Sara Ruluwoor
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Post by Sara Ruluwoor on Jan 21, 2016 19:59:52 GMT -8
=Waiter=
The waiter nodded, smiling. "Excellent choices, gentlemen. I will return in a moment with your drinks."
When he had gone, Dmitri nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate your honesty, and the thoroughness of your research." He said. "I fear for the future of the Republic, given all of the disappearances among our leadership, and the overt corruption and stagnation of the Senate. But I do not intend to give in to those fears. I intend to be a man of action, and I will need people like you to help me take the necessary actions." He would have to test the younger man, of course, and see how well Cass's actions and results fit with his intentions, but the red-eyed man was clearly a valuable asset at a time of great need for the Republic.
He looked Cass in the eye. "And so I would be honored to accept your help." He concluded, extending his right hand.
And just like that, with a smile and a handshake, Cass had a job in the Republic, and for the soon-to-be Vice Chancellor, no less. The rest of their meal was uneventful (although the food was tremendous), and the Senator and his newest disciple parted company, with the older man promising the force sensitive that he would have a mission for him soon.
"Meet Aylee in the Republic Plaza tomorrow, and she will explain your first task to you." Koronov said as they parted. "Good afternoon, and May the Force be with You."
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Sara Ruluwoor
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Post by Sara Ruluwoor on Jan 23, 2016 21:35:21 GMT -8
The Senate Floor
Everyone knew what was coming. It was unavoidable. And so it was no surprise when it happened.
The Vice Chancellor had been confirmed dead, and Republic Intelligence had classified the Supreme Chancellor as Missing-in-action, although the details remained highly classified -- so highly so, that most of the Senators did not even know the truth. Other members of the Republic establishment had also gone missing, although it was unclear if these disappearances were intentional desertions, or hostile actions. Adding all of that uncertainty and chaos to the fact that the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor had remained in their offices past the end of their terms, and no one could ignore or deny the need for a new election any longer. It should have happened months ago, but the remaining Senators feared for their very lives, or simply didn't care.
The first to break that silence was the most unlikely of voices, but also one of the least threatening to the unseen evils pulling at the strings of power.
Senator Hadrig of Drall, a famed pacifist, made an impassioned motion for a new election to be held, and it was met with overwhelming support. No one wanted to be publicly tied to the status quo, lest they be accused of complicity in Bundi Darma's murder. The first vote failed to gain a quorum, due to the number of abstentions, but the second passed unanimously (again with many abstentions). And then the process really got rolling forward.
Three nominations were made: Senator Ott Balb of Ator, Senator Mara Wrenphi of Dorvalla IV, and Senator Standash Thul of Alderaan.
After Thul announced Senator Dmitri Koronov of Corellia as her running mate in a surprise address that took the media by storm, Senator Balb dropped out of the race, leaving the Alderaanian Princess matched up against the Outer Rim mining conglomerate heiress. And that really wasn't a fair fight at all. Thul was elected Supreme Chancellor 60% to 17% (with the other 23% not voting at all). The news, and the successful election and transition of power brightened spirits for a day or two, before the cold reality caught up with Coruscant again.
Yes, the Republic now had executive leadership, but the past few months could not be ignored, nor could they be left to a secretive Republic Intelligence agency that seemed to have gone rogue, or a bureaucratic court system that seemed to care more about making money off of prisoners than it did finding the truth, or protecting elected officials from assassination. A Senate Investigation must be opened, the cries came from all sides, and the Chancellor herself must be given special powers to execute the investigation.
With Senator Naberrie returning home to Naboo to personally intervene in the investigation into Darma's murder, Representative Louie Nertt found himself in the spotlight. If only Senator Alyse were here, those in the shadows told him, this is what she would have done. And so the Gungan pushed through temporary emergency executive powers for the young Chancellor, allowing her to bypass the Senate, the Courts, and her own executive agencies in order to execute justice and restore the Republic.
Some, including Senator Koronov, sat up at night, worrying about the precedent of all these unusual acts, but he had already trusted Standash with his life and with the Republic. All he could do now was to go along with the plan, and keep both eyes open for any trouble. Whether he liked the methods or not, he had to admit that this was just about the only way any real progress could be made. At least, the only way that did not involve violence and bloodshed.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Feb 10, 2016 23:13:14 GMT -8
She had let Koronov’s friends and allies make the needed motions, address the arguments, and make the claims she needed them to make. The votes were tallied and as she expected she won in a landslide. There were some yes’s she didn’t expect, some no’s that had told her otherwise, but all of that was to be expected. Her face the calm cool ice that had become her trade mark. “The Ice Princess” she had heard had been a nickname she had been given. In private, that made her smile, even laugh, but only in private. Maybe it was true, she thought to herself. She was an Ice princess. Her choice of wardrobe certainly supported it for this occasion. A shimmering silver and white gown. A translucent silver cape hung from her shoulders. Her long flowing blond hair curled, and pinned up. On her head sat a tiara. Green gemstones of her people’s original home planet inlayed in platinum, accented in gold. Everything about it screamed Alderaanian royalty, it could be placed as such by anyone in the galaxy. Traditionally an odd choice for someone just elected to lead a wide range of peoples and planets. She had chosen it deliberately for this very reason. Holo cams and recording droids buzzed around, capturing every frame of this history moment. And they waited. She did not move for what felt to the outside like an eternity, and she did it deliberately. This was twofold. First it built the tension. Everyone in the standing room only rotunda was ready to listen to her every word. There would be no one distracted, no one thinking of their next committee meeting, no one wondering when the speeches and ceremony would end, and no one wondering if their mistress and wife would find out about each other. Every single focus was on her. The second was one she would only admit to herself, she was nervous. She was nearly certain that she was the youngest Supreme Chancellor in the history of the Republic. Yes, her reign would also be the shortest in the history as well, but in the moment that knowledge did little to calm her nerves. She was about to dramatically change the course of history and end something that had been in existence for millennia. Trillions of lives were about to change by her actions. She was right and she knew it, but this knowledge also did little to calm her nerves. For a second, she wished she was home, back on Alderaan, dancing in the meadows of the mountain estate like she did when she was little without a care in the world. This though only lasted a moment. She was here and she was strong. She had a job to do and it was needed. No one else could accomplish this task. It fell solely on her shoulders. She stood and the massive arena was dead silent, no one dared move or make a sound. She slowly made her way to the dais, and stood in front of the podium. She looked at her people. That is what they were, her people. She could hold back the faint smile that worked its way into the corner of her mouth. She looked up to the box she had Annelise prepare for the Hapean delegation. There was enough red tape and firewalls to keep even the most dedicated of slicers from connecting the two planets. As she looked she thought that it didn’t matter even if they were connected. They had a goal that she shared, that made them allies not co-conspirators. The war fleet overhead meant nothing to her. This was for the people, for justice. With this fire burning inside her she spoke.
Ladies and gentlemen of the galactic republic, today we have all made history. That is WE, not I. I have done nothing. I made a promise to end the corruption that has filled the Republic for generations. I gave you a simple idea… It was you that decided to do something with that idea. You could have said you didn’t want to trust a Human with this task. You could have said you didn’t want to trust a citizen of the core with this task. You could have said you couldn’t trust an inexperienced senator with this task. You could have said you didn’t trust a “child” with this task She let out a small chuckle And all of those choices would have been understandable… But… you didn’t. You shared my vision! One where the people of the republic can trust their leaders! Where they are united in that idea! *she takes the tiara off her head* As such, I am no longer just the Princess of Alderaan, so this doesn’t fit me anymore. You have given me leadership. This is a roll I accept! She lets the applause grow. People stand and cheer in their own way. It goes a little longer than she expected. She waits for it to die down.
Corruption has taken over this body and it ends today! Genocide! By a member of this very body! And NOTHING happened to him. Lawlessness has become the tyrant of this republic, a tyrant in a war with justice.. A galaxy ruled by this tyrant is not something I can stand for any longer. Leaders run away and hide, vanish, are kidnapped! This has become the galaxy we live in! Icy fire fills her eyes as she chastises. Vitriol and venom flow from her as her passion grows. And in an instant it vanishes But I have also seen something else… I have seen planets and people take up the slack of a headless state. I have seen men and women survive even though the ones that are supposed to lead them are ruled by injustice… I see a people ruling themselves and in the end surviving! The strength of the Republic is not in its history. It is not in its fleets. It is not in its structures. And the strength is not in Democracy… She lets that heavy word sit in the silent hall It is in its people. Those of you outside this building. It is for you that I do thing things I do. Because you deserve the best.
In that light, I will be making a few orders tonight with the emergency powers voted to me. My predecessor was kidnapped and murdered. I hereby humbly request that the Jedi Order take over this investigation and getting justice, I officially turn it over in its entirety to you. Jedi Master Kel Al Raganella, is someone I trust, I would hope he would take it. The next order is much more important… She pauses to recapture her thoughts The problems of the Republic, as I have said, are dire. This is no news to me, this is not news to you. Drastic measures must be taken. We are all in agreement. I was elected, and I ran on one fact that we agreed on. I am the one with the courage to make things happen that need to happen. The one willing to make the hard choices. I have viewed the options on ending the injustice. There is only one. Tonight… The Republic dies. With the power you have granted me, I hereby dissolve the central government and collection of planets known as the Republic. What does this mean? All military forces, you are ordered home. If you wish to serve still, please I beg that you do, for your home planets. Ships, and material can be purchased by planets for what you have put into the war machine already. If you would rather have other trade goods make in know and you will have it. I give the governing of the galaxy back to those it belongs. You have the power to self-govern. Make any treaties you wish; keep trade with whoever; keep, make, or break any alliance you wish. The choices are yours. You have been self-governing all this time and didn’t realize it. I am just making it official.
That brings us to the issue of Coruscant. Traditionally, the head of this planet has been the Republic. I offer my services as Steward for as long as the people would have me, or until my service is no longer needed. I do all of this for the people of the Republic, and will work for the people of Coruscant. And do not worry about my track record… I cannot dissolve a planet. Deep down we all know this is what is best and what has to happen. It is the only way. I have the power and I am using it. Good night, and good bye friends.
* With that she walks away, back into the depths of the rotunda. She walks by a single republic soldier. She pauses and looks at her So did you hear all of that? She asks not really sure what it was she was looking for in return
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Sara Ruluwoor
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Post by Sara Ruluwoor on Feb 14, 2016 21:18:42 GMT -8
Sitting in the Corellian system’s pod with Senator Hadrig and Senate nominee Aylee’saresh (awaiting confirmation by the Corellian Council as Koronov’s replacement in the Senate), the newly-elected Vice Chancellor was blindsided. He stood up angrily to shout in protest to the young Chancellor’s speech, but as she continued, his words of objection died in his throat, and after a while, he sank weakly into his seat once more. The betrayal was complete, and utterly unexpected.
Dmitri’s face paled to almost pure white as he watched his life’s work evaporate before his very eyes. Many voices were upraised in applause, and many others in anger, but the Corellian knew that he was not in a position of strength. Standash Thul’s reasoning had been well crafted, and many Senators, lacking his wisdom and experience, believed in her words. The others, the ones who objected, were almost exclusively the fat cats and the power brokers, and the corrupt mining barons, and the other criminals who inhabited the Senate. Koronov might have a common goal with them, but their reasons were tarnished with blood and theft. Allying with them might win this battle, but it would not bring back a functioning Republic.
No, there was nothing he could do to reverse the declaration, at least not right this very moment. There was an element of truth in her analysis, after all, and many of the down-trodden, forgotten worlds outside of the Core would quickly side with her viewpoint, even as they foolishly cast off their once-strong security blanket. The Republic, in its current state, offered few, if any, benefits over self-rule. But he had chosen her and her youthful ambition because he believed she would fight that malaise and re-establish a pure Republic. Instead, she had chosen to run from the fight, to surrender, and to call the time of death on a proud institution. There would be many, including some back home on Corellia, who would say "good riddance."
=Senator Hadrig=
“Dmitri, I know you don’t want to hear this, but military independence is a big positive for us.” The pacifist Drall said quietly. “We can control our own destinies now, without the endless arguments in the Military Committee over defense spending and who should pay for it, and without incurring social responsibility for enabling the war crimes of men like Senator Crom’nen.”
Dmitri looked up from the floor with sad eyes, and smiled wanly at his old friend. “You’re not wrong, but I still believe in a Republic where those committees are unnecessary, and where war criminals are swiftly tried and convicted for their crimes, so that others are deterred from following in their footsteps, and all of the people of this galaxy are treated equally, and defended with equal military might, regardless of homeworld or species. I will go to my grave believing in it.” He sighed. “I guess I’m old fashioned like that.”
=Senate Nominee Aylee’saresh=
The young Twi’lek woman had been equally stunned by the day’s developments. Most politicians her age would have been paralyzed with despair if they had been in her shoes right now, watching the Republic Senate burn to the ground just as they were about to finally ascend into membership in the body. But Aylee wasn’t like most politicians her age. Despite her tender years, she’d see all of this before, when the Galactic Coalition failed. Her first thoughts were not to herself, but for her friends who had so much at stake. All of the citizens of her homeworld, and the other four worlds of the Corellian system, and the galaxy at large. They all had a tremendous amount at stake, and they were counting on their leaders to be there for them.
She reached out her hand, laying it gently on Koronov’s shoulder. “And we believe in that dream, too, Vice Chancellor.” She said soothingly. “But right now, the people of Corellia, and the people of this galaxy, need us more than ever. We can weep for the Republic later, but first, we must show that Corellia is strong, and that we can effectively self-govern and self-defend.”
=Hadrig=
The Drall stood up, drawing himself to his full three-foot height. “Young Aylee is right, as usual.” He said, flashing a smile. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. Once Corellia is safe, we shall discuss the future of the Republic.” He bowed to the human and to the Twi’lek. “I’m going home to consult with the Corellian Council. You know where to find me.”
Dmitri took a deep breath, and exhaled. “Yeah, I know...” He replied quietly, the defeated tone still present in his voice. He looked off across the Rotunda, staring at the far side of the seating bowl as it slowly emptied out, then took another deep breath, and another, as he calmed himself. “Travel safely, Hadrig.” He replied, then turned to Aylee. “I think you should still go to Ryloth with Cass, and see what you can learn about Crom'nen whereabouts, and the Clan Council that has so loyally supported his crimes. Meanwhile, it’s past time I made that diplomatic visit to Honoghr, and I will be safer there until things settle down. If you need me, and I’m not on Corellia, that’s where I’ll be.”
=Aylee’saresh=
“I agree.” She replied. “We need to assess our allies and our enemies. I will go.” She hesitated, then gave the Corellian a gentle hug. Her fears were written on her face: if he hadn't been a target before all this, now he certainly would be. “Please be careful, Dmitri. They will try to pin this on you.” She whispered, before slipping away.
Dmitri turned back, taking one final look at the now nearly-empty Senate chamber, before turning and walking out onto the concourse, quite possibly never to return.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Feb 16, 2016 0:00:10 GMT -8
*The access way for the Supreme Chancellor that exited the Rotunda was a long, well-secured hallway with several exits and hidden doorways along the way. Standing at parade rest with their rifles on display were well over twenty Republic soldiers in full armor, lining both sides of the hallway. One of the carbon-copied elites was none other than Master Sergeant Ophelia Ashern. She technically led this company of soldiers. Or did, rather. Now that the Republic was dissolved, she was staged to be consolidated into the fold of the rank-and-file of CorSec's Military Division. Is that really what she'd wanted, though? In truth, she was beholden to the Republic. The idea of its death being so...quick and messy, as it was, was disheartening to say the least. Of course, the senior officers had a bit of leeway, considering their knowledge of the dissolution beforehand. But many of the soldiers were hearing about this for the first time. They'd only received questionnaires asking them if they'd consider Coruscant their home, or whether or not they'd consider going back to their home planets. That was a large part of the determining factor of "who goes where". Ophelia didn't really feel as though there was anything for her to return to on Lorrd, though; so she was one of the few who decided to stay on.*
*Since the whole ordeal was now given such finality, Lia felt as though she could truly focus on what was ahead. One of the military's contingencies was that the announcement was going to cause some manner of rioting that would possibly endanger the former-Chancellor's life. Now that the transition had happened semi-peacefully, she had the idea that the day would soon be over; and that would mean that she could finally put a lot of her worries to rest.*With Lia being so caught up in thought, she had almost missed the Supreme Chancellor stopping in front of her. Standing-to as soon as she noticed the young woman, she drove her heel into the floor with precision; dictating that she was at-attention. Her rifle was cross-braced on her body, situated in parade rest.* With that she walks away, back into the depths of the rotunda. She walks by a single republic soldier. She pauses and looks at her So did you hear all of that? She asks not really sure what it was she was looking for in return No need to be so cordial, soldier. I'm no longer your Chancellor, after all. So, what did you think?
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Feb 16, 2016 23:33:47 GMT -8
That isn't what I asked... I asked what do YOU THINK?? You have seen it all Master Sargent Ashern, He pauses for half a second, letting it sink in that she knew the person behind the armor. This was the group tasked to be her guard for them moment. The young princess made sure to know things like this. She has read the woman's record and had been impressed. Please come with me. I would like to discuss this farther with you...She ice like eyes were kind, but she didnt wait for an answer, and just continued walking. She hoped the woman would follow.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Feb 17, 2016 19:01:11 GMT -8
That isn't what I asked... I asked what do YOU THINK?? You have seen it all Master Sargent Ashern, He pauses for half a second, letting it sink in that she knew the person behind the armor. This was the group tasked to be her guard for them moment. The young princess made sure to know things like this. She has read the woman's record and had been impressed. Please come with me. I would like to discuss this farther with you... She ice like eyes were kind, but she didnt wait for an answer, and just continued walking. She hoped the woman would follow. |
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Feb 17, 2016 19:58:55 GMT -8
The princess was doing her best job of hiding it. She was very nervous. More than she had been before the speech. She knew it was the right choice to make, but now that it was done the second guessing filled her head. They walked to a hover limo that was waiting in a secure landing pad for her. The princess then did something that many would call out of character. She opened her own door and offered the Master Sargent to go in first. After you then.
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Feb 21, 2016 22:17:00 GMT -8
*The Master Sergeant was a little taken aback when the Princess passed up the adjoining hallway that would have been the way to the turbolifts in favor of continuing on toward the exit. This little caveat wasn't in the itinerary, for certain. However, Ophelia wasn't one to get lost in the thick of things. "Adapt and overcome" - as the old saying went.*She commed for Bravo Team, giving them instructions that they were to move from their securing point at the turbolifts to the motorpool, which was apparently where Standash was leading her. By the time that the pair had reached the launchpad, the platoon leader and several of the men were exiting the adjacent walkway, securing the escort vehicles that would accompany the hover-limo to its destination. In a surprising move, Thul also opened the door for the Master Sergeant, and when she did, asking her to get inside, Ophelia gave herself a once-over.
*There she stood, still in full tac-gear, holding onto her rifle as though she were ready to tackle a terrorist cell. Certainly not the attire of one who rides side-seat to royalty in a kriffing limo. Still, it wasn't as though she could refuse the former-Chancellor at this point. Comm chatter was already abuzz with Bravo Team moving into position. They would see the Master Sergeant getting into the vehicle with her. They would assume that it was for advanced security purposes, and the "threat level" would rise significantly when she entered the vehicle. Not because there were suddenly two people inside of it, but rather, because the only time another member of the security detail entered the limousine was because the V.I.P. was in direct danger.*Reflexively, she reached her hand up to her comm unit.
"Bravo Team, threat level is still 'green'. I repeat, threat level is 'green'. Do not engage, again, do not engage."
Once she was done delivering the message, the Master Sergeant would sidle into the vehicle, sitting on the wall-side seat on the far side of the vehicle. Her rifle was secured beside her, safety on, as she took her seat awkwardly in the bulky tac-gear. She'd shift her weight, trying drastically to get comfortable. However, nothing about this situation was "comfortable". Nothing at all.
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Standash Thul
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Post by Standash Thul on Feb 23, 2016 15:21:06 GMT -8
The Princess is mildly amused at the soldier's response to the situation. She knew that she was making the woman uncomfortable, Standash was interested in seeing how the woman responded. Relax Master Sargent. You are no longer on duty. I am inviting you as a guest. Take your helmet off.
She turns to the chauffeur droid in the front. To the embassy please, rout Senth if you will.Turning back to the Master Sargent Care for a drink?
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Ophelia Ashern
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Getting fed up with the bureaucratic bantha-spit...
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Post by Ophelia Ashern on Feb 25, 2016 23:28:55 GMT -8
*The chauffeur droid acknowledged the directions given by the Princess, and updated the motorcade's route plan accordingly. As soon as the lead vehicles began to take off, Ophelia did as the Princess suggested. Her helmet was - indeed - stifling, and she thought it best to attempt to relax just a little, if she could find it in herself to do so. The tac-gear would still present a problem, and her loaded rifle still made her safety-conscious, to say the least. The helm slid off her head with a bit of effort, revealing the woman beneath. Ophelia's hair was pinned up with a W-clip that she had managed to wrap and thread her long, raven locks into; the ends of which folded back up toward the top of her head, making it appear as though she had a small tuft of it "sprouting" out of the top. With this look, the angular features of her face were prominent. Her hazel-green eyes stood out from the pale tone of her skin, just another desirable facet to her.*When Standash asked her if she "cared for a drink", the Master Sergeant began by shaking her head "no", but felt as though it deserved an explanation.
"You'll forgive me, Princess, but I still consider myself to be on-duty. I would lose the respect of my men if I were to partake. Thank you, though. The gesture is greatly-appreciated."
*Every gesture, practiced and poised. Every feature on her face, cordial and demure. The Lorrdian knew how to best convey with her body language the exact measure of each emotion; and she did so with all the style and grace that her training had afforded her over the years.*
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Gráinne Mhaol & Fiach Dubh
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Is mimic a bhris beal duine a shron - often a person's mouth gets their nose broke
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Post by Gráinne Mhaol & Fiach Dubh on Jul 17, 2018 23:37:31 GMT -8
Maureen wandered into the massive space with Cú Faoil at her side. The place was dead. Looking out across the space she yelled
-Maureen-
"Hello!"
The word echoed eerily across the area. Shrugging shoulders she left as easily as she had came
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Gráinne Mhaol & Fiach Dubh
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Is mimic a bhris beal duine a shron - often a person's mouth gets their nose broke
Posts: 715
Affiliation: Oglaigh na Irandoideanne - Warriors of the Iron Fists
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Post by Gráinne Mhaol & Fiach Dubh on Jul 29, 2018 20:30:50 GMT -8
Maureen led Gráinne and the huge dog into the massive space. The woman looked about in awe as the girl and the dog played in a gallery. They were there but a short while before they woman dragged the two away
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