Ask Crimson Suns

[Darth Tempest]

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Even through her armor, Tempest could feel the oppressive heat of Thyrsus’ twin suns bearing down upon her. It was brutal and unforgiving, transforming the landscape around her into an arid wasteland - devoid of all but the most rugged and resilient of terrestrial lifeforms. As one might expect, Thyrsian civilization that established itself around the oasis’ and subterranean caverns that were scattered across the planetary surface.

Of course, it was in the clear opposite direction that Tempest traveled - towards the sun-baked ruins and fortifications, tucked deep into the desert landscape. Despite its relative obscurity, it’s connection to the Sith spanned well over a century, dating back to the reign of Palpatine. Rumor of an observatory - established by the Emperor and protected by his Sun Guard - persisted through the years, and ultimately drew the Dark Lord into the desert.

She didn’t know what was waiting for her in the desert, or what was left to be found. Whatever secrets had been left by Palpatine were hers alone to claim.

The Dark Lord was adorned in her signature crimson-and-black armor - features concealed by the infamous mask. The curved hilt of her lightsaber was clipped to her belt - the glint of electrum catching the light every so often. The crystal of Indy Sati had been difficult to bleed, but the blade would serve her well indeed.

Leaving her ship as close as she could, Tempest continued to March towards a canyon ahead - where the earth split and created a narrow path through the mountainside. Even from a distance, she could feel the thrum of life through the Force, indicating that something was almost certainly waiting for her.

@Orbit

 

[Dei Ra'Vida]

Arriving earlier, Sanguis would be within the canyon, crouched at the edge of a dried riverbed as he inspected the hellscape surrounding him. He couldn't help but notice the similarities between himself and the land, how both had shared a similar fate when he had been younger. Like the suns that scorched the surface, preventing any opportunity for growth, so did his family treat him when his true nature could not be hidden.

It was ironic to him that even though he had never visited Thyrsus before, it felt more like home to him than Eshan ever did, even in this brief meeting. The two of them were more related than he initially realized, and he surprisingly felt more at ease on the planet's surface because of that.

Before he became too deeply lost in his thoughts, Sanguis sensed another presence, a powerful one that engulfed him without a second thought. Smoothly, he spun on his heel and stood to his full height as he faced the direction of this new entity. His hands remained by his side, predicting that being armed with them would lead to more of a negative outcome than a positive one.

When Darth Tempest crested the slope and entered Sanguis' view, he was unable to contain the shock that spread across his face. Out of all the possibilities, he hadn't expected this one. Thankfully, his crimson helmet hid his reaction, as he wouldn't have been able to mask it in time. The Dark Lord's armor was easily recognizable, as was her immense power. He wasn't able to determine whether this was a blessing in disguise or not, as her presence completely changed everything. Either way, he was walking on a tightrope now and had to play his cards right.

Sanguis recovered quickly, offering a deep bow of respect as he greeted himself with a modulated voice, "My Lord, what a surprise, but a welcomed one at that." If she was here for the reason that he was, then it wouldn't exactly be welcomed but he would adapt.

 

[Darth Tempest]

Truthfully, Tempest wasn’t expecting company on Thyrsus. The planet was desolate and hostile to most forms of sentient life, and it drove its natives to cluster in the few places considered hospitable. Anyone who ventured so far into the desert did so with clear purpose - and accepted the risk associated with such a journey. The fact that someone else was interested in the same thing she was - presumably - could either prove useful or a nuisance. Only time would tell.

As she crested over the sandy hills, the gaze of the Dark Lord fell upon Sanguis - the man standing out plainly against the dull landscape. His crimson helmet and attire immediately captured her attention, hinting at his origins. Her own aura in the Force was palpable, like static in the air that would cause every hair on Sanguis’ body to stand at attention.

“A surprise indeed,” She said, her smooth voice mechanized and scrambled by the filter of her mask. The Dark Lord kept both hands tucked against the small of her back, head tilted in his direction. His use of proper title and show of deference was noted, and made him all the more tolerable along her path.

“What have you learned of the ruins ahead?” She said after a moment. The Dark Lord had her own plans and objectives - and had every intention of using the Acolyte to further those goals, now that he was here. With any luck, they would help each other.

@Orbit

 

[Dei Ra'Vida]

Not only was Darth Tempest's power palpable, it was tantalizing, as if the very current of the air were electrified. Sanguis' master had always spoken of such power, but here was a literal representation of what it could ultimately bring. In such close proximity to the Dark Lord, he was able to realize exactly how much he desired that power for himself. It burned from his heart, igniting the ambition that was burrowed within and traveling through his veins like fire.

Returning to his full height, he glanced behind him momentarily before answering her question, "At the moment, just stories—the typical ramblings of people. The ruins are haunted; nobody ventures there out of fear of a cure, etcetera." Sanguis shrugged his shoulders, not surprised given Palpatine's personal touch to the observatory. The old Emperor had a way of leaving his taint wherever he traveled—well, at least from what he had read. "You've arrived before I entered them myself to see. Allow me to lead the way, my Lord," he admitted truthfully, willingly ignoring that the true reason he hadn't entered was because of the landscape and its ties to his past.

Sanguis offered another bow before turning to lead the way for Tempest, offering his back to her as they progressed further into the canyon. The pair would be able to tell they were approaching as the natural rocks began to appear cut and manmade to form a natural path. When the two passed underneath an arch that formed a pseudo-gate, they saw the start of the previous Imperial pressence, abandoned lights, and checkpoints, with the dirt path transforming more into a road.

The acolyte walked down the middle of the path, his gaze scanning from left to right momentarily. He asked Darth Tempest after, "What brings you to Thyrsus, my Lord?"