read, maybe almost impossible, but that one action was all Harnan needed to see. It didn't matter what else had been the truth or more fabricated lies, there was one thing even a master deceiver such as Nem could not hide. It was all just a matter of whether that one moment of weakness, that one slip, was enough to ensure that Nem would betray Octavian and his allies when the moment was most opportune. Only time would tell.
For appearances sake, Nem seemed to agree to the revised terms of the deal before offering himself up as a hostage until the war was over and Fiora was sat upon the Throne. Something which was itself a double edged sword to agree to. If Nem was being dishonest here - as Harnan suspected was the case - then having the Executor within their walls would only allow the assassin access to hamstring them. If he was being honest, then it might raise suspicions amongst Octavians forces when the First Prefect remained on an extended leave, let alone his ship being found here. But if Nem was planning to offer them up to Octavian, having him as a prisoner could be better than letting the Yuuzhan Vong run free. His answer would need to be carefully considered given what possibilities may yet come to fruition. Although it was not his forte, he was certain he could navigate this matterWhilst it is certainly acceptable, I can assure you that it is entirely unnecessary. You brought Jin back to us when Silas requested such a task of you, and such an action was rewarded. If you say that your people can deliver, why... I would be a fool to disbelieve you considering the evidence so far. Your word is your bond, and that my friend is more than enough for me. Your people will need their leader with them to ensure victory. I don't need a guest, I need you where you will be most valuable... Holding a coufee behind the boy's back when he thinks victory is assured for him and his forces.Harnan took a few steps forward and moved up to the Executor's side, lowering his voice now so that only the Yuuzhan Vong could hear himBesides, it doesn't matter who wins the Throne at the end of the day.... Whether you betray us or you betray him... So long as both sides weaken each other enough, everything I offered would become yours anyway, isn't that right?He kept on his stride past Nem then as the lights in the room turned on and the holo projection faded into nothingness. Neith and Atlantia still stood in the back cornerI hope you've enjoyed your visit, Nem. I look forward to seeing you upon your return here...The doors were pushed open inward by the guards outside, allowing the Master of the Ren to take his leave of the Throne Room, leaving Neith and Atlantia to escort their guest back to his ship and see him off |
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 196
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 9, 2024 6:45:51 GMT -8
Even if she had wanted to resist, she lacked the strength to do so in that moment as her chin was lifted. She shyly meet Jin's gaze, finally holding it after a moment as her girlfriend made clear she would not leave unless sent away. The pain she felt dulled a little bit at that reassurance, even if some small part was trying to whisper about how Jin was just taking pity on her. But she shut the door upon that voice, not wishing to listen to any more liesOkay... She had no intention of sending Jin away again. She wanted to keep her girlfriend, her Knight in... armour by her side. However whether she might later change her mind in an effort to keep Jin away from the fighting and safe, remained to be seen. For now, though, they were back together again with one another and Fiora was going to enjoy it until the war forced things to be otherwise. She wiped the sleeve of her free arm across her eyes to wipe up the remnants of the tears that had been falling moments ago, sniffling a little as Jin spoke. But soon she was blushing as her lover's hand moved to her cheek and their fingers intertwined. It felt nice to be like this againWell the list of people who it might be is not particularly short... It could be someone swearing loyalty to one of us, or someone who swore loyalty to Baltasar... Or maybe they're no longer alive... Is it Octavian and myself that are their target? or the Knightly Orders whom we command? There are a lot of possibilities, however... Trying to cheer herself up, she brought her free hand up to her nose and pinched it between her thumb and forefingerFirst we need to get you into a shower... Yeah, alright. but all the Knight could muster was a smile. Fiora was right. The potential targets were many and the potential conspirators doubly so. She still had a lot of work to do. But she slowly got up to take care of some personal hygiene that had fallen by the wayside during her time on Corucant, Jin carefully took off her boots, careful not to reveal the hidden piece of paper within. It was better if Fiora didn't know how deeply in league with the Vong Executor she was, for fear of how Fiora may react. But all the same, Jin got ready for the first hot shower she had had since departing this place months ago. There were so many questions Jin still had about how all this had started while she had been gone, but didn't want to bring them up now, she had already upset Fiora more than she could bear now, there would be time later... she hoped. |
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Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 65
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on May 9, 2024 14:07:37 GMT -8
Wise was he who refused to allow an untamed bissop loose within his walls. Whichever way the dice fell, Nem would have taken advantage of the opportunity, and it seemed Harnan knew that. Slowly his head tilted to the left, looking over his shoulder at the two knights of Ren in the corners of the room closest to the exit. Accepted and dejected at the same time, eh? Alright, you've won this round, but the game was far from over.Nem turned around following Harnan's departure and approached the open doors, pausing at the threshold, his hands hovering near the matching hilts of the coufee daggers thrust through his belt. "That went well." Hissed the Executor's whisper thin voice through the gnullith, addressing Neith and Alantia simultaneously. "Don't you think?" Momentarily appearing on the edge of violence, the Intendant's fingers folded into his palms, forming closed fists rather than taking hold of his ornate living knives. "Heh heh heh."Casually his left arm swept out, gesturing to the hall beyond the door. He looked directly at Neith, his glowing emerald eyes boring into the visor of the Knight's helm. "You'd best lead the way to the landing pad. I'd hate to get lost."
She didn't flinch when Nem turned toward her and asked to be lead back to the landing pad after musing to himself about how well the meeting wentIt's all a matter of perspective... But yes, I'd rather you not get yourself lost. This way...Neith took up the lead with the guards falling in around Nem and Atlantia bringing up the rear guard as they headed through the citadel taking the same route back to the landing pad. Were there shorter or alternate paths? certainly, but Neith was not going to provide any more details to the Yuuzhan Vong than was necessary short of blindfolding him. She kept her focus ahead as they exited the doors out to the landing padsI look forward to inevitably seeing you on the field of battle Yuuzhan Vong... Perhaps the Fanged God will smile upon me and set our paths to cross... Your ship, safe and soundShe stepped aside and motioned over to the organic vessel, one hand slid behind her back and resting upon her saber hilt whilst the other motioned forward. Until Nem Yin was gone, she was not going to relax her guard |
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 9, 2024 14:38:23 GMT -8
Fiora almost got a chuckle out of Jin, Yeah, alright. but all the Knight could muster was a smile. Fiora was right. The potential targets were many and the potential conspirators doubly so. She still had a lot of work to do. But she slowly got up to take care of some personal hygiene that had fallen by the wayside during her time on Corucant, Jin carefully took off her boots, careful not to reveal the hidden piece of paper within. It was better if Fiora didn't know how deeply in league with the Vong Executor she was, for fear of how Fiora may react. But all the same, Jin got ready for the first hot shower she had had since departing this place months ago. There were so many questions Jin still had about how all this had started while she had been gone, but didn't want to bring them up now, she had already upset Fiora more than she could bear now, there would be time later... she hoped.
Or perhaps it was heartlessness that drove his charge upon the Imperial Capital. If Jin had been held as assurance to keep the Ren away, it seemed likely Yvaine or someone else was being held captive for the same reason for Octavian and the Imperial Knights. Though given Jin was here now, that perhaps what ever other prisoners were being kept were freed as well, but when?
She shook her head as she pushed herself to her feet, dismissing the wayward thoughts. She spent so much time examining the past and future that she could take a moment to live in the present. Her left hand reached out to Jin's hip, whilst her right hand slid up to cup her cheek. It had been far too long since they were together and she didn't want to waste one moment of it. She pressed Jin against the nearest wall as she leaned in to kiss her girlfriendCome on... this way... Her hand would move from Jin's side to grip her wrist and pull her along toward the refresher room... |
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Nem Yin
The First Order
The dark expanse of the intergalactic void is not as empty as they would have you believe...
Posts: 439
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Blue
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Post by Nem Yin on May 11, 2024 9:30:52 GMT -8
The Yuuzhan Vong were an untrustworthy people, but Neith found Nem Yin to be especially untrustworthy. Even when it seemed like Harnan had perhaps hit upon a chord which might align their futures, she couldn't help but feel like it was not enough. But she was glad Harnan had enough sense to send this... envoy away instead of keeping him as a hostage. Some people were just too dangerous to be kept locked up. If betrayal was inevitable, better to send it back to its master than place the blade at your back.
She didn't flinch when Nem turned toward her and asked to be lead back to the landing pad after musing to himself about how well the meeting wentIt's all a matter of perspective... But yes, I'd rather you not get yourself lost. This way...Neith took up the lead with the guards falling in around Nem and Atlantia bringing up the rear guard as they headed through the citadel taking the same route back to the landing pad. Were there shorter or alternate paths? certainly, but Neith was not going to provide any more details to the Yuuzhan Vong than was necessary short of blindfolding him. She kept her focus ahead as they exited the doors out to the landing padsI look forward to inevitably seeing you on the field of battle Yuuzhan Vong... Perhaps the Fanged God will smile upon me and set our paths to cross... Your ship, safe and soundShe stepped aside and motioned over to the organic vessel, one hand slid behind her back and resting upon her saber hilt whilst the other motioned forward. Until Nem Yin was gone, she was not going to relax her guard |
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 196
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 11, 2024 22:31:18 GMT -8
The smile was not the total victory she had been hoping for, but even small victories should be celebrated. She let go of her nose and removed her own boots, tossing them aside as she summoned the strength needed to get up to her feet back to her. She was feeling at least a little bit better even if she still hated a lot about this whole situation. Brock and Baltasar were now both dead, the former at the hands of the latter whilst the latter's cause of death seemed linked to Octavian's invasion. The people responsible for the deaths of so many Ren allies had been removed, but yet she didn't feel any better about that fact. War was still on its way because unlike Octavian, she'd not been bold enough to charge upon Coruscant.
Or perhaps it was heartlessness that drove his charge upon the Imperial Capital. If Jin had been held as assurance to keep the Ren away, it seemed likely Yvaine or someone else was being held captive for the same reason for Octavian and the Imperial Knights. Though given Jin was here now, that perhaps what ever other prisoners were being kept were freed as well, but when?
She shook her head as she pushed herself to her feet, dismissing the wayward thoughts. She spent so much time examining the past and future that she could take a moment to live in the present. Her left hand reached out to Jin's hip, whilst her right hand slid up to cup her cheek. It had been far too long since they were together and she didn't want to waste one moment of it. She pressed Jin against the nearest wall as she leaned in to kiss her girlfriendCome on... this way... Her hand would move from Jin's side to grip her wrist and pull her along toward the refresher room... I- There was so much she wanted to say; how much she appreciated Fiora, how much she wished times could be different, how Fiora had been in every thought of hers since leaving for Corucant. But only three words would have to do. I love you. |
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Neith Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 65
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Neith Ren on May 12, 2024 18:24:39 GMT -8
There wasn't much room for observance as the Executor was led directly back to his ship, taking in reverse the same path he had traveled to the Citadel throne room. Dark purple sacks of flesh beneath his glowing eyes twitched as he stared into the abyss black lens of Neith's visor slit. "You're too kind." Remarked the Intendant, ascending the molleung worm ramp of the Bleeding Orifice. He paused at the threshold of the hatch-sphincter, taking a last look over his shoulder at the guard escort, Atlantia...and Neith. "I have no doubt we'll meet again, Knight of Ren. In fact, I'm damn well certain of it." His extra-galactic mannerisms utterly alien when compared to the infidel races, it remained unclear if that was a promise or a threat. To those that knew him well, it was probably both.With last words exchanged, the Yuuzhan Vong disappeared into the dim lambent lit corridors of his ship, vanishing from sight as the hatch-sphincter sealed behind him......Shaking from infirmity resulting from its advanced age, his chazrach manservant hobbled over to the Intendant as he finished attaching the last of his gear. As usual the mute reptoid said nothing, but the sadness behind its eyes spoke more than words could ever hope to. He reached out and placed a hand on the creature's slumped shoulder, then pulled his long time servant close, embracing Scab in a tight hug. "We will meet again, my friend." Then without further words, he released Scab and headed towards a void sealed emergency chute grown into the bow that exited out the bottom of the yorik-vec. While the ship continued to climb, the warmed lava-cannons bled a trail of smoke like the exhaust of an infidel ships engine, leaving a long serpentine cloud in their wake. Nem waited until he felt the shift in gravity as the coral craft reached the edge of Prakith's atmosphere, then slapped his hand on a reflex built into the wall, dropping the floor out beneath him. He plunged through the chute and was sent hurtling back through the exhaust plume by the momentum of the streaking ship, falling out of the sky towards Prak City, appearing as nothing more than a breath on the wind.
Right up to the last moment as he ascended what she assumed was the hatch mechanism, she still expected him to turn for a fight before making off into the city. But he disappeared into his ship and denied her that fight, for now.
As the organic craft lifted off, a pair of TIE/Li Ligero's and a quartet of TIE/Fl Flecha's came screaming overhead to act as escorts. Whilst Jin was no longer aboard, there was still some distrust that the deal they had made would not hold. As the smoke trailed out behind the Bleeding Orifice, the fighters kept clear to maintain visual and sensor sight, but even so they still missed the humanoid sized object that dropped from the vessel at the edge of the atmosphere.
Given the situation they were in, Neith was more suspicious of the smoke trail that had not been present upon the ships arrival. As such she sent out orders to various unit commanders to be on alert and watch for any infiltration attempts.
Just as she finished sending that alert out, a new one came in from the Master of the Ren for her eyes only. Neith glanced toward Atlantia to see if her Sister had received a similar message, but she still seemed to be staring up at the departing craft. It was not unusual for Harnan to request her presence, but the timing of it all had her concernedIt seems the Master has need of me. Be a dear Little Sister, and keep an eye on the city. I suspect we are still playing host to our guest...The smallest of the Ren gave a nod and wave before heading off toward the city, whilst Neith delved back into the depths of the Citadel. She navigated the corridors with ease and comfort, even if a lingering concern still itched at the back of her mind. Danger was near, even if she could not directly sense or affect it through the Force.
Suddenly she found herself at the doors to the Masters quarters. His message had not specified why or what he wanted her for, so there was an edge of nervousness as she opened the door and stepped through... |
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 14, 2024 16:51:02 GMT -8
As she stood, with the help of Fiora, it was like all of her ordeals were compounding at once upon her joints and body. Her muscles ached and all the places she had been bruised or injured, where she had shrugged off at the time, all came crashing upon her. She had reached the end of where she needed to be physically strong now, and her body knew it. Here, in her room with her girlfriend, there were no troopers to fight, no gangsters to impress and lead, nor a Vong warrior to stand up to. In Fiora's presence, she could relax, if only a little, and only in body. With Fiora's help, Jin limped the rest of the way to the refresher and disrobed fully, exposing the full extent of her wounds: Scars and burns covered her body, each told the tale of a close call in her fight to hunt Myria Horne. The hot water soon cascaded over them, soothing her in a way that she had nearly completely forgotten about. Jin's face, between winces of pain, remained stoic as she was lost in thought about how she cold possibly start her hunt for the true Enemy. But it was proving hard to concentrate with Fiora also here with her. That had always been one of the Princess- Empresses talents, breaking Jin's concentration on a project. But right now Jin couldn't help but not mind it. Her body was in pain, but Fiora made it almost unnoticeable. She managed to muster another smile as she looked at Fiora's beautiful eyes. I- There was so much she wanted to say; how much she appreciated Fiora, how much she wished times could be different, how Fiora had been in every thought of hers since leaving for Corucant. But only three words would have to do. I love you.
She retrieved a couple of cleaning items and fussed over Jin's injuries, making sure to clean them properly and apply any products that were agreeable with the shower. She stood up and pressed in close to Jin as that confession of love came, her cheeks glowing red and a line of blush crossing her her nose and accentuated by her pale skin. One might assume their closeness was what had caused this reaction, but that was incorrect. No, it was the confession itself, despite being something Fiora had heard before she was still a little nervous and shy about itI-I... I love you too...
How much time had passed in that shower, neither could truly be certain. But the cleaning team had certainly had enough of a chance to sneak into the room and clear out the remnants of the broken desk. Any items that had filled its drawers were placed in a pile and everything had been given a dusting. Something which had proven conducive for when the two women had finally emerged from the refresher and Fiora got to work fussing over every single injury. She placed bacta patches upon the worst offenders before allowing Jin to slowly get dressed once enough of an area was dealt with and could be covered upI don't like you getting hurt, but... there is something nice about fussing over you, given how often you've fussed over me in the past... |
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 196
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 14, 2024 17:19:56 GMT -8
Jin normally would have fought to keep from being fussed over, after all Jin was Fiora's bodyguard, not the other way around. But in this case, Jin was both too tired and too grateful to be back with Fiora to make a fight of it past some initial half-hearted "you don't have to do that" and "I can see a medical droid" objections. But none of it would, of course, deter a concerned and determined Fiora. Jin gave a soft chuckle at Fiora's last statement. Yeah. Guess you're right. If I had been picked up by anyone other than a Vong, all this would have been taken care of on the trip, but those people and their obsession with pain and scarring... Jin's mind wandered to her brief but intense duel with Nem. Her feelings were still knotted up about it. On one hand, he was right, she needed to be back with Fiora, but on the other, she wanted another go at him when she was at one hundred percent, see if she could have actually taken him. Jin shook her head out of the thousand yard stare she had fallen in. I hope you've been being more careful than I have... her eyes wandered to the pile of belongings that now rested where a desk had been. So what's the story there? Looked like there had been a fight in here?
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 14, 2024 18:44:15 GMT -8
Fiora placed a kiss on one such aforementioned scars before putting a bacta patch over it
They certainly have a strange culture in comparison... At least they didn't try grafting any weird biots to you...
Once the last of Jin's injuries were patched up, Fiora retrieved a brush and started running it through the now washed and cleaned hair before the topic of the state of the room came up. She did her best not to flinch too much whilst blushing again out of embarrassment. She'd hoped to avoid the matter but Jin was unlikely to leave the matter be
Oh, nope definitely been being way more careful hahaha... Despite his faults, he has kept me off the battlefield.
She didn't want to say his name, knowing it was bound to upset or annoy Jin. But this was a good compromise
I'm sorry about the room... You could certainly say there was a fight... Turns out your desk was secretly an assassin. That's definitely why I broke it...
She ran the brush down and out of Jin's hair before pressing against her girlfriend's back and dangling her arms over Jin's shoulders. Her chin settled on her left shoulder and whispered
It's definitely not because I lost my cool cause I was missing you...
She put more effort into the hug and snuck a quick peck on Jin's cheek
But you're back now, so it's fine!
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 196
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 15, 2024 22:38:55 GMT -8
Jin leaned into the hug, it healed her spirit being back in FIora's presence. Little by little, the Knight was returning to her old self, the horrors of her imprisonment and battles were seeming far off now. But there was still the itch, the fear, that she would grow too comfortable, and she would fail to stop this war before it was too late. Jin returned the peck on the cheek before breaking out of the hug so that she could fully lay down on the bed. It felt luxurious to finally have a mattress again. Maybe just one night for recovery and relaxation wouldn't hurt... it would have to, because Jin knew there was no way she could muster the will to not spend the next several hours with Fiora. Don't worry about it, the desk, somehow I don't think I'll have much time to draw anything for the foreseeable future. Jin caught Fiora's eyes and another temptation flooded her thoughts. She could just grab Fiora and rush to the hanger. Take a ship somewhere, anywhere outside the Empire. Leave it all behind, the Ren, the war, the throne. Everything. Just the two of them out homesteading on a backwater world where no one would recognize them... But Jin knew that was out of the question. For both of them. Fiora could not leave her Ren family to die, nor could Jin leave when she may still be able to find a path for peace. Jin's head turned away from Fiora for a moment to compose herself, shake off yet another temptation. Fi, she looks back at her beloved, tears finally managing to form again, it will all be fine, I promise.
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 21, 2024 17:19:20 GMT -8
As Jin moved from the hug to lay down, Fiora shifted herself over and atop her girlfriend in a sitting position to pin Jin down around her waist. There would indeed be no escape from a night of... relaxation and perhaps rest. They both needed it. Even as she felt a little disappointed that Jin would unlikely have time to draw much, Fiora put on the best smile she could muster. Her hands were already busy with a mind of their own exploring, discovering what was new and re-discovering what was old. But as Jin looked back up with tears, one hand moved from its ministrations and held Jin's cheek, wiping a tear away with her thumb whilst Fiora leaned her face down and kissed the woman she loved
I know Jin... I know... I won't let them take you away from me again...
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 196
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 23, 2024 7:00:09 GMT -8
She smiled and put both her own hands on Fiora's cheeks, bringing her down for a deep and passionate kiss. Before long, Jin was hold Fiora tightly against her. It was the kind of hold that could only come from being with a loved one that you thought you may never see again. Jin let herself melt into the warmth of her girlfriend's own embrace. And soon, for the first time sine leaving, fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 23, 2024 19:33:02 GMT -8
The Morning After...Much like Jin, Fiora had badly needed last night. It had been a chance to relax and forget about what was happening around them, enjoying one another's company in ways they'd been denied for so long. The sleep that had occurred afterwards had begun restful and peaceful enough, with Jin's presence keeping at bay the visions that had often haunted her dreams. The Empress had been glad to embrace that peace, but even Jin's presence had not been enough to completely guarantee peace...
The image was hazy, but she seemed to be in some meeting room. Perhaps aboard a Star Destroyer? or maybe it was within an Imperial Base? A Palace? The background was difficult to make out. But around the table sat many familiar faces: Harnan Ren, Silas Darkstar, Octavian Delvardus, Roland Ferrum, Thomas Zahn, Jenia Kasalle. Behind them stood retinues of Officers, Staffers, and Knights of both orders. Many around the table did not look overly happy to be there, but begrudgingly agreed it seemed. Something was being discussed, something about peace talks? Jin's hoped for outcome. But who was surrendering to who?
Before she had been capable of pondering that answer for long, the doors burst open and Jin was there shouting about how they had all been fooled and she had evidence. The next few moments had become fuzzy in her recollection with some data being put up on the projector in the middle of the table. Details about who had been responsible for it all. Then there was the sound of a lightsaber activating and the next thing Fiora knew, Jin's head had been sliced clean off and had flown through the air into her lap. Harnan stood with his saber gripped and activated as he pushed up from his seat and launched himself across the table.
NOOOOOOOOOO.
The word was stuck in her throat, trying to call off the Master of the Ren. Her body was soon in motion of its own accord, her lightsaber activating right into her father's back and bringing his motion to an abrupt stop. She could hear herself wailing aloud as she turned upon those within the room in her grief and slaughtered everyone...
A cold shiver ran down her spine as she recalled the nightmare, her hand clutching Jin's shoulder as her girlfriend continued to sleep. She'd never seen Jin's future in her visions before. Even events that had involved her had often been obscured in the past. But not this one... Something dark sat within the future and what ever Jin found lead to her death. It wasn't the first time this nightmare had haunted her, but this was the clearest it had ever been. How likely this future was, however, remained unclear. She'd seen visions of so many futures, but the current events had seemed to always boil down to two outcomes. This was always the worst one.
She carefully extracted herself from Jin's sleeping grasp and crossed the room to the full length mirror that hung upon the wall. Jin would see this investigation through, no matter what. There was no stopping Jin, but neither did Fiora wish to sit idly by or interfere too directly. Doing nothing was a guarantor of death. But maybe there was a way to guide the course of events off that path...
She sighed as she examined herself in the reflective surface. Well if she was going to do anything, she couldn't go walking around looking like herself, that much was certain. She spun around slowly, before making slow and subtle adjustments. Her skin took on a copper tone and her hair became a deeper crimson hue. Her iris' disappeared as her eyes became an expanse of green. Within moments she went from looking like Fiora Ren to looking like someone else entirely.
She let out a breath as she examined her new look in the mirror. She'd become quite skilled over the years with controlling her transformations, even as limited as they were compared to her Mother's skill. But even so, she still sometimes had to take a moment to take it all in. She did not look like herself. Instead some alien that she had seen at some point in the past stood where she should have been standing. It was difficult not to examine and admire herself, losing herself in thoughts of who this was and what their backstory might be. Things needed to craft an identity to sell to others
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Jin Song
Member
Posts: 196
Affiliation: First Order- Fiora Delvardus
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Post by Jin Song on May 24, 2024 12:36:35 GMT -8
Jin felt herself stirring not long later. Her dreams were far less precognitive, or if they were, she was not skilled enough to decipher the heavy analogies that they took the form of. But she noticed a change, it was colder and her arm was no longer wrapped around Fiora. This sent wave of panic through her body as she temporarily forgot she wasn't still in an active warzone. She sat up, drawing her saber hilt from under her pillow. Her eyes quickly fell upon the perceived stranger standing in her room. Blankets went flying as Jin leapt to her feet. What have you done with- She caught herself as her other sense caught up with her fight-or-flight response. Feeling the familiar presence in the Force, that was Fiora emanating from the stranger, Jin looked puzzled, then embarrassed as she sat back down on the side of the bed, setting the inactive hilt beside her. I'm sorry, kinda forgot you could do that. And that we're- safe wasn't a word Jin was willing to use about this place, for either of them... here. Why the change?
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 351
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on May 25, 2024 3:41:01 GMT -8
Fiora had been so engrossed in her examination and final adjustments that she was startled and spun around when Jin awoke and launched from the bed. She froze, naked and unarmed as it seemed like Jin was about to attack. But thankfully the strike did not come as Jin caught herself and took a seat back down on the bed. Fiora finally remembered to breath and relaxed a little herself, before feeling a blush burn across her nose as she caught up with the situation. She grabbed up one of the blankets and wrapped it around herself
No, I am the one who is sorry, I should have waited till you were awake...
She moved over to the bed and slipped down to sit next to Jin. Normally she was not overly shy about being undressed around Jin, but she was trying to be thoughtful about what her girlfriend had been through and what she might have been feeling right now. Having a shapeshifter for a partner was a unique experience and one which required some delicacy. She tentatively reached out her copper toned hand and rested it on Jin's shoulder
You said someone was behind all of this and you intended to find out who that was, so... I wanted to help and it would not do well for the Empress to be casually going around asking questions and investigating what ever is going on...
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