Ask A Serpent's Bite With Feline Eyes

[Sol Kenuk]

It was misty, the atmosphere buzzing with electricity. The jungle was an ominous and looming maw, a shadowy embrace of murk and undergrowth, blanketed by the rolling fog. Sol had yet to get his new laboratory started, and so it was here that he returned, the stone ritual circle still untouched. The gnarled grove is tainted by the dark side, and the Kel'dor can feel the chilling bite of it as he passes through the twisting trees, slithers like a snake toward the blood stained alter. The cat in his arms bristles, claws against the dark robes of the Sith with unrest. The air buzzed with tension, and the beasts of the wood were disturbed.

Sol doesn't hesitate, merely presses the small feline to his chest as he approaches the stone alter. The evening was late, and the sound of nocturnal insects hummed in pleasant ambience. Despite the humidity and the heat, the rolling mist and the deep mud, Sol does find some solace in the quiet, far from civilization. But soon enough, that would be shattered. Sol had not come here for the peace. He had come here for alchemy. Once again, the dark side swirls around his frame, an inky current in the force.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

After he arrived in Dromund Kaas, Caerllion decided to return to the same grove where he had met Sol sometime ago. The Annfyn had been studying more about Alchemy, but he still needed help from someone with more experience. He wondered if the Kel’Dor would be more willing to teach him.

When he arrived at the place, Caerllion saw that Sol was already here. To his surprise, the Kel’Dor was carrying a loth cat. The Acolyte smiled, apparently the Champion had decided to try his suggestion of using the feline in an experiment. He wondered what the other had in mind for it.

“Excuse me, Champion Kenuk. I felt the Dark Side coming from here and wondered if you wanted some help. We could continue using alchemy and sorcery.” he said politely, while walking toward the Kel’Dor. “I apologize for having misunderstood your intentions in the last time that we worked together. This will not happen again.”

Caerllion still thought that it wasn’t his fault. The Champion could have said that he wanted to make an antidote before giving the Acolyte the impression that he wanted to do cause an unecessary genocide in the Galaxy. However, as a politician, the Annfyn knew the necessity of backing down from his position if you wanted to achieve something.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

The croaks of frogs and the buzzing of insects is interrupted by the quiet footfalls of another. Sol almost curses aloud, but he remains silent, turns his head to peer coldly upon the Acolyte. This was the same one that had showed up last time, and now that the other knew how to find the ritual circle, it probably wouldn't be the last they stumbled across one another. At least until the Kel'dor had a more private place for his experiments.

In truth, he doesn't need the additional magick of the other to help anymore. Sol's still quite new to alchemy, but he knew well enough now how to manage it without the added use of sorcery to strengthen the animals. Even the rats could be mutated without the help of the Acolyte, now that Sol could recognize the sing-song ripples of alchemy through the inky vast seas of the dark side. Ultimately, Sol, too, could bolster the strength of his experiments, without the aid of any other, should it ever be needed.

His meditations after the last successful experiment, dark and dreary as they had been, had given some light as to why Sol's first attempts had ended in failure. It seemed that the more he wished to twist and mutate through alchemy, the more the sacrifice required. A drop of blood was not always enough. Sol now knew that to achieve greater results, he didn't need stronger animals, he needed a more substantial offering.

So, then, with Caerllion's help unnecessary for the alchemy, what purpose did the other Sith have? Sol supposed that if they were both looking to learn the skill together, then they'd might as well practice side by side for now. In any case, Sol was interested in learning more magick for himself, so seeing the other demonstrate it was ultimately more beneficial than not. The Kel'dor still didn't trust Caerllion after last time, even with the apology. Words were empty. Actions had far more meaning.

"You may stay, for now." Sol speaks simply, placing the loth cat upon the alter as talons slipped gently through it's fur, soothing the beast. This was just practice, really. Sol had no need for mutant loth cats running around. Just as he had said during their last meeting, the Kel'dor isn't interested in making mutants, he had other goals in mind. Practice made perfect either way, though, so of course he'd might as well take every chance he could at improving his skill.

"Tell me, what do you see, when you look upon this beast? What potential does it have?" Perhaps the Acolyte would have some ideas for the cat itself. Wings were one thing, but Sol's can't image a winged loth cat would frighten many. Claws and teeth were another, along with size, just like Sol's first mutation with the rat. Ultimately, though, what would be the difference between a size enhanced loth cat and a nexu? Other than the fact that the nexu was significantly more intimidating.

What then, could they utilize to twist the cute feline creature? Something a bit less noticeable, perhaps. After all, why not capitalize on the beast's harmless appearance?

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion smiled when Sol finally gave a positive answer for his question. “Thank you.” he said, before getting close to the altar. The vision of the Kel’Dor holding the loth cat on his arms was still strange. It made the Champion look more innocent, like an old lady with her felines.

However, the Acolyte was very aware that the Kel’Dor wasn’t innocent and that the feline was going to be his next guinea pig. “I see an innocent animal, one that many individuals would want to cuddle. I also see it as a formidable hunter, being able to pursue prey even during the dark of the night and through tight spots.”

“If you want to submit it to a procedure, I believe that a good final result could be turning it into a deadly assassin, capable of using its innocent appearance to approach targets and swiftly kill them.” Caerllion moved his hand to pet the animal’s head. The poor thing purred, being totally oblivious to what was going to happen with it.

“Different from the rat, I think it would be more beneficial if the loth cat remained with an innocent appearance, using it to hide its ferocity.” by this point Caerllion had already picked the animal and it was on his lap. He liked felines. “See it as the case of the black and purple orchid. No one expects that behind its beautiful colors, there is one of the most lethal poisons of the Galaxy.”

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

It seemed the two did agree on something. Maintaining the feline's harmless appearance might prove more useful than not, just as Caerllion had said. Most would be inclined to pet the animal, or pick it up and delight in it's purring. They wouldn't expect a fatal dose of poison, much like the orchid brought into the conversation. Ultimately, poison was all well and good, but it's delivery method was a bit more difficult with a cat. Sol doubts anyone is going to lick the animal, and if they did, the Kel'dor would think them odd. Venom, though, was just as effective, and with a far more preferable method of killing. Injection.

Of course, Sol hasn't dealt with venom all that much in his life, and twisting a loth cat to have the lethality of a serpent would require at least some understanding. He peers at the creature with cold eyes, thoughtful. The deep jungles and murky swamps of Dromund Kaas would undoubtedly have it's fair share of snakes, or other venomous creatures. Sol turns his frosty gaze back toward the acolyte, speaks with a chilling drawl, "We're going hunting." He advises simply, and though falling darkness and swirling mist would make sight difficult, the pair had the force to count on.

"Look for snakes." The Kel'dor motions for the other Acolyte to keep hold of the feline to insure that it wouldn't dart off the moment the two Sith turned their backs. On the up-side, they probably wouldn't be searching for too long. Sol's senses expand outward, well beyond the little grove of low hanging trees, as he steps deeper into the surrounding jungle in search of his prey. Under rocks, or debris, or rotting logs, perhaps even slithering through the shallow, murky pools. Wherever the adders might be hiding, Sol's confident that they'll find one soon enough.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion turned to look at Sol. “Hunt what?” he wondered what they were going after. While his species abominated hunting, the Acolyte knew that it was going to be a sacrifice necessary. If they had success with whatever experiment the Kel’Dor wanted to do, this could mean that they were going to help the Empire.

“Snakes.” he muttered, while swallowing his disgust for the idea of going to hunt. If they wanted them for the experiment, at least the animals would be caught alive. “I understand.” he said, before following Sol out of the grove. The Annfyn obeyed the Kel’Dor’s silent order and carried the loth cat with him. This way the feline would not escape while they were away.

“If you allow me, next time I can bring some cages. This can help us to maintain the animals there without having them flee while we are away.” it would facilitate the experiments and decrease the necessity of having them go after fresh creatures, because they could store them long term. He wondered if Sol would like this practicality or if he preferred to go hunt all the time that they lacked the necessary resources.

While they walked through the mud covered forest, Caerllion paid close attention to his surroundings. The serpents must be hiding here, they only needed to have patience to find them. Or perhaps use some tricks. Closing his eyes, the Acolyte gathered the darkness around himself and released it in the form of an invisible wave of Korriban magick.

After it returned, Caerllion opened his eyes. He had received some information of where the reptiles could be. “Do you see this fallen trunk?” he pointed to it. “I felt some type of cold blooded creature hiding below it. I think that it can be a snake.” if it was a lizard, they could take it for future experiments.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Sol peers upon the Acolyte as he speaks, the cold glow of his corrupted vision as vibrant as ever. With dry vocals, the Kel'dor responds, "Cages would make things easier." Sol agrees, although if he could get his laboratory set up, returning to the makeshift ritual circle wouldn't really be necessary. Time would tell how well that worked out, though.

He continues marching through the murk, using his muddied boots to kick over small logs, stones, and other debris. So far, he hadn't found any serpents slithering through the jungle ponds. When his companion points out a rotted, fallen trunk, Sol makes his way over with keen eyes and careful steps. He's shin deep in a cloudy puddle by that point, and the mud sucks at his boots as he finally reaches the splintered wood.

Calling the force to his fingertips, Sol flipped the old log with little more than a flick of his wrist. What darts out from beneath, though, did not have the long shape of a snake. It was, in fact, a lizard, small and blue tongued, and very much agitated by the disturbance that the two Sith had caused. Sol snorts with mild annoyance before he moves on.

If Caerllion wanted the lizard for a future experiment, then he'd have to catch it himself. Sol was still on the hunt for snakes. He makes his way toward an outcropping of moss covered boulders nearby. No doubt, the stone was warmed by the fading day's light. It was the perfect place for adders to hide in the swampy shadows.

"Let's check these stones." Sol points them out with a long claw as he makes his way forward. The mossy rocks are slick and covered in wet slime. Fungi grows around the many small boulders, some of which the Kel'dor was able to recognize. They hadn't come for mushrooms, though. He almost slips, but catches himself with a stumble. The terrain was dangerous here, thick mud, knee deep pools, and slippery rocks.

"Kel'dor were made for deserts, not swamps." Dry sarcasm drips from his maw as the Sith presses forward.

@LouJoVi (i rolled a 2 for finding a snake vs a lizard lmao)

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion watched Sol approach the trunk. Due to him holding the loth cat, the Annfyn couldn’t help the Sith pick whatever was below it. While using magick to locate things was a good ability, it wasn’t precise. They could find any animal with cold blood here.

In the end, Sol only found a small lizard. Seeing the creature trying to run away, with a speed that could be surpassed only by the use of the Force, made the Acolyte have some ideas. Moving his left hand, while using the other to hold the loth cat, Caerllion used his magick to immobilize the reptile. Then, he picked it up.

“I think that we could use lizards for other projects. What do you think of a mutated one? Fast enough to maintain its speed against a Jedi, but also capable of spitting something. I’m between fire or acid. Maybe some type of bacteria?” he added, remembering the Kel’Dor’s interest with disease. “We can explore this idea in the future.” he said, before giving the paralized reptile to the loth cat to play and eat.

When Sol mentioned the stones, Caerllion once again used his magick to investigate if there was something here. “I feel something here. This time it seems larger than the lizard below the trunk.” it could still be a lizard, but at least now they knew that there was something there.

“I understand you. My first time in a swamp wasn’t good.” he still remembers that time when he fell fifteen times in the mud. “Now I got used to it.” Caerllion said, before slipping in a rock that was covered by mud. His feet went deep in the mud, getting stuck over the knee. “Mostly used to it.” the Acolyte grumbled, before pulling his leg from there.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Sol says nothing as the other captures the lizard. The Acolyte seemed to have grown a fascination for mutating beasts with alchemy, but the Kel'dor isn't one to relate. There was far more that alchemy was capable of doing, and these were the things that the Kel'dor so greedily reached for. The loth cat would likely be the last time that he bothered with such mutations. As interesting as creating monsters was, Sol sought knowledge in poisons and disease. What he wished to release was not some mutant horror with gnashing fangs and ruthless claws, but rather, something far more intimidating, something that could not be seen, nor heard, nor smelled. Pestilence.

"You don't need my approval. You can make as many mutant lizards as you wish." The Champion responds simply. Neither required the other for their own experiments, after all.

Sol thinks that Caerllion's ambitions were rather mild, in comparison. But who was he to ruin the other man's hopes and dreams? The Acolyte could craft his monsters, and the Kel'dor would have his plagues. Regardless, the Kel'dor remains silent as he makes his way closer to the pile of moss covered rocks. He was more focused on avoiding a broken ankle than he was on trying to hold a conversation.

This wasn't his first time wading through a swamp, and in truth, Sol quite liked the ambience of such environments. He just wasn't overly fond of wading shin deep through mud. The falling light of dusk made it even worse. The Sith might have the force to help direct his footfalls, but that didn't do much against the hoard of blood-thirsty insects that buzzed around his form. Annoying creatures. Perhaps he'd mutate one of those, make himself a pony sized mosquito to harass his rivals with.

Despite the dry humor, he does finally make it to the slime covered boulders. His claws pull the pile apart, aided by the force. Like the Acolyte, Sol could sense that there was something lurking within the stones, and not just one animal either. He jerks his hand back as a hiss shatters the swampy air, just in time to avoid the twin fangs of a viper hidden in the rocks. Another serpent slithers deeper into the stones, and Sol's almost certain that he spots the glinting scales of a third, far too close to his boot for comfort. Snatching the first snake through the force, Sol jolts away from the rocky outcrop, and the venomous adder is brought to his fingers, where Sol quickly immobilizes the narrow head between his claws.

"There's a nest of them in there." He speaks bitterly, wading back toward the relatively sturdier ground nearby. His muddy boots press through the grass as Sol begins to make his way back to the rocky alter. Luckily, Sol thinks they're only going to need one. There was nothing really saying that the Kel'dor required the snake at all for his little alchemical project, but having the venom glands would certainly help, considering the goal.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Of course not, but I would like to have the help of your knowledge about microbiology. I was thinking about adding some bacteria to its saliva.” the Acolyte explained. He was starting to feel more interested in turning animals into biological weapons, rather than focusing on making plagues. This way, he could use Sol’s help in this project.

When they reached the stones, Caerllion watched the Kel’Dor search the crevices after snakes. The Annfyn remained close, but his hands were full with the loth cat. The feline had already finished the lizard and now was struggling, trying to get to the ground. While petting it seemed to calm the cat a bit, the animal was starting to feel bored with being carried all the time.

"Excellent!” he said, before turning to walk back to the grove. Now that they had the snake, the two could start working with the mutation of the loth cat. “You will soon become a new creature. One that will help the Empire.” Caerllion whispered to the feline in his arms, before petting it some more.

After crossing some more mud puddles, the two Sith returned to the grove. Caerllion placed the loth cat in the altar, while giving it a last petting. Then he waited for Sol to prepare the snake for the ritual. The Acolyte was excited to see the result of this new experiment. Hopefully the cat would survive.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

In truth, Sol's more of a chemist than a biologist. He had some knowledge in virology, a personal pet project of his. But microbiology? That was something entirely different. Bacteria was interesting, though. Perhaps he'd read up on it, see what he could learn from such a field. After all, he did want to expand his knowledge on illness, did he not? But that was something for another time. He wouldn't respond to the Acolyte's request, because Caerllion didn't need to know that the Kel'dor was not, in fact, a medical genius.

When the twisted grove rises before them once again, Sol ducks beneath it's canopy and strides through the cropped grass. He doesn't even need to ask for the feline to be returned to the alter, his fellow Sith does that without a word needing to be spoken. The beast was content, purring lightly. It enjoyed the attention that the Acolyte was giving it. It would probably still do so after the mutations that Sol intended to create. So long as the loth cat didn't die, it would be healthy and fine after the ritual. At least, that was the Kel'dor's hope. If something went horribly wrong, well, as unfortunate as that would be, such was the way of things. They'd just have to try again.

With the loth cat in place, there was only the matter of the viper, still gripped firmly within his claws. With the force, Sol lets the beast loose, allows it to levitate through the air ahead of him. It hisses, flicks it's forked tongue, and it's beady eyes rest upon the Champion, devoid of readable emotion. A flick of his claws, and the neck snaps, a quick enough death. Now, with the threat gone, the body of the slender animal returns to his hands, and Sol pries open it's mouth to peer curiously inside. It was certainly venomous, but he could tell from the shape of the head easily enough.

Now that the Kel'dor didn't have to worry about the beast biting him or the loth cat, he places it upon the alter as well. All they really needed was the venom itself, something to help Sol along, given his lack of knowledge on that subject. A guide, in a way, for with the snake on the alter, the Champion could picture the shape of it's venom glands, the venom itself, and how the injection worked. Then, it was only a matter of mutating the loth cat accordingly, to share such dangerous properties.

"You mentioned that the loth cat should not lose it's harmless appearance, so it will not." Sol speaks smoothly, "I intend to make it venomous. The upper canines will be made hollow, and venom glands will be positioned in the upper jaw." Of course, there was quite a bit more than just that required for the mutation to work, but Sol hadn't come out here to teach a class on snake anatomy, just as the Acolyte hadn't come out to the swamp to listen to such a thing. "If the cat doesn't die, you can keep it." Sol offers off-handedly. After all, what would he do with a cat? Sathrah would eat the poor thing.

"The properties of this venom will be both neurotoxic, and hemotoxic. In other words, it causes internal bleeding, necrosis, and paralysis. Capillaries burst and tissue dies. In small prey, the neurotoxin is enough to cause paralysis in the lungs and heart, resulting in a quick death. Sentients are typically quite a bit larger than a snake's average prey, though." The neurotoxin wasn't entirely necessary anyways. Internal bleeding would kill all the same. Still, the potency of such venom would prove deadly, if left untreated.

"The venom of this particular snake does have an antivenom. But the fact that it'll be coming from a loth cat and not a snake is sure to complicate matters for those bitten." Sol points out simply. He doesn't even think altering the venom would be necessary. After all, the average person getting bit by the little assassin cat wouldn't even know what antivenom to seek out. Perhaps they'd merely think they were having an allergic reaction, or caught some disease. Both scenarios would ultimately lead to a failure to seek adequate treatment, and in turn, death.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion watched, without any reaction, Sol kill the snake. Some members of his species would feel sick with the possibility of killing an animal without using any of the approved ways. In the past, the Annfyn would have turned away, but he now ignored it. The death of the reptile would bring great opportunities for the Empire.

The Annfyn paid close attention to what the Champion was saying, his eyes constantly moving from the death snake to the loth cat. The idea of such an innocent looking thing being capable of killing someone only with a bite made him smirk deviously. The ideas about using the animal in his plan to Annwfyn were already coming to his mind.

“I’ll keep her.” he said, mentioning what he had seen while petting the feline. “I already have plans for how to use her. I see a potential ally to have.” of course, if she survived the procedure. Hopefully his magick would be capable of saving her life.

With Sol’s explanation finished, Caerllion prepared for the ritual. Closing his eyes, the Acolyte reunited the Darkness around his body and muttered the spell in the Sith language. Then he opened his eyes and opened his hands over the loth cat. Soon it was covered by a red aura. Now it was the Kel’Dor’s turn.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Well, that settled that. The Acolyte could keep the little fur-ball. Sol closes his eyes, feels the flood of ice through his veins as he draws upon the force. Memories of pain, a sensation of helplessness. These things flash across his vision like poison, creeps through his mind to inspire a sensation of rage. Alone, terrified, forgotten. Abandoned by those he had loved. Now, falling into the dark, the void which aimed to swallow him. The fire grew hot and intense, a hellish blaze within his mind.

For a time, Sol can feel the pressure of it, can feel it like a feral beast writhing within, clawing desperately at his insides. This was not a hot flame, it was akin to icy winds and the soft sound of falling snow. Nonetheless, it was hungry, and the Kel'dor was all too eager to feed it. The flame would explode into power.

As the darkness swells within his spirit and glows like magma within his eyes, it is all Sol can do to stay on his feet. Eyes snap open, land upon the cat, and electricity sparks between his talons as words of ancient power rise past his lips. He speaks of venom and fangs, of a body twisted for nefarious purpose. The magick of Caerllion is a red mist that seeps across the bloodied stone and pools around the lurking feline.

Now, the loth was anxious, it's ears flattened to it's head, it's teeth bared. It could sense the risking darkness, the power that swirled through the grove.

Something crackled through the atmosphere, a thick and choking cloud invisible to the eye, and yet it was there as Sol spoke louder, drew breath faster, and demanded the submission of the force that coiled around him much like the snake on the alter. There is light, but it is a sickly thing. A sudden sensation of power like the clap of thunder. For a moment, Sol sees nothing but the darkness, taking shape as he willed it to do.

The loth cat struggles, tries to lunge from the alter, but the Kel'dor would not allow such an interruption from the panicked beast. The force coils around it's small frame and pins it to the stone. Finally, he could see it, the formation of what he desired taking shape. Energy saps from his frame, and a sense of fatigue frays at his thoughts. Still, though Sol presses on, hovers his wrist above the alter, and the cat that struggled upon stained stone.

Upon the Kel'dor's extended arm, old scabs, unhealed and untouched, stretched across ghostly skin, and the single swipe of a talon rips across one of these old wounds with a decisive gesture.

The blood that falls upon the stone is not a drop, not a small puddle. Rivulets cascade from pale flesh, devoured by the churning darkness. A crescendo rises within Sol's voice and spirit, a twist of fur and flesh, a burning of blood turned to power. Silence. The power fades. The force shifts from a blazing inferno to a quiet trickle. Sol sways. He keeps his footing, though. Can feel the sensation of that ice still beneath his skin.

With tired hands, he presses the dark fabric of his robe against the laceration carved into his fore-arm. This was quite a bit more taxing than merely growing the size of a rat. This was the creation of something deadlier, something with a far greater purpose than mere vanity.

The cat seems disturbed. It knows that something has changed, and yet it, too, seems weakened by the alchemy. The purr was gone, and the beast merely lays limply upon the stone, as if in a slumber. Sol hadn't intended to harm the animal, but he supposed he was still far from perfection when it came to such things. At least it was alive. Whether or not the venom was actually as potent as desired, that was something Caerllion would have to explore for himself.

For now, Sol merely moves toward one of the trees of the grove, and sits with his back leaning against it's trunk. It had been a taxing evening. The Acolyte could check on the cat himself.

@LouJoVi (rolled a 12 for this, so we'll say it was very taxing for Sol)

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Like the last time that he did it, Caerllion could feel the loth cat becoming tense while Sol started the ritual. She had started to struggle, but the Kel’Dor immobilized her with the Force. While it happened, the Annfyn would maintain his spell over the feline. Maintaining his strength so she could survive the ritual.

The Annfyn felt the changes happening in the cat, her body changing to fit the venom that would turn this innocent creature into a silent assassin. The feline had started to panic, knowing that something was becoming different. While it happened, Caerllion tried to maintain the feline alive through the use of his magick.

When the ritual finally came to an end, Caerllion ended his spell. Both Sol and the loth cat were exhausted from it, making the Annfyn conclude that, different from last time, this experiment had been more exhaustive for the Kel’ Dor. He wondered if it was because the animal used was larger or because he added an entire new biological structure in the creature. The Acolyte would take that in consideration when tried his own experiments in the future.

While Sol went to a corner of the grove, Caerllion walked toward the altar and gently picked the loth cat. The feline was exhausted and could have died during the ritual. “Poor thing, you can rest now. I’ll take care of you.” he smiled at her, before petting her head. He always wanted a pet, but his step-mother never allowed it. Now he had two, although Shergess was more a spoiled daughter than a pet.

Turning the animal so he could look at her eyes, Caerllion tilted his head. “Now you need a name. How can I call you?” the Acolyte would remain deep in thought for some moments until a smile appeared on his lips. “I already know a good one! From now on, your name is Teekl!” while saying that, the Annfyn touched the loth cat’s head with two fingers. A red spark appeared from it and moved through her body. The feline’s green eyes briefly shone scarlet. “With this telepathic spell, you are going to be my little spy.”

Cuddling Teekl in his arms like a baby and petting her head, Caerllion walked toward Sol. “You seem exhausted. This one was more difficult.” he said the obvious, but if Kel’Dor paid close attention there would be a point of concern. “Perhaps you should take the rest of the day to rest. Would you like to eat with me in the city? I would pay. See it as a small retribution for you giving her to me.” he gestured to the loth cat, who was purring calmly.

If Sol refused, Caerllion would turn and leave the grove. Now that he had Teekl, the Annfyn needed to test how well her venom was going to work.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

He listens from where he sits as the Acolyte coos at the beast, comforts it with soothing hands and soft vocals. Sol doesn't react, doesn't speak, he merely stares. Whether or not the Kel'dor was even capable of such a gentle tone was debatable. Very rarely did he show such soft emotion. Still, Caerllion seemed to have bonded with the animal, so who was Sol to judge?

From where he sat beneath the gnarled branches of the tree, he could almost feel the cold presence of paranoia touch his mind. The Acolyte could attack him, here and now, and he might actually stand a chance. Sol doesn't betray this feeling, though. His eyes don't leave the other Sith. It seemed Caerllion was much too busy naming his new pet to bother backstabbing the Kel'dor. Eventually though, the Acolyte does make his way closer to Sol. The man doesn't visibly tense, but he is vigilant all the same. The weight of his lightsaber reminds him that he'd have more than enough time to pull the weapon, if he needed to. Instead of an attack, Caerllion offers words. For a moment, Sol thinks he might have even detected a bit of concern in the younger man's tone.

Unusual, he thinks. So strange a sensation it was, to know that another Sith was concerned about him. But, Caerllion wanted to learn alchemy, Sol reasons. So it made sense that the other Sith wouldn't seize this opportunity. What would he gain by killing the Kel'dor? Less than he would with the Champion alive, no doubt. Sol peers up at the Annfyn, the loth cat still resting within his arms. It would probably need a few days to recover from the transformation. Sol would, too.

He's admittedly surprised to hear the offer from the Acolyte. Eat? Well, the Kel'dor wasn't about to suffocate himself by removing his mask, and he wonders if Caerllion even understood that Sol would be unable to remove it. He'd get something to go, perhaps. A meal that he could take home and eat later. It wasn't as if Sol was low on funds, quite the opposite in fact, but why turn down a free offer? He rises to his feet and dusts damp grass from his robes. He's certain that his knees feel rather shakier than usual, but that was nothing that a bit of rest couldn't fix. As for the laceration in his fore-arm, the bleeding was slowing down. Sol keeps the fabric of his sleeve pressed against the wound regardless.

"Any particular place you had in mind?" Sol inquires simply. Make friends not enemies, right? He still wasn't sure if he trusted the other Sith, but the fact that he didn't stab Sol while he was down was at least some indication of what to expect from the Acolyte. In any case, Sol picks his way out of the grove and back into the jungle. Night had fallen in it's entirety, and darkness shrouded the swamp. Despite his fatigue, the Kel'dor still knows his way back home.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Yes, there is a good restaurant in Kaas City. Due to being famous among the Acolytes and students, they have rooms to allow several species to eat with comfort. Including one for Kel’Dors.” Caerllion wasn’t stupid. He was well aware that the Champion wasn’t going to be able to eat without removing his mask. “I can pay for it and you can stay here eating.”

With Sol agreeing to his invitation, Caerllion would walk out of the grove. He would offer to help the Kel’Dor walk, by allowing him to hold his shoulder. However, if the Champion didn’t accept, the Acolyte wasn’t going to insist. He wasn’t going to act as a babysitter for the other Sith.

While they walked toward the city, the Annfyn continued holding Teekl in his arms. The loth cat was fast asleep, still very tired from the ritual that she had been subjected to. Caerllion couldn’t wait to test her venomous abilities, this was going to be very useful for the next time that he needs to deal with recalcitrant politicians of his homeworld.

The silence between the two Sith wasn’t unbearable, but Caerllion always loved to have small talk. He had learned that it was a good opportunity to make allies. However, he wasn’t sure about how to do it with the Kel’Dor, who seemed to want to stay in silence most of the time. Perhaps he should respect that.

After walking for some time, the two Sith left the forest and arrived in the outskirts of Kaas City. “The restaurant isn’t so far away.” the Annfyn said, while guiding Sol toward it. “It is near the area where the Academy used to be.”

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Despite living in the city, it's no real surprise that Sol isn't well acquainted with all the local establishments, he wasn't exactly a social butterfly, after all. The Kel'dor simply nods as he keeps his pace, stepping through the humid shadow of the jungle planet. Despite the Acolyte's subtle offering, Sol isn't about to lean on the other Sith. He was stubborn and prideful, and still very much distrustful. Nevertheless, he seems to be managing fine, using the force to guide his feet over various swamp debris. In the distance, the roll of thunder and the clash of lightning could be sighted warring above the shadowy horizon.

He opts for silence as they walk, enjoying the jungle ambience and the distant roar of a brewing storm. When they do finally reach the outskirts of Kaas City, he's rather eager to stomp some of the mud off his boots. Cold eyes shift toward the Acolyte as he speaks once more, mentioning the academy. Sol remembers the attack, the explosion that crumbled the school and rocked the planet. Construction was still ongoing, but it was progressing fairly well as far as the Kel'dor could see. That didn't change the amount of knowledge that had been lost in the bombing, though. Some things could never be replaced.

He shakes the grim thought from his head, and nods at Caerllion to continue. Sol would follow easily enough.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion would continue leading their way toward the restaurant. While he had studied at the Academy of Korriban, the Annfyn had visited the one in Kaas City on some occasions. It was a shame that the place was destroyed. Even if it was now being rebuilt, so many things were destroyed. The collection of holobooks in the Archives was completely lost.

“We arrived.” the Acolyte said, stopping in front of a nice looking building. Then, he walked inside and expected that the Kel’Dor would do the same. Like the outside, the interior of the restaurant was also well kept. There were some people eating on the tables, but the Annfyn ignored them.

He would take a seat next to the window and gesture for Sol to sit in front of him. Teekl was still sleeping on his arms and the Acolyte would occasionally pet her head. “You can ask anything that you want from the menu. You can also ask to use one of their special rooms, but I’ll need to go after paying. I have things to do at home.”

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Ah, the Acolyte wasn't even going to stick around? Really, Sol wouldn't have walked all this way otherwise, especially when he had more than enough money to fund entire parties worth of meals, much less his own. Annoyance pricks at his thoughts, because by that point, he could have made it home and simply passed out for the the night.

In other words, this restaurant idea probably just turned out to be a waste of his time. Was he really going to sit here and wait an hour at some fancy restaurant for an order to go?

"Ah, perhaps this would be better done another time then." The Kel'dor responds with a dismissive gesture.

He wasn't going to sit around and eat by himself, nor did he really care to. Sol's too tired to be rude about it, though. Ultimately, if Caerllion wasn't sticking around, neither was the Kel'dor. He simply had no other reason to. He certainly wasn't about to end up looking like some lonely weirdo who just got stood up in the middle of some fancy restaurant.

"I think I'll head home and pass out for the night. I would have ordered to-go anyways." Perhaps not entirely true, but he's too damn tired to be annoyed over such trivial matters. Either way, the Acolyte could take care of whatever it was he needed to take care of so badly in the middle of the night, and Sol could get some much needed rest. A win-win.

By that point, it was raining outside. The storm had moved in and thunder shook the building. Typical of Dromund Kaas. Ultimately, it didn't matter. The Kel'dor waves his goodbye to the Acolyte regardless. Next time someone invited him out to eat, he'd make sure it was someone who wasn't going to dash off at the first opportunity. Altair, perhaps?

Unlikely, but nonetheless an amusing thought.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion tilted his head in amusement while he watched Sol’s reaction. He thought that the scene was funny, with how the Kel’Dor didn’t want to stay at the restaurant if the Acolyte wasn’t going to do the same. Apparently, it was now the Champion that misunderstood the Acolyte’s intentions.

When the Kel’Dor rose from his seat like some type of resigned dramatic diva, Caerllion went after him. “When I said that this place had special rooms, I meant that they have one that simulates the atmosphere of your homeworld.” he explained, remembering how some Acolyte’s of Sol’s species used to talk about this place making them feel like home.

“If you decided to use one of these rooms, I would need to leave because I can’t follow you inside it. I don’t have an oxygen mask at the moment.” if he had, Caerllion would have followed him there. Since the Annfyn wasn’t hungry, the two still could have talked with each other.

“If you don't want to use the room, you can still ask for a takeout. I’ll still pay for it.” he smiled, waiting for the Kel’Dor answer. If after this explanation Sol still wanted to go home, Caerllion would say goodbye and pick a cab to his place. He wanted to give some love to Teekl, the poor loth cat deserved it.

@Nevermourn