Ask [Belsavis] Gaol Goal

[Serene]

Spoiler: Music

Song

Many years ago the Sith used to control Belsavis from Castle Gaol. A lot had happened since the world was claimed for the Order. The Sith Warden whom had occupied the castle had since gone missing. The Empire may have been aware of its existence or another group took control in the meantime. Whatever the case it was important to Serene to reclaim it.

The Sith Champion had already connected with Trael Osso in matters relating to the Deucalian population on the planet. Serene wondered if she might be able to convince some of the prisoners that remained to serve the Sith, if any of them still alive. But to gain control of the planet they needed to gain central control. The best way to do that was getting inside Castle Gaol unless Karys offered alternatives.

The work ahead was going to be no easy task which was why Serene Graves had reached out to Karys. The Sith Pureblood had more influence among the Order than she did not to mention a degree of personal skill she could not deny. After the execution of the traitor Cremek Candorous she had witnessed him become heavily injured in a fight against Cyutadakyr. She was curious to see how he had recovered and more importantly if he was up to the task.

Serene was not exactly in favor with Darth Tempest and thus she lacked any real support. The assets at her disposal were limited but despite this she worked with what she had. The sorceress usually traveled alone aside from droid thralls. It would have to be enough.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys had been hard at work planning the next stage of his goals when he heard a message chime at his data terminal. He opened the message and found a request from a Serene Graves. A cursory search of her name revealed her to be a Sith Champion who’d done very few things of note. Which meant she had no favor with the Dark Lord and was effectively a nobody.

It also meant Karys had leverage.

Karys sent a message in reply, agreeing to help at a cost. One he didn’t specify in his response. Instead, he sent her coordinates to his ship and a time for her to arrive. She’d reached out to him, that meant he had power in this engagement and he intended to wield it.

When Serene arrived, she’d find Karys in his kitchen. He wore grey sweat pants, a white tee, a lime green apron, and was barefoot but he was doing what he did best, aside from killing, cooking. Serene would be treated to Ziosti Magma Stew which had mostly been prepared already. At the place set for her on the table, she’d find a glass of wine already poured and a place set for dinner.

“Why Belsavis?” Karys asked her, back turned as he worked handmade dough. “And who are you intending to leave behind to rule?” He continued.

Karys wanted the measure of her. He had to see if she was one of the short-sighted Sith who desired to die in the open. Or if she had cunning in her and recognized the value of anonymity for the Order. Was she a puppet or a fellow puppeteer?

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Serene expected to owe Karys a favor or two, likely with interest. But that was the way of things and she was not going to gripe about it. The woman lacked the power necessary to do this on her own and that was a fact she needed to accept in order to change it.

Arriving at Karys's private ship she knew she was handicapped and for what reasons. If another Sith had reached out to her for aid she might have made similar power moves to control factors and prevent betrayal or manipulation. She respected the pureblood for the measures he was taking even if it limited the woman.

Sniffing the air from behind her helmet, Serene first took in the wafting scent of something hot in both temperature and probably spice level. She was not very accustomed to extremely spicy foods so she hoped this would not become an issue. Then again, maybe that was why it was served, to torture her.

An elegant eyebrow rose as she examined the cook and host of the meal. His casual attire was unexpected and far from glamorous but the man wore it well none-the-less. A slightly amused expression reached the corners of her mouth as she looked the champion up and down one last time before removing her helmet. She was dressed in her armor in contrast to lounge wear of her peer.

Serene stood next to her seat but did not take it yet and putting her helmet underneath one arm. For one thing she did not want to be ill mannered and sit down to eat without invitation. It would be rude to dig in. Another reason Serene refrained from eating or drinking was the chance for poison or other drugs spiking the food or drink. The thought crossed her paranoid mind but it was unlikely Karys would do such a thing to her. Ultimately it did not matter since Serene had asked him for help her so she would indulge the man in a meal.

"There are dark side energies that flow beneath the surface of the planet that I know can be harnessed. Belsavis has great potential as a fortress world but I primarily intend to use it for research and development." The pockets of temperate areas where volcanic activity occurred could be charted and reinforced to predict potential invasion points. One way or another the prison would serve the Sith but she continued. "Belsavis's galactic location in relation to Mustafar, the isolated nature of the world's populace and its predictably chaotic weather all make it somewhat attractive to me. Furthermore there are a population of Deucalians on the planet I'm working with Champion Osso with to control. They like harsh worlds and Belsavis can eventually be their home away from home." At least for now that was the idea.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys listened as he finished kneading the dough. He began to shape it into small bread bowls and slipped them into the oven. Only then would be then turn to face Serene, revealing the words on his apron.

Do more than kiss the chef.

Karys quirked an eyebrow ridge at his partner as he examined her. She took herself seriously. Karys made a note of it and poured his own glass of wine before leaning casually against his counter top. The case and reasonings she made were sound.

“Taking another world so close to Mustafar is wise, it gives us another bastion to defend the sector from.” Karys pointed out before sipping from his glass. “And harnessing the Dark Side nexus beneath the world could be a boon as well.” He continued. “Plus, Deucalians are every bit as fearsome as Mandalorians when it comes to defending their homes.” He mused out loud, he recognized Trael’s name but didn’t comment on it. “This has the makings of something worth my time.” He finally stated, giving Serene a nod of approval.

He would return to tending his stew then, ensuring that it didn’t burn. “They say you are a Force Witch.” Karys called over his shoulder, he didn’t care if it offended Serene or not. “Is that true?” He asked in genuine curiosity.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Serene's eyes moved from the place setting to the cook as he finished working the dough. His shoulders were broad and strong which she had seen in action against his former lover. At least she expected them to no longer be seeing one another considering how things had been left. The champion's gaze lingered on his back, dropping momentarily to look at his buttocks curiously until raising again before Karys could turn around and notice.

When he turned around she dropped her gaze to read the writing on his apron. It was kind of humorous if it did not make the woman wonder what expectations he had for the night. A part of Serene thought of acts that leaned more cruel than pleasurable. Immature acolytes that hit on her at best were ignored. At worst, she took them in private allowing them to think she had been seduced only to later make them regret the revealed charade when it was too late.

Serene looked back Karys and met his gaze as he replied. The corners of her mouths showed hints of a smile, taking his words for good new. "I'm glad to hear that." She bowed her head slightly.

The smell of the food was enticing even if it was going to be a difficult level of flavor for her mouth. Her attention remained primarily on the other Sith making the food. But he commented on her reputation and posed a question. She was a sorceress, a dark sider and many other things. Nightsisters of Dathomir were witches in her mind and she had just scratched the surface of her own potential. Serene felt she had a long way to go before she could rival them or perhaps join them. "I take it as a compliment." She confirmed in a way. The more she was called a witch, the more she felt empowered by it. "Does witchcraft bother you?" Her head tilted to the size, trying to read the man from behind.

It was not lost on her how vulnerable the man was seemingly making himself. The thought crossed her mind whether or not she would be able to take him in a fight especially if he was just in his casual outfit and lowered guard. But something told Serene such an opening was an illusion or just bait that would spring a trap for the foolish. Serene did not want Karys dead, harmed or anything of the kind. Not now at least. In fact she was enjoying his company so far.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys could feel Serene’s eyes on him. He didn’t mind nor did he care. He’d grown accustomed his size or physique drawing the attentions of others. Instead, he focused on his task while they spoke. Once he’d turned around to face Serene, he watched her eyes drop to read his apron. His gazed tracked her’s, he read it as well and then looked back up towards her.

Fuck.

He’d forgotten what the apron had said entirely and the image of a chef opening his mouth for a cooked sausage link didn’t help much either. Karys opted to ignore the accidental implication for now, they had more important things to focus on. After he’d given his assessment of her plan and listened to her response, he smirked as he turned back to continue cooking.

After his comment, Karys heard Serene’s reply and question. He gave an amused chuckle at her question. He was Pureblood Sith, his culture had laid the foundations for Alchemy and Sorcery. Did witchcraft bother him? Absolutely not.

“On the contrary, it interests me.” He replied cooly. “I’ll help but my payment will be a coven of five trained witches like yourself.” He told her without looking over his shoulder. “How they are procured and their loyalties secured doesn’t matter to me, but they will serve in my entourage.” He stated plainly to Serene.

Karys knew his weak point, while his command over the Dark Side had strengthened. Largely in thanks to the knowledge from Cyutadakyr’s power base. It still wasn’t to a place he was comfortable with. These trained witches would serve a dual purpose, he would learn from their rituals and they would protect him on missions.

He turned from the stew to face Serene then.

“Do we have a deal?” He asked as he wiped his hands on a hand towel.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Serene was mildly entertained by Karys' choice of wardrobe. It told her a little about him, or at least what he was willing to show her. She was pleased to hear he was not bothered by her methods or style of conduct. If he had issues with her he would have probably voiced them.

The woman's demeanor became serious at the mention of a coven. Five trained witches was not a small ask, not for Serene's standards. Her silence hung in the air as she thought about what the champion was asking of her. Thoughtfully she inhaled through her nose and back out before answering. He even followed up with the obvious question.

In her mind she had already decided she would need five apprentices. Wherever she found these force sensitive candidates, even if deucallian shamans or mercenary nightsisters, they needed to be trained and led by Serene and held to her standards. One apprentice was more than she had expected to take on in the near future but now she would need to craft a coven from the ground up. Like Serene, these future witches would rise to the occasion. There was no alternative.

"Yes. We do." She answered, following it with a nod. The armored woman was getting a lot in return from Karys in this deal. This would be the beginning of her teaching and extension of influence. The coven would serve to be the testbed for similar groups she might mentor and lead going forward. If it proved to be effective then Serene expected to repeat her success which Karys would benefit from as well.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys watched Serene’s expression tense, he heard her sharp nasally inhale, and the release of that breath too. He knew his price was high, apparently that hadn’t been something she had initially thought about. He didn’t care though, she could either match his requirements, or she couldn’t. Either way, he’d be compensated for his time.

Karys flashed a grin at Serene’s reply. “Good.” He replied before gesturing for her to take a seat at the table. “Sit and enjoy the finger food, spiced and honeyed vegetables and nuts.” He told her. “Dinner is almost ready.”

Karys was right, within half an hour the stew would be ready, as would be the bread bowls he’d made for them. Karys would serve them both and then take his seat opposite of her. He was relaxed in his posture, casual in the way he spoke, he was sure of himself.

“So, you likely know more about me than I know of you.” Karys stated plainly. “Tell me, how did you come to learn your sorcery?” He asked pointedly.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Serene was not particularly hungry but she took a seat at Karys's invitation. Taking in the smell of the food at first she looked down to examine it. As far as she could tell it was not poisonous and her analysis of her host led her to believe he would not want to do such a thing.

After Karys left to get the stew she took some of the finger food in her gloved hands. Each of the foodstuffs smelled delicious, but the fact she did not trust her peer could not be denied even if it was an insult. So she did her next best attempt to avoid offense. The honeyed vegetables and nuts would touch her gloves and make the appearance she had selected some of the finger food for consumption but the pureblood would not personally witness any such act.

Just on schedule the time came for the main course to be served. Serene smiled at the lovely presentation. "It smells delectable." An honest compliment towards the chef's cooking. But she held off on taking a bite. The heat rose from the stew and could use some cooling. Plus she wanted to see how the Sith Pureblood ate his. The bowl appeared to be edible so perhaps there was a traditional procedure for eating it.

Karys posed her a question, saving her from taking a bite anytime soon. However she liked to keep her metaphorical cards close to her vest. Very few people knew anything about her and what they did were only the details she allowed them to know. The walls in her mind and spirit hardened in response but on the exterior Serene appeared no different than a woman giving thought to the question.

"I am mostly self taught." She finally said as a matter of fact. "Would you believe me if I told you it came naturally?" A smug grin hinted at the corners of her mouth.

"Do not take this personally but contrary to popular belief I try not to concern myself with the half-truths of my peers' personal lives." That was not completely true but the pureblood had no way of knowing. Serene kept tabs on anyone she considered interesting however only had so much time in her day to process the intelligence. There was also the matter that there were few she considered her "peer" as well as the chance many of their histories were exaggerated, falsified or misleading. On a personal level Serene felt it was rude to pry into people's personal lives but that had never stopped her from digging up knowledge on enemies and comrades alike. She continued with barely a pause and a grin that turned flirtatious. "But if you want to regale me with some of your exploits I would not say no, Karys."

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys began to eat his stew as Serene spoke. Every now and then he’d pause to tear a chunk of bread from the top of the his bowl. He’d casually dip it into the broth and then pop it into his mouth. He listened to what she had to say, he didn’t necessarily believe the majority of it. But he didn’t say anything about it, Sith kept their secrets and he wouldn’t pry hers from her.

“Self-taught eh?” He replied after swallowing a mouthful of stew. “That’s an impressive feat. It speaks to a natural attunement to the Dark Side.” He continued. “That’s rare, I should know.” He smirked at that.

If she was a studied Sith, she’d know about his species and how deeply entangled they were with the Dark Side. It was a literal part of them. It pumped through their veins as much as their blood did. It made every member of their species intimately connected to it.

Well, save for one.

Karys chuckled at Serene’s statement about not caring for the personal life of her peers. He glanced up from his meal and at her with a look that said don’t bullshit me.

“I suppose you’re just interested in the blood samples of your contemporaries then hmm?” Karys asked casually. He knew she’d know exactly what he was referring to.

Karys would listen to her own question and noted the flirtatious smirk on her face. It confirmed his previous suspicions, she held some interest in him. Karys’ golden gaze didn’t move from her eyes, his expression remained unreadable.

“Most of my exploits can be read about in the reports surrounding them.” He replied calmly. “Unless you’re asking about other exploits?” Karys asked her. “Are you interested in knowing about my other exploits, Serene?” Karys placed his spoon down as he asked the question and crossed one leg over the other.

Karys ensured his voice and expression remained neutral. His mental guards were raised to ensure she couldn’t peer into his emotions to get information.

@Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Serene smiled at both Karys complimenting her and then his self flattery. He was a proud individual but there was a reason for it. The Champion had accomplished a great deal even if many of the details were not confirmed. "Thank you, Karys." Getting praise meant more when it was given by someone who could actually relate. What Serene lacked in natural affinity she made up for in work ethic and enthusiasm.

Her hand picked up a spoon and began to stir her stew slightly, making sure she would not burn her mouth. She could not help but let out a small giggle. "Not all of them. I do it for different reasons. Not all of it is nefarious." She felt honest about what she was saying and shrugged like it was no big deal. But she would not expand on it further unless asked.

Karys's expression was as stony as ever and she wondered if she had upset him. But he was being as cautious as any Sith would. His stoicness made her wonder though if that also meant he was enticed. She stopped stirring the stew and let the spoon sit in the bowl as she steepled both hands over it.

Her provocative grin widened when he was talking about other exploits. She had indeed heard and researched some of his official history. But there was more to him than what any report said. "I will say I do not go to a speakeasy to drink club soda." She was not sure what he meant by "other exploits" exactly. She had just meant significant accomplishments. It was just as likely he was going to share his sexual partners identities as he would divulge a secret accomplishment. Either seemed interesting enough to the sorceress.

@Apollyon