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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 14, 2019 20:17:57 GMT -8
Well this was truly an embarrassment... the Emperor, flat on his back, with the Grandmaster of the Imperial Knights having been the culprit of his current situation. He was pinned down and his strategy at a counterattack out the window. He had event formed a plan that could of ensured Faina was the one who lost! But, she had speed on her side it seemed. This certainly showed that Nicademus was out of training and needed to get back into his combat prowess from before. Granted, it wasn't like he had gained weight like the incompetent emperor, Xandel Carivus, or Warlord Zinsj, but just was out of his usual regimen. Thank the cosmos he wasn't like those men though.
The Imperial exhales deeply at the situation he was in. Nicademus attempted twice before realizing that the iron, vice grip of Faina was too hard to break. So the Imperial relaxes his muscles, shrugging a little at his situation. Faina had just beaten him entirely. However, for a moment, he blinks at the fact that she got very close to him. For a moment, his mind went a little blank when he thought of times before... when he wasn't Emperor and she wasn't Grandmaster. He remains silent for a moment before speaking.
You clearly have me beat, Faina. I... I really couldn't beat you this time it seems.
Nicademus chuckles a little before smiling at her.
Its always good to hear that tone. You are always so serious, Faina. But, its good to see you have fun, you know?
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Raith Tagge
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Post by Raith Tagge on Aug 14, 2019 20:22:16 GMT -8
“I would not need anything extra, seeing as a complete unit has already been assembled. It is big enough to fit any need you might have.” He pulled up some readouts displaying the strength of his forces. Letting Faina examine them, he spoke after she had been given ample time.“Is it to your liking?”
Tilting her head to the side at an inquisitive angle, Faina asks, "Will you be leading the unit personally, Commander?"
As she awaits Commander Tagge's reply, Faina observes . . .“Of course, I’ll be happy to schedule such training sessions.” He then turned to the other part of the question. His style of leadership was controversial among the First Order military, no doubt, but that was why he had been transferred to this assignment. To get him out of the hair of the other commanders, who disliked his lead from the front mentality. However, this itself had some benefits, as it allowed him to make tactical decisions quickly, saving the life of many of his soldiers. In addition, it built rapport with the men, as well as causing certain more conservative members of the military to push him away, allowing him a greater degree of flexibility to execute his operations the way he liked to.
And so, before giving his response, he gave a smile.“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Grandmaster.” |
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Faina Delvardus
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 14, 2019 21:17:08 GMT -8
Nicademus attempted twice before realizing that the iron, vice grip of Faina was too hard to break. So the Imperial relaxes his muscles, shrugging a little at his situation. Faina had just beaten him entirely. However, for a moment, he blinks at the fact that she got very close to him. For a moment, his mind went a little blank when he thought of times before... when he wasn't Emperor and she wasn't Grandmaster. He remains silent for a moment before speaking.You clearly have me beat, Faina. I... I really couldn't beat you this time it seems.Nicademus chuckles a little before smiling at her.Its always good to hear that tone. You are always so serious, Faina. But, its good to see you have fun, you know?
Laughing as she realizes that she has yet to unpin Nicademus, Faina stands and offers him a hand up, "I can and should probably get off you now, keeping hold of his hand a beat longer than necessary as, reminded as he had been of a time when it had seemed that there might be more between them than time and circumstance have thusfar allowed them to be, she falls silent briefly before, looking away from his eyes, clearing her throat and searching for more familiar, solid ground, saying in a more formal tone as she releases his hand and unconsciously paces a few steps away from him, I can teach you a few nerve strikes if you'd like? They are quite effective against Force users, as they impair the ability to concentrate or focus needed to utilize the skills that can make for an imbalanced fight." Tagge did not even hesitate his his response, as this would be extremely beneficial to both parties involved.“Of course, I’ll be happy to schedule such training sessions.” He then turned to the other part of the question. His style of leadership was controversial among the First Order military. . . And so, before giving his response, he gave a smile.“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Grandmaster.”
Providing Commander Tagge with her comlink and other contact information, Faina tells him, "Let me know when you have decided on a schedule, Commander. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together. Not wanting to deny Commander Tagge the opportunity to attend to any other matters he may wish to address before concluding their discussion, Faina asks, Is there anything else we need to address for now?" |
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 14, 2019 21:47:31 GMT -8
Nicademus' chuckle and accompanying comment elicits an answering laugh from Faina, who has a rare smile on her face as she tilts her head to the side at an inquisitive angle as she quips, "Are those in our positions often allowed to have fun? Not wanting to unwittingly remind Nicademus, or herself, of the weights of their respective duties for at least a few moments, gladdened to hear his laughter and the lightness tone after the care and worry she had seen in him earlier, Faina adds in a theatrically hushed and concerned tone, You will not tell anyone about my momentary lapse, I hope?"
Laughing as she realizes that she has yet to unpin Nicademus, Faina stands and offers him a hand up, "I can and should probably get off you now, keeping hold of his hand a beat longer than necessary as, reminded as he had been of a time when it had seemed that there might be more between them than time and circumstance have thusfar allowed them to be, she falls silent briefly before, looking away from his eyes, clearing her throat and searching for more familiar, solid ground, saying in a more formal tone as she releases his hand and unconsciously paces a few steps away from him, I can teach you a few nerve strikes if you'd like? They are quite effective against Force users, as they impair the ability to concentrate or focus needed to utilize the skills that can make for an imbalanced fight."
However as Faina began to make her suggestion, Nicademus could see that this was his chance! After all, she had let him be unpinned and rise. The Imperial was perfectly situated and had no better chance. After all, one could not simply let their guard down in any situation. The Imperial, while she spoke, took a few steps closer before rushing forward. Within a mere few seconds, the tables had been turned and Faina was pinned to the ground. Nicademus shows a grin to her, chuckling at his own feat.And here I thought Xeonon taught you not to let your guard down, even around your own sworn ruler.He looks down at Faina quietly after his victorious speech. His mind drawing a blank for a long moment as Nicademus didn't know exactly what else to say from there. He was instead... gazing at her and his gaze dared not look away.I remember the last time we sparred.He says quietly as his grip loosens slightly.The day I told you my greatest secret to test your loyalty. Skill can achieve much, but loyalty was needed in a galaxy that was turning toward utter ruin... you had the perfect makings of a Grandmaster, Faina. |
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Raith Tagge
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Post by Raith Tagge on Aug 15, 2019 18:58:38 GMT -8
Tagge did not even hesitate his his response, as this would be extremely beneficial to both parties involved.“Of course, I’ll be happy to schedule such training sessions.” He then turned to the other part of the question. His style of leadership was controversial among the First Order military. . . And so, before giving his response, he gave a smile.“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Grandmaster.”
Providing Commander Tagge with her comlink and other contact information, Faina tells him, "Let me know when you have decided on a schedule, Commander. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together. Not wanting to deny Commander Tagge the opportunity to attend to any other matters he may wish to address before concluding their discussion, Faina asks, Is there anything else we need to address for now?" “That will be all, Grandmaster.” It was a refreshing change to work with one such as Faina. Direct, to the point, and efficient. Just how Raith liked things to be. |
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Faina Delvardus
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 16, 2019 20:20:49 GMT -8
And here I thought Xeonon taught you not to let your guard down, even around your own sworn ruler. . .The day I told you my greatest secret to test your loyalty. Skill can achieve much, but loyalty was needed in a galaxy that was turning toward utter ruin... you had the perfect makings of a Grandmaster, Faina.
Meeting his gaze with commingled curiosity and anticipation as Nicademus, after chiding her teasingly for letting her guard down, seems to be searching for words, Faina looks mildly perplexed, amused, and perhaps even a tiny bit disappointed when he follows up his reminiscence about their first sparring session with the assertion that he had seen within her, even back then, the makings of a Grandmaster of the Imperial Knights. For a moment it had seemed to Faina that Nicademus would acknowledge that something had been rekindled between them, that he would validate her own sense that something had been, and she wonders if it was only her imagination all along as a result, if her feelings had simply colored her sense of what has passed between them. Her doubt leads her to consider all of the reasons she should forget about the sense she had that there was a possibility that she and Nicademus could be more to one another than they have been, of how he is grieving for his wife, of how he is her Emperor and innumerable other things that argue against her risking letting him know of her feelings, and were she a less bold in nature, Faina may have let her doubts dissuade her from the idea of seeking a way to dispel them once and for all.
Arching an eyebrow with a coy smile, her eyes never leaving his as though she searches them for an answer, Faina asks in a tone playful enough that it gives Nicademus the opportunity to reply with a joke in order to spare them both the awkwardness that would otherwise result should she be alone in feeling that something has been reawakened between them, "Is that all I am to you, then, the Grandmaster of your Imperial Knights? Realizing that caution and propriety and not wanting to risk rejection may have, long ago, prevented them from exploring the possibility that it seems to her has been made available to them once more now that circumstances have changed, Faina decides to allow herself to be vulnerable, to be more plain in what she is asking, adding softly, Have you not ever wondered if we could be more to one another, not ever felt as though we could be more?"Tagge stopped and considered for a moment, then shook his head.“That will be all, Grandmaster.” It was a refreshing change to work with one such as Faina. Direct, to the point, and efficient. Just how Raith liked things to be.
Once in her office, Faina spends some taking refining her ideas of which Imperial Knights would be best suited for participation in the planned training exercises with Commander Tagge and his unit, after which she turns her attention to other matters requiring her attention. |
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 16, 2019 21:23:17 GMT -8
Arching an eyebrow with a coy smile, her eyes never leaving his as though she searches them for an answer, Faina asks in a tone playful enough that it gives Nicademus the opportunity to reply with a joke in order to spare them both the awkwardness that would otherwise result should she be alone in feeling that something has been reawakened between them, "Is that all I am to you, then, the Grandmaster of your Imperial Knights? Realizing that caution and propriety and not wanting to risk rejection may have, long ago, prevented them from exploring the possibility that it seems to her has been made available to them once more now that circumstances have changed, Faina decides to allow herself to be vulnerable, to be more plain in what she is asking, adding softly, Have you not ever wondered if we could be more to one another, not ever felt as though we could be more?"
Yet, out of all these encounters and relationships, Faina still stood there. These other women had come and gone and always, this loyal Knight was with him. A long time ago, Nicademus had considered more... but this was when she was still in training. A relationship that would have likely interfered with such lessons that propelled Faina to where she was now. That was why the Imperial did not pursue much more than what they were then. Of course, he had never considered the possibility of the life and success he enjoyed today. But, there was still a hole in his life. His children needed a mother and, as an Emperor and a man, Nicademus needed someone by his side. It was a strange realization; one eye had always been on Faina.
His one hand moves from the floor, reaching to touch the long blonde hair of Faina. It was the first time Nicademus had ever done so. How strange considering how long the two had known each other and how the Imperial had come to completely trust her without a single doubt. The Imperial looks down at her quietly.Once before I had thought of it, Faina... when you were still in training and my destiny had yet to be realized.Nicademus admits to her, his fingers still lightly touching her hair.Back then, I feared that such a relation would have been an obstacle for your training. After all, those crucial days under Xeonon, Gabriel, and all the other great knights before ensured your rise to who and what you are today. You are Grandmaster for many reasons after all... your skill, my trust in you, and your loyalty. My life is safe in your hands, Faina.At those words, the hand, that had been touching her hair, reaches down to grab hold of her hand. Immediately, his fingers interwining with her own. His eyes look down at their two joined hands before returning to look at her blue eyes. His thoughts once more moving about as he looks at her.Faina, I need you as my Knight. The blade that will always protect me...He slowly takes her hand and pulls it up. For the first time, ever, his lips were felt upon her knuckles....and yet I need someone who is more in my life. I need a mother for my children, to nurture and care for them. I need someone by my side, someone to share a life with. Someone to be a pillar in my life and a comfort for me as a person. Someone who can listen to me and give me good advice, whether it is public or private. Being an Emperor is a glorious life, Faina, but, to be honest, it is a lonely one without someone by my side. Someone who is my equal. Someone... who I can care for.His eyes slowly return to Faina after he spoke. His hand still holding hers as Nicademus gazes at her. The Imperial didn't even need to say a word as it was plastered all over his face. There was no sign of desperation or anything else. There was an honest request within his eyes, something that had never been written there before. Within his eyes, Nicademus was seeing Faina as a woman. A woman who had always been there for him through every step, ever since that fateful arrival to Aargau. his eyes looking into her eyes and into her soul. without even speaking, and through the expression on his face, a simple request was made:
'Faina, can you be her?' |
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 17, 2019 11:32:01 GMT -8
Were she younger, and not grown and changed into who she has become in the ways that Nicademus had pointed out when replying to her question, Faina would likely not have hesitated in her response to all he has said and to the unspoken question in his eyes as their blue eyes meet, allowing her heart alone rather than with heart and head; and so she is silent for a moment, her hand in his while their eyes never leave one another.
In that moment of quiet, Faina searches unflinchingly within herself to learn whether she can truly be all that Nicademus asks of her, whether she can remain true to her duties and vows as an Imperial Knight that is trusted to be the blade that protects him always, and whether she fully understands and accepts that it is not only their lives that will be affected by what they embark upon together, but also those of his children as well.
When she has found her answers, Faina answers the question that Nicademus's eyes had silently asked while looking deeply within her own, replying without speaking as she instead turns their joined hands so that his fingers rest against her cheek while her other hand reaches up to wrap around his shoulders so that she can pull his lips to hers, and then kisses him passionately and lingeringly to affirm that she not only can, but also wants to be, all that he would have her be to him.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 17, 2019 13:50:18 GMT -8
His answer was given, rather swiftly and without hesitation. Nicademus had not felt the lips of someone in a long time... and it wasn't till now that he realized just how alone he had been. The hole was much bigger than he had first imagined. So this must have been how his own father, Cyrus, felt when his wife, the mother of Nicademus, passed away suddenly, when he was a young adult. And, with that realization, came the further understanding of his own children's loneliness. He had done his best to be available for them... and yet, it felt like it wasn't enough in the end. The Imperial hoped that Faina would bring a comfort to his children, the most important people in his life.
There was more to this realization though, this kiss had opened a locked door within his mind. Why hadn't he considered Faina before? Why hadn't he turned to her before and chose this woman, who had his absolute trust, to be his Empress? Maybe that was a question that had many answers and would be difficult to truly understand. It didn't seem to bother her in the slightest. She had remained faithful and loyal through it all. Through the formation of the First Order, the great war that followed, the establishment of a new Empire, the fall of the Galactic Alliance, and beyond. Her heart never once doubted him nor seemed the slightest bit jealous. She knew her duty then. And it was going to evolve once more before their very eyes.
Quietly, his hand moved, after their fateful kiss, as Nicademus gently touches the cheek of Faina. His eyes looking over her in that total silence. What father said came to be true: "love can be hiding in plain sight and before you. It certainly took me some time to realize your mother, but, in the end, what mattered was the happiness we had, the family we created, and the life we shared together." He leans down once more, kissing Faina's lips lightly, before having the thought process to speak.
The Empire will have her Empress... my children will have a mother in their life... and I will have a companion to keep my company... through the thick and thin that you have always been through with me before. I was a fool to not see it before, but I can see now. With eyes unclouded. I can see the beautiful woman who has ever been by my side, as my shield and sword, as a source of advice, as a true friend, and, now, as much more.
Nicademus smiles at Faina, gently touching her cheek as he spoke softly to her.
This does mean you have to start calling me Nicademus, Faina. Less on the 'Your Majesty.'
The Imperial chuckles lightly.
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Faina Delvardus
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 17, 2019 21:46:30 GMT -8
Any fears that Faina had that making the transition from what she and Nicademus have been to one another to the more that they have decided to explore are soon allayed, there being no awkwardness or peculiarity about their first exchanges of affection that might have plagued them otherwise; there is only a secure sense of rightness, ease and naturalness, as though their beginning is less a beginning than stepping through a door that has always been there for them, awaiting the right moment to open before them, and Faina hopes that the other changes ahead, becoming a mother to his children and his Empress, will be as simple and straightforward, will come to her as naturally.
Experience has taught Faina that little, if any purpose is ever served by allowing apprehension or worry about the unknown take root and fester, and so she acknowledges her worries about things like how Nicademus' children will take to her, about whether the facts that she was an only child and has little experience with children will make it more difficult for her to be a mother to them, and other such things, and then sets them aside, trusting in her maternal instincts and abilities to adapt and learn to ensure that she can grow into the role of mother.
Running the fingers of the hand she had placed around Nicademus' back lightly through the red hair at the base of his neck as he speaks, Faina smiles with a shake of her head when he says it was foolish for him not to have seen before now what they could be to one another, to let him know that it seems unimportant to her, and tells him softly, "Maybe the time was simply not right, and maybe we knew, somehow or on some level, that we both had to grow, to experience more as we have. Using her hand to bring his lips to hers once more, she kisses him lightly and tells him, It does not matter, we both see clearly now. Laughing, realizing that Nicademus' joke about her need to call him by his name may have been more accurate than he thought given that she feels certain that she has only done so on a handful of occasions, Faina rests her forehead against his as she asks, Is it funny that, of all things, calling you by your name regularly seems like the most daunting task? Well aware of how ridiculous her confession might sound to him, Faina, the playful side of her personality emerging more easily as she allows herself to set her role as an Imperial Knight aside when able, tries to look stern as she tells him, Do not laugh, and then theatrically squints in concentration as she pretends to force herself to use his name, Nicademus. Teasingly shaking her head with an apologetic expression, Faina asks, Are you sure I can not stick with Your Majesty? Visibly trying not to laugh now, she adds jokingly, How do you feel about My Emperor? My liege?"
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 18, 2019 8:16:36 GMT -8
Running the fingers of the hand she had placed around Nicademus' back lightly through the red hair at the base of his neck as he speaks, Faina smiles with a shake of her head when he says it was foolish for him not to have seen before now what they could be to one another, to let him know that it seems unimportant to her, and tells him softly, "Maybe the time was simply not right, and maybe we knew, somehow or on some level, that we both had to grow, to experience more as we have. Using her hand to bring his lips to hers once more, she kisses him lightly and tells him, It does not matter, we both see clearly now. Laughing, realizing that Nicademus' joke about her need to call him by his name may have been more accurate than he thought given that she feels certain that she has only done so on a handful of occasions, Faina rests her forehead against his as she asks, Is it funny that, of all things, calling you by your name regularly seems like the most daunting task? Well aware of how ridiculous her confession might sound to him, Faina, the playful side of her personality emerging more easily as she allows herself to set her role as an Imperial Knight aside when able, tries to look stern as she tells him, Do not laugh, and then theatrically squints in concentration as she pretends to force herself to use his name, Nicademus. Teasingly shaking her head with an apologetic expression, Faina asks, Are you sure I can not stick with Your Majesty? Visibly trying not to laugh now, she adds jokingly, How do you feel about My Emperor? My liege?"
With that thought gone, he returns back to Faina. The Imperial rises first before a hand grips Faina's helping her rise too. His hands moved down to her hips once the two were standing before each other. There was much to be arranged now. His mourning period was over, the Empire still needed to move forward, appointments needed to be made, a second in command designated for Faina in the Knights, and her elevation to Empress. One hand moves to touch her shoulder as he looks into her blue eyes.Seems my day just got a bit more busy. A lot of arrangements will need to be made... besides the usual routine of running the Empire. There is a lot to discuss too, Faina. I want to make sure you are comfortable and ready to become the Empress. I know you seem more than ready to be my wife, but being an Empress is a whole different level.He leans forward, kissing the top of her head lightly. In a ways, it felt like Nicademus was reuniting with an old romance. The two had never been romantic before, but they had trusted each other for a long time. Certainly, his brother and those of the Imperial Military and the Empire's public would approve of Faina's elevation. There had been a split opinion with the previous Empress after all, considering her roots with the Ren. Yet, Nicademus still trusted the Ren. They had given him results after all and one of their own gave him the heirs to his Empire.Certainly, a lot to do. Wouldn't you agree? News to tell, arrangements to make, a future to plan. |
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Faina Delvardus
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 18, 2019 20:06:05 GMT -8
"That will take some getting used to too," Faina tells Nicademus with a mildly amused smile after he reminds her that he will at times be required to address her by some variation of what will soon be her title, accepting his hand when he extends it to help her to feet. Though Nicademus' subsequent discussion about the many details that will need to be attended to, sooner rather than later from the sound of it, does not dampen her elation about the day's turn of events in the slightest, it has a somewhat sobering effect on her all the same, her demeanor resuming some of its more typical stoicism as a result.
Taking Nicademus' hands in her own, entwining her fingers in his, Faina nods, agreeing, "Much to do, yes, and then, after giving his hands an affectionate squeeze, releases them and brushes a few errant strands of her wavy blonde hair behind her left ear. Though she has some degree of understanding of what her duties as Empress would entail, Faina knows that she will need to complete her knowledge of the role in order to fulfill it to the utmost of her ability; yet that seems to her among the less pressing matters needing to be dealt with given that she is confident she will be able to learn quickly. More pressing, Faina assumes, are the arrangements Nicademus spoke of, as setting such matters in order quickly will ensure that the Empire runs smoothly. Knowing that, in terms of her education about how to best fulfill her duties as Empress, Nicademus's example and guidance will likely prove more valuable than any other instruction she might receive, Faina resolves to pay careful attention going forward to how he manages his role and makes the decisions it requires, beginning with observing how he prioritizes the tasks before them now, and so she asks, Where shall we begin?"
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 18, 2019 21:06:09 GMT -8
Nicademus fell into a deep thought when Faina suggested as to where they should begin. There was much to do: arranging a ceremony that would join Nicademus and Faina together, another ceremony to elevate Faina to the status of Empress, a necessary period of educating her of her new role as both a mother and an empress... so many things to do, to consider, to ensure Faina was ready for this new status within the Empire. This would require a Steward, a second in command, to lead the Imperial Knights in order to ensure she was not overwhelmed between her two duties. Nicademus would never pull her away from her duty as an Imperial Knight, but neither would he overload her with duties and expect her to carry them out. She was their leader, after all, and he had chosen her to lead them.
After some time of silent thinking, his hands remaining within her grasp as the Emperor thought, the Imperial blinks once to look at Faina. There was thoughts in mind of what needed to be done first before everything else. The public could wait, the interior of the Empire needed to be told first. The Imperial Knights, his senior staff, and the Knights of Ren needed to be told first.
I will gather the Imperial Knights, my senior staff, and the Knights of Ren for a top priority meeting, Faina. There, all will be told of the news.
The high commanders of the Empire's military, the members of the various branches such as Imperial Intelligence and the Commissariat, the ranks of the Imperial Knights, and the handful that made up the Knights of Ren... all of them would appear to meet the new Empress. There, Nicademus would see how the general opinion would be. Though the Knights of Ren had approved of the last Empress for obvious reasons, elsewhere, it was on the fence how they felt. Now, this would likely change it to where the Ren would be the fence while everyone else approved. Nonetheless, the Emperor would have this meeting.
All will be there to see my choice and accept it, Faina. Then... we will plan for the moment in which the whole of the Empire will see you as my Empress.
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 20, 2019 20:07:11 GMT -8
Faina nods when Nicademus explains that one of the first matters he believes needs to be seen to is informing the leadership of the First Order's various branches and allies of their impending union, which makes perfect sense to her; though becoming Empress and the public aspect of their relationship that comes along with the fact that Nicademus is who he is are less important to her than what they are to one another personally, Faina understands that her duty to the First Order demands that she always be aware of both facets of their relationship.
Pursing her lips in thought as something occurs to her, Faina asks, "What about Octavian and Fiora? I think it might be better if they heard about things first from us, or you alone if you think that might be better, rather than after it becomes more widely known." Though Faina has heard Nicademus speak of his twin children, and of his plans for Octavian to be trained as an Imperial Knight, she has yet to meet either of them, and as she is to be a mother to them, hopes to do so soon in order to begin forging that bond with them.
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Post by Nicademus Delvardus IV on Aug 20, 2019 20:29:11 GMT -8
Nicademus knew that his children needed to know and so did his brother, Baltasar. Those three would likely learn of the news sooner than everyone else. The Emperor would have to arrange a meeting with his immediate family so that they learned of the coming union and a stepmother for his children. Certainly, Baltasar would approve of this marriage more so than his previous one with Illaria. In fact, the Imperial believed his marriage to Faina would be approved by a vast majority of the Empire, both in the military and the civilian sectors. Faina had been able to ensure the Knights remained prestigious, seen, and kept their skills honed. Their presence was seen a lot in holovids that showed the red-armored warriors fight across various battlefields through the recent conflicts and wars that the Empire had endured.
The Imperial looks at Faina as his hand moves to lightly rub her cheek. He smiles lightly, wanting to reassure her with his words. After all, Faina was probably rather nervous about becoming a mother as well as becoming the Empress.
I will have my immediate family learn of the news first. Octavian, Fiora, and my brother, Baltasar, will know of our union first. I want you there, Faina. I want them to see you by my side. I know it will work out better than me telling the news alone.
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Faina Delvardus
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 20, 2019 21:42:55 GMT -8
Closing her eyes and tilting her head to rest her cheek against Nicademus' hand as he speaks, Faina smiles as he says that he wants her to be there when he tells his family their news, glad that he wants her to be included even though she, naturally enough she imagines, does feel somewhat nervous about his children and his brother, and about what they will think of her and of the prospect of her becoming a part of their lives.
"You know them best, Faina says after a moment, setting her anxiety aside as she knows it will not do any good to give it a hold over her. Opening her eyes and smiling up at him, Faina tells Nicademus, And I am excited to meet them. Eager as she is to learn when Nicademus will introduce her to his family, Faina does not press the issue further, trusting that he will let her know when the time arrives, and so she takes a deep breath instead and says, I will have to start delegating some of my duties, possibly even name a second in command,beginning to think of who best among the Imperial Knights to task with ensuring that nothing is neglected while she and Nicademus begin preparing what needs to be prepared, and eventually when her duties as Empress require her attention. Laughing with a shake of her head, Faina says, As you said, much to do."
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
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Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 27, 2019 22:29:01 GMT -8
If Voshkie and Nechama, who had taken it upon themselves to act as her personal guard after she had been appointed Grandmaster of the Imperial Knights, had been insistent on accompanying her every waking moment before it was announced that Faina was to become Nicademus' Empress, they had only become more so after the announcement, it being all Faina could do to convince them that she did not need one or both of them in her office with her at all times.
Knowing that her duties as Empress would be demanding enough that naming a second in command to delegate some of her regular tasks as Grandmaster to in order to ensure that the Imperial Knights did not want for leadership in times when her presence was required elsewhere, Faina put a great deal of thought into the matter of who would best serve in that capacity, ultimately deciding that Brock Ferrum, an old and dear friend, has the qualities she seeks; his loyalty to Nicademus and to the Empire are unswerving, his vigilance against the dark side and its influence undeniable, and his command presence, despite his oft evidenced disregard for formality and tendency to indulge his sense of humor, something she has witnessed enough to know will serve him well in the role she would have him take on even though she suspects that she is more aware Brock possesses the quality than he himself may recognize himself.
Having made Voshkie and Nechama aware that she has asked Brock to come to her office so that they do not subject him to the rigorous interrogation they subject any unannounced visitors to her office to, Faina takes a datapad at random from among the many littering her desk, groaning as she sees it is one loaded with a lengthy treatise on theories and principles of commanding a Star Destroyer, something that while she is eager to learn in light of the fact that the first Victory II-class Star Destroyer that is to be a part of the recently reinstated Crimson Command will be hers to command, has quickly proven to involve navigating a veritable sea of information ranging from the fascinating to the monumentally dry. Hopefully, Faina thinks as she picks up reading where she had left off when last tackling the treatise, which has proven to be full of useful information that is unfortunately relayed in the dullest manner conceivable, Brock will arrive sooner rather than later so that she needs only ingest a small portion of the remaining text of the treatise before being granted a reprieve from the task.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 28, 2019 6:19:29 GMT -8
Anya made her way into the Tower of the Imperial Knights, seeking out a place that allowed her to work in solitude. It had been a week or so since her return and she was doing what she could to just get back into things. She had yet to concern herself with her armor or receiving a new lightsaber as both had been left behind in her departure. For the time being, she had kept to herself, allowing herself to only be seen since again as she worked to get herself reacquainted with the tower and the presence of the other Knights once more.
But that was before the gathering on High Port. She had attended as she was once again an Imperial Knight it was mandatory. But she had wished she hadn't. The golden blade of her lightsaber came to life as she began to run through her motions, her mind running back to the announcements made. Out of everything said, only one piece of knowledge held any importance to her. She cared not for the new fleet as she wasn't one who cared for leading troops so being in control of a fleet was even less appealing. She didn't even care about the political field regarding the Knight of Ren versus the Imperial Knights. No, what affected her was the announcement of the next Empress.
Did fate seek to punish her that much? She had left in the first place because of the sudden growth of a relationship between Nicademus and Illaria, stealing from her something she was seeking for herself. She couldn't bear to be around him any longer nor stand to see the Ren strutting around as she normally did. And after almost a decade of being away, she came back to this? It had been made clear that her feelings for the man hadn't subsided as her hurt over the situation continued to linger. And it seemed like allowing it to heal was something she wasn't allowed. What game was he playing with her? Requesting her return to the Imperial Knights only to make this announcement shortly after? It was like a slap to the face a million times over. Did he truly not think it through that putting her back in the Knights where the Grandmaster herself was meant to become the next Empress? It was even worse than just seeing the Ren around. Now she had to take orders from this one.
It infuriated her as her blade strikes moved faster and harder, each drop of anger being poured into it. She lost herself to the thoughts, forgetting where she was as the darkness within her began to fluctuate a bit.
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Post by Brock Ferrum on Aug 28, 2019 9:57:41 GMT -8
Brock made his way through the halls of the Tower of the Imperial Knights. He gave a knowing smile to the few knights he passed, even if he still didn't know most of their names, as he moved through the corridors between his quarters and Faina's office. There were still far too few Imperial Knights these days and many remaining had worn the red for only a short time. He really needed to take some time at some point and attempt to get to know some of the newer Knights, but he had spent most of his time since returning on missions either independently or with Faina and/or Panno so the opportunities to interact with the newer knights were few and far between. A slightly more cynical part of his mind thought that maybe he was being intentionally kept away from the newer knights since the incident with the sith agent but he dismissed that from his mind almost as soon as it appeared. Even if Faina and the Emperor weren't happy with him about that he couldn't see either of them making a conscious choice to keep his voice out of the ear of the other Knights. In any case they were going to have to pick up their recruiting efforts especially if they were to now act as military commanders of their own force in addition to their other duties. It was a suggestion he would make but thankfully it was a job for someone else, he wasn't in charge of the recruitment, or really anything, and so he didn't think too hard on the topic after those few stray thoughts.
He ran a hand down his short brown beard as he exited the stairwell onto the floor where the Grandmaster's office was located. It was a nervous habit he had picked up somewhere and despite his best efforts he had never been able to completely get rid of it. He wasn't nervous about whatever business the Grandmaster had summoned him to discussed but with it being barely more than a day since the Emperor's announcement and he hadn't fully processed everything that was about to change. He had a sinking suspicious that more was going to be discussed than whatever mission Faina was about to give him and although he wasn't sure if he was ready to deal with it he figured there was no point in letting it delay the meeting any more than he already had by taking the stairs instead of the turbolift.
As Brock approached Faina's office he gave the two women guarding it his usual grin that only managed to grow wider as Nechama returned it with a scowl. The Sarkhai woman had never liked him much and he had never been quite able to point out why. Could it be about the time he reversed the hot and cold controls on her refresher? Or maybe it was was the time he gave her that doughnut made with toothpaste instead of cream filling? Or maybe.... well in any case that was a question for another time. He had business to be about. Slipping in between the guards, who apparently took their self appointed job so seriously that they barely move far enough aside to let him pass by them to the door, he reverse pick pocketed a couple pieces of jerky into their pockets as a gate toll before stepping through the doors into the office of the Grandmaster of the Imperial Knights.
As the white and gold armored man made his way into Faina's office he swept forward in a grand motion and knelt before her desk and lowered his face in mock supplication. "My Grand Empress, Master of all things knightly and Imperial, I, your humble servant and lowly serf Brock the unworthy, have responded to your summons and am prepared to receive my likely horrendous punishment for appearing in your most magnificent presence more than 10 seconds after having been summoned." The words and actions were all classic Brock Mockery but something was just a tad off with the entire performance. Although likely to go unnoticed by someone who didn't know him there was just the slightest feel of hollowness to his words and despite the wide smile on his face it didn't seem to reach all the way up to his eyes. Additionally he had withdrawn himself from the force, keeping his presence tightly held rather than letting the usual casual bond develop that usually showed up while he and Faina were in the same room. All in all it was a good act that would likely fool any casual observer, but it wasn't likely to go unnoticed by the woman on the other side of the desk from him.
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Faina Delvardus
The First Order
Posts: 301
Affiliation: The First Order
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Post by Faina Delvardus on Aug 28, 2019 19:27:53 GMT -8
As the white and gold armored man made his way into Faina's office he swept forward in a grand motion and knelt before her desk and lowered his face in mock supplication. "My Grand Empress, Master of all things knightly and Imperial, I, your humble servant and lowly serf Brock the unworthy, have responded to your summons and am prepared to receive my likely horrendous punishment for appearing in your most magnificent presence more than 10 seconds after having been summoned."
While Faina would normally be able to, at the very least, gauge the general size and shape of anything plaguing Brock's thoughts without trying due to the strong Force bond between them, forged in the crucibles of time, shared trials and triumphs and friendship, she can sense now only that he has, for whatever reason, dammed the flow of thought and emotion that would normally exist between them; leaving her in the unenviable position of deciding whether to let Brock decide in his own time to reveal what troubles him, or to more actively pursue the answers herself now.
Motioning for Brock to take one of the chairs in front of her uncharacteristically cluttered desk, Faina tells him in a dry tone that is both a signal that there are important matters to discuss and a private warning they have that she is in no mood to entertain his penchant for flippancy, "Take a seat, and, having decided that her concern for him outweighs the merits of allowing him to choose if and when to share what is weighing on his mind, lifts a hand, palm upwards and flutters the fingers towards her to bid him to, Spit it out, in a tone that makes it clear she is not making a request, nor will she relent in her quest to pry from him the answer she seeks, Something is obviously on your mind, Brock, do not bother denying it." |
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