I Hate This Place

[Kalanda Tishire]

Location: Coruscant.

Kalanda tugged at the dress she had gone with for this...thing. Frankly, she wasn't even sure what she was doing here. The directions weren't exactly clear on what she was supposed to do, but frankly given this was coming from probably some idiot she assumed he didn't know what he really wanted. So, she wanted for him, outside this oddly specific place, wearing a scarlet dress she hated, on a world she couldn't stand. Her lightsaber had been left in her quarters a decent distance away, so she couldn't even fiddle with that to pass the time.

Kalanda sighed, crossing her arms, wondering when this man was supposed to arrive, only to check the time and realize she was early. A little too early. But that didn't make her feel any less annoyed as she groaned and went back to waiting.

@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

The sunset of the endless city of Coruscant wasn’t looming over the meeting place they arranged. Markov had worn a simple dark grey suit with his primary lightsaber hidden under the suit to the occasion, or whatever the meeting was supposed to be. Was it a date? Was it just some small social for two Sith who randomly were to meet? Even Markov didn’t have a clear definition of this meeting.

The Sith Crusader approached at the balcony of the building they arranged their meeting. The balcony he saw in the distance loomed above the lower skyscrapers of Coruscant and a clear view of the skyline. He arrived on the balcony itself, seeing the female Sith known as Kalanda wearing a scarlet dress standing there with a disgruntled demeanor.

Markov approached the Sith as calmly and casually as he could in the setting, keeping a friendly distance from her as he gave a slight smile. “I’m surprised you came... I wouldn’t think we’d take each other’s invitation to meet up.. I’m Markov...” he said in a uplifted tone. The dark side of the force surrounded him on a general basis, but it seems that so far it has confined his positivity less than usual. He’s never had a true opportunity to have a more intimate time with an individual, especially because of his past life; not just from Sith training but also his household being extremely uptight.

Markov clearly had curiosity of Kalanda: wondering about her past and how she grew up in Coruscant and how she came to the position she is in today. He wanted to know if they had mutual interest. Bluntly, he asked “I guess this is when we describe our past lives...”

@Algarus

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

Kalanda find that staring out at the landscape beyond was her best bet of passing the time, but all she could see in her mind was the clouds of ash that once bloted the sky years ago. She only started at the imaginary image, her anger started to grow for a time but soon simmered, and she kept it there for the time being, finding it to be something she could focus on.

She lost track of time, as before she knew it her....date(?) had arrived. She came out of her daze a little unprepared, but she gave him a quick once over as he began speaking to her. He wasn't off putting, but for a crusader he wasn't what she was expecting. He looked young, a little too young. Her eyes, having finished the inspect, locked onto his, held a rather uncaring expression behind them. "I'm surprised you extended the offer, though I suppose you didn't know any better." Kalanda said, adding a small smirk as her sentence came to an end. "Kalanda." She said rather bluntly, as the two did the name exchange routine. Of course, the young man then bumbled into asking about their pasts. Kalanda let out a chuckle, looking away from the man for a point, as she gestured towards the horizon. "Well, I was just an ordinary citizen in the Empire, when the Mandalorians thought that blowing up the Imperial Palace would be a lovely ideal. After that, I ended up in the academy. Dead parents tend to lead to that." Having finished her short introduction, she turned back to Markov. There wasn't anything else she felt had to be stated. The woman she was five years ago was gone, at times it certainly felt like a different life, but she had learned that holding onto that past life only hurt her. The lesson on Yavin had shown her that. "Your turn."

@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

The Crusader stood beside Kalanda as they gazed into the sky as she described her past. She had a strong sophistication of herself, but a taste of playfulness was barely emerged. Her appearance looked a bit older than him, besides the fact that Markov was 32. As he listened to her backstory, he came to realize how both have come from relatively similar backgrounds: both were from Coruscant and living ordinary lives, but with parents that weren’t there for them; both physically and emotionally. Collecting his thoughts, he began to describe himself,

“I also come from this planet. I lived a more quiet life being cooped up in a household with parents who were basically dead to me. My mother was nearly non existent. She wasn’t able to do anything for herself or me... she passed a few years before I joined the order.”

He paused briefly as the sun continued to slowly fade over the horizon, his anger slightly showing as he thought of his father, who he really despised,

“My father tried to enforce a life using his racist politics, and tried to raise me to fulfill his stupid philosophies, but I refused and found the Sith, and he disowned me for it, basically disappearing from my life... but I know he’s out there, craving on citizens of the Empire, and I wish I could choke the pathetic life-force out of him..”

Markov had changed significantly since he joined the Sith Order 8 long years ago. The former shell of a man he was before the Order hardened his ideals was absolutely pitiful compared to what he was now.

“The Sith Order became my new home.. a place that I could prosper and be passionate, and escape from being silenced. Obtaining influence in the Empire and impacting the galaxy has been my ambition, especially now I am rising in rank and becoming less like I was before..”

He turned to Kalanda to see her response to his anecdote.

@Algarus

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

Kalanda watched the man speak, keeping the same unimpressed gaze as he went into his life story of how his family sucked, woe is me, the sith life chose me. On and on and on and on. She found it funny, some time ago she might have envied him for at least having a family member that still lived, but now she realized that such things were a weakness. Yes, they gave fuel, but they also hindered how much one could devote for their personal gain. She didn't realize that then, but she did now, strange how that self discover worked itself out as time went on. Kalanda looked away from Markov as he spoke of how the Empire was his home. A thought crossed her mind, one so profound she couldn't help but state it openly. "It's funny you say that. I....think I died here with my family that day." She mused, not caring if Markov had a comment to make on this. "The woman I was back then has nothing to do with the woman I am now." She hadn't thought of that before. "When I think of that life, it feels like a dream that I was woken from." She kept her gaze straight ahead, still seeing the ash storm from all those years ago raining down. Her parents would hardly recognize her now, they'd probably be mortified that their little girl turned into a child killer. The thought made her smirk just a tad, though a small drop of moisture squeezed out of her tear duct and rolled down her face. Kalanda wiped it away and glanced up looking for signs of rain, then dismissed it. Weird. "I just want to bring some order back to this galaxy. Before the jedi and Mandalorian plagues ran rampant." She spoke, her voice becoming less monotone as she progressed. "If I happen to climb the ranks as I do, all the better."
@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

Kalanda kept the same expression towards Markov as he put his hands on the railing at the edge of the balcony. He'd gather his thoughts more as the female Sith. The wind howled as he listened to her monologue, the wind blowing his short, but tidy hairstyle. The bright lights of the city below was lively and wild compared to the calm, intimate tone they were in. She commented on how the past feels like a dream, and how they were completely different.

"Our lives have been changed for the better by the Sith; by our desires, by our hopes and dreams, as well as the change the Force has called..." Markov contemplated. "I crave a world unravaged by the Mandolorian Warmongering, and especially the Jedis' Terroristic 'Liberation Acts'... The Sith Empire brings order and nourishment to the inhabitants of The Galaxy... As we climb higher and cement ourselves as the authority in the Galaxy in the Sith, we shall bring Peace through Justice..."

The Crusader turned to Kalanda, noting how shes become less monotone verbally, and possibly less stiff than when they met. Markov began to get comfortable in the "date" he was participating in. The sunset was starting to dim as dusk became more apparent. The air grew slightly more breezier as the two stood on the balcony. Markov realized that perhaps they could have a potential connection together, and that they can become closer, but he didn't know how. He never had much interest in any Sith Warriors, lest anyone, because of how he was confined in his life and emotions as well as focusing on becoming more powerful in the Force.

"If I were to reach my goals, then I would see to the Jedi be either turned or ended... If I were to reach the top of the Sith Corporal Ladder, then I would order the conversion of all territories into the omnipotent Empire... I desire to also flank my way through the business ladder and gain influence over the Hutts and other bureaucratic entities... The more people I can turn for my and the Empire's interests, the quicker rule can be catalyzed...." he stated.

"And perhaps, at the same time... I am able to connect with more people and find people that I can truly trust, rather then having to manipulate and back stab them..." after saying it with more emotion than he'd usually speak, he stood silently, glancing at Kalanda before turning back to the horizon.

@Algarus

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

Kalanda stared at Markov for a long moment, listening and pondering on his words. He was good with words, she'd give him that, but he kinda had that 'vote for me' kinda vibe coming off him. She didn't dislike him, yet, but she wasn't buying this whole 'we are one of the same' sales pitch. She felt like she was listening to a sales pitch at least, hopefully he wasn't on the recruiting front for the Empire. "I wouldn't mind having the jedi in check, but the Mandalorians need to be wiped out to the last." Kalanda said, crossing her arms. Markov seemed to be more suited for agent work than that of a Crusader, but maybe he knew how to fight; she'd hope so for his sake. They both had nonexistent parents and they both were dead inside, but least those were things they had in common. "Men before you have stated the same thing, all that happened was it got carved on their tombstone when they failed to deliver." How many leaders had they lost? Clearly far too many, this war had taken it's toll on the people. "What makes you so different from them?" She asked, knowing that he had ideas, but probably no real plan going forward; but maybe there was one she just didn't know about.

Once again, she stared at him, raising an eyebrow as she wasn't sure if he was programed to say this or he truly believed it. "So, what's the plan for that? You have these big ideas, but honestly you're just one man. These things you want might help many, but they hurt many too." She continued, rising as she would join him at staring at the sights down below and above. "I was told to focus on one thing and become good at that, else you spread yourself thin and accomplish nothing. You might have good intentions, but you might not have anything to show for that."

@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

Markov continued the conversation as the sun began to disappear completely from the horizon as the illumination of the city intensified below. The atmosphere of their conversation continued to become more relaxed, but also in a debate between their ideals and proving themselves. After hearing how Kalanda was further desiring the Mandolorians to be annihilated, Markov began to reply,

“I took my first major attack against the Mandolorians... I caused the death of a Supercommando on Kessel. The fool didn’t realize the power of the Force can negate flight.. the other Supercommando unfortunately made his escape before I could finish him off, but perhaps that battle on Kessel was proof that the Sith is still powerful enough to push back...” Markov wanted to proof that he wasn’t entirely talk, but he also had the combat abilities to fulfill his agenda.

As she continued to question how he was unique, the Crusader began to further defend himself as he looked into the nearly dark sky. “Unlike most who fail to serve their Empire, I have survived and kept determination and ambition to bring order to the Galaxy.. I have not failed my superiors and have created loyalty within the Empire; not just to me but the general consensus of it...”

Kalanda stared at him as he continued to rebutte and answer her questions. He gazed and noted her appearance and her demeanor at this point, being even less stiff than before. “There is always risk in attempting to attend to the needs of the people... Defending the Empire from the Jedi may serve our and the interests of some of our colonies, but it may hurt the economy of certain planets. I am just one person, but my proficiency is in using the edge of my blade and my persuasion to create loyalty.. My intentions I hope can be perceived as good and my service and leadership as a Sith is deemed honorable...” he said with slightly more passion. Markov felt accomplished with himself from his previous objectives, but he wanted to be known in order to expand his work to a larger geographical scope.

At this point, he was back to looking into the horizon as the city continued to boom with life. “What makes you.. unique? How do you want to serve the Empire as a Sith?” He asked, very slightly blushing.

@Algarus

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

As the light began to fade into the horizon, Markov continued on, trying to defend himself and his positions. Least he didn't take it lying down, she'd give him that much. Markov went on describing how he killed a Mandalorian and made another one retreat. He could have been lying, but given he was a crusader she was willing to bet that wasn't the case. "Not bad, killing a Mandalorian in solo combat isn't too bad." Kalanda commented, sorta impressed by the feat. Then he tried to state why he was different from the past emperors and darths that had come before them. Kalanda scoffed at that, looking away and shaking her head. "See, that's why this wouldn't work. You don't do that. That's not how it works. Once you get to the top, how are you going to keep yourself from dying?" She asked, looking to Markov. "You think the last emperor just gave up and let himself die?" She asked, not expecting an answer. The truth was his record didn't stop someone from planting a bomb on their shuttle. Her posture was more relaxed, as she seemed more willing to speak her mind on this.

Markov was wordy, super wordy, he might make a good governor one day honestly. "It doesn't matter what your intentions are, it's how you keep yourself from ending up as another tombstone like the last two emperors. I could stab you right now and throw you off that balcony. What's to stop someone from doing that to you five or ten years from now?" She was giving him a hard time, but it was for his own good. She wanted the empire strong, and if their leaders couldn't stand up to criticism what hope would they have?

Then he asked what made her different in the empire, what she saw her place as. Kalanda raised an eyebrow at Markov, as his checks reddened only the slightest. "What makes me unique?" She repeated, as if she didn't know. "I just want to spread order, and to keep others safe. Whatever that is, that is my purpose in this." Kalanda stated, looking back at the darkened sky before them. "I just want to hurt those who deserve it and protect those who do not."

@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

Markov went on a further rant as he lost himself in his own words. He felt a bit embarrassed over his overdoing to prove and defend himself. Kalanda contemplated how he’d retain his position if he were to reach the top, and questioned his ambitious ideas. “Indeed that would be difficult.. but I feel that if I were to gain enough trust and influence over people then the chances of myself being usurped would decrease. However, that wouldn’t be enough.. not even becoming the most powerful in the Force would defend me from Death... The Force and verbal influence would just secure, not guarantee my safety...” he stated, agreeing with her.

Kalanda was definitely pushing his views and flowing a interesting conversation about their beliefs. If the Empire is truly Rule of The Strong, then he was certainly being tested over it. “Overall, becoming one with the dark side of the force and accepting death as a looming possibility and as something natural is what I set my goal towards in order to secure myself... I always set out my determination to succeed and my method for as the strong point of myself, I believe..”

After she answered his question and Markov stood trying to keep himself collected. He turned to Kalanda once again after taking in her statement. “Virtue like your own will get you far.. it is admirable and honorable selfless service that often determines the most powerful Sith... We both want to protect the people of this Empire from the evil that is attempting to unbalance justice...” he said with a slight touch of sounding timid. By now the atmosphere of their balcony was becoming more personal and even more relaxed, the dark sky being glorious in the grand city.

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

Kalanda could listen to the man talk, and talk, and talk, but while his words were elequote, she could only wonder if he was trying to convince himself of his cause rather than her. "Even all that trust and influence might not protect you. You could have someone so far removed from you try and kill you, they might not even have a reason." She continued, enjoying the small discussion they were having; much to her surprise.

Then Markov went back to the dark side arguement, he was going to fall back on that and embrace it and....honestly he lost her with that. It sounded like a non answer. "You know, for someone who is committed to the good of the people, you reflect off yourself a great deal. It's like you fancy yourself as the cog of which everything turns on, and you can single handily halt it with your fellow cogs." Kalanda tested him further, not implying he was self centered, but perhaps his plans hinged too much on himself.

She dismissed his compliment of her, and of course he linked it back to having to do with them having more in common. Yay. "If that's your attempt at flitation it is sorely lacking." She said rather pointedly, grinning as she spoke. "You're a man who wants to let it tumble down from up above. You have ambition, but I believe it is even beyond your reach."
@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

Markov waited as the night became more chilly, but the conversation became more personal. Kalanda was definitely testing his will to defend his points of view, as he explained. He knew he was speaking more than he should, and sounding more and more self centered, but he didn’t exactly feel that way.

“One of the things I want to decrease in the Empire, a flaw of it, is the infighting. All infighting does is create annoyance and halts the progress of the Sith. We must be able to work together, rather than kill for positions. There is nothing I despise more than that, and it isn’t because it puts me at risk, rather it hurts the entire Empire..” he stated.

“Perhaps I’m overly ambitious and self-centered, but I accept that about myself... it is what pushes me further towards my goals. Maybe I should think more about other people...” he said with slight disappointment. Markov looked at Kalanda as she grinned and took the criticism. He felt less confident in himself over the date, but hopefully it resolves soon, lest he waste his evening.

@Algarus

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

Kalanda snickered at the young man, seeing that he might have been wounded by her words. Poor thing. "There will always be infighting. You can't do anything to make people get along, holding a blaster to everyones heads only gets so far, and eventually someone calls your bluff; then what?" She said, inching closer to the man. She didn't want to ruin this 'date' thing, and she had spent most the time attacking this dream of his. She needed to show she wasn't trying to crush his dreams, just make him rethink how he was to achieve his objectives. "Maybe you should think about forming a network of like minded people, and going from there. Start with a solid foundation and move forward with it." She suggested, nudging him with her shoulder, so he didn't totally collapse in on himself. "You have loftier goals than myself. Just try to think outward rather than inward." She wasn't sure if her words had the intended affect, she could only hope that was the case.

@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

Markov looked into the night sky as Kalanda snickered at his statements as she began pointing out the flaws within his argument and then giving our suggestions to him. As he rethought over her words as well as his ideas, he began to agree with the female’s more than he would normally. While he was, she became closer to him as the setting became closer to becoming intimate, then he obtained a nudge. By then, her words had reached his opinions and he rethought his ambitions.

“I agree. Developing a network of people would definitely assist me in my ambitions... I already have begun to develop that within the order; not just with my Master, but with the Acolytes I’ve had briefly mentored for missions...” he nodded. Markov began to relax and feel confidence in his abilities again as the air felt colder and the night sky grew darker. “I don’t particularly desire an Apprentice unless I were to become a Lord; then I would feel ready to have a long term pupil... but that day may be reaching me sooner or later...”

The wind began to blow harder and the air kept getting more cold as night completely set in. Especially because they were on a very high balcony, the effects of the night were amplified. “How about we go inside and continue there? After all, I reserved this tower for the night...” he said, slightly smiling, gesturing her to follow as he turned and walked away from the balcony’s edge. Perhaps the setting inside will call for more intimate conversation and actions...

@Algarus

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

Kalanda's words seemed to accomplish their goal, as Markov seemed to take her advice with some acceptance. She'd done her good deed for today, nothing else would be required for now. This whole affair had proved more interesting than she had thought it would be, certainly had a more in depth conversation than she was used to. "That's a start. Get your circle to grow, and in time you'll have the means to fulfill your...." She paused, trying to find the word for it. "Goal." She settled on the word, it seemed far more adult than saying dreams or wishes. It seemed the man was gathering his confidence again, so Kalanda braced for another attempt to flirt with her to be launched. But he didn't do that. The wind was getting particularly cold, as the acolyte brought her arms inward, catching a chill from the gusts that were so common in this world of skyscrapers. Markov threw out the suggestion they go inside, commenting how he bought out the entire building for the night. Kalanda glanced at the man, her gaze showing she was skeptical of his claim. That had to be a lie, but there was only one way to find out. "The entire tower? That's quite a claim. Have any proof to go along with that?' She asked turning to face him now, though she would be inclined to retreat indoors; her time on Ziost inspired a deep hatred for the cold after all.

@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

Markov looked at the Acolyte as she finished off her statement. She showed resolute in their conversation until the air began to get much colder, Kalanda becoming quite uncomfortable in the chilly atmosphere. After he offered to go to the inside of the tower she followed but gave a skeptical expression to his claim. “Well I have my receipt for the area I reserved, and due to the low amount of other people I have more claim to this specific tower than somebody would usually have... Besides, this top floor tower is what I specifically reserved,” Markov explained to her. He opened the door and the two made a beeline to the interior: A spacious sitting room with drinks ready for them. The room also contained a few chairs and sofas, and Markov inclined to sit on the sofa near the table of drinks, stretching a little before he relaxed. Multiple varieties of alcohol were in bottles and glasses on a table while empty glasses were on a coffee table near the sofa. Markov took a bottle and took it to the sofa and placed it near.

“It seems they put out drinks for us while we were outside; I wasn’t really expecting to without giving a proper order,” he paused as he took an empty glass and poured some Bespin Fizz into the glass. The room’s warmth and overall sophistic atmosphere gave a relaxing vibe to Markov, especially after having a deep conversation over ambition and philosophy.

“Enjoying yourself?” He asked, with the hope that their time together was going well. Markov was expecting the acolyte to join him with a drink and to continue conversing, hopefully on a different basis, likely personal.

@Algarus

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

Kalanda indeed retreated inside, willing to buy Markov's explanations. Renting the single floor was far more believable. "I doubt you have that receipt on you, but let's say for now I'll buy your story." She said, willing to go along with the crusader's story. She would join him on the sofa, though she gave the drink selection a curious glance. She never drank alcohol, like...ever, so needless to say she had no clue what she was looking at. "Well, being honest I wouldn't know what to order. I never touch this." She spoke, poking the bottle, but didn't reject a glass if it was offered to her. She broke away from the conversation to take it all in, the atmosphere was nice, could almost make one forget about the hell that was breaking out in the galaxy at this moment; almost.

Markov's question brought her back to reality, as Kalanda looked at him for a moment, before giving the slightest of smiles. "For the moment, yes I am." She said, taking up a glass of...whatever this was and sipping it. She made a face, her cheeks sucking in as she had never tasted something so...fancy...would that be the right word? It was interesting to say the least. Having explored with her taste buds enough for today, she let the glass sitting in her lap, as she awaited for their conversation to move forward.

@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

Markov dipped his drink as Kalanda plopped on the sofa beside him. Whenever she looked over the sorts of drinks that were up for grabs, she had a slight perplexed expression on her face until she let her curiosity choose for her. After giving Markov relief for his question, she took a glass of the drink Markov was having and took a sip. Markov grinned with glee a little more as he saw her expression light up.

“Never had alcohol, huh? It’s quire the new taste whenever you have it for he first time, particularly with the wide selection we’ve been give ..” Markov smirked as she placed the drink in her lap. At first the atmosphere of the room kept the Crusader silent, given he didn’t have much of an idea of where to continue their conversation. He wanted to move forward from questioning ambition philosophy, and discuss something less socially opinionated.

“How has your training as an Acolyte been? I’m assuming you’ve found a suitable mentor. You also seem nearly ready to be declared a fully fledged Sith..” he asked with curiosity, trying to start a new topic. “For me I’ve been working my way to being a Lord, and I can nearly taste the finish line at this point. I’ve been studying Sith alchemy and ancient knowledge in order to learn more about the force...” Markov stated.

Markov relaxed on the sofa beside Kalanda as the two adjusted to the more personal atmosphere the room gave off. Despite the rough tangent they went on, he felt that he could recourse the night.

@Algarus

 

[Kalanda Tishire]

"I'll take your word for it." Kalanda replied, glancing down at her glass, still trying to find a word to describe the drink. There was a sense of awkwardness in the air, as neither party knew how to move the conversation along. So, of course Markov brought up things about her training. Kalanda tipped her head to the side, thinking of what the relationship between herself and Kados was at the moment. Was she officially his apprentice, or was she working towards it? It was hard to recall what the final settlement was, but she was going to serve under him eventually. Kalanda was quite at first, mulling over what the answer was, but she eventually spoke. "I'm nearing the end of my training actually, I expect to be your equal in no time at all actually." She remarked, risking another sip from the glass, only to put it down, though she was starting to appreciate the taste a little more.

Of course, this was only to be soured as Markov went back into his own personal achievements, perhaps he was trying to use his talents to attempt to garner her interests, alchemy was such a pressing thing to get ahold of after all; she of all people would know, she'd seen Kados struggle for it. "Ah, yes, my master was to teach alchemy to me once I had been elevated in rank. You know Darth Kados, do you not? He took me as his student, though he has been reserved about training me until my rank has increased." Kalanda shot back with her achievements, curious to see what Markov would respond to that information with. She was rather enjoying this game between themselves.

@ByakuyaXVTogami

 

[Darth Perilius]

.

Markov had asked about her training to keep the conversation going, and she gave a contemplating expression as she thought about if her student-master relationship was official. Kalanda explained how she was near her training, and Markov nodded in understanding.

“That’s good. You definitely look like you’re ready to become a Crusader...” he responded as the two both took another sip. Markov said his personal achievements as she then stated hers and he discovered how her master was Darth Kados: A Lord that he had worked with before, and funnily enough, had the same master.

“Funnily enough, Darth Kados is co-apprenticed with me to Councilor Darth Victress, so we work together decently often. We were supposed to earn Sith Alchemy together, but because I got myself into shenanigans and missions in the unknown regions, he’s going to come with me and help me finish my learning since he took the time to master it..” he explained. Markov wondered how she felt about her master being friends with the Crusader sitting beside her now, as well as how that would change her opinion over him.

Markov was enjoying the evening more than he was earlier now. He continued drinking with Kalanda as the evening went on. Soon enough, they had finished a bottle and Markov reclined more on the couch as the alcohol began loosening the two up. It took much more to make him tipsy than the last time he drunk much, but he began descending towards that again.

@Algarus