Zax and Elara deepen their relationship

Days since start of the negotiations: 10

The past days had folded into one another, an indistinguishable haze in Elara Vossyn's memory. She had been toiling relentlessly, her every waking moment consumed by the task at hand - forging a treaty that could potentially thwart an impending war she had once deemed inevitable.

In this whirlwind of diplomatic maneuvering and political strategy, she found herself drawn into an unexpected alliance with Zax, the Sith pureblood apprentice. Their initial encounter had been far from promising; his brutish demeanor and crude language had left a bitter taste in her mouth. Yet, as they navigated the intricate maze of negotiations together, her perception of him began to shift.

Zax was not just a slaver or a misogynist; he was also highly intelligent with an uncanny understanding of the complex trade policies between Geldof and the Sith Empire. His insights were sharp, his arguments persuasive and his tactics effective. Despite their frequent disagreements and the occasional impasse that threatened to derail their progress, Zax proved himself to be a reliable ally.

Elara found herself admiring his tenacity and resilience - qualities she hadn't expected to find in someone like him. He listened attentively to her ideas, respected her opinions even when they contradicted his own, and displayed an unwavering commitment towards achieving their shared goal.

As she got to know him better, Elara realized that beneath his rough exterior was a mind as strategic as hers and a will as strong as durasteel. This newfound respect for him was unsettling yet undeniable. She even began entertaining the thought that perhaps Zax could remain on Geldof once the treaty was finalized - serving as an ambassador for the Sith Empire.

Despite everything she knew about him - his slavery practices, his misogyny – Elara found herself viewing Zax through a different lens. It wasn't approval or acceptance per se but rather recognition of his capabilities and potential contribution to the diplomatic landscape. This was a testament to her own ability to see beyond surface impressions, and perhaps an indication of the complex dynamics that lay ahead in their evolving relationship.

She wished domestic policy were as enjoyable and productive as these treaty meetings. The echoes of recent town hall meetings, fraught with tension and apprehension, reverberated in her mind. Her constituents, the hardy folk who had entrusted her with their hopes and dreams, were now questioning her every move.

Their voices, once harmonious in support for her cause against Sith influence, had turned into a cacophony of discord. Their fear was palpable; it seeped into the very walls of the meeting halls where she stood before them as their elected representative. It was a fear born from their ignorant deep-seated mistrust of anything associated with the Sith Empire.

Even her own flesh and blood hadn't been spared from this wave of skepticism either. Lyra - who'd grown up watching her mother's tireless efforts to protect their planet - joined the growing chorus of dissenters. She too questioned Elara's wisdom in negotiating any more than necessary for Republic support against the looming Sith threat.

Her supporters couldn't fathom placing faith in an agreement signed by those who bore the crimson skin and twisted philosophies of the Sith Empire. They saw only treachery hiding beneath every promise made by Zax - that brutish sith apprentice whose presence at negotiations was as unsettling as his appearance.

Yet they failed to see what Elara did: that Zax was trustworthy. The Zax was worth listening to. That Zax held valuable insights into these matters. That Zax only wanted what was best for Geldof.

Their lack of understanding gnawed at Elara. Every disapproving glance thrown her way felt like another brick being added to an already heavy load she carried on behalf of Geldof's people. She was working so hard for all of them and they were just ungrateful little children. It was starting to drive her crazy.

Zax, for his part, was incredibly satisfied with the progress he was making so far. He found it hysterical that he kept lying to her about “promises” and “concessions” the Sith Empire was able to make. In truth, none of what she dreamed for her planet would ever come to pass. Each day, he subtly pushed Elara to become more and more comfortable with him while becoming more and more resentful of her constituents. But today, he decided to push a bit further.

"I wished to broach a topic with you that may prove delicate," Zax stated. Elara cast him a puzzled glance, uncertain as to his meaning. "At this stage, I regard you as both a friend and a colleague. And it is in the nature of such relationships that we do favors for each other." He then withdrew a data pad from his possession and slid it across the table towards Elara.

As she picked up the device, her heart began to race. Displayed on the screen was an image of her beloved husband Kai, whom she had resigned herself to believe lost forever within the bowels of the Sith Empire. "I apologize if I have overstepped my bounds," Zax expressed with an insincere semblance of concern etched on his face. "But after delving into your past, I took it upon myself to see if I could locate your missing spouse. Currently, he is under the employ of one of my rival houses. Fortunately, his identity and relations remain unknown to them."

As their conversation unfolded, Zax subtly channeled his sinister energy into the depths of Elara's consciousness. Echoing within the confines of her mind were the phrases, "Zax is my friend and colleague," "friends and colleagues do favors for each other," and "Zax protects me and my interests." These statements began to reverberate persistently, seeping into her subconscious. In the ensuing nights, as she succumbed to sleep's embrace, these phrases would unknowingly become her silent mantra. Repeated over and over until they were as immutable as stone in her psyche.

"No, no..." Elara murmured to Zax. "I am profoundly appreciative of this intelligence." She faltered, wrestling with her words. "If we are... allies... could you possibly..." She let the sentence hang unfinished, unwilling to foster false hope within herself.

Zax laid his pudgy disgusting hands on Elara, interrupting her thoughts. "I've already set in motion efforts to locate your husband," he declared. "The procedure will require patience and I hesitate to guarantee miracles, but my aspiration is to eventually reunite you both."

At the mere mention of her husband's potential return, tears welled up in Elara's eyes. Overwhelmed by a surge of emotion, she encircled the repugnant Sith in a fervent embrace. Her heart hammered against her chest as she clung to him, feeling an unexpected sense of security and protection for the first time since her husband's disappearance. In that moment, it seemed as though she had found someone whom she could truly depend on.

A smug smirk played upon Zax's lips - women were so easily swayed by his manipulations. He harbored no intention of reuniting the two lovers; the mere suggestion served as an effective tool for breaking down her defenses. By the time he was done meddling with Elara's psyche, he knew she would fuck or suck him off in front of her former husband without remorse. He just had to have patience and be careful.

AN: Periodic check in! For people enjoying the story, let me know about the pacing/any other potential criticisms/things that are working well for them! Does it need to be going faster? Is it moving too fast?

Aria is gonna show up again in a supporting role at some point in the next couple chapters to assist, and I will also try and consider incorporating other suggestions for this specific story arc if I think it works.