freedomliveson

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

All had gone well in their interactions with the Chancellor until she mentioned that the Qyaari would become "tied in" with political alliances. Thankfully, Ailel was quick to point out their hesitance to get wrapped up in the politics that became one of the biggest contributing factors to the Jedi's overall reduction in power and subsequent destruction.
"I would hope that instruction is implemented into the treaty in the clearest terms."
"Well, instead of talking out here, why don't I show you what I and the cabinet members came up with? We can discuss more sensitive matters in private, which I think would be preferable." The two former Masters exchanged approving looks before Matt cast a glance at the Champions that accompanied them as Saresh made her way into the Alliance tower and told them:
"It's not the most thrilling thing in the world to sit in on political treaty debates, but you both need to see what the process is like." His mouth remained slightly ajar, but then closed, silencing whatever thoughts were to follow and continued with Ailel. As the Elders drew a bit farther away from the duo, he mumbled:
"They're not going to find out for a while, will they? What we eventually want to do with them?" He chuckled, adding:
"And to think I was about to bust the whole thing wide open."

Trailing slightly behind, Yerbol quietly told his companion:
"Once we're done with this, we can finally follow those coordinates Neta has on that holocube." He withdrew the miniature, translucent object from his pocket along with the note Neta had left with the object:
"Terminal outside the Tower. Plug it in. Think you'll like what you find." He read the note aloud again, a smirk forming as he could almost hear the red-head's sultry yet commanding voice saying the words with her signature teasing half-smirk.

Goodness he missed her.

"I'm a bit hurt that she would only holocall you and not me, though. Think I'll have to tease her about that in some way." He quickly added:
"When we see her. We've got to make that a priority. Besides, I think Alderaan is nice this time of year...or practically at any other time when there isn't civil war."

______

Six. Hours.

The sun was just beginning to set, bright orange beams of sun attempting to infiltrate the blinds that were only opened to where one could see the slowly healing city-scape if they looked between the gaps. Seemingly unaware of the time that had passed were those debating the treaty, their objections, agreements and other forms of politicking only gathering steam as the day wore on. Yerbol made some contributions to the discussion when prompted, but other than those minute opportunities, he was silent. He had chewed on cashews, went to the bathroom multiple times(he walked around the floor to ensure his blood was circulating) and checked his datapad every so often while trying not to look disengaged. It was tiresome to go through this, but then again, the Council had made them go with the duo of Elders in order to comprehend the complexity of politics and maybe, just maybe, emphasize how desperately the galaxy needed an order of stable, harmonious Force users to help balance out governments.
"Are we concluded that Ord Mantell can be included as one of the potential settlement worlds?" Matt asked, leaning forward and rubbing his temples at the same time.
"That is correct. And..." Saresh's second in command, a stately looking gentleman by the name of Tanner Zinka, looked through the last few pages and nodded.
"I believe that concludes it all. We'll issue you a formal copy that can be brought back to Zinuthra for posterity's sake and have the signing ceremony tomorrow evening?"
"That sounds wonderful."
"Indeed it does." Saresh's eyes took in the entire room as she spoke:
"This marks the beginning of a new era. For all of us. In order to make sure we do not repeat the mistakes of the past, we'll need to band together, to fight as hard as we can not for our personal good, but for the betterment of the galaxy." Approving nods and smiles swept through the room.
"We'll have the ceremony in the atrium, I presume?" Tanner asked his superior, who agreed and summarily dismissed the room. Matt leaned over to the duo and told them:
"Just meet us at the ceremony tomorrow. I'm sure you can find things to do to occupy your time until then."

Indeed they would.

____

"Now what bloody terminal was she talking about?" Outside the tower there were a handful of informational terminals, but none of them featured a small enough crevice for the device to fit inside. The Champion then spotted a ramp that lead downward to the Tower Market(as it was now called). Motioning for Ari to follow him, they descended into a hallway that wrapped around the central support for the walkway above, each side of the square featuring large square rooms with all sorts of shops and merchant stalls and..
"Terminals. Everywhere." It was one in particular, however, that drew Yerbol's attention. Smaller than the others, inactive and next to a store that sold imported wines and cheeses from-
"Alderaan." After inserting the square into a slot on the base of the terminal, the once dark screen flashed a bright blue, then went black again, but not before a card popped out of a hidden opening at the very top of the terminal. It was smooth, amber colored with an engraving on one side that read:
"205. Ebony Circle."

"An address?" He looked to his companion quizzically, deciding to head to a nearby directory and plugging in "ebony circle". The very first result was a residential tower located a few blocks away from their current location.

When they arrived at the base of said tower, there was a simple card reader next to a set of ornately patterned glass doors. Once inserted, a soft chime prompted the doors to open, card returning.
"Wow." Was all the Champion could muster when they stepped into the lobby. Everything was so...
"Shiny." Tasteful artistic compositions hung on the walls with hefty wooden tables and chairs gleamed with polish. Dead ahead was a set of elevators that, to their "shock", had a keycard reader inside with no other way to direct the elevator. With the card in place, the elevator whooshed upwards for a few seconds before they stepped onto cherry colored wood floors and examining the space.
"What-" A chirping noise came from a datapad embedded in the wall to their right, the Champion pressing the screen to hear a welcomed voice come over speakers which he assumed were also in the walls(hidden?):
"FINALLY! It took you long enough."
"Neta?!"
"What, have you already forgotten what I sound like? Come on sweet cheeks, you're hurting my feelings and we haven't spoken in almost four months. That's gotta be a record." He let out a chuckle, eyes cast at the floor to ceiling windows ahead that put on a majestic display of the Upper City.
"I've missed you, too."
"And that's why you have to see me! But not before I explain why I left you a keycard to this swanky little retreat." It was indeed "swanky": marble and granite countertops in the kitchen off the right of the living area, which featured a flat screen monitor mounted on the left wall with both couch and loveseat at optimal viewing angles.
"This, my dears, was one of my safehouses on Coruscant. Well, not exactly a 'safehouse'...more of like a luxury I afforded myself when I was doing really well with business. Obviously I don't need it anymore, so as your wedding present, I 'bequeath' this fine establishment to you both."
"Wedding?"
"Knock it off, will you? It may not be coming up anytime soon, but you can't say I didn't get you two anything special when you do tie the knot." His cheeks flushed almost purple as he looked away from Aria, walking past the living area into a smaller hallway. A bathroom was on the right hand side of the hallway with the doorway straight ahead revealing an impressive sized bed with plush coverings.
"This is...unexpected. And nice. Very nice."
"I know how to class it up when I need to, kiddo." She laughed cheerfully as she continued:
"This is all yours, ok? Only stipulation I have is for you guys to come find me as soon as you can. I know the signing ceremony is tomorrow, but after that I-"
"How did you know about that?!"
"I've got sources, sweet cheeks, you know that." A tinny voice in the background asked when dinner was, which prompted the pilot to contentedly sigh, telling the duo:
"Just let me know what you're on your way and I'll get you the coordinates you need. See you soon!"

"Well...I don't think we need to search for an apartment anymore, right?"

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Perfect! Will get us to Neta's surprise then :)

Also, after the two of them talk about how awesome her surprise is, I suppose we should have them go see her? And after that visit....well, we mentioned them doing some sightseeing? Maybe Neta or Ari can suggest a couple of vacation spots and the duo can go there for some a couple of weeks?

During that time would probably be the easiest way for Yerbol to realize "Wow, I can't live without this woman" and propose to her at the end of their trip? How's that sound?

Also also, forgive the inactivivty yesterday, but I barely got a chance to sit down let alone type anything xD

Witcher: March to War (NecroKnight x freedomliveson)

Roche listened intently, choosing to not interrupt his companion and instead weigh the ramifications of what Eve told him silently. He was about to respond to her shortened account of events when she quickly turned the tables, an all too familiar pattern in their relationship. Right when he was about to ask her questions about some important thing or concept she brought up, she avoided going further and quickly changed the subject. That was, of course, his opinion and would have to bring it up to her sometime, but for now...

"I assume you're familiar with the Salamandra? Criminal underworld attempting to overthrow Vizima? While they've disbanded almost completely, there are still remnants here and there that the local guard have trouble stomping out. Claim that they can use magic and 'disappear' right when any of them close. Foltest thought it would be wise for the Stripes to look into the matter as best as we could. Ves and a couple of my men found a group hiding in an abandoned brothel not too far from the main square, took them out and saw the same brand on their chests as the bodies had back there. It worries me that they could be getting larger in scope." A grim half-smile formed on his face.
"Hopefully they name themselves after a more imposing reptile this time. The Crocodiles?" Jokes weren't a specialty of his.
"But that's not for you to be troubled with. One thing at a time." He leaned back against the seat, eyes closing.
"Going to rest for a bit. Let me know when we're getting close."

___

The cart jostled violently, prompting the Commando to spring to life, senses in a hazy cloud as he asked:
"Where are we? Why'd the cart sway so much?"

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

All sounds great!

Man I'm looking forward to this stretch of writing. Time to relax xD

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

Yeah, Soto is most certainly a character we need to bring back. We can flesh out her role later like you said :)

-YES. That should totally be what they do after they do their thing on Coruscant. By the way, feel free to skip to the ceremony if you wish. You can get us there and I can finish if you'd like or the other way around. I've had some potentially fun scenes involving her that I've wanted to write.

-Sightseeing? Those two with fanny packs and visors? I would pay money to see that. Maybe they can do some of that after they see Neta? Spend a couple of weeks on the road before Yerbol decides to pop the question.

-Would you want them to be engaged when Soto reappears or married? Because if it's the latter, then we might have to leave more a time gap in between the end of Act II and the beginning of Act III where Soto returns. Cause, you know, we have to write the wedding/reception/honeymoon vacation scenes. Those are going to be priceless.

what do you think?

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

While his initial reaction would have been rejection, he knew that this would be the safer option. Overloading Illesia might cause the result they want or end in their swift deaths.
I'll do all I can. I think you'll know when I've done the job.

Quickly he sank to his knees, Taral stepping in front of the Champion, low and menacing growls uttered from his throat while Chwuq and Aria began their ploy to keep Illesia distracted.
"Oh come now, just you and one dog? I thought this would be fair." A teasing pout before her teeth bared, snarling as she lunged at her prey, talons extended forward. As she dodged, danced and dashed across the room, she could feel her energy being sapped away from her. Casting a frustrated glare in Yerbol's direction, she deduced what their plan was and made several attempts to leap at the docile Champion, those attempts thwarted by the other dog. Taral managed to get a few good swipes and even made contact with a vicious bite into her calf, Taral spitting chunks of blue flesh out of his mouth as the attacking duo managed to corner her once again.

Keep at it. She's weakening.

Yerbol managed to tap into their bond for a quick message before resuming the almost transcendental experience of ripping away the pulsing, undulating cords that emanated from Illesia's frame. With each successful disconnection, he could feel Illesia's power wane, her very "essence" disintegrating. There were some feeble attempts make on her part to try and thwart Yerbol's targeted attacks, but Aria and Chwuq kept most of her attention. A sickeningly sweet satisfaction swept over him as he watched the last of her connections to the Force fell into nothingness, like she had never had the attachment in the first place. What she had drained from him and so many others was finally dissipated. She would suffer the crippling loss of power, of the source of her identity.

And it felt so good to be the one to do it to her.

In one final act of desperation, Illesia mustered what strength she could and flung Aria against the stasis pods, Chwuq galloping towards the temporarily incapacitated Champion in preparation for what looked like a protective charge against the oncoming Xiis.
"I will not...bow...to...to..." She staggered forward, arms raising momentarily only to fall back by her sides.
"I can't..now..." Her shoulders sagged, knees slamming into the merciless metallic floor. Behind her stood Yerbol, his saber ignited as her head turned, eyes narrowing, a teasing smile coming across her face.
"Think...of..me...fore-" His saber swept across her neck, head severing cleanly from body before rolling a few feet away from it's former position, her serene expression preserved. The Champion's eyes bored into the now dysfunctional body part, emotions of complex and inexplicable magnitude dancing in his visual connection.
"Sad?" Taral pawed at Yerbol's foot quizzically, snapping the latter's gaze down at the hound.
"No. Not anymore." A soft half-smile formed, patting the hound on his head before sheathing the weapon in his hand and helping Aria straighten herself up.
"Don't look too bad for fighting a maniacal, power-hungry would-be demi-god." A wave of exhaust crashed into his body, his muscles visibly trembling from the effort he had just exerted.
"Let's go...but I want to do one more thing before we leave this forsaken rock."

After getting settled onboard and lifting off, he had the ship hover just far enough from the abandoned installation.
"Keep it at this elevation." He told his partner, clambering down a hatch just off the cockpit and settling into the gunner's seat. Hands graced the controls, thumbs running over the switch to the turret.
"No one can ever remember you. I won't give them the chance." His promise uttered, he pressed firmly on the turrets activation switch and allowed streams of laser fire to cascade down on the facility, which after a couple of seconds, gave way to the melted glacier tips that cascaded downward onto the shattered roof. Within moments whatever was left standing by Renso was submerged in the arctic waters, hopefully to be never found again. A weight lifted off of Yerbol's chest as the ship careened into space, a genuine smile crossing the Qyaari's face in what felt like an eternity.

Finished.
Finally.

"Do we have any of the wine Neta left behind?!"

____

Relief. Laughter. Wine. Kisses. Laying about like good for nothings. A needed shower.

Those several hours that passed in transit to Zinuthra featured all of the above, the duo savoring every possible second they could while it was just the two of them. Their time ended far too quickly for the Champion's liking, the ship's landing gear touching down on the hangar's surface almost as fast as they had left Chuffon Prime. Before they got off, however, Yerbol stopped his partner with a gentle tug of her wrist, pulling her close to him.
"Just...give me a second." He embraced her tightly, chin resting on her head, eyes closed.
"I don't care if I'm being sappy, but I just want to hug you for a minute." Yerbol mumbled in a half-hearted apology, kissing the crown of her head.
"Because I never thought I would be able to again." The hum of the cooling hyperdrive and the occasional thumping of the Tuk'ata's tails on the floor were the only sounds that floated through the ship for their embrace.
"Ok. Ok, I'm good." Yerbol withdrew, but not before telling her:
"I promise you that we're going to go somewhere nice soon. Let's call it a 'sabbatical' from saving the galaxy?"

_____

They reported their actions on Chuffon Prime to the Elders, all of whom were greatly relieved to have Illesia taken care of. Matthew did bring up a point that tempered their enthusiasm somewhat:
"Not all the Xiis have been accounted for, though."
"We'll find them, dear. I don't think they'll be able to survive without Illesia's feedings."
"Still, Malu, I'd feel a lot better if we knew they were all dead."
"Fair point. We can appraise Saresh of the situation when we discuss the report of these two with her in a couple of hours." Voldon scanned the room and urged any of the other Elders to contribute to the discussion, waiting for their points to be concluded before wrapping up the meeting:
"I dare say that we owe you two a great deal once again. This is becoming too habitual." A half-smile formed as he continued:
"You've earned time off. Heal. Mend. Chip in where you can, but know that our remaining settlements are still sending us recruits. We'll need you both in top condition to groom the Knights that will serve as teachers in the near future."
"So we didn't screw up too bad in our first week?"
"The students enjoyed you both. Some were...hesitant to say anything other than that, but the ones that were honest tended to differ. Some appreciated Aria's very hands on approach while others enjoyed your discourse-based learning. In any case, they need to learn how to adapt to different instructors, which means you two are an excellent pair. Now I think you two should be off. We'll contact you when we have any news worth sharing."

____

The sun's rays pierced through the blinds incessantly, attempting to stir the Champion from his slumber with passive aggressive vigor.
"Rrr..." He rumbled groggily, turning over to find that his partner wasn't in the position he had last seen her in. Instead of a lovely face(and form) to greet him, he was instead looking at a rumpled sheet and comforter.
"Where did she-" A brief "HA!" came from his throat when he saw the chronometer mounted on the wall next to their restroom reported that it was one twenty in the afternoon. When did they go to sleep last night?

He lumbered out of bed, looking down and quickly dressing himself while thanking the Force that the blinds weren't completely open so that all of Zinuthra couldn't see what he saw. With a t-shirt and loose jogging pants on, he stood by their miniature caf dispenser, paper cup waiting patiently for the whirring machine to do it's trick. It was at the moment the Champion was hit with a sudden realization:

There was NO imminent threat to the galaxy.
None.

An almost child-like giggle shot through their quarters, saying to the empty room:
"Nothing! NOTHING! We can actually do NOTHING!" He then added a qualifier so that the room didn't think he was a total sluggard:
"For a few days anyway. The kids should be fine without us." Grabbing the now filled coffee cup, he strode to his datapad just as he heard their automatic door "swoosh" open.
"I think I slept harder than a bantha after an evening meal."

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

She and Chwuq are quite a team! I mean, I knew that before, but seeing them fight together like this is cool :)

Mood music indeed! I'll listen as I write my reply for sure(which should come today!). Speaking of the reply, should I just have Yerbol kill Illesia in the next post? Or would you like to do the honors?

I know...it's strange, isn't it? To think that we've written two acts and we've traversed, what, eight months in the universe? That's not a long time and SO much has happened. I think that the end of Act II would be a perfect time to give these two a chance to do some fun things like they did at the end of Act I. Speaking of which...

When do you want to end Act II? I know that we want to eventually get these two married off, but do you want to do that in between Acts Two and Three? Or do you want that to be at the end of Act II? I don't want it to be rushed, so I feel like we would have to do some kind of time skip after all this mess with Illesia. I've got a loose skeleton of events in my head that I'll list for you to add/subtract/modify from:

Act II:
-Illesia is defeated and any remaining Xiis are either taken down or unaccounted for and assumed dead
-Yerbol and Aria head back to Zinuthra to decompress/teach an occasional lesson while they heal up(Maybe a month?)
-During their recovery period on Zinuthra, more Force users trickle in every day, leading the Council to anoint more Knights. I would assume that after seeing how easily threats can emerge from any point in the galaxy, they would want Knights to fight them off.
-At the end of the month, the Council and the Alliance formalizes a treaty between the two. This treaty spells out, in basic terms, that the Qyaari are to act as an independent body recognized as such by the Alliance. In return for the autonomy, the Qyaari agree to supplement Alliance forces with Knights on operations and missions that pose a threat to the galaxy as a whole. These operations will have to be signed off on by both the Council and Chancellor Saresh. I think it would also make sense to start converting the settlements into Qyaari outposts, which would act almost like an embassy for any Force user who would need guidance.
-This ceremony would take place on Coruscant, seeing as Dromund Kaas seems like it would need some more time to recover after the Xiis attacked(we'll need to go back there more often and develop the world). Half of the Council would attend along with Ari and Yerbol(the others I assume would stay behind to assist at the Academy).
-It would be then that Yerbol would want to discover what Neta left them on the planet(which I think you'll like)
-From there...well, I don't know, honestly. What do you think?

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

hey, no worries there! Mine is kinda there xD

Witcher: March to War (NecroKnight x freedomliveson)

"I doubt that assassins would be so brazen about carrying their cargo."
"Roche, look at this." Roche approached his second in command, who was on one knee examining one of the corpses.
"See the branding there? Looks a lot like the guys we stopped a few months before this." The skin brand in question was on the man's right pectoral in the shape of an amphibian of some kind, tail curled menacingly in the air.
"Exactly like it. When we get back to Vizima, follow up on this, go back to where we found the first bodies and see what we can do." He cast a look at his fallen men with a flash of sorrow before mounting the wagon.
"Get the rest of the squad assembled and meet me back at the safehouse just outside the city. We'll convene in a week." And with that, the duo of Witcher and soldier set off. Their journey would take a couple of days at most, which allowed time for reflection, a sometimes dangerous occupation that Roche didn't like to indulge in too often; however, after a few hours punctuated only by a few passing remarks about their surroundings between the two of them, Roche couldn't help but ask:
"What was it like up there with Sile? I assume because she didn't come down that you made quick work of her, which became the catalyst for...well, the crap hitting the fan. What did she say? Was there any bloody reasoning behind what she and the Lodge conspired to do?"

You never see it coming[Freedomliveson/The Elvenqueen]

All sounds good! Feel free to get us started on the fight!