Ah, my two favourite characters of the series, my favourite couple and dynamic. Force-user Fane and Mandalorian Talyc. Both have armour and clothes from SWTOR, BUT their heads/faces are from Dragon Age: Inquisition. Characters I created to depict them. So I had to adjust Talyc’s nect here to fit with the body, and I had to change the colour of Fane’s clothes using the Colour Replacement Tool.
Then I put them on a background. Here, they are newly married.
Fane and Talyc Married (from Trials in the Force, Story 10, Star Wars Fan-Fiction by Celinka Serre)
They are not separated by choice, as you may have read, but forced apart when Fane is taken by the Reformed Sith. I had multiple layers here for the arms and legs and the lightsaber of the Sith capturing and pinning Fane down. Again, I changed the colour of what Fane is wearing, a more formal version of his usual tunic. And I added multiple layers of glow from lightsabers that I attached to the various layers of Fane’s face and clothes to varying degrees to give the desired effect.
Fane Pinned Down by Reformed Sith (from Trials in the Force, Story 10, Star Wars Fan-Fiction by Celinka Serre)
Talyc bare chested was interesting to do. I use his face from DAI, and stuck it on a body of a stock image photo. However, I had to adjust the lightning, the angles, and blend the necks together using various toold. After that, it was a question of adjusting the lighting.
That’s for his body. As for the background, the original is bight daylight. I had to lower the light, add a lot of magenta and blue, lower saturation, and lower brightness and contrast both to varying degress. And I had to do this differently for the sky than for the grass and tree. It took a while, but it wasn’t complicated.
Talyc Confronts the Reformed Sith and Attempts to Defend Fane (from Trials in the Force, Story 10, Star Wars Fan-Fiction by Celinka Serre)
And I always ensure to remember to add Talyc’s small and subtle scar. It’s there, you might not see it, but when it’s not there, his face just doesn’t look right.
As always, I’m open to feedback.
These images were created for my Star Wars The Old Republic Fan-fiction story, Trials in the Force, Story 10 in the Protectors of the Force series.
Talyc stood trying out his new suit. It looked strange to be dressed so formally. He was used to his armour or casual clothes, not anything this fancy. Fane whistled at him as Knarf kept pouring in the compliments. The ladies were eyeing him as though he were candy in a candy store. ‘I see the way you’re looking at me,’ he said to them. ‘I was just thinking Knarf should dress like that,’ said Shadie. ‘And so should Lian,’ said Nriwe. ‘And I can’t wait to see you both dressed handsomely,’ said Alegna. ‘Oh, but it is a shame.’ ‘What’s a shame!’ said Fane. ‘That both of you are spoken for, of course!’ Alegna winked. Talyc shook his head. ‘Well, I’ve asked Lian to officiate and he accepted,’ said Talyc. He turned to Nriwe. ‘Are you certain he doesn’t feel left out? I mean, ceremony at the Crypt and party on Mandalore.’ ‘He understands,’ said Nriwe. She walked to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. ‘He’s getting used to it anyway. Thera is going to stay with her father so that I can join you for the after-party. Void is probably going to stay at the Crypt as well. I don’t think he’s much of a party-goer.’ ‘You think?’ said Knarf. ‘Lian knows you can’t have all the clans at the Crypt. He’s happy to be able to be a part of your special day in some way.’ ‘In some way?’ said Fane. ‘He’s a major part of it!’ Alegna looked at her datapad at then brought her eyes back up. ‘We have developments! A contact of mine on Nar Shaddaa, a dancer, claims that she overheard one of the Hutts discussing with a woman called Maranna via holocall, only audio. Apparently, this woman requires regular maintenance for her ship and picks up supplies from that Hutt’s cargo ships.’ ‘This means that if it’s Maranna, then she’s never left her ship,’ said Shadie, ‘and that she probably jumps here and there like Relsor did to remain undetected.’ ‘It’s good to know she has contacts with the Hutts,’ said Knarf. ‘Maybe affiliates from earlier in her life? Who knows what her story is.’ ‘Yeah, well get this,’ Alegna continued, ‘the Hutt addressed Maranna by her name and told her that her payment was late and that if it didn’t come through, that next time she required anything, he would need her to work for him serving tables or dancing.’ ‘I’m guessing she’s going to choose the former,’ said Nriwe. ‘Had I had the choice, I know that’s what I would have chosen, back in the day.” ‘So when do you think she might end up docking at Nar Shaddaa?’ asked Fane. ‘Beats me, could be next week like it could be next year,’ Alegna replied. ‘Should I go there, station myself with my contacts?’ ‘No,’ said Talyc, ‘we want you at the wedding. It can wait.’ ‘I can inform Storimbu and the others to keep an eye out for a ship arriving near Nar Shaddaa, or one that keeps making hyperspace jumps at random intervals,’ Shadie assured. ‘Let’s not forget it might have stealth capabilities,’ said Fane. ‘Even if our allies have used anti-stealth prototypes, she’s still managed to evade. She’s hiding and she’s good at it.’ ‘Does Awgro know about the child?’ asked Alegna. ‘Unfortunately, chances are he does,’ replied Knarf. ‘Storm told us that a few remnant True Sith who decided to leave their former faction and return to Sith Space claim that the other remnant True Sith have joined Awgro. They’re calling themselves the Reformed Sith.’ ‘Great,’ said Nriwe, ‘so he probably knows the kid’s Chiss too.’ ‘These former True Sith,’ Talyc began, ‘are they allied with the Protectors of the Force?’ ‘No, but they divulged some information one night when Storm got them drunk.’ Knarf chuckled. ‘In the holovid,’ said Nriwe, ‘the child Maranna was holding was too big to be a newborn. My guess is it was around one, if not a bit more. A child of a Force-user, a powerful one, if Thera is anything to go by, would develop more quickly than a non-Force-sensitive child. My guess is that child is perhaps two now, probably knows how to walk, how to talk, might even look a bit older.’ ‘I’ll let Storimbu know what to look out for,’ said Shadie. Fane sighed. ‘It’s ironic, isn’t it, how we spent so many years trying to destroy this child’s father, and now we’re trying to protect it? That kid’s going to hate me.’ ‘It’s not going to hate you, Fane,’ said Talyc. ‘That child will surely understand. Or at least will later on in its life. You saved the galaxy. You had no other choice. And that child will be a lot safer with us than with Awgro. If Awgro finds the child first, then chances are Maranna and the child will hate you and come after us.’ ‘So it’s a race of who can convince the two of them to be an ally first?’ asked Fane. ‘We’re not going to force Maranna or her child to do anything they don’t want,’ Shadie reminded them. ‘I promise. We just want them to know they are being hunted, offer them our protection, but ultimately, if Maranna chooses otherwise, we can’t force her to come with us.’ Fane shook his head. ‘It all worries me.’ ‘Well, worry about it later,’ said Knarf, ‘because the two of you have a special day coming up. Focus on that, on your love, on your happiness. We’ll worry about the rest later.’ Fane smiled; he looked so handsome. Talyc was grateful for his friends. He looked at himself again. ‘It’s missing a bit of a Mandalorian touch-up,’ he said, smoothing out the creases in his shirt. ‘Want me to put a blaster mark on it?’ Knarf said chuckling. ‘You know what, that gives me an idea!’
The sun above Korriban was blazing hot, reflecting on the sand. Knarf squinted as he and Shadie exited the Sphere. He glanced down at his armour, the blue contrasting with the planet’s blazing orange hues. Before them stood Lady Gofaylia, looking eager. Knarf bowed politely and Shadie addressed the Sith leader. ‘Nice to meet you in person, Lady Gofaylia. I’m eager to chat with you!’ Knarf was certain Shadie’s words reflected Lady Gofaylia’s own eagerness. ‘Likewise,’ the Dark Council Head replied. They began walking towards the academy. ‘Your stay at Coruscant was pleasant, I presume, though it was brief?’ ‘As it is always,’ said Shadie. ‘I took the opportunity to speak with my allies there regarding the Empire. They agreed to hold off on any attacks. The fact that Awgro is at large and a threat was a good reason for them to consider this temporary truce.’ ‘That is excellent news, especially given we don’t know what Awgro may have learnt from Relsor,’ said Lady Gofaylia. ‘Those were my precise arguments,’ replied Shadie. Storimbu approached and bowed, following Shadie and Knarf as they spoke with Lady Gofaylia. ‘I also spoke with Mandalore regarding extending the temporary alliance we already had with the Empire, and–’ ‘May I interject and ask how Void reacted when you told him of our potential alliance?’ Lady Gofaylia asked eagerly. ‘He was annoyed, incredulous,’ Knarf told her. ‘And he had one of those faces on.’ ‘Oh, I know just the face!’ said Lady Gofaylia, looking satisfied. ‘Oh, by the way,’ Shadie turned to Knarf, ‘that massage Talyc gave me really did the trick.’ ‘Oh, you weren’t really that achy, you just really wanted a massage!’ Knarf rolled his eyes. ‘Yes, and I insisted for a reason and Talyc delivered.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Only because you never want to give me one!’ Shadie turned to Lady Gofaylia. ‘Knarf doesn’t like that Talyc gave me such a lengthy massage.’ Knarf felt his mouth crinkle into an expression of irritation. What did this have to do with the Empire! ‘Your clan leader?’ asked the Sith Lady. Shadie nodded. ‘He’s marrying Jedi Fane, is he not?’ Again Shadie nodded. ‘I don’t know why Knarf seems so jealous,’ said Storimbu, cocking an eyebrow at him, ‘it’s not like you and Talyc ever had any history or ever will. Not in that department.’ ‘Exactly!’ said Shadie. She pointed at Knarf while looking at Lady Gofaylia. ‘That the face?’ ‘Oh, yes! Lady Shadie, you deliver.’ ‘I told you it was worth your while,’ said Shadie. Knarf dropped his shoulders shaking his head, as they walked up the steps of the academy. Shadie had done exactly as he might have done in such a situation to be in a potentially dangerous person’s good graces. It amused him as much as it annoyed him. ‘Now, tell me,’ said Lady Gofaylia, taking Shadie’s arm in a friendly manner, ‘what did Mandalore say?’ The two ladies continued further on into the academy, while Knarf stayed with Storimbu, turning into another corridor by the entrance. ‘She does have a way with that woman, your wife,’ said Storimbu. ‘Good on her.’ Knarf nodded. ‘Now listen,’ Knarf spoke at low level, ‘so you know Maranna?’ Storimbu nodded. ‘It appears she is more important than we anticipated. It is imperative that we find her. You see,’ Knarf lowered his voice even more, ‘she has a child. A Chiss child.’ ‘Are you saying she was Relsor’s lover?’ asked Storimbu, matching Knarf’s whisper. ‘I am saying precisely that,’ replied Knarf. ‘Could this Chiss be a danger to the galaxy?’ ‘Only if Awgro finds and trains the child. Right now, Maranna’s child could be anywhere between one and three years of age. They are both in grave danger if Awgro finds them. Thing is, there is no trace of them anywhere. We’ve got Mandalorians and Jedi alike searching for them and nothing yet.’ ‘How did you find out about her and Relsor then?’ asked Storimbu. ‘Holorecording at Lord Void’s safe house,’ replied Knarf. ‘We need to find that child. We need to protect it from Awgro.’ Storimbu nodded. ‘The Protectors of the Force are on it. We’ll help you find Maranna and the child, and we’ll search in all corners of the galaxy.’
Talyc marched to the Grand Arena with Fane by his side. When they reached it, Fane took his hand and squeezed gently. He wished him luck and kissed him on the cheek. ‘See you on the other side,’ he said, and left. The arena was immense, and filled with tall and wide, rounded pillars. Decorative engravings marked some of the walls, which were all lined with statue busts of who Talyc assumed had been former Jedi masters. High above were seats that fanned out, though he could not see most of these. Talyc took a deep breath. He didn’t know why he was so nervous. He felt almost as nervous as he had when he had followed Fane out of the tavern and expressed his true feelings to him. His heart was pounding. He wanted to do well, he wanted to impress the Jedi, he wanted them to approve. He realised he already had their approval. He also realised he didn’t need it; Fane had made his choice and had let the Order know it. This had been Fane’s way of telling them he had chosen Talyc and that if they wanted him to choose them, they had to accept Talyc as his partner, even if he did not possess the Force. Talyc rolled his shoulders back, bringing them down, letting out one quick breath and shook his arms to loosen them up. Garbed in his armour, his helmet clipped to his belt, he entered the arena. It was empty, but his keen eyes noticed movement up above and he knew many were watching. A voice reverberated throughout the arena, as though coming from all around him. It was the voice of the Grand Master. ‘Talyc Kandera, you have fought many duels in your life. You have particular unique skills. But if you were to fight a duplicate of yourself, would you be able to defeat your doppelganger and be victorious? Duel now with one who has the same set of skills as you, one who has learnt from you.’ Talyc saw Knarf emerge from behind one of the rounded pillars. Knarf wore his armour, helmet and all. Although he couldn’t see his face, by the manner with which Knarf moved and momentarily bobbed his head, Talyc knew he was amused. His friend nodded as though to wish him luck. Talyc nodded back and put his helmet on. ‘Sorry,’ said Knarf, ‘I don’t want to do this, but your armour might take a few nicks and grazes. I promise to pay for the repolishing if necessary.’ Talyc’s Second ignited his orange lightsaber and whirled it around in a circular motion. Talyc took his vibroblade out and held it out in front of him, holding it with both hands, bending his knees. ‘Come at me, Bes’laar.’ Talyc jumped as soon as he saw Knarf lift his leg, knowing he would pound the ground. He heard Knarf chuckle. Talyc took to leaping to Knarf’s flank. Knarf turned and struck at Talyc’s mid. Talyc blocked with the vibroblade, and ducked the next strike. He slashed at Knarf; the blade bounced off the armour, leaving a small nick at the knee joints. ‘Looks like you might need some repolishing as well, my friend!’ Talyc said. ‘I’m due for proper Mandalorian armour anyway,’ said Knarf. Talyc bent low and rolled away, coming to a standing position a bit farther than an arm’s length away from Knarf. The two men stood facing each other, studying each other. Talyc swung at Knarf as his friend blocked and cut low. Jumping, Talyc angled himself to strike at Knarf’s back, though he knew it didn’t do anything to Knarf. ‘That’s twice now,’ Talyc pointed out. Knarf hacked at Talyc’s head. He ducked and blocked but the lightsaber grazed the top of his helmet. He grunted. He was hoping to get out of here unscathed. Then again, Knarf was probably not the only one he would be fighting. Talyc quickly bent and rolled towards Knarf, hoping that he would come up behind him by rolling under his legs. The problem was, Knarf did the same. The two conked their helmets together and fell backwards. Talyc couldn’t help but burst out laughing. ‘Why did I teach you that again?’ ‘So that I could adjust the manoeuvre once I’d mastered it and kill Perce?’ ‘Right!’
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