The First Move

[Nicolás Cormond]

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The city of Curovao was among the largest of Brentaal. Chock-full streets humming with vagabonds and merchants. Voices bathed in suspicion or trade. Conversation haunted by gossip or debate. Such was the classic experience of any major settlement on the desert world. Perched between two of the most congested hyperlanes in the galaxy, the planet had come to be known not only for its time-honored culture and traditions, but rather as a center for trade.

The nexus of a web between a thousand worlds and a gateway to the Core, Brentaal was easily one of the most important planets of the Republic. Therefore, whoever had their hands on it meant they were among the most important people in galaxy.

That was why Nicolás pined to seize the world as his own. Inheriting House Cormond and their assets would give him the needed legitimacy to rightfully claim Brentaal as his own. However, to do so required more than hiring out mercenaries or foreigners to do his dirty work. As much as he wanted to simply call in the Cartel, he couldn’t give the public the feeling that Nicolás was an outsider who didn’t deserve such a high seat of power. He needed to ground himself first by allying with other nobles, other members of the great Trade Guild. By gaining their support, he would have the false front he needed to destroy his father and commandeer Brentaal.

Nicolás waltzed into lavish Hall of the Trade Guild. It was there that a convocation of nobles gathered per the request of Senator Cormond. Many wondered why the man had returned despite being disavowed by his own father, or were curious on what he had to offer, or simply anxious after the allegations of the planet’s relationship with the Hutt Cartel. Either way, all were intrigued enough to give Nicolás the opportunity he needed to sway them to his side. As long as they listened, the man was certain he could convince them to abandon his father in favor of his bastard son. Of course, as expected, his father knew about such a meeting. Even so, he refused to attend, blinded by his ego, clinging to the notion that Nico could do nothing.

But he would be wrong, and he would regret it. The man would make sure of it.

The council chambers was typical extravagant. Silken curtains bathed in royal purple draped from towering windowpanes. A thin mahogany table sewn with the engravings of every noble House wrapped around the room in an arch, looming directly over where the Senator was bound to sit. His own chair, while exotic for the standards of Coruscant, could not compare to the likes of the Trade Council. An obvious power move. Not that Nicolás cared for it. He was the one in control here, he was the one with all the cards in the deck. They had nothing on him but ignorance and underestimation. Even if they didn’t want to align themselves with him, they didn’t have much a choice.

His eyes glanced to the man beside him. Nicolás opted to bring Numenius along, both because of his extraordinary diplomatic skills and simply for his presence. He found a peace of mind at the other man’s side, especially after their time together on Chandrila and in the Senate. They were almost inseparable. Regardless of whether or not the Trade Guild saw Numenius as a greater outside, Nico would keep him at his side. For moral support— and some inevitable backup. The man had a feeling this meeting would be no mere piece of cake.

@Nefieslab @Malon (DM)

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​

 

[Numenius Pax]

Numenius had to admit that Brentaal wasn't what he was expecting but, then again, he had expected it to be a lot more obviously corrupt than it was. Right now it just looked a little bit... well okay it looked a lot more regal that Corulag. Back on his homeworld, old was just a word given to things right before they were torn down and replaced by a metallic monolith of the current. But where they were right now?

He could feel the age of the place around him.

The crowd of nobles and traders alike was rather strange to him as well. Again, back on Corulag, there was a clear divide between the traders on the streets, the business owners and then the people, like his parents, who didn't own business but rather owned the people who owned businesses. This melding of social groups was a bit odd to him but hey, he was adaptable so he wasn't going to act like a fish out of water or whatever.

Walking alongside Nicolas, Numenius felt he was stronger, more confident, than he otherwise would have been walking down the cavernous halls. As they were walking, still far from being close enough to anyone else to be overheard, Numenius leaned in slightly closer,

"So..." he paused before adding, "Who was compensating for it do you think? The architect who designed it or the people who paid for it to be built in the first place?"

Smirking ever so slightly, he glanced up at the ceiling,

"You could land a corvette in here..."

@Deviant @Malon

 

[The Storyteller]

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So, this is Brentaal IV, thought Lok Dofine. He was far and away from what anyone in the Core Worlds might consider "noble," but he was indeed just that: a Neimoidian noble and the head of a lucrative trade guild operating both in and out of the Republic.

He was quite ugly by human standards. Tall and lanky, he possessed the same skin tone as a Hutt and similar horizontally-spilit eyes to the Duros, but he wore clothes that would be envied on worlds such as Alderaan. It was truly Neimoidian to wear such fineries in the presence of others. Their race was known for being cowardly... except where money was involved, which made Lok Dofine a force to be reckoned with on trade worlds like Brentaal. In fact, it was he that was judging Brentaal—not the other way around.

Brentaal was sandy. A dust ball. Barely better than Tatooine or a dozen other worlds like it. Though, perhaps it would be fairer to compare it to Cantonica, which featured, at least, a large ocean, much like Brentaal IV. Still, the only reason Lok Dofine had visited this dustball along the Hydian Way was because a wealthy and rather well-known member of House Cormond had summoned some of the heads of the major trading guilds to Brentaal for some sort of meeting. Lok's pride prevented him from turning the invitation down, and, so, here he was.

Lok found himself seated — one of many trade gurus and noble beings to do so — in the venue Cormond had provided for their convocation. The Cormond boy was a pretty thing: that was the one trait so-oft spoken about him beyond the Core. But Lok wondered if he had then mind to be in this room, amidst greater beings. The meeting, he supposed, would reveal as much. The Neimoidian also quickly recognized Senator Pax of Corulag.

Hm, Lok Dofine thought, steepling his long, bony fingers. Two Coreward Senators. One from a wealthy family on a prestigious trade route world. The other from a highly industrial world. A most intriguing pair indeed. And the boy had elevated his seat above their own, too. Arrogant. But perhaps a clever ploy as well. The boy was trying to get their attention. He certainly had it.

Lok decided, to flush out the senators' true intentions, that he would be the one to make the bold first move. He leaned forward in his council seat. "Senator Cormond," Lok spoke Basic clearly in his nasally Neimoidian accent. "Allow me to be the first to thank you for inviting us to Brentaal IV." A smile lingered on his face for a second, but it was a political expression that was not at all genuine. "Though, I cannot help but wonder why. Has something occurred that prompted you to call us all here in such a dire time for our galaxy and, indeed, your Republic?" @Deviant @Nefieslab

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[Nicolás Cormond]

Lok Dofine. The withered and grotesque Neimoidian was no stranger to Nicolás. Even before his time as a Senator, the young man knew of the alien merchant. Head of an expansive trade federation, he understood the merchant was a former rival to House Cormond’s own significant trade league, if not still a rival. When situated on the gateway to the Deep Core and another highway through the Inner Rim, Brentaal and its residents were more lucky than most. Nicolás had a feeling this Neimoidian was jealous of the access he did not have, and he would twist that feeling into his favor. All these nobles ever wanted was revenue, profit, success. He too wanted that— but now, most of all, he wanted revenge.

“I much appreciate the welcome, Lok Dofine, as do I appreciate your attendance here.” He gestured to the other men and women situated at the table around him, their faces looming and eyes fastened to the young man. “I appreciate all of you joining me today. I am sure you all have pressing matters to attend to, but believe me when I tell you this stands as the first.” His gaze rolled back to the Neimoidian opposite of him. In spite of all his lavish attire and grandiose composure, he could not see far with those two bowling balls for eyes. Buried under so much wealth must have left him absent-minded of the events swirling around him and the galaxy. So, he would have to do his best to listen closely.

“Of course, you pose a bold question. Have you not received the memo, my friend?” As tempted as he was to rip this noble to shreds, he held his tongue— mostly. “Alderaan, a stronghold for the Republic, has descended into chaos after revelation of Cartel activity. Even now, the Senate has moved against the illegitimate ruler over the jewel of the Core, paving the way for intervention and ultimately, war. War between the Hutt Cartel and the Republic. And not just my Republic, my government. You speak as if you are unaffected by these events.” He looked onto all of the Council. “I’m sure you feel you are, but you are wrong. All of you should know well that the Republic is a foundation for the galaxy. And a foundation for many of your trades.”

“Reports of Cartel activity on Brentaal have now surfaced. As representatives of the Republic, I must say— what do you think the Senate will do? Stand idly by as the center of Core and Inner Rim trade falls into enemy hands? I assure you, it won’t. We won’t. And neither should you, else it means the disruption of the Hydian Way. Of all your trade.” He leaned back into his seat, allowing Numenius to take the floor and make a point of his own should he choose to do so.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

Oh lovely... seemed that they were going to be asked questions by the slimiest of the Galaxy's trading species before anything else. He didn't really mind them personally but he would freely admit that sometimes they did make him feel more than a little bit uncomfortable - it was like they were always looking at you in terms of how many credits they could get for what you were wearing... or for you.

But he was not addressed.

He was not the centre of attention here and that was exactly how it should be. Nicolas was to be the centre of attention here and there shouldn't be a damn thing anyone else could do about it. It was Nicolas' time to shine, his time to take the spotlight and make sure that it stayed firmly where it belonged on this world of Brentaal - on him.

Numenius didn't speak up until Nicolas was done.

Attention was left to linger on Nicolas for a second or two before Numenius spoke - long enough to let what Nicolas had said begin to settle in but not long enough for anyone to try and respond. Numenius made sure to catch the eye of Lok Dofine first before his gaze swept over the assembled traders and nobles.

"Senator Cormond is right." he declared bluntly, firmly, before pressing onward, "War effects everyone when it is on such a scale - war is fire and a world unprepared? Kindling. Alderaan is set to burn, my good man, because people believed that war would not come. Or if it did? It would not effect them."

He looked out at them all with a deep frown,

"The way I see it? If war is fire then you have two choices. You can either make sure you're on the right side of that war and use the fire to your own ends, but accept that you will still burn too, or..." he glanced to Nicolas, "Or you deal with the issue, the spark, before it catches alight. Senator Cormond is the man you need to make sure that war never touches you, your peoples, your families or your profit margins."

@Deviant @Malon

 

[The Storyteller]

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There was only one face at the council as wrinkled as Lok Dofine's and only one person as tenacious as the young Senator Cormond. Both traits, as it happened, were rolled up into one woman: Ellana Brentioch, whose House was one of the rivals of House Cormond for rulership over Brentaal. Like the Senator, she too was a noble of Brentaal, and as mean as they came. Unlike him, though, she was about forty years older and wise to his games. The Cormond lot always did have an agenda and she was already wound up from her journey into the city.

She recalled with repulsive detail the flight into Curovao, having opened her viewport as her skycar lowered into the city's airspace. She had almost immediately recoiled. "Oh," she had exclaimed to her driver. "You can smell the shit from five miles up in the air." Her day had not improved since then.

The day was ripe with insults. First, a Neioimdian at the guild council. That would have been insult enough, especially after having to travel half-way across the planet to Curvao. But then this pretentious little heir and his... aide? She could not tell. Presumed to set the agenda for her? She was the only one to set her own agenda. A boy who became a Senator and framed his own father was certainly not about to change that. She barely waited for the boy's paramour to speak before leaning over in her seat to interject her opinion on the matters raised.

"Forgive me, son, but what exactly can the Republic do?" she asked sharply. She crooked an eyebrow at him. "Hm? Its army and navy have been disbanded since the end of that little religious war stomped through our grounds. Yes, it voted to reinstate those institutions. And, sure, it did vote to intervene on Alderaan, but with what? The judicial forces?" She bit back a harsh laugh and shot an equally harsh glance at the Senator from Corulag. "The Republic can do nothing. It was foolish to have voted for war long before it was ready, so I would hardly call it the 'right side.'"

For a moment, there was dead silence in the hall. Ellana covered her mouth with a handkerchief. Oh, she knew she had pushed all of the Cormond boy's buttons, but what of it? If he had half the power he thought he did, he would have already dealt with upstarts like her. No. He needed her. He needed them all for whatever little scheme he was planning. And she was going to make sure he knew it. Fanning herself now, she added, "So, the only question I see worth asking is, what do you intend to do about this supposed corruption since the Republic clearly can do nothing?" @Deviant @Nefieslab

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[Nicolás Cormond]

Another familiar face among the crowd, even if it was wrinkled with age and weather-beaten by time. None other than Ellana Brentioch, the old hag. When Nicolás said he welcomed their attendance, she was a glaring exception. Had he the choice to exempt her from this convocation, he would have. Although in pressing times like these, he could not afford losing a single possible ally. The Senator needed a strong foundation from which to pounce and a mask to hide under once the world was his. Support from the Trade Guild would give him precisely that. Ellana could push all the buttons she wanted, but he would not give her the satisfaction of even the tiniest expression. He remained wholly and totally unfazed by her comments.

Then, he answered. “I see you haven’t changed one bit, Lady Brentioch. Quick-witted and clever as always. Although I see age is starting to catch up to you.” One leg crossed over the other. He could play this game too if he wanted. “Your vision must be failing, my lady, if you cannot see the full picture. Which I cannot blame. You have stayed dormant in your plush villa on Brentaal for years, so I can safely say that you have not seen what I have seen. The Republic has at its disposal more shipyards than any known force in the galaxy and the means necessary to construct the largest navy since the old wars. You grossly underestimate what the Republic can do— to you and to Brentaal.”

“The Jedi Order have also taken to supporting the Grand Army and the Senate at every turn. In particular, the investigation on Alderaan which exposed Queen Lucille and paved the way for Republic intervention. You are wrong to think they will not do the same here, thereby interfering not only in your business, but all of Brentaal. Mine included.” The implications were slowly making their imprint on the Council. Although Nicolás was a representative of the Senate and had even brought along another Senator, he wanted the Guild to know he was not some pawn of the Republic. He was a native of Brentaal, not an outsider. He understood the consequences that would come with intervention, and he knew the others in the Council would too.

Even if the Republic amounted to nothing, the slightest notion of outside intervention on Brentaal would send the public into a frenzy and the markets plummeting. Nobody would want to risk trading on a planet plagued by corruption and standing on the verge of war. It didn’t matter if the Republic would be nothing but a nuisance— they would still be just that: a nuisance. Their presence alone would hurt the pristine reputation of Brentaal as a world of commerce and trade. And it was from that singular fear that Nicolás would play his next card. Of course the young man had a plan to avoid this pitfall, especially when he was the one who dug it.

“We cannot allow that to happen. Republic intervention would only hurt both sides, which is why I propose the Guild disavow my father and ensure he is removed in a manner that prevents an occupation. Let us rid ourselves of this problem before it grows into something more. Let Brentaal handle Brentaal.” His voice grew in strength and sincerity. “Throw your weight behind me and I will throw out the trash for you. Free of charge. No strings attached. Only so long as I take his place.” Yet how could he achieve such a feat? “I have the men, I have the public opinion. All I need is you, and Brentaal can be free of these dangerous accusations.”

@Nefieslab @Malon

 

[Numenius Pax]

Would you look at that old lady?

It was so cute that she thought she would have any say here. Politics was, by it's nature, a game that held two groups of people. There were those in the prime of life who held office and power... and there were those young enough and hungry enough to push for the positions of the other group. There was no room for nagging old ladies who confused half a wit and thinly veiled insults as political insight.

Though considering how often Nicolas had to deal with that senator witch who did the same thing (he refused to think of her by name), he wasn't surprised that the other an was able to simply put the old woman in her place. She was rather out of her depth if she believed she could come out on top against Nicolas.

His man was nobody's fool.

...

Thank god that had only been inside his head.

"And once Brentaal is free from the lingering doubt that these accusations have stirred up? Trade will increase as buyer confidence returns and soars to new heights." he smiled, "Reaffirming to the Galaxy that Brentaal is a Republic world with no shady dealings will have everyone looking to you as the answer to their prayers. Brentaal will be the beacon of what Alderaan could be."

When was the last time Brentaal had been better than Alderaan at... well, karking anything?

@Deviant @Malon

 

[The Storyteller]

It looked, perhaps, as though one of the other nobles might speak up. But Ellana Brentioch was not so easily quieted. She again leaned forward in her seat and, as she did, the other councilors shrunk away. Perhaps they saw the dangerous glimmer in her eyes; or, maybe they simply sensed the tension growing between the old crone and the young Senator Cormond.

"It would seem as though you have finally arrived at the point," she replied sharply. "You need our funding and support for legitimacy." She tutted. "But there is another solution you are not proposing. If House Cormond's leadership is so corrupt, as you say, then why should we support you at all? Why not just 'take out the trash' and install another House to lead where yours has so clearly failed. Hm?" She was not remotely fazed by his attempts to discredit her. And she had one final punch to finish the job. "You have a pretty face and a smooth tongue, which makes you popular with the brainless masses. I imagine that makes you feel powerful. But keep in mind that you have come to us for help, son. Not us to you."

There was a terrible moment of tense silence. The other Brentaal House heads seemed to be looking hopelessly between Ellana and Nico. But there was one head who was not turning, and that head belonged to Lok Dofine. Unlike Ellana, Lok found himself agreeing with Senator Cormond for the most part. Lady Brentioch had her points, but Lok could see the writing on the wall. If she wrested control of Brentaal from House Cormond, things might grow problematic for the Neimoidians on Brentaal. At least the young Senator Cormond was willing to play at politics, which meant there was a future to be seen for their trade arrangements under his leadership.

He broke the tense silence. "Lady Brentioch. Senator Cormond, if I may," he sat forward in his own seat. "I am the only outsider allowed on this court because the Neimoidian trade federation works so closely with your trade guild. But the viewpoint of the outsider comes in handy in a situation like this. Your young Senator is correct." He now looked to the other heads of Houses. "The Republic's intervention on Alderaan is proof that the Senate will use charges of corruption to install sympathetic regimes. By force, if necessary. And you will only turn more heads in the Senate if you remove the ruling House in such a critical time." He steepled his fingers. "Put aside your differences, this once, and come together for the sake of your planet. And, as for you Senator, you have our support."

Another hush fell over the room. Then, a meek voice from House Kallea's delegation rose and pierced it. "You ask us to support your claim, Senator. But you have already stated that you have the support of the public and the men needed to take down your father's corrupt leadership. I hardly think you came to us for morale support, so that begs the question—" The delegate gulped. "—what would you have us do?" @Deviant @Nefieslab

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“Thank you, Viceroy Dofine.” He bowed his head, this time full of respect that had not yet been seen before. Nicolás was no xenophobe, but he neither welcomed outsiders on Brentaal, especially during his youth. However, Lok proved a valuable ally, perhaps enough to convince the remainder of the Trade Guild. His and their support was critical to the success of his takeover. It was not only their funding and public support he required. With his own wealth and influence, he could manage the funding on his own, albeit at the cost of more time and resources. What the man needed was, in fact, legitimacy. He was a bastard of House Cormond. Inheriting their assets and their name required approval from his father.

Or, he could skip it. Taboo as it was, if the Trade Guild supported his claim, or at least overlooked it, he would have all the legitimacy he needed to take his father’s place. Then, he would have the empty seat only meters in front of him, in addition to much needed influence over the Hydian Way. Before he answered the delegation from House Kallea, however, Nicolás wanted one final point. He refused to let Lady Brentioch have the satisfaction of the last word. “But I will say that you were all invited here. You could have refused, as my father did—“ He gestured out to the empty seat. —“but you didn’t. You all came. Why?” He raised a brow. “Because you wanted to know what I had to offer.”

He flashed another smile, confirming their curiosity. His father’s influence over the Guild was fading, else he would have forced them to ignore Nicolás’ request. That, and perhaps those on the Council no longer saw the man in a kinder light, perhaps they wanted a shuffle of the cards. Senator Cormond gave them that chance. All he needed was a simple demand and he knew he would have the answer he wanted. So, he continued: “What I offer is the opportunity to be free of my father—“ Of course, false faces had to be maintained. “—and the corruption he brings. Make the bastard of House Cormond the heir of House Cormond. Throw your support behind me, legitimize my name, and I, Nicolás Cormond, will vow to bring Brentaal out of this pitfall and into a new age.”

Nicolás looked to each and every member of the Guild, Lady Brentioch included. For all their reasons or doubts, why deny themselves the chance of change? None of them could convince his father, Ergo, to give into what they wanted. But he could. He could give them whatever they wanted— or so they may believe.

@Malon

 

[Numenius Pax]

Seemed that things were coming to a head now.

And at this point there was nothing he could really say that would help. Nicolas had come out with an argument that was self-contained and worked very well in isolation. It helped to put down some of the naysayers and him interjecting with anything right now would harm more than it would help.

So rather than trying to add to Nicolas' argument, Numenius remained silent and just waited for what was to come from the argument that had been presented. If the people here were rational, logical? Then he couldn't see it going any way except in Nicolas' favour but hell...

People were stupid.

So while he wasn't actively throwing his weight behind Nicolas right now, it was only because he was waiting for someone to be stupid enough to step to his man.

@Deviant @Malon

 

[The Storyteller]

It didn't take long for a response to the Senator's words to come from House Kallea's delegation. "With respect to Lady Brentioch," the delegate said, almost fearfully. His eyes cut in her direction, as if waiting for her to breathe fire on him. "The House of Kallea is in agreement with Viceroy Dofine. This is not the time for Brentaal to be fighting. House Cormond has been our leaders for sometime. They were bound to have a bad apple here and there. But we still stand behind them, and we will support the Senator in his endeavors." He looked to Nicolás. "You have our support, Nicolás Cormond."

House Kallea's voice opened the flood gates. Soon, House Curovao voiced its support. And it was followed by the voices of the Dajaal family, Hall Jo'uda, and House Okeefe. Only House Brentioch had yet to say something. The tense silence that had once filled the room resumed. All eyes were on Lady Brentioch, but it was quite clear that no one dared snap at her to make up her mind. Only Nicolás seemed brave enough to match her in the realm of public debate. But, finally, she relented.

"I do not do this because I like you. I don't." Her voice was sharp and her eyes never once left his, save once, to cut across at the man next to him, as if daring him to say something smart. "But the Neimoidian has a point. I do not want to see sanctions, which could harm House Brentioch, levied at us by the Republic because we decided to remove your family from power, which means I am left with no other alternative." She nodded her head. "You will have our support. Do try not to make us regret it."

And, with that, the deal was pretty much sealed. Nicolás had the support he had come for, although some were more clearly eager about it than others; but one thing was certain—Brentaal would not be splintered by Alderaan. Even when faced with a dire issue, such as the corruption charges levied against it, the Houses chose to come together in interests of protecting their trade investments. @Deviant @Nefieslab

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

First, the Viceroy Dofine. Next, the representative from House Kallea. One by one, the other members of the Trade Guild and the nobles invited fell into unison and agreement with the Senator. With the pressing matter at hand, his request would cost them next to nothing. Legitimizing a bastard to a powerful House was a small price to pay when it meant both ending the accusations of corruption and removing a rival from power. He expected many today saw this as the chance of crushing two birds with one stone, Nicolás included. Not only was he persuading the Guild to turn against his father but also to appoint him as the head of his House. On one side he took revenge and on the other he took power. With Lady Brentioch’s reluctant submission, then it was done.

His hand reached out under the table, fingers twining with Numenius’ and squeezed once. A smile flickered across his lips before settling down with a smile. His fingers slipped back as he rose from his seat. “Many thanks to the Council. I will see to it immediately and personally that my father is imprisoned for his crimes and the accusations that surround Brentaal stamped out for good. As a Senator and as a citizen of Brentaal, I swear it.” He bowed low. With the meeting over, Nicolás turned around and left the chambers. He kept his head high and shoulders tight all the while, maintaining the professional air around him. At least, until he rounded the corner and found himself in an empty hall, save for only the other Senator at his side.

Knowing now nobody was watching, he reached out and hugged him close. His smile was wider, more proud. He couldn’t believe it, and he couldn’t believe how much he missed the touch of the other man. “Thank you for coming, really. If you hadn’t, I’ll probably still be in there arguing, or staring down that old hag Ellana.” He slipped back. “But I’m glad. I really am.” Kriff, he could kiss him right there, but he didn’t. Nicolás was satisfied enough with just his very presence.

@Nefieslab

 

[Numenius Pax]

It seemed that the representatives had come to an agreement.

Unsurprisingly they had agreed to back Nicolas' claim. It was the best option for them before Nicolas had spoken to them all but after he had? Well after Nicolas had gotten his chance they might as well have just begged him to accept their support. Senator Cormond was no joke when it came to his skills as an orator.

As he watched the others leaving, Numenius smiled a little bit... he was glad to see the back of that old hag. He really hoped that she dropped down dead soon. Maybe leaving her influence in the hands of a cute, brainy, grandson who wasn't quite the physical specimen that either of his brothers were?

...

Where had that thought come from?

Wherever it had come from, the thought fled when he felt Nicolas' hand reach out and take his own. He jumped a little in his seat at the contact before melting back in a relaxed state, albeit with a blush across his entire face and neck. Holding hands with Nicolas was something that was new to him but he loved it. His hand immediately held right back onto Nicolas' without any conscious decision... it just happened.

He barely even realised Nicolas was talking and almost rushed to speak before realising that his... well, that Nicolas was actually addressing the people here. If he wasn't already blushing, he would be at this point.

Following Nicolas quickly, he was very glad to be away from the hustle and bustle of the others. And then he was swept up into a hug and he was swept up in the moment.

Numenius acted.

As they came together for a hug, Numenius leaned in further to steal a kiss from Nicolas.

It was brief, it was something that he had wanted to do for so long... but as he pulled away he was filled with doubt. There was absolutely no doubt that he had stolen that kiss. Nicolas hadn't initiated - he'd just gone in there and took it. He swallowed thickly,

"I... I er... I'm sorry if you didn't... I mean I just... I've wanted to..."

And now his words were just... gone.

@Deviant

 

[Nicolás Cormond]

“That’s new.” He laughed the second after Numenius pulled away from the unexpected kiss. Without a doubt, he stole it. And without a qualm, Nicolás welcomed it. He wanted a hug but instead had found himself falling into a pair of lips, falling into a relationship he prayed would never end. Even then, he didn’t want the moment they shared to leave just yet. He was caught by surprise, never warned to cherish it, so Nicolás did the next best thing and went for another. This time longer, less rushed. What if someone stumbled upon them? What would they say? He didn’t care. The only thing on his mind was the feeling on his lips and the pounding of his heart and how strangely and suddenly tight his pants were.

He stopped short from getting frisky, remembering they were in a public place only moments after a professional meeting. The fact that the man felt so willing to continue the kiss despite the possible repercussions was uncommon, something the Senator would find ridiculous. But the Senator side of him was no longer there, replaced now with the real Nicolás, the layers of his personality peeled away and his coy, careful charm gone. Instead, he too was becoming a mumbling mess, flustered and speechless. Once he also pulled away, his lips whistled and he ran his fingers through his hair and down his neck. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself either, but… wow.”

A single chuckle followed. Then, Nicolás took the other man’s hand and urged him forward. “I think it’s about high time we celebrate.” His smile widened into a grin. “Why don’t we head back to my place?” He beckoned him onward again, farther down the hall. He hoped Numenius would trail after at the idea of popping open a drink or two and toasting to another much needed victory— and more. The setting sun dipped beyond the horizon, its orange light streaking into windows of the hall. Today had been a long day for Senator Cormond, but he had a feeling it would be a long night for Nicolás.

Regardless, the first move had been made. They were in the endgame now.

End Thread.​