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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Aug 11, 2013 12:06:44 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Aug 11, 2013 12:06:44 GMT -5
“So what did you think? I thought they all did pretty well.”
“It was decent enough, considering it was the first show. But they'll need to tighten up if they want to draw bigger shows...”
Voices melted together in the crowd around Kamirille as the Ruusan Grand Opera released its patrons out onto the plaza before it. The sun was much lower than it had been when she arrived before the grand opening; now it kissed the distant horizon, throwing traces of yellow and orange across the sky as it bid the day farewell. The plaza was lined with immaculately-polished stone. Its reflections held the light brilliantly.
Ruusan's Grand Opea silhouetted the sky behind them. It was a broad, squat structure, with a flowing metal exterior that looked as though it'd been shaped by the wind. Fitting, she supposed, for the grassy world.
The opera itself was not particularly grand, though its design was elegant, and its amenities sufficient. Nor was Ruusan a hub of culture — the 'city' that housed the opera was barely more than a large town, and it itself was the largest settlement the quiet world had to offer.
But they tried, and that was good enough. For some things.
She'd come to see the opera's first act, and left satisfied. It was called The Moon's Court, and was set in the royal dealings of the Court of the Moons, a fictional entity in a fictional land. But underneath that, it was about a royal prince's struggle against his queen mother. He struggled against her orders, tried to get out of her painstakingly-arranged marriage, even tried to flee the court and hold himself and the country's lineage hostage.
But with the play, as with life, the mother's will was not so easily denied, nor a queen's dominance willfully broken.
It was a tragedy, of sorts. But those were Kamirille's favorites.
Life is tragedy, she mulled as she walked across the emptying plaza. Her skirts swished quietly around her legs. She wore a light coat, unbuttoned at the moment, its cloth belt to hang freely as she walked. Her hair, silky black, with dark streaks of blue, neatly framed her slender face, free of the ponytail she usually kept it in. Her nails were painted a light blue, to go with the grey of her coat and slightly darker blue of her skirts and shirt. Her shoes, which were more dress boots than anything, even had a subtle heel to them, even though she normally disdained heels.
But tonight was a night to be nice.
Kamirille was a tall woman, and just about six feet. She was handsome, and her years of life showed in her eyes, if not her face. She was athletically built, but her clothing disguised that. She was slender, tall, and moved with a grace.
Most notable though, was the subtle smile as she approached a younger woman, standing alone in the setting sun.
She had to give Nieraan credit — he seemed to have some good taste in picking women, even though he'd run off to... somewhere, shortly after they left the play. She was sure he'd return; she was counting on it, even.
She'd watched them all night, her considerable power in the force drawn down and hidden until it was as noticeable as a mouse's squeal in a hurricane. And in those few short hours, she'd learned enough to absolutely thrill her.
“Not bad, don't you think?” she asked, casually approaching the woman. She kept a warm, friendly demeanor. “A pity, that final act. Watching the young prince spoil his life away in monotony. But that's drama.” She chuckled for a moment, then, as if at some unheard joke. "They say few things are as potent as a mother's fury."
“I forget my manners, though,” she said, extending a hand to the woman. “I am Kamirille. Kami, if you like.”
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Poludnica
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Aug 12, 2013 11:20:27 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Aug 12, 2013 11:20:27 GMT -5
ThemeFugacious clouds nestled between low settled suns and a sky that took on a mixture of colors she had never seen before. Danica narrowed her eyes and looked up, taking in the silent spectacle. This was much better than the cheap, lower class show they had just seen. A woman of high standards, Liviana heir disliked mediocrity in any form. There wasn't much to expect from a backwater Republic world like Ruusan but they could at least get better actors. One of the singers had so thick, Corellian accent, it was inexcusable in a classic tale like this. Halfway bored through it, Danica clung to hope of a nice evening afterward. Maybe some shopping.If only she could get rid of...The dark haired girl raised a hand to her throat and closed her eyes, waiting for a sudden wave of nausea to pass. The smells coming from the market near by only further irritated the already agitated human woman. For a third time today, Danica looked through the mental list of everything she had had to eat for the last twenty four hours but nothing came up as truly poisonous. It didn't help and the girl found herself in a dire need to find bathroom. With growing desperation the woman looked back at the forcefully post modernistic opera house but the entrance still swarmed with people. The VIP exit she had used certainly had been closed by now, giving there were maybe five really important people there. The opera owner might have not been too keen on letting her in either, after the very vocal refusal to support this piece of poorly put together pretentious crap. Sh*tDanica cursed inwardly and darted toward the nearest trashcan, hidden away behind a large sign poster of the play. Few of the passerby's looked awkwardly in the direction before rushing away. So much for anyone actually caring... ”Oh gods.” She whispered, pulling her hair back. Cold sweat moistened the woman's cheeks and forehead; Danica felt really ill and blamed this damn planet for it. That had to be something in the air. Pulling out a chewing gum and a cigarette that trembled between pale fingertips, the woman moved toward the plaza exit, stopping briefly to find a lighter. Long, midnight black dress with crimson accents billowed on the rapidly growing wind that pulled at the loose, ebony strands that got free from the complex coiffure. High heel red sandals got caught in the gossamer of the clothing which slowed down the woman considerably. ”Damn wind.” She complained loudly after leaning against one of the pillars that was suppose to decorate the plaza. A large lamp hovered over her head, causing a smirk to spread on Danica's lips. Really classy spot there. Cigarette first, the bar later. The human concluded inwardly, deciding walking with the cig belonged to lower class women. Once her fingers finally closed on the lighter, a gush of air and scent of perfumes coaxed her gaze to move up, searching for the disturbance. Surprise marred soft, oval features at the sight of a stranger. It was a woman...No, a Firrerreo female. Blue streaks in her hair, so oddly familiar and a skin color immediately betrayed the species. After months with Nieraan she could even notice subtle hints hidden in her eyes and friendly smile. Canines, extra eyelids...For sure a Firrerreo. Huh. Danica hummed immediately feeling odd discomfort at the sight. The new arrival was tall, even too tall with slim figure hidden under terrible matched skirt and shirt. But it wasn't rather poor fashion sense that put her into restless unease but the sharp, handsome features. Regal even that didn't match the charming demeanor. The Firrerreo's built immediately put the two women apart, Danica knew she looked softer with healthier curves, highlighted by the long dress draped in her slim waist. Shorter statures only added to the contrast between the two. This all caused the human woman to feel immediately intimidated which showed in a confused frown and wary gaze of a scared gazelle. ”I...don't think the avangarde play writers should actually touch such classical themes but I guess it suited less...demanding audience.” She answered cautiously, already wishing for Nieraan to be near. Normally most strangers would be put off by her demeanor, snottily pert nose and cold, judgmental gaze of a snobby upper class. But not this woman...This Firrerreo walked toward her as if she was yet another commoner ready to befriend. Believing that everyone everywhere had some kind of ulterior motive, Danica believed this woman wanted something. The fact she was Firrerreo made everything even weirder. Did she know Nieraan? Was it racist to assume all Firrerreo knew each other? Or were similar? Or related? Maybe they actually looked similar though the one on Korriban had completely different skin tone and hair. This one Danica liked even less... ”I think the whole drama was actually about the cruel, slightly incesctous mother. Those classic plays, they aren't very deep.” Danica shrugged indifferently and was ready to move on from this oddness when the Firrerreo extended her hand in the basic galactic greeting. Danica looked down on it but didn't reciprocate, instead wrinkling the small, perky nose. ”Excuse me, but are you someone important? I thought I knew of everyone worth knowing around those parts.As far as I know they are Human.” She asked bluntly with disarming honesty, not used to being kind toward random alien strangers who wanted to chit chat. At least Danica did remove the unlighted cigarette that hung ungracefully from between glossed lips, leaving traces of pink on it. Her eyes narrowed suddenly when she thought that discovered the sudden reason behind the stranger' s appearance. ”Wait...Did Valasco sent you, Kami? If that so, tell him there is no way I am funding this piece of opera crap. I made up my mind.” The dark haired woman snorted derisively thought something stopped her from showing the full force of her temper. Maybe it was a steely coldness hidden Kamirille's green gaze or ageless quality of her features but there was something fleeting yet firm that kept Danica in place.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Aug 17, 2013 11:58:45 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Aug 17, 2013 11:58:45 GMT -5
Kamirille smiled a subtle smile at the woman's opinion of the play. “Perhaps they should not,” she said, offering a degree of agreement. “But the greats didn't become great without treading the shallow waters. Verscali didn't start writing masterpieces from the beginning.
“Walk before you run,” she continued, approaching the shorter woman. “Run before you fly.”
Danica said she didn't believe the play was deep. Kamirille chuckled. “Maybe it isn't. But didn't you see it? The way the child struggled so to be free of his mother's hand. To break out of his gilded little cage?” She raised a brow slightly. “It's not an uncommon thing, noble children rebelling against their parents. But art, as they say, imitates life.” She looked away to the sun then, as though something on the distant horizon caught her eye. Her gaze lingered there briefly, her thoughts settling with a quiet laugh. “More often than we know.”
”Excuse me, but are you someone important? I thought I knew of everyone worth knowing around those parts. As far as I know they are Human.”
Kamirille looked back at the dark-haired woman, laughter dancing in her eyes. Now there's some spark, she thought. It was much better that the way she'd been after Kamirille's approach, tensed up like a frightened kitten. The claws are out, but how long are they? she wondered, folding her arms across her chest as she watched the woman, one brow raised. And how sharp?
”Wait...Did Valasco sent you, Kami? If that so, tell him there is no way I am funding this piece of opera crap. I made up my mind.”
For that, Kamrille threw back her head and laughed. Her laughter, clear and ringing, echoed through the courtyard. “Valasco, send me?” Her head came down and she grinned at Danica, showing her fangs. “Please. I wouldn't do anything for that man if he begged me to. I'm just a simple patron. But, to answer your question, importance is a matter of perspective.”
She chuckled again, brushing a lock of raven hair from her brow as the wind picked up again. “To some people I'm just another face in the crowd.” A brief pause followed and she looked at Danica, a hint of knowing in her eyes before she turned away, leaning against a bench. “To others, I'm one of the most important people in the Galaxy. You'll decide which you are in time.”
Kamirille turned back to Danica, skirts swishing as he did. “Though that begs the question, if I may.” She pursed her lips thoughtfully, tapping a finger against her chin as she considered her words. She needed to begin discovering what she could about this woman; needed to begin finding facts before Nieraan came slinking back, as he surely would.
“This opera is quite clearly below the standards of a woman such as yourself.” Her inflection made the observation a compliment. “So what brings you here? Surely there better venues, better actors and crowds elsewhere for you? But Ruusan?” She arched a brow again, green eyes questioning. “'Tis an odd choice.”
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Poludnica
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Aug 18, 2013 11:09:04 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Aug 18, 2013 11:09:04 GMT -5
With a surprise Danica noted that the Firrerreo seemed to be at least a bit knowledgeable when it came to higher art. She gave the stranger a more careful look this time, finding the same eerie feeling of danger coming from her and yet found something familiar in those exotic features. They were sharp, predatory as if sculpted in golden marble. Nieraan had almost identical hue of skin whenever excited or pleased though it didn't happen often. ”I doubt the composer of this opera even knows the name.” Danica replied carefully, starting to weigh words. This female made her cautious but at the same time slightly curious which caused trepidation, anxiety and unpleasant tension.
What do you want... Danica's widened eyes betrayed her thoughts, the unspoken question. The comment on the play's moral and theme only made her more suspicious. She now visibly tensed to which her stomach reacted with sudden rebellion. The younger woman briefly pressed fingertips to her lips, hoping this small gesture would stop the rapid wave of nausea. Danica swallowed and glanced around to see if Nieraan maybe showed up near by. No, he was suppose to wait in a bar – it was enough her lover had suffered through the horrible play, she didn't want him to partake in negotiations after it. That would certainly make him snarky and the Corucanti woman wasn't feeling well enough to engage in their private games this time around.
Not today.
Noble children... It could be a coincidence, reckless words about the poorly put together play. Though it was enough to make Danica hesitate before answering. ”All children rebel against their parents, it's called puberty.” She snapped, not reciprocating smiles the woman was giving her. The elongated canines still made a predatory impression but they didn't seem to alien anymore. What was much more unsettling didn't come from Kamarille's words nor gestures but the odd gentle charm. Growing up among the aristocrats had taught her wariness against open kindness, it often went with a price tag.
Her eyes narrowed when the Firrerreo laughed out and a ball of fear knotted in Danica's throat. I need to throw up... The girl desperately looked for a place to hide almost immediately but the square was a large, open space. People started to desert it, leaving only the two women and a vast of white murals. Swallowing once more Danica tried to pulled herself together – hating to show a weakness in front of a weird stranger. ”What do you want?” The human sighed, this time clearly voicing what rest on her heart. The enigmatic replies and vague answers were beast dealt with when challenged head on. ”You aren't here for a chit chat about piss poor plays so cut the crap.” Everything put together about the woman – the way how she casually strolled to her, her species, the Delphic statements and odd kindness as a response to intentionally rude behavior told Danica something wasn't right. It was what Cassius would do to a competitor only to drive a knife into his back.
”It's none of your business, Firrerreo” The woman replied. The state of being Cassius had driven his daughter included everything but naivety. Every little thing could be used against her, every single one. Maybe Kamirille was only a curious bystander but it was always better to be safe than sorry. Danica had enough friends. Droplets of sweat moistened her forehead as the upset stomach began to act up, she felt feverish and had no clue why.
”I really have to go.” She insisted.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Sept 16, 2013 17:40:00 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Sept 16, 2013 17:40:00 GMT -5
Peace,” Kamirille said quietly, sternly, to the near-frenzied younger woman. She lifted her hands slightly, palms open, showing no sign of harm or ill-content. “I mean no harm to you, but you’ll make yourself sick if you start worrying yourself so severely.”
She did not smile, this time, but her manner remained calm, though it shifted in the way it often did, more commanding respect than subtly suggesting it.
“Besides, I doubt your companion would appreciate you so flustered, whenever he comes back from where he went,” Kamirrille paused briefly, eyes going far as she scanned for sight or scent of her son. He was nowhere to be seen. For now. “Or you go to him, as it may be.” She did not explicitly say that Danica and Nieraan were a couple, but something in the steadiness, the sureness of her words hinted that she knew it was so.
It was neither condemnation nor condoning — simply knowledge, firm and quiet.
“I wanted nothing more than you,” Kamirille said, taking a few steps with the gentle swish of skirts, “to enjoy a quiet night out, appreciating the arts and the company of those rare few that can truly understand them.
“I must say, I was surprised when I arrived to see you, of all people, here,” she continued. She turned to face the smaller woman, a subtle, but gentle smile touching her lips. “You are, after all, hardly an unknown entity in these circles, Miss Liviana.”
Kamirille shrugged slightly, as if that knowledge itself was of little importance — and in truth it was. She cared less for Danica was than who she was with, and upon further inspection, what she was.
“That in and of itself wasn’t what drew my attention, though I was surprised to find no one else came to you seeking business favors or deals. These are prime occasions for these things, of course.” She shook her said slightly, and turned back to the windswept opera house behind them, continuing to speak as she did. “But you are a rising force in the business world. Not everyone’s taken notice of that yet, but they will, in time.”
Kamirille looked back to Danica, her demeanor still kind, but much more focused—nearly to the point of intensity. “Because you, Ms. Liviana, have ambition , and ambition is a powerful thing. But also dangerous, when the wrong people notice.
“Those people will come eventually, if they haven’t already,” she sighed, the intensity fading from her. “But even that isn’t the entire reason I’m here. It is because there’s a lot to you, Ms. Liviana.” She turned her head knowingly, smiled sagely as she chuckled a soft chuckle from her throat.
“More than even you yourself may know.” The process would begin now. This would require some finesse, and she couldn’t assume Danica didn’t know what she was about to tell her.
Though it might not hurt her cause if the woman was already aware.
“Tell me, Miss Liviana, what do you know of the Force?”
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Poludnica
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Sept 21, 2013 14:52:40 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Sept 21, 2013 14:52:40 GMT -5
The woman's words kept her in place and Danica stopped, frozen in place. She turned back as something in the Firrerreo's insistence forced more inquisitive than frightening side of her to show. The whole situation looked suspicious – the Coruscanti human felt as if Kamirille knew everything more about her but remained a shadow herself. The simple word sick rang unpleasant in Danica's consciousness. No, this woman certainly couldn't have known why she was being sick – neither the young aristocrat felt like admitting to it. Even if all other options were slowly shrinking to fade – leaving only one. The most frightening. ”What do you know about my companion?” Danica demanded, trying to swallow the primal fear this golden skinned female evoked. Now also about Nieraan.
Why did she have this lingering feeling those two knew each other? The only thing they had in common was species...Maybe that was enough. They were rather reclusive people, long lived but not abundant. She had met maybe two of them during her lifetime. Maybe three. ”I don't think he will mind.” Danica huffed, feeling patronized. Like Cassius would – point out this terribly emotional liability and mark it as weakness. Nieraan never complained, maybe even was somewhat fascinated by it. At least Danica hoped so...Or all suddenly the Sith Lord turned into a martyr that suffered through unwanted relationship.
”Look elsewhere, I have someone to meet.” The Coruscanti woman replied hastily, still trying to make the Firrerreo vanish like an unpleasant afterthought. The way this female asserted certain things – assumption somehow she got right. Danica didn't like it one bit. Though Kamirille stubbornly didn't want to stop this exchange, this time address the human as if they knew each other. ”I am not this famous.” The dark haired woman answered coldly, knowing that one of the Livianas in the Republic space was much more important.
Cassius.
Danica began to fear it was her father's ploy after all. ”I am here for pleasure, not business.” She stated, growing more sick with every passing minute. People didn't approach her for few reasons though – if only because not many treated the young Liviana like a pesky fly that had nothing on what her father represented. Businessmen in the Core knew better than to strike deals with her, of shady alliances now. In the Republic space she was a pariah in terms of large business plays. ”And who noticed now?” Danica asked immediately, sensing a hidden threat lingering in the golden skinned woman's words.
A sudden rush of cold curled her veins when the Firrerreo mentioned vaguely the reason why she was there now. Harassing Danica. Two things came to the woman's mind, one truly terrifying and the other the recently discovered secret. Doubtlessly an ill heritage Cassius never wanted his daughter to have. An odd sense of relief washed over her when the female asked about the Force. Now even a bit interested under all this fear, Danica stayed firmly in place. Not sure if intrigued or too scared to move.
”Nothing.” She lied fluidly, without as much as a twitch. Life among the Sith made a good liar. If not one with Cassius.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Oct 20, 2013 9:33:45 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Oct 20, 2013 9:33:45 GMT -5
[Due to the compy probs, I’m kinda outa practice. You get to be my warmup plsdonthateme] “Ms. Liviana, please,” Kamirille said, voice an odd mixture of amusement and annoyance. Annoyance at being lied to. Amused that Danica had the gall to try — though it wasn’t as if she could know who, or what Kamirille was. “Lies are so unbecoming. But I will forgive you. You are a young businesswoman, of course, and you do what you must.” She paused, closing her coat against a chill breeze from the north and knotting the loose cloth belt to hold it. “I suppose that’s not all your fault though,” she said, pacing slightly, heels click-clacking on the smooth stone. She took three steps and casually stopped, looking off toward the town, where her son undoubtedly waited for his date. She looked back to Danica with a smile. “But you know what they say about a mother’s intuition. “Now,” she began, the whole of her attention once more on Danica, “you are a young businesswoman, trying to carve a piece for yourself out of your father’s empire.” Kamirille paused, head tilted ever-so-slightly thoughtfully aside. “Or perhaps take it all for yourself. The difference is less relevant than you’d think.” Kamirille smiled again, but this one lacked warmth. It was knowing, telling — saying that if Danica wouldn’t play along, she’d just learn how much Kamirille knew. Her son, stubborn fool that he was, refused to provide the updates she demanded, so she tracked him. Tracking him meant, by necessity, tracking this girl. “Or have the actions you’ve started taking only been to pretend at a rebellion against dear father?” “Don’t get me wrong,” she continued, chuckling, “the man could do with being knocked down a peg or two. But you, knowing what he is…” She paused meaningfully. “And knowing what you are — what you could be, with help — well, I just don’t know why you’d turn away from an opportunity to seize what the Force can do for you.” She folded her arms, watching Danica carefully. She needed the girl to accept her, or to continue biding her time long enough to make Nieraan antsy. One was more preferable than the other, but she’d prepared contingencies for both. “I believe you can see the heart of what I’m saying, Ms. Liviana. Or are you merely content to keep on wasting your potential? Those people that are watching you are going to come, Ms. Liviana, and your little rebellion won’t be so simple when they do.”
Nieraan sat alone in a shadowed corner, a lone glass of water keeping him company. He’d decied some time again that he was getting bored of watching condensation the glass, then roll like rain down its side. Yet here he was. Waiting. Alone. The play had been a bore. Danica knew he didn’t want to see it, but he got dragged out anyway. She wouldn’t even let him sleep through it. Sometimes he wondered why he suffered through those whims of hers. ‘Cultural instruction,’ she called it. He called it boring. Still, she’d promised they would go out on the town after. Get some dinner, have a good time. So he suffered the stiff, uncomfortable suit, and the cologne that smelled too strong for his taste and her comb that felt like it was going to rip his hair out by the roots. But for some reason, Danica hadn’t showed up yet. She knew where he was waiting—a quiet little diner near the theatre. It was dim, but warm. Not quite upscale, but not a hole in the wall that he’d frequent if left to his own devices. For a while, he’d just assumed she was making conversation with some other patrons, but something in the pit of his stomach felt wrong. You’re just being paranoid, he told himself, time and time again, but the uneasiness wouldn’t settle. Watching condensation could only hold his attention for so long. With grumbles and mumbles, he fished around in a pocket and pulled out a comm, deciding to see what was taking her so long. “Danica. You coming?”
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Poludnica
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Oct 21, 2013 7:16:02 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Oct 21, 2013 7:16:02 GMT -5
((Omg Ihateyou so much now for it <3))
The Firrerreo woman guessed a lie like a most clever child solves puzzles: quickly and without a mistake. Danica inhaled sharply once more being reminded of her father who always knew. There was no deception she could make, no false statement as it would be hastily torn to pieces. After all those years the mystery however had been solved – Cassius was a Force user. Suddenly everything began to make sense, the little details that put Cassius apart from many people. Now the sensation came back just in relation to the stranger and Danica's heart began to race at the implication that blossomed in her mind.
”Mother's? The human repeated baffled as the new wave of unsettling worry nestled at the core of her being. What else this creature knew? The Coruscanti woman held back an urge to protectively place a hand on her abdomen. She bit back the urge, instead defiantly rising her chin when Kamirille mentioned Cassius. Almost as if the Firrerreo knew him. Impossible. ”How do you know Cassius?” Danica demanded, sweat gathering where ebony hair met pale skin. Long time ago the human decided to call her father bu his name, though not always it worked. Distancing herself like that.
The smile the alien female gave her lacked the previous mirth and gentle warmth. She was like Cassius in so many, with this kind mask that hid a subtle threat. ”You are a Force user.” Danica's eyes narrowed and stayed this way – suspicion building at the pit of her stomach where also nausea stirred relentlessly. Only someone gifted in the ways of the Force could guess the sleeping power she had inherited from her father.
”If he needs to be knocked down a peg, why won't you do it?” Danica answered with a mocking huff, already knowing she wouldn't get rid of this female any time soon. As her mind fervently worked on the possible solutions her comm device let out a wallowing beep. A message. Already noting the name as she pulled out a small, elegant datapad from her purse. Absolutely in purpose, the woman pressed a button on a haptic keyboard to bring the caller on a speaker. Let the woman know she wasn't alone.
“Danica. You coming?”
Her lover's voice had this frequent annoyed, impatient quality Nieraan so often employed. Whenever bored or left alone too long he would fret like an abandoned pup. Especially when out of his element – in a nice suit, combed, properly washed in fragrant soap and sprayed with an expensive cologne.”On my way.” Danica replied, trying to keep the tension out of her voice but after more than a year Nieraan knew every rising fortissimo that could fall into a faint whisper. Even if he wasn't there to listen her feelings.
The connection faded but Danica felt much calmer. Now Nieraan knew something was going on. She wasn't alone anymore. With a wry smile the Coruscanti businesswoman looked at the Firrerreo female. ”Care to join me?” Danica offered – the woman didn't know many able to overpower Nieraan. Even her father had to try very hard, only to leave their encounter on Pyrrhic victory. He would keep her safe...
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Nov 11, 2013 10:55:42 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Nov 11, 2013 10:55:42 GMT -5
[Short. At work >> Don't hate]
Kamirille smirked. “Child, your father is hardly an enigma. It isn’t hard to find much of anything out, for someone that wants to.” She let the calm, controlled demeanor drop slightly, allowing herself a small, self-satisfied smile. “Finding you was much more difficult.”
Or would have been, if her son hadn’t attached himself to Danica’s hip — often literally, Kamirille suspected.
”You are a Force user.”
Kamirille smiled again, a subtly-wicked thing, showing the tips of her fangs — an expression Nieraan picked up from her and often mirrored. “I do not deny what I am, no,” she said. “And I have been better because of it. But you continue to flee, even with opportunity right before you.” She cocked her head slightly aside, lifting a questioning brow. “I do wonder why.”
She knew why, in truth. Danica was afraid, like a nerf cornered by a nexu. She was right to be—as long as she didn’t bolt.
Then Kamirille would have to take some unfortunate steps to reach her ultimate objective here.
“I don’t have any quarrel with the man,” she answered to Danica’s question about her father. “Your struggle will be entertaining, but I’ve other matters to attend to.”
She paced slightly to her left, heels clicking with the motion. Something caused a sudden surge of confidence in the girl, and before Kamirille knew it she heard her son’s voice over a comm, asking for Danica’s location.
”On my way,” Danica replied, before she turned her attention to Kamirille. ”Care to join me?”
It was very hard to hide the smile, but she did nodding slightly. “Of course,” she answered, “if you do not mind extra company.”
She unfolded her arms, motioning for Danica to go. “Lead the way. I’ll follow.”
Like a lamb to slaughter…
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Poludnica
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Nov 12, 2013 10:19:49 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Nov 12, 2013 10:19:49 GMT -5
This smile. The lopsided grin with one fang bared, adding edge to what was a challenging smirk. She knew this smile so well and the familiarity of it formed a cold ball in her throat. Maybe that was a trait of all Firrerreo. That was how they learned to use their anatomical advantage. ”He is, isn't he?” Danica stated bitterly. Everyone knew her father and everyone would always make comparison. Cassius had built an Empire from which his daughter stole a small crumb. Now tries to feed on it desperately, like a chick thrown out from the nest. Hard to believe another Force user showed up, knew about her father but claimed to have no relation with him. ”You aren't human, that's enough quarrel for him.” She added, trying to hide any venom that could tainted those words.
Finally Danica grasped what made her so angry about all this. The dismissal. This female made the young human feel unimportant and redundant.”Then it won't be any problem for you to leave me alone.” The Livco owner snipped while turning to find a proper way toward the bar. Her steps were rushed and even,pitpat of high heels echoed in the emptying streets. Danica didn't try to continue the chit chat, mumbling something incoherent about the power offered. What was the point? She was too old for any training – with the power Cassius governed Danica would always stay a toothless pup. It was angering that own parent denied such gift and didn't share it. And behind all this fury lied deep sadness about never being good enough.
”Not that you would go if I minded it.” Danica sighed tiredly, barely above a whisper. She pushed the doors open, finally relaxing a bit. Knowing Nieraan was inside. He would protect her, always did. Her gaze quickly fished the Firrerreo from the crowd – bored looking and annoyed but even when resembling an immature young adult Nieraan could be endearing. A roguish, nonchalant charm so...Huh. Danica stopped suddenly finally placing the strange feeling of familiarity that haunted her the moment the strange woman had nagged her.
They were oddly similar...Carefully looking back at Kamirille, Danica took a hesitant step forward. ”Nieraan.” The girl started, trying to catch the Firrerreo's golden eyes.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Dec 1, 2013 20:06:47 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Dec 1, 2013 20:06:47 GMT -5
Kamirille hmphed and quietly followed Danica as the Liviana girl turned and led on to the bar. She was tempted to snip back at the girl’s petulant quips, but now she didn’t need to. She had what she wanted now. Like a an unassuming nerf leading a kath back to nest, Danica led Kamirille to her true target. Once they arrived, Danica would surely learn the respect Kamirille deserved — no, demanded. Her only regret was that things were probably going to get very, very violent soon. But it was an eventuality she’d come prepared for and was more than apt to handle. Such was life, after all, when dealing with rebellious children. Danica led her down a sidewalk that lazily snaked along the edge of town. Ruusan’s sun was lower off on the horizon, submerging itself into the grassy waves like a sinking ship into the sea. The sky opposite was dimmer, the night air growing crisper. No doubt the town’s people were starting to come out and make merry further in. But things were still quiet here on the edge. Kamirille supposed that was for the best. After a few quiet minutes of going on, they reached the dive where her son awaited. She smiled quietly as they reached the door, feeling his presence shining like a beacon from within. As soon as she set foot inside, she saw him, the Force drawing her eyes to him like a magnet…. /- -\ Nieraan was watching condensation slowly roll down the side of his glass again. He tried not to worry about Danica — he didn’t take worry about anything very well — but something bugged him. Her voice hadn’t been normal when he checked on her; not the way it usually sounded when he was trying to catch up on her while she rubbed elbows with the sorts of people that made him want to stick a finger down his throat and vomit. That was troubling. More than that, there was something worrisome in the air. Something muted and hard to place his finger on. It reminded him of the summers of his youth, when the skies over Ruusan’s rolling plains would be oddly tense before a particularly nasty storm. He heard the dive’s door slide open, felt Danica’s presence slip inside. He looked up, and his eyes immediately went past her. Oh he saw her; saw the nervous, uncomfortable look on her face. But something more pressing and much more troubling caught his eyes irrevocably. “You…” The word was quietly spoken — a disbelieving whisper that slipped through his lips almost unbidden as his face visibly paled. Kamirille smirked at him, showing a fang. She began to walk toward his table, her gait commanding and confident as she let the aura she’d been hiding spread out around her. It smothered his senses like an avalanche. “What are you doing here?” He asked, standing up suddenly from his seat, posture tense. “You shouldn’t be here.” He looked to Danica. “Why did you bring her here?!” “Now, Nieraan, don’t be rude,” Kamirile said, stopping a few paces away from her son. She was a touch taller than he, and though he had a larger musculature, it was not hard to see that a great many of her characteristics had carried over to him. Far more than those traits he pulled from his father. Nieraan felt himself wilting under her gaze, under the strength she radiated in the Force. He felt like a cornered cat, and if he’d the fur for it, his hackles would be raised. “You’ve picked a fine girl for yourself, but is that really any way to greet your own mother, boy?”
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Poludnica
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Dec 2, 2013 11:41:45 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Dec 2, 2013 11:41:45 GMT -5
The moment she laid eyes on Nieraan, Danica knew something was very wrong. By this time she understood how his features sculpted to correspond a range of emotions. The Firrerreo was expressive and fiery – it wasn't easy to guess the feelings that currently ruled over him. Danica had seen him angered, frustrated, happy, content, annoyed and pleased. Even worried but there was one emotions she had almost never spotted: fear. True, raw, helpless fear. Warriors like Nieraan learned to hide it, learned to move pass it. Not now though; her lover seemed shocked and infected with the worst kind of dread that came with recognizing an old, deadly threat. Danica froze in place, noticing Nieraan mouthing one, silent word. She quickly turned to face Kamirille whose sole attention had been on the young Sith Lord.
”I didn't....” The human woman breathed at the accusatory question. Her own anxiety spiked up, flooding the girl's consciousness with icy presence. One that curled blood in the veins. Led by instinct she darted toward the Sith, hiding behind his athletic frame. Now stupidly surprised at how similar those two were. Even before Kamirille spoke Danica knew...Not a sister, not a former lover, not an acquittance. A mother. Going pass the racial bias, she could notice telltales of lineage they shared. Subtle edge to the features, the same way they smiled...
The woman immediately began to treat Nieraan like an unruly child, chiding him for rude greeting. Danica peered from behind the Firrerreo, choked into silence. He told her his parents had died, when Nieraan was a mere teenager. That the street smart upbringing started when as an urchin had to deal with the Metellos underbelly. It was obvious her lover knew this female was alive and clearly didn't want to see his mother. ”You told me they were dead!” Danica complained through building fear. She couldn't understand what left Nieraan so terrified. So obviously shaken. Something was very, very wrong and as if seeking comforting warmth, the woman clung to her lover, wrapping arms closely around his chest. Moving slightly forward to put herself between him and Kamirille. Danica could feel Nieraan's heart racing and heard breath quickening.
”What's going on?” She asked, confused, warily watching the Firrerreo female who stood even taller than her son. The bar was almost empty with only few patrons gazing at the strange event. They looked alarmed and vigilant, just like the bartender. Every small talk stopped; only an old, wailing song played in the background. Everyone was expecting something to happen as the atmosphere thickened around the trio. Tensed with unvoiced anger and shock.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Dec 19, 2013 19:47:58 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Dec 19, 2013 19:47:58 GMT -5
“Told her I was dead?”
Nieraan’s jaw clenched as his mother tsked a few times at him. He didn’t say anything to her teasing question, letting silence drag instead for a few moments longer.
Truly, he was afraid to say something. I should’ve told her… he though, chiding himself. But this was never supposed to happen. Danica and Kamrille were never supposed to meet.
His mother, however, was handling the situation far more fracefully than he.
“It’s simple, really, Ms. Liviana,” Kamrille said, heels click-clacking as she reduced the distance between the young couple and herself. “My son is a rebellious soul. Always has been. Likely always will be.”
She stopped about a pace and a half away from Danica. A soft half-smile graced her face, unaware or uncaring about restaurant’s patrons looking at the obvious altercation. “I suppose I have myself to blame for that,” she said, and the smile grew, baring her fangs. “Blood calls blood, after all.
Nieraan scowled, pushing Danica aside. “Stop it, Kamirille,” he said. “I don’t know your game, but it’s not welcome here.”
Laughter pushed Kamirille’s head back. It was strong, clear like steeple bells. “Come child you should know better-“
Nieraan’s lightsaber igniting should’ve caught her off guard. But somehow the woman knew. Somehow she had her sky blue blade out and with a flick of her wrist pushed the stab meant for her heart harmlessly aside. She smiled a dangerous smile at Nieraan. “One day you’ll learn. So be it, then.”
Patrons screamed and got up to their feet, dashing for the exit. Neither Firrerreo seemed concerned with them.
“You’ll learn to quit following me around,” Nieraan growled. He disengaged his gold blade from Kamirille’s blade and moved, pushing Danica away and hopefully to safety with his body—and hoping she wouldn’t take it too poorly.
He drew back, preparing to strike-
A knee in his stomach made him gasp, wondering where his breath had gone. Another followed, hard enough to briefly lift him from his feet. Every instinct pounded into his brain by the woman’s ruthless instruction howled not to bend over, but he did, clutching his gut as he struggled for air.
Kamirille’s hand closed around his collar. He felt the Force surge into her, and then he went flying of his feet and over the bar, slamming into the glasses, bottles, and a bartender with a loud crash.
Kamirrille looked after the boy, tsking. “Such a shame,” she said, looking at Danica with a knowing smile, as sure of the feelings working in the girl’s gut as she was the day of the week. “Well, he always has required taming; a fact I’m sure you’re well aware of.”
She shrugged out of her coat, revealing lean, athletic arms, and stepped out of her heels to approach her fallen son.
“Come, come, Nieraan. Make mother proud.”
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Poludnica
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Dec 21, 2013 15:16:01 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Dec 21, 2013 15:16:01 GMT -5
The air grew thick with tension. Nieraan's reaction scared her. This lackadaisical, borderline negligent and arrogant man let a worry and anger to show in his features. Danica knew this was truly his mother, not an impostor. He lied, Nieraan had lied to her. She didn't know what hurt more: this or the threat this woman posed. When Kamirille stepped closer, her reaction was to cling even more to Nieraan's body. The young human woman felt tension building in the hardened body of her lover, her fingers dug into firm tendons and muscles as the predator approached. Despite that, the woman didn't scare her half as much as Cassius had and at one point Danica found the resolve to answer her. ”It seems he had reasons to be.” She spat fiercely.
Even when Nieraan pushed her away, Danica didn't want to let go. He won in the end, when she sensed violence coming closer. Its threatening breath creeping in, betrayed by the hiss of ignited lightsabers. How did it turn so terrible in a span of few moments? Nieraan came between her and his mother, Danica still numbed from shock moved away, pressing herself in a corner of the wall behind. All blood seemed to leave the girl's already pale features, leaving blanched, fearful expression. No, no, it isn't happening. Kamirille's laugh rang loudly, almost obscenely among the leaving crowd. Two beings, caught in the threads of fate with everything else fading into the background. Danica looked at the doors as she didn't have only one life to care for now but one look at Nieraan stopped any attempts of escape. She couldn't leave him, he hadn't when Cassius had showed his claws and could just as well.
He can win...He... The silent prayer was cut short by one more thought. She is insane. Before the events played out, quickly. Brutally. Nieraan flew back few meters, slammed into the wall with the force that shook the bar. Glass, liquids and even the bartender's blood erupted in one, large mess. ”No!” Danica cried out, it was a long, wailing sound. ”You crazy b*tch!” The Coruscanti woman spat at the smiling Firrerreo. Was she really his mother? Such monster? The girl went to see if Nieraan was alright, alive even. ”Why are you doing this?!” Danica demanded. Cassius was a cruel, cold parent but never this...evil. There was no other word to call that. Evil. Heinous.
”Nieraan...Nieraan...” The dark haired girl wanted to kneel next to Nieraan, then notice Kamirille approaching. She quickly dashed toward him, trying to cover the fallen Firrerreo with own body. ”Don't hurt him, please!” Danica pleaded helplessly, tears making their way onto her cheeks, seeping into her words.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jan 5, 2014 0:37:48 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jan 5, 2014 0:37:48 GMT -5
The world swam. First he heard the sound of blood rushing in his ears, thunderous and rhythmic to the pace of his heart. For a time that seemed to stretch on and on, it seemed that was all he could hear. Then the sound of his breathing, uneven and heavy came.
As his pulse faded, he heard the a female voice saying something, though the words were muddled beyond comprehension. He shifted on the ground and felt pricks of something sticking him. Something crunched as he rolled onto his side.
He opened his eyes. The world was strange and blurred for a heartbeat before it snapped slowly into focus once more. Nieraan blinked as everything came back to him. The restaurant. Danica.
Kamirille.
Suddenly he rolled to his stomach, ignoring the glass annoyance and pushed himself slowly, shakingly, to his feet. Danica was in front of him. Kamirille faced her, coat discarded somewhere. She had that dangerous lioness’ smile she wore when she knew she had the upper hand.
Nieraan didn’t like that.
“Danica, please,” he said, leaning down to scoop his sabers up and reactivate them. “Leave. You’re not safe here.”
“See, Miss Liviana?” Kamirille asked, her clear voice far too mirthful for the situation. “He does care about you, when he isn’t lying.”
Nieraan snarled, but didn’t bother responding to his mother’s taunts. There wasn’t any point. The Force roared into him again at his call as he stepped in front of Danica, boots crunching on the broken glass that littered the ground behind the bar. He ached from the impact, and from liquor burning into cuts on his back and side, but he didn’t care about the small hurts.
“Go away,” he demanded of his mother again. His voice shook more than he’d like. It sounded more like a frightened cub pretending at bravery than a lion that deserved to be feared.
Kamirille smirked. She knew. He knew she knew, and he hated it.
“That’s no way to speak to mother, child,” she said as she stepped behind the bar. Nieraan noticed she’d ditched her shoes, obviously not worried about the glass on the ground. “Especially not when I’ve made you what you are. Or does Miss Liviana think you solely responsible for th-“
“I said stop it,” he hissed at her, holding his golden blade up. “I swear if, you-“
“Nieraan,” Kamirille interrupted, “if you want to stop me, stop trying to scare me and stop me.”
Nieraan used his body to push Danica back again and looked over his shoulder again. “Get out of here Danica. You have t-“
Gold and blue blades crashed together as he fended of Kamirille’s stroke, eyes wide in surprise. Her strike had been a simple, elegant thing—an overhanded blow that cut cleanly through the air. That wouldn’t make it less deadly if she cut through his heart though.
“No, no, Nieraan. Eyes on your foe,” Kamirille said. Her eyes and voice had changed to a sudden, frightening seriousness. “I taught you better than that.”
Nieraan clenched his jaw and shoved her saber away with a grunt. He lunged to an attack, shifting his weight forward as his blue saber came crashing in at her throat…
But her blade freed itself from his own. It met his attack and he felt his blade twisting around before her parry tore it away from his grip. A finger of fear crawled up his spine and he hesitated to react as his weapon flew through the air. The opening was all she needed.
Before Nieraan knew she’d done it, Kamirille spun around in a kick. Her foot slammed against the bottom of his head, hooking around the back of his neck. The blow took him down and slammed his head brutally against the bar with the sound of crushing glass barely preceding a sickening crack as his temple met the polished wood.
Nieraan’s body went limp and slumped to the ground.
/--\
Kamirille turned to Danica as her son’s lightsaber clattered to the ground. The playfulness she’d shown earlier was gone from her expression as she regarded the shorter, smaller woman. “Don’t worry too much. He will live.” She took a few slow, dangerous steps toward Danica, footfalls light on the shattered glass. “But you, ahh… what to do with you, Miss Liviana?”
She lifted her deep blue saber, but not to strike at Danica. She looked at it, as if contemplating for a long moment before she deactivated it. “He loves you, doesn’t he?” A small, rueful smile touched her lips. “That is not something he gives easily, you know. You should feel honored, if he does.”
She made an idle motion with her hand and the Force moved to wrap around Danica and lift her from her feet. “But have you tested that love, Miss Liviana? To see what lengths he’d truly go through, for you? To know what he would sacrifice?”
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Poludnica
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Jan 14, 2014 14:21:19 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 14, 2014 14:21:19 GMT -5
”No.” A protest was small, barely audible between soft sobs. She wouldn't abandon him, not after what they both had been through. Nieraan moved before her, standing between his crazed mother and Danica. The human woman's jaw clenched at the taunt, the fiery girl wouldn't stay silent like the Sith. Even in the face of such danger she refused to simply cow in a corner. A memory suddenly bubbled up, unwarranted, almost unrelated. The first meeting between them when Nieraan had tried to scare her, expected fear more than anything else but got flaring temper instead. ”Jealous?” The Coruscanti woman snarled, stepping close her lover, hoping for someone to show up. The law enforcement...Anyone. Not even a Force master could stand against numbers...Could they? Danica's fighting spirit quickly faded when the Sith lord tried to chase his mother with a plea more than a demanding order. He was scared, frightened like a child left in the woods. ”You can win this.” She said in desperation, with all self control trying to give Nieraan some space.
Till the moment the Firrerreo man was standing, Danica hoped he could win. Truly win. Cassius had already given him a lesson but her father was a brutal creature. Kamirille was Nieraan's mother, that went against all natural order. ”No!” A high pitched, desperate scream ripped from Danica's lips when the Sith's head hit the counter. The thing nearly broke under the sudden pressure and sickly trail of blood marred the surface, now cracked. The woman pressed palms to her temples, feeling the reality shattering around into small pieces. Once more she knelt next to the Firrerreo, trying to see if the pulse was still there but her fingers trembled too much. ”Nieraan, no, wake up.” Danica begged breathlessly, tears falling on the silver streak cheeks.
When the Kamirille spoke up again the Coruscanti woman lifted her gaze, burning with hatred. Anger. Fury. ”You sick, crazy shrew!” Danica spat, didn't even flinch when the Firrerreo woman raised her blade. When all the emotional borders were pushed, fear was replaced by desperate anger. No matter how much Cassius denied it, his daughter had more from him than they both wanted to admit. The human's hands closed on a large shard of glass – she didn't pay mind to pain from the cut skin as long, pale fingers gripped it tightly.
”No wonder he wished you dead.” The Coruscanti girl hissed and jumped to her feet, ready to use the unlikely weapon against this powerful foe in a foolish, brave attempt. Before that could happen though, something lifted Danica off the ground. Suddenly losing the sense of direction, the young woman yelped helplessly and flailed. The makeshift blade falling on the pile of other similar shards. ”Let me go!” Danica demanded before shrieking like an infuriated banshee.
”We won't play your twisted game.”
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
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Jan 24, 2014 8:52:42 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Jan 24, 2014 8:52:42 GMT -5
[Actions taken with gospol's approval/permission]
“I am afraid, Miss Liviana, that you do not have a choice,” Kamirille said. She strolled to the table where she’d left her things, either unaware of or uncaring of the glass shards that littered the restaurant floor. None of them drew a single drop of blood as she slipped back into her shoes. She took her coat then and wrapped it around her shoulders once more. All the while, Danica remained in the air, like a small, frightened animal held just tight enough to keep from making trouble.
“You have my assurance, however,” Kamirille continued as she tied her belt, “that I will not harm you.” She looked at Danica then, and her eyes were suddenly sharp and piercing. “Unless you warrant it. Do not take my reluctance to harm you as a refusal, Miss Livina. It would be a tragic underestimation, and one that I hope to avoid.”
Her things gathered, Kamirille began to walk toward the exit, and by proxy of positioning, Danica. “Her stride was calm, commanding. Once again, she was the dominant figure in the room, and everything about her radiated that that knowledge was absolute. “Now you’ve torn up your delicate little fingers,” she said, followed by a gentle tsk and disappointed shake of her head. “A woman like you isn’t meant to fight, Miss Liviana. Perhaps if your life had taken a different path its early days, but now... no, I think not.”
Kamirille offered a casual wave of her hand, and Danica began to move in front of her as she headed toward the door. “That’s what the boy is for, after all, is it not?” Again, she smiled knowingly and put a finger to her lips to silence the girl.
“Now, you’re going to have to pardon me, Miss Liviana,” she went on. The Force thickened around Danica’s mouth, to cut her off from making sound. “We have somewhere to be, and I won’t have you screaming like a child to get in the way.”
Kamirille paused as she reached the threshold and cast a look to her son. He still lay where she’d put him down. Blood pooled slowly under his messy hair and stained his silver skin with crimson. He was hurt. But his heart bet yet. Kamrille turned to give Danica a silent, significant look.
“Now, you are going to come with me,” she said. Her voice was suddenly firm and as unyielding as duracrete. “If you make trouble, Nieraan will die, and you will watch it. Please do not test me on this, Miss Liviana, because I have no plans to kill anyone today. But,” she added as she allowed Danica’s feet to touch the ground, “plans can be changed.
“Now,” Kamirille said, and the grip that kept Danica from moving melted away, though her mouth remained sealed. A speeder pulled up before them, and the back seat door opened wide. “Walk.”
/- -\
Thump thump…
The world slowly returned, dark and blurred. Something seared at his temple, like a coal fresh from flame. A noise sounded, the low, long groan of creature in agony, but he could not recognize the noise as his own.
Thump thump…
Something was close. It kissed his face with its warmth, teased his tongue with salinity. It oozed beneath him. It stuck to him with wet, stretchy strands as the world moved, then returned to the way it was with a thud.
Maritza..? No…
Not her...
Thump thump…
“I hate you!” A youth screamed around body-wracking sobs. “Why can’t you just leave me alone?!”
Thump thump
Danica… Yes, that was the one. Danica…
The world blurred and turned to black once more.
/- -\
The door slid shut, locking Kamirille and Danica in the small house. It was an isolated thing that sat atop a small hill a few miles away from the town. A short trip on speeder, and one that afforded Kamirille the privacy she’d required.
“You see, Miss Liviana, no harm has come to you,” she said. She fully released the girl fully with an amused chuckle. She found a plush chair to sit in and motioned for Danica to do the same.
“You’re not the first one he’s loved, you know,” she said. “But it is a rare thing to see him love. Truly love…” Her voice trailed off and a sad smile touched her silver face. “Well, we’ll find out on that last bit. After all, he’s still yet to come save you.”
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Poludnica
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Jan 25, 2014 14:10:10 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Jan 25, 2014 14:10:10 GMT -5
There weren't many people who made Dancia feel so utterly helpless. Cassius, sometimes Nieraan with his terrible insistence on keeping this wild mane of uncombed hair but no one else. Certainly not a woman. She didn't really grasp the threat Kamirille posed, not yet. Not even when the female kept her tightly locked in the Force embrace. Danica spew curses and idle threats, in growing desperation even calling for protection from the hated parent. ”My father will have your head!” The woman threatened, inhaling sharply. A lie of course, even if Cassius decided to help her, that would mean Nieraan's death. Still, old habits died hard and suddenly Danica really felt like a little girl screaming for a protector. Kamirille talked but the girl refused to listen, she claimed no harm would come to them. Yet the Sith laid in a pool of own blood, unconscious. The Corsucanti woman reached her bleeding hand to grasp Nieraan but he was too far. A crimson stream fell on the ground, gathering blow but Danica barely felt anything. ”Nieraan.” She whispered, trying to find consolation in the fact his species healed fast. His mother said he would live.
”Why are you doing this?” Danica asked through tears, feeling sick from the weightless vertigo. Before she could add anything else felt lips tightening, getting pressed together – at first the girl thought it would choke her but still could frantically breathe through nose. Letting out pathetic mewls and strained whimpers she had no choice but to follow Kamirille. Any protest was futile – Danica didn't calm down when the crazy Firrerreo threatened to kill Nieraan. ”How can you do it to your own child?!” Danica hissed but without any protest climbed on the backseat of a speeder. She thought Cassius was a heinous parent, abusive, cold but no matter how much he forced his will, only once the girl had been scared for her life. Judging by her father's reaction – the man had been scared by this outburst as well. Kamirille though...Danica didn't mind now Nieraan hadn't told her the truth. Who would like to admit all this?
The speeder looked new, even cozy with soft seats Danica curled on. Into the smallest ball, pressed somewhere in the corner. She thought about her own life, Nieraan's but also one the young woman was afraid to name. The faint worry nestled somewhere below the heart, prickly and unpleasant. Unlike the fiery, reckless girl: Danica didn't try anything. Not even verbal whips. Nausea once more crept up her throat, unbearable this time around. She was always motion sick but now it felt horrible. Despite own convictions Danica clung to what Kamirille said: no one should die today. Then why?
The secluded house looked unremarkable, certainly some rented crap – maybe even chosen specifically for this. She is batsh*t. Danica thought with a disgusted grimace before entering the shack, finally having own will back but by this point she knew nothing could be done. Her verdant gaze moved from a wall to a wall, then ceiling when Danica simply refused to look at Kamirille. ”Am I supposed to be shocked? That Nieraan has a past?” The woman snorted, turning her back to the Firrerreo. ”He is in his thirties for gods sake.” It would be a lie that Danica never thought or wondered about who her lover had dated but she also didn't believe in sharing such stories. They both had lost loves and fair share of scars. ”He will come.” Danica added finally, with the same blank, bored tone. Washed of all emotions. Her feelings were numbed too, as if the brain decided to shut them all off before completely shutting down.
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Rugs
The ring-dang-doo, now what is that?
6,347 posts
1,102 likes
Friendly neighborhood CEO
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last online Jan 12, 2024 11:24:20 GMT -5
Administrator
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Mar 25, 2014 12:44:26 GMT -5
Post by Rugs on Mar 25, 2014 12:44:26 GMT -5
“Oh, I’ve no doubt that Nieraan will come, Miss Liviana,” Kamirille said, voice slightly sanguine. “Not if he is everything to you that you believe his is. Or you are everything to him that you hope to be.”
She settled into her chair, folding one leg over the other. Danica could pretend to be too high or too offended to look at her, but the elder Onin was going to make herself comfortable. They’d be waiting for some time yet, after all.
“I do not care that he loves you of course,” she continued. “The child is young, but it’s his prerogative. But, if you stand in the way of his progress, well…”
Kamirille shrugged. “Well, I can’t say I can make any promises, Miss Liviana. As Nieraan well knows.”
/- -\
The fog stirred. Nieraan coughed and a surge of pain daggered into his head. He gasped, eyes watering. His lungs clawed for air that suddenly felt thin and distant. Something held him down, though.
“He’s moving!” A voice yelled. “He’s still alive! Get him in there now!”
Nieraan felt something shift felt a pair of hands grab each of his arms and another pair taking his ankles. His stomach lurched as he was raised from the ground and taken somewhere, put on something soft and clean.
He groaned again. The voices faded to distant, blurred sounds. He felt something being strapped around the back of his head, felt a mask coming down over his mouth and nose as darkness closed in around him again.
Maritza…
No…
/- -\
Morning light fell on his eyes, strong and pure, or as pure as it could be, filtering through the little motes of dust that lazily hung in the air. Was it morning already? It felt like he’d only just fallen asleep.
Nieraan pulled the covers further over him and turned, or tried to. He was abruptly reminded that he was not alone. She slept next to him, and arm hooked around his firm stomach, her body curled so that her head lay against the side of his chest. Her rich mahogany hair spilled onto one of his shoulders.
Nieraan smiled, pulling the thick bed cover over them. It was rough and moth-bitten, but it was thick and worked well enough to keep the morning’s chill at bay.
“Stop moving so much,” she muttered against his bare skin. “Let’s just be still together, hm?”
Nieraan smiled. “Well if you insiiist…”
They were in Maritza’s apartment: a small, cramped thing in the heart of Metallos’ endless slums. It wasn’t much different than where Nieraan stayed with Kamirille, but then again, all the slum apartments and hovels tended to blend together after a while. But here they were free from prying eyes. Here, he was safe from his abusive mother’s absolute control over his life.
Here, they were free to share their feelings without care for prying eyes.
They’d done just that last night, in earnest. It was something he’d never done before, and Maritza shared the same newness. They’d loved in the awkward way two brand new lovers often do, but they didn’t care. A subtle, weary sort of burn lurked in Nieraan’s muscles, and he doubted Maritza wasn’t feeling much different. It was a side effect they were happy to share.
“I can't stay for long,” he muttered, giving voice to the inevitable truth neither wanted to acknowledge — that Nieraan would have to return to Kamirille, and they would have to return to trying to make their little trysts work out. “I hope I haven’t stayed too long already.
Maritza squeezed him softly against her. “Why?” she asked, though she knew the answer. “Why do you have to go back to that cursed woman, Nieraan. Just run away. Make a new life for yourself. It’s not so hard.”
Nieraan smiled sadly. “I wish I could…” he said, voice trailing off at the end. “I’ve tried. But you don’t know how hard she is…”
“Martiza Escobar,” Kamrille said, looking over her steepled fingers at Danica. “His first love. He was sixteen at the time, and the girl was a few months older.
“At first they’d meet in secret, with him sneaking off into the night as if I wouldn’t understand what late night fancies might catch a teenage boy’s attention.” She stopped to scoff. Nieraan wasn’t much different than a teenage boy now, for their people. Some things would change, but slowly.
“I allowed it for a time,” she said. “Far be it from me to deny the boy that which the Jedi denied his father and I. But, after a while, it became apparent that Maritza was standing in the way of where Nieraan needed to be. He used her as a crutch. He clung to her to try to escape my efforts to forge him in what he had to be, and so, Miss Liviana, I changed things.”
Something ate at the back of Nieraan’s mind as he clambered up the stairs to Maritza’s quiet little apartment. Nothing should feel wrong. His mother was away, and for once, he had a free afternoon to himself to use as he pleased.
It hadn’t taken much thought to determine what he wanted to do with his free time.
He’d made the short trip over to her building with little haste to spare, but as soon as he arrived on the premises, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was afoot—that something was wrong. Still, his senses spoke of no danger, so he ignored the thought as simple paranoia and continued on until he reached her room. The door slid open.
“It’s amazing, really,”Kamirille said, the whole of her attention still focused on Danica. “One simple action was all it took to break him. That’s all it ever really takes, if you know how to do it. He guards himself well, but if you find the weak point and push…”
“Why would you do this?!”
Nieraan sank to the ground. His legs failed him as strength fled from his body. The world seemed to spin out of control. Naseua threatened to make him vomit.
Where was Martiza? Signs of a struggle spread through her apartment. A bloodstain marked the wall near the room’s lone window.
“Where is she?!” he screamed at Kamirille. “What have you done to her?!”
His mother simply stood. Unspeaking. Unapologetic.
“I hate you!” he yelled as sobs wracked his body.
“He has never forgiven me, nor do I ever expect him to,” Kamirille said. She leaned back in her chair, resuming the position she’d held before she recounted her actions to Danica. “But I did what I had to, to make him what he is today. To make him the man that apparently catches your eye so much.”
She allowed a subtle, dangerous smile to touch one corner of her lips. “You, then, Miss Liviana, can be what Maritza was not, for him. But do not stand in the way of his progress. That boy still has to grow. He is not yet strong enough to survive all the dangers the Galaxy will present to him.”
Kamirille paused thoughtfully. She wished for a moment that she had a glass of wine, but the urge passed. “I’m sure you know that as well as anyone, though. Don’t you?”
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Poludnica
Most likely to snow ticket
891 posts
56 likes
Zloty.
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last online Dec 15, 2020 12:26:45 GMT -5
Guardian
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Mar 27, 2014 5:21:17 GMT -5
Post by Poludnica on Mar 27, 2014 5:21:17 GMT -5
There were many deranged people Danica met in her lifetime. Some very close, like her father. Some just passing by in the Sith Temple: dark, threatening, unstable. This Firrerreo female exceeded any expectations the human woman might have had. There was something playful in the way Kamirille talked about it all spoke about madness more than anything. She had just beaten her own son senseless, like it was nothing. A joyful fun. Delightful afternoon tea. The young Liviana felt stirring in her stomach: fear mixed with anger. Fury even. For years Danica covered anxiety with irritation – it was the woman's typical defense and she couldn't help but snap and bite. This time though Danica remained quiet if only because opening her mouth meant throwing up.
Maritza Escobar. Danica immediately guessed Humani heritage. She knew them, human culture of wandering travelers. Nomads often dancing on the verge of a law. This time the woman didn't want to be quiet. ”Oh really? And here I thought he was a virgin.” The woman stated venomously, quickly placing hand on the stomach. Bitter bile pressed against her throat. She swallowed but the burning sensation didn't stop. Too distracted to even guess the reason behind this cautionary tale, only grasping few obvious information: so his parents were former Jedi. Not criminals – or not ones that started as such. The Order's drop outs.
Sweat moisten her forehead, cold shudder climbed her spine. Screw you Nieraan, screw you and your crazy mother. She thought angrily, fighting to retain the last shreds of pride. Warily watching the Firrerreo who betrayed the son's intimates secrets. Danica was a possessive type but not one to be unreasonable jealous about the past. They both had it, they both loved someone and lost. If it meant to push her away from Nieraan only served to show how similarly traumatized they both had been. By own guardians, those a child believes unconditionally. Anger for what Kamirille had done to Nieraan suddenly resurfaced, stirring her own awful memories. Danica pressed hand to a feverish forehead, wiping away salty droplets.
”Sl*t!” The voice was sharp, cutting like a knife through warm, Coruscanti air. A hearty slap followed, landing on the girl's cheek. Her father's hand was heavy, causing soft, full lips to split and blood trailing down pale, trembling chin. Danica wanted to scream but only a long, pathetic mewl escaped her. The girl fell down into a grass, sweet scent of violet flowers was overbearing. Even years later it would haunt her, feeling sick every time those plants were near. “You are an embarrassment.” The cold voice hissed and strong hands grasped thick, ebony hair. This time the scream was loud, filled with pain.
Cassius knew, he somehow always knew. Could smell a lie miles away.”We didn't do anything.” She begged even though there was no innocence in their meetings. The Echani, son of a Senator aide was her age but seemed much older. Much more experienced and accepted Danica for who she was. The wretched father guessed immediately what had been going on under his nose. “Echani.” He spat.”Who will be next? A damn Firrerreo? Twi'lek?!” The fury building in Cassius voice caused the sheer soul to curl in her body and before Danica knew, her head was underwater despite the sobbing begging. “I will never do it again, please. No. Please, father, please.”Ozone filling the swimming pool water would be the last sensation she remembered after which warm liquid choked her. The girl fought but the surprising strength in Cassius body kept her in place. Cold void was close, stealing her senses when suddenly she was free. Pulled away by much more delicate hands.
“Are you mad Cassius?! Cassius!”
Uncle Vanya...Danica recognized the soft timbre as her senses slowly returned. She was lying on the cold ground, above her the father's partner standing between Cassius and her. Trying to talk some sense into him. There was something in her father's features she had never seen before: shame and fear. He lost control and knew it. Without a word the tall men quickly turned to walk away. At first there was hope Cassius felt remorse but the next day she learned the aide had been sent away back home with the entire family. His career ruined over a scandal her father certainly concocted with his allies. That supposedly the Echani's son forced himself on Danica and she didn't deny it. Too afraid, cowed into obedience. Back then Cassius had promised he would never again lay a hand on her but it would be someone else paying price for this selfishness. A promise hew would always keep...
And Nieraan paid – beaten into unconsciousness with a quiet lingering in this act. Now, knowing what she knew, her father wouldn't be so lenient. Not when what he had feared the most had occurred so Kamirille's threat was misplaced to say the least. The memory, so vivid – like a flashback, finally pushed the girl over the edge. ”For someone who claims to not care who your son is sleeping with, you seem rather obsessed with his romantic relationships.” Danica drawled, like a an angered feline. To accuse her of stilling Nieraan's development if she did nothing but pushed his ambitions.
”You stupid woman.” Danica commented angrily. ”It's in my best interest for him to grow stronger.” She finished, catching the fleeting thought: Now more than ever...But didn't voice it. No, this female didn't deserve the truth. ”You know what I think?” Danica crossed arms on her chest, haughtily. ”I think you are a lonely, bored, miserable b*tch who has nothing else to do with her life.” Just like my father. Sometimes the girl didn't really knew when to shut up. It had happened when she met Nieraan, when a direct danger hung above. It wasn't really brave, it was simply stupid but also Danica sensed Kamirille didn't want to hurt her. Just wanted to play with, to show a point. To prove something, to herself or Nieraan.
What stopped Danica's tirade though was a simple, physiological reaction. The children already were a trouble, it could get only worse with time. The doctor told her the body would take toll, that their mixed-breeding would make things...Troubling. She didn't need to keep them but also didn't want otherwise. The woman cursed Nieraan for being careless, blamed him for making her so carefree. But if something was to taunt Cassius the most it would be that.
”I am going to throw up.” Danica confessed, suddenly dropping all the angry pretenses. Curling into a helpless ball.
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