[O17 - Naboo - FF] (NJO) Sunset on Naboo

Location: Grid Square O17, Parnelli Castle, Naboo Grasslands
Names: Sam Parnelli, Elya Parnelli
Species: Human
Faction: FF

One gentle evening during the latter months of 11 ABY, the Naboo sun began its descent.

It spread its thin golden icing across the expansive grassland, casting clustered shadows around Parnelli Castle. The weathered, sandy-coloured stones reflected the golden light across the large, stained glass windows.

Young Sam stood within one of the many balconies which wrapped the Parnelli residence. 

 

The House of Parnelli had existed on Naboo since the old Sith Empire relinquished their control on the sector many moons ago. Affluent and industrial in many ways, they played a direct role in the then blossoming Naboo culture.
They shaped the developing the art scene as the Republic took hold, and founded the Parnelli Museum of Art around 50 BBY.

Over 60 years later, the Parnelli name still holds great influence over the noble families of Naboo. Sam Parnelli is their latest incarnation.

 

Sam’s family consists of himself, his older brother, and an older sister.

Where previous generations had spent their lives as nobles did, taking part in social events, critiquing architectural designs, scribing new laws, cutting ribbons, and influencing culture through brushed strokes. Little ever happened beyond this entrenched pattern.

 

Vastly differential in the Parnelli descendancy, Sam’s somewhat unconventional traits varied greatly from the usual Parnelli attributes. He was calm, where his father had been forthright, unhurried, where his brother had fought life, and above all wise, where his family had sought position or rank.

 

Sam's father had sought beyond the rest, and naturally wanted the same for his sons. He had risen to a much higher position than his predecessors - fighting his way up the political ladder. He rose to become a dominant, unyielding force. 

 

Sam's older brother had followed in these same footsteps - embracing the change that the fledgling Empire brought to the system. While the Imperial Moff Council oversaw most of the movement within the sector, he grasped his chance and became a loyal defendant of the Empire.

 

Whilst his brother fought political battles within the royal court, Sam daydreamed of a fulfilling life.

 

Even when the Empire’s presence was erased from the galaxy, brought forth with the destruction of the Death Star II, his brother remained true - and left without word. The family then entered a period of mourning, and never left.

While the followers of the Parnelli family slowly diminished, and their mother still struck with sadness - Sam’s father set his sights on him. 

 

Each day was to begin with study - intense and overbearing study. His father didn’t appreciate ninety-nine percent - it was to be one hundred and one, everyday and every moment. History was to be shaped by the youngest son of the Parnelli family - whether Sam wanted it or not. 

 

But as this immense pressure was placed upon him, many feelings shrouded his heart. An uptight pressure, sadness and anger, yes - but somehow, somehow he knew change would come. A spark remained within, and it refused to be put out.
His future would never be one of great power and force - not if he had anything to do with it.

And so, he passed the endless flow of long days - feigning enjoyment of his oppressive future, knowing that somehow, life would sweep him off his feet - and into the depths of his imagination. A simple life.

He returned to the moment - the soft breeze sweeping through his hair and across his skin. Gentle birdsong accompanied the wind's fluent, flute-like notes. Sam stood, the last of the sun's rays now shone through the ornate crenellations. He would not be changed, even by his family’s wishes.

As much as it left a bitter taste in his mouth, leaving this all behind - and deliberately letting down the Parnelli name, this life was his to live. 

 

His mother called him in for dinner, shattering the moment's grace. 

 

Turning, Sam began to walk inside - but stopped and stood staring into the night sky. The many surrounding stars began to shine, akin to the snowflakes which draped the mountains of Ilum in an icy, white glow.. 

 

A dreamer, young Sam was.