Ask Magic and Monsters

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Being a remote world in the fringes of the Galaxy, Batuu was the perfect spot for criminals, fugitives and other scum to hide. It was perfect, really. Covered with jungles and dangerous oceans, who would be mad to search for someone here? Apparently, even one of Raze’s creatures thought this way, if the rumors and images that Caerllion received from his source were correct.

And they were! A village in the outskirts of the Black Spire Outpost was ravaged by the creature. Although the locals weren’t sure about what really did it. The Annfyn was really satisfied that it was the case, the last thing that he wanted was the presence of the creature alerting the Jedi and making them come down with their little crusade before he could put his hands on it to use in his experiments.

Unfortunately for the Annfyn, he alone didn’t have the power to subdue one of the abominations. He would need help from someone more powerful and experienced in the mythical arts of the Dark Side. With that in mind, he contacted another Sith and informed what he wanted to do.

Now he only needed to wait for his arrival. Wearing a black jacket over a white shirt, jeans and boots, Caerllion was confident that he would be hidden among the patrons of one of the few descent cantinas of Black Spire Outpost. Seated in a table, while nursing a glass with brandy, the Annfyn contemplated what they would do to track the creature.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar wasn’t in the habit of honoring requests made from Champions - those that were two ranks below him. However, he had known Caerillion since he himself was an acolyte. How was the Annfwyn still a champion? Azar didn’t dwell on the thought, deciding he needed an excuse to take his mind off the death of Karys. He wasn’t doing well with mourning and threw himself into every possible excuse he could find to stay busy. As a result, he was left angrier and with even less patience than usual.

The Pureblood slinked into the cantina, still dressed fancy as usual. The outfit perfectly hugged his slim torso and accented his legendary rear. Azar would never sacrifice looking good regardless of the mission at hand. He showed up over an hour late, but that was almost to be expected of the Sith Lord.

Azar sat down across from the Annfwyn, not having worked with him since they had messed around with kolto.

“This must be something big for you to have called me instead of a wide assortment of Champions and Masters,” He said breezily as he opted for a glass of wine. Azar gave the man a smirk, “Or perhaps you just missed me.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion couldn’t find words to describe the past two hours, perhaps the closest that he could think was confusing. He finished his brandy in the first 15 minutes and refrained from asking anything alcoholic again, being caught drunk by a Sith Lord during a mission was the last thing that he wanted. Besides, he was pretty sure that Azar would arrive soon.

When half an hour had passed, the bartender and waiters were already looking at him suspiciously due to the lack of consuming drinks. To avoid being kicked out and still avoiding getting drunk, Caerllion asked for a glass of juice. By this point he was picking his EZPhone to see if Azar had sent a message.

Two hours later, the Annfyn’s table had three glasses of juice and one of brandy. He continued looking at his EZPhone, feeling uncertain if he should send a message to Azar. The Pureblood was a Sith Lord and a king, getting late was understandable even if frustrating.

The bartender approached him, making Caerllion turn away from his EZPhone and look at him with a confused face. “This one is in the house.” the human said, looking at him with a sympathetic look. “We know how rough it can be, buddy.” he tapped the Annfyn’s shoulder, while waiters were staring at him from behind the human with equal sympathy.

‘What?’ Caerllion thought, completely oblivious to what these people were thinking. He stared at the brandy, then back to the bartender. He was going to voice his confusion, but Azar had finally arrived. And the entire cantina reacted to it, really, everyone. Even a Miraluka. All conversation stopped, with people now staring at the Pureblood.

‘Damn, Azar continues hot.’ he brushed this stray thought away as soon as it crossed his mind.

While Azar sat in front of him, Caerllion closed his mouth. He didn’t notice that it was still open from his attempt to talk with the bartender, who was now giving him a thumbs up. ‘Weird.’ Ignoring this strange event, the Annfyn smiled at the Pureblood. “I can’t deny that someone like you is always missed and never forgotten. You look amazing as always, your majesty.”

Before going to business, he gestured to waiter and informed her that he was going to pay for what Azar would drink. He had invited the other, after all.

“We really worked well together last time, so I thought that we could do it again.” he said, before drinking some of his brandy. “Besides, you are the only person that I know that is powerful enough that can help with it.” there was the Dark Lady, but she is always so busy that would not have time for a low rank like him. He leaned closer to the Pureblood. “There is an exalted here. It attacked a village nearby three days ago. If we work together, I believe that we can subdue the creature. I want to study it and use it in my bioengineering project, to make bio weapons for the Order. And for you, too. If you want to use it eventually.”

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar was used to attention on him - in fact, he relished it. He loved everyone looking his way and it added an extra sway to his hips and a pep to his step. There was an amused grin on his face as he looked at Caerllion with his mouth hanging open. Since he was invited, he expected the other man to pay for the drinks, but the gesture was appreciated nonetheless. His yellow eyes gazed over the multiple empty glasses, signaling that Caerillion really hit the drink while waiting.

“And you’re not so bad yourself with those adorable little ears,” Azar said with a smirk, gaze flicking over to the fluted ears. If there was one trait he adored among Sephi and Annfwyn, it was those ears. The Pureblood took a sip of his wine as the Champion cut to business.

“How do you know it’s an exalted and not simply an abomination?” People often conflated the two. If it was exalted, their humanoid form could perhaps be reasoned with even if they lost control in beast form. It was this dormant stage that Azar was curious about because it meant the ‘curse’ was in their system and the subject could be studied without lashing out.

However, they were still sitting here at a cantina and Azar was always the type to delay, “So what have you been up to Caerllion?” He asked smoothly, the name rolling off his tongue in an accent, “Do you have a secret lair set up somewhere for diabolical experiments?” Azar asked with a smile, fully picturing the Annfyn to be that type.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion smiled with Azar’s comment, his cheeks getting the faintest shade of pink. He couldn’t deny that it was good to hear some praise directed to his appearance, even if it was to his ears. “I hope that you appreciate the earrings, too.” he said, gesturing to the silver-colored jewelry in the shape of leaves and flowers. Even if he wanted to be incognito in this mission, the Annfyn always wore them. After all, it was tradition for nobles of his age.

His time in the Sith Order made him throw in the trash much of what he learned when a child, mostly regarding outsiders and half-bloods. However, he still maintained some. The use of earrings included there.

While Azar made his question, Caerllion sipped some more of his brandy. After having drank so much juice, he was satisfied with being able to consume something alcoholic again. It also tasted different from the previous one, it was better. He drank more.

“At first I thought that it could be an abomination, but the last attack was part of a series that happens every week for the last two months.” he placed the glass on the table, before looking at the Pureblood. “There is a pattern and I believe that it’s related to the moments that the humanoid form loses control. It happens two times per week during the night. A mindless abomination would not follow that. There would be attacks all the time.”

Is there the chance of it being an abomination? Without any doubt. However, these signals were strong enough to make Caerllion believe that what was hiding in Batuu was an Exalted. Both were good prizes for his experiments, but the second would be like gold to him.

He didn’t expect the conversation to change so abruptly, but it was welcome. Nothing better than to relax a bit before going to face a murderous creature born out of Raze’s darkness. Although the way that Azar said his name made him shiver a little, only a little bit. He was sure that no one noticed. “I have been working on my experiments. Making some spy creatures, mixing genetics and alchemy to turn them deadly. If you want, I can give you a modified familiar. With the right spells and a genetic modification, you can use it to spy for you and even kill someone. Imagine having a bird that is your eyes in the skies of your kingdom, but at the same time could kill someone with its venomous claws.”

“Beyond that, I have been playing the political game of my homeworld. As the successor of my aunt, the queen, I need to secure my position.” he had been also plotting the extermination of his uncle and his family, but it was a conversation for another time.

The pink color returned to his cheeks when Azar’s asked if he had a secret lair. “Yeah, I have one.” his ears dropped slightly with the discomfort of how the next thing would sound. “I have a castle with a lab in the dungeons. A big cliche, right?” he joked, but speaking it out loud made it seem so stupid, like he was some type of mad scientist coming out of a vintage holomovie. The only thing that he needed was a white coat and started screaming ‘it’s alive’.

Although he really screamed it when his first batch of modified birds hatched.

“What about you? How is the life of a king being? My congratulations for securing your throne and becoming a Darth. Never had the opportunity to say it before.” with how much effort the Pureblood had put on it, the Annfyn was pretty sure that he would have achieved it sooner or later. It ended up being sooner.

“I bet that Korriban never had a king as gorgeous as you before.” he frowned, the words having come out without him even thinking. Where did it come from? Was he drunk? He didn’t feel drunk. He drank non-alcoholic juice all the time. Caerllion thought about the brandy, then looked discreetly at how the bartender and waiters were staring at him with proud smiles.

Suspicious, very suspicious.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar could agree with that assessment - abominations didn’t attack on any kind of pattern. It may have been true if Raze was alive, but without anyone to actively control them, the only answer was exalted. The Pureblood ordered another drink as Caerllion explained about his experiments and spying. Azar pondered on that, rubbing his chin.

“That could prove useful,” He mused, “I did, after all, have someone attempt to kill me recently,” He said with a sigh, “Who could possibly wish me dead? I’m far too lovely,” He said as he looked over his elongated and painted nails. When Caerllion spoke about his own royal ascension, Azar’s brow rose.

“Your aunt has no children?” He asked, finding that curious, “You best move swiftly before she finds a means to reproduce,” Azar said with a smirk. He had seen it time and time again in royal lines. There was always someone that could seduce a royal, have more children and knock down someone else that was originally in line for the throne, “You don’t want to have to resort to killing babies,” He said breezily as if that was a casual thing to say as he took a sip from his wine.

He looked excited when Caerllion mentioned a castle, “Oh, is it like a gothic castle where organs play? Ahhh you will have to give me a tour,” Azar said, suddenly very interested. He was used to desert palaces and sprawling estates, but he had never really been through a castle before.

His smile faded just a bit when asked about life as a King. His thoughts went to his husband first, but he wouldn’t let that dampen the mood right now. There was a time and place for mourning and this was not it. Azar took another sip of wine to push the thought aside and give himself a moment to collect what to say.

Caerllion provided an excellent distraction in the form of a compliment. Compliments on his appearance always made him happy. Azar set his drink down and giggled, looking at the Annfyn, “My, you are bold, prettyboy,” He said with an easy smile, “But absolutely correct,” Azar said proudly, puffing up his chest and angling his face to show off his model picture pose, “If I can charm my way through situations, it’s less blood and mess on my fine clothes, wouldn’t you agree?”

The Pureblood took another sip of his drink, “This village seems so backwater,” He complained, “Please tell me we won’t have to actually talk to these people to get a lead on this exalted,” Azar said with a sigh. Fortunately he packed extra hand sanitizer in case he had to shake hands or get too close. He even packed perfumed sprays to spray the air in case the locals smelled too poor.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion nodded, agreeing with Azar’s comment. Lovely was an understatement of what the Pureblood was. Not that he wasn't, his voice was especially lovely. However, there were many other things that the Arcanos was. Without any doubt he was gorgeous, had an excellent taste for clothes and was very clever, his career as potion master and ascension to the throne proved that. Why would someone want to kill him? Well, being a Sith Lord should be self-explanatory in this case.

But the great question here was: why was Caerllion thinking this way? Why was he throwing so many compliments to the other? It was going beyond the simple flattery that he was used to doing with high rankings. It was going toward a very dangerous area. By this point he was pretty sure that the brandy is to be blamed for his sudden flirtatious mood. Even so, he couldn’t stop drinking. It was so good!

And the bartender probably noticed it, because he sent another glass as soon as Caerllion finished. It came together with a smirk and a discreet thumbs up.

Okay, now Annfyn had the confirmation that he was acting this way because of the brandy.

Rather than thinking more about it, Caerllion prefered to focus on what Azar was saying. “I don't think that my grandaunt would want to marry or have children in any other way. She never showed interest in that.” her oppositors said that she was incapable of feeling love, like a Sephi. Fools, he had learned that their sister species was very capable of having such feelings, even if it was limited. Being part of the Order opened his mind to many things ignored by his people, including the fact that people without these interests existed.

The mention of killing babies made a shadow cross Caerllion's eyes, while his mood changed briefly. “It would be unfortunate, I think.” wasn’t it what the prime minister tried to do with him? Try to kill him as a child so he would never inherit the throne. The result was his mother dying as collateral damage. The Annfyn wanted to say that he would never be so low to do something like that. However, he knew the answer.

He would do it, thousands of times if necessary. The throne was going to be his, one way or another.

A smile returned to his lips when Azar showed interest in his castle. “Exactly like that! However, not gloomy and with a fancy decoration. It will be a pleasure to show it to you.” only because he liked to play mad scientist in his basement, it doesn't mean that the decoration of the entire building needed to be dark.

“In fact, the castle really has an organ. My mother loved playing on it. I can risk one or two plays on it, but I'm more of a piano guy.” to demonstrate his ability, Caerllion moved his fingers through the table between them with the grace and ability of years of learning. The movements were of his favorite music. “I could give you a private concert when you visit. Even try the organ a little.”

Being called prettyboy made Caerllion's cheeks become pink again, this time a bit more evident. He sipped the brandy again. “I agree completely.” the Annfyn said, his eyes moving through Azar's clothes, and body. They were really tight. And the pink cheeks returned. “I hate leaving a mess on my clothes, they are very expensive.” even the ones that he was using at the moment were. Dressing simply doesn't mean to dress with clothes that came out of a thrift store.

“My god, no. My source already gave me every information that we need. Then we can also track it with sorcery.” Caerllion already needs to deal with the poor while doing his charity campaigns in his homeworld. He didn’t want to deal with more of them. “I hope that our interaction with them remains a minimum.”

“I even brought food, because I don't trust their hygiene habits. It’s enough for the both of us, if you want to eat with me. My servants made the best of my homeworld's cuisine.” he smiled, already thinking about the food waiting for him on his ship. “Do you have any favorite dish?”

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“A concert sounds magnificent,” Azar said with a smile, “I have been trying my hand at a hallikset lately,” He admitted, “I don’t think piano will ever be my thing, though,” He said with a giggle as he wiggled his three fingers. He simply didn’t have enough digits to play most piano songs appropriately.

Azar was oblivious to the interaction with the bartender and Caerllion, but he did know that most Sephi or Annfyn couldn’t really handle their drinks. The Champion was doing a good job pacing himself and Azar certainly didn’t mind the lighthearted dialogue or flirting. It was a nice break from the rigid interactions he had on a daily basis. Since Caerllion knew him even as an acolyte, Azar didn’t feel the need to put up as much of a front.

When Caerllion mentioned even packing food to avoid interacting with locals, Azar actually burst out laughing. As usual, he covered his mouth to make it a quiet, polite laugh. The fact that Caerllion was possibly even more of a princess than Azar tickled him greatly, “I would be thrilled to partake in sharing a meal, though I hope you will not be offended if I do my usual check for poisons,” He said simply, always doing such checks on all meals and drinks offered to him. Azar had to think about his favorite dish - he had countless but one came to mind that made him giggle.

“You can’t laugh, but I’ve grown partial to burgers and fries,” Azar admitted with a sheepish smile, “It’s a guilty pleasure. Greasy, absolutely horrid, but so delicious. The perfect amount of salt on crispy fries and I’m in bliss,” Azar said with a sigh, suddenly feeling hungry. Instead he finished up his wine, debating on whether to get another or not.

“Well, I feel prepared to face an exalted with a few drinks in me, how about you?” Azar asked, amusement dancing in his eyes. It was probably the worst way to meet an exalted.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

The Annfyn looked at Azar’s fingers, immediately understanding what the Pureblood meant about not being able to use a piano. “In this case, you could bring your hallikset. I would love to hear it. Perhaps we could even make a duet some day.” he was pretty sure that there would be a composition that used the two instruments. Doing it would be the closest to fulfilling his silly teenager dream of having a band.

But Arkanos doesn’t need to know that.

When the Pureblood started to laugh at the fact that Caerllion had brought food, he couldn’t avoid laughing too. It was indeed a silly situation, but he had a good reason for doing it. “Don’t laugh!” he said playfully, after finally calming himself. “After you spend three years in the Imperial Army, you start to appreciate the good food that your servants can make and avoid anything that the stranger locals give to you. And you learn to cook, which was my case. The rations sucked too.” there were some Sith that missed being in the old Imperial barracks, leading troops and sleeping with them in these small places.

To these nostalgics, Caerllion could only say that they deserved a Siege of Atravis everyday of their lives. Every single flamethrower, stubborn soldiers, hidden mines and a damned Acolyte called Nicolae should plague them. And the mud. All the mud of that planet should fall over their heads.

“No offense at all. I had adopted that practice recently.” since he learned about the prime minister's attempt on his life, the Annfyn had become careful with his food. You never know if one of your servants had been paid to kill you.

“Interesting. I have been avoiding any type of meat in the past years, so no burgers to me. But I like fries.” given how he didn’t know if most of the animals were killed under the rules followed by the Annfyn culture, Caerllion had adopted a mostly vegan diet when not in his homeworld. “If you want to try something new some day, I can make a vegan version of burger and fries for you. It would not be greasy, but it would taste amazingly.”

Caerllion finished his brandy and smiled at Azar. “Same. We can have more after we are successful.” he gestured to one of the waiters that immediately approached the table. Then he paid for the drinks. “I rented a speeder for us to use. I parked it outside. Do you mind if I pilot?” the Annfyn said, leaving his seat. Whatever was the Pureblood answer, the Champion would end opening the door for the other man to enter.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“Ahh yes, I forgot you had a stint with the Imperial Army,” He remembered suddenly. He couldn’t imagine being forced to perform as a soldier, but he did lead battles to take Korriban. It wasn’t an experience he was too keen to repeat anytime soon, though Ziost loomed ahead, “Admittedly sometimes I do wish we had an Imperial branch,” He mused aloud, “It seems dreadfully wasteful to risk Force user lives for every engagement.”

Azar couldn’t imagine ever going vegan and eating rabbit food. He knew even the ISC President was a known vegan. Was it a common Sephi and Annfyn feature? It would explain how most of them were tall and skinny, “I’m afraid I enjoy meat a bit too much to give it up,” Azar said with a playful wink and letting the implications linger as he set his glass down.

“I adore when anyone cooks for me,” Azar admitted as they rose, once again thanking Caerllion for paying for the drinks, “I couldn’t cook to save my life,” He said with a sheepish smile, “I’d probably manage to burn down a kitchen trying to cook eggs.”

He smiled as Caerllion opened the door for him, slipping into the speeder, “Please drive, I still haven’t learned how,” He muttered, his face heating up from embarrassment. He never had to really learn it with someone else always doing the driving. Azar felt the light buzz from the wine and he hoped it wouldn’t impair his ability when dealing with this Razespawn.

“This planet is actually…beautiful,” Azar said as they passed by the various jungles and forests in the distance. He almost wished he could simply take a day to explore the place for fun. As a habitual overpacker, he had several bags and was prepared for a jungle trek if needed. The exalted was last located deep in the jungles where the tracks went cold so their destination would lead them into the jungle regardless.

“It’ll be tough to track this person without knowing what their humanoid form looks like,” Azar said, “That’s where talking to the locals would prove useful. Has your contact given a profile of the person?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”The army wasn’t something easy. I only got out of it early because I found a Master. She was the one who taught me sorcery, by the way.” he still didn’t know what happened to her. At least she only disappeared after passing most of her knowledge to him. “Having an army with non-Force users would be good, even if we filled the gaps with droids.”

”Oh, I see.” Caerllion said, understanding the dual meaning in Azar’s words. It took him some time to process it and to find a way to reply to that statement. The Pureblood’s wink and the effect of the brandy also helped with his momentaneous loss of words. And the subsequent stupid answer. “I enjoy meat too. It only depends on where it comes from.” his face immediately got completely red, being beyond pink right now. Even his ears were red, with the tips twitching nervously.

It ended up sounding so terrible!

“I mean, from the place where it comes from! I don’t like any type of meat because… I’ll shut my mouth right now.” he looked at his hands on the table, thinking that the swamps of Atravis didn’t look so bad anymore. He could throw himself here and drown due to the shame that he was feeling.

At least Azar went to another topic, leaving Caerllion relieved. “Really? Then I’ll cook for you once we finish here. My servants could have sent some pre-made dishes, but they packed some stuff. Including traditional Annwfyn meat.” his cheeks got red again. He would never think about meat without thinking about this humiliating moment.

He was sure of that.

The conversation about meat was completely left behind when they entered the speeder. “No problem!” Caerllion happily took his position in the driver seat, hiding his surprise for Azar not knowing how to drive. And trying to cope with the fact that the Pureblood looked cute embarrassed.

“I like it because it gives me a sense of being free. Not much as flying in the back of an Arkanian dragon, though. Nothing matches the freedom that comes from being able to touch the very clouds.” his mind wandered to Shergess, his dragon that was back in Annwfyn. “It’s the closest that we can reach from flying without a ship. Unless you are a Mandalorian with a jetpack, of course.” he smiled, before hitting the accelerator.

The speeder left the Outpost, following a road that crossed a landscape filled with pristine forests. For an Annfyn, it felt good to know that other planets preserved their nature properly. “It really is. I heard that the local tribes want to put Batuu back on the galactic map as a tourist spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.” he wasn’t sure if criminals hiding here would like that, though.

“In fact, they gave me a name. A human called Omar Tran had arrived in the first village that was attacked, people commented how his appearance seemed horrible like some type of sickness. After the attack happened, he disappeared. I believe that he is moving between villages and changing names.” he stopped when they reached a bifurcation in the road. “The most recent village that was attacked was that one.” he pointed to a plate that was in the beginning of the right path. “If he is moving between them, he will go to the one at the end of the left path. We can go there and ask the people if any stranger has arrived here recently.”

“What do you think?” he turned to look at Azar.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Caerllion fumbling over the meat topic was so funny that Azar actually started to giggle all over again. He watched the Annfyn nervously trip over his words and backtrack a few times, the entire drama only making him burst into uncontrollable giggling that he tried to contain by covering his mouth. Azar cleared his throat and made a point to step a bit close to the taller man before he got into the speeder, “Oh I have a feeling you settle for nothing less than pure, organic, high quality, exquisitely delicious meat,” He said with a breathy voice, trying to hold back his own laughter before he slid into the speeder. His mood was drastically improved from the doom and gloom of grieving, and he was happy to have some banter peppered into a mission.

When the Annfyn mentioned flying on a dragon, Azar gave a smug grin, “I recently acquired a few dragon eggs,” He admitted, “I plan on raising them as my own. Perhaps one day you’ll see me riding atop the back of a dragon,” Azar said, his mind drifting to visions of himself as a grand conqueror on the back of a fierce beast. It was a breathtaking picture and one he hoped to make into reality.

Azar agreed with Caerllion’s assessment, “I suppose we’ll have to interact with some of these people after all,” He said with a sigh, though he was in a better mood now and didn’t mind so much.

As they approached the village, it would become clear there was a festival of sorts going on. There were rows of stalls and shops set up, live music playing in the streets and people dancing and twirling. It was a very happy and festive ambiance and Azar couldn’t help but wonder if Omar Tran was here right now posing as an innocent human.

“Oh they look like they’re having fun,” Azar said as he observed the townspeople, “Let’s hope they’re friendly with strange aliens,” He muttered, speaking for himself. After all, most people in the galaxy couldn’t guess what he was. He could have altered his appearance, but he was very vain and loved his looks just the way they were.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Really? An Arkanian dragon is one of the most faithful and majestic creatures out here. You’ll love how they will stand by your side at any difficult moment. A bond strong enough means that they will even when you're in trouble.” now he was really missing Shergess. As soon as he returned to Annwfyn, the first thing that Caerllion would do was going to fly with her. “They love cuddling when they are babies, speciality close to the fire. The worst part is that they grow up so fast and you can’t do it with them anymore.” he still remembers how she loved to curl in his lap in front of the fireplace in his castle.

“Ah, I have a picture.” since he had stopped the speeder at the bifurcation, the Annfyn was able to pick up his EZPhone. He searched in the gallery until finding a specific picture. “This one is from several years ago, when she had only a few weeks of life. The loth-cat is Teekl.” on the picture was the tiny dragon curled over the fluffy tail of the feline, both sleeping deeply over a fancy carpet in front of the fireplace. “Nowadays it is Teekl that sleeps on her tail.” he smiled fondly with these memories. “Enjoy these small moments, they are perfect to bond with them.”

His mind immediately pictured Azar flying on the back of a dragon. “This would be an amazing sight. If I’m not rusty, I’ll make a composition for you.” did he say that the reason why he wanted to have a band as a teenager was because he could really compose music? No? Well, he really can. It seemed to be a family thing, since both his parents could make it and used to do it together. Music had united them, and it’s what seemed to maintain his father standing even after her death. The music and poems that he still makes to her memory were heartbreaking.

He brought a hand to his chin, as if being deep in thought. “It’ll be called the Ode to the Conqueror and will tell how a gorgeous and mighty Pureblood brought all the Sith worlds to their knees, while flying in the back of his dragons. I think that it’ll be a hit.” Caerllion smiled while winking at Azar.

The Annfyn also didn’t look much pleased with the fact that they would need to deal with the locals. “Unfortunately, but see the bright side. We already have a delimited area where he can be.” it meant that there would be less poor people for them to interact with. For Caerllion it could be considered a victory.

Caerllion was surprised with the village. It was less poor than he had expected, although it could be only the effect of it being prepared for the ongoing festival. Even the clothes that the people were wearing weren’t so bad, with the exception of some few that seemed to be dressed to be clowns in a circus. “Yes.” he agreed with Azar, while seeing how some couples were dancing something that reminded him of quadrille. At this moment, a group noticed the two and started to talk with each other with rushed tones. “I think that we are going to discover their disposition for outsiders right now.” he said, while a twenty-something Pantoran rushed toward the two.

She was wearing a dress with floral patterns that the Annfyn evaluated mentally and settled for a grade 6. Still something that only a poor person would use, but not terrible to make you want to pull your eyes out simply for looking at it. “Hi! I’m Kissara! Welcome to our village!” she said with a so sweety voice that made him nauseous. She immediately offered them some foyers. “You are the second and third tourists that arrive for the Festival of Flowers! Do you want to take a welcome picture?” she gestured to a stand with colorful flowers, obviously made for people to take pictures.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“Oh look at that!” Azar practically squealed as he saw the pictures of the baby dragon. He had only contended with the fully grown mother and she was monstrous. Seeing the baby versions melted his heart and he couldn’t wait to have his own. Azar smiled as he looked at Caerllion, “You speak as if they are your own children,” He observed. He couldn’t blame the Annfyn, he had heard that people had deep bonds with dragons if they raised them as babies. The sight of the loth-cat made his smile fade slightly as he was once again reminded of Karys who he often called Loth-kitten. Azar gave a polite nod and looked away from the pictures, focusing back on the mission.

The Pureblood rolled his eyes and laughed as Caerllion outlined his plan to sing of Azar’s tale, “Okay, but it has to sound as dramatic as possible. And you better write in that I’m almost 7 ft tall and can benchpress a dragon with my bare hands,” Azar suggested, unable to keep from laughing at the thought. His statue in the city of Ur was massive and he himself made jokes about whether it was compensating for something.

Caerllion would learn very quickly that Azar was the type to get distracted very easily. He immediately took the flowers, “Of course we’ll take pictures!” He said excitedly, grabbing the Annfyn and dragging him over to stand in front of a ridiculous backdrop. Azar posed with a smile for multiple pictures, forking over the egregious amount of credits to buy the photos.

“Oh look at those snacks!” Azar said excitedly, walking over to a stall that was selling decadent pastries. He bought a cake on a stick, sniffing it tentatively before he took a bite, “This is incredible,” He said with a content sigh as he enjoyed his snack. Azar was the King of delays, and his habits were shining through. He temporarily forgot all about their mission.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

He hummed, fighting the urge to burst with laughter with the image of Azar benchpressing a dragon. “Of course, it’ll come soon after the sonnet where I describe how you sent the seven moons of Korriban back to orbit with punches after they started to fall to the planet due to envy of your might.” Caerllion bit his lips, still trying to not laugh with the image of the small Pureblood doing all these things. “But I can really make a song about your ascension.” he said, this time looking serious. “If you are interested, of course.”

When Kissara started to talk, Caerllion was already prepared to say that they weren’t interested in any type of festival. However, the words died in his mouth when she mentioned that the two Sith were the second and third tourists to arrive, implying that there was already one outsider there. He immediately concluded that Omar was already here.

Caerllion was prepared to ask Kissara about the first tourist, when Azar took the flowers from her and dragged him toward the stand. He should have pulled the Pureblood away, arguing that they had a mission to accomplish. However, he couldn’t do it. The man seemed to be having fun.

The Annfyn wasn’t dumb, he had noticed how Azar’s mood had changed when he saw the picture on the Champion’s EZPhone . He didn’t know why his Arkanian dragon and his loth-cat left this impact in the Pureblood. However, it wasn’t much difficult for him to conclude that it was something related to Karys.

He didn’t know the details beyond what was in the holonet, but he was certain that Azar was suffering in silence with the other’s death. The last time that they saw each other, the Annfyn was pretty sure that they were deeply in love.

Love.

Many Sith discard it as something weak, but the Annfyn had his own opinion about it. It was as powerful as it was self-destructive, probably the most dangerous of emotions. Turning you from the most pitiful creature to the most courageous being in a matter of seconds. His father slowly agonizing because of his mother’s death proved to Caerllion how terrible falling in love could be.

Years ago, the Annfyn vowed to never fall into this trap. Teenager crushes, passion and carnal desires he could deal with. But real love? To suffer for someone that passed away and would never come back? He wasn’t interested, thank you very much.

He looked at Azar, while they were taking pictures with him in the stand. Behind them was a background of a meadow full of flowers that seemed to be painted by a two-year- old with barely any knowledge about colors . Caerllion wondered how much the Pureblood was affected by Karys’ death. Since they were Sith, those things were expected to happen and they couldn’t show weakness. He was also aware, much due to gossip among members of the Order, that the red-skinned man had other lovers. The pain couldn’t be that great, right?

However, Caerllion was certain that Azar was hiding a terrible pain. And would feel equal pain if it had been any other of his lovers who died. ‘Love is fascinating as it is terrifying.’ the Annfyn concluded before doing a regal pose next to Azar before another picture was taken. He admired the Pureblood for being capable of dealing with it.

Since he was sure that Azar was still suffering from this recent event, Caerllion decided to let the other Sith have fun in the festival and paid for what the other consumed and picked from the stalls. Surely his wallet would regret it later, but it was nice to see the Pureblood smile. Meanwhile, he would talk with the people in the stands. This way their mission could continue.

He tasted one of the cakes that the Pureblood seemed to have liked so much, a bit apprehensive while doing it. However, Caerllion immediately hummed when his mouth got filled with its sweet flavor. “It really is!” he said, before picking another one. While doing it, he noticed in a nearby stand a crown made of red and purple flowers, intertwined perfectly around a golden rim decorated with black fake gems.

The Annfyn grabbed it and offered it to Azar. “All kings deserve a crown. I think that I found some words to close your ode. On his head now rests a crown made of gold, onyxes, rubies and amethysts. Who can be like him? May his reign last forever!” he smiled, still holding the adornment for the Pureblood.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

It wasn’t until now - that Caerllion was really observing Azar - that he would notice the smile didn’t quite reach the Pureblood’s eyes. The Sith Lord smiled and laughed easily enough, but none of it really had his heart fully behind it. He was still in mourning and there was a sadness behind his eye that couldn’t be overcome so easily. He was doing everything possible to distract from it and distance himself, but it only left him numb.

Azar took the flower crown and almost put it on his head. However, he stared at it for a moment before glancing up at Caerllion, “No, I think this one suits you,” He said, getting up on his tiptoes so he could place it on the Annfyn’s head. Azar stepped back and smiled, “Stunning,” He observed, admiring Caerllion in all his royal glory.

“I don’t often get moments to simply get away,” He admitted as he started to walk, looking at the different shops and stalls, “Sometimes it feels as if I carry the weight of the entire Sith Order on my shoulders,” Azar said with a sigh, actually surprising himself to be admitting as much. It felt cathartic. Some Sith would have considered admitting such things weakness, but Azar had enough confidence in his abilities where he wasn’t afraid to speak his mind.

“Do you have fears that grip you each day?” He asked as he stopped at a shop to look at some bracelets, “Things that make you wake up suddenly with a cold sweat in the middle of the night.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion stared with surprise while Azar put the crown on his head, not having expected that the Pureblood would do that. His cheeks got pink once again with the compliment that he had received and a strange feeling seemed to settle in his stomach. He smiled at the other Sith, before doing an elegant bow. “Thank you, my lord!” he said, a playful tone filling his voice. “I’ll wear it with great pride and respect.”

After he paid for the crown, the two continued exploring what the festival had to offer. At some point, Caerllion felt Azar’s mood change again. If previously he thought that seeing the Pureblood smile was nice, now he felt that it was bittersweet. The man’s eyes didn’t match what his lips showed. They were exactly like that of his father.
There was only sorrow there.


It was like looking at a broken mirror where the glass still remained. You could see the reflection, but the damage left it distorted. Caerllion could see Azar and his smile, but the damage of Karys’ death turned it into a shadow of what it truly was. If he thought that this version affected by grief was nice, the Annfyn was pretty sure that the one where the lips and eyes were united in the same joy would be indescribable. It would be like…

Perfection.

He looked at Azar again, the grieving eyes still remaining even if he smiled after picking a new interesting item from a shop. This was the man that had won the respect of the Dark Lady and conquered Korriban by himself. He was powerful, gorgeous and smart. If love could still take a toll on him, what chance the Annfyn have if he ever fell prey to this feeling? Would he dwindle like his father? Singing songs to his dead love under the full moon every month, while waiting for his own death?

Thinking about these possibilities terrified him even more than facing the Exalted that they came to hunt. Even more than having his life force drained by the Dark Lady. Because these things would kill him. Even if slowly, the pain would end. However, the pain of a lost love seemed to cling and never disappear. You would remain alive, but at the same time part of you died. How could someone want to exist this way?

Even so, a part of him felt curious about it. Having someone that cares about you, sharing the happiness and sadness of life seemed so good. Perhaps the final price was worth it. He smiled at Azar, thinking how Karys had been lucky to have someone like Arcanos to love him. Even after his death.

He moved away from his musings when Azar started to talk. Caerllion listened to it, pondering about every single word. “I also don't have many days like this one, where I cane escape from my problems. Usually I need to be controlled or cynical to survive among the nobles of my homeworld or they will eat me alive, but…” he bit his lips, before staring at the Pureblood. “Today I felt free, something that I could only feel when flying with Shergess. I’m being myself and I’m not afraid of it.”

“I laughed without being afraid of what others would think of me, made jokes and even acted like a goofy.” he laughed, remembering their conversation back in the cantina. “I think that sometimes we need to forget a little of our responsibilities and find a time to be ourselves.” Caerllion looked at Azar, this time looking more serious. “I can’t even imagine how stressful it’s to serve the Order as a Darth and I’ll not be able to help you carry this burden completely until I become one myself, but if you ever need someone to simply talk about stuff that helps make the burden less arduous, I’ll be there.”

Azar’s question about fear made Caerllion fidget with the bracelets in the stall, one in particular attracted his attention. “Yeah, I have some. Mostly are related to my position as heir to the throne.” he picked the jewelry as started to move his fingers over the purple gems. They were really pretty.

“I saw my mother die, do you know? She was split in half by a local animal that her own brother-in-law sent to kill me so his son could replace me as heir. I saw everything from the place that she hid me, including when it started to eat her. I still couldn't take revenge for her because the assassin is the prime-minister and there are loose ends that need to be dealt with before I can move on him, or the entire royal administration will be in chaos and I don't want to inherit a broken world.” usually he doesn't give much details of the circumstances of what he saw when she died, Azar was the first to hear it.

“I wake up some nights screaming because I have dreamt that he tried to kill me again, but this time who was being eaten is my father. Sometimes it’s my half-brother, but the part that always is in the dream is my incapacity to help. Hell, it could have really happened because I only discovered his involvement some months ago. I need to give him credit for covering this as an accident so perfectly for many years.” Caerllion laughed sardonically of his own blindness to see through this cover. "But now that I know, he'll die and this fear will disappear. I only need to play smart and put my ambitions before my bloodlust."

He stared at the bracelet in his hand and turned to look at Azar. A smile had formed on his lips, but it didn’t match his eyes. He offered the jewel to the Pureblood. “A gift in compensation for hearing this sad monologue, my lord. I heard that purple is the color of royalty and power.”

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar listened as Caerllion told his tale, waiting till he was done, “Alas, we both watched our mothers butchered before our eyes it seems,” He said, his mind drifting back to the Sadow attack on the Kressh compound and how Ashani desecrated his mother, “But it is our worst experiences that ultimately forge us to become stronger,” He said, unclear whether it was reassurance to himself or to Caerllion.

“You are wise to bide your time before acting on vengeance,” Azar observed, “Many of our kind are brash and quick to act and they inherit nothing but ash and fire to govern,” He thought of his own story and how much of a part revenge played in it. Would the people of Korriban have followed him the way they did if he wielded fear instead of loyalty before them?

Azar was about to move on from the bracelet stall when Caerllion picked out a specific one. In truth, it was absolutely gorgeous and exactly the style the Pureblood wore. Either it was a lucky guess or Caerllion was just that perceptive. It worked well against his deep crimson skin. Azar chuckled as he took the bracelet, “Careful, princeling, keep spoiling me like this and I may start to think we’re on a date,” He said with a sultry tone before he kept walking again.

After a moment, he could sense something - a presence in the Force. As someone that was far more powerful in it, he could sense it almost as a vile stench. The Raze spawn was steeped in the dark side of the Force and there was no hiding it. Caerllion would not be able to sense anything, but he would notice Azar stiffen suddenly.

“The exalted..” Azar whispered, “It is near,” Unfortunately he couldn’t detect exactly where, so he began to scan around the area, “We mustn’t be obvious. I believe the exalted is attempting to blend in.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion remained in silence when Azar revealed that he had a similar experience with his mother. He never had talked with someone that could understand these feelings, that could say how it was horrible to watch a parent being butchered without you being able to give any help to save them. Usually the others would simply say that they were sorry or, in the case of many Sith, that you should seek revenge and turn pain in strength.

However, some of these Dark siders didn’t have any idea of how arduous the process of honing his pain in strength was. Ayomi, for example, would they understand it? They had their own type of pain, far different from his. They were abandoned by their parents and probably hated them. The Tiefling would feel happy if they were killed in front of them. It would be easier for them to deal with it rather than it had been to him during all these years.

There were different types of pain, each with their own way of being dealt with and turned in strength. Something that worked for one, couldn’t work for the other. You couldn’t lump everything in one ball and say: ‘Look! Now I have unlimited power!’ This would crush you under the pressure of unresolved trauma.

This was why the affirmation that Azar made later held more impact for Caerllion than anything that any other Sith had ever said. The Pureblood could say that bad events forged strength because he had the experience with that, he lived through the exact same thing that the Annfyn did. A dead mother that was butchered. He wasn’t saying that because it was something that a Sith would do. There was meaning and experience there, not simple empty words taken from a motivational holobook for young Acolytes.

He also noticed that Azar had said it in a way that could be interpreted as a reassurance for both of them. Perhaps this was another thing that plagued the Pureblood, more than he liked to admit, and he was still working on turning that in his strength. In the end, Caerllion simply nodded in agreement, feeling that any word proffered by him on this matter would sound hollow and less impactful.

He was admiring Azar even more.

The Annfyn’s face got red again, not expecting Azar’s sultry voice. It sent a shiver through his body and the strange feeling in his stomach had returned. “Well, you came here at the edge of the Galaxy to help with this mission despite being busy with your work. You could have simply sent someone else. It wasn’t spoiling, it’s gratitude. Besides, I like yo…” he bit his tongue, and stared at his feet. The feeling in his stomach is getting worse. He was sure that it was the effect of the brandy and it nearly made him say something stupid again. “I like our conversations. It makes me feel good for being myself, something that hasn't happened since my years in the army with my friends. Thank you for that too.”

He immediately turned back to the vendor, face red and burning while his ears twitched. Caerllion decided to never again drink brandy, it was making his act so erratic today. While he paid for the bracelet, the Annfyn overheard two people talking about a tourist staying at a hostel that had recently opened. It brought the Champion back to the mission. He found where Omar was staying.

When he turned to tell it to Azar, the Pureblood was stiff. His eyes widened when Arcanos explained that the Exalted was nearby. Caerllion discreetly looked around, finding a building with a colorful sign saying ‘Flower Hostel’. “I heard them talking that a tourist was staying in a hostel. Since this one is the closest to where we are and you said that it’s nearby, maybe he can be there. We should give it a look.”

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

It wasn’t often that Caerllion spoke about his time in the military. It was a curious topic because it was from a time when Raze was a part of Sith leadership and Tempest was a regular member of the Sith Order. Caerllion knew more about the history of this new Order than perhaps anyone else. There were a great many questions Azar wanted to ask - especially because the Empire was weak and ripe for takeover. But today was not the time to entertain such topics.

Azar quirked a brow as Caerllion explained his kind gestures away simply as thanks. He didn’t entirely believe Caerllion, but Azar wouldn’t say anything about it. They began to make their way towards the hostel and he decided to focus strictly on the mission, “I was investigating the forgemasters that Raze had to create the abominations,” He said, “No need to offer gratitude. I would have joined this venture regardless,” He said with a smirk.

The hostel was grimy and low quality as expected and Azar grimaced at everything. He brought out some antibacterial wipes to clean off the counter before approaching it. When the attendant arrived, Azar looked around before lightly nudging the woman’s mind.

“Is someone by the name of Omar Tran staying here?”

“Yes, second floor last door on the left,” The woman said in a daze.

Azar stepped back and looked at Caerllion, “So, what do you propose? We can walk right up to his door but that risks triggering the abomination form or we can pose as guests until we corner him somewhere isolated…but that will take longer,” He outlined. He liked hearing what ideas others had, so he would let Caerllion chime in instead of simply making all the calls alone.

@LouJoVi