OOC Post: Reader Discretion

Hey readers. I just want to let you know that the next two blog entries will either in part or completely deal with a violent/criminal situation. The first of the two will be uploaded within the next few hours. There will NOT be any explicit details on the action but the suggestion is there. I'm trying to keep it vague enough that everyone should be comfortable reading and still understand what's happening. I'm sure most of you are mature adults and won't get upset about reading something like this, but for my younger audiences and those who don't enjoy reading or imagining suggestive material, reader discretion should be advised. The idea here isn't to offend, rather to tell a story. I will put a note in the blog entries before it happens as a reminder for those who wish to continue reading or not.

Much of Becky's back story is still in the planning/now-what stages. This point we're maybe a third of the way through, but as far as I can tell, these will be the ONLY two posts to deal with this type of sensitivity. However, these upcoming posts and "Final Decision" (the previous entry) will be background info and brought up again for a future storyline that will occur in the twitter-feed in the maybe-near future.

If anyone has questions or comments about this or about any of part of her back-story, feel free to direct message me or leave a note below. I enjoy hearing from you. 

Thanks,
Becks.

XXXI: Final Decision

Rebecca stared long and hard at the ring presented before her. As she stood there, guests observing were cheering, whistling, and the photographers were flashing their cameras nonstop, taking in every second to be sure not to miss a single moment.

The ring, it's gold band and three large set diamonds shimmered in the light hanging above. She looked at it, admiring its beauty but at the same time feeling a sense of disdain from it. The segment of conversation between Ariam and her grandmother echoed in her mind. She knew what her answer was but felt unable to speak.

Feeling frozen, she looked back up at Ariam, and when his eyes met hers he smiled, believing all too well he knew what her response was, that she was just too surprised and overjoyed to answer. Ariam removed the ring and returned the box to his robe pocket, never averting his eyes from her own. "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."

Rebecca watched as Ariam leaned forward and took her hand gently. However, before he was able to slip the ring onto her finger, she jerked her hand out of his grasp and reach. Her outburst started commotion among the guests and Ariam himself.

"Rebecca, give me your hand."

Rebecca kept her eye contact with Ariam and slowly shook her head. By now she could see the smile on Ariam's face had completely faded away.

She backed away as he stepped closer, "I'm sorry," she said quietly, then quickly turned and pushed her way through the crowd. Her grandmother's shouts were still audible as she ran from the ballroom and out of the estate. 

XXX: The Gala

Ariam Vorru squeezed his way through the crowded ballroom in search of his father. As he maneuvered around groups of politicians, holo-news reporters and fellow aristocrats, he spotted Moff Vorru instructing one of the attendants in the corner of the room and made his way over.

"Father, have they arrived yet?"

Moff Vorru waved off the attendant and turned to his son. "Not yet. I'll be informed when they do."

"But they truly are coming, aren't they? This whole affair is pointless if Rebecca doesn't arrive."

Moff Vorru put his hand on his son's shoulder. "Relax, Ariam. I informed Elsa, she promised to have Rebecca here."

"Then why isn't she?" Ariam shifted slightly."This is a big moment..."

Moff Vorru led his son into the hall away from the guests. "You need to relax."

"I can't." Ariam said. He started pacing back and forth impatiently. Every waiting moment seemed like an eternity. "I want to get this over with..."

"Making a proposal unnerve you that much?"

Ariam shook his head. "No...but I feel as if the ring is burning a hole through my pocket..." He sighed and checked the time. "Blast it all, where is she?!"

Moff Vorru sighed. "I'll check with the doorman. "He put his hands on his son's shoulders. "Do me a favor, alright? Go back inside, have a drink, and take a deep breath."

Ariam nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, father. I'll...be a lot calmer once she arrives."

~~**~~ 

"Hurry up, darling." Elsa said as she hurried Rebecca out of the speeder and into the Vorru estate. "We're very late. Fliry and Ariam are waiting." 

"I'm coming, I'm coming." Rebecca replied, rushing as fast as she could without tripping over her own feet. They were met by Moff Vorru as they approached the ballroom. 

"My dear Fliry, I apologize for our tardiness." Elsa smiled apologetically and discreetly nodded towards her granddaughter. "We've had some problems getting started today." 

Fliry smiled at both women. "Fear not, ladies. Everything is fine now that you're here." He offered a hand to Rebecca. "Come, milady. Ariam has been waiting for you." 

Rebecca gave a small smile back. "Then we shouldn't keep him waiting." She responded quietly.

Moff Vorru led the group into the ballroom. Ariam spotted them from the bar and rushed over.

"Thank the maker you're alright. I was getting worried."

Elsa embraced Ariam in a brief hug. "Just some minor complications getting started. Nothing to worry about."

"Good, good." Ariam stepped forward and grasped Rebecca's hand, kissing it gently. "My dear, you look...most exquisite this evening." He said, flashing a debonair grin at her, causing her to blush.

Elsa quickly stood forward, interrupting. "Ariam, Rebecca's been feeling a little blue all day. Perhaps you could cheer her up a little." She nudged his arm.

"With pleasure." he grinned and took Rebecca's arm. "Come, my dear. Lets see what we can do about this mood of yours." Rebecca glanced behind her briefly as Ariam led her to the dance floor. He slipped his arm around her waist and grasped her hand. "Now...what seems to be the trouble?"

Rebecca shrugged a little as the music started up again. "Have you ever had one of those days...where nothing seems to go right, and all you want to do is go back to bed and wake up some other day?"

"Mmm," he nodded, pulling her closer. "I think I can relate to that."

"Well that's how I feel." she sighed. "I shouldn't have come. I'm not really in a party mood."

"We all get like this sometimes, my dear. It'll pass. And if you'd like, I'd be happy to cheer you up some."

"Feel free to try.." she replied quietly. Ariam continued to twirl her around the dance floor, and as the dance continued, Rebecca glanced around her taking notice on more and more people watching her and Ariam's every move. "Is it me or are we being watched?"

"Oh we are." he gave a small grin. "I believe we're going to be the most exciting bit of news at this event."

"Why?" she asked, looking around nervously at the reporters and photographers.

"Young love. There's no sweeter subject to report about." He said, leaning down and kissing her gently on the lips. The cameras began flashing nonstop. Ariam held the kiss for a few moments, but then broke off when he didn't get much of a response from Rebecca, him contributing her lack of emotion to her mood. He then turned to the reporters and chuckled. "There's a kiss for your front page."

The lights in the room then dimmed and all attention went to Moff Vorru who was standing on a raised platform in the front of the room. "Lords and ladies, I have some announcements to make. First, I know there has been much speculation over the future of my career. I can safely guarantee I will not be stepping down as Moff of our great society anytime soon." He raised his wine glass for applause. When the noise calmed, he motioned for Elsa Everon to stand beside him. "Second, as you know Lady Everon has been a proud supporter of my campaigns. We are both proud to announce that my son Ariam has been chosen to take my place as Moff when I do become eligible for retirement." He made another pause when the audience broke into applause. "And for the last bit of news, I believe my son Ariam has his own announcement to make."

The lights shifted and centered around the cleared middle of the ballroom where Ariam and Rebecca were standing. Rebecca looked around, feeling increasingly uncomfortable at every eye in the room looking right at her. When her gaze finally fell back on Ariam Vorru she gasped and covered her mouth, for he was positioned down on one knee in front of her, holding out an open black velvet box. She found herself staring down a gold diamond ring.

Ariam cleared his throat. "My dearest Rebecca...you are a lady of pure beauty, caliber, grace and virtue. You have no faults, and I do believe it was destiny that brought us together. Everything you do brings me great pleasure, and I am blessed that you will be my wife."

XXIX: The Arrangement

"Well Ariam?" Elsa said, standing in front of Ariam. "What are you going to do about this?"

"Jeref Ulmeran has nothing on me." Ariam scoffed. "I'm not concerned."

"You should be." Elsa said. "What if Rebecca starts taking interest to him? The man wants to see her. I can only say no to him for so long. Eventually he'll get fed up and search her out himself."

"Well by then she'll be off the market."

Rebecca awoke to voices downstairs and rolled over in bed to get a glance at the chrono on her nightstand. It read 12:30 in the morning. Who in kriff's name is visiting at this hour? Rebecca sighed and got out of bed. Grabbing her robe, she wrapped it around her and quietly crept downstairs towards the parlor where the voices were coming from. The door was slightly ajar, and as she approached the doorway she recognized Ariam Vorru's voice. Both excitement and curiosity got the best of her as she put her ear to the opening and listened.

"When are you making this happen? Even if Lord Ulmeran is shoved aside, there will be other suitors, Ariam. They could come in droves."

"Are you saying I can't handle the competition, Elsa?"

"I'm saying be careful."

"I always am." Ariam grinned for a moment, then the smile faded. "However, you are right....Jeref Ulmeran won't be the last." He stroked his chin, thinking. "I may have to push things up. I know Jeref. The man can be....relentless, when it comes to what he wants."

Elsa raised her brow. "And you're not?"

"Well, lets just say, my moral compass points much higher than his own. All of his family work and think alike. They chase after whatever obsesses them until something...or someone else, catches their eye."

"So?" Elsa took a seat beside him. "What do you plan to do about this?"

Ariam remained silent for a few moments. Meanwhile outside the room, Rebecca leaned against the wall, trying to make sense to what her grandmother and suitor were talking about. She had never heard of a Jeref Ulmeran before that night. Rebecca sighed, coming to a conclusion that Jeref was part of another one of her grandmother's crazy schemes. She quickly turned back to the door when Ariam spoke up again.

"I'll confer with my father. Next weekend...I'll throw another gala at his estate. I'll do it then. All you need to do, Elsa, is make sure she attends."

"You're throwing a gala? That's very high profile."

"And a reporter from each of the major holo-networks will be there. This is a big deal for us, Elsa. Our two families uniting will be the best thing to happen for the Corellian aristocracy since before the Empire was founded. I want this to be well known, as I'm sure you do as well."

Elsa nodded her head slowly in agreement. Her expression turned into a grin. "Not to mention further your career..."

Rebecca listened for a few more moments before backing away from the parlor slowly. It was then that she believed she knew why Ariam was being so forward with her during their outings. With her understanding that the greater good of the aristocracy was something her grandmother obsessed with, it was clear to her that her relationship with Ariam was serving as political tools only, and at that moment Rebecca came to the conclusion that she wanted no part in any of it. Feelings of heartbreak and betrayal overwhelmed her as she  quickly turned and raced up the stairs to her bedroom as Ariam and Elsa continued.

"There is...one more thing I need from you, Elsa."

"Name it, Ariam."

"There's of course the chance, however slim, that Rebecca could refuse me. I need you to make sure she cannot."

"Ah..." Elsa nodded, deep in thought. This was a tricky situation to rectify. There were many legislative barriers to maneuver around. After several moments, Elsa spoke up again. "We could write up a betrothal arrangement. Her consent isn't needed for that course of action."

"Is that still legal?"

Elsa grinned. "I will make it legal. Just leave everything to me..."

XXVIII: Male Competition

"I appreciate you letting me stop by, Elsa. Especially at this late hour." said Ariam. He stepped inside the estate and followed Elsa to the parlor.

"Well, it isn't every day that I meet with friends mere minutes away from midnight," she replied. "And on top of that, I have something important to tell you as well."

"Oh?" Ariam asked, "Sounds like I'm in trouble." He teased.

"You might very well be." Elsa said, motioning for him to sit down. When he did, she continued. "I know you and Rebecca haven't been courting very long, but have you any future plans?"

"I believe you know my future plans in regards to your granddaughter, Elsa."

"Indeed I do, Ariam. However..." her voice trailed off for a moment. "There is a new complication. How long do you expect this courtship to last?"

"Elsa, you yourself told me not to rush into this. I believe your exact words were...'Rebecca is a kind, sweet, and tender young woman, but she needs her time. She's afraid of strangers..."

"Why is it, Ariam, that you remember all of that yet important orders from your father slip right by?"

"What can I say...when it comes to my future bride, she becomes my top priority."

"I can see that." she said. "well? How does she feel about you? I assume there's love involved."

Ariam let off a smirk. "oh yeah..."

"For kriff's sake, Ariam...you didn't take her to your bed yet, did you?"

"Not until the wedding night, Elsa. "I respect her, and our society's expectations."

"Good." she rose from her seat and began pacing the room, "Now, I mentioned before that there's a new complication. How soon are you going to be making these wedding plans?"

"Well a few more months perhaps. I've seen her only a few several times. Why, what is 'complication'?"

"You're familiar with Lord Jeref Ulmeran? He's from your rival family, a few years older than you...better career reputation..."

"He's also a scoundrel with a shadier mind than my own. What's that bastard have to do with this?"

"He's your new competition. Jeref stopped by today. He too would like to have my granddaughter for his bride."

XXVII: News from Home

Aria Brisard gave a big stretch as she returned to her quarters after a long duty shift on the Star Destroyer Exactor. Sitting down at her desk, she glanced at a stack of work she had yet to complete and sighed. The chrono read 2100 hours, plenty of time to at least clear two or three reports before it was time to turn in for the night. Aria reached for the first report and as she picked it up, an envelope that was stuck to the bottom of the pad fell down to the table. She picked up the letter and immediately recognized Rebecca's handwriting. She ripped open the envelope, took out the letter and began reading:

Hey Aria,
Sorry I haven't really been writing very much. Things have been fairly busy here in the unwanted laps of luxury. Ever since I turned twenty-one I haven't had that much time to myself. Nana constantly takes me out insisting I get the most high ends of everything...it's almost driving me crazy. She's doing this on purpose, I know she is...and I think I know why.


There's this new man in my life. His name is Ariam Vorru. Have you of him? He's the elder son of Moff Vorru, Corellia's ruling governor. He's tall, handsome, he--

Aria was interrupted from her reading by a knock on the door to her quarters. "come in."

The door opened and Deroh Okins took a step inside. "Brisard?"

Aria quickly stood at attention. "Sir."

Okins waved her off. "At ease, Brisard. It's just a social call." He walked over to her and handed her a package. "I brought you more supplies. You said in your comm call last week you were running low."

"Right, thanks." Aria said, taking the package and placing it on her desk. "But you didn't need to come all this way just to deliver this, sir." She said. "We're not exactly around the corner from Coruscant.

"Well, I have a conference with Captain Sardo at 0700 tomorrow morning. Felt it was better to drop it off now rather than send it through the carrier."

"I appreciate that, Admiral. I was actually planning on sending a letter later this week. You have good timing." Aria smiled.

Okins chuckled. "For once." He started to leave when he stopped and turned back to her. "One more thing. I haven't received anything from Rebecca in over a month. Have you?"

Aria nodded. "I actually just received the latest one from her today. In fact, I was reading it as you came in."

"How is she?"

"From what I've read, she's doing alright." Aria said, picking up the letter she was reading. "It seems her grandmother's been keeping her busy."

"Figures." the admiral scowled. "I hope she's treating her alright."

"well Becky hasn't been complaining...too too much at least. Though it seems..." she quickly silenced herself, realizing this wasn't the best thing to say to the admiral.

"What?" he asked, crossing his arms. "Though it seems what?"

"She said she's got a suitor." Aria said, waiting for the storm to come.

"Kriffing hell." Okins sighed. "This guy got a name?"

"Vorru. Ariam Vorru."

"Vorru?" Okins asked. "Surely she could do better."

"Is there something wrong with this man, sir?"

"Well the Vorru's are known for being manipulative, greedy, they play by their own rules and show little regard for others unless it really benefits them in some way." He shook his head. "Not the type of man you'd want your daughter dating."

"Very untrustworthy."

"Right." He nodded. "I hope she knows what she's getting herself into. Keep me informed?"

"I will."

"Good. With a man like Ariam Vorru, you can't be too careful." He shook his head and headed out of Aria's quarters. Aria watched the admiral leave with growing concern for her friend. After letting Okins' words get fully absorbed, she returned to her seat at her desk and finished reading where she left off:

--he's tall, handsome, rich...and my goodness, Aria. He has the most charming smile I've ever seen. He flashed one at me while I was standing up and I thought my knees would give out! Okay...maybe not that bad, but I think you get the idea. Ariam's taken me on three outings so far: a dinner, a walk on the beach, and to one of his father's high society galas. Very fancy. He even introduced me to everyone as his lady. However these courtships are supposed to go, he seems to be taking things rather quickly. I'm not really sure if that's a bad thing or not. My only question is....what do I do if the man I'm seeing has immensely more interest in me than I do in him? He knows...or claims to know so much about me, yet I know virtually nothing about him. I'm sure I'll figure things out. 

How are things on Exactor? I'd love to hear what's going on! 
Becky 

Aria leaned back in her chair and froze when she saw the last line on the page.  
Oh, and Aria? Please don't mention anything about Ariam to my father? He can over-react about men so easily...and I don't want him to know until I think there's something official to tell. 

XXVI: Night's Tender

"I still find it hard to believe that a lady like yourself has never been courted before." said Ariam as he walked with Rebecca along the boardwalk.

"I've been well-sheltered once I turned thirteen." She replied. As they approached one of the many benches on the edge of the boardwalk, she sat down and patted the seat next to her for him to follow suit. "My father never even allowed boys into the house, even if it was a supervised visit."

"Your father?" Ariam asked, taking his seat beside her.

"Yes." She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "When I was sixteen one of the local boys asked me to a formal at his academy. Suffice to say, I didn't go and was also never invited on a date since. Daddy can be very...intimidating."

"Does he still reside with you and your grandmother?" Ariam asked, hoping the answer was no.

She shook her head. "After mother died, he returned to Coruscant. I haven't seen him since..." she said, looking out at the water.

"What does he do there?"

"He's an admiral in the Imperial Navy." She grinned at him, "one of the best, so I've been told."

"I bet. Admiral....Okins, is it?" She nodded. "Do you think he'd approve?"

"Approve of what? Rebecca asked.

"Why, us, of course." He said. "If he's as protective as you make him out to be."

Rebecca smiled. "I'm not a child anymore, Ariam. At twenty-one, I'd like to think I can date whomever I want."

Ariam grinned and tilted her chin up with his index finger. "I like the sound of that." Matching his eyes with her own, he moved his hand and stroked her cheek gently and smiled when she started to blush. "Tell me, my dear...are you enjoying yourself?"

Rebecca stared back at him growing more flustered by the moment. She nodded, as his caresses were keeping her from coming up with an answer. "Ariam, I..."

"Mmm good...," he interrupted. "So am I...," he mumbled as pulled her into a kiss.

XXV: Dinner for Two

Ariam led Rebecca to the balcony seating of a beach-side and pulled out her chair for her to sit down. "Here we are, Milady."

Rebecca sat down as he pushed her chair in. "You didn't have to go through all of this trouble... a table inside would have been perfectly fine."

"Oh no...there are far too many prying eyes." He said, sitting down across from her. "I thought a more private setting would be better for us."

"It does have a lovely view..." she said, looking out over the beach. "But really....you didn't have to...not on my account."

"Now now... I insist." He said, flashing a smile before flagging down the waiter. "Your best wine. And leave the bottle." He turned back to her. "A man is allowed to splurge now and then...given the right reasons, of course."Ariam watched her for a few moments, noticing her fidget and stare idly at the water. "Rebecca, are you alright?"

Rebecca snapped out of her state and idly brushed her hair behind her ear with her hand. "I'm fine," she said, shyly. "I've.. never been on a date before..." she bit her lip and lowered her gaze to her lap, embarrassed for her admittance.

Ariam gave a small smile before reaching over the table and placing his hand over her own. "Now...we all have to start somewhere, don't we? It's nothing to be upset about."

Rebecca glanced up and saw his smile, then returned one of her own. "I suppose you're right."

"Besides, we don't have to call this a date. We can make tonight....a friendship affair, starting at the very beginning. That's where all relationships start, do they not?" He gave one of his debonair grins. "How's that sound?"

Rebecca nodded, "I like the sound of that, Ariam." She smiled, feeling a little more comfortable.

"Excellent!" he nodded to the waiter as the wine arrived at the table, leaving two glasses of wine and the bottle. Ariam lifted his glass and clinked it with her own. He then cleared his throat and chose his words carefully:
"A toast...to my beautiful young lady, and to our friendship. May they both forever be...fruitful."

XXIV: Feeling a Spark

"Working on your tan, Elsa?" A voice chuckled.

Elsa snapped awake and sat up on her beach towel. "Fliry!" she exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"

Moff Vorru sat down beside her on the large towel. "Well I'd say we were in the neighborhood, but I don't think you'd believe me."

Elsa chuckled and gave her friend a smirk. "No, probably not. But I see you're not alone." She said, smiling at Ariam. "I bet I know why you're here."

Ariam nodded. "We stopped by your estate, but your attendant directed us here." He said, glancing up and down the beach, obviously looking for something.

"Yes, I thought a nice afternoon in the fresh air would do us some good." Elsa said, taking notice of Ariam's looks. "She's down by the water." Ariam immediately set off for the shoreline.

Moff Vorru watched his son scamper down the beach. "I don't think you should have done that, Elsa..."

"Hmm? Done what?" she asked.

"Let him run off on his own." He said, lying down on the blanket.

Elsa glanced towards the beach, then back to Vorru. "He did come here to see her, didn't he?"

"Of course he did, but think about it. It's a beach, a beautiful young lady and...well...my son."

"My dear Fliry, you speak as if you don't trust your son with my granddaughter."

"While unsupervised... I know my son. Hey may be maturing in years but his actions certainly don't match. Ever since your staff informed us you were here, Ariam has been rationalizing with his pants, not his brain. The fact that we're on the beach only makes it worse. I only hope he doesn't go off doing something stupid."

~~**~~  

"Hi gorgeous." 

Rebecca whirled around and looked up to the speaker. "Ariam?" 

"The one and only." He grinned, sitting down beside her. "You shouldn't be out here all alone, you know."

Rebecca shook her head, "I'm not alone, I have--"

"Yes yes, Nana is here, too. But you see, my dear..." he pointed off to the distance, "she's all the way on the other side of the beach, I doubt she can even see you."

"...your point?"

"My point is you're here all alone." He said, flashing a grin, "May I join you?"

"Well you've already sat down, I guess you can stay." She replied, smiling a little. 

He grinned. "I knew you'd agree."

She glanced at him. "You're not exactly dressed for the beach..."

"Neither are you..." he said, looking her up and down. "Don't get me wrong, my dear lady...your dress looks exquisite on you, but I must admit...it was a bit of a let down. Learning you were here, I was hoping to catch sight of you in some stylish swimwear."

Rebecca blushed and looked away. "I didn't come here to swim...and besides, today's swimwear for ladies is highly immodest." she said, looking out at the ocean. "Revealing that much skin at in such a public place is very uncomfortable for me."

"Why my lady...I think you just broke a piece of this man's heart." he teased, nudging her in the arm.

"You and every other man on the planet, I'm sure." she sighed.

Ariam studied her face for a moment, then gently took her hand in his own. "Forgive me, milady. I may have stepped out of line. Please accept my apologies...I'd like to make this up to you." He said, trying to throw her another dashing smile.

"It's alright...no harm done really," she said, turning to him, feeling drawn in by his charm. "What...what did you have in mind?"

"How does dinner sound? Tonight, in fact?"

"That...that sounds nice." she said, smiling at him.

"Perfect," he grinned. "I'll come to the estate at seven. Until then, my dear...." Ariam kissed the top of her hand, then stood and started back up the beach.

To my Dearest Love...

Although you are one for many dark and Sithly virtues, you have proven to me to be a man of honesty, integrity, loyalty and sincerity. You've shown me kindness and support during my desperate hours of need, given advice when I felt lost and cared for me when I fell ill.

Today is our special day once again... To honor, cherish, and love everything about each other that makes this day so special... and so worth remembering. I'm so happy that two years ago today...I was able to share this precious moment with you. You are the love of my life, Si'hil tha', my knight in shining Sith armor.

Happy second anniversary, my dearest. You are forever the keeper of my heart.
~Your Si'hari tha'