Open Social Jewel Of The Desert

[Vander]

Wow, this all was escalating quickly. Vander wasn't going to get involved, but as lightsabers came on and guards were called for, Vander's hand fell to the lightsaber under his cloak... just in case.

Mmm, that'll do it, he muttered to himself as Serene (@Darasuum) introduced herself.

Corax, he responded, not tearing his eyes away from the scene.

And then... it really escalated. Vander had witnessed Arcanos's power on Umbara, but just watching the way he twisted and crumpled the tiefling's body in his grip was... staggering. He would have lied if he said he wasn't just a little bit jealous. He wished he had that power, and momentarily fantasized about what he might have done if he had it.

It probably said something really wrong about his psyche that he was thinking about that instead of the person and their body that was crumped, broken, and... maybe dead?

As it turned out his momentary conversation partner had done to him what he had done to Limerick (@Apollyon) earlier. So that's what that feels like he thought to himself.

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael noticed the dark veins as he got closer. He had never seen this happen to Azar before. He intently gazed over them, taking in the markings and how they looked. When he called out to Azar the veins seemed to slowly fade away as Azar came back to. His gaze still held an eerily similar predatory gaze that Trael couldn’t quite place. Azar’s gaze returned to normal as he threw back the wine, Trael wouldn’t bring this up here, but he needed to soon.

Trael just gazed at Azar as he spoke about Caer, “Having fun isn’t the problem.” He stated, making sure that was clear. Azar then delved into why he gave Caer the attention he did, wrapping his arms around his neck as he did. “I believe he may become like the burnt red cyclops on the ground.” He said, showing he wasn’t a fan of Trodai or the prospect of a second coming of him. Then realization struck Trael, was this why Karys made that report? Did he feel that Trael was a second coming of Trodai? The thought of it felt far worse than disrespectful, but now that he’s seeing the potential of another one he could understand if that was the reasoning.

Trael just smiled and shook his head as Azar mentioned not being able to trust Caer as far as he could throw him, without the Force. Trael had plenty of experience in the department of Azar not using the Force to throw something. The image of Azar struggling and failing to pick up the Annfyn let alone throw him came into his mind. “I don’t trust him either. The timing of his affections is odd.” He mused to Azar. Trael might not compile reports on the other Sith, but he does keep tabs on them and their work.

He chuckled as Azar pulled him to the dance floor. He had been wanting to dance with him since Nar Shaddaa, almost succeeding at the gala before he was rudely interrupted. So he knew one thing for certain, he wasn’t going to let it go if he was interrupted again. He wasn’t as nimble as Azar was, but he still swayed his hips as they got started dancing. Trael at one point twirled Azar towards himself, lifting his leg. Azar gripped his sash and pulled him closer, Trael used this opportunity to kiss his man. As Azar pulled away he took the sash with him, wrapping it around his shoulders now. Trael had a wide smile as he continued dancing with Azar, finally getting something he’d been desiring for years now.

@Sreeya

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril’s eyes watched as Arcanos @Sreeya and Master Osso @Javier esschoolbus glided, twisted, and twirled across the dance floor. The sight was a true beauty to behold. Their ears perked as they sipped from their wine. Eventually, their eyes would lazily glide over the gathered crowd and land on Vossari Khaldun. @Fine Dining Set

Iymril walked around the dance floor, they didn’t want to draw Arcanos’ ire by walking through it and potentially interrupting the time he had with his partner. They briefly paused to grab a second glass of wine for the other Professor. Iym would eventually come alongside the Wrean as they used the Force to manipulate the water of the lake and save the Tiefling Sith. They would clear their throat to not surprise the other Sith.

“Drink with me?” Iym asked as they offered Vossari the glass. “That was an impressive display Ambassador Professor Adventurer Extraordinaire Khaldun.” They continued, their ears flicked with amusement. “Particularly the water to acid, is that an inherent ability?” Iymril asked in genuine curiosity before sipping from their wine.

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Vossari whispered to the musicians as Trael (@Javier esschoolbus ) took Azar's (@Sreeya ) hand to the dancelfoor. The music changed, at once, to an old, Nabbooan love song - one so popular, it was known even here on Korriban, and in the oceanic depths of Wrea. He watched with a newfound sense of joy as Azar and Trael danced. Vossari knew how much they cared for each other, and how much he cared for Azar; he sought to give them this one, special moment on Trael's special day. Maybe one day, Voss would have his own special day when he became master. Became lord. It was nice to see Azar happy - he had been different since Karys's death.

He surveilled the party as Iymril approached, and he accepted the offered wine. Well, he swapped glasses with Iymril just in case they had poisoned this one. But then, he swapped back, in case Iymril had predicted he would swap them. A brilliant move. He began to sip the blood red cup. "Thank you - but our King's display was the only truly impressive one. Flinging water and a lightsaber about is simple, child's play really." What was most impressive was that two Sith lay disfigured for one fight, and neither of them were Vossari.

Voss had nothing to hide about Acridia. It was fairly common knowledge that he wore it - Azar's gift - and even it wasn't, there was no sense in hiding the truth. "The transmutation of liquid into acid is a powerful alchemical ability, not an inherent one. I'll give you one guess as to who invented the technique." He gestured to the Order's most powerful alchemist, King Arcanos.

"He's quite wise. He understands that each element has multiple dimensions and domains. The only limits are one's creativity and power." Vossari practically solely used Hydromancy these days, in no small part due to the powers that Acridia afforded him. Water was everything to him, and he longed to pore over the substance's secrets. Life, death, movement, flow, change; ice, fog, running water, water pressure; water was everywhere and everything. "I have yet to see a pyro, terra, or aero specialist among our order. It's a real missing gap - even many of our spell casters focus solely on the telekinetic or mental aspects of the Force without looking at its power over matter itself." He mused, as he sipped on his wine. "Perhaps, when you begin to teach at the Korriban Academy, you can help me rectify this wrong."

@Apollyon

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As Trodai was being seen too, he listened intently, the respect clear as he contemplated and as Caerllion detailed his own failing and the results. Offering perspective. He knew how he would need to work harder, and better to keep what he had, to be better if he was to avoid a similar or worse fate. As everything was paid on the table in a sense, Trodai begun to see the pattern, that it probably did not look good. That despite the changes he had made, he still needed more change. To see past the contempt, wrath and rage for those that had wronged him and put it to a more productive use than causing problems for himself.

In a way he was glad Caerllion was there to offer advice, even under the circumstances. It was needed.

He had lost his way somewhere along the way. And needed someone to remind him of what he was, who he was. And find purpose again. He missed when Azar was there to give such advice, but he had been too busy and after Karys death with all his changes he had hardly seen him. In a way he missed the man he had known. As Caerllion spoke he could hear the venom in his voice, feel the anger towards him.

And so he straightened up at the words, with purpose.

He would endure the shame, use it. As suggested he would mold it into rage as he should have done, instead of acting on it.

Telepathically again he spoke. "Then I shall be better. Not just for myself but for Lord Arcanos, and my people too. I will turn this shame...this rage I feel into something productive instead of using it on something stupid. I should have known better, instead of acting on impulse."

He considered a moment, allowing only the briefest of small smirk "I have missed you and your advice. I am sorry if I ruined some of your evening in a moment that was to be a celebration. And hope you do like the ring regardless what you think of me right now."

He briefly turned to his apprentice if she was still there. Telepathically he offered advice "Remember this lesson. Sometimes it is better to control your impulse to act. And put your rage, contempt and wrath for your rivals to better use. Less this fate befall you too. Go, enjoy the party and try not to get in the same trouble."

@LouJoVi @René

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril watched as Vossari took a glass, then swapped glasses, then swapped back. Iymril’s ears flicked harder, their lips upturned slightly, and their eyes were alight with humor.

“Would you prefer I take a sip from both glasses?” They teased. Well, mostly teased, they’d do it if he asked. “I don’t believe I’d survive if I poisoned you in such an obvious manner.” Iymril continued, their voice was toneless and deadpan but it was a joke.

Vossari took the compliment and redirected it to Arcanos. Iymril nodded politely as they listened to what Khaldun had to say about his partner. Their eyes shifted to Trael and Arcanos during their dance. For a moment old memories bubbled up, they saw her in a red dress. It complimented her light green skin. She was beautiful. It took a few heartbeats of time to suppress those ancient memories. Iymril sipped their wine and looked away.

“Resourcefulness and tact often tell more than displays of raw power.” Iymril replied. “Many Sith throughout the eras held the power to end worlds but how many swayed Star systems without anyone being the wiser?” They asked rhetorically. “Power and strength aren’t always synonyms.”

Iymril listened in contented quiet as Vossari explained how he’d transformed water to acid. It was through a relic, created by Arcanos. That was fascinating! They listened as they continued into Arcanos’ talents and understanding of the Force. Iymril nodded in agreement, Arcanos was a visionary and a pioneer in the field of alchemy. No one could deny that, Iymril certainly wouldn’t.

“Elemental magicks provide a breadth of utility to the caster.” Iymril replied. “They bring both life.” They quickly formed four signs with their free hand. A small gout of flame flickered to life between their fingers. With the second sign the flame folded in on itself and the sand in the air flew into it, creating molten earth floating in space. The third sign had a line of water cool the earth, droplets clung to the cooling surface. But the final sign caused a strong gust of wind to whip around the celestial body in miniature. The tiny planet floated between them in the air for a moment.

“And death.”

A final sign caused tumultuous and chaotic events that ripped the tiny world apart. Soon nothing was left between the two, just ashes of a replica of a planet. It was a parlor trick at the end of the day but Iymril enjoyed it.

However, they weren’t able to remain enthralled by their own work long. Vossari’s next words caused them to quickly glance at him in shock. Normally, their lips were expressionless, but that was gone. A smile grew on their face as their eyes widened. An excessively rare moment where expression was plastered to their face and tone filtered into their voice.

“D-do you mean?” They asked almost hesitantly. “Am I getting tenured?”

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Kyssiara Serket]

Kyssiara's face turned a paler shade for a brief moment as the new Master, Caerllion, corrected her memory of his name. Luckily it didn't seem that he was in the mood for punishing acolytes right now, and so the girl let out a quiet sigh of relief as he instructed her to help up her master. The acolyte studied the toasty Pureblood for a moment, deciding that her rather limited strength would not be enough to physically pull him up; instead, using the Force to pull Trodai to his feet proved the more effective route as the trio headed off towards the palace's medical wing.

Kyssiara stood quietly off to the side to avoid getting in the way of the medical droids, though the tactic turned out to be extra beneficial as she listened to Caerllion rip into Trodai for his miscalculations. Who exactly the "vexing" champion Ayomi was the girl wasn't sure of despite hearing her master grumble about them from time to time, but it was clear from the Annfyn's angry lecture that whatever Trodai's miscalculations had been were just the most recent in a long line of bad choices. He'd done a lot for her, and over the course of their time Kyssiara had come to understand him a better than when they first met; however, she didn't want to go down on a sinking ship. She'd have to be extra careful not to become collateral damage should Trodai manage to piss of someone more powerful.

If it came to a choice between loyalty to Trodai or living, she'd pick living every time.

"Thank you master." Kyssiara replied out loud to the older Pureblood's telekinetic message, barely registering that he hadn't actually said it aloud since she'd been lost in her own thoughts. "I'll not be repeatin' your, uh... miscalculations." With that she turned to head back to the party, eager to escape the secondhand embarrassment and fear from Caerllion's lecture.

@Akheron @LouJoVi

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Oh my goodness. Was Vossari actually getting to indulge in philosophical conversation about the Sith with somebody? In all his time in the Order, it seemed Azar was the only one who thought about the greater personal, spiritual, social, and political implications of their Order, their power, and the Sith's relationship to the galaxy. Vossari nodded, enraptured by the conversation so that he failed to notice Iymril's nostalgic longing for someone. "Precisely. A sharp mind and a keen tongue won Sidious the galaxy. Charging headfirst into battle is necessary, sometimes. But, as Sith, it is our imperative to carry on the work of our elders, our greatest, into the next generation. Ours is the prowess of Sidious, the power of Raze, the foresight of Andraste. We must move forward their work. Each of our best has shown, with determination and insight, there is no boundary that cannot be crossed - no power that cannot be tapped." The power of the Sith was, of course, fearsome to behold. But Iymril spoke true - many of their greatest leaders in history advanced without wanton destruction.

"We are lucky to learn from their wisdom, to carry it forward, but so many settle for petty acts of violence without a broader strategy..." He trailed off, swirling his wine in his glass as he looked at Arcanos as he moved across the floor. In this night alone, he had demonstrated command over all three - wits, strength, wisdom. The apotheosis of Sith - the only man worthy of title of King. "A mind is a terrible thing to waste. But so many Sith do just that." Those ones had a tendency to die quickly. But there were some who just wouldn't dissappear.

He smiled lightly at their act of prestidigitation. They were quite right. Water was the source of organic life, found in nearly every sentient species in the galaxy. It was the primary component of blood, too; though Blood Sorcery and Hydromancy were distinctly different schools, Vossari surmised that a skilled and powerful Blood Sorcerer could find a way to break through these boundaries. The other symbolic elements had immense purpose and spiritual qualities, too, as Iymril duly noted. They came together to create the cycle of life and death.

Vossari squinted at the mention of 'tenure.' He really didn't have the administrative authority at the academy to do contract negotiations. "I can put in a good word for you. I've heard great things about your sign-casting course." He needed more information, though. "I imagine the Korribani institute will be much more research-heavy. Do you have any particular interests, aspirations?"

@Apollyon

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar glanced around as the music changed, his gaze meeting Vossari’s (@Fine Dining Set ). That knowing glance was all it took for the Pureblood to give his Wrean partner a genuine, happy smile. This kind of harmony never existed between Karys and Azar’s other partners. He knew neither Vossari nor Trael were entirely pleased with sharing Azar, but this little display alone indicated that there was at least mutual respect all around.

The Pureblood focused back on his dance, surprised by how fluid and graceful Trael was on the dancefloor. He was prepared to lead the dance here and there but his man took charge and effortlessly led him through the floor. At one point he was tugged close, a gasp escaping as his leg was wrapped around Trael. His eyes went wide as Trael leaned down to kiss him. Azar felt like he was in the scene of one of those sappy Holomovies he loved to watch, his breath catching in his throat. His heart fluttered and he felt as if he were floating. The gesture was especially romantic and Trael was the perfect prince charming.

It meant even more coming from Trael as the two had a lot of ups and downs when they first began their courtship. Azar knew the Nabooian was confused about his orientation and it took them a while before they were comfortable with physical gestures. For Trael to make such a bold move with Azar in the middle of a very packed hall meant the galaxy to him.

Azar gazed up at his man, his heart thundering against his chest as a purple flush graced his face. He traced his fingers along Trael’s beard, “How do you still know how to take my breath away?” Azar asked with a giggle, the man making him feel like a lovesick teen all over again. The Pureblood lingered there for a few moments before pulling back to continue the dance.

“Let’s get a drink, baby,” Azar said to Trael before he got on his tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek. He grasped his man’s hand to lead them to get more drinks. On the way he spotted a droid tugging Ayomi’s severed hand towards Serene. This was a display he had seen multiple times before and his gaze flicked over to the witch woman (@Darasuum ). Azar grabbed himself a glass of wine, strutting over to her with Trael.

“Scavenging after your betters like a little vulture again?” He opened bluntly as he looked at her, tilting his head, “What it is you do, exactly? I have yet to see you do anything remotely useful with all the maid cleaning service you provide after every altercation at these Sith socials. Do you simply collect these limbs and blood for a macabre fetish or does it serve any sort of actual purpose to the Sith Order?” He asked sweetly, “Perhaps you will be more relevant and valued with your head mounted on my wall. What do you think, sweetie?” Azar asked Trael as he took a sip.

@Javier esschoolbus

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril nodded along with Vossari’s assessment of their history. The Sith of old provided examples for them to follow. Sidious was duplicity and cunning. Raze was power and destruction. Andraste was ambition and vision incarnate. Each embodied virtues of the Sith. Each had led the Sith to conquest, breaking the galaxy and reforging it into their image.

In a cult of Demi-gods, they were the true pantheon.

“Our forebearers taught us more than examples to follow.” Iymril pointed out. “There is Skere Kaan and his Brotherhood. They sought to eliminate a core tenant of our Order.” They explained. “Peace is a lie. They sought to eliminate the Darth title and all the supremacy it brings to foster unity between Sith.” Iymril continued. “That is not our way. Conflict and strife push growth and allow for the best and brightest of us to flourish.” Iym told Vossari. “So, let the fools charge blindly into wanton slaughter. Let them bleed themselves dry.” A wicked, cruel light flickered to life in Iymril’s eyes. “It will be Sith like us who flourish and grow in power while they are forgotten in their meaningless deaths.” They raised their glass to toast to countless dead idiots that had paved the way to ascension for their betters.

When Vossari said he couldn’t secure them tenure, the smile fell from Iym’s lips. They were more than a little disappointed, but the willingness to put in a good word was a start. When Vossari asked what they specialized in, Iymril cocked an eyebrow.

“My studies are…broad.” They admitted. “The Dark Side’s secrets require constant pursuit and my natural lifespan allows for me to be an eternal student and teacher.” Iym explained. “I pursue new methods of using Sorcerous arts while seeking to still uncover the forgotten as well.” It was a vague answer but one they could back up.

“I have a series of corpses from my work on Ziost.” Iymril stated. “Alchemical beasts that the Beastmasters bred for war.” They continued cautiously. “Would you like to help me with their dissection? I believe through the study of their entrails and internal corruption that I can find a way to reverse engineer the process the Beastmasters use. I believe I can learn to create creatures that will rival theirs in power.” It was an offer that made them uneasy. It meant sharing credit and knowledge but the value of creating a likeminded ally was too great.

Particularly when that ally had the ear and heart of the Dark Lord in waiting.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael noticed the change in music. The only person near the band was Vossari, that could only mean one thing. Trael felt that him and Voss had always had an understanding and it seemed that this act cemented that feeling. Voss had his moments of selfishness but truly loved Azar, and that was enough to earn Trael’s respect.

The dance was everything he hoped it would be. The way him and Azar glided across the floor so well together made him feel he was in heaven. When Azar traced his beard Trael wanted to kiss him again. It had become a form of intimacy he had come to value highly. One reserved only for Azar. “The same way you seem to always make me drift away from everything.” He said softly, with a smile. Luckily for the party goers the dance finished unabated.

Trael smiled and nodded in agreement to Azar asking about getting a drink. He couldn’t help but notice Azar’s gaze being focused on something so naturally he looked. He spotted the droid carrying the arm of Ayomi, he followed the droid as he made its way to Serene. The woman had a habit of collecting from other Sith, Trael made a point not to fight around her. Azar had grabbed a wine and so did Trael, he wasn’t going to drink anything strong and risk losing his senses around a bunch of Sith.

He went with Azar as he talked to Serene. They way he spoke to her reminded him of how girls in school would be on occasion. Trael could swear Azar had a woman hiding behind his skin with the way he acted sometimes. He was just sipping his wine and letting Azar bring up several good points. Azar adressed him at the end, asking his opinion on using Serenes head as a wall mounting, “I’ve only heard of mounting things that were a challenge. So I’d assume she wouldn’t make it to your wall.” He answered, it was his honest opinion. No Sith in attendance was truly a challenge for Azar, so none would warrant a head mounting.

@Sreeya @Darasuum

 

[Serene]

Rupert walked out of the hall with the severed hand to follow after the body it had previously belong to. Serene had every intention of returning to the bar and her conversation with Corax. Her beverage had been used up after all and she still wanted to get a replacement. However it would seem her refreshments would have to wait.

Incoming, she spotted arguably the most beautiful person in the room. Certainly the most intimidating. Hearing his insult was not a struggle to overlook for the Champion. "Again" he said. So he had remembered her afterall. The pleasant expression Serene normally had was replaced with a more stoic mask and not because she was unhappy. The near-human sorceress did not want to appear like she was not taking his questions seriously. Serene would be a fool to think he was addressing her like they were friends. He did not consider them equals obviously.

The regal Sith Pureblood continued with a few fair questions. Again, she did not take insult and refrained from replying immediately with something smart. She knew better. If anything, this was an opportunity for her to jump ahead in the Order with the spotlight on her. At the same time she did not wish to appear overly eager. "I don't want to bore you with the details, your majesty. I pride myself on my secrecy so I'll take your words as a compliment." The threat from the king was almost flattering though perhaps it was meant as a joke. Serene had that much influence over his mood just by being present. Serene could take what power she could get even if it was under less than ideal circumstances. The Champion would rather have things be amicable between them but like many dances, it took two. Serene had the urge to burn a bridge then and there but she was a master of her emotions not the other way around. The sorceress endeavored to look at the bigger picture.

Serene recognized she was doing her best to hide how giddy she was feeling. She was surprised by this feeling. The attention the King was giving her was savory and not something to be wasted. She wanted to discuss the Force, alchemy, potions, herbs, subjects upon subjects with the Pureblood. But first she needed to change his opinion of her to the positive. From the sound of it Trael would be no help but she should not expect any such thing from him.

"I think we haven't had the chance to get to know one another. Allow me to officially pledge my service to you my King, Darth Arcanos." The implication in her tone meaning she was supporting him over Tempest. They had been peers under the absent Sith Lord for a time but with the Pureblood as their leader things were bound to change, hopefully for the better. Her left hand's finger tips gently touched her collar as she bowed her head and gave a curtsy. It would be better if she was indispensable rather than simply disposed of for both of them. Serene liked her head where it was.

Serene glanced at Trael wondering if his face gave away anything. She did not expect help or anything of the sort but rather tried to read his face for an indication of what sort of mood the King was in. But it had been years since she had worked with the man so who was to say he would even have anything to express. He, like Azar, was different but in his own way it seemed.

@Phoenix @Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Trael had a good point. Serene wasn’t exactly a thing of pride to mount on a wall. On top of that, he didn’t find her particularly appealing to look at either. Azar sipped from his drink, listening as she spoke. She barely finished speaking before the Force would coil around her and slam her down to her knees in a submissive position before him.

“I asked you a question,” Azar said flatly. He knew she wasn’t dumb enough to ask which question. He knew she knew he demanded to know all about her experiments and outcomes. What she did each time she stole a sample from a social.

While keeping her in her knelt position, his gaze flicked to the several acolytes standing in the distance, “I need an acolyte to collect her blood in a vial,” He commanded calmly, sipping from his drink again.

“Are you going to make me ask you again, Champion?” The Pureblood asked Serene as the Force compressed on her entire body. The threat of what happened to Ayomi except for an internal cave-in was imminent, but Azar didn’t act yet.

Azar had no use for the support or loyalty of Sith that served no purpose. From where he stood, Serene amassed quite the collection of blood and genetic samples from Sith and Jedi alike, and yet she hoarded it all. That came to an end today. She had moments to justify her continued existence or Azar would snuff it out.

@Darasuum @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion listened to Trodai through their telepathic bond. “The ring is good, I like it.” he said, but his face remained annoyed. The Pureblood was still talking as if he wanted to convince the Annfyn of it. His ex-apprentice would need to convince Azar, not him. It wasn’t the Princeling’s house that was wronged by the stupid actions.

Without sparing any other word, the Annfyn turned to leave the medical facility. However, when he walked near Kyssiara, the girl would hear a telepathic message from him. “If you want to survive, be clever and watch your surroundings. Never think that you are too mighty, too important or too clever. If necessary, be a clown for them to laugh off. Few will expect the laughing stock to put a knife in their throats, be it physically or metaphorically.” with that warning, he let her go to the party.

Rather than following her, Caerllion went through a corridor that had a door to outside. This party had exhausted the Annfyn and he only wanted some fresh air. While he walked toward the exit of the palace, the Master passed near a window, right on time to see Trael and Azar dancing. He smiled, they looked perfectly happy.

The Annfyn wondered if he would be able to dance this way with Azar some day.

After staying outside for some time, only breathing the night air, Caerllion went back to the party. It was no surprise that hell was breaking loose there again, this time Serene was the target. He wondered what weirdness the woman had done this time. Grabbing a glass of wine, the Annfyn stayed in a corner watching the chaos.



@Akheron @René

 

[Cyrus Veruna]

Cyrus was - for several minutes - content to watch the chaos unfold from a healthy distance. The Acolyte nursed a flute of champagne between his fingers, watching with interest as multiple guests came to blows across the glittering dancefloor. Twice, he watched as Arcanos intervened to discipline guests who lacked any basic decorum whatsoever. It was a display of power that sent a chill down Cyrus’ spine - and largely left the Acolyte frozen in place. He had absolutely zero desire to get close to Ayomi or the dismemberment that took place.

His attention shifted, however, as the words of Arcanos echoed in his direction - calling out to the group of Acolytes to collect the sample of Serene’s blood. It was clearly done to degrade the Champion even further, and it was an opportunity to present himself to the Councilor. There was no hesitation as Cyrus stepped forward - subtly pushing himself past another Acolyte who started to move in that direction.

“Allow me the honor, My Lord.” Cyrus called back, drawing the ornamental dagger that was tucked into his belt. There was no sympathy in his eyes as the Acolyte approached Serene, the silvery tip of his blade pointed towards her. Without missing a beat, the Acolyte grazed the tip of his dagger across Serene’s left cheek - cutting deep enough into her face to elicit a flow of crimson, though without causing anything more than a lingering scar to remember the lesson.

With a gentle application of the Force, Cyrus began to draw the blood from the cut - bringing the stream of crimson to levitate away from her face, gathering in the air before it was funneled into a small, crystalline vial. He could only guess what Arcanos had planned for the Champion, and he did not envy her.

As the vial was filled to the brim, Cyrus placed a stopped on its top - turning towards Arcanos immediately after. Dropping to a knee, the Acolyte extended a hand towards both the Councilor and Trael, for either to take the blood. “As requested, My Lords,”

 

[Serene]

The Champion was forced to prostrate herself. She had half expected the King to interrupt her with a "I don't really care" or something equally dismissive just as he had so far but instead he was far more violent. Reflexively at first she tried to fight it but knew it would not do her any good. Serene was angered by the act but was glad to have her head still bowed and in the kneeling position, concealing the imperceptible frustrations that flickered through only for the briefest of flashes.

"Allow me." There was no getting away from this situation. She brought her palm over to mouth and bit the space between her index and thumb, hard enough to draw blood. Crimson flowed from her hand and made the space around her mouth smear its lipstick and push red around. The self inflicted injury would flow enough to provide an ample collection for them to take. Biting into her own hand also served the dual purpose to help curb some of her own building anger, calming and focusing her nerves as she honed on the pain and concentrated on the blood.

After biting her hand and holding it out for the sith acolyte to collect from she continued answering the king with a report of her activities. " No you're majesty." She answered his latest question first. "I have been studying Darth Raze's abominations and a special strain of monsters he created, his exalted. I've collected samples from two confirmed hosts and making progress towards replicating it. I tracked Jedi Knight @Leon Baudelaire to Adumar where he fought Master Osso." She knew Trael had fought a monster there so he could vouch for at least an abomination being present though it was unclear if he had been aware of its true identity or if that even mattered. "Cremek was another host I harvested from. Others are Jedi and Sith to keep tabs on, rituals or potions." Her voice was clearly struggling to speak as the pressure increased on her body. Was she going to die here?

Members of her Coven were present though they knew better than to intervene. Serene thought back to Belsavis and how she had struggled across the cold mountains with companions. Serene remembered the somewhat uneasy dinner with Karys. The man had made her food and while Serene had never actually ate any of it, she had mostly enjoyed the interaction. He had imparted some wisdom and made the sorceress step up to the challenge of being a teacher. "Karys..." It was hard to speak. Her uninjured hand dropped to the floor a she struggled to perceiver. "...requested a Coven. I see to share my knowledge through them." Teaching was rarely quick but Sith were even less forgiving. Next, all she could manage were the two planet's names where she had been primarily working from. "....C-Coruscant ...Belsavis."

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

As Serene began to speak, Azar slowly loosened his grip. Her words were satisfying enough to earn her the ability to project them. The Pureblood watched on unimpressed as she opted for the barbaric display of biting into her own hand to draw blood. However, there was a part of him that relished the action. It was a gesture of absolute and complete..

Obedience.

The black streaks threatened to surface in his skin once more. He felt that visceral desire to cause more damage, to see more blood, to consume the Force energy that manifested in her. However, Azar exhaled and reeled himself in, stopping the urge from overwhelming him.

Her report was appealing and revealed she had been sitting on far too much information. Azar took a sip of his wine, “Master Cyfnos,” (@LouJoVi )He called out curtly, “You now have complete oversight of Serene and her little ventures. Validate her research,” His gaze never left Serene’s, “You will be conducting all your experiments under his supervision and every outcome of your studies will be reported to him. Should he find your efforts up to standards, you will be permitted to keep your practices going,” Azar’s eyes narrowed, “But if he finds your efforts to be subpar and not aiding the Sith Order in any way, he will eliminate you.”

Azar didn’t want to deal with her nonsense, but one of Caerllion’s first duties as Sith Master would be to ensure champions were yielding results with their alchemy and scientific work. It was, after all, his specialty.

“Why don’t you help yourself to a drink, Serene,” He said with a smirk, “And go mingle with your new boss,” Azar said with a jut of his chin towards Caerllion.

@Darasuum

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As the two left, and Trodai was left alone to his thoughts, he thought upon what Caerllion said and what he had done. How stupid he had been, in giving in upon his impulse, that nagging thought at seeing Ayomi suffering and need to see them suffer more in his contempt of them. What a fool he had been in his provocation and in underestimating them too. The words he had been told, the advice bore into his skull like a drill. Words that he had needed to hear.

Alone in the silence of the medical facility save other than the droids at work, he contemplated it all and what he had been becoming. How Caerllion was right, it wasn't looking good and the prospects should he continue the way he was going. How much he had changed and yet some remained the same he thought. No, he needed change more. No more games. He needed true change. To survive he needed to harbour the rage not use it when it served no purpose but to humiliate his opponent. Alone he could already hear the mocking laughter of Vossari in his head, Trael with Azar looking in disgust, and Ayomi lauding superiority over him should he be the cause of his own death and fail. Should he continue where he was going. And so he journeyed inwards, he would face his demons.

He took the shame, the rage and contempt and internalized it. As advised. He moved inwards in meditation and there he saw visions of Ayomi and of those that now he had to try convince he was still of use in his current position. As mocking laughter and disappointment echoed inside his own head. Alone with just the Dark Side and his own thoughts, he purged himself of what he had been, as his rage was given a focus as it was swallowed until needed and harboured as his own metamorphosis was taking place while the others partied above. In place of what was, something darker, something deadly, a sharp blade and venomous emerged after. Something that loved Azar for all he was and all his quirks and would die for him if he had too, was loyal to the Order and to see it progress, and help it progress and yet hated Ayomi for what they had done to him.

Something that would one day see to the end of his rival. Or so was hoped should he survive what happened next. As he harboured his grudge. His remaining eye started to glow a darker red. As he was reborn anew with the scars to remind him.

@LouJoVi @Fine Dining Set @René @Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Blaze Firestone]

Fashionably late as he was, Blaze strolled into the Sith Social just as others were wheeled out. "Perfect." He thought to himself, adjusting his sports jacket with a sharp graceful tug and rotating his shoulders for a tight fit. Mascara lined his eyes per the usual, and his nails were a deep onyx as he looked to the emerald studded platinum watch adorning his wrist, following it with a prideful smirk. Sith Socials were known to escalate quickly before the overall atmosphere became complacent with drunken stragglers and frisky lovers. "Right on schedule." He quickly concluded, preferring the latter over the former.

Blaze had always preferred the more loner approach he took on life under. Live fast, die young, and only do what your heart desires, an unofficial motto or Creed if you cared to call it such. Fights were something he typically avoided, and hated being dragged into such. To Blaze, it was unwanted exertion. Climbing into a far withdrawn booth set off from the pool, Blaze reached into his pocket and pulled forth a pack of Minban Cigarellos he had preloaded with Marcan and placed one upon his blackened lips as he pulled forth a small torch to light it with. Exhaling a drag of it as he let his form sink into its cushions, he waved over a waiter and ordered his usual.

Setting the shot glass upside down upon a singular napkin at his two o'clock with a small glass of water at his eleven o'clock, he relaxed with his left hand in his pocket and his right sitting upon the table's edge near the small bulbous ashtray. Now that the initial rowdiness that often kicked off the social events within the Order had passed, perhaps he could enjoy himself. Drugs would be a common place, as well as booze for those whom drank, and the truth of politics would be within open display through cooling tempers and fornication. Life within the Order was truly grand. It hadn't always been such, but Blaze had started to build up a semblance of one. One he wanted to expand on.

"Which of these would be of great benefit?" He pondered to himself. He considered going elsewhere for potential alliances and production, but considered the simplicity of tapping into existing benefits. His passion was a simple one. Crime. Drugs, slavery, war, anything profitable. He wanted it all. After all, life is born of credits.

​

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[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael stood there idly sipping his wine as Serene ‘answered’ Azar. He watched in silence as she was slammed into the position of submission. If the champion believed his face would betray his thoughts she was incorrect, though he didn’t much care for how this transpired. She had gotten herself into this mess by politely telling Azar to fuck off in essence. He watched as she bite her hand to extract the blood for Azar, Trael never understood when people would do such an act, it was much simpler to just use a blade to cause a wound.

As she went on explaining her research and how she used the samples she collected Trael called over a server and got him and Azar a second round. He seemed to take an interest at her mention of Adumar and the name of the Jedi he had fought there and on Kashyyyk. Her words intrigued him, tracking someone using their blood was a useful skill. One he knew his lack of focus in sorcery would hamper significantly, he wondered if Vossari was more suited to attempt it. It would aid in tracking Karys child significantly.

Azar called out to Caer, and put him over Serene and her research. Not only that he allowed him to play judge and executioner on if her work was good enough or not. He could remember the Annfyn hunting down biologist and various other scientists, but he didn’t know what for. If Azar was giving him reign over Serene it meant two things. Caer was working in something similar or was beginning to do so, and Azar didn’t feel she was worth killing or dealing with himself. Azar shooed away Serene after he had finished breaking down her new situation within the order.

Once she had left them he gazed at Azar, “Only thing I know about the exalted, once someone turns they lose all sense of reason or who they are. Even Jedi aren’t safe from the effects of it.” He mused to Azar, he remembered the Jedi on Adumar telling people to get away from him before he turned. Once he had, everything was prey that was there to be slaughtered. It was haunting to the Master, completely losing oneself and turning into nothing more than a beast. He offered Azar the drink he had gotten him, it was likely the Pureblood had finished his own, “Thank you for throwing this in my honor.” He whispered to Azar.

@Sreeya