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Meira
She don't mess around
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Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Jul 22, 2009 15:54:26 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Jul 22, 2009 15:54:26 GMT -5
The King stood on a balcony, looking over Corellia's capital city, his face blank. Hands gripped the railing with subtle strength, and grey eyes hid the turmoil within. It had been two weeks, and Rook's sorrow had yet to begin to dwindle. His rage even less so. If anything, Rook was more furious now than when the incident had occured. How could no one have been found?! It made no sense. Two weeks had passed and all that could be said of his family's assassins was that they were gone.
Security officials and investigators had been at work nonstop to find some sort of clues, but had yet to find any. A formal request for assistance was being drawn up to be sent to the Jedi on Coruscant, but Rook feared that having to turn to them migh make him seem weak. He had promised his people that justice would be swift. But each passing day made him a liar. His inability to follow through with his promise was never more obvious than at the funeral.
As he stood behind a podium, six caskets displayed before him, giving another speech, he could see the dispair in his people's eyes, the apathy to his words. Nothing he could say could comfort them, because until he discovered who the assasins were, his words were empty of meaning.
Rook turned away from the balcony and stalked back into his chambers. He couldn't bear to look out onto the city he couldn't protect. He collapsed into a sitting chair, his hand moving through his hair. All of the meetings and decrees he was suddenly responsible for as king seemed meaningless to him. His advisers tried to encourage him to see beyond the darkness of this time, but he could not pull inspiration from their words, nor the ones he spoke to the Corellian people. Perhaps that is why their eyes reflected his sadness. They could feel his futility.
A knock on the door preceded the entrance of a servant who bowed as he entered. Rook barely turned his head toward the man as he waited for the reason for the disturbance.
Your Highness, a visitor has arrived.
I am not expecting any visitors. Send them away. Rook waved his hand dismissiongly, but the servant merely bowed again. What? Who is it?
Queen Sali Hyria of Onderon, my Lord.
Rook froze for a moment, his eyes widened with shock. Sali? Here? Rook's mind raced with questions and he had to shake his head to clear his thoughts. Standing up, Rook cleared his throat and straightened his suit jacket.
Very well. Have her shown her to the recieving hall. Offer her refreshments and anything she might require. I will be there shortly.
The servant bowed out of the room, leaving Rook alone. He paced a few times back and forth across the floor, his eyes darting around the room. He hadn't seen Sali since the night of the Senator's Gala. Aside from the unpredicatable events of that evening, so much had happened since they'd last seen each other. Could that be why she was here?
Rook stepped over to a mirror to ensure his clothes were not wrinkled. He took a short cape from a peg and draped it on his shoulders, only to toss it aside immediately. Sali didn't care for the fanfare of their stations. He had no reason to try and impress her, much as he might have wanted to. Smoothing his hair back with one last look in the mirror, Rook exited his chambers and made his way to the recieving hall.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Jul 23, 2009 5:34:53 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Jul 23, 2009 5:34:53 GMT -5
Sali marveled at the difference Corellia imposed upon her. The city beyond contrasted her home, her cities appearing to be more whitewashed than Corellia’s. The architecture was a delightful change to the eyes. The attitudes and auras of the people she had already crossed paths with (mainly the guards and the servants) struck her odd bone for a moment, but settled for that maybe she was just as odd to them. The air and temperature varied highly from Onderon. She breathed in deep and released the breath quickly as her eyes wandered. Change was the main cause for the visit.
The queen had waited along with the royal guards as the servants relayed a message up to Rook. She didn’t mind waiting. She looked at everything from the tile of the flooring to the decorations on the walls. It was just like any other palace if the general view was placed as the foremost thought: ornately decorated and colored, filled with the best of everything to display the greatest riches of a planet, and polished and cleaned to a shining glow. It was this that struck so many people dead with amazement or brewed up a devilish envy for things they may not have. Living in a palace of sorts herself, Sali wasn’t thinking about how one could possess so many beautiful and expensive items. She examined into what made Corellia, Corellia. She looked for the unique items to smile upon their difference.
The certain shade of green made her feel as if she was a glowing torch, however. There were dark bands of the green, and she highlighted against them in her soft crèmes and golds and pale browns. For a moment Sali wondered if she should remove the golden tinted scarf she had fixed to cradle around her head. Her handmaiden dresser had applied it to simply hide the simple fix to her hair: just loosely held back away from her face though drifting across her shoulder to emerge from the scarf. She had left her crown, refusing to wear it, but wore a royal symbol bound on a chain across her neck. Even without the proud statement upon her head, Sali felt still she stood apart; she felt awkward though she hid it well.
“Queen Hyria,” the voice of servant announced. Sali took her attention away from some antique and focused in on the servant as he dipped lightly to her. “His Highness will be meeting you shortly. If you would follow me, please.”
“Of course,” she said with a small nod and a well performed light smile. The servant turned and began to lead her off, carrying her through to a certain area where she was once again informed Rook would be there. She refused an offer for refreshments. “I’ll be just fine, thank you though.”
She didn’t have long to wait. Rook arrived as soon as she had glanced up toward the ceiling to see what she could see. She directed a genuine smile his way, stepping forward to meet him with a respective dip. “I do believe I am greeting a King Rook Solosten of Corellia this time and not a junior senator. How go things?” Her face had softened a bit. She knew how he had advanced from the third prince to king in merely the span of one night. Sali could sympathize with him; from understanding the loss of family to being elevated to the highest of royalty in short time. She was here about change. And a special kind of change that could be hard to coup with. And when she had asked how he was, she had reached out to take his hand, to wrap hers around the outside edge of his and offer a very soft squeeze, hardly noticeable.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Jul 24, 2009 9:09:48 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Jul 24, 2009 9:09:48 GMT -5
When he entered the room and caught sight of her, Rook was reminded of the night they had first met. He was reminded again of the unexplainable pull he felt toward her that was both exciting, and unsettling. He was gifted only a few brief moments as he entered to take her in before her eyes turned toward him. It wasn't that she seemed fake in her expression toward him, quite the opposite, but in those few moments while she looked upward at the gold and deep green pattern of the ceiling she was not the Queen of Onderon. She was Sali Hyria.
Rook returned Sali's smile with one of his own, just as true, but with less spirit. He was honestly happy to see her, but he had a feeling why she was here, and he didn't much like thinking on it. He bowed in response to her dip and gave a mirthless chuckle at her comment.
I'm afraid so. He said, taking her hand into his as she asked how things were going. Without thinking, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed lightly on her knuckles. He hesitated for a moment, and then released her hand. Straightening up, he motioned towards a pair of soft couches, offering one to her before sitting down in the other.
As well as can be expected, I suppose. He said. His eyes had darkened at the words. His expectations had been higher than most it seemed, for he had been sorely disappointed from the beginning at his own ability. But now was not the time for such ruminations. He turned his eyes back to Sali, and they seemed to find some light. He could feel himself relaxing, something he hadn't done in some time now. The glow of her presence had that effect on him, and for a few moments, he did nothing but drink it in.
A door opened, and through it came a servant with a tray. On the tray was a bottle of Corellian wine. He set the tray down on the small table between the couches and poured two glaces. Before bowing out of the room, he announced that the Adviser's Council had sent the wine to honor Corellia's royal guest. Rook gave a small laugh, but nonetheless, picked up both glasses, handing one to Sali.
This is the same wine we drank at the Gala. If my memory serves me right, I believe you enjoyed it? He raised his glass slightly to her. To Onderon and her Queen. He then took a sip before setting it back down on the tray. Again he was tempted to simply sit in silence taking in her presence. But the rules of formal society pulled at his mind. It was Rook's turn to inquire.
And how go the affairs of Onderon? Yet again, Rook and Sali found themselves dancing to the tune of propriety.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Jul 25, 2009 4:45:04 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Jul 25, 2009 4:45:04 GMT -5
((Sorry Meira, bleh. One of the most blah posts ever. xD))
As she had expected from the moment she decided to pay him a visit, he wasn’t the Rook Solosten as he had been a few weeks ago. It pained her to notice a special spark had left him. A light shade of darkness had swallowed it up. It was only a light shade however, because of the position she was in. She was very certain he wasn’t acting quite like he would if he was in his personal chambers or tucked somewhere to himself. She remembered her performance act those weeks after her mother had passed on. The mask went on in the presence of others and it was instantaneously thrown away the moment she had been by herself or around the people who understood how she felt.
The few words he spoke after returning her smile and lightly kissing her hand confirmed her beliefs. That moment she allowed herself to look at him with concern, heart out to him. Sali wished he had held onto her hand, wishing there was some better way to conduct her understanding than through simple glances. The glances could only last for only a second before someone got after her about being incorrect on her formality. Sali did not know Corellia well, but Rook was flowing down the river of social correctness within their class and she was going to go along with it for now.
Sali had long since seated herself on the soft couches, a bit surprised at first her clothing failed to create enough friction to keep her from sliding. She had stood up and positioned herself a little more to center of the couch, using her feet to keep her from slipping. In those moments Rook had said nothing more. Her eyes connected with his when she glanced up again after situating herself on the couch and allowed a very soft curve to control her lips. She had been about ready to speak when a servant came in with the wine and the glasses. After setting down his presentation, the servant gave his announcement, bowed and left Sali and Rook sitting to themselves again.
“Advisors,” Sali commented, “Always like to make their presence known, do they not?” She slid forward a little on the couch, taking the glass and remained balanced on the edge of the couch. “I would hope you mean the same brand of wine, otherwise we’d be holding glasses of wine from the bellies of drunk Gala guests.” She smiled lightly again and raised her glass to mimic Rook. “And to the King of beautiful Corellia.”
The queen had meant it when she had said she would have been fine without refreshments. She took the courtesy sip and returned her glass to the tray as well before trying to slide back into position on the couch.
“Onderon? Oh, the people, the problems they come to me with, the nobles, the parties, the courting, the issues, the people, parties, nobles, et cetera. They translate into: Onderon is doing well.” She was slipping around the couch… again. “I apologize, but…My dress seems to be in disagreement with your couch. I keep slipping and sliding around as if I’m skidding on water. Could I get a chair, preferably not draped in the same fabric, to sit on?” She giggled lightly as she stood up, giving the couch a bit of an eye examination and resting a hand on it to feel the fabric just in case she encountered it again.
“Well, have the noble people come to bother you just yet or have you been given some kind of berth for now? Or, rather, and more importantly, how are YOU getting along?”
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Aug 3, 2009 9:35:15 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Aug 3, 2009 9:35:15 GMT -5
Yes, they do. I've been telling myself that they mean well.
Rook smiled faintly as they toasted each other, and then he too set his glass down. He chuckled at her comment about the gala and nodded his head, a lightness somehow coming to him. Perhaps it was her presence. Perhaps it was the wine combined with the whiskey he had been drinking earlier. But he had only had a couple of sips of that.
When Sali all but fell off the couch, Rook had stood quickly, taking her hand should she need the support. When she was on her own feet, he allowed her hand to slide out of his, though on impulse he had not immediately released her. A slight pressure had kept her hand in his for only a moment before his mind realized what his hand was doing. When she asked for a different seat, Rook's smile was broader and more full of light than it had been in weeks.
Of course! He said, a hint of laughter in his voice as he turned towards the seat he himself had been sitting in. He took her hand again and eased her towards it. It was upholstered in a nice, thick fabric, different from the couch, and would hopefully provide the friction she needed.
As Rook moved to sit on the couch instead, the servant reentered the room and announced that a transport had been brought around so that Rook might show Queen Hyria some of Coronet's scenic locations. Again, this favor had been provided by the Advisers.
Would you excuse me just one moment? Rook asked Sali, and then turned and crossed the room to the door where the servant stood. Lowering his voice, and with his back turned to Sali so that she might not see the flash of anger on his face, he spoke.
While I am much appreciative of my Advisers in matters of the State, I am quite capable of entertaining my guests. Please, relay this message to them. I ask that they kindly..... He sighed. Just... that's enough. Got it?
The servant nodded his head. His eyes had widened slightly as Rook spoke. He stammered for a moment, then whispered out Yes, sire. Before quickly leaving the room. With that handled, Rook composed his face and then turned back around and returned to Sali. Sitting back down on the couch, he sighed and gave an apologetic smile. Finally, able to answer her last question.
I am... He gestured towards the door. ...beset by advice and council. I am grateful, but at times I wonder about their faith in my ability to even brush my teeth. He said, an almost sad smile on his face as he looked down at the floor for a moment. When he raised his eyes to look at her, he smiled without thinking. Again that old spark of his had flashed across his eyes, making their darkened gray return to their old silver. It would be a challenge not to smile when he looked at her.
Well, the transport is here I suppose. If you would like to, I can show you the city. Or more of the palace if you would prefer.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Aug 8, 2009 4:35:38 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Aug 8, 2009 4:35:38 GMT -5
“Thank you,” were Sali’s grateful words when Rook agreed to have her moved to a different seat. Standing from his seat, when she had seemed to be actually falling from the couch rather than just sliding, he had simply guided her around the small table between them to his thickly fabricated seat. Though it had been a gentleman thing to do, Sali admitted to herself she was glad he had chosen to take her hand while offering up his seat. Some other gentlemen would simply stand and gesture elegantly to their seat, saying they may have hers and they would sit on the seat. Rook’s hand, as most other male hands were, were larger and usually rougher than the female hands. They felt strong, even though his fingers only embraced hers in a gentle yet firm hold. Unaware consciously, the queen squeezed her hand, pressing her palm to the back of his hand and resting against his knuckles. As they slid away, Sali felt a faint hot flash of disappointment cross her mind.
She sat down in her new seat, adjusting accordingly, nodding. No longer was she sliding around, the proper friction settled between her dress and the fabric. Lightly she sighed as she looked up, raising her hands (poised to catch herself if she had begun to slide again) from plush seat to near her head. She unhooked one side of scarf and threw it to one side of her person. The pressure if was applying every time she raised her chin was starting to aggravate her. It could dangle just as pretty from her shoulder as it could wrapped over the top of her head.
He had found humor in the little spectacle. It had brightened her cheeks some, making them burn softly. She never did make such a show, especially one that made her appear as silly as she had. However, even Sali had to admit to herself that such a high class woman such as herself slipping around on a piece of furniture had its humor. She tried not to allow it to bother her too much. It had made Rook feel better, something he needed after the ordeal he had been through. She fought that pink blush, and it grew worse for a moment, then died away rather slowly.
Twice, the servant came in to announce something just before Sali got to saying something. When it was an announcement on behalf of the Advisers, visibly Sali’s face changed from neutral to annoyed. Even as Rook was excusing himself to go talk to the servant, she turned her head in his direction, annoyance written plain as day. Her brown eyes gave the statement of “Can’t you do something about that?”. She understood the advisers, of course, but she was not their guest. If she had wanted to meet the advisers, she would have met them instead of asking for Rook. In the minute or two Rook was away, talking to the servant, Sali had picked up her glass of Corellian wine and taken a few sips. It had the most delicious taste, just as she had remembered from the Gala. She believed it bested wine from her home planet. It bested most wines she had tasted.
Rook returned across from her, explaining the faith he thought his counsel had for him. It was Sali’s turn to laugh. She smiled widely, holding her drink. “Oh my. That leads me to question if you have servants hanging over your neck as you do brush them, just to make sure they’re all white and sparkly.”
She took glances around what palace she could see at the moment. She had a choice. She had seen just the view of Coronet while flying in. It had seemed very pretty, of what she had been able to glimpse. Making up her mind, she stood from her seat, setting her wine glass down after one last drink.
“Let’s not upset the Advisers further as I already have. We can always return and you can show me the palace then. Let’s take the transport. Plus, it does give the advisers a bit of a disadvantage in returning with something else despite you warning them not to.” Sali gestured to him a bit enthusiastically before simply holding out her hand. “I don’t know my way out of here very well so you have to lead. Come on, I want to see Coronet!” And she smiled.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Aug 10, 2009 15:46:13 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Aug 10, 2009 15:46:13 GMT -5
Rook laughed at the mental image of a servant or two brushing his teeth for him. The sound was deep and gratifying. A true laugh. He nodded his head to her, flashing his teeth in an overly charming smile, eyebrows raised as if to ask if their shininess met her standards. This is the Rook that she would remember. The one he strove to be every day, yet somehow failed. And now here, with Sali sliding around on chairs and servants interrupting the conversation, he had found it again. He held on to it, not wanting to let it slip away.
When Sali accepted the offer to take a quick spin around the city, Rook stood up, just as enthusiastic as her, took her hand, and quickly led her from the room. He too had been thinking along the lines that getting out of the palace might mean getting away from the Advisers. Through a long hallway he led her, his hand firmly, yet gently holding hers. He walked slightly in front of her, the chance of getting away quickening his step, and every so often, he'd turn his eyes to make sure he wasn't leading her too quickly.
When they reached an exit door, he slowed down and took a moment. It wouldn't do for the two of them to be seen rushing out of the Palace in such a manner. After a moment, he opened the door for Sali, and then moved through it himself. Down a short flight of steps, the transport waited, hovering just above the ground with a slight whirr. The roof of the transport was a durable glass like substance, impervious to slug shots and blaster fire alike, and allowed for a full 360 degrees of visibility. Rook moved down the steps, ahead of Sali to open the door for her. Inside the transport, lush, comfortable seats awaited them. There was room for four to sit comfortably in chairs that pivoted so that all could face forward, or a central table that could be raised from the floor. Simple auto pilot controls allowed for all passengers to freely gaze about them, without having to bother themselves with steering the transport.
Once Sali was inside, Rook slid in to the seat next to her and closed the door. A cool voice asked for a destination, and Rook instructed for a tour route. With the route confirmed, the transport slipped off into the air and sped away from the palace. As it shrank in the distance, Rook touched a control panel beside his chair and a section of the wall opened to reveal another bottle of the same wine on ice, as well as glasses hanging next to it. Uncorking the bottle, he poured two glasses and handed one to Sali as the transport's central table raised from the floor.
It is part of the experience. He said to her with a wink, tilting his glass towards her before taking a sip. We're not just proud of our wine, we do enjoy it ourselves as well.
The cool voice returned, announcing that out of the left side of the transport, the Coronet City Museum of Fine Art could be seen. The building rose several stories into the sky. The architecture was bold in its simple shapes. Overall, it carried a fluid feel.
One could spend three days in that museum, and still not discover all of the beauty it holds. Indeed, Rook remembered doing just that in his teenage years as an assignment from one of his tutors.
The next area they passed was called the Blue Light District, and Rook explained that it was a place of more... questionable tastes, and that he used to go there with noble friends of his during his more wild days. Gambling, drinking, and even the occational swoop bike race were not uncommon there. But he did not linger with his stories. It was also because of one night at that place that he had fallen into such ill report with his father.
The transport continued through several other districts of the city, including a garden district full of homes meticulously maintained by some of Coronet's more wealthy inhabitants. Lastly, the transport came close to a massive building that nearly rivaled the palace in its grandeur. This was, of course, the Corellian Space Museum. Out front in a gigantic display was one of Corellia's oldes space faring vessels. Though it was crude and decaying, one could not deny a sense of intrigue about it. And even in its archaic design, hints of Corellia's eye for artistry could be gleaned. The cool voice asked if the passengers wished to return to the palace.
The tour had taken a few hours, and the sun was creeping closer to the horizon. But Rook was unwilling to relinquish this freedom, or the company. Returning to the palace would surely mean a meal with the Advisers. In a way, Rook wanted to keep Sali to himself. He was sure she was the catalyst that had brought back his usual temper, and he didn't want to share that spell with anyone else. So before she could speak, Rook answered.
No. He said, and then turned to Sali, a warm smile playing across his lips, his eyes a liquid silver. I want to show you one more thing, if you would let me. It is some ways out of the city, it might take some time. He would, of course, return to the palace if she so wished, but he had been unable to quell this thought.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Aug 12, 2009 23:12:24 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Aug 12, 2009 23:12:24 GMT -5
Sali couldn’t be any more relieved when she heard Rook laugh and he flashed a grin at her. She caught his expression, a light giggle trickling, smiling broadly in return. There he was. That was the familiar face she remembered from the Gala, with the charming smile and expressive eyes alit with fun and laughter. She was glad it had been managed into the opening. It let her know that his mind was off the trauma that had occurred to his family. He was happy, delighted, she knew, that those thoughts were no longer consuming his current waking moment as it more than likely had since the assassination.
He took her hand, his outward attitude displaying enthusiasm, and quickly led her away without tugging at her arm. Sali had gotten her wish; Rook taking hold of her hand again. Only this time it wasn’t by the fingers, hooking them around the arc of his hand. No, this was fully held, firmly in place around her hand, palm to palm, tips of fingers touching the backs of hands to complete the embrace. At this, Sali was thrilled as she followed just slightly behind his shoulder.
He set a fast pace, as if the thought of getting out absolutely urged him to get out as fast as possible. One hand firmly encompassed in his and the other grasping her garments politely at her hip (lifting up the front of her dress only an inch more to allow more walking room for her long legs), she managed to keep pace. She was happy she had decided not accept the high heels she had been presented when dressing to meet Rook. Instead she chose a soft, elegant slipper with enough traction to allow her to walk on marble, tile, or fabric. Easily she kept her position, her foot shooting before her to match Rook step for step. He did, however, pause before a door. They composed for a moment, Sali glancing over her shoulder to check if anyone was around to find it odd that the King of Corellia and the Queen of Onderon were speed walking to the front of the palace. After gathering himself, Rook opened the door and let her through, shortening the haste of their fleeing escape from the interruptions that were bound from the Advisors. She was met with the same steps she had climbed to enter the gorgeous palace. While she descended down swiftly and with graceful ease, Rook pulled ahead of her just a little to beat her to the transport.
With hardly a hesitation Sali boarded the transport and selected a seat. It startled her, the seat, when her slowed momentum caused the seat to pivot. Her hands waved in the air for a second before she smacked her hands around the edges of the seat, eyes wide, finding her foot placement to stabilize herself. As Rook instructed their pilot to take them on a scenic route, Sali was discovering the pivoting of the chair, even pushing off a moment to make a full 360, feet hovering over the ground. Her voice tingled in a light laugh. “Nice little toy.” By then the wine had been poured and Sali took her offered glasses, lifting the rim of the glass to her lips as she angled the set, peering outside the window as the city flashed just outside.
As the museum popped into view, Sali couldn’t help but ogle at the architecture. The top of the building couldn’t be seen and the queen leaned forward, craning her neck slightly, like a little child trying to see an aircraft flying directly over their heads. The balls of her fingers rested lightly on the glass, her nose coming close to touching just as a small child’s would. “Oh really? It would take longer than three days? Has to be a wandering adventure through a jungle of art.”
As they passed the Blue Light district, Sali spent half her time looking between Rook and outside the window, swaying back and forth gently on her pivoting seat. She listened to his stories, though short, with a defined interest in her eyes.
More buildings passed, traffic picked up slightly, both on walk paths and the air, as the afternoon wore on as the working day shift came to a close and the night shift rose up to take its place. Sali’s attention was always between Rook and the city, and she asked questions every so often about Coronet, which Rook answered to the best of his capabilities. As they passed by the space museum, Sali couldn’t help the fact her mouth hung open for a few moments, spinning the chair all the way back around and simply staring out the window to see everything she could. The old spaceship in the front out consumed a massive part of the attention, but her intrigued brown eyes scanned across the enormous building, marveling. “Oh wow, Rook…” she had commented, her voice barely above a whisper.
And then there was the question of returning to the palace. Sali heard and instantly frowned at the offered suggestion, but did not let Rook see it. Her head turned slightly, as if still peering out the window, she didn’t say anything, wanting Rook to say something. If he remained silent too long…
Thank goodness he didn’t. As the negative word “no” issued from him, the queen’s face instantly sparked, smile curling lovingly across her lower face. She turned the chair back toward him, dragging her gaze along the transparent side of the transport and snapped it back to her host. “More?” But this time is was outside the city. Her further interest was piqued, and Sali nodded. “I don’t mind time. I would like to go.” Depending on the amount of time, Sali was sure her guards back at the ship would be worried. Well, they would just have to be worried then.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Aug 13, 2009 12:38:11 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Aug 13, 2009 12:38:11 GMT -5
By the look in Sali's eyes, he knew that she would not refuse him. But his smile was broad nonetheless when she accepted his offer for one last stop on the tour. With a wink, he turned in his chair, leaning forward to put the next destination into the computer. He didn't want to say it out loud, should she happen to have heard about the place. After a moment, the cool voice spoke, stating that the location had been accepted. Rook leaned back in his chair as the transport made its way out of the city.
Yes, there was of course a tracking beacon on the transport, and no doubt a monitor on its trajectory. Rook was sure he'd be given a stern talking to upon their return. But what could the Advisers do, really? He was king! He let the image of their disgruntled and disapproving faces slip from his mind, replacing them with the much more pleasing image of Sali, seated next to him and still quite enjoying the toy that was her chair.
The sun's rays caught in her garments, her golden scarf. When he caught her eye, he could see the warmth in them, the enjoyment of their outing. But before she could speak and inquire just where they were going, he smiled and spoke.
Don't ask where we're going. It's a surprise.
Sure that this would likely annoy her just a little, but also sure that she would enjoy the suspense, Rook lounged back in the chair, cupping his hands behind his head and letting out a slightly dramatized sigh of content. He reached over for his wine glass, taking a sip and making a show of how he relished its taste before setting it back down. Occasionally he would look over to Sali, a lazy smile playing on his features. He would then turn away again, never giving her enough time to say anything as he looked at her. Sometimes he wouldn't be able to suppress his chuckles.
The transport continued, moving quick over the open plains, unhindered from traffic or large buildings. Tall grass danced in the breeze as they passed, and the sun continued its slow march towards the horizon. As he had warned, the trip took some time, near an hour, and the sun was nearly sitting on the horizon when Rook finally sat up straighter in his chair. They were very near now. Looking over to Sali, he instructed her to keep her eyes straight ahead of them as he moved to take control of the transport. Stretched out before them, nothing could be seen but prairie, the setting sun, and clear blue sky as Rook slowed them down.
Then, suddenly, just as the transport came to a stop at the edge of a cliff, a panoramic view of the ocean, with the sun beginning to dip below the horizon its light reflecting in magnificent reds, oranges, and golds off the surface, came into view. Between the transport and the ocean, an expanse of golden sanded beach dazzled the eyes adding to the beauty of the sunset. For a few moments, even Rook who had seen this very scene many times in his life, was struck silent by the sight.
I give you Corellia's Golden Beaches.
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Squee
The Keeper
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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Aug 17, 2009 0:42:39 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Aug 17, 2009 0:42:39 GMT -5
He wasn’t telling her where they were going. He had winked at her and then inputted the secret destination into a computer. And the computer didn’t even respond with the name of the place! That was going to bug her. A lot. In fact, when Rook had twisted back around, her brow rested heavy above her eyes with the slightest hint of the frown that women generally used when annoyed at a male figure. Her mouth had barely come open when he warned her not to ask, that it was a surprise, and, basically, he wasn’t going to tell. That message was delivered perfectly, especially when his lips creased into a laidback grin and lounged easily back into his chair.
Sali’s mouth dropped just far enough to deliver a short, sharp “ah” sound, as if she was insulted by the fact he wasn’t telling her. But to counter the rather seriousness on her expression, she lifted her foot and pulled off her outing slipper. Without really aiming, Sali chucked it at him, the slipper contacting his chest and falling to rest there with a quick “fwap”.
“Tease,” was the only word that departed from Sali. The act of serious insult had gone, replaced with a playful expression. The chocolate that made up her eyes was warming and liquid, her smile pretty enough to make the most sour-pussed politician crack something thin-lipped. “Can I have…”
And then he turned around on her! With her slipper!
“Rook! Give me back my shoe!” And he was chuckling! “Oh my stars, Rook, come on!” But she was laughing too. She couldn’t be serious with the Corellian King. She was sure if she tried, it would eventually break, like back at the palace. Serious, she was realizing, wasn’t a usual concept around Rook. He liked to smile, to have fun, to mess around…
To steal foreign queens’ shoes.
“Honestly, give it back!”
Rook was a joy. He was different, and that’s what made him so. He wasn’t a stuck-up royal, stiff, or an immoveable force on what they weren’t allowed to do. If she had to bet, he was doing this outside the boundaries his advisors had probably set, or at least guessed he might obey. That was the best part. However, going against the rules all the time didn’t end up well on your part. Doing it every so often just to drive the guard or nobles insane was too much fun. Sali even did it to her handmaidens, when she wore pants from time to time to greet some gaudily dressed man trying to court her. Those were the times she made them ride the tamed beasts of Onderon, laughing inwardly at the embarrassing acts of any man trying to ride in formal clothing. Yet, stubbornly, they would come back to try to buy back their pride and ego from her.
Plains came into view after they left the city behind. It danced, weaved, fluttered in circles and bounced back and forth in their wake; grassy waves that moved almost like ocean waves that stayed in the broad line behind them. Sali fixed her gaze outside the window as always, watching the sun cast orange light, splashing any clouds in a brilliant shade of pink. Further back, looking the opposite from the sun, night was creeping in, soon to be a prowling indigo. Rook called for her gaze to be ahead, and she spun her chair, facing to was designated as the “front” end of the craft. They should be close if this was a case.
One moment was endless grass. And the next…
Sali couldn’t speak.
She couldn’t move.
Couldn’t blink even though the sun glinted almost blindingly painful.
She didn’t want to blink.
And when she finally wanted to speak, no sound came out. Moving her head was difficult, because her eyes never wanted to leave the oceanic sunset.
“Rook, it’s…” She blinked, taking a deep breath in, stirring air in her lungs that had remained still. “It’s gorgeous, beautiful, amazing, magnificent, spectacular… if I go on, I’m just going to start making up words to describe it. Just… oh my.” Sali covered her mouth with her hand, as if preventing her from saying much more.
Minutes later, she turned to Rook, waiting to catch his eye. And then, in a whisper, as if almost afraid that the question was coming, she asked, “Are we allowed to walk it?”
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Meira
She don't mess around
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Aug 17, 2009 13:16:55 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Aug 17, 2009 13:16:55 GMT -5
The effect of the view had been what he was hoping for. Very few could look on the beauty of Corellia's Golden Beaches without being affected. Rook smiled to himself as he watched Sali's reaction spread across her face. The way her eyes widened, didn't blink. Her mouth opened, but she didn't speak, not for a moment anyway. And then when she finally did, she listed a string of words that might describe the scene, but she admitted that they weren't enough.
Rook laughed then, as she stumbled to express the feeling the coast gave her. And when she looked at him, and asked in almost a whisper if they could walk the beach, he laughed again, throwing his head back. Who might deny them? They were alone here, no one could stop them, and even if someone tried... who had more authority than the king?
Of course. He said, and held up her shoe for her to take and place back on her foot. Before she could say anything about it, he had turned his attention to the controls, taking the transport along the cliff side until a more gentle slope allowed for access down to the golden sand. Once leveled out along the beach, Rook brought the transport to a stop and stepped out, offering his hand to help Sali.
I've told you about how we are a people proud of what we have accomplished, what we've made. He walked her away from the transport until the two were in the middle of the beach. Reaching down, Rook took a handful of the golden powder and held it out for Sali to see. But this, though we are quite proud of it, is not our making. This is a gift of nature. He let the fine powder fall from his hand and continued to lead her along the beach.
The two walked through the dry sand for a while, talking and laughing, then Rook took them closer to where the water lapped against the beach, leaving smooth, wet sand as it retreated, then stirring it up as the waves charged forward. A light breeze carried the salty air by them, and the sun was turning red on the horizon. Rook ignored the signs of night, not wanting to acknowledge that it might mean that they should return. In truth, he was surprised a security force was not already swarming on the beach. Or perhaps they were, and were merely keeping out of sight? If they were, it was a step in the right direction from their usual overbearing protocol. Rook couldn't remember a day in the past couple of weeks where a guard was not somewhere within his range of vision.
Rook turned his attention back to the woman who walked with him now. Sali had come, he knew, to be a comfort to him in this dark time. When he had first heard that she was here, his excitement to see her had been soured slightly by the idea that she might only be there for outward shows of compassion, that she might only be doing her duty as Queen of Onderon toward a fellow monarch. How foolish he had been to let such thoughts cloud his mind. This woman, who walked calmly beside him even if they did not speak, was not here as Queen of Onderon. She was Sali Hyria, visiting her friend Rook Solosten. Though they conducted themselves properly in the eyes of those who might be watching them, he had no doubt that her intentions were genuine and sincere.
He stopped then, taking her hand from where he held it in the bend of his arm and instead holding it in his own. He studied it. Her fingers were small compared to his, indeed, her whole hand seemed tiny. But he knew she was strong, much stronger than he was in many ways. His eyes trailed along her arm, to her shoulder, her neck, and then finally her face. Those warm brown eyes, dark black hair somewhat hidden underneath her wrap. He grazed his thumb over the knuckles of her fingers.
Thank you... for coming here. His voice had faltered slightly with the words, and he cleared his throat. On it's own, his hand had raised to touch her cheek. Propriety had stilled him for a moment, but Rook ignored the rules. Her cheek was warm in the light of the sun and soft against his skin. He traced the line of her jaw with his finger, stopping at her chin. Finally, he let his hand fall away and diverted his eyes, looking out over the water.
Reckless.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Aug 22, 2009 2:20:00 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Aug 22, 2009 2:20:00 GMT -5
There was a snap in Sali’s expression when he had laughed, her head recoiling slightly. All had been so quiet, and she had assumed it might as well as been kept that way. But Rook’s laugh was loud, breaking the last moments of silence, its strength in liveliness as it was in volume, much like the coast’s golden edge was in some ways. It was vibrant and proud, and wonderful.
However, Sali, for a moment, wasn’t sure if the laugh was at the absurdity or the probable silliness of her question. Either one caused a rash of embarrassment to imprint itself on her cheeks with a sort of candy-coated half smile. Her eyes had fallen into her lap, where her hands rested, nervously rubbing them. She would squeeze her hands, sliding the firm grip over and over each hand. It was a sure sign whenever she didn’t know what to think or what exactly what to do, where to go. That uneasy smile remained until the point Rook actually confirmed her question: They could go down to walk in the sands.
It was Sali’s turn to laugh when Rook held back out her slipper. She had almost forgotten about that. A while back she had given up trying to coax the location they had been headed to, and then also dropped the challenge to get back her shoe. Instead she had taken off the slipper’s opposite, matching brother and been barefoot for a good portion of the ride to the Golden Beaches. She took the shoe now, sliding it onto her foot, reaching for the other one as Rook piloted the touring vehicle down to the beach’s sand. As the transport opened, she was blasted with the sound of lapping waves and a gentle overcoming smell of salt tainting the breeze.
She allowed Rook to help her from the vehicle. Sali executed a small hop, bringing her with the tips of her toes just licking under the beautiful sand. The corellian king stooped, taking up a handful of brightly colored dirt, basically, and let it run between his fingers while speaking of pride toward their planets’ natural arts along with sentient conducted experiments and art. Sali let her hand linger under his as the sand trickled past his, feeling the smooth and fine texture.
They started the walk Sali had asked for, away from the transport, leaving it a good distance behind. Sand slopped around her toes and heels, spilling over the bare tops of her feet and slipping into her shoes. For several minutes she tolerated the irritating sensation of the grains digging into the bottom of feet, and then she took them off, choosing to carry them. There was no sense in emptying the contents and putting them back on. The grains would simply find a way to sneak back in, aggravate her more, and she would have to repeat the process of taking them off. It was better to walk barefoot on thousands of grains, when the sand felt more comfortable and cushioned around her toes. So, with one hand firmly hooked near the crook of Rook’s elbow and the other holding the back of her slippers, Sali talked, laughed, and sauntered along the beach.
The walk was guided by the ocean’s waves gently rising up onto the beach, then receding back. Sali felt, for the first moment in a very long time, like a little girl. She dared to place her feet into the water’s way. As the wave washed up, it thinned to a couple of inches, washing her feet and splashing up slightly onto her dress. Sali had jumped back then, laughing hard enough she bent over slightly. Goofy and carefree. She hadn’t done something goofy and carefree in ages. And after her short happiness spaz over the initial feel of the cool water, Sali walked on the wetted surface over the dry one.
Talking had seemed to die along with the sun’s last shining rays. The sea was stained red-orange and blood-red, turning the brilliant sand into a deep burning fire instead of that gorgeous golden sheen. Sali had her head turned, watching the very top of the sun’s head as it raced to finish its descent for the night’s welcoming rest after a long days haul across the peak of the sky. It was then she felt Rook’s fingers curl about her hand, lifting it from its place. She sensed his stop and halted beside him, water splashing at her heels. When she looked up into his face, he seemed in thought as he looked at her hand. His gray eyes slowly raised themselves two more levels to her own.
“Thank you... for coming here.”
“Rook, you’re--”
She stopped speaking as his hand reached up to graze up and rest against her cheek. Her heart stuttered. While her breath became softly shallow, her eyelids lowered with the gaze of her eyes as they glanced down at his close wrist. If she had wanted to move, Sali wasn’t sure if she could’ve; something stilled her body movements. She didn’t want to move, really, and that was going to go unexplained. After a few moments, Rook dropped his hand after tickling the edge of her jaw, shifting his line of sight out over the sea. He didn’t say anything more and didn’t meet her eyes.
“Rook,” Sali said gently, stretching her arm up when she’d been able to control herself again. Her fingers slid adjacent to the side of his side, applying a small pressure to encourage him to look at her again. “Rook, you are so, so welcome.” Acting blindly, she leaned toward him, placing a gentle kiss to his cheek.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
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Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Sept 16, 2009 9:22:35 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Sept 16, 2009 9:22:35 GMT -5
She had begun to speak, but his actions had stopped her. Yes, that had been reckless. He watched the waves and the trailing light the sun had left behind after dipping below the horizon. Her presence burned against his consciousness, but he was simply too afraid to look at her. He didn't want to see the disapproval in her eyes. He was sure she would turn and storm away from him at any moment, and he definitely didn't want to watch that. He had crossed that line, the one he had been balancing on since he'd first met Sali. He had taken a full step over it now, and she would admonish him for it.
So it was with surprise when he felt the gentle pressure of her hand on him. His eyes turned, their silver turning with the hope he hadn't let himself feel. She was still standing right there, looking back at him... speaking his name. He liked the way it sounded on her voice.
“Rook, you are so, so welcome.”
He smiled at her words, but her next movement caught him off gaurd. As she moved in closer to him, his arm wrapped around her waist on impulse, as if were simply moving to where it was supposed to be. As her head leaned in, he lowered his own to meet her and his hand moved from the side of her waist to the small of her back, where a slight pressure encouraged her forward. And as her lips touched his cheek, spreading a fire that had nothing to do with the retreating light from the day, he had turned his head towards her. His own lips had been slightly parted, breathing out, as they grazed against her cheek. When she kissed him, his lips closed, his teeth coming down on the bottom one slightly, and he took in a sudden breath through his nose.
That breath brought with it the scent of her hair, mingled with the smell of the coast. It was almost dizzying. His eyes closed as he relished the scent, and his body acted of its own accord, turning slightly so that she was standing directly in front of him, his other arm joining its brother in holding her small form. As her kiss to his cheek ended, and she moved to pull herself away from him, the hand at the small of her back cut off her retreat. His other rose to cradle her neck, and his eyes locked with hers in an intense moment.
He had been holding his breath, as if to hold the smell of her hair inside of him, unwilling to let it go. Finally he breathed again, letting the air out in a soft gasp. His shoulders rose visibly with the next intake, and he swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. He had already been reckless, and his reward for that moment of abandon still burned on the skin of his cheek. He was already one foot in the sea, as it were. Perhaps it was time to jump in. With earnest pressure, he pulled Sali back to him. If she resisted, he would of course release her, but there was an urgency in the way he pulled her in. And with all thought of caution officially surrendered to the wind, he kissed her.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
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I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Sept 22, 2009 22:46:06 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Sept 22, 2009 22:46:06 GMT -5
Sali had tried her best to keep the kiss to friendly standards. She intended it to be something light, something quick, something of an encouragement. She had wanted her understanding to come through with the kiss being the cherry on top to a sincere reply to Rook’s thanks. There was just something, almost surreal, that had kept her from being as friendly quick and light as she had anticipated. What seemed surreal to Sali had actually just been instinctive reactions and responses from Rook to Sali and Sali to Rook.
Her fingers were laid gentle as they touched the side of his face. They remained there as she stretched up to touch her lips to his cheek. The other arm dangled by her side until Rook slipped his arm about her waist, and then her hand rested on his upper arm. His arm felt light and heavy at the same time; kindly wrapped on her body but the presence strong and heavy. As her head had lifted near his, his hand transferred across to her lower back with pressure to guide her somewhat closer. In that moment, Sali found herself shuffling half a step to keep from completely losing her balance. She noticed his head turn toward her as she pressed her lips to his cheek.
She had barely heard and felt his breath across the side of her face when she had neared. She had grown goosebumps then, tickling her flesh oddly despite the warm temperatures that surrounded her. His lips faintly touched hers, and he had drawn in a short, sudden breath when she kissed him. He had stilled. Sali didn’t move either, just kept her kiss lingered against the side of his face, eyes closed, and counted her heartbeats. She wasn’t sure what gripped her. She was almost afraid to retreat. Three, loud heartbeats – that even she was certain Rook could hear as it beat like a hammer to her ribcage – passed and she moved slightly away from his face. Her heart was a drum, and nervousness to back away was rooted so deep she was afraid she would go into cardiac arrest. She forced herself to inhale… big mistake.
Men had a unique scent to them. It was something about an attraction that made ladies notice it all the more. Sali caught a whiff of whatever he could be wearing, as well as that enticing natural scent. Her knees felt weak and she caught her hands before they clutched. That would have been a foolish thing to do.
But, maybe Rook wasn’t offended by her actions, as she was wondering in a moment like this. If he had been, wouldn’t he have stepped away from her? But no, instead, his other arm was around her as well. Sali found courage to move, trying to distance herself and Rook a pace. His hand stopped her. She took another sharp intake and refused to let it go. She didn’t wince as she felt like doing, but immediately lifted her eyes to look at his. They weren’t disapproving. They weren’t harsh. Her shoulders, stiff and tense from the peak of her nervousness, dropped. Her hands merely rested parallel to his arms, her eyes darting from one of his silver eyes to the other. She stared, hardly reacting as she noticed his hand cradling her neck, her skin tingling under his touch. Her mouth felt dry, and she couldn’t swallow as Rook had.
Then he pulled at her and she provided no resistance. Drawn near, his lips sought and found hers. There wasn’t a hesitation in cooperating with the kiss, but she was dumbstruck where to put her hands at first. They were loose fists at his shoulders. She forced them open consciously and made them move. As her hands moved, they developed minds of their own, sliding into place around his shoulder and the other carefully creeping around the back of his neck. It concluded her total faith in the kiss and she grew relaxed in his arms. With her eyes closed, nothing else mattered.
It was a moment after they parted that Sali seemed to actually regain her wits. Her hands sprung away as if they had just touched fire. She tried stepped away again but Rook’s arms still barred her way and she was clumsy for a second when she felt the resistance. Big brown eyes were flashed open, staring up at him. She had ruined the moment, she knew, but panic was in her. This couldn’t happen. It should not happen. They had… they had… so many differences… Mainly where they lived and what they governed.
“Rook, I-I-I-I-I, uh, I-I, um…” Now was that any way for a political figure to talk? It was especially disgraceful to a Queen, to stutter and have “forbidden words” such as uh and um. “Rook, Rook, Rook!” The way her hands hit his shoulders would convey her sense of urgency. “Please, Rook, let me go.” And she shook her head. Why was she being so stupid?
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Meira
She don't mess around
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Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Sept 28, 2009 15:37:59 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Sept 28, 2009 15:37:59 GMT -5
His head had reeled with the sensation of her lips pressed against his. His eyes had closed and a flood of warmth and happiness had overtaken him. They might have been there for hours, or only a second. He was incapable of telling. And to tell the truth, he couldn't have cared less about such a trivial thing as time at that moment. What could matter more than the fact that he had, by some magica whim... the force?... found himself with Sali in his arms.
But against his deeper hopes, it would have to end. And when it did, the bliss that Rook had experienced just moments before disappeared in an instant. Sali's arms sprang from where they rested against him, causing his eyes to search her face for some explanation. Then she tried to move away. And in his confusion, Rook was slow to comprehend. Not until he felt her hands hit against him, accompanied by the panic in her voice as she repeated his name, did his arms ract.
He pulled himself away as quickly as she had, his hands held up as if to show his innocence. He stepped back sevaeral paces and had turned. His hand covered his mouth and muted the curses that issued from it. When he finally turned back around, his face was angry. Not at her of course, but at himself. He caught himself and corrected his face, replacing the anger with the concern for Sali that hit him like a speeder.
He took a hesitant step forward, holding out a hand to her. I.... I'm sorry. Are you alright?
He was afraid to get too close to her. And even though his hand was outstreatched to her, he was terrified of touching her. That care that he had thrown away, that line that he had crossed... his actions had ruined everything. He had hurt her, scared her. It was deplorable. He watched her with a feared expression, hoping beyond his reason that he had overreacted.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
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Oct 5, 2009 14:35:51 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Oct 5, 2009 14:35:51 GMT -5
She had startled and confused him. At least her message had been delivered to him, and she now stood with her hands clasped over mouth and nose. Her body was turned sideways from where Rook stood. Her eyes scanned over the sea, thickening deeply in dark blue as the shadow of the sky crawled forward. The sun was close enough to kiss the sea’s horizon, letting the water sizzle out its last flames. Ironic, Sali thought, for her panic had been like that of the water, dousing the flames of warm emotions the kiss had brought her.
I.... I'm sorry. Are you alright?
Sorry? Sali turned her head, hands leaving her face and lowered against her shoulder. She saw the hand first when she turned but she looked to his face. What she saw there upset her. His expression told her of his fear, a fear that she had made him believe because her actions were not explained. She had likely instilled a belief she had not intended to. She had to let him know that wasn’t so.
“I am fine. Rook, listen,” she said as she stepped to him. Her hands circumference his outstretched one, her fingers gently sliding into his palm and her thumbs gently brushed the back of his hand. Her brown eyes jumped from one of his gray to the other as if searching for something. “Listen to me carefully. You have nothing to apologize for, so I do not want you to. You did nothing of fault. I, however, should apologize because I acted as I did. I panicked. That was inexcusable and it… it… sent the wrong message.”
Oh how she hoped she was not making a fool of herself! Though the last couple of minutes (Or however much time had transpired between them) counteracted such a thought. He wouldn’t have touched her, wouldn’t have reacted, and wouldn’t have kissed her if he was not mutually experiencing at one of her feelings. She felt an attraction to Rook, of course, but she was full of despair. It was not as if she was a Corellian noble who had every right to enjoy Rook’s presence.
And yet… and yet…
Remove the titles of king of so and so place and queen of so and so place, they were nothing but Rook and Sali. Sali was not a queen but a woman. Rook was not a king but a man. By the Force, if woman wanted to like man, not a thing could stop her! The titles stood in Sali’s way.
Her thumbs had continued to stroke the back of his hand while she silently mused. Her eyes redirected to the hand she held. Gently she lifted it and placed a light kiss on his knuckle.
“Rook, you govern Corellia and I Onderon.” She lifted her eyes back up to his, once again searching.
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
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Oct 8, 2009 11:21:41 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Oct 8, 2009 11:21:41 GMT -5
She turned, she took his hand, she tried to reassure him. She reassured him that he had done nothing wrong, that it had been her fault. He wanted to believe her, tried to, but couldn't. The flat fact was that he had caused her to panic. Regardless of how she believed she should have acted, she had panicked. This meant that a large enough part of her had not wanted what had happened, had rejected it... rejected him.
Silently Rook cursed himself, even as she rebuttled against his apology. He had been so sure that was was passing between them was mutual. He was sure he had felt it both in himself and in her. But how could that be? He must have read it all wrong, seen what he had wanted to see. But...
His eyes, a darker gray with the storm of emotion that raged behind him, watched Sali, watched her thumb move across his knuckles, watched the changes in her face. And then she kissed his hand and a part inside of him exploded in a frightening fit of anger. Why did she do this? Why had she clung so close to him? Why had she kissed him back, for she HAD kissed him back, only panic and recoil from him? And then now, why did she caress and kiss his hand? As Rook struggled to control his outer features, his insides raged, wanting to take hold of Sali and keep her still. He could not handle this back and forth between reserve and affection.
Then she spoke and even as the words came from her he shook his head as if his refusal would push them back. Those words were like a poison in his ears. He didn't want to hear them. They were weak, a petty exuse that the angry side of him spat out like an offending wine that left a foul taste on his tongue.
"...you govern Corellia and I Onderon.”
And Vortigern governs Empress Teta... and Chancellor Naaden the whole Republic!
He had pulled his hand away from hers, using his arms in a wide sweeping gesture to accent his words. A moment later they fell to his sides. His eyes stayed locked on hers, both sad and challenging her to argue with him. He was caught between his hurt and his frustration with her, and he was hit suddenly by an overwhelming sense of having no control.
How had this happened? How had she gained such a hold on him so quickly? How could he have allowed it? His chest hurt with the weight of this epiphany and Rook took several steps away from Sali, turning his head away and squinting his eyes against it. He was Rook Solosten, King of Corellia, and he had power over absolutely nothing. A low growl of frustration escaped him and he kicked his foot into the sand, sending the fine grains up into the air in a cloud of gold.
Her words had sealed it in his mind. There was no denial, no question now. He loved her. I love her. The thought was an unexpected release on his lungs, and he could breathe again, albeit still shakily. He drew in several deep breaths before he turned back around to her. He had managed to reign himself in and close it all off, but he could not undo what had happened.
He didn't look directly at her. He looked past her to where the sun had completely disappeared now below the horizon. They would have to return soon if they didn't want a full search party converging on them here. But the thought of getting back in the speeder only to face the long and awkward silence of the return trip was about as appealing to him as cleaning out the spat stalls in the palace stables.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
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Oct 12, 2009 21:18:21 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Oct 12, 2009 21:18:21 GMT -5
What she had done had started the fire. What she had meant to assure him backfired. What she had done and meant to explain to assure him had only created something wider. So, why in the universe did she even kiss his knuckle when she knew this? She could not offer an answer. Perhaps it had been a final plan, foolish in all its ways, but maybe she had just wanted the atmosphere to change. She had done something foolish, and she knew it when her lips touched his hand, and felt the impact when she looked back up. For that one moment of looking up into his eyes, she had wanted nothing more but to cringe and turn her head. It had been all those years of growing up as queen that disallowed her to do something so amateur.
Concern was no longer there, but a dangerous anger. The shadows of the night only deepened the storm of his eye and made it all that much darker. In the darkness of his eye, she could see the flame that her action had been the match to. In that moment, her thumbs had stopped caressing the back of his hand, and her fingers had squeezed around his palm. Sali didn’t let her face twist and contort how it wanted to. Her fingers softened their grip, hardly holding his hand any longer, and her thumbs did not move. It would not be difficult for his hand to slip away.
She did not want this to happen. She did not want to feel the feelings of frustration. She did not want to be annoyed with herself because she had acted stupidly (and knew it!). Why couldn’t she just learn to let things be? Why couldn’t she accept things for what they were, when and then, and worry about consequences later instead of hurting people on the spot?
“And Vortigern governs Empress Teta... and Chancellor Naaden the whole Republic!”
And that was when he took his hand out of hers. She was still looking up at the King, her eyes still dancing back and forth between his as her own hands went back to her sides. His words were there for arguments sake. Slowly, her lips parted, but she had no intention of taking up the challenge of arguing with him. Sali did not say anything at all, just breathed a soft breath, and shook her head away from him with eyes shut. Her face turned away from Rook, angled to the ground. Quite frankly, she didn’t want to act in front of him any longer.
“So they do. So they do,” was her only gentle reply. Her shoulders heaved once as she breathed upon seeing Rook’s shoes disappear from her downcast vision. She chanced a glance upward, seeing that he was several steps away from her, and her shoulders relaxed slightly. The immediate tension was not within arms distance of her and she felt slightly relieved. That did not excuse her emotions, however, and Sali turned from Rook and walked across the sand to where her slippers were.
She picked them up and dusted them off. The sun was now gone, and it was just the moon’s light cast on the sea that gave them something to see by now. Sali stood by, not wanting to say a word more lest it escalate the already delicate situation she had managed to carve for herself. The light shimmered with the rolling of the waves. The wind still blew across the water’s top and toyed with her hair and scarf and cooled her face. Her arms rested one on top of each other, though not crossed, her hands dangling by her hips. She let her eyes be closed as the wind smoothed across her face and she sighed. Sali would have loved to stand here for a long while more, but it was dark and they would have to go back to the palace.
“If we don’t return, the worries of our securities will get to their heads. Soon, they’ll start thinking up of crazy things just so they can send a search party after us, perfectly good adults. When they get here, they’ll say something like…the transport ate us. And they came all the way out here to make it regurgitate us back up.”
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Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
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last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
Administrator
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Oct 14, 2009 9:33:40 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Oct 14, 2009 9:33:40 GMT -5
((Listen to this song and tell me it's not perfect for this thread: Link)) He had seen how his actions had affected her. Indeed, he was sure he had scared her. But the part of him that still raged stilled his lips and kept the apology back. He couldn't, not now, not after all of this. He was done taking things back. He was a man who wasn't allowed to be genuine with anyone, not even himself most of the time. Too bound by rules and custom, he didn't have room to express himself to anyone. But here, out on the coast with no one to watch and criticize him, he was free to do that. Perhaps Sali was the one person who might understand that. She was the only one who knew anything about what he was going through now. She'd been there before. And deny it or not, there was something that connected the two of them, appart from the misfortune of their circumstance. It was more than a common understanding, he knew that much. And that connection, that cord that bound them together was strong enough, he hoped, to allow for him to speak his mind when his mind needed to speak. If he couldn't do this with her, there was no one in the entire universe that he could hope to feel himself around. He needed this, had needed it for a while. Even now, he could feel his muscles relaxing. Who knew how many days his neck had been sore and stiff? He needed this release. As painful as it was, to build up and hold it all inside would have been much more painful. Hopefully Sali would see that and allow it to him. When she spoke again, she reflected his own thoughts and he nodded, and chuckled at the words. Rook was one to know how crazy royal keepers got when their charges went missing. He'd been reigned in on many occassions. It was time to leave. With a final glance out towards the ocean, which had melted from the molten yellows, oranges, and reds of sunset to the deep ink of night, Rook turned and led the way back to the transport. Though he was still feeling the relief of having let out his thoughts, he could feel the weight sneaking back in, ready to hold him down, heavy, against the ground as soon as they returned. It was with regret, for so many things, that Rook opened the door for Sali and then went around and sat down in the transport himself. Rather than engage the auto pilot, Rook elected to drive the transport himself. He needed something to do with his hands, an excuse not to look at Sali on the awkward return. They had a long trip back.
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Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
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last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
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Oct 27, 2009 11:17:19 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Oct 27, 2009 11:17:19 GMT -5
At least her comment had elicited some sort of pleasant response from Rook. That made her feel slightly better about herself; knowing she had caused a brief strife of emotions that had sent him beating at sand, and then turn around and offer some amusement. Her brown eyes did not reflect over happy feelings, however, a seriousness about them as she put one foot out on the narrow rope. She wanted to start back on Rook’s good side, but she was not quite so sure how precarious it would be. At least she had managed to say something that might lead to a gentle coming of terms.
Hopefully the awful silence, gaping before them like a beast with jaws wider than her arms, would soon dissolve. For now, though, Sali was content on balancing on the high-rope and observe Rook to understand how he dealt with himself. It was lulling periods such as these, especially after anger had been stirred, that could be the most treacherous. Rook appeared well under control to Sali. He did not drop spiteful or harmful comments for her to hear. Nothing much of a glare. No gestures other than he remained walking solo and leading Sali across the sands. He kept a distance, which was to be expected.
Sali kept her space out of his. She isolated herself and refrained from speaking much more for a fear that her words would spoil upon leaving her mouth. The queen of Onderon didn’t want to fiddle in the maw of silence. It was heavy and she could not deny that much. Energy seemed to be flowing out of her hands, making them seem empty and making her consciously aware. There were no other eyes besides Rook’s, but, still, she felt out of place.
Forcefully she made her forefinger and thumb stop rubbing her scarf, which dangled over her shoulder. She could not clasp her hands behind her back, it wasn’t lady-like. Clasping in the front always made Sali feel… submissive. Too submissive. And she couldn’t cross her arms for that sent a certain kind of energy that would likely provoke Rook again.
Such a small dilemma and she didn’t know what to do.
When they made it back to the transport, Rook opened the door for Sali. She glanced at him, letting him know she acknowledged the gesture, and stepped up into the transport. By now her scarf was detached from her shoulder and wrapped at least once around her right hand. Settling into a seat, she looked at the window, night color dark as the awkward silence she and Rook flailed in. She frowned, wishing, not the first time tonight, that she could say something that would break the chains of quiet. With a drawn breath and released sigh, Sali remained unmoved to speak.
The trip back to the city and palace seemed to take too long. She spent too long staring at a moon iced landscape, too much time thinking and repeating their trip on the beach. Conversations were so smooth and natural, and his smile and laugh far too contagious to ignore.
That kiss had been a leap of faith. His fingers had slipped over the edge of the chasm and he had plummeted when Sali had tried tearing away from him. She had lowered her hand and he slipped and the fall had affected him.
Again, she wanted to speak. And again, she held herself, fasting to words.
When the city’s lights swarmed into view, Sali thought she could breathe a little easier. There were others now, not just her and Rook. There were other people in this city, and they gave a different kind of energy than out by the beach. Out of the city, the only energy came from Rook and Sali. Within the city, Sali didn’t have to slave as much to produce that energy.
And the city also meant this uncomfortable trip was coming to an end. She glanced at Rook then, and wished suddenly she hadn’t. Her gaze flickered down not but a moment later and scuttled back over out the window, avoiding him.
At last the transport was settling down, and there were people approaching the transport. Sali sighed unconsciously, recognizing some of her own, worried guard mixed with the people. The urge to speak arose yet again, and this time Sali would talk.
“Wait,” she hand rest on the door as her face turned to Rook. “Keep the doors shut for but a moment for me ask. I had wanted to ask before…” There was a second’s pause and knowing look in her eye. “If you would mind if I stayed another day. But,” Not a “however”, “I will leave now if you also want me to. I’ll step from this transport, my guard is likely to surround me and question me, and I will have to say something.”
These words meant two things: One, she did not really wish to leave (even after the conflict) and, two, she would respect his wish for her to leave and grant it right there and then when she left the transport. Now, perched in her seat, she waited to act on his decision.
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