Open Social Jewel Of The Desert

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar’s smile faded and his expression turned sour as Vossari spoke, “You want to get into this right now?” He sighed, though he didn’t stop the dance. He moved gracefully across the floor, leading Vossari through the dance as the Wrean made his points. Azar dipped Vossari, letting him hang precariously inches from the floor.

“Imagine the feeling of drowning if you can,” He said as he kept Vossari dipped, leaning down to speak to him, “Imagine sinking into the depths with nothing in sight. No life line, no sanctuary, nothing. And then you see a hand reach down and- “ He tugged Vossari up from the dip in a snap, sliding his arm back around his waist, “-pull you up so you can breathe again,” Azar explained, “I had nothing to my name, Vossari, when I met Trodai. By comparison, he hailed from the lineage of King Adas - the bloodline of the gods as my people call it,” Azar said, “I was not allowed passage into Korriban without him because I had committed patricide,” Did Vossari know this story? “I arrived on Korriban at the mercy of Trodai Adas…whereupon he could have handed me over to Dreshdae. He could have imprisoned me..let me rot.. But he vouched for me,” Azar said, “He gave me my name back. Without which none of this would have been possible,” He gazed around himself before looking back at Vossari, “I do have faith in others when they don't and I shape them into versions of themselves that far transcend any version of them they thought possible.”

He looked at his partner, his arms around his neck, “But Trodai had that faith in me when I had nothing. He didn’t just see the crown on my head - he was right there with me on Korriban to help me take the first steps to obtain it. He alone. He was humble despite having every right to lord his position over me. He saw in me a King and a God, a vision I didn’t have yet for myself. Without his actions, I would still be just Champion Kressh with that tiny space in Umbara. Trodai had more claim to the throne than I ever did."

Azar looked deeply into Vossari’s eyes, “But I love you and I respect you as my partner,” He said calmly bringing up Vossari's hand to kiss the back of it, “What would you have your king do, my love?”

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Kyssiara Serket]

A smirk crept across Kyssiara's face at Corax's question about her master, given how ironic the situation was. "My master is Champion Trodai Narat iv-Adas, Lord Arcanos' regent in the city of Ur." the girl explained. "Of all places I would've thought he'd be safe here, but I suppose we share a tendency for havin' a big mouth that gets us in trouble."

Perhaps that's why he'd kept her around all this time, even with all the times he'd choked her for speaking out of turn or making a mistake. If nothing else, Kyssiara was glad that Trodai had taken the chance on a Pureblood of lower status when there were other acolytes of noble blood to choose from. She'd proved her worth helping the older Pureblood restore his body on Byss, and she'd do so again after this latest incident assuming he didn't cross the Dark Lord or even Darth Arcanos himself. Because he saw worth in her life.

Kyssiara laughed lightly at Corax's following comments about the nature of Sith parties. "If I didn't know before, I most certainly do now. It sounds like it's been more violent than some missions I've been on." she replied. "What about your story, though?" the acolyte asked. "Are ya still an acolyte, or a champion?" Honestly, Kyssiara just wanted to know how much she needed to watch what she said as she drank her wine. She didn't want to join her master in the medbay after all.

@Phoenix

 

[Vander]

Vander nodded as she mentioned who her master was. Made sense, he supposed. He had never met Big Red before, but tonight wouldn't be the night for introductions it seemed.

They can be if you piss off the wrong person, he said. The other tiefling earlier had been a testament to that. That was why Vander kept his head down at these things. He wasn't one to butt into other people's business unless it was in a relatively controlled environment... or it was business he really wanted to butt in on.

I'm a Champion, he replied to her (@René) question, keeping most of his business vague was probably for the best.

Not my first gathering like this. Most end in at least a little bloodshed. Usually blood and wine both flow freely, he said, shrugging. That was just the way of things. He didn't have any particular animosity toward any of tonight's victims, but they hadn't been smart enough to stay out of the line of fire. All of their numbers would come up someday, but for the moment it was just a matter of staying in the pot as long as you could.

He watched Limerick vanish from the party, and saw an opportunity. And he was nothing if not opportunistic. His whole business was built on it.

Would you excuse me? I have a little unfinished business, he said, taking his leave at least verbally this time and not perpetuating the cycle of vanishing further, and stepped away. It was probably better to be polite to people at these things regardless of their rank.

He made his way smoothly through the crowd until he spotted Zira (@Sreeya) again, standing next to an acolyte who he didn't know well but was supposed to be working with on an upcoming operation.

Would you excuse us for a moment, Acolyte? I was hoping to borrow the lady for a few minutes, he said, waiting for Corwin (@Mr. Teatime) to step away. Corwin didn't need to know about what had happened at the Wheel. It was bad enough that it had happened and that both Zira, Limerick, and the kriffing Dark Lord - or rather, Sith Lord (don't make that mental slip out loud in the wrong company) - knew about it. Not his finest moment.

I'm glad to see you made it off of the Wheel, he said. Their last parting hadn't been on the best of terms. Or maybe it was better to say that it had been very abrupt.

So did I, in case you were wondering, he said. Actually, come to think of it, he had no idea if she had been wondering. For all he knew, she had left any not given him another moment's thought. It was a depressing potentially possibility, but also a likely one, wasn't it?

 

[Zira Suvan]

That familiar look of terror flashed in her eye again when Corax approached. She quickly looked around for Iymril, but realized they still hadn’t returned from wandering off with one of those new Sith Masters. Zira visibly relaxed and glanced back at Corax.

She stared at him as he made his passive aggressive remark about surviving the Wheel, “Are you going to tear my tail off because of it?” Zira asked bluntly, surprised at her own harsh tone. Where was this side of her coming from?! Was it because she was spending so many hours training like a Sith that she started to talk like one?!

“Apologies…” She mumbled, remembering that Corax was one of the higher ranked Sith and not one of those low ranked acolytes. It didn't matter, they all ranked above her. Zira fidgeted nervously, her tail twitching. She kept shooting glances towards where Iymril had disappeared.

“Look, my master fancies you..they get very jealous..if they see you talking to me they’ll skin me alive,” Zira said quickly. She chewed on her lip, but it was clear Iymril wasn’t about to pop out of nowhere anytime soon.

“I am glad you made it back,” She said, her gaze downcast, “I would have been punished if I got caught. I had no choice but to run.”

@Phoenix

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As Trodai sat up in the bed, he could feel two approach. Standing outside. One he recognised as familiar, Trael. The other lymril. It made him suspicious, after all the two had a dislike for each other. One that run deep at in part. And he had no reason to be there, it made him question just why he would he need to be there. Why they both did. Even in his weakened state, he wasn't such a fool as to completely trust anyone. They were all Sith afterall.

And so he continued to monitor in the Force.

At least until until lymril entered. He looked with his remaining eye, suspicious still. Very much awake. Preparing as much as he could despite how he was, not knowing what was going on. He didn't like this one bit. As lymril made they're way over he eyed them with deep suspicious. The Force telling him to be careful, to not trust it. As did his gut instincts. As a warrior. He didn't believe them even as they spoke. As they tried to convince him. Using Arcanos name and invoking history. But something felt off.

He knew how Arcanos was now. How he had changed, he would not help someone who had just failed liked that. Even him. In his exile had learnt that. He would let them stew in their own suffering and find a way out. To pull themselves out the fire and evolve. He wasn't fool enough to simply fall for the ruse. And so as lymril approached he spoke.

"Champion lymril, you think me a total fool? That I do not know or sense treachery? That I do not feel Master Trael outside. You underestimate me as much as I did Champion Ayomi. Think very carefully about what happens next, the king would not approve of this."

He knew if something happened, lymril would perhaps suffer if not by the king, if he knew of the truth but also his mother would try to see to it. Especially since they had recently reconciled. Trael wouldn't be touched but lymril? Who knew.

His hands made a motion as he looked upon the Sephi. He was bedridden, but not as weak enough that he could try to stop the act. For what little it might do. He could still move his arms and use the Dark Side.

As they moved closer and messed with the IV, inserting the insulin, he outstretched, attempting to halt lymril from doing what they set out to do with the Force attempting to halt them with Telekinesis as he focused upon the arms, and attempted to break what he could. Defiant to the end. But it seemed to have little affect, not in his condition. And with Trael outside he knew this was it. This would be his end. But he would go down fighting as long as he could. He would always be the warrior to the last.

As the insulin took hold in a way he found a kind of peace. After a lifetime of war, of suffering and sacrifice. As his life flashed between his eyes, between fading and trying to stay awake. As he saw each moment, as he viewed Azar smiling at him the first moment they had met, at seeing him rise from Champion to the heights of Sith Lord. Seeing the hot springs and the city of Ur. And seeing him as the king and Sith'ari he had become. He remembered the words he had said, that he would die for him. And now it seemed he was to keep that promise although perhaps not in the way he had envisioned. And yet he had been loyal, despite all his faults, his problems. He had always been there. And now he would only remain in spirit and in what he had taught his apprentice.

In that he would hopefully live on.

As he almost faded, a faint smile gripped his lip. Even as lymril smirked over him.

He spoke to himself as reality faded. As death closed in.

I will, see you again soon my king...my Sith'ari. I will...see you...soon Azar...my love.

And with that a titan in his own way was gone. Talkative no more.

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

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

This story truly gave depth to Trodai where, before, Vossari had held none. Voss realized that he was a fool to be so simpleminded; Voss so readily pushed others away at their slightest misstep. Azar held grace for Trodai, revealing a deep-seated loyalty and strong sense of honor. Vossari felt his face flush with shame, but small tears formed at the corners of his eyes as he listened to his lover's sympathies.

He threw his arms around Azar, blissfully unaware as to what was happening to Trodai right now. "It's...it's just so nice to hear you like this, my King." Vossari placed his hand on top of Azar's, and pressed their hands towards his heart. "You've always rewarded loyalty. You've always seen in me what others can't. Those two things are true." Vossari mentioned, pulling him away into a turn. The stars glistened under the evening sky, as Voss considered his words. Sure, he could try to further manipulate Azar into petty vengeance against this rival he despised, but was that what he needed to do? "I want you to keep this side of you. The side that broke the wheel. I want the man who people love and fear." Vossari's hands traced Azar's shoulders as he thought back to their first moments together on Saleucami. Azar had always been capable of such tenderness even when he generated such fear. Voss didn't want to lose the tenderness, selfishly. If that meant Trodai had to be around occasionally, he supposed it was a price he'd be willing to pay.

Voss sighed. "I realize, my manipulations...never really help you. More myself. I think you know what you need to do. I trust your judgement more than anything." As the music came to a close, so too did their dance. He wrapped Azar in a long embrace. "I just worry about you, and everyone around us." He took a sip of his drink, as he separated from his King and allowed him to rejoin the party.

@Sreeya

 

[Vander]

Vander was admittedly caught off guard by her comment. He, of course, had been a bit snide himself, so he shouldn't have been surprised. It was quickly replaced by the realization that that was what she expected of him.

Of course it was, she knew he was a Sith and this was the Sith, laid bare.

No, of course not, he said. She was, of course, quite nervous still. Her tail flicked and twitched nervously and her eyes flashed time and again toward the door. The door Limerick had vanished through.

They just left for some other business with another Sith, not to return any time soon. If you'd prefer, though, I can leave, he said, looking at her and raising his eyebrow to wait for an answer.

He sighed slightly as she cast her eyes to the ground. No, he couldn't blame her. He was disappointed to be sure, but that was simply the way of the galaxy and he'd been a fool to forget it. Nevertheless, perhaps he could indulge a fantasy a little further. After all, everyone had their vices.

It's okay, Zira. You're a survivor, and you did... what every other person in this room would have done, he motioned around the room. The Sith Order at its core was about survival of the individual. And any set of further comments by him or anyone else probably wouldn't change that.

I don't fault you for it, he said.

After all, I made it out, didn't I? And I am glad you did, too, he said.

Would you deign to dance with a two-left-footed Champion? he asked her. He had no idea if she was asked to dance one-to-one at these things or not, and he had no doubt she was a much better dancer than he was, but he also knew that thinking of something other than the Wheel might be nice.

 

[Kyssiara Serket]

Kyssiara gave a small nod to Corax (@Phoenix) as he confirmed he was a champion. Someone to be careful around, but a connection made nonetheless. It seemed he had better things to do, however, as the Pureblood girl quietly let him excuse himself and disappear back into the crowd he'd emerged from just minutes earlier.

The acolyte truly didn't mind, even if she'd come here looking to strike up a plethora of conversations. Seeing her master smoking on the ground had been a harsh reminder about the reality of the Sith; you're either smart and powerful enough to survive, or you die. Kyssiara knew this wasn't the first time Trodai had walked through fire, yet every time he'd come out a survi—

Time seemed to slow down. The girl's blood ran cold as a presence that had become so familiar over the past year, almost a constant, began to quickly fade before being snuffed out completely. Her master. Trodai had been in a bad state, but he'd seemed stable enough just a short while ago.

Was he really dead...?

Kyssiara's wine glass fell from a numb grip, smashing on the ground as she fell to her knees in shock; and surprisingly, genuine pain. Trodai was dead.

@Akheron

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael felt a faint usage of the Force in the room. The lack of any noise and relative quickness of it prevented him from immediately walking in. He waited a few more seconds to no sign of anything. It was odd, though he knew Trodai was weakened he expected to hear some kind of fighting. He let out a sigh before walking into the room.

He walked in hearing the Purebloods final words, a final reminder of the deep love and devotion he held for Azar. His gaze sat on the Pureblood for a few moments, he stood there motionless. Trael felt justified in his actions, he had heard of how the Champion acted as regent. He had abandoned his men in the heart of battle, been almost sacrificed by acolytes on an official mission, made an utter fool of himself in the presence of a majority of the order, and yet he some how persevered. Was this truly someone who should be a representative of Azar’s kingdom, of the Empire he was building? He did this to protect that ambition, right? It was too late for doubts, Trael had made his decision and would deal with whatever consequences they wrought on him.

His gaze flicked to Iymril, “It seems he tried to fight. Stubborn to the end.” He mused, “Position him to look like he passed in his sleep.” He commanded, “Liability or not, dying of his wounds is a more fitting death.” He explained his tone deadpan. He watched as Iymril positioned the body. The Pureblood was charred and malformed from earlier, it would’ve been much easier if he died earlier. Once Iymril was finished Trael looked at the Champion, “Good, you’ve proven yourself useful. I will utilize you later. You were never here.” He said to them, motioning for them to leave.

Trael waited for them to leave before walking over to the body, “If I was mistaken, you will likely have a dissertation waiting for me on the other side. Rest with your ancestors son of Adas.” He spoke quietly. Trael turned and left the room, he went and grabbed the box with Trodai’s gift. Opening it he looked at the sword, staring at himself in its reflection. He would use it to finish Azar's conquest, not his sabers, as a way to honor the gift. If he survived to see it finish. He closed the gift, and made his way back to the party.

@Apollyon @Akheron

 

[Iymril]

​

Trodai attempted to fight back. He talked about how Arcanos would be upset by this. How did he not understand? Arcanos ordered this, didn’t he? Master Osso represented all of Arcanos’ authority, the orders he gave were in line with the Sith Lords will.

They had to be.

Trael entered into the room as Trodai breathed his last. Iymril would obey Trael and arrange the body to look as if he’d died in his sleep. Just as they’d been ordered. Iymril knew their fingerprints wouldn’t show on anything, that had been why they wore the gloves. They should be clean.

Iymril finished and listened to Trael’s final instructions. They were never there. Iymril said nothing and left the room. Instead of returning directly back to the party, they’d leave and head out a back balcony to loop around through a rear garden. They’d find a seat and stare at the beauty that was being grown there.

“It’s better than the gardens on Thule.” They mused aloud.

With Trael’s last order, they understood. If Arcanos had ordered this, it wouldn’t matter if they’d been there or not. Had Master Osso potentially taken this upon himself? Were they an unwitting traitor? Iymril had no intention of betraying him and risking their own life.

At least, not right now.

Instead, they’d simply sit there until the sun was low in the sky. Sipping their wine and enjoying the view. Because it very well could be the last they ever saw.

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar listened as Vossari (@Fine Dining Set ) spoke, “I am the rock,” He explained, “You pull from me to benefit yourself and so does Trael. I am not blind. You would both be lost and aimless without me,” He said flatly, “Karys took from me as well. All of you are beings I love and cherish, but all of you have little to nothing to give me or to help me ascend,” Azar admitted, “But I do not love you for your utility to me. I love you because you keep me centered and grounded,” Azar explained, “My…fondness for Trodai exists perhaps only because he is the only person that has ever truly lifted me up from where I was…helped me ascend without me having to set the path and the vision. He was the only example where I did not have to be a leader for once. Where I did not have to be the lifeline that saves someone from drowning.”

The Pureblood looked down, “But none of it excuses his failings,” Azar said with a sigh, “I will…talk with him about stepping down and perhaps allowing his mother to replace him. I do not wish harm upon him, but he could perhaps fade into obscurity and follow a different path. A happy path where he can marry, have children and slowly move on from the love I cannot give him."

He kissed Vossari and parted briefly to return to the party. On his way back he suddenly felt a pulse surge through him. A faint touch in the Force, perhaps almost as a whisper. For a moment he thought it was that infernal Razeling curse, but his gaze flicked to the Pureblood (@René ) that dropped her glass and fell to her knees.

Azar took slow, purposeful steps towards her. Though small in stature, he suddenly stood like a titan above her. His gaze was not on her, but fixed ahead, “Girl,” He said curtly, “What do you perceive?”

 

[Kyssiara Serket]

Kyssiara felt his approach before she saw him (@Sreeya) an aura with the intensity of a hundred storms contained within just one person; no, not a person. A king, a living god. The effective Dark Lord for months. Darth Arcanos.

The acolyte quickly shifted into a bow on one knee as the Sith Lord loomed over her, inquiring as to what she'd sensed. Kyssiara gulped, desperately hoping that Arcanos would avoid shooting tearing apart the messenger.

"M-M'lord." she stuttered. "You d-don't know me, but I'm Champion Trodai's apprentice. I—" the girl paused, catching her breath as she stared at the floor. "I just felt my master's presence leave us for the void, Lord Arcanos... Champion Trodai is dead."

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion was drinking his second non-alcoholic drink when he felt it. His telepathic bond with Trodai had been severed. There was sudden pain on the other end, before it stopped. It only meant one thing. Trodai was dead. A solitary tear fell through his left cheek, this time far more sincere than the ones that he shed for Ayomi early that night. Perhaps he was feeling the emptiness of the once existing bond, or the fool Pureblood had been more important to him than he had expected.

He left his glass in the bar, before immediately going after Kyssiara. As Trodai’s apprentice, she would also feel it better than himself. A tiny part of him still hoped that the severing of their bond had been made by the Pureblood, perhaps to rest better without needing to maintain it. When he find the girl, she would tell Caerllion that felt nothing and the two would go see that his ex-apprentice was sleeping peacefully on the…

She found Kyssiara on her knees, crying and talking to Azar. The aura around the red-skinned man was terrifying.

It was all the answer that he needed.

Trodai was such a fool, he should have ordered Kyssiara to stay with him.

“It's true, then.” Caerllion whispered to himself, before turning to look at the two Purebloods. “I felt our bond being severed moments ago, my lord.” he had no idea what to do or more precisely what Azar would do. Trodai had a mother, perhaps she should be warned? Would there be an investigation? His wounds weren’t enough to kill him, the medical droids had told him and Kyssiara that his ex-apprentice was going to live even if with more wounds.

No, his intuition made him believe that it was assassination and without Ayomi around, there were only a few people that hated him and would be bold enough to do that during a party in Azar's palace. Caerllion didn’t even dare to think on their names.

After all, didn't Azar's words early left very clear that his partners had all power and honor inside his home? Perhaps it happened with Azar’s blessings.

He would need to wait for Arcanos’ reaction to understand more of the situation.

However, he started to wonder how the people of Ur would react when they learned that their regent died in his hospital bed after being reasured that he would live. Even more when it happened in a party made by their King. Were they aware of the nuances of how the Sith Order operated and it was mirrored in their society? After all, they were the original Sith. Would they preferred a public execution? Would other regents and local leaders fear and not trust Arcanos? After all, they could think any visit to the Darth's castle could end with them dead too. Would this stealth move affect Azar and his rule?

The Annfyn was far more concerned with the last one.

@Sreeya @René

 

[Zira Suvan]

When he mentioned she did nothing different than what everyone else here would have done, she pondered on that. Was she truly like a Sith? Did she need the Force stuff to think and act like a Sith? If she ran into the average acolyte and bested them in pure saber combat, would they ever know she was not a Sith? If she presented herself with authority and with a self assured bearing, would the average person question it?

Zira’s absurd line of thought crashed and she had to keep from panicking. Where were these intrusive, twisted thoughts coming from? Every day she could see her master’s plots, see their machinations, see the webs they wove. And every day she was within the vicinity of Sith teachings. Had she started to adopt some of those habits without even realizing?!

A glance suggested that her master remained missing. Doubtless they would make a theatrical reappearance when they did and Zira would be prepared for it.

“I would love a dance,” She said with a smile, taking Corax’s hand. Zira had a lot of patience when it came to dancing, and she would guide him through the basic steps. Before long, they were moving along the floor without much issue.

At some point she spotted a Pureblood on the ground and the Sith Lord looking particularly irritated. The Annfyn from before was also huddled close. Zira’s eyes widened briefly, “I wonder what’s going on over there,” She mused before she focused back on Corax.

“So..I don’t suppose you’ll share how you made it out,” Zira asked with a sheepish smile.

@Phoenix

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Voss…was the boulder? He weighed Azar down? He offered nothing to Azar strategically, politically, or even romantically, outside of Azar’s love for him? He really was no different than Trodai, Trael, Karys…any or Azar’s other lovers. Each word nailed deeper into his heart, providing him perhaps his first moment of humility in the entire time he had known Azar.

Shame welled to his cheeks as he felt Azar’s lips peck at them. He couldn’t respond. Couldn’t even move, yet. His mind was racing as he stewed in the words that Azar had shared. Sure, he wasn’t a nobleman, he hadn’t paved the way for Azar, he hadn’t found a way to step up in the order. He was always aware of the vast power imbalance at the core of their relationship - that he was a nobody, and Azar was the sun. Trodai had seen it, too, from his obvious deference and worship to his king.

Voss had provided, though, when he could, right?. He wanted to shower his lover in gifts and travel, he wanted to be ambitious and take the lead for his man. It was clear it wasn’t enough to him. Voss was dependent on Azar. He needed him for love, too, but so much more. Every idea Voss had, he brought to Azar or Azar had planted in him. His gifts were nothing compared to the masterworks that he had given to Voss.

Now, Voss felt this great sadness over all of their joyful moments. Not all was lost, though. Perhaps he had caught this early enough that their relationship could repair, grow into one of sharing and giving. Voss followed Azar to explain this, but when he found his King and his entourage as Kyrissa shared those fateful words about Trodai’s death.

Hope faded. He felt a gnawing hole from in his core as his heart pounded inside of his ears. Was this the result of his petty assault on Trodai earlier? Had Voss really done it - had he crossed that line that he had moments earlier sworn to Azar that he would not?

Had Vossari committed treason tonight against his king he loved so dearly, in a moment of petty rage? Voss held no love for Trodai, that was true, but merely from speaking to Azar, he gained new perspective on the pureblood. If he had thought and spoke with Azar before now, all of this could have been avoided.

He had no idea what to say. No idea how to apologize for making such a cruel and grievous error. Mere moments ago, he had just been enjoying the party - why did he always have to stick his nose where it didn’t belong and flaunt?

“Gods…Trodai…” The man who worshipped Azar as Sith’ari was gone. Fearful as Voss was for Arcanos’s forthcoming rage, he wouldn’t avoid the blame. “This is all my fault. I’ve undermined his authority for so long.” He couldn’t put the pieces together in this moment - Voss didn’t realize that he was the killer at all. With no other options, with Trodai seemingly succumbing to his wounds, Voss was left holding the bag. “And now, I’ve gone too far. I…I’m guilty of murder and treason in the highest degree, my King.” He imagined his future changing, as paths towards love seemed to close while colder ones opened. He could go into exile off of Korriban. He could face execution. He could offer restitution to Trodai’s family in the city of Ur.

None of these would bring Trodai back. As Arcanos took each, purposeful step towards Kyrissa, Voss feared that he had lost even more than Trodai and his own life tonight. Would Azar be able to last, to trust at all, after this? Or would the dragon Arcanos finally spread his wings and soar?

 

[Darth Arcanos]

When Kyssiara delivered her news, there was nothing but the subtlest tells on Azar’s face. It was the slight flaring of his nostrils, the tightening of his jaw, the way his fingers curled into fists. That similar hum in the Force churned again, echoing like a vibration that they would all feel and not completely understand. The Pureblood was known to be dramatic, but under great distress, he leaned into an icy chill. That familiar voice echoed in his mind.

Deception…All of them… Kill….All of them…

Azar kept his gaze trained ahead, withdrawing into his mind. The black veins appeared again, very visible now, streaking across his face.

One to rule…the rest to obey…kill the defiant…

The Pureblood barely heard Vossari speaking. He closed his eyes and opened them again, slowly exhaling as the veins once again disappeared beneath his red skin. Azar didn’t realize it at the time, but the aggressive pulse in the Force he felt right then killed several grotthu that lined the perimeter of the room. Their lesser and feeble minds collapsed under the assault and they dropped into heaps. Kyssiara as an acolyte would feel crushing, agonizing pain in her mind despite Arcanos not turning his attention on her. The other acolytes (@Mr. Teatime @Altaris ) in the room would feel similar, psychic mental pain that was enough to drop them to their knees.

“You are not responsible for his death,” Azar said calmly without looking at Vossari (@Fine Dining Set ), “I was observing the altercation. Trodai hadn’t sustained life threatening injuries,” He declared before his gaze turned to Caerllion (@LouJoVi ), “Master Cyfnos, study his corpse and report to me your findings."

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion felt the change on Azar. The aura around the Pureblood became oppressive, exactly the same that he felt hours early when the King was punishing Ayomi for ignoring Vossari’s orders. The beast that he saw being born in Batuu was coming back, with the black veins spreading through the red-skinned man's face. The Annfyn took a step back, but his eyes never left the other man. He barely noticed that Vossari had approached them and had started to talk about his guilt in Trodai’s death.

Then the psionic wave came. If Caerllion wasn’t a Master, he would have been on his knees like the Acolytes. However, it was still powerful enough to leave a stinging feeling on his mind. At least now the beast had retreated back inside Azar. He wondered if it was Arcanos. He had read how some Sith develop a persona when they become Darth. The Annfyn wondered if it was happening here. Or it could be something worse.

Azar could be turning into something like Raze. After all, he had drained part of his essence. It would remain with him forever.

“Yes, my lord.” Caerllion said, shortly after Azar finished his orders. “I can start immediately, if you allow me. I only request the help of your medical droids and of the medical facility.” the Annfyn wanted to do it as fast as possible. Any time that he loses could mean that toxins and other substances were lost.

If Azar gave him permission, Caerllion would rush to the medical facility immediately prepared to do something he never thought that he would do.

Dissecting Trodai's body.

@Sreeya

 

[Vander]

Vander was quite glad when she accepted, his heart beating away ever so slightly and of course absurdly. Despite all he had been through in his life, there was still that piece of him buried within that was just a college-aged kid standing in front of a girl asking her to dance.

He broke into a smile as she accepted, knowing his own skills were likely to be a joke, but not really caring. It was only as they wrapped their arms around one another and began to move and sway that he realized how strange it was. He was so averse to touching or being touched, and yet somehow, he hadn't even thought twice about it in this case. It felt far less wrong than it normally did, and he... wasn't sure what to think about that.

In hopes of not overthinking a nice thing he decided that if this was going to be how he went out, there were worse ways.

He could have almost lost himself in the music and the moment as he looked into her golden eyes only to find himself quickly glancing away again. This is ridiculous. This isn't like you, pull yourself together, he thought, and yet... he still didn't care. Not really.

His thoughts were thankfully interrupted as she motioned over across the room, and his jaw tensed slightly, a sense of something impending hanging over him.

Nothing good, he said, taking a breath in and sucking slightly at his teeth.

Oh, a magician can't reveal all of his secrets, he said with a smirk. He had to keep an air of mystery about it all, and the truth was far too embarrassing to want to admit.

You know your outfit is still on my ship. I imagine you'll need it back, he said. He didn't ask for Talia's outfit back, and had decided it was likely better for her to have it than for the proverbial moths to eat it in his closet. He imagined, however, that her master was going to want the other back. And oh if they had to meet up again at some point for him to return it then what a shame. He hadn't even had to set it up, it had just happened naturally.

 

[Trael Osso]

Trael walked the halls on his way back to the party his gaze locked outside the windows at the dunes. It reminded him of the rolling hills of Naboo only sandy. He was alone with his thoughts completely now. Trodai lay dead in his medical bed, gone from the world of the living. Trael’s gaze went from the windows to the stone work of the hall. He had done this to protect Azar and his interests. He had done what he’d promised many times, to protect his man until he couldn’t. Azar had always protected Trodai, no matter what Trael said. He had let it go, believing the stories might have been embellished against him. Tonight he saw firsthand just how bad it truly was, that’s what made him decide to act. Was it rash? Perhaps, but it was necessary.

He could hear the sounds of the party as he got near the end of the hall. He stopped momentarily, why did Azar always protect Trodai? He had never wondered that before. Azar had never divulged that information to him. He just simply protected Trodai and dismissed Trael’s worries. Was there an actual reason? Or was it simply his fondness of Trodai? He had to inform Azar, he couldn’t let rumors begin. He just hoped that Azar would see his reasoning.

He walked out into the party to see everyone gathered around Kyssiara. He was confused, why was she on the floor? She must’ve felt the death of her master. He was too late. He made his way to reach the group, when he was assaulted by a physics attack. If he was a weaker Sith it would’ve floored him, but he wasn’t, though he did have what felt like a mild headache from it. He heard Azar say something about not being to blame, who was taking the blame. Then Caer was ordered away to do a toxicology report. He stepped next to Azar his gaze turning to Voss, he could see the distress, “You are not to blame for this Voss.” He said slightly confused, “Trodai didn’t succumb to his wounds.” He stated, “He risked ruining everything you’ve built with his constant failings. I did what was necessary to make sure this was his last.”

@Sreeya @Fine Dining Set @René

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

This conversation no longer needed to involve Kysiarra. Mystery solved. "Acolyte, begone." With a psychic blast, he would attempt to push Kyssiara (@René ) away from the conversation, just as Arcanos's mind-shattering assault began. He, unknowingly, would attempt to spare the acolyte's life - otherwise, succumbing to Azar's power here was inevitable.

Vossari had been here before. He was taken back to his display of Blood Sorcery on Tund. Then, Vossari had put his life on the line to protect the fearsome display of power that Azar had shown. He thought back to Murzana, too, when Azar had displayed inklings of the same sadistic rage that he had displayed tonight. Voss had thrown himself in the line of fire then, too. He always wanted Azar to win, and today was no different. But as these black marks and unyielding psychic power emanated from Azar's personage, he realized that he needed Azar to win against Arcanos. He needed the heart of the man he loved - not the power.

Vossari wouldn't share any new words, now. He couldn't explain this situation any further. Instead, he approached Arcanos from the front and spread his arms wide, vulnerably. He wrapped his arms around Azar, squeezing his love to attempt to be the boulder he needed - the weight that would keep Arcanos grounded in Azar. "I love you." He whispered, not with his mouth, but with his mind. Reminded of their deep mental connection from Etti, Vossari reached out to his lover's presence from within the realm of the Force as he connected physically to the man he loved. "I'm sorry." Even if Trael had done the killing blow, Voss had initiated this. He had attacked Trodai countless times. He had never bothered to ask why Azar kept Trodai around. Instead of talking to Azar, he gossiped with others about Trodai. And now, Trodai, the Regent of Ur, lay dead without Azar's permission.

If his mind would allow it, he shared a moment of levity from their days together. A moment shared on a beach, where Azar shared the complexity of the relationship they shared. The love they had built was a twisting road, but it was strong. Voss always had wished for Azar's ascension, but if the cost was Azar himself, it was far too great a price to pay. He knew he was too weak to oppose Azar here - Arcanos' power was nearly infinite, as a Sith Lord on Korriban, drawing from the nexus that existed on the planet. If so he chose, Azar could totally, effortlessly, execute him. Yet, here and now, he poured his heart into Azar. "Break the wheel, princess. You're more than everything I know, than any of us know, and we have taken you for granted. You have always been what I believed you are not." Azar was Azar. Powerful and scary. Tender and loving. Dramatic and effete. Hater of physical activity, lover of salsa. Afraid of technology. He was not this Dark Side robot, without feelings and tenderness, and Voss would rather die than see him become something he wasn't. He realized he had been mistaken to suggest apotheosis into Arcanos - he just wanted his princess.

@Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus