Yvaine Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 56 
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Yvaine Delvardus on Apr 3, 2023 5:12:51 GMT -8
When the well intentioned hovering of her "aunts" Ishild and Nicolina becomes somewhat overbearing, Yvaine excuses herself and, accompanied by the, fortunately silent, Stormtrooper from the Emperor's Talons that Nicolina insists shadow her, aimlessly roams the labyrinthian halls of the Imperial Palace, choosing the less traveled to avoid any unwanted company, until she finds herself at the Convocation Hall. Sensing the presence of her eldest siblings inside, Yvaine has the Stormtrooper remain outside as she enters the Hall just in time, as she lingers near the doors hesitantly, to see Fiora seating herself upon the Throne. Others might find Fiora's actions bordering on irreverent, but Yvaine knows her sister well enough to recognize she is simply attempting to lighten the mood pervading the atmosphere with a bit of levity for her twin's benefit. Remus and Octavian both seem to have inherited the stoic nature that was a pronounced facet of Nicademus' personality, while she has always felt that she and Fiora received more of the gaiety that lay beneath his surface and was known to and shared with only a select few.
Yvaine has always been envious of the bond between the twins; while she and Remus are close, their bond pales in comparison to that which Fiora and Octavian share. Her insatiable curiosity, naturally, had led her to study the primary attachment and indeilble identity known to exist between twins, and yet Yvaine knows that she will only ever understand it on an intellectual level.
After debating momentarily whether she might be intruding upon a moment best left uninterrupted, Yvaine, in lieu of a greeting, begins walking towards the Throne and cheerfully suggests, "Consort, explaining to Fiora as she hugs Octavian, Jin would be your consort, Fi. Tilting her head to the side and chuckling, she opines, Though I can't imagine she would like that particular title any more than she would any other. Fiora and Jin's feelings for one another have, to Yvaine, always been self evident despite the fact they had never seemed to pursue them beyond a certain point, and she detects something in Fiora's voice and expression when she speaks of Jin now that suggests that may no longer be the case. Happy as she might be for Fiora should she be right, and to learn whether or not she indeed is correct in what she suspects, Yvaine doesn't feel as now is the moment to pursue the subject, and instead, joins her sister in trying to keep Octavian from sinking in to grief or worry over the future, asking Octavian with a crooked grin, What do you think, bigger, more comfy and less spartan chair for you, Ocky? Or just make due with this one?"
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Apr 3, 2023 20:00:05 GMT -8
Octavian knew that Fiora, and soon Yvaine, were only trying to cheer him up. After all, he had lately been brooding and thinking deeply, often staring at the doorway of the now vacant chambers of the Emperor and never once daring to enter. Their father's body had already been to be prepared for the funeral to come. The doctors and morticians were working their best to bring life and vitality back to the now deceased. His circle of companions, those who would be like Piett, his uncles, and Arcavius to him, even tried to approach and speak with him. However, for now, the would-be Emperor simply drew up his shields and kept to himself. Roderick, in the end, told his long time friend to take his time and so did the Imperial do so.
Hence why Fiora and Yvaine were just deciding it was best to interrupt and talk to him. They were likely one of the few, including Remus, Roderick, Roland, who could approach Octavian in this state of mind and get a response. These Force sensitive cousins and siblings of his could sense his thoughts and emotions much easier. Thus they did what they did best: intrude and try to cheer him up.
Octavian was quietly grateful when Fiora did his hair into its usual knot, followed by Yvaine even giving him a hug. A smile tugged at the side of his lips, but the stoic nature of him reformed and kept him looking still serious. His gaze look upward and straight at Fiora as she sat upon their father's throne. He waved his hand off in the direction of where the Imperial could sense Jin.
Seems a bit cruel to hoist her up a Consort though. Jin would probably be overwhelmed by the public's desire to get to know her better.
Poor Jin would be hounded by the HNN reporters more than likely. She had made it a job to not be too well known, from what he understood. Not a bad thing though as she was still making a path for herself, following what she desired to do, and staying strong to the side of his twin sister. There were those that knew of her, the one always at the side of Fiora. His sister's one and only true friend... given the disdain towards the Ren. Octavian was ever grateful that their father had never once shown disapproval to such a bond, but did his best to show that he welcomed Jin.
Perhaps father made it so to ensure he didn't want to stay long. A ruler tied too much to their seat is hardly a good thing.
Still, perhaps the throne could enjoy something plush underneath a person. It was an Admiral's seat, similar to what people, like Thrawn, had sat upon. Then he glanced at Yvaine who was with them. He gestures to the throne, thinking upon his sister's suggestions towards the seat's evolution.
But I suppose something... comfortable to sit upon might be an improvement.
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Apr 4, 2023 1:11:52 GMT -8
Fiora continued to lounge upon the Throne, even as uncomfortable as it was, she had gotten herself into it now and it felt like too much effort to so quickly extract herself from it. Her gaze turned toward the doors and followed the progress her sister makes across the hall
Consort! yes! Thank you Yvaine!
She smiled as Yvaine hugged against Octavian and saw the slightest tug of a smile start to appear upon his dour expression, before it was gone once again. She pointed a finger at him
Hey! I saw that! We saw that! Didn't we Yvaine! He smiled! And I thought it was merely a myth that you could achieve such a feat Brother!
Soon however, both Yvaine and Octavian were quickly pointing out the dislike Jin would have for being a Consort and the attention it would bring. At least in terms of her being Empress were related. Truth be told, Jin hadn't been all that bothered by such use of the term last night... The first night her and Jin had officially spent together. Such lingering thoughts cause her face to grow hot and a blush to creep across her cheeks. Not wanting to let it grow too much further, she tried to act normally, but almost certainly failed
I think Consort is an unfair title! You know? If Octavian gets married, his wife takes the title of Empress. So I think I'd make her... Hmm... No I think you're both right she'd rather hate any sort of title...
She let out another pronounced sigh. Truth be told, she didn't much care what title Jin would have gotten. As long as they were together, that would have been all that mattered. Thankfully her brother turned the topic of conversation to the matter of the Throne and its comfort, or current lack thereof
Listen, until you actually sit in this thing yourself, you don't get to opinion about it. And you don't get to sit on it until you smile Octavian, until then, I'm Empress! And my first declaration is that Yvaine can tickle you as much as she wants... I recommend you smile fast Ocky, I hear Yvaine can be quite ruthless...
Was she tip-toeing the line? Absolutely. But this was the kind of shenanigans she had gotten up to with Jin a lot over the years and was just what was needed. Her thoughts lingered upon her girlfriend for a moment, gently reaching out and brushing against Jin's presence to assure her all was well
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Yvaine Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 56
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Yvaine Delvardus on Apr 4, 2023 4:59:20 GMT -8
More than happy to walk through the proverbial door that Fiora, by maintaining an entertainingly light, airy, and humorous tone in an effort to cheer their oh-so-serious sibling, opens, Yvaine executes a picture perfect curtsy when congratulated on having correctly guessed the word her sister had been thinking of. When asked if she saw what Fiora characterizes as a smile on Octavian's face, Yvaine theatrically adopts a scholarly pose, resting her chin atop the back of her hand as, employing an appropriately dry and academic tone, complete with a slight nasal inflection, she drones, "Why, yes, dear sister of mine, I did see it, brief though it was, though I really must confess that I am, personally speaking, not quite sure that, as it involved only one side of the mouth, it did not more accurately constitute a grin rather than a smile. Lifting her index finger into the air to prevent any interruption whether or not one might have been forthcoming, Yvaine continues, However, I will allow that the grin, in and of itself, offers rather compelling evidence that our esteemed brother may, in fact, have it within his facial repertoire to actually and irrefutably smile, should he so choose."
Fiora's attempt to act normally after blushing for reasons Yvaine suspects have to do with the memories all the talk of Jin have brought up does indeed fail, evidenced by Yvaine's left eyebrow arched characteristically in a display of amusement, made even more apparent by her knowing smile, both of which, when added together, let Fiora know that there will likely be questions later should her younger sister find an opportunity to ask them.
Etymology and cultural anthropology both among the interests that Yvaine has, at one time or another, courted, she cannot resist protesting when Fiora suggests consort would be an unfair title for Jin, cheerfully explaining, "Actually, setting aside the issue of whether or not Jin would want any title, the term is quite fair when you think of it. In Galactic Basic, con means together with, while sort, in this particular case, means lot, or destiny, so sharing a destiny together. And, when you look at the usage of the term in most historically imperialistic systems, the only real difference between an Empress and a Consort, when whether or not they ascended to the throne by succession or marriage is not the issue, their social . . . waving a hand as she trails off upon realizing that she is putting far too much thought into the matter, Yvaine laughs and says, In any event, I stand by my earlier assertion that titles in general are not something that Jin is concerned with or interested in, and Octavian is absolutely correct in saying that she would not enjoy being in the public eye at all."
Smiling in what is supposed to be a menacing way but is more likely than not simply a goofy one, when Fiora threatens Octavian with the possibility of having their youngest sibling unleashed upon him, Yvaine lifts her hands and wiggles her fingers while nodding in agreement with her sister's assertion that she can be ruthless, telling Octavian as she advances towards him, "Best comply with her declaration as quickly as she suggests, Ocky," and then immediately proceeds to deny him the opportunity to do so as she begins tickling his sides merrily.
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Apr 7, 2023 21:01:43 GMT -8
There was a silent sigh that came from Octavian as he watched his sisters speak in the silly way they were now; trying to make him smile with the threat of tickles if he didn't. He knew that Yvaine and Fiora were just doing their best to cheer him up, considering what was to come. The heavy thoughts, the deep thinking, all of pressed down upon Octavian since sensing the departure of their father's soul. The position of Emperor and assumption of rule was a heavy cloud over his mood... and all the responsibilities added that would suddenly be thrust upon him. A smile was all they wanted. They just wanted to make sure Octavian was gonna be alright.
As Yvaine advanced though, Octavian reacted quickly, stepping a quick couple steps back. It wasn't that he didn't want to be tickled, but it was more a natural reaction. Yet when the Imperial's head was lifted, there was a genuine smile upon his lips. The good intentions of his siblings had done their work when the would-be Emperor was seen smiling in one of the rare times he ever did. Octavian was ever too serious, even as a child. But when he did smile, it was always a good one to reveal to those around him.
Alright! Alright, you two, you got me to smile.
Octavian replies, the smiling persisting even after he spoke. These two... they were truly sisters to gang up on their brother to make him smile.
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Apr 7, 2023 21:55:24 GMT -8
Fiora felt her cheeks start to burn as Yvaine went into explaining the root meanings of the words that made up consort. Sharing a Destiny together. It was both an exciting but also somewhat embarrassing thought. Perhaps eventually she would be able to think of what was going on without turning into a tomato. No doubt once things could be more formally announced to everyone after the funeral. But until then, it was mostly just their little secret.
Thankfully relief came in the form of Yvaine trying to attack and tickle Octavian. Then at last, their Brother finally broke into a genuine smile. She smirked in triumph
Much better Brother...
She slipped off the Throne then and stood upright as she walked toward Octavian and Yvaine. The smile proved that he was at least not beyond the brink and would yet be fine. Grief could be a dangerous poison, driving those of the Light into Darkness where they would be controlled by it. She reached out her hand and summoned her helmet off the ground and across the short distance into her grip. Slipping it beneath her right arm she came to a stop next to her pair of siblings, with Yvaine closest to her while her gaze sat upon Octavian for a moment
You're ready Octavian... It's a cruel life we live as Royals, unable to properly and truly grieve as others would for the passing of a Father. But your people need you to smile and show them that everything is alright. If you feel as if you can't, just remember this moment... And please make sure you look after yourself, or make sure someone is...
She pinched her nose with her free hand, nudging Yvaine as she does so
Come Sister, let me save you from our Brother's... regal scent...
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Yvaine Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 56
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Yvaine Delvardus on Apr 8, 2023 5:18:28 GMT -8
Yvaine pouts a bit when Octavian deftly evades her attempt to tickle him, but since he has actually smiled doesn't pursue him. Nodding when Octavain points out that he has smiled, Yvaine cheerily agrees, "You most certainly did! Well done, Ocky. I hope, she jokes with an amused grin, It doesn't pain you too much."
Becoming a tiny bit more somber when Fiora offers her twin some rather sound advice, Yvaine cannot help but feel a pang of sympathy for her older siblings when reminded of the fact that, unlike Remus and herself, both had their futures mapped out for them from birth, and that their roles come with responsibilities and sacrifices that must be difficult more often than not. Feeling that there is little she could add to Fiora's advice, and that doing so might seem redundant at best and demonstrative of a lack of faith at worst, Yvaine settles for giving Octavian two thumbs up as she walks backwards for a moment as she and Fiora begin to leave the hall, cheerfully telling Octavian, "You got this, bro'! Crinkling her nose comically, she adds in a hushed tone, I think Fifi means you could benefit from some time in a 'fresher," before waving and turning around.
Linking her arm in Fiora's once they have left the hall, the Stormtrooper that had been waiting outside beginning to follow behind them at a respectful distance, Yvaine smiles mischievously as she says, "So, you and Jin, huh? That she is not asking a question is evident when she smiles and tells Fiora, It certainly took the two of you long enough. Having noted that Fiora had seemed embarrassed earlier when speaking about Jin, Yvaine decides not to dwell on the subject much more, simply telling her sister with a smile, I am so very happy for you both," since she is truly happy that her sister has someone close to her at this time, and given that Jin is also a Ren, will likely not be apart from her often at all.
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Fiora Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 352
Affiliation: The First Order - The Knights of Ren
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Post by Fiora Ren on Apr 8, 2023 20:11:58 GMT -8
She finally let go of her nose as she got far enough away, grinning as Yvaine made clear what Fiora herself had only subtly hinted at. Her arm was thus at her side and available as Yvaine caught up and slipped her arm through. Within the confines of the Palace, she could be a little less guarded about her interactions and time spent with her younger Siblings. She'd spent years keeping her distance, especially in public, to prevent miring them in associations with a Knight of Ren. Something which she always feared would make them resent her for staying so distant. But walking arm in arm with Yvaine seemed to indicate that such a fear was unfounded, at least where her younger sister was concerned.
The edges of her ears took on a red tinge as Yvaine commented on the one thing she had very accidentally blurted comments out about. Her smile more reserved and smaller as they walked along
Th-thank you Yvaine. It has been... complicated between us to say the least. Things are arguably more complicated right now, but... Life is rarely perfectly aligned.
She reached for and gave Yvaine's hand a squeeze then
I may be bad at keeping secrets, but please don't mention anything to the others just yet, ok? It'll be our little secret, until at least after Ocky's coronation.
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Yvaine Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 56
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Yvaine Delvardus on Apr 10, 2023 18:32:40 GMT -8
Yvaine notes the red creeping into Fiora's ears as she asserts that life is seldom uncomplicated, and manages not to look too amused as, nodding in agreement with her sister's statement, in a mildly forcibly cheerful tone replies, "You are not wrong, sis'," deciding not to dwell overlong on the train of thought when she has managed to keep herself from falling over the edge of the gaping chasm of melancholy that life's most recent complication has opened for her family.
Giving Fiora's hand a squeeze in reply to the one she had given her, Yvaine smiles while using her free hand to mime turning a lock in a key over her lips as she says, in case the visual had not been clear enough, "My lips are sealed, Fifi! It is, after all, Fiora's news to tell, and, as such, the choice of when or if to tell it is hers and hers alone so far as Yvaine is concerned. Guessing that Fiora would prefer not to linger on the subject any longer for the time being, Yvaine suppresses her natural inclination to dig as deeply into matters as she can in order to sate her boundless curiosity, and asks what will probably seem like - unless one were somehow able to trace the path of Yvaine's thoughts from the ideas of controlling the flow of information and learning more about others through observing their behavior to the question of how one's interests in such things might be put to use in a way that was of benefit to the Empire their father built, which has been very much on her mind since her father spoke his last words to her - a very random question, What do you know about Psyops? Well, she amends her question upon realizing it is perhaps too broad, getting into that field, I mean. Like, she continues refining her question without pausing at all between each attempt to clarify one last time, would a degree in behavioral science be better than one in political science, in your opinion?"
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Post by Octavian Delvardus on Apr 11, 2023 12:02:44 GMT -8
A couple days would pass since Octavian spoke with his sister within the Convocation Hall. In that time, it had been empty, occupied by the trio, then empty once more. The next time those doors opened, the throne room was filled with new persons, dressed in various armors and holding an even wider variety of positions. These persons were divided into three columns, representing the three key means to enforce and defend the will of the Emperor and thus the will of the nation. In the center stood an elite company of the 501st Legion, veterans of both the Old and Young Guard Stormtroopers. At their head was their commander, High Colonel Mallius Valen, who had been a member of the unit since its reformation under his father during the early days of the resurgent Empire.
The adjacent columns represented the two Force-using orders. To the right, from where Octavian would stand, were the Imperial Knights, his brethren and sisters, many of whom had been educated alongside him, fought beside the Imperial Prince, and gotten to know him more personally. They were to be his Shields and Protectors. These individuals were led by both the Dowager Empress, Faina Delvardus, and the Steward, Brock Ferrum. To the left of the throne, in a much smaller formation, would be the Knights of Ren, led by Harnan, alongside the favored of their ranks, his twin sister, Fiora. Although the Ren were a much smaller organization, in terms of Force users, they had brought a company of their own Purge Troopers to size things up.
After the morning hours had gone by, all had gathered before the throne. The immediate family was present; Remus dressed in a fine officer outfit, Yvaine in her formal clothes, Baltasar in his Grand Marshal's uniform, Brock Ferrum in his Imperial Knight's armor, Faina Delvardus dressed as her post as Dowager Empress, and so forth. Even Roland was present, along with the cadre of those who Octavian trusted the most. A handful of leading commanders and officials were present as well, although a separate oath would be made where the Imperial Military High Command would bend the knee to their new Emperor and offer their oaths to him. This was the first of those ceremonies, representing the key elements that would be at the hands of Octavian from this day forth.
There he stood, the young successor to Nicademus. Octavian stood before the throne, yet did not sit. He would not be seated till the three oaths were given in this room, a decision that the Imperial made himself. His eyes looked between the three columns, knowing what was to come of this day and ceremonial process. After a moment of silence, happening after his arrival to the room, Octavian would speak.
You three, before this throne, are what helped ensure my father's rise. Imperial Knights who protected his person, Knights of Ren who charged against his foes, the 501st Legion who was the tip of the spear, the vanguard, in our expansion and glorified campaigns... you three are the manifestations of the martial power and brilliant glory of this Empire. You three represent the means by which this order has thrived, this society has been protected, and by which our Empire has grown.
Octavian speaks firmly and loud for all to hear. He had rehearsed this the best he could and hopefully it would get to the point.
The death of my father is the end of an era, but not the end of the Empire. By his will, I have been named his successor and thus to be the Second Emperor of our nation. But before I sit upon this throne, I turn to you and ask for your oaths. To continue to serve this nation, under my reign, as you did to my great father.
And so, the hall fell silent. But only for a second.
Although they were almost in competition for who would kneel first, the Stormtroopers, representing the 501st, removed their helmets and knelt before the successor of Nicademus. They were formed as the Imperial Guard, the elite of the elite, the most loyal of loyal, and the most able of the able. They swore an oath to serve the throne and the designated ruler and their successor. That oath would not be altered, for they had served Nicademus loyally and they would follow Octavian through fire and brimstone if need be.
The Imperial Knights followed suit, kneeling mere seconds with the Stormtroopers. They had known Octavian personally. Some even grow up alongside him and saw what he had become. At long last, they thought, at long last, an Emperor from their ranks, just as the Fels before. All that remained where the Knights of Ren.
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Harnan Ren
Knights of Ren
Posts: 602
Affiliation: Knights of Ren
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Post by Harnan Ren on Apr 11, 2023 15:31:05 GMT -8
The last time Harnan had set foot within the Halls had been during the grand ball Nicademus had thrown to celebrate the First Order's victory upon Coruscant. An event which had taken place some 15 years prior. Sure, he had visited the Palace on many prior occasions, but he had never stood before the Throne. Back then he'd been another Knight of Ren serving beneath a shadowy Master who had dark designs upon the future of the Throne and the Empire. Life had been a deal simpler back then. He had only his own plans and life to worry about. But lie rarely was ever that simple always.
He'd carried out his plan and seen an end to the previous Master of the Ren, removing the lingering threat that had endangered Fiora's life. He'd thought then that his fight was over, that he could finally rest. But that had proven false. After Soku had fallen, the title of Master of the Ren had passed to him. Not one he had ever actively pursued or looked to attain, but one that fell to him never-the-less. And now here he stood as the Master of the Ren at the head of the Knights of Ren and their Purge Troopers as the First Order experienced another grand momentous occasion.
The Ren stood arrayed behind him clad in their armour, listening as Octavian gave his speech and called for the three branches to swear their oaths. It was no surprised when the 501st were the first to kneel. They were Stormtroopers, representative of the every day soldier that worked for and served the Empire. It followed suit that the Imperial Knights were then the next to Kneel to Octavian, who was himself a member of their Order. Harnan's gaze lingered across to where Faina knelt. He'd once warned her of a heavy burden that was yet to come. He could see the weight already upon her from Nicademus' death. But it was not over. Not yet.
He turned his focus back to the Throne then as it fell to the Ren as the last remaining branch to give their Oath
So long as the Throne and those whom sit upon it remain loyal to the Knights of Ren, then we shall remain loyal to and uphold our Oath...
Unlike the 501st, the Ren did not remove their helmets as they took their knee before the Emperor. Despite Harnan and Fiora's comparative "fame", the rest of the Ren did not wish to put their old identities on full display for the 501st, Imperial Knights, and those within the Military High Command that were present. It was something Octavian would likely be understanding of, but one Harnan suspected would draw the ire of others for such a perceived insult. Not that he much cared, let them feel insulted
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
Traffic Light: Green
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Apr 11, 2023 17:09:42 GMT -8
In light of the future plans for the mantle of Grandmaster of the Imperial Knights being passed on to Octavian, Faina attends the ceremony in a black, veiled mourning gown rather than in her armor. As she listens to Octavian speak, pride and grief are inextricably wound together within her; proud as she is of the man her eldest son has become, Faina has yet to escape the shadow of anguish that Nicademus' passing has cast over her, draining all else of color and leaving her feeling hollowed out, devoid of direction and purpose when she knows that both are still to yet to be found if only she could escape from beneath the crushing weight of loss threatening to consume her.
Kneeling with her fellow Imperial Knights when the time comes, Faina feels a faint stirring of renewed purpose within, being an Imperial Knight so much a part of her identity that the act of swearing the oath to the new Emperor, himself an Imperial Knight, cannot but succeed in enkindling the embers of resolve to fulfill her duty as an Imperial Knight that still burn beneath the ashes left in the wake of the devouring dolor within her.
Beneath her veil, Faina's eyes move from Octavian to his twin, Fiora, as, after Harnan speaks of loyalty bought with loyalty, she and her fellow Knights of Ren kneel as the 501st and Imperial Knights had before them. Seeing Fiora with her siblings over the past days had been of some comfort to Faina, witnessing that their time apart had not completely alienated them from one another a small delight even sorrow could not completely blot out even though Faina knows circumstance will likely part them once more all too soon. As her eyes move from her eldest daughter to Harnan, Faina feels a slight chill as she recalls his words to her about a burden that would come, blissfully unaware that the weight she suffers beneath now is not the entirety of what was prophesied in Harnan's portentous augury.
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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 Jun 3, 2023 8:13:20 GMT -8
After departing the palace landing platforms, the First Prefect arrived at the Convocation Hall with Esthh Krazhmir accompanying him. The Intendant presented a unique sight in his excessively opulent ceremonial garb, which including a shimmering glistaweb robe that sparkled like a star speckled tapestry, trailing a long train of living fabric held aloft by a swarm of buzzing beetle shaped biots. As only the Emperor...the former Emperor that was, and Grand Admiral Jenia were familiar with his face, he might not be recognized at first glance. Especially given the false face he was currently wearing, a layer of second skin known as a masquer that replaced his ugly scarred visage with a mask of elegant alien beauty, fashionably tattooed and almost benevolent in its presentation. The lips of the false face peeled back into a pleasant smile as his glowing emerald green eyes shone through mask, his mqaaq'it ocular implants focusing across the hall at the young monarch.
After reaching the appropriate place accorded to him by the rank Nicademus personally bestowed upon him personally, the Executor took a knee and bowed his head, offering words his own pledge to the new Emperor. A small porous shelled crustacean clung to his neck just beneath Nem's throat, serving in the same capacity as an infidel microphone. When he spoke, his accented voice was almost melodic, certainly far more pleasant than his usual harsh tone.
"We of the Praetorite Vong reaffirm our pledge of loyalty to the Imperial crown, and wish to reassure the Thrown that Anobis and Garqi will continue to provide for the Empire's agricultural needs during this difficult period of transition."
Picking up the billowing sides of his sparkling robe, Nem curtsied from his place, briefly meeting Emperor Octavian's stern gaze. 'We will be watching your career with great interest, O'Emperor', thought the Intendant. While he had great respect for Octavian's father, he hadn't yet made up his mind on the son. Time, and more importantly, how he treated the Yuuzhan Vong would determine what the future held...for both their peoples. The Intendant manipulated the false face he wore to present a warm smile. He waved to the others in attendance.
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Harini Bralor
The Mandalorian Assembly
Posts: 165
Affiliation: The Mando'ade
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Post by Harini Bralor on Jun 3, 2023 21:24:04 GMT -8
After the Vong has offered the Praetoriate's reaffirmation of loyalty to the crown, Ksenia surreptitiously nudges Harini to suggest that they, as the representatives chosen by Clan Bralor's aliit'alor to make the journey to Corsuscant to do the same, take the opportunity to play the part they have been sent to play.
Harini, armored in yellow and black beskar'gam, is the first to kneel and lower her head after moving to the space before the throne Octavian stands in front of, with Ksenia, in her red and white armor, doing so after her. While her Basic is not as fluid as her Mando'a, Harini nonetheless manages not to mangle the short, simple and completely unadorned declaration she has practiced enough that it is delivered in a sure albeit slightly accented tone, In accordance with the Treaty of Agamar, Clan Bralor reaffirms its alliance with the First Order.
As she stands, Harini gives the Dowager Empress a nod meant to convey her condolences for the loss of her husband; having met Faina briefly during one of the visits she had made to Agamar, Harini wishes they could be renewing their acquaintance in less sorrowful times. Ksenia rises after her clanswoman, and the two return to their places.
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Post by Esthh Krazhmir on Jun 13, 2023 20:22:07 GMT -8
Esthh had followed Roland and Nem into the Convocation Hall, giving the place a quick look, taking in the opulence in both design and ceremony. The myriad of sects of soldiers and warriors, many he could only recognize from traditional trappings or weaponry they carried as belonging to some group or other, not that any of them were not without note, no, most of them that he could recognize were known as martial groups with storied pasts and well earned reputations. Some of them were known to have given the Vong years ago, a humiliating defeat or two, refusing to bow or break to the extragalactic invaders. Now many of those same long ago enemies were standing shoulder to shoulder united. This emperor who had recently passed must have bee quite the ruler to be able to bring such flavors of fighters together and hold them together. Nem had spoken highly, if briefly about him, it was a shame that Esthh had not gotten the chance to know him. Perhaps he had written memoirs or stories on how he had achieved his successes in his own words, or perhaps someone had accurately recorded his deeds in all honesty and not through the tinted and colored view of a zealot.
As Nem gave his oath of fealty to this new emperor, Esthh was not required to do anything other than stand there, his oath was not required being an outsider, how outside wasn’t known by those around him and he was content to leave that unknown where it was. These people seemed to not know how large the Praetorite Vong were or how closely aligned or powerful they were, the answer was not much. Even his relationship with Nem Yin was still precarious and in its infancy. The fact that Nem Yin had only pledged loyalty and continued agricultural support was not lost on Esthh.
The ceremony itself was not that different from the other passing of power from one manarch or ruler to the next. Those who failed to swear fealty were suspect and to be watched. The transition of power was rare without turmoil…the transitions in the Vong’s history was far more often than not very bloody. Unless the clan in power was so powerful and so well allied that the other factions didn’t dare do anything but appear in complete compliance. Perhaps that was one reason why there had been the rise of the assassin sects…to weaken the hinges of an enemies fortress…no matter if that enemy looked the same or different.
Esthh was on alert, but not concerned, violence at a coronation was the least likely course of action, too many of the important would be here and it was a known location and time, the defenses and alert level were far to high to try anything, but then, they were that way because in times past violence had occurred. No matter. If the gods…well if fate or the Force or whatever actually existed out there writing fates dictated that something should happen here, he was at its mercy. He was stuck here with Nem Yin, his troops and ships were many parsecs away. What would happen would happen. He inwardly settled in to watch and listen, his maa’it implants were no more useful than any normal eyes, seeing in this case was more metaphorical, adding in everything his senses and political acumen could put together in a tapestry of connections, colors, and images of this unfamiliar empire.
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