Ask Serenno Change of Scenery

[Celeste Stythani]

As expected, he didn't deny her request. However, when he gestured for her to lead the way, she didn't just start walking. Instead, she took his arm, linking her arm with his while leading him outside. She knew perfectly well how to ignore the glances that were directed at them right now, as she couldn't care less. Maybe it was even a little amusing that some people seemed to be quite curious about this interesting turn of events with her taking Commander Habrak outside, that was why the smile on her lips was maybe even a little pleased. She didn't reward anyone with eye contact, she rather enjoyed their unbelieving stares as they went past them.


A few moments later, they had already reached a vast balcony and this was when she released the Commander. The air was still rather warm and humid, regardless of the night, but the tranquility out here seemed relaxing and refreshing in a way. She approached the railing, slightly leaning against it while she briefly let her eyes wander over the landscape, before facing the Commander once again. She had felt his nervousity and uncertainty before and since it wasn't her attempt to make him feel uncomfortable or even intimidated, she was hoping that the tension he had been building up would start to abate now. "I feel like we can speak more freely here. Not that I have something to hide, but the room was quite crowded and loud" she began, taking another sip of her drink before she placed the glass on the pedesta l next to her, not taking her eyes off his.


@Morse @Venthis Habrak

 

[Venthis Habrak]

As she took his arm, the angst in Venthis peeked. He could hardly say that he had a frame of reference for such a moment in his life. It was one thing to be spoken to at a social gathering, it was another thing to have a pleasant exchange with a mighty Sith. But to be taken by the arm and led away in front of every eye in the place. That was something Venthis would have never dreamed of in his whole existence. It was as though the eyes of the whole world were upon him and he was powerless to stop it. She led him through the party and off towards a balcony beyond.

Though he was taken on the arm of a Sith and this was a momentous moment for him, few likely even took notice that were ever any real importance. The servants were merely servants, and the officers were likely merely envious. The Sith probably thought nothing of it as they set the rules in their own house. And who was anyone else to question them.

Finally outside and feeling the cool rush of air break against his skin, Venthis felt his entire body relax. There was no ambush or pressing request placed upon him. Just the cool evening air and the beautiful lady of the Sith that brought him there.

Ironically, he was able to relax as the moment did remind him of a military ball he had attended, and that taking in the air was the greatest part of the whole affair.

As the lady spoke and took to lean Venthis caught the slightest glimpse of her exquisite champagne colored gown before averting his eyes to the horizon. He remained holding his drink and considered her words.

"I am grateful for the reprieve, my lady." Venthis said. "Such events are not a natural environment for me."

Now in private, and knowing that his manner could make this encounter all the more awkward, he dared to ask a question. "What is your natural environment, my lady?"

Finally having had the courage to engage in a conversation with one of his Sith master, at long last, Venthis took a sip of his drink.

@LadyRen @Celeste Stythani

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She had been right about one thing: The more private, if not even secluded environment made it easier for him to relax. She could clearly sense it, but it was also visible from the outside that some of the tension had left his body.

Celeste had never thought much of pointless formalities and that's why he didn't want him to remain that intimidated and cautious, but on the other hand she had to admit to herself that his exquisite manners and his way of addressing her were also slightly alluring.

It would be, however, for the best if none of them was holding back. Evenings were usually way more pleasant if one could just be oneself. Celeste had mastered the art of keeping up appearances and maintaining a fassade, but she was completely off duty today, so that was clearly nothing she had intended today.

Once he asked her a more private question, she could feel his nervousity flaring up again. She appreciated that he was engaging her in a non work related question though, and this was why she was still completely honest with him. "I have to admit that this is also not my natural environment. A few years ago it might have been closer to it, but right now, I'm not even sure about the actual answer to that question" she paused for a moment, pushing herself off the railing to walk a few steps. She shifted her gaze back at the shore down below, but most of the landscape was swallowed by the darkness. "Besides my training, I've always had my hands full with my company on Kalist IV and now I'm still involved in the endeavor concerning Rattatak. However, these are all situations which require a professional demeanor. I feel like I might be searching for a new natural environment in which I can totally be myself without following certain protocols too precisely" she admitted with a slight sigh, turning back to him. "How about you? To me it seems like you might also be working non stop. Where do you thrive though? Is it only work that fulfills you?".

They had entered a personal level rather first, but that was quite alright with her. She could easily control his thoughts and so she knew that he wouldn't use any information against her. In fact she was enjoying the conversation so far and it was a really nice distraction. She had no idea where this conversation was going, but she was quite interested in getting to him better without having to rummage through his thoughts.

@Morse @Venthis Habrak

 

[Venthis Habrak]

To hear the lady of the Sith speak was to understand the reverence to the nobility of the Empire. She was so young, but carried the burden of such responsibility that no one in the Imperial military was responsible for in the same right. While commanding a destroyer may put the power to destroy cities and the lives of millions in their hands, it was not real power. It was the projection of power, and the ability to destroy. Not to govern, and it bore only the responsibility to the restrain and utilize the capacity for destruction.

While Venthis could understand how so much responsibility could be a burden, it was his place in the galaxy to attempt to relieve that burden. He had been trained and education in the school of war for as long as he could remember. It was his entire purpose and reason for being, so he was taught. But that responsibility was gradual and it was easy to discern what was best for the Empire's interest. To be one so young, and to be one that helped define those interests, he knew it was no easy task.

"It is my station in the Empire that I am graced with." Venthis answered. "Time for other pursuits is limited as the Empire's needs come before everything else."

Venthis understood though the broader spectrum of her question, and was not so dull as it have no way to answer it. "I had in another life however thought to join the Kaas City Opera." He turned to look at her directly, maintaining a poise. "In my younger year I had a talent for the falitan." Venthis referenced his still current hobby of playing the key and string instrument.

"If I may be so bold, have you any pursuits that are valued when time permits?"

@LadyRen @Celeste Stythani

 

[Celeste Stythani]

So she was completely right about him without having to dig deeper inside his mind. He was loyal and unrelentlessly ambitious, having committed all of his life to the Empire and the military. But as he went on, he said something that surprised her a lot. So the Commander had an artistic talents. That was not only unexpected, but also delightfully refreshing.

She raised an amused eyebrow at him, as her curiosity was piqued. "The Opera? How interesting. Who could have known that an Imperial Officer had an interest in instruments" she answered with a warm smile, even though he had been talking about another possible life. She gracefully leaned back against the railing, taking another sip of her fruity drink while considering his question for a moment, her eyes resting on his again. "I have to admit that I never had much free time to pursue anything that is not actually work related. I have always been extremely ambitious, so I was missing out on other valuable pursuits. Some day, perhaps, I will find something that interests me. Something that will take my mind off the rest" she explained honestly, a slight hint of pensiveness in her voice.

Her conquest on Rattatak wasn't fully over and even if the thought of settling down some day was ridiculous right now, one could never tell what the future would bring. But it was an interesting thought though. She slightly tilted her head to the side, a blonde curl cascading from her shoulder. "I have grown curious now. Tell me, where do you see yourself in the next ten years? It might sound like such a classic, plain, perhaps even empty question, but it is not intended that way. An honest answer does really interest me" she admitted. She didn't want to test his endless loyalty or something, she was really just trying to have a casual, rather unformal comversation, no matter how unorthodox it would seem in this situation.

@Morse @Venthis Habrak

 

[Venthis Habrak]

The surprise in the lady was easy for Venthis to place. Most Imperial operatives appeared as little more than set pieces in a greater game that was being played around them. But they had their own personality each outside of just their training, which was part of what drove the ambitions of each one in their own direction.

The question that she followed on with him was in regard to where his own ambition would lead him. The answer was difficult for him, which was evident by the pause he took before answering. He considered it strongly but could not place it.

"I'm sorry my lady, but the future has always been difficult for me to place." Venthis spoke honestly. "I am at present an unmarried officer committed only to the Empire. Without other distraction it is likely I will either retain status or advance to a strike force command. I do not think the governor's life suits me well, as I have spent most of these years transitioning from one post to another."

Venthis hesitated. "I apologize for a lack of clarity, but my future is tied to the fate of our Empire." It was a solemn truth that Venthis made his peace with when he started his journey with the military.

He looked at the Lady before him and posed the same quandary. "Is there a place that you would see yourself in that decade, my lady and of what station that would be?"

@LadyRen @Celeste Stythani

 

[Celeste Stythani]

The little pause he allowed himself while contemplating made her even more curious again. She was really intrigued about where this conversation far off from all the hustle inside was going. She knew that he did indeed possess another interest outside the military and once he started his response, she learned even more about him.

It didn't go unnoticed that he was still unmarried. For someone of higher rank definitely nothing uncommon, as the majority placed the needs of the Empire before the own. Thus, it was not surprising that he was no exception there. However, it could have also been possible that he would have had the desire to refrain from the military for a while to commit himself to something else, but for Commander Habrak it was obviously the case that he would never ever reconsider his the commitment he had made to the Empire.

When he returned the question, another smile crossed her face. He was obviously starting to relaxe. His nervousity had abated and he was no longer intimidated, otherwise he wouldn't have dared to ask that many personal questions. "I don't need unlimited clarity as an answer, I was simply thinking that sometimes speculating about the future can be quite thrilling", she admitted with a little wink, before continuing, "Basically the same holds true for me. I cannot say what the future holds. I will pursue my political career, that is out of question, but once the situation on Rattatak is fully stabilized, I will see what's next. I remember that when I was younger, I was always dreaming about settling down with a family of my own on Kalist IV, doing everything I can to keep the company running, but nothing more, but my ambitions had changed quickly, once I had completed my training". Interestingly enough, she had opened up quite fast, but the Commander was someone she could trust, as he was not only a loyal servant of the Empire, but she was also sure that everything they had discussed here under the moonlight would not travel far.

@Morse @Venthis Habrak

 

[Venthis Habrak]

A breeze came in as the lady of the Sith offered the answer. There was an almost appealing easiness to it, that was almost supernatural in that way. The libation was grand, the light was enough to see but not strain the eyes, and the air was nice in that way that when wished for as a reprieve from a stressful moment.

In a way Venthis was fascinated that the concept of the future was as uncertain for this pinnacle of their society. He had hardly seen the Sith as people, more the manifestation of some higher purpose that came in mortal form. Yet this being the longest conversation that he had held without it being around a campaign or grand strategy, it was enlightening to see how human she was, even in spite of all the power she surely wielded.

He took another short sip from the gold colored flute and looked on. "I confess, my lady, I know very little of the realm of politics." Venthis continued. "Beyond that of the Empire, it is all is a very complicated business of guile that I am not entirely certain I possess in any great quantity."

"Not all speculations on the future manifest, but I often am surprised with how things turn out." Venthis allowed himself to grant a further glimpse of his own thought process. "Perhaps you will find your way to Kalist IV, if it is your true will."

@LadyRen @Celeste Stythani

 

[Celeste Stythani]

It was a little amusing that he thought so highly of her and the Sith, but she had just caught herself while reading his mind again anyway. Of course, she possessed a certain amount of power that he would never have, but this did not mean that she was less human. She was aware of the fact that it was not so usual for a Sith or a senator to hang out with an Imperial Commander, but the irony was also delightful. They were both off duty tonight, so there was nothing wrong with a little time off.

With one last sip, she emptied the delicious fluid and placed the glass on the pillar next to her again. She hadn't drunk any alcohol in a very long time, which was why she was starting to slowly feel its effects. It was a good thing she had the Force to stabilize herself, so that she wouldn't even stagger in the slightest way. "Yes, intotally agree. I think we will all see what the future holds. I guess I am simply not sure where my way is leading me. But is that a bad thing? I clearly don't think so. We do have our fate in our own hands, but that does not mean that our paths cannot change at all" she replied softly, enjoying to drift off into this deep, rather thoughtful topic. It was still a refreshing distraction and for an Imperial Officer he had an interesting way of thinking. It seemed like not all of his thoughts were dedicated to strategic moves and tactics, but he was also quite a philosopher.

Her eyes were still lingering on the Commander, but she briefly removed them, directing her gaze back to the shores below. It was still a stunning scenery and she had to admit that she was enjoying the time outside more than the one inside. That was, however, when another thought crossed her mind and she turned herself back to him, thisntime with an intrigued smile on her lips. "Tell me Commander Habrak, are you good at dancing?", she asked him curiously, tilting her head slightly to the side. Maybe she wanted to break through his reserve a little, but she also thought that some dancing would be fun.


@Morse @Venthis Habrak

 

[Venthis Habrak]

The Lady Stythani was fully analyzing him from the inside out. Venthis could understand that clearly. He had been inspected on a number of occasions, but this one was similar to those that he did for his induction to the academy. There was a sort of wholistic view that she seemed interested in with him, which while unusual, was a nice change of pace for him compared to those that came before.

It was interesting to see how thoroughly they agreed on the point regarding the future. Perhaps it was only those with no responsibility that had a clear grasp on where they were going. But those that held the lives of thousands in their hand could not even begin to guess what would happen from one day to the next. They simply had to move from one moment or crisis to the next and find the necessary solution.

To punctuate that unknown future, the lady asked if he knew how to dance.

That simply was a question he was not expecting, but not one he was unprepared for. Ironically, of the unknowable questions that she had, this one he had a very clear answer for.

"The academy required that we learn the Kas Waltz and a Dromundi Minuet." Venthis answered. "I dare say that I have not forgotten my steps." Venthis suspected that there may be a following request after she asked, but he opted to ask. "Is it a passion of yours my lady?"

@LadyRen @Celeste Stythani

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She didn't necessarily want to induce a change of topics, but the thought had spontaneously crossed her mind. The night was still young, the whole evening had been rather pleasant and since he was starting to relaxe and feel more comfortable anyway, why not having some fun? It was not like there was a protocol that prohibited them their interaction.

His answer made her smirk, but it bugged her a little that he was still so reserved. However, he seemed to get the gist. She was not simply trying to find out more about his interests, but she was also implying something and it was good that he understood that. "Oh, interesting. I have assumed you have learnt certain steps, but I'm glad you do remember them. For my part, I wouldn't call it a passion, but I was taught several dances as well and I do seem to enjoy it from time to time" she replied with a hinting smile, checking whether he would get the idea of another follow up question.

@Venthis Habrak @Morse

 

[Venthis Habrak]

Venthis was not a daft individual. He could understand the implication that the lady of the Sith was lending to the situation. It was something that had not yet occurred in his lifetime, and the next moves would have be considered with exceptional care. While the request seemed innocent enough, such decisions had led more than a few commanders to be executed, some even that year. The Empire bore a series of standards, and while the beat was set by the Sith, it was the Empire that marched the steps. And stepping out of line at the wrong moment could be the end of all things.

He looked at the lady and paused a moment taking a sip of the drink in his hand. It was warming up as it was not so freshly poured as it had been before they had come to take the air. It had not given him leave of his faculties and such he was well within control as he asked.

"If you were to make a request, my lady, the honor would be mine to fulfill it to the letter." Venthis started. "I am not of such status to make any request of you." Venthis continued. "Nor would I ever consider denying it."

"But the burden with this, as with many things, lies with you to ask."

Venthis placed his flute upon the balcony to free his hands, but did not clasp them together. Rather he stood in a ready pose, with a more relaxed expression on his typically stern features.

@LadyRen @Celeste Stythani

 

[Celeste Stythani]

He was intelligent and he clearly had an outstanding perception. He had proved that more than once tonight. She didn't even have to imply it directly for him to notice, which proved to her that he was much more skilled than most men. She was not here to test him or his loyalty, but she was looking for light-heartedness and it was very interesting that she was receiving some of it from the serious Commander in front of her.

However, it was clearly not all lighthearted. Instead, she could feel him being filled with doubts. He was clearly uncertain whether this was solely in innocent, honest request or whether she was merely a predator, waiting for her prey to commit any lethal mistakes. Another smile crossed her lips while she tilted her head to the side in a rather playful manner, softening her gaze even further to emphasize that she was not trying to mess with him. "Then let me make that request. I would appreciate it if you would replenish my skills. It's been a while since I have done it last and I'm sure you can teach me a thing or two" she clarified, taking a step in his direction. "You would have to lead. You're officially allowed to do so" she added, hoping that this would alleviate his doubts. She expecting him to still feel a little uncomfortable with it, but he now had her full consent.

@Venthis Habrak @Morse

 

[Venthis Habrak]

In a way it was the easiest and most terrifying directive that may have been given to him in his entire career. How could he refuse? It was not so lost on him that there was perhaps a galaxy of beings that would scramble for their chance to do just what was being asked of him. She was the living visage of a goddess in the flesh, and had taken even a moment to transport his mind away from a lifetime of harsh truths and strict adherences to a moment in time when he was a person that anyone could wish to be.

Yet a portion of his mind remained ruled and ordered. Rules created by she and her predecessors for a generation that built the Empire to be what it was. All circumstance such as this had no precedence, and the doctrines of war did not look highly on adventure. It was dangerous. It was naive. It was in every way unthinkable.

In that way Venthis was thankful to the Lady. By uttering the words she had, his decision was made all the more clear. There were rules, but spoken words of a Sith superseded all of that.

"My chains are broken, and the force shall free me." Venthis spoke the familiar words of the creed of the masters of the Empire. It was familiar to most, and though it had little application to most subjects, it finally made it's way to being applicable to his own life.

With a single hand he reached out, his mind and body being the most comfortable they perhaps had ever been in his life.

"And where would the Lady have this dance?"

@LadyRen @Celeste Stythani

 

[Celeste Stythani]

She couldn't help but to smirk. She wasn't trying to mess with him at all. Not subconsciously and especially not on purpose. But she had to admit that his reaction was a little pleasant, or rather amusing at least. He had obviously not expected that this evening would take such an interesting turn, but for her it couldn't have been any better. She had found some nice company and after a pleasant talk, they were about to do something fun. She was not only curious and eager to replenish her dancing skills, but she would also enjoy this intimate moment in a way. She hadn't been able to take her mind off all her businesses and the political stuff for a while, so this opportunity was more than welcome.

When he spoke those familiar words, there was a certain amount of solemnity to it and it made her smile even more. She was aware that he had needed her consent, but now she had made it more than clear. She gracefully closed the distance between them, placing her hand in his while already placing the other one on his shoulder. She looked up to him, still visibly delighted and maybe even slightly excited as this was surely an interesting moment. "Why don't we start right here?" she suggested, as the music from inside was definitely audible. However, she preferred the intimacy of the scenery here.

@Venthis Habrak @Morse

 

[Venthis Habrak]

Though he did not have a specific preference, Venthis was quite content that the venue chosen was outside on the balcony. It was much simpler than the extended show that would have been made had they returned to the ballroom within. It would have likely sparked an onslaught of questions, jeers, and opinions that were in no way useful to the two involved, and likely would simply be considered advantageous to those that were onlooking.

The balcony was a wide space, open, cool, and free. The music from the grand acoustics within was still quite audible from throughout certain open windows of the building.

The music changed almost on que, with only the briefest pauses. With rhythm and timing placed to the fore of his mind, he took the ladies waist, and the dance began.

1 , 2, 3. 1 , 2 , 3. 1, 2, 3.

Their synchronization was nearly perfect. So spectacularly timed that any onlooker that happened by would have nothing to say other than it was as though the two had practiced this secret display before.

@LadyRen @Celeste Stythani

 

[Celeste Stythani]

The next song started as soon as they had gone into position which was a delightful coincidence. As promised, she let herself be led and she really had to admit that his dancing skills did not disappoint her. He led her with the right amount of grace and strength and their dance worked astonishingly well.

She remembered her steps as expected, but his guidance was indeed welcome in this situation, as she hadn't done this in a long time. She assumed that this shared dance would indeed be something they both would always remember, but Celeste was even more curious to work with the Commander in the future. She could surely use his strategic skills on Rattatak. Maybe it was a good sign that their dancing was so beautifully synchronized, as this might resemble that if they were to work together in the future, their collaboration would be as successful and smooth as this dance.

While the song slowly started to fade in the background, she spun on his hand one last time to elegantly leave their dancing posture. Another charming, now even pleased smile was on her lips while she gratefully looked into his eyes again"I thank you for this dance, Commander Habrak. It was a very pleasant escape from the bustle inside". Her gratitude was honest. She had needed something like that.

@Morse @Venthis Habrak

 

[Venthis Habrak]

Their movement had taken away the entire sense of time from Venthis Habrak. Where as he was typically very acutely aware of it, in this moment it was as though it did not exist. It was a very rare and altogether welcome experience to him. In that time he had an interesting feeling inside of him. It began as he saw her smile and only increased in its vibrance when she took his hand and he her waist. It was a warm sensation that he was not all that familiar with. He could not place it, but it was a pleasant feeling.

As the song faded off and concluded so too did their movement. She looked at him and he looked to her. Her smile had subtly changed throughout the evening, and Venthis had hardly even granted the same courtesy. As she spoke and reinforced their mutual feeling of the desire for escape he lightly smiled and nodded in return.

"The pleasure has been mine from the first moment, my lady, and shall be until the last."

That was the truth of this experience for him. There was no way for him to know what may come of this entire experience, but it had not been one that he felt any immediate regret for.

@LadyRen