Ask Here and Beyond.

[Asher]

The pressure and heat of the oppressed pushed upward, bursting forth to cut a swath into the earth around it. The fire and head, quickly cutting away any weakness. Carving a path to it's new destination. Asher meditated on the symbolism of the lava flow as he sat at the edge of the fortress that was Castle Goal. To which he had been freed from it's prisons cells before for nearly a week now.

Although he was free to come and go from Belsavis as he pleased, the former Jedi had yet to leave. Vex was eager to see her new hound hunt for their mutual enemies. But the half-sephi was in no rush, he'd been locked away from the galaxy for years. What's another day or two.

Instead, he would use his freedom to explore. In fact he had also invited Vex's other pet project to come along. Since they were now both in the Sith Master's service this was as good a time as any to get to know one another. Asher would not make the same mistakes in the Sith as he had as a Jedi. He wanted to measure the man, before they found themselves in a battle for their lives together.

Rather than reveal himself as an Inquisitor to the fresh faced Acolyte. Asher chose to wear cold weather gear instead of his new armor. He did of course keep his utility belt and weapons. As they were mundane items of any force user in service to the Sith Order. That, and he didn't want to dye right after being gifted a second life.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

There were some weeks that Caerllion had started to train as Vex’s apprentice and he still didn’t feel used with Castle Gaol. The fortress, together with the snow and lava that surrounded it, was so different from the trees and pristine forests that covered Annwfyn, the young man’s homeworld. This place was oppressive and depressing, making it a perfect prison.

However, he would need to ignore such feelings about the fortress and get used to staying here. Now that he was Vex’s apprentice, Caerllion would be living at this place as much as he lived in the Palace of Cyfnos back on Annwfyn. He would also need to have a good relationship with the people that worked here.

It was due to this reason that the Acolyte accepted to meet with the half-Sephi called Asher. Apparently, the man had worked with Vex and was a constant presence on the fortress. Caerllion, like all the members of the Annfyn species, had distrust and disgust for anything that was related with the Sephi.

However, their opinion about a half breed of the Sephi species was higher than their opinion about a pure one. Indeed, they treated a half-Sephi better than how they treated a half-Annfyn, who many nobles considered nearly as an abomination.

Caerllion found Asher seated at the edge of Castle Gaol, close to one of the several lava pools. Like the half-Sephi, he was also dressed in cold weather gear. “Hello, Asher. I hope that I didn’t make you wait so long.” the Annfyn said politely to the other Sith, before stopping next to him. In front of them, the lava burst through a fissure on the land.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

Asher rose from his seat, all the while keeping his eyes on the bursting lava flow until he fully stood up. He then turned to see the Annfyn. "Caerllion," he said flatly. "I used the time to meditate." explaining with a half smile.

The half sephi could feel the younger man's tension, and also hid his distaste poorly. Asher was aware of what he was. A bastard, and to some, an abomination. He certainly was to his father. To the Jedi merely thought it was another soldier for their crusade. To the Annfyn he was....well something akin to a field working if Asher had to guess.

"Let's get going," Asher said, and then took the lead down a long row a stone steps that seemed to have been cut out of the lava rock. The step stairs ran the length of the fortress, at a steep angle. After a couple hundred steps they would end at a poorly traveled trail the guards only used from time to time.

Asher used the force to augment his body. Aiding his balance and speed to quickly descend the steps to the trail below. "So Caerllion, how does a noble become a student for the Order." He asked in a normal tone. Not even breathing hard.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion watched Asher get up from where he was seated. The Annfyn didn’t know exactly how someone could meditate in a place like that, with the constant sound of lava bursting from the ground. He would never be able to concentrate here, there is too much sound for him. He preferred total silence or the sound of the forests.

“Of course.” the Annfyn said, before starting to follow the other Sith out of the fortress. Since he had become Vex’s apprentice, Caerllion had taken some time to explore the surrounding areas of Castle Gaol. He soon learned that everything around it was nearly the same. There was snow and lava, which could come under solid or liquid forms.

He also learned about the path that they were using and how these stairs would lead to a trail that was rarely used by the guards. He had already warned Vex about the danger of leaving this place unguarded, but so far nothing was made regarding it.

“I joined the Sith because it offered me the opportunity to become greater than what the nobility of my homeworld could ever offer.” Caerllion said, when Asher asked him why he had joined the Order. His answer was basic, without many details. He wasn’t going to reveal his ambitions to the half-Sephi, they barely knew each. It was something that only his Master should know.

Since Asher had asked him about it, the Acolyte decided that it would be fair if he also made a similar question. “And you? Why did you join the Order?” like himself did, Caerllion didn't expected that the other would give him many details about it. However, he wasn't going to lie, denying that he was curious about the other.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

Asher did not focus on the noise. Even though the boiling lava flow was not unlike the rushing river of the forest. To the former Jedi it was the anger the lava represented. The heat it put off. The swath of destruction as it was finally set free, and by focusing on that he connected to the force. To the dark side.

Asher was also a student of Vex, or perhaps more a teacher's aid then a student. In any cause he had also explored much of the fortress since his release. The training areas, common areas, catwalks, trails, etc. Also like the Acolyte, he had expressed the need to added security measures to some of the areas. So he expected the Sorceress had or would soon make those adjustments.

In time...

Asher made a groaning sound. Caerllion's answer was textbook, and almost Jedi like. "Please tell me you gave Vex a more ambitious answer than, Be all I can be." He retorted in a flat almost monotone voice. When the Annfyn returned the question, the half-sephi told him honestly. "I was drafted by our Mistress," his voice still cold.

As the two Sith continued, they would circle the large lava pool and move eastward. Soon the lava would retreat back into the earth and the hills of snow would return. The path would become little more that sizable rocks jetting out of the snow. This went on for sometime until the came to the edge of a canyon.

Asher stood at the edge, and took in the view of the massive void. "Amazing."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Asher’s reaction to his answer made Caerllion raise an eyebrow. Then the half-Sephi really expected that he would give more details about his ambitions. Perhaps the Annfyn could tell it to him. If Vex trusted the man enough for allowing him to stay in the fortress, he could trust him too.

“I’m a prince in my homeworld, the Queen is my grand grandaunt. I said to Vex that with her training I can satisfy my ambition of becoming the King of Annwfyn. Then, I would turn it into an ally of the Empire.” Caerllion knew that his Master thought that it was too ambitious, but his plan wasn’t impossible to be fulfilled. He would only need her guidance.

They would continue walking, moving around a large pool of lava. The Annfyn thought how boring this place was. It lacked any vegetation and color, with everything being the same. To where he looked, there was only rocks, lava and snow. Caerllion missed the great green trees of Annwfyn and the way that they cast shadows over the ground. So far Belsavis hasn't impressed him.

When they reached the edge of the canyon and Caerllion saw the sight in front of him, he changed his opinions about Belsavis. The place was impressive, the great abyss formed by centuries of erosion and tectonic action gave the Annfyn the impression that he was so small and insignificant.

“Indeed.” Carllion said, his eyes never leaving the darkness of the abyss that was in front of him. “Tell me, Asher, what you did to convince Vex of working with her? I told you my ambitions, I would like to hear yours.” he wondered if the half-Sephi would tell him.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

The fallen Jedi listen only half paying the Acolyte due attention as he was still moving about the pathway to The Scar. He was not at all surprised by the Annfyn's ambition. With the Sith it was always about power. Asher even remembered reading a quote from Darth Sidious. "Power is the Point."

As they stood on the precipice of what a few old maps of the planet referred to as simply, The Scar. Caerllion would take the opportunity to return the question. Asher stared down into the gaping maw of the canyon a moment as he thought on the question. Then spoke as plane and monotone as ever, "I have no ambition of my own. Perhaps I did once, but the Jedi robbed me of that when they left me for dead. What I did for our Mistress, after she freed me, was pledge my loyalty. Her goals are my goals. Her enemies, my enemies. Like the Inquisitorius is to the Empress, so to is my loyalty to Vex."

He let his words take root in the Annfyn's mind before adding, "Remember that, if you ambitions ever cross hers." Asher would then start to slowly climb down what appeared to be little more than a Gotal's trail down the face of the canyon.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

The Annfyn raised an eyebrow with Asher’s answer. He couldn’t believe that the other Sith had no ambition. He wanted to scoff with it, but it would be impolite of him to do it. He also didn’t want to have the half-Sephi mad with him, not if they were going to spend so much together in Castle Gaol.

However, the idea that Asher had no ambition was too bizarre for him. It was basically what moved any member of the Order to continue studying the Dark Side. Of course, he understood that there were different types of ambition. The desire to fulfill a revenge, have political power, to be rich.

When Asher finished talking, Caerllion’s eyes illuminated as if he had solved a puzzle. “After all that you said, I can only think that you have ambition. Your is to make Vex fulfill her plans, whatever the means that are necessary. As you said, your ambition is the same as my Master's.” the Acolyte thought that such devotion was stupid. It could be dangerous to the half-Sephi in the end.

“You don’t need to fear. I don’t plan to go against Vex.” he said, while they started to climb the trail. His Master was a good ally to have, both before he fulfilled his ambition of being made the King of Annfyn and after. He also did not see how his ambitions could cross the ones that she has. Unless she wanted to destroy his homeworld or be declared its queen.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

The half-Sephi continued to pick his way down the trail. Careful to watch his step, and quick to use the force to steady himself if needed. They could have very easily used the force to leap down and simple aid their landing. But something in him enjoyed the struggle, in that he found the journey worth while. Perhaps that was his Jedi training still worming around his mind.

However, Asher would quickly turn to face the Annfyn. His eye yellow/red hazel eyes narrowing in a question, or perhaps just in thought. He was indeed thinking of the other Sith's words. "Hmm!" He noised finally, and gave a side nod of his head. As if to imply agreement. Then turning to return to the task of making his way to the bottom of the canyon.

Asher gave another nod as Caer vowed not the cross Vex. "Time had a funny way of changing one's goals Caer. Take it from me." The half-Sephi said with some regrets in his voice. As he said, perhaps he did have ambitions, as a Jedi.

Soon the trail gave way rock walls, likely cut from old lava flows. The floor of the canyon it self was packed snow and ice. Caves, cavers, and semi-enclosed tunnels dotted the way far as the eye could see. Likely for miles. It reminded Asher of his trial for his crystal before building his first lightsaber.

"Enough about ambitions for now, Lets see what the Sith have taught you. Which way should we go." He said, sounding enthused for the first time since they met.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

The two Sith continued to walk through the trail that went to the bottom of the canyon. The path was dangerous, any wrong step and they could end falling into the abyss. While he was careful when walking on it, Caerllion was certain that he could use the Force to avoid a possible fall.

Even with the risk of falling down, Caerllion paid attention to Asher’s reactions to his answer. The half-Sephi seemed to agree with his conclusion about the ambitions that he had, while offering the Annfyn some advice about how time could change goals. The Acolyte was already aware of this fact. He knew that things between him and Vex could change at some point. The young man only hoped that it would not happen so soon.

After some time walking, the scenario around the trail had changed. They were now surrounded by rock walls, where caves and tunnels would occasionally appear. The Annfyn wondered if all that was formed by the lava, and if it was still possible for it to run through one of these entrances. This thought made him shiver, he didn’t want to be there to see it happening.

“I’ll show you what Vex taught me.” he said, smiling at Asher. The half-Sephi’s comment had sparked his pride, making him want to show the other Sith what he had learned so far. And perhaps even impressing him. Stretching his hands, the Acolyte used an incantation to make a scan of their possible paths. He released a wave through the Force that would hit anything on its path and then return to him with details about what it discovered.

“These three are blocked, possibly they collapsed. This one has an abyss inside it, while these two are free to go.” he said, pointing to the tunnels and caves. “Unless you want to visit the deepest parts of Belsavis, I believe that we should choose one of these two.”

@Taz

 

[Asher]

Asher could sense as much as see the Annfyn's pride as he eagerly warmed to the challenge. The half-Sephi had expected the Acolyte to something a bit more simplistic. Just allow the currents of the force to pull him in one way or another, let the force simply flow through him. However, Asher was quite surprised and indeed impressed, when the boy unleashed a wave of his own. Only to have it returned. The Champion could not see it with his eye so much as feel it through the force, but he understood all the same.

"Impressive." Asher commented. He was giving the boy's report as if a droid was feeding him options from a ship's radar. Something Asher was also not great at. "Our Mistress has taught you well, perhaps you can show me that incantation later? For now let us follow the widest tunnel." Commenting with a musing smile.

Asher would lead the two of them down the closets tunnel Caer had pointed out. Of with the ceiling was slightly open as it's peak. Running a jagged light of skylight down the length to light their path. Soon the snow faded, leaving only the porous lava rock. This would continue for nearly half a mile it seemed. Until the tunnel gave way to a massive cave like opening. Icy stalactites hung over head. As frosted lava rock continues across the cave floor. The cave was dark, shadows cast everywhere as tiny holes of light for the sky above broke through the hard back of stone and ice.

At the near center of the massive cave was on odd shape. What appeared to be a several massive bolders jetting out from the lava rock at first glance, was on closer inspection, the weathered remains of a walker. Maybe an old imperial ATA-AT given the size. Likely belonging to the original detention force of the Galactic Empire.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Perhaps I can give you some lessons. Vex gave me some books that explain very well how to make some incantations.” he wasn’t at the same level as his Master, but Caerllion was certain that he could teach Asher one or two basic tricks. In the end, any Sith could learn it. They only need to have a strong will to control the Force.

After Asher chose their new path, the Annfyn followed him through the widest tunnel. Like the rest of the canyon, it was formed by solidified lava rock. For Caerllion’s relief, there was no trace that showed the possibility of lava having recently flowed through this place. However, the Acolyte still wondered if an eruption could turn this place into a possible death trap.

When the two arrived at the center of the cave, Caerllion could see the remains of what once was some type of walker. It was impressive, this thing had been lying here since the time of the Galactic Empire. This reminded the Annfyn about the times that his father would tell stories about his meetings with the Imperials.

Feeling curious about it, the Acolyte approached the metallic remains. Due to staying at this place for nearly a century, the walker had withered down. “When I was a child, my father would tell stories about the times that he worked as a diplomat with the Galactic Empire.” while Annwfyn tried to remain neutral in most political events in the Galaxy, they still maintained diplomatic relations.

“He used to tell me about the AT-ATs and star destroyers of the Empire. At the time, I never thought that I would see them so close.” what he said could sound as if he meant seeing an old Imperial one, but Caerllion was talking about never having thought about seeing such vehicles and ships in the Sith Empire. Thinking about the stories of his father made him remember of the time that things were easier and he never dreamt about being a Sith.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

"Perhaps after our little expedition, hmm" He said, more in agreement than a question. He could likely learn better from their Master in such arts. But learning from the Caer would increase his own confidence in the art as well as perhaps add some manner of bonding experience. He understood that such thoughts were ghosts of his Jedi training, but that didn't make them any less wisdom.

As the Annfyn continued to approach the old walker he tried was trying to explain something of his family. How his father had been a diplomat. Asher could hardly remember his father but thinking of him brought up visions of his mother to the surface of his mind. "Diplomat, how unexpected." He said sarcastically. Then, "Never knew my human father. But my mother, she was a nurse."

Asher was to lost in thought, not realizing where he was putting his foot next was not snow. But rather a small cluster of eggs. Seeing his foot suddenly covered in green ichor Asher would reach out with the force to feel for lifeforms. Suddenly realizing they were in the heart of a nest.

"Shit!" Asher spat. "Caer....don't fucking move."

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

When Asher started to talk about his childhood, Caerllion turned to look at him. He wondered if the other Sith's father was the Sephi. Among the few things that the Sephi and the Annfyn had in common was their disgust for half-breeds. If his father was the Sephi, it would be no surprise that he abandoned the Champion’s mother when he discovered that she was pregnant.

“My mother died when I was three years old.” he said, before he could think properly about what he was doing. While he avoided talking too much about his personal life to others, the Annfyn saw that this bit of information wasn’t dangerous to share. “Sometimes it’s difficult for me to remember how she was.” if wasn’t for the pictures that she had from her, the Acolyte would have forgotten her face. Perhaps if it happened, he would have replaced her with his stepmother.

Caerllion preferred to be dead to call that witch as mother.

The Acolyte was so distracted reminiscing about his mother that he didn’t notice that the two had entered in some type of nest. Only when Asher warned was that he turned to look at his feet. The sole of his black boots were covered with some green substance. He was also able to see the eggs scattered around them.

“What are those things?” Caerllion didn’t search much about the fauna of the planet, so he had no idea about what they were dealing with. The only thing that he knew was that they should leave this place immediately. If the mother returned and saw what they did, she would be furious.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

"Eggs Caer, lots of eggs." Asher retorted. Clearing pointing out the obvious. Having only recently been released from his own personal hell. The half-Sephi also did not research the local fauna. After all, from his cell in the bowels of what was now Fortress Gaol. Everything looked like Hoth. But with lava.

"Lets get out of...." The champion was starting to say but didn't finish. As cracking noises started to erupt around them. Fallowed by the tiny squeaking cries. The universal sound of a new born being born into the galaxy. Or in this particular case, several dozen of them being born all at once. The dark side now screamed a warning to the once Jedi. A sleeping giant was starting to rouse from her slumber.

"Fuck!" Asher grunted. Quickly snatching the hilt of his lightsaber from his belt. Asher wasn't sure what to be more worried about. The huge Krykna slowly breaking out of the old AT-AT hull, or his Mistress, should the Annfyn not survive this little expedition.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Of course I know that these are eggs! I’m not an idiot.” he said back to Asher, while trying to clean the sole of his boots on the ground. “I wanted to know if you have any idea of what was the creature that laid them.” Caerllion could say that it wasn’t a bird or something similar. He never heard about avian animals laying so many eggs like that at the same time. They also reminded him of these laid by insects.

Caerllion was looking at Asher when the cracking sounds interrupted the half-Sephi. The Acolyte also concluded that it meant that whatever was inside these eggs were getting born right now. It was the worst that could have happened. If this creature had any type of parental bond, these sounds would attract the parents.

It was exactly what happened. The sound of the young breaking the eggs woke up their mother. The Annfyn stared in horror when the huge Krykna appeared from inside the AT-AT. Caerllion’s face became pale and his ears dropped slightly, giving him the appearance of a scared car.

“A-A spider!” he screamed, before running as fast as he could. The Acolyte never said it to anyone else, but he had Arachnophobia. Anything that reminded him of a spider was already enough to make him forget any composure and run away in panic. While he ran, the Annfyn jumped over the eggs and new-born Kryknas. He didn’t want to touch any of them.

The Acolyte hide behind Asher, don’t even wanting to look at the Kryknas. “Please, kill these things! Best, burn all of them!” Caerllion was so desperate that he even forgot that he could use Korriban magick to throw flames at them. If the creatures attacked, the half-Sephi would need to fight for both of them.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

Asher was slightly amused by the boy's little rant. However only gave the moment a tiny half smile. Before the entire moment when sideways.

Being a veteran of a couple of battles, even before becoming a Sith, Asher stood his ground. The Annfyn prince however, did anything but. Instead the boy screamed like a little girl, before quickly and surprisingly gracefully dancing around the through the clumps of eggs he had already smashed previously.

"What...tha.." Was all the half-Sephi could managed as the other Sith literally cowered behind him. "Yes, yes it would be. I don't know any Sith magick, remember." Asher reminded the boy. Later, he might pick up a couple things. But at the moment Asher was little more than a dark Jedi. and one who hand been cut off from the force for many years. At the moment, he was really good with the basics, and that was about it.

"Run, back to the trail." He ordered the Acolyte, before thrusting his right hand outward. Unleashing a powerful force blast. That did nothing. Instead a couple of the juvenile spiders jumped on him, and the Asher slapped them off with the edge of his red blade. Then turned and ran himself. The force aiding his speed, the large mother still chasing. As more of the little ones followed.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion was in too much panic to even give Asher a proper retort. More and more Kryknas were coming from the eggs that were scattered in the ground. The creatures were gathering around the large one, which was probably the mother. If these creatures weren’t giant spiders, the Acolyte would have spent some time analyzing how she takes care of her young.

When Asher said that they should run, the Annfyn didn’t think twice. He sprinted like a fathier and rushed toward the entrance. The only thing that went through his mind right now was how he wanted to stay as far away from these things that he could get. At least one or two sectors of distance.

He heard the sound of Asher hitting the spiders with his lightsaber. The Annfyn turned to look at him briefly, only to see the half-Sephi running away from the Kryknas that now seemed to be a sea of small crawling creatures coming after them. This thought made a shiver run down his spine. If at least he could set them on fire!

Then, Caerllion remembered that he could do it with Korriban magick. In an act of bravure, the Acolyte created a ball of fire with his right hand and threw it toward the Kryknas. It would collide against some of the spiders, setting them on fire.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

Asher continued to run, quickly catching up to the Annfyn. A fact that would of amused him, if it were not for the giant alien spider about to use him to feed the rest of it's family.

Suddenly finding his nerve, Caer would turn and unleash a ball of fire toward the Kryknas as her babies. He smiles and turned suddenly. skidding backward on the balls of his booted feet before coming to a stop. Nearly side by side with the Acolyte. Seeing the fireball having some effect. The half-Sephi reached out with the dark side. Channeling the force into a barrier just behind the wave of creature.

"Now Caer, focus. Use the force to expand the flames. Like the Vex showed you." Asher shouted as he focused on his own will over the force. The Champion aware of his man's more advanced studies with their Mistress. If Caer could expand the fire wider, and move it toward the barrier. The spiders would be trapped and burned alive.....Hopefully.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

The flames would consume some of the young Kryknas, making their mother back away with the rest of her offspring. However, Caerllion had no control over the fire and it would soon die out. The Annfyn was far more interested in getting out of this place as fast as he could.

In the middle of his panic, the Annfyn was able to hear Asher’s voice. He turned to look at the half-Sephi and then back to the spiders. His flames were starting to die out and soon the creatures would be able to continue chasing them. This time the Kryknas would be even more furious because they killed some of them.

Focusing in Asher’s words, the Acolyte would concentrate only in the flames. He remembered how Vex had said how a Sith could use the fear to amplify their power. With that in mind, he thought about what the Kryknas were going to do with him if they were able to catch him.

His thoughts were enough to amplify the flames. Caerllion made them get wider and stretch toward the barrier. Hopefully, it would be enough to make the Kryknas stop chasing them.

@Taz