Ask Dawn of a New Age

Karys · Nov 26, 2023

Four days after the events of Why?

Every day had been more perfect than the last. Karys was beginning to get used to falling asleep with Azar in his arms once more, waking up with his head on his chest. While there was an air of sadness and a depth of grieving, Karys couldn't help but melt into the private intimate moments he and Azar were finally able to share once again. For the first time in a long time, everything felt right in Karys' world again.

Karys had been settling into his role as a patriarch of the family. He'd found many of the Kressh were initially hesitant around him, aside from the Kresshlings who were absolutely enthralled by the giant in their midst. However, he'd steadily been earning their trust and chipping away at the walls that guarded their hearts and minds. Karys was determined to prove himself to his new family. He was determined to show them he wasn't merely a kinslayer but a guardian worthy of their name and, hopefully, admiration.

The grotthu had been going through the dead of the Sadow invaders over the last few days. They were picking through the corpses looking for any intelligence that they could possibly find. One had found something of interest late into the evening the night before. While looking into it was important, Azar and Karys had been pre-occupied when the news arrived. They mutually opted to investigate what had been found later, that later was today at some point.

Much like every other morning over the last few days, Karys woke to the cool breeze that flowed in from their balcony, the weight of Azar's head still on his chest. He laid there for a few more minutes, completely in bliss while simply listening to the sound of Azar's soft snores. Eventually, Karys' fingers would begin to gently run through his husband's hair as he began their morning ritual.

<Good morning sleepyhead.> He whispered between light kisses on the top of Azar's head. <We slept in but have a busy day today.> He gently reminded.

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 26, 2023

“I don’t want toooo..” Azar sleepily groaned, nuzzling his face against Karys’ chest. He had missed this during their time apart and he was making up for that lost time by being inseparable from Karys. Azar more or less used his husband as a bed after his terrible sleeping habits scooted the larger man off the bed multiple times. The Pureblood closed his eyes and pondered going back to sleep again.

“If I’m head of house, shouldn’t I just get to do what I want?” He murmured softly, “Why can’t I just stay here and do nothing with you for days?” Azar exhaled, his mind drifting back to the reality he didn’t want to face just yet. The pressure was almost overwhelming - he had to take over all the logistics of running the Kressh fortress, he had to manage all the finances, he had to appoint a new council since the last one was eliminated, he had to deal with Nana Kressh.

And he had to prepare for war.

What if no one believed in him? What if he failed at this? What if he was responsible for the collapse of House Kressh?

“Karys..” He whispered softly, looking up at his husband, “Would you truly stand by me even if I lose everything? If I have nothing to my name, if I am exiled by the Dark Lord, if I am stripped of everything that makes me an asset in any way?” Azar asked aloud, giving voice to his deepest fears. Of being entirely and truly alone.

@Apollyon

Karys · Nov 27, 2023

Karys smiled and lightly chuckled at Azar’s words and the feeling of his husband burying his face in his chest. Karys began to use both hands as he affectionately ran his fingers through Azar’s hair. His golden eyes softly gazed down at his spouse, even as the smaller man closed his eyes again.

 He replied softly.

However, Azar’s comment on being the head of the house got another, deeper, chuckle from Karys. This was one of the many reasons he’d fallen in love with Azar, these tiny moments of being cuddled up together. Karys’ fingers slowly fell from Azar’s hair and down his back. Lightly dragging along his husband’s back on either side of his spine.

<As lovely as that sounds babe, I do not think that is how our newfound responsibilities work.> Karys teased before giving Azar another kiss on his head.

When Azar shifted to look up at him, he’d find Karys’ soft golden eyes already looking down at him. Karys started to smile gently before his husband even speak. That was until he saw the look of concern written on his face and felt the anxiety building within him. Karys’ brow furrowed in response, his mouth opened to ask what was wrong. Azar beat him to the punch with his line of questions.

Karys was quiet for a moment, his hands sliding up to cup either side of Azar’s face. His voice was quiet, comforting, and spoke to the depths of love and devotion he had to his husband.

<Azar, I did not fall in love with you for titles, or wealth, or position.> He began. He continued, his thumbs gently stroking his husband’s cheeks. <So you can never have nothing, because I will always be by your side until I draw my final breath.> He reassured. He finished with a gentle kiss.

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 27, 2023

Azar had to remember he wasn’t alone - Karys was his bloodbound husband and had newfound responsibilities to uphold for the Kressh house just as he had. Zygerria’s management would have prepared him for it, though Azar never could have guessed where those skills would apply. The Pureblood smiled at the other man’s words, remembering back on Zygerria when he challenged Karys to seek out the man Azar and not the entity.

He rolled over to sit on Karys’ abdomen, his nude torso perched proudly atop his man. Azar looked down at Karys, his gaze roaming over that broad chest, the wounds he endured to get where he was today. Azar’s fingers traced over his chest, sliding down towards his stomach and over the abs, “I’m sorry I ever doubted you..” He said with a sigh, looking away, “I.. when.. I left that day on Thule because I thought you chose the child. Chose her,” Azar said, unable to keep the venom from lacing his words, “I let rage blind me and I ran from you,” He gave a hollow laugh, “It was being away from you that made me truly appreciate the depths of my love for you,” He said as he gazed back into Karys’ eyes again.

“You have changed me in many ways, you know,” He admitted softly, “A lot of the walls I used to have are lowered now..and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad,” Azar said, his mind drifting off for a moment, “And you’ve changed as well,” He said, staring at his man, “You have grown cold..distant.. Sometimes I miss the other parts of you,” Azar said, shaking his head, “They're all the sides of you that I had considered weak but evidently they’re exactly the sides that made me fall so hard for you.”

@Apollyon

Karys · Nov 27, 2023

Karys wasn’t expecting Azar to roll onto him and take a seat on him. He didn’t mind, he usually preferred this position. But right now, that wasn’t on his mind. A smirk appeared on Karys’ lips as he felt Azar’s fingers trace down his chest, abs, and stomach. He tried extra hard not to have that on his mind now. Karys’ hands gently fell to Azar’s waist as he listened to his husband. He listened to Azar’s apology, his explaination, his confessions, and his concern.

Karys’ eyes never broken from Azar’s face, the love in them never wavered. Karys didn’t judge Azar for how he’d felt, even he thought he would have. He’d initially come to Korriban for answers but the rage he’d felt faded away the moment he saw Azar.

<Babe, you have nothing to apologize for.> He replied. He explained. <Maybe that one, maybe not. But because of that dream, I could not finish what I needed to.> He continued, his hand sliding down to Azar’s thigh. <She was never in the picture.> He reassured. <It was always you.>

Karys paused for a moment before continuing.

<When you left, I’ve never been more afraid.> Karys admitted. <I’d rather face down a Sith Lord than face that fear again.> Karys gave a sad smirk. He explained. <All of those things that you love about me still exist babe, but they exist only for you. No one else will see that deeply into me other than you.> Karys promised.

However, now felt like an appropriate time to discuss something else. Azar had become less guarded, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. But Karys did have some concerns about who Azar had chosen to become less guarded with.

<We need to discuss Trael, babe.> Karys said with a small sigh. Karys admitted evenly. Karys continued. <Trael is responsible for the incident on Zygerria. He’s been robbed because of his own ignorance and short-sightedness. And now he’s had to be rescued from Kessel for giving a Hutt his Royal name.> Karys began. <He asks you for aid in all his endeavors but he doesn’t give anything in return…> His voice trailed off as he explained. <…he only takes from you Azar.> He whispered, there was a sadness in his voice. Karys explained. <And I fear his weakness will only lead to your heartbreak.>

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 27, 2023

Azar understood now what made Karys hesitate. He had been foolish not to see it before - the images of the two men raising a child, the vision Karys had, it was always just the two of them. The Pureblood smiled fondly down at Karys, deciding that he was prepared to move on from that. If they could resolve things with Nevizkas, perhaps he wouldn’t even be opposed to adopting the child and decreeing it royal if it made Karys happy. Once he was King, anything was possible - including validated half royals.

He was yanked out of his thoughts when Karys brought up Trael, the surprise clear on his face. The Pureblood opened his mouth a few times to interject, but he couldn’t help but silently listen in the end. Azar sighed and rolled off Karys, stepping off the bed. He disagreed, but even he couldn’t deny that saving the man from Kessel the way he did was out of character. He didn’t exploit Trael all the ways he could have.

“He…admittedly has terrible luck,” Azar said quietly as he poured himself some water from a jug, standing near one of the columns. The rays of sun bathed his toned, crimson body, “But I believe he cares for me..he is simply terrible at expressing it,” Azar took a sip and looked back at Karys, “I won’t deny I am attached to him, perhaps more than I expected. I can’t expect everyone I desire to be as brilliant as I, can I?” He asked with a smirk. It wasn't even bias - Azar knew he was in a league of his own when it came to others.

@Apollyon

Karys · Nov 27, 2023

Karys knew Azar wasn’t happy to have this conversation but it was one they needed to have. Karys watched as Azar rolled off of him. He didn’t stop his husband but did prop up on an elbow to maintain eye contact.

Karys would listen to Azar’s counter points. They were arguments made from emotion and not logic. Karys took a deep breath and plucked his EZphone up. He accessed the Sith mission and incident reports. Having the favor of the Dark Lord had its benefits.

<Azar…come and look at these reports.> He told his husband calmly.

Karys would hand Azar his phone to read from. Karys knew what they stated, they would start with Zygerria and the incident with Param. Then how his ship had been robbed from him by a female agent after reports stated he’d gone on a date with her. Then he’d been captured on Rothana after referring to Nevizkas as his wife. How he’d taken Azar’s own apprentice to a world where a civil war had claimed the lives of its inhabitants. And between all these things were his countless other failures, including Kessel and how easily he’d been betrayed by the Hutts after leading their forces.

<Azar, most of these reports have something in common…> Karys began slowly. <His blunders are in effort to impress women.> He explained. <And even when they aren’t, they are catastrophic in nature.> He pointed out. <This man will bring ruin to himself and all those he touches…> Karys said with genuine concern. <…I don’t want his inevitable fate to fall on you as well.> He whispered. Karys stated. <Because I can see things going on that right now, you cannot.>

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 27, 2023

Azar was silent as he looked over the reports. In truth, none of it surprised him. Even during their time together, Azar had convinced himself several times that Trael only really pursued women. Perhaps Azar was an experiment, a little break from the norm. And Azar got caught up in it all the same. Even so, he couldn’t deny his own feelings. The reports all had the same theme, and the cover for Nevizkas was a new level of low. Kessel was out of line and he knew it. Azar potentially put himself on a Hutt shitlist to get out someone he was attached to without thinking twice. The logical process would have been to inform the Dark Lord, purposely hinder Trael’s progress to Master, and then offer to rescue in exchange for something huge. Azar did none of that. Trael owed him nothing. It was not how the Pureblood normally operated and his husband picked up on it right away.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, his shoulders drooping as he gazed down at reports, “I have taught you well,” Azar said quietly after a long moment, a sad smile gracing his lips as he noted the methodical approach Karys took. Eventually he handed the EZPhone back, glancing back at Karys.

“Either you find me too incompetent and foolish to handle the inevitability of Trael choosing women every time and believe I would allow his failures to bring me down-” Azar said, “Or you fear the potential of me falling deeply in love with him,” He paused, “Which one is it?” His face was impassive and difficult to read.

@Apollyon

Karys · Nov 28, 2023

When Azar began to read the reports, Karys slid next to him at the edge of their bed. He knew this wouldn’t be easy, he knew it would hurt. But this had to be done, he had to protect the man he loved. When Azar’s shoulders drooped, Karys gently wrapped his arm around his husband’s waist and pulled him close.

He gave Azar a sad smile at the comment on being taught well. He was right, Azar did teach him well, and Karys hated using those lessons in this manner. He replied quietly.

Then Karys listened to Azar’s own conclusion from this. His eyes grew sad as he looked down at his husband. The answer was neither of course.

<You are not incompetent nor are you foolish.> Karys replied. <And I do not fear you falling in love with another.> Karys continued. <You are the most brilliant, talented, and strongest man I know. And we were both raised in homes with multiple mothers and concubines. Some of which our parents loved very much.> He explained. <But when we care for someone, our judgements about them are clouded. Mine was around Param and Nevizkas once.> Karys confessed. <They were my friends and that allowed them to blindside me. It made me willing to ignore their slights. It only led to suffering.> He continued. Karys whispered. <He isn’t worth the pain he will bring, just as they weren’t worth the pain they brought to me.> He reassured. <If I ever begin to fall in love with another, I’d want you to do this for me.> Karys told his husband. <I’d want you to ensure they were worthy of my love.>

<You will always be safe at my side.> Karys reiterated after a moment. It was a pledge he’d given on New Alderaan and one he would always uphold. He whispered at last.

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 28, 2023

Azar leaned against Karys when he pulled him close. He couldn’t even fathom never having that chest and the powerful arms around him. He couldn’t imagine a reality where Karys wasn’t his sanctuary to remain there even as the rest of the galaxy collapsed away. Azar exhaled softly at his words, gazing off at nothing. He couldn’t agree with all of it - especially because he couldn’t cast his feelings for the human aside so easily. However, his husband was always going to be his rock, the one that could see him through all his successes and failures.

“I was going to forge a gauntlet for him,” Azar admitted quietly, his head leaning into Karys, “I ought to make it for someone that can truly cherish me,” He looked up and smiled at his husband. Azar moved to climb into Karys lap, wrapping his arms around his neck, “Karys sometimes I wonder…” He trailed off, sighing, “Never mind..” He shook his head. It was too preposterous a thought, especially as Pureblood. A Sadow, of all Houses, would never understand it.

“I love you,” Azar responded at last, gazing back at Karys again before leaning in to kiss him, “And only you,” He added, clearing off any suspicions regardless, “You have grown in so many ways, Karys,” He said, running his fingers gently through Karys’ hair, “I am proud to call you my husband. You make me a better man every day and help me find my strength at times when I don’t even know I am weak,” Azar smiled tenderly at Karys, “I would choose you in this life and any other life. I would choose you in the Mortis realms, in the worlds between worlds, in the realms of the ancient Sith and our ancestors in the hall of Adas himself. Let our names be forever woven together for millennia to come and beyond the last days of the galaxy.”

@Apollyon

Karys · Nov 28, 2023

Karys’ eyebrow ridges raised at Azar’s confession. He felt that deeply for Trael? Karys let out a small quiet sigh. He understood how his husband felt. He understood the pain of having to read through those reports and documents. Karys wished that Trael’s track record was different, that his intervention wasn’t needed.

But that simply wasn’t the case.

Karys was drawn out of his thoughts when he felt Azar climb onto his lap and wrap his arms around his neck. Karys’ arms instinctively moved to wrap around his husband’s waist and support him as they sat there. He gazed into Azar’s eyes, there was sadness in Karys’ golden pools. It spoke to the pain he felt, a suffering that resonated with Azar’s own.

Azar had begun to say something when he stopped. Did he feel ashamed or embarrassed? Karys gently tugged Azar closer into him when his husband shook his head.

<Hey…> He whispered gently as he rested his forehead against Azar’s. <…hide nothing from me Azar. What are your thoughts?> He asked.

Karys smiled softly when Azar told him that he loved him as well. It caused the same heady rush it did when the words first left Azar’s lips. And then Karys leaned into Azar’s kiss, he savored the taste of the man he loved. His arms pulled Azar in even closer, leaving no room between their bodies. Karys would linger there in that moment, that kiss, he melted into it and let his emotions flow so freely into it.

Azar would feel his concern, his love, his protective nature but no jealousy, no hate, no rage. Everything was born from the depths of his love for his partner, his mate, his spouse. This unspoken communication finally broke when Azar pulled away.

Karys smiled sheepishly at Azar’s words. He leaned his head into his husband’s hand as he played with his hair. This intimacy is what Karys craved, he knew Azar knew it as well. He sighed slowly at the gentle touches and words.

<You’ve grown as well Azar.> Karys replied as his eyes flicked back open. <No longer are you the reclusive Potionsmaster of Umbara.> A smirk touched Karys’ lips at those words. <Your journey has led you to redemption and a throne.> Karys whispered, there was a hint of sadness in his words.

Karys knew their paths were permanently intertwined, just like their hearts were. But the roads to get here looked vastly different. Azar was rising like a Phoenix from the ashes. Karys was a star collapsing into a void that drew everything in. They were both changing and evolving but into different things. Azar would bring hope and life to their people. Karys would bring death and fear to their enemies.

How perfectly our roles were reversed.

<You have shaped my strength Azar.> Karys replied with misty eyes. <Our love shaped me into who I am. It showed me what is most important.> Karys voice trembled with emotion. <You.> He whispered. <Your name is etched so many times onto my heart that I’m unsure there is room for more script.> Karys admitted, knowing how alien those words would sound. Karys stated finally. <And when my end comes, it will be your face that I think of. And it will be for you that I wait beyond the veil.> He continued. <Our names, our love will defy the Galaxy and shake it to its foundations.> Karys said at last.

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 28, 2023

Azar’s own eyes began to get misty just from seeing that in Karys’ own. Since when could the other man invoke emotions so easily from him? The Pureblood could sit here like this all day, their bodies pressed together and basking in the warmth they shared. Azar listened to what Karys said, smiling tenderly at him. However, by the time he finished, Azar’s eyes widened in shock.

“Karys..” He said quietly, cupping the side of Karys’ face with his hand, “You can’t possibly know that,” Azar said with a faint smile, “Our way is to love many. It has been that way for thousands of years,” He looked away for a moment, “I… what I was saying earlier was a foolish thought. I was wondering if we shouldn’t consider monogamy,” It felt odd even saying it out loud, “You know, like you see in those silly Holomovies and with the other races,” Azar couldn’t help but giggle, having put Karys through many sappy romance dramas.

He closed his eyes and buried his face against Karys’ neck, “Neither of us would be truly happy with that even if it may seem like we desire it. You are my bloodbound husband, Karys, no one can ever replace you,” Azar held him tightly, wondering if his sentiments about not loving another was part of what sprung this entire Trael episode. Would he be pushing this as hard if he felt he could love another?

“I have no reservations about you loving others, Karys, even women,” Azar added with a sheepish smile. He knew it was a trigger in the past, “I know where I stand with you and that’s all that matters.”

@Apollyon

Karys · Nov 28, 2023

Karys gazed into Azar’s eyes, those perfect golden pools. Even as he spoke he saw the emotion that flicked through them, he could read it in Azar as easily as he could ur-Kittat. It was the shock towards the end that Karys had expected, he knew admitting how he felt was almost taboo in their culture. But so was their love. Sadow and Kressh, two lineages thar should be eternally pitted against one another were now bound in the deepest of covenants.

With that in mind, his admission felt like the lesser sin.

When Karys felt Azar’s hand cup the side of his face he leaned his face into it, like he’d done countless times before. But this time his eyes didn’t close, he just gazed into Azar’s eyes. He understood why Azar disagreed, Karys didn’t disagree that the way he felt was unnatural for their kind. Perhaps Azar was right? Karys hadn’t bothered to let anyone else past his walls and after Trokein, he’d built them so high.

 Karys stated, his eyes falling in shame and focusing on their laps. He continued quietly.

Karys knew monogamy between him and Azar wouldn’t bring true joy. He knew Azar was right on all fronts, even if they only played with others, it would only lead to jealousy and spite. They’d tried that and tasted that poison together already, he didn’t want to ingest it again.

<Azar…> He whispered. <…I am terrified of letting another in.> He confessed. <What if I have to kill them and I’m not strong enough?> He asked. <What if I hesitate?> He continued. <What if they don’t?> He was spiraling now.

<And what will I become if I don’t hesitate at all?> He concluded. The real fear lay in that question. Would it get easier to kill those he loved if he started down that path? Would he become desensitized to it?

To the rest of the Order, Karys was a being that had been shaped into a titan, literally and metaphorically. He had killed Param and broken a Sith Master. He was a rising star, favored of the Dark Lord, and strength made incarnate. But here, with Azar, his insecurities shined through.

 He confessed. <…what if killing them turns me into something you don’t even recognize anymore?> He asked, his gaze returning to meet Azar.

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 29, 2023

Azar listened as Karys spoke, his walls down and removed. Both men had allowed one another to see their vulnerable sides. Something had drastically shifted since the bloodbinding ritual, and it manifested in the way they interacted with one another. Azar could empathize far more with his husband now, and it made their bond that much stronger. He calmly heard Karys out through that spiral, smiling fondly at the end of it.

“This is not something you go looking for, baby,” Azar said, “It happens if it happens, and if it does not, then so be it. You are not ready to let another in, so don’t. It doesn’t have to be forever. Allow yourself time to heal and accept who you are,” He explained, sliding his hand along the side of Karys’ face.

“Loving is always giving away a part of yourself, Karys,” Azar said, “It will always emotionally impact you. You can only hope that those you love are worthy of it - just as you’ve told me. Unless they directly cause harm to our powerbase or betray us, you will have no reason to kill them,” He sighed as he looked away. Perhaps Param had not deserved such a fate, but it was too late now. If Nevizkas had no intentions for going after Korriban throne, even she wouldn’t be classed as a threat.

Azar paused for a moment, “If the thought of killing them comes up, it would mean they have caused you a slight beyond just toying with your emotions. It would have to be a strike against your assets, taking away what’s yours, betraying you or harming me. Killing for that would be justified and it will not haunt you.”

Sith did not operate like humans. Justified killings would not eat away at their minds like it did for humans.

“Love when and if you are ready,” Azar said before he leaned in for a kiss, “Besides, I’m more than enough drama to keep you occupied in the meantime,” He said with a wink.

@Apollyon

Karys · Nov 30, 2023

Karys listened to Azar speak, he felt his hand lightly stroke the side of his face. He closed his eyes and took a deep, steadying breath. He knew his husband was right. He couldn’t find love, love had a tendency to find you. It had with them.

Karys smirked and gave a quiet chuckle as he remembered Zygerria. He was so young then, so naive and inexperienced. He’d barely survived a week of civil war when he saw Azar for the first time. He could have never imagined that he had met his husband on that day.

Love worked in the strangest ways.

Karys leaned forward and rested his head in the crook of Azar’s neck. He nuzzled into his husband as he continued listening. His mind wasn’t calm but it was steady, his spiral slowly ceasing. He didn’t have to love another and if he did, then he’d worry about everything else that came with it. For now, he had Azar and that was more than enough.

Karys’ head would lift from the crook of Azar’s neck as he finished speaking. Karys would lightly kiss his husband, his hand rising from his back to trace the outline of his face. A weight finally left his shoulders, he’d gotten his own fears out of the way. As their kiss broke Karys exhaled and a light smile graced his features.

<Thank you baby.> He whispered before Azar’s final comment was uttered. It would be at that the small smile spread into a grin. <You always find a way to keep my time filled that’s sure.> He replied with a chuckle. <How’s about we fill something el->

A knock at the door interrupted that line of thought. Karys scowled as a voice called to them through the door, pulling him away from their little slice of heaven and back to the realities of the day. The grotthu messenger on the other side reminded them of the findings and reported something of greater importance as well.

<Zygerria all over again…> Karys muttered, remembering the lack of release he had to endure the entire day.

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 30, 2023

Azar smiled at Karys after the kiss, though it began to turn to one of amusement when Karys began to change the topic to something else entirely. Their heavy conversation had briefly made Azar forget their state of attire and proximity. However, when the interruption came, Azar only smirked.

“It can wait,” His voice projected powerfully to the Grotthu. Unless they were under active attack, it would wait. This was not Zygerria. He was in charge here, and things ran on his schedule. Azar pushed Karys back into the bed, not hesitating to climb back on to pin his hands down at his sides. He grinned down at his husband, “We’re not going anywhere till I’ve had my fill of you.”

In typical Azar fashion, once they were done, it took ages for Karys to convince him to get out of bed again. By then, it was well past afternoon, but he dragged Karys into a bath with him before finally preparing for the day.

Azar dressed in robes once more, turning to Karys, “You said something about Yavin?” He asked as he put in an earring and checked himself out in the mirror. Azar spun around to glance at his rear to make sure the robes flattered it.

@Apollyon

Karys · Nov 30, 2023

At Azar’s words an hungry wolfish grin came to life on Karys’ face. When his husband pushed him back onto their bed, Karys giggled in delight and anticipation. He loved it when Azar took control like this, there was something hot about it.

<Oh don’t worry babe, I’ll be sure to give you exactly what you need.>

Their bed was a tangle of sheets, damp with sweat, and the scent of sex wafted through their room after they had finished. Karys initially was in no rush to get Azar up and moving. Karys loved laying in the afterglow with his husband. He enjoyed running his fingers across Azar tattooed skin. The taste of salt when he’d give him tiny little kisses. The way Azar fit so perfectly in the crook of his arms as the cuddled together.

How did I get so lucky?

The thought crossed Karys’ mind as he gazed down at his husband. Karys knew that no one would ever hold a flame to Azar, but moments like these just confirmed it more. It didn’t matter if he loved another, if he had children with another, they’d always be secondary to this beautiful and wonderful man. Karys was hopelessly in love.

Unfortunately, the day did continue onward and the pair eventually had to get ready for it. It took a lot of coaxing from Karys but eventually he got Azar out of their bed. Karys was dragged from their bed and towards the bathroom to take a bath with his husband. Something he didn’t need to be coaxed into at all. After their bath, Karys would watch as Azar got dressed.

 Karys told Azar warmly when he turned to face him. <It makes your ass just look amazing.> He continued. His mind wandering back to what they had just finished doing a few hours ago.

Those were thoughts doomed to fade once Azar spoke again. Karys had to blink the images of passion and lust from his mind. To get the sounds of Azar moans purged from him head, at least for now. Yavin? Karys’ mind raced back until the memory popped back into his head.

<You know where the ruins of that Jedi Temple sits?> Karys began. <Beneath it slumbers a legion, at least according to legends told by my ancestors.> Karys explained. <But that’s just legend, right?>

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Nov 30, 2023

Azar practically glowed when Karys complimented him, even doing a little playful wiggle with his butt at the remark. King or not, compliments would always brighten his day. To his amusement, Karys vacantly stared for a moment to where Azar began to repeat his question about Yavin. Fortunately, his husband recovered and blurted out an answer that made him wonder if Karys was talking just to supply random words so his absentmindedness wouldn’t be obvious.

“You can’t be serious,” Azar said with a scoff, “Even if it did exist, it’d be bones,” He shook his head, “You really want to go to Yavin chasing a fairytale?” Then again, by his account, even Ur hadn’t existed supposedly until he saw it for himself. Azar added a few more earrings to his ears, putting in his nose piercing as well.

“Whatever, I’ll go just for a change of scenery,” He declared, “And you can finally cop a feel in public without Nana Kressh spotting us,” Azar said with a giggle. Nana Kressh had the uncanny ability of magically appearing whenever Karys ever got frisky with the public displays of affection in the fortress. Azar would feel Karys moving in for a subtle grope, only for them to hear a very familiar cough somewhere behind the bushes.

Nana Kressh would be left in charge while he was gone. She was sour about this, but ultimately loved being in command. Now she would get to boss everyone around for a few days.

As usual, Azar packed an obscene amount of luggage, including outfit changes for three meals for all the days, eventwear, outerwear, and of course countless shoes. The entire cargo bay of the ship was packed to the brim with Karys afforded enough room for a single, measly carry-on.

@Apollyon

Karys · Dec 2, 2023

Karys listened to Azar’s responses, he shook his head slightly. He had to make Azar understand. These Massassi in Sadow’s legion weren’t normal, they weren’t average. These Massassi had been altered their minds connected to an amulet their Lord wore at all times. They were a key to unlocking power beyond comprehension and the key to his plans.

<Babe, if these legends are true these Massassi warriors aren’t like the ones we know.> Karys began. <They are larger, tougher, and dedicated to whatever their Master commands of them.> He explained. <Naga Sadow carved them into his hammer to break the backbones of his foes.> He continued. <And on Yavin he put them to rest, if they wait for us there…> He paused for a moment. <…than we will have a force capable of making systems tremble.>

As Karys spoke he would stand up and walk towards his husband. His fingers lightly running down Azar’s arm until their fingers would intertwine. His golden eyes were focused on Azar’s, the eagerness clearly written within them.

<With them, I will break our enemies.> He whispered.

With that explanation out of the way, Karys would dress himself as well. While the potential of uncovering an ancient power like this was tantalizing, so too was the opportunity for them to be alone. It had been too long since they had an opportunity to not only be alone together but work alongside one another as well. Karys had missed this, it was something he desired beyond words.

So when it came time to leave and Azar had literally packed his ship with clothes, Karys was largely unbothered. Many of his things were still loaded into their room onboard and so the tiny carry on he brought was mainly filled with bathroom or emergency supplies. However, that much being loaded still took time and it was early into the evening before they were preparing for take off. Once the course was set, Karys would make his way from the cockpit and to their kitchen where he would begin cooking for the pair of them.

<Babe, the remote is in the third drawer on the right.> Karys stated as he pointed a knife towards stand the projector was on. <We can watch one of your shows while I get dinner ready.> He continued happily. <And I have some honeyed vegetables in the pantry if you’re feeling snackish as well.>

As Karys worked, he hummed, a habit he’d picked up from Azar. This was always his dream, a place where just the two of them could be together. It didn’t have to be fancy or huge, but a place that was just theirs. And even if it was only for a little while, Karys would enjoy his dream being realized once again.

 Karys would state finally. <They have a tendency to build on areas significant to our people or our Order…> He continued. <…so we might have to go through and beneath the ruins of the Temple on Yavin.> He stated calmly. <Maybe there will be something worthwhile in their deeper vaults too?> He asked sheepishly.

@Sreeya

Darth Arcanos · Dec 2, 2023

Since Ur, Azar was not one to dismiss legends and fables so easily. He heard Karys out and he brought plenty of books along that delved into Sadow and their history. Azar would occupy his time reading these and poring over details, patterns and information to help them on this venture. That was the plan up until Karys mentioned watching his shows.

“Really?!” Azar asked with a gasp, his eyes widening, “My shows? You’ll watch them?” He asked, suddenly giddy as he retrieved the remote and switched on Real Housewives of Corellia, “OH this is going to be good. Emilia is about to find out her man has been cheating on her with Sandi but she won’t leave him because he’s in the tibanna business,” Azar said excitedly all in one breath.

He was briefly distracted when he heard Karys humming, a tender smile on his face before he saw his husband absentmindedly reaching for what he likely thought was a sauce, “That’s one of my potions, honey, it’ll infect the cerebrospinal fluid and kill us very slowly with a regressive neurological collapse” Azar said cheerfully, as if an absentminded potion master that left bottles around wasn’t the most terrifying thing ever, “Put it in the poison shelf please!”

If Karys thought Azar was going to listen to any Yavin or tomb talk while Real Housewives was on, he was sorely mistaken. The Kressh simply gave vague nods and ‘uh huhs’, his eyes completely glued to the screen as the delicious scent of Karys’ cooking wafted through the air. It was exactly where Azar wanted to be.

@Apollyon