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[Iymril]

Thule l Death Enabled​

Iymril had found themself excessively busy since the gala they’d gone to and taken Zira along as well. Between the business on Ziost, an increase demand for their presence on Umbara, and now the study of the dead alchemical beasts there wasn’t much free time. Fortunately for them, Arakyd had temporarily cleared their docket of voting for the board of executives. It seemed Orys still hadn’t given up on Mellie, he still believed that he would find his wife. A “love renewed” he called it.

Too bad Iymril had ensured the only renewal happening was her renewing the nutrients in the soil.

But with a few days of down time due to a recognized Sith holiday, the birthday of Darth Bane, Iymril now had free time. They had sat down in their living room wearing nothing but a sheer house robe. Their hair was brushed but they wore no makeup and had unpainted nails.

They were going to review the footage gathered on Zira’s necklace that night. Iym had requested Zira join them in reviewing the footage, not to humiliate her but just for her company. A frustrating fact that they were finding more and more frequent is that they enjoyed having Zira around to just talk with. It created a sense of normalcy that Iym hadn’t had since their time with their mas-

They shoved those thoughts aside and instead focused on what they had to do.

“Zira, bring popcorn! We always watch movies with popcorn!” They called out, knowing she was likely in the first or second floor kitchen. “And bring me some Nabooian Nectarines too!” They continued.

Snacks, blackmail, and porn. Who could ask for a better way to spend a long weekend?

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Zira’s job was to please her Masters. Part of that meant really getting to understand those Masters and their psychologies. This meant that she could pick up on Iymril’s thought process and patterns from her time with them. She already knew they wouldn’t enjoy a single bit of what they were going to watch. She knew it would make them see red and implode with rage. But it wasn’t her place to caution or warn them. She simply politely nodded as they excitedly prepared to view the footage, obtaining the desired snacks.

While any normal civilian would be horrified if forced to view footage what was a nonconsensual engagement, this was a part of daily life for a pleasure slave. Zira was desensitized to all of it and she sat next to the Sephi and passed the popcorn and nectarines.

Zira watched in silence as the footage played, hearing her own sultry voice and the way Orys looked at her. Before long, Iymril would see when the tiefling completely shifted to play the role of the Lich Queen. Zira stuffed a bit more popcorn in her mouth, watching with a rather neutral expression as the footage revealed all the ways Orys began to please her while happily exclaiming that he could please her better than ‘that stupid elf husband’ ever could. They would hear Zira's cries - fake, but convincing - of pleasure.

“More popcorn, my lord?” Zira asked nonchalantly as she held the bag over towards Iymril.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril settled into their seat, nestling in to ensure maximum comfort. They clicked the holoscreen on and the footage buffered. Zira eventually emerged from somewhere else in the house with the popcorn and nectarines. When she gracefully took her seat next to them, she’d hand them their snacks. Iymril’s ears perked slightly as they bit into one of the nectarines.

After a few seconds, the footage finished loading up and began to play. Iymril felt their blood heat up at the sight of Orys. That fat piglet of an old man. As the footage continued, Iymril excused themself to speak with Aller. The first moment of them being truly impressed with their slave occurred when Zira masterfully diverted Mrs. Melne to Ezra Thorne.

“That bitch didn’t even leave her husband to speak with me?” They accidentally mused out loud. A glimmer of jealousy bleeding into their voice.

Iymril was suddenly even more glad she was dead, they were no one’s second choice. They took a settling breath, pushing their envy to the side and focusing on the footage. They watched as Zira led Orys out to the balcony and began to ply her craft.

Their ears flicked, the first hints of possessive jealousy welling up.

As the conversation heated up between the two, micro-expressions of hate touched the edges of Iymril’s lips. Tiny reflections of envy danced as their eyes. However when they arrived at Orys’ home and the role play began new emotions came to life in the back of Iymril’s mind. They watched how effortlessly she fell into a character, how convincing her interest seemed.

Is she like this with me?

The thought only added fuel to the low burning fire. However, when Zira chose to sleep with Orys a limit had been reached. Iymril’s ears reddened at the tips and quivered with their anger. It was an emotional dam that finally broke when Orys said he could pleasure her in ways that they couldn’t. That her stupid elf husband couldn’t.

The images on the holoscreen froze then broke apart in a myriad of color. Iymril’s jaw tightened as they burned the projector out in the wall mounted device. The sound became deep and distorted before the screen sparked and went black. Iymril’s eyes fell to the floor and the screen cascaded to the floor as well. A mess of metal parts and glass scattered across the floor.

Without a word Iymril stood to their feet and tossed the nectarine with a pair of bites taken out it into Zira’s popcorn bowl. Their back was straightened, their mask of neutrality threatening to crack as tiny tremors touched their lips.

“Clean this shit up.” They ordered her before leaving the room.

Thankfully that wasn’t the only copy of the footage they’d made. Iymril would just compile it in private, rather than watch this filth with her. They settled themself by remembering how Orys’ wife had died, how they’d made her suffer. He paid the price for those words without realizing it and Iymril took satisfaction in that.

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Zira expected the outburst, but she still didn’t understand the psychology behind it. She often bore the brunt of punishments from masters that were sadistic for no reason. However, Iymril had outbursts directed at other things they owned or even other people at parties like with Millie. And it was always a triggered reaction from her actions. Actions that they commanded to begin with. Did Iymril like punishing themself?

“Yes, my lord,” She said calmly as she watched them storm from the room. She couldn’t deny the internal relief as it meant another night where they wouldn’t touch her. The Sephi had been too busy the past few days to have her in their bedchambers, and it gave Zira blissful peace at remaining unbothered.

–​

Zira continued to be in better spirits with the Sephi largely busy and away frequently. She took the time to organize everything in Iymril’s dwelling and sort all the clothing. They would be arriving later that evening, and she was out at the markets gathering ingredients to cook a meal she knew they would like. The better she prepared everything, the easier an evening would go with them, and she had no intention of drawing their ire.

It was almost evening and they signaled they were on their way. Zira had the table prepared with a multi course vegan meal with a gourmet spread. It began with a sweet potato and apple soup, then a lentil salad and a tofu and mushroom dish with fresh cilantro, cashews, mint and shallots and a low calorie vegan cake for dessert. This was complemented with light, crisp wines for every course that Zira knew Iymril would like.

“How were your travels, my lord?” She asked as she poured them a glass. They permitted her to join them at the table, so she took a seat before her own meal - which was a simple ham sandwich. She was not usually permitted to eat the same grand meals she prepared from past masters, so she continued the practice here of sticking to basics. Since Iymril detested being upstaged or considered ‘equal’ to Zira, she would take lesser meals in their presence.

“A diplomat from Onderon was passing through the market. She noticed the dress I wore and asked about the tailor,” She explained, “She said she would pay whatever is necessary to have such a designer,” Zira said, “If…it’s not too bold for me to suggest, you may consider starting your own clothing line,” She said almost nervously. She had been wanting to tell them that for a while, but finally mustered up the courage.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Work, studies, and scheming had kept Iymril far away from Thule. For too long they’d been stuck in Umbara’s cycle of endless gloom. To say returning home to the smell of dinner cooked was perfection would have been an understatement. Their dress shoes clicked lightly on the floor as they neatly hung their suit jacket and tie by the door. Iymril then made their way upstairs to the primary dining room on the second floor.

There they found a spread of vegan food on the table. They sank into their chair at the head of the table, they gently massaged their temples. Eventually, their eyes flitted towards Zira and watched her bite into her ham sandwich. Since Korriban they had become acutely aware of the fact they had allowed something to fester within them. Zira clouded their judgements and made them act irrationally. They were attracted to the Tiefling, she was beautiful. There was nothing wrong with finding her attractive.

But they’d allowed an attachment. Something that needed to be broken.

Before the thought could fully form, Zira spoke about a diplomat from Onderon. How the woman was enthralled by her dress. How she’d pay any amount for one like it. Then Zira made a suggestion.

Iymril leaned back into their chair and silently regarded her. Perhaps not breaking the attachment in a traditional manner. The Tiefling was always impressing Iymril and that meant she was useful.

“That is…probably the most intelligent thing I’ve heard in a while.” They stated plainly.

Iymril would call a bowl and spoon to them with the Force. The bowl and spoon would gracefully set themselves down in front of Zira. Iymril would gesture towards the soup, allowing her to serve herself.

“Eat, you and I are going to have a long night of planning.” They instructed.

This should have been obvious for them. Arcanos, Selene (or whatever her name was), Corax, even Master Osso had been impressed with their outfits. Arcanos had requested they tailor an outfit for him. Had Iymril just been too busy to see this?

After dinner, Iymril sat in the first floor office with Zira and began to structure a business plan. However, one thing became painfully clear, they’d need credits and more than what even they currently had to finance this. Iymril knew they could probably approach Arcanos with a solid business plan for financing…but then the Sith Lord would own a part of them.

Unacceptable.

Then they remembered the footage they’d compiled. They blackmailing that was coming up soon. Their ears perked slightly at that thought. It also reminded them of their own issue.

“Zira, I’m redefining your duties in this house.” They stated plainly. “You are no longer warming my bedchambers.” Iymril told her. “Your duties are shifting, you will still act as my agent in matters but you will also aid in running this business.” They explained.

Iymril wouldn’t elaborate on why they wouldn’t touch Zira anymore. Just that they wouldn’t. If this didn’t work? Well. Then there was still the more traditional route of breaking attachments.

After this, they’d clear their throat and then turn call a copy of the footage to them.

“I think we might be able to use the footage you gathered for more than just a controlling vote.” They explained. “I think Orys sleeping with my good wife, might constitute multiple favors to keep quiet.” Iymril’s ears twitched with anticipation. “Thoughts?”

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Zira was surprised at the response, watching as the Sephi effortlessly floated over a bowl and utensils. She would never get used to the Force and the constant reminder that Iymril could kill her with just a thought. Zira stared at them for a moment, “Thank you, my lord,” She said before she helped herself to some of the food she made. She couldn’t remember the last time she got to actually enjoy her own cooking outside of sampling for flavor during the process. She savored every bite, proud of her work.

When Iymril spoke of redefining her role and no longer sleeping with them, Zira blinked a few times, “I will be sharing the bed chambers of others?” She blurted out. While she was neutral towards sleeping with the Sephi, the prospect of her being bartered out to countless others sounded far more unpleasant, “Are you..displeased with me, my lord?” She asked, the fear unmistakable in her voice.

She couldn’t tell if this business opportunity was a good or bad thing. Where would her role as a pleasure slave come into this? After a moment of pause she spoke again, “My lord.. I feel as if I have been failing to serve you,” She said, her gaze downcast, “My actions have caused you distress both at the party..and even when viewing the footage. I..am not sure how to avoid causing you such…pain,” She muttered, “It is not my intent.”

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril lounged in their chair as they watched Zira serve herself. She would enjoy her own creation, they couldn’t blame her, she was an excellent cook. But the longer they gazed at her the more they realized the control she had over them. The more they realized that even if she didn’t realize it, the power dynamic was shifting.

They were becoming possessive and jealous. They found themself enjoying time spent with her beyond sex. Her doing their make up or watching silly children’s movies. They found an ember of excitement when they returned home. They were growing attached to her.

They’d been attached before. They’d fallen in love before. They remembered the way her lithe green body looked. Iymril could remember every scar on her. They could taste her lips. They still dreamt of her and awoke expecting her to be in their bed.

But she was well beyond any of those things now. Iym knew that.

They also knew the price for the love they’d experienced. The pain of betrayal. The feeling of grief and loss. The powerlessness as they were manipulated. They had worked so hard to free themself from that cycle. And yet here they were, potentially trapped in another one.

Zira never saw what was coming and was powerless to stop it. As she sipped from her bowl she’d suddenly stop. Her face would twist in confusion and pain as she lost her ability to breathe. Iymril’s golden eyes would flick to above the dining room table and she would hover there.

In that moment they broke their attachment. The snapping of each joint, every bone punctuated that shattering. Her screams and begging for mercy were met with not a distant cold gaze but one that teared up. Didn’t she know this hurt them too? How could she be so selfish?

The last thing Iymril snapped was her neck. But by then her ability to scream had been reduced to a wet gurgle. They gazed through bloodshot eyes at the lifeless body that hung in space above their table. Then they dropped it as a crumpled mess onto the dining room table. They sat there lounging, broken hearted at what they had to do.

“Thank you, my lord.”

Iymril blinked and the body was gone. It was Zira sitting next to them again. They gave her a small unfocused nod in reply. As she ate, Iymril thought on disposing of her further. They considered the outcomes, who it would offend. How that might impact them. Corax immediately came to mind.

There was something there. Iymril had seen how excited Zira was to see him. It was also odd that a young champion would abandon a Sith Lord and two newly minted Sith Masters to speak to a slave. There was something going on there and it reeked of a thing deeper than attachment. If they killed her, Corax, a trained killer and assassin would likely come for them.

Iymril didn’t have the contacts and relationships built to deal with that. They weren’t important enough yet to be untouchable. Instead, they explored a different opportunity, manipulation. This was an opportunity to have a fellow Champion in their pocket. They couldn’t squander it.

Their final decision had nothing to do with the fact they liked having Zira around. No. They could kill her if they wanted to, Iymril was sure of it. This was purely pragmatism.

Zira would live.

Iymril being able to continue enjoying all the small things they did together was just an added bonus.

When the pair of them sat together in the living room and Iymril made their announcement. They were surprised to see her reaction to it, they were confused. She seemed confused and concerned about sleeping with others. Then asked if something was wrong with her.

Iym blinked a few times in surprise to that.

“When I ask you to seduce someone for me. I do not want you to bed them.” They replied. “Get their guard down and let them tell you all their secrets for me.” Iym continued. “But leave them wanting for more.”

They paused for a moment. Thinking of how to phrase things. But decided to just choose to be open with her instead. Their ears dipped slightly as they began to speak.

“There is nothing defective or deficient about you.” Iym reassured her. “I’m just not interested in fucking you anymore.” They replied. “It brings me…confusion and I’d prefer it to not be present.” Iym explained.

They’d pat the seat next to them on the couch, a signal for her to draw closer and sit next to them. Iym stretched out in their seat and once again lounged. Their arm stretched along the back of the couch, as they’d sat when the pair first met.

“I told you that you would know things no one else in the Galaxy knew about me.” Iymril told her as they gazed down. “Listen to me and you’ll understand why I don’t want this confusion.” They explained.

“Let me tell you of how I joined the Sith.”

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Zira was surprised when they flatly stated they didn’t want her to bed her target. This was an odd, but welcome request. She simply nodded, not wanting to spoil the best news she had gotten in a while. The little twitches in her tail were unmistakable, but she hoped they wouldn’t notice. Visible confusion graced her features when Iymril stated that sleeping with her confused them. She chewed on that thought for a moment. Confusion. What a simple and yet complicated word. Iymril was never confused. They were methodical, calculating, exact, precise. For them to be confused was significant.

They left the dining room and towards the couch where Iymril sank into it and bid for her to join them. Were they drunk? Where was this coming from? She knew Sephi got drunk very easily, so she couldn’t help but wonder if they went a bit hard on the wine. Nonetheless, she exhaled softly and nodded, “Of course, my lord,” She said as she moved to sit down. However, she paused, “Let me do your hair while you tell me this story,” Zira offered, noticing how their hair looked more unkempt from travels.

Within moments, she grabbed some hair products to spray and pour into their hair. Her nails began to graze and gently massage their scalp for a while before she began to brush their hair. Zira focused on what she was doing as they told their story, speaking quietly when there was an interlude, “Doing this brings me confusion..” She muttered quietly, deep in her own thoughts as her eyes got lost in the silky, silvery strands. She was cursed to have a Sephi master that could hear even the softest mumbles.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

When Zira pushed to do their hair while they spoke, Iymril gave a simple nod. Their ears twitched slightly. It was more than consent, Iymril enjoyed the feeling of Zira’s fingers massaging their scalp. They enjoyed how she oiled and brushed their hair. It relaxed them and ensured that thoughts of her death faded into distant obscurity.

While Zira went to fetch their hair supplies, Iymril was left alone with their thoughts and memories. They felt a faint scratching in the back of their mind. A distant panicked cry that called their name. The ghost of a familiar voice. A voice they ignored as it turned into a mournful wail.

Their sensitive ears picked up on Zira as she started back towards them. Iymril returned their focus to the story they would tell. They would never admit it, but they were nervous. This was the first time they’d retell this story to another living being. While it meant they’d be vulnerable, it was only an illusion of vulnerability, right? They had the power of life and death when it came to Zira, they could kill her if she betrayed them. That thought allowed them to settle back down.

When Zira began to brush their hair Iymril would remain silent for a few seconds. They finally found their starting point.

“I was born on Thustra, my family was minor nobility there. My mother and father led our house with dignity and respect to our fellow Sephi.” They began, their ears initially neutral. “They believed in a more egalitarian society where our kind fully supported one another. Where there was no hunger or sickness or suffering…” Iymril paused for a moment. “…they were so naive. Good natured but naive.” It was a bitter statement. “When I was a young man the Force made itself known in me and at that time there was only the Jedi to train me.” Iymril explained. “My parents were unwilling to part with their only son but also wanted me to fully understand what was manifesting in me. They believed it could aid me in becoming a benevolent ruler.” Their ears flicked, a sign of irritation. “So they found me a tutor.”

There was a long pause, Iymril swallowed hard. They struggled speaking her name even after all this time. They forced their breathing to slow and almost began again when they heard Zira mutter to herself.

Fortunately for her, they misunderstood what she was referring to. Having only been half aware of her presence in the room anyways. They turned their head to regard her.

“You apply the scented oil after the massage and then brush before you braid.” They replied smooth. “Are you ill? Do you have a fever? We do this every night I am home.” Their ears returned to a more neutral position as they spoke. They weren’t mad or upset, but neither were they truly concerned about Zira’s state. She was there for them, not the other way around.

Even as they spoke they heard the echoes of their own voice in their mind. It was younger, unaware of the prices they would pay in the future. Just like their parents, they were just good natured as their parents and naive in those early days; even as they groaned her name.

Ayyr’Tel’Sarra

She was the Ayyr in their lungs and the chain around their neck.

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Zira listened intently as she brushed their hair, curious about how they referred to themself as he and son. This was from back before they were more comfortable with their identity and still had it defined for them by their family. When they paused to ask if she was ill, she froze for a moment. She had hoped they hadn’t heard her comment. Why did she say something foolish? Zira chastised herself internally and was pleased they were too self absorbed to catch on.

“Forgive me, my lord,” She said sheepishly, “This new brush is just..different,” Zira muttered, knowing the comment was mundane enough to slip under the radar.

Iymri continued on and she felt them stiffen as they paused before uttering the name. Zira didn’t need the Force to tell that there was pain involved in all this. She remained largely silent, noting how they were paused on that name. Zira finished up with their braid and walked around to take a seat next to them on the couch.

“And then what happened?” She asked, daring to get actually curious now. From where she was she could see their face properly, but it was also a way to let them know she was here and present instead of a faceless entity standing behind them. She could tell they craved companionship even if they would never admit it.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

When had she purchased a new brush for them? It really didn’t matter. Iymril didn’t question her further on it, simply flicking their hand lazily in acceptance instead.

After they had said Ayyr’s name once more, Iymril fell silent. They sat still while Zira finished braiding their hair, their mind was focused elsewhere. They remembered Ayyr when she was younger, a woman in her late twenties to early thirties. She had remained with them throughout the rise and fall of an Empire. They remembered watching her grow old while they remained nearly the same.

They barely noticed Zira finishing their hair until she came to sit by them. Iymril blinked several times, as if coming out of a trance and looked down at her. Their arm moved and wrapped along the backside of the couch, allowing her to scoot in closer.

“At some point, I fell in love.” They replied to her question. “She came to teach me how to wield the Force.” Their ears perked slightly at the memory. “She was always so confident and beautiful. Green flawless skin. The way her lekku fell across her shoulders.” Iymril’s lips upturned slightly. “And I was always a poor student in those days.” Iymril’s ears flicked slightly. My parents never knew she was a Sith Cultist and early on, I couldn’t have understood that either.” They explained. “But she caught on quickly to how I felt and for a time I thought she felt the same.”

There was another pause then. Iymril thought about how to put what happened next into words. It wasn’t easy and they still didn’t fully understand why, but they wanted to tell her this.

“Love makes people blind to the truth. It made me blind to who Ayyr shaped me into. It ensured I didn’t sense her lies.” Iymril’s gaze broke from Zira’s their ears dipped. “Ayyr convinced me to leave with her to rejoin the Sith gathering here and on Umbara.” They told Zira. “She also convinced me that true power requires sacrifice and that my parents were the last tie I had to my old life.” Their voice took on a tone for a brief moment, regret mixed with the clear pain. “So, she and I killed them together and robbed my own family before fleeing.”

“It was only once her and I were in space that her mask slipped.” Iymril explained. “When Ayyr began my lessons, she was in her late twenties or early thirties. But by the time we fled Thustra? She was well into her sixties.” Their jaw tightened. “She was afraid of dying and had no intention of taking my with her to Thule.” Their ears pinned back at the memory of betrayal. “There are rituals within the Dark Side that allow someone to trade spirits with another. To completely take control of their body and leave the other being in your corpse.” Iymril explained.

“I found notes about one such ritual and I ensured that she didn’t leave me to die in her body.” Iym told Zira. “I couldn’t kill her, even with her betrayal, I loved her. But I ensured that she could never harm me.” They nodded to themself as they uttered those words.

“And your eyes remind me of hers.” They said at last. “They remind me of the intimacy we shared.” Iymril continued. “And that confuses me.” They admitted. “Which is why I reacted how I did when we watched the footage together.” Iymril told her. “Which is why I am redefining our relationship. Because I cannot afford to be confused about anything if I want to survive.”

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Zira expected many things, but the admission of love was not one. It genuinely threw her off and the surprise was clear on her face. When they moved their arm, she hesitated for a moment before moving closer. She had a feeling they wouldn’t randomly attack or strike her at this moment - not during such a delicate confession. Zira watched every microexpression on their face, the twitches of the ears, the way their face changed the subtlest ways. They weren’t putting on a show - this was viscerally real.

“You loved her even through her aged appearance?” Zira couldn’t help but ask, genuinely humbled at the prospect - especially for the Iymril she knew today and the obsession with vanity. She imagined Iymril as a kind being in the past, one swept up in their emotions. Did they then decide to swing in the polar opposite direction in an attempt to never lose control again? The tiefling listened in silence, eventually moving closer so her horned head rested gingerly against their shoulder. Her gaze remained trained forward and on where the Holoscreen used to be.

“But…she did kill you, didn’t she?” Zira asked quietly, her gaze still remained fixed ahead, “She killed you and left someone else behind…here” She added as her hand rested lightly against their chest. She still didn’t meet their gaze so they wouldn’t have to look into her 'familiar' eyes, “So her influence…her treachery…lingers today..eternally.”

Zira thought for a moment, “If my eyes distress you, I can always get colored contacts,” She suggested, “I am very much not a twi’lek so you will not have to be confused,” She added before finally glancing up at them. There was just the faintest tug of an almost smile at her lips, but she didn’t dare allow it to slip.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril didn’t answer her question initially. They focused on finishing their story, a piece of their past instead. As they spoke Iymril felt Zira slide closer to them, she leaned into them. Iymril felt her head gently resting on their shoulder, they allowed that intimate connection. After they finished, they were silent as Zira asked her questions, made her statements, they even heard her offer. When her hand rested on their chest, there was a moment of discomfort but they settled back i

“I did love her despite her age.” Iymril began, starting with her earliest question. “Sephi live for hundreds of years, I was always going to outlive her if life took its natural course.” They explained. “The same way I will outlive you several times over.” Their voice wasn’t quite toneless, instead there a was almost gentleness to it. There was no threat pointed at her that echoed in it, the tiny micro-expressions, or the shifting of their ears.

Iymril thought on what Zira had said, Ayyr had killed them. They looked down at her face, the slight smile that on her lips, her hand that rested on their chest. She hadn’t looked up at them until her small joke, but the moment they saw her eyes, the world transformed. No longer was the beautiful Tiefling leaning against their shoulder, but Ayyr was.

She gazed up at him, the tenderness in her eyes, the love they were so sure that rested there. She kissed his shoulder that evening while they sat on a couch not so different from this one. The man Iymril was faintly smiled as he looked at her, the monster they’d become followed suit while they sat beside Zira.

“Have you thought about what I said?” She asked him, her voice sweeter than the honeyed wine they sipped together. “We could be free on Thule.” She whispered to him. “Free to just be us, you and I there.” The ghost continued the longing clear in her voice.

Iymril blinked several times and she was gone. They cleared their throat and gently slid from Zira. Steadily, the mask of cold nothingness slid back into place as Iymril recomposed themself.

“You can watch a movie of your choice tonight.” Iymril told her. “You may eat popcorn and enjoy a bottle of my wine. Be sure to rest, tomorrow we construct a business plan before going to visit Mr. Melne.” They continued, there was a long pause before they spoke again. “Do not change anything about yourself. Least of all your eyes.”

With that Iymril left Zira but they didn’t go to bed. Instead, they went to the lowest level of their home. The basement was a forbidden area for Zira, it had a lock on the door that was tied with their thumbprint.

——————

The door clicked open when they pressed the digit onto it. As they walked in and shut the door, lights automatically clicked on. Within the chamber was a collection of tomes, a pair of holocrons, an alchemist cauldron, a sorcerer’s brazier, a small pit filled with black sand, and a vertical cylindrical object that ran floor to ceiling. Metal encased the cylinder, obscuring whatever was in it but countless wires and tubes ran from it and to various machines.

Iymril walked past the meditation pit, and opened tomes that were half written and sat on desks. They approached the cylinder, placed a hand on its cool metal surface, and closed their eyes. Several machines lit up to their left, one rhythmically beeped as they pressed their hand to the surface. Through the Force, they felt what was within beginning to stir.

_/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\___/\_

“Shhhh.” They cooed to it. “That‘s right, I’m here.”

_/\___/\___/\___/\__/\__/\__/\__/\__/\__/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_/\_

Iymril’s ears perked slightly at the machine’s reply. Their eyes opened slowly. The golden gaze of a demon peered at the metal casing. A small smile touched their lips.

“I’ve missed you too.” They whispered in reply.

————————

Iymril had spent the night in their meditation chamber. They allowed the pain and hurt of the past to empower them and refresh their body. They were more refreshed than if they had slept for an entire day. When they left the meditation chambers they would go to shower and wrap themself in a robe after.

“Good morning Zira.” They called as they walked into the kitchen. “What are we having for breakfast today?”

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Zira was surprised when Iymril slipped away, leaving her alone on the couch. She didn’t miss that lost, faraway look in their eyes. It happened the moment she met their gaze. Her eyes were toxic for them, and she didn’t know what to make of it. She was so accustomed to being a pleasure slave that Iymril pulling away from her left her feeling inadequate and abandoned in a way. The tiefling’s gaze remained fixed in the direction they left, watching for a long time as they disappeared into chambers where she was forbidden.

The tiefling sat in silence, her hand resting where Iymril sat moments prior, where it was still warm and rapidly growing cool. She exhaled and went into another room that still had a Holoscreen, putting on a horror movie this time. She hadn’t seen too many of those and was left terrified. More than a few times she walked over and lingered near the door where she knew Iymril was. More than a few times she almost dared to knock. It was a night where she needed some company, but could she ever have such a luxury? Was it twisted that a silly movie made her desperately crave to be near the cruel Sephi? But no, she didn’t knock. She returned to her own chambers and gazed at the drawing Iymril had made of her that she pinned to the wall. It still took her to a different reality, a different galaxy, where she was as free as Esla. Where she was the Ice Queen. Where she wasn't so afraid.

She remembered Iymril’s words well, that it was all just a fantasy. But it was a fantasy she could hold onto tightly where no one could snatch it from her. At least for tonight, Iymril wouldn’t venture into her thoughts, wouldn’t see the fear of solitude she felt, wouldn’t see the toxic desires she had to be in their presence, to feel their touch again, to feel wanted again, to feel validated in her role.

---​

Zira wore extra makeup to hide the dark circles under her eyes from a restless, sleepless night. She knew she couldn’t look out of place no matter how tired or miserable she was. Breakfast was already waiting on the table by the time they arrived.

“Good morning, my lord,” She said politely, “I’ve prepared a cinnamon quinoa breakfast bowl for you,” She explained, “Vegan, of course,” Zira said, “And meiloorun fruit juice.”

She busied herself with cleaning the kitchen and putting dishes away while Iymril sat down to eat.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril sat down at the table, they gazed impassively at Zira. If the Tiefling believed that she was the only one who’d learned the other’s habits, she was wrong. Iymril didn’t view her as an equal but she was a part of their power base. She was the foundation of it in fact. And so, they quietly took a vested interested in learning her, to better pick out when something was wrong.

This morning, something was wrong.

Iymril’s ears lightly twitched as they watched the way she moved around the kitchen. There was something off about it, something they couldn’t quite put their finger on. That was until they caught a glimpse of her face for longer than a brief moment.

Did she forget they always wore make up, regardless of how they presented? Iymril could see where the make up was thicker than usual. It was meant to conceal. They disliked things being concealed from them even at a superficial level.

They didn’t address it yet. Instead, they began to eat their breakfast while Zira cleaned. Once she was done, they took a saucer that sat on their right hand side. They offered it to Zira and then looked at the food she’d prepared.

“Sit and eat.” Iym told her.

Iymril would slow the pace they ate at, intentionally. They would wait until she had her plate made. They’d wait until she took her first bite and then they would speak.

“You’ve applied extra foundation today.” They commented in an even tone. “That means you either got into a fight last night.” They glanced up at her. “In which case, I assume you won and disposed of our burglar.” It was a small deadpan joke, meant to ease a hair of tension. “Or you didn’t sleep well last night.” Iymril said, one of their eyebrows arched slightly to accent their statement. “So which was it?” They asked slowlyemphasizing each syllable of each word in their question.

The longer that Iymril waited for a response, the heavier and more frequent the ear twitches would become. A sign of their growing annoyance. But instead of reacting and harming Zira, they simply returned to eating. They denied her what she was used to from others, subverting her expectations.

“Make yourself a cup of caf.” They stated in a genuine neutral tone, not bothering to look up at her again. “You will help with the business plan and sleep on the ship.” Iymril continued. “And if you cannot sleep, come to me.”

What that meant was entirely up to Zira’s interpretation. Iymril would not elaborate.

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Zira sat down across from Iymril when they asked her to do so, helping herself to some of the fruit. She thought it would be another morning where the Sephi talked about their plans and rambled about themself. In some ways Zira found it pleasing - they had a very soothing, even voice that was the hallmark of many Sephi. This time, however, the focus turned on her and she visibly stiffened. Her tail jerked erratically, “Well…you should see the other guy,” Zira blurted out at first without thinking. She cleared her throat, certain they wouldn’t understand the quip. Then again..they were probably a million years old and probably knew every reference in history.

“It’s…rather embarrassing, my lord,” Zira said, her eyes downcast and her face actually turning a bit purple, “I watched this Holomovie..called Grin,” She grimaced, “And it..tormented me so I was unable to sleep. I…wanted to share your bed last night,” Zira said, “For no reason than to have your presence there and also because you are very unlikely to grin. I was very afraid,” She chuckled to herself, “It’s silly - just a Holomovie and it was terrifying to fall asleep,” She knew they could dive into her thoughts easily, so she wouldn’t omit any details. Regardless of how good she was at lying, this was not a hill to die on.

Zira shook her head, “I can’t disturb you for something so absurd. Not when you wish to distance yourself. I will serve you for whatever you desire. My…personal failings are for me to combat alone,” Zira said, chewing her lip as her tail twitched erratically.

She got up quickly and went to make herself the caf, still embarrassed by staying up from something so ridiculous, “Do you…forget?” Zira asked after a long moment, “Because you live so long, do you start to forget details? From your childhood and whatnot? Because I imagine the mind can only hold so much information,” Zira said, “So you have to let some things go, right?” She realized she was rambling and cleared her throat, quickly returning to what she was doing.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril had gotten used to the quiet and submissive thing that Zira had been. So, when they heard her joke, it gave them pause. Despite trying to appear at least annoyed, their ears flicked a few times. Iym was becoming aware of the fact Zira could read their ears and so likely knew that they thought that was funny.

Their face didn’t read that way though.

Instead, they glowered at her before returning to their meal. They’d listen to her explanation in absolute silence. Their ears flicking again when she mentioned them being unlikely to grin. There was a long pause before Iym spoke again.

“Are you saying that you miss sleeping next to me?” It was the first time Zira had admitted something like this since Elsa. “I’ll permit it.” They stated evenly.

Iymril wouldn’t admit it was because they enjoyed how warm her body was at night. Or how sleeping next to someone let them sleep just a hair more peacefully. One thing Iymril knew is that it had nothing to do with her. Right?

However, when Zira said something about her personal failings, they glanced up again. That was genuine remorse. Iymril had made this decision to be less confused but now they were just more confused.

“Why do you think you’ve failed me?” They asked.

It was her last question that drew Iymril’s full attention and interest. She was getting comfortable enough to begin asking questions, good. Iymril nodded as they chewed a mouthful of food. They washed it down with juice before speaking.

“Yes.” Iym replied. “But it’s different than how other species forgets.” They explained. “I can remember important events and people with perfect clarity. But things and others around them?” Iym asked rhetorically. “Those begin to fade into obscurity over the years.” Their ears dipped slightly as they spoke. “It’s why I draw those important to me, to ensure I never forget their faces.”

Iymril’s gaze didn’t stray from hers as they spoke. They searched for expression on her face. They wanted to know how that made her feel.

“Are you worried that I will forget about you one day?” They asked.

@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

Her eyes got wide when they asked if she missed sleeping next to them, “I’m just..not used to it..” Zira admitted sheepishly, “I’m used to masters..using my services and sending me away. You were the first to let me stay....afterwards.” She said awkwardly, her tail flicking back and forth, “It was new. And felt…safe?” Zira said tentatively. It was odd to feel safe with a slave master, but in her warped view it did provide her with a sense of security and survival. Being held after the deed made her feel more like a person.

Their question about failure was more difficult to answer, “I just..do not wish to burden you with my trivial problems,” Zira muttered quietly. This line of discussion made her feel like she was under a giant magnifying glass. She kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for Iymril to strike or threaten her. However, they stayed calm and relaxed, actively engaged.

Zira couldn’t help but chuckle at their question, “I’m not afraid of that,” She shook her head, “I’m as fleeting as the wind for you,” She glanced away, “But it would be awful to forget the voices and memories of people that meant a lot to you over the years. I can barely remember my mother’s voice and even my brother’s has started to fade away.. But unpleasant voices of my worst masters resound loud and clear.. Zira mused before quickly turning to look at Iymril again, “Forgive me, my lord, I’m out of line talking about my silly stories.”

She bowed her head as she rushed over to clean up their bowl and glass, “What would you like me to wear for the visit to Mr. Melne?”

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril remained silent as Zira explained that it was something new to her. She wasn’t used to be held after sex. She wasn’t used to intimacy. She wasn’t used to feeling safe. Their ear flicked slightly at her explanation.

“Do you sleep better when laying next to me?” Iymril asked her. “If so, you will sleep beside me at night going forward.” They continued. “I cannot have you exhausted during the day.” Iymril stated. “And no more deceptions, you will be honest with me going forward.” They instructed, their ears slightly pinning back. “Am I clear?”

That sternness faded slightly when Zira muttered beneath their breath. Unfortunately it was still heard by Iymril, their ears picking up each syllable. They crossed one leg over the other and palmed their chin.

“You are a key part of my power base, your problems are my own.” Iymril told her. “It is why I do not treat you like a common house, pleasure, or work slave. But I will determine what is a waste of my time or not.” The explained. “So tell me what bothers you and we will solve it together.” Iymril said evenly.

They finally listened to what Zira had to say about forgetting her family. It resonated with Iym. The memories of their parents had begun to fade over the years, that is why they drew the both of them. It kept their image fresh in Iymril’s mind. It ensured they’d never be forgotten.

“The harshest and cruelest of memories often linger the longest.” Iymril told her. “But those do not have to be a weakness, you can use them to become stronger.” Iymril told her. “Allow the scars of the past to motivate you, allow them to be teachers instead of demons.” They continued. “Only then can you find freedom from the hold they have on you.”

It was advice Iymril would normally have given an Acolyte. Yet they gave it freely to Zira. Why? She wasn’t Sith and they didn’t want to see her rise above her station. They wanted to keep her to themself.

But they also wanted a companion. And they could never find one with someone so…submissive. Zira had to grow just enough and Iymril would guide that growth into their own desires.

“We are going to his wife’s funeral. So something black.” They instructed. “But layout a black suit for me, one you like.” Iymril instructed off handedly. “Then pack a bag for each of us, we will be gone for a few days.”

Iymril began to steadily eat again before pausing. They gazed at their food for a moment before looking back to Zira.

“Why did you choose to sleep with him?” They asked, finally letting out the question that caused such an outrage a week before.
@Sreeya

 

[Zira Suvan]

“I do,” Zira said simply when they asked if she slept better next to them. She wasn’t sure if it had to do with them as much as just the presence of another next to her in bed. No sexual act, nothing like that, just lying together and feeling the warmth of someone. For all the ways she served her role as pleasure slave, she desperately craved closeness and different forms of intimacy that made her feel more like a person and less like a tool, “I do sleep better,” She finished. She nodded when they asked if it was clear.

Zira wasn’t sure she believed what Iymril said about solving problems together - she found it as yet another way to ensure they had tabs on all her thoughts and woes to control every aspect of her life. However, she would simply nod in agreement as she had done her entire life to survive.

She had a few dresses in mind for herself, but she was surprised at them wanting her to pick a suit she liked. Zira couldn’t help but find Iymril far more appealing in tailored masculine attire. Despite their role as her master, there was no denying the physical attraction that was there since she first set eyes on them. An attraction she despised and tried to bury. She considered several dresses for them to wear instead and wondered if they would see right through the suggestion.

Zira was shaken out of her thoughts by their question, visibly rattled. Her eyes widened in surprise as she had to first recall what Iymril even meant and then ponder on the answer. Mr. Melne was largely forgettable, “I didn’t choose, my lord,” Zira explained, “I did what was asked to collect compelling evidence. I am generally not permitted to say no when a target or client initiates any physical interaction with me. I have never chosen intimacy as a slave,” She said

“The first instance of me choosing is me wishing to sleep next to you.”

Zira said nothing more, politely excusing herself to begin packing and preparing. For once, it was her face that was stoic and impossible to read.

@Apollyon