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[Karys]

THEME​

Karys barely heard Azar's corrections, his mind was to focused on the memories that were bubbling up to the surface. It created the roiling mire that became his emotions. The need for vengeance that had slowly come to consume both his waking and sleeping thoughts. Malachor had done more than just change him physically, the tendrils of the Dark Side were burying deeper within him. There was power in that.

The Dark Side manifested itself in reaction to Karys' emotions, the alcohol rippled away from him in glasses that spiderwebbed across their surfaces. It was a spark of emotion that threaten to build into a destructive inferno, an all consuming rage that would only leave ash in it's wake. And then Azar squeezed his hand and that kindling was doused.

At Azar's words, Karys' breathing calmed, his jaw relaxed. His lover had an effect on him that no other being in the Galaxy could claim, he could calm that fire within him. Karys squeezed Azar's hand in return, a silent thanks for reeling him back in.

<No Azar, simply killing him won't do.> He replied calmly. <I have to break him. He must be the example of what will happen to all others if they trespass against me.> He explained. <He will rule over a court of corpses but no one will touch him, no one will aid him. He will live in the nightmare I create for him but he will live.> Karys concluded.

Karys then removed his hand from Azar's own and returned his attentions to his meal. His growing body demanded more nutrients to burn. Despite his mind turning back to Ziost he was still present in the moment, he noticed Azar's distant gaze.

<What are you thinking of my love?>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

He heard Karys speak, and he knew this was their way. The cycle would continue, but it was a necessary evil. What was the purpose of training Karys if not to empower him to see his visions realized? Azar said nothing in response, silently affirming that he would stand with him regardless of his choice. Karys looked and sounded older as Azar stared at him then. He loved Karys, but he had always considered him naive and childish in a lot of ways. A part of him doubted him and was wary - what if Karys was simply going through an infatuation? What if he didn’t understand any of this? But now when Azar watched him speak to his principle and conviction, he knew he wasn’t looking at a boy. He was looking at a man. His man.

Azar was taken out of his thoughts when Karys addressed him. He had many things swirling through his mind, each one more dangerous than the last. He lifted his drink and took a sip, his yellow eyes gleaming over the rim. Azar was always difficult to read, but Karys could tell by now when the gears were turning in his head and when he was poised to strike.

What was he thinking about? Reclaiming the Kressh name. Reclaiming the Kressh palace. Taking Dreshdae. Taking Korriban. If Karys wouldn’t have a name to him, Azar would provide one for him. Azar would change the rules. He would write history. He would bend the ways of old to his will. It was a silent promise, one he wasn’t ready to give voice to anytime soon. What did he think of? He thought about a crown, a throne, of fulfilling a prophecy where Ludo Kressh had failed. What did he think of? What he turned his back on almost a decade back. What did he think of? The fire that Karys ignited within Azar without the former even realizing.

Azar threw back the rest of his drink, smiling sweetly at Karys, “Nothing, baby,” He softly, “You ready to get out of here?” He said with a glint in his eye.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys’ golden eyes flitted across Azar’s face as he sipped at his drink, he studied his lover’s distant gaze. Karys knew that look, Azar was thinking, he was mulling something over, his lover was planning something. Karys didn’t interrupt Azar’s rumination, but he did cock an eyebrow ridge in interest.

A small patient smile crested Karys’ lips as he slowly stopped cutting and consuming his meal. He cocked his head to the side and simply drank Azar in. After a few seconds, Karys returned his attention to meeting his body’s demands. His hunger had to be attended to.

While not a vile display, Azar would be able to see that Karys was eating far quicker than usual. It wasn’t quite a frantic frenzy but it was another symptom of his growth. Karys consumed what was before him shortly before Azar tossed back his liquor. Once finished, Karys would lean back in his chair and placed his hands on his stomach in faux satisfaction. He tried to pry a shred of meat from between his incisors with his tongue behind closed lips.

Azar’s voice drew his attention again. Karys smiled at the softness it held. It sent electricity through his veins and caused his heart to patter.

<Of course my love.> Karys told him.

The larger man would fish out several credit chips. It would more than cover the meal and an above average tip. They might be Sith but Karys wasn’t a monster. He’d ensure the waitstaff was well compensated for their time. Especially because they had technically stolen the table from someone else.

With that Karys would stand to his feet and move to scoot Azar’s chair out for him. It was his duty to pursue his lover and he did so gladly. Azar held his heart, through him Karys had found a firm foundation to build upon. Their love had given him strength to draw from. Any who sought to take that from him would suffer the same fate as his family would.

There would be no rivals for Azar’s heart.

<Our evening is just beginning my love, we have an exclusive tour of the Royal gardens to attend.> Karys whispered as he offered Azar his hand to take.

Karys would lead them to a higher end sky cab and open the door for his lover. Once Azar had slipped inside and was comfortable, Karys would slide in next to him. His wrapped his arm around the man he loved, his fingers affectionately tracing Azar’s collarbone.

“You the Potters?” The man asked suspiciously.

“Yes, take us to the Royal Gardens.” Karys replied without hesitation.

His voice was laced with the power and influence of the dark side once more. The driver’s eyes glazed for a moment before he nodded and they were off. Karys turned to Azar with a tender smile on his lips.

<Your training is working wonders.> He whispered with a wry grin.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“Gardens?” Azar asked, perking up immediately. While he initially started growing a garden at the academy for his potions, he began to enjoy the practice in general. There were lots of flowers and plants he grew for no reason other than to have them, along with herbs for Karys to use in his cooking. His thoughts drifted away from his ambitions for now, focusing back on a wonderful evening with his lover.

When they were in the sky cab, Azar scooted especially close to Karys and away from the window. He was still not accustomed to flying and this was even more nerve wracking than being in a ship. Fortunately Karys provided the perfect safe place for Azar during the ride over, the Kressh sitting there completely rigid the entire time.

He looked over when it became clear Karys had conned this as well, the realization drawing out a chuckle from Azar. He felt that surge of the Force as the driver took them exactly where intended. Azar could already tell this was a very restricted and exclusive garden, meant only for the highest echelons of New Alderaan and its formal government delegates.

Happy to be back on the ground, Azar shook off his nerves and took a moment to stare at the garden. The area was massive and grand architectural designs had been crafted just to weave through the palatial mazes of evergreen.

“Wow….” He whispered, mesmerized as he walked through the courtyard. There were brilliant and vibrantly colored flowers everywhere and the smell was heavenly. Azar inhaled deeply, walking through the paths with his fingers entwined with Karys’, “This is gorgeous,” He mused happily, stopping every now and then to inspect particular plants. There were more than a few times when he pocketed some things, giving Karys a vague shrug. There were certainly some plants here that could contribute to potions.

Their journey took them towards a bridge that overlooked a bubbling brook. Azar peered over the edge and leaned back against Karys, letting his back pressed into his man’s chest. He grabbed Karys arms and wrapped them around himself, sinking into the strong and powerful nest he had come to adore. He said nothing for a moment, standing there and listening to the gentle stream and the distant sounds of forest critters.

“What does your perfect home look like, Karys?” Azar asked quietly as he leaned into him. The smaller man fit perfectly like a puzzle against Karys.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

At the mention of garden, Azar’s entire demeanor shifted. Karys softly smiled at his lover’s improved mood. As the pair climbed into the air taxi, Karys would immediately notice Azar’s unease in the cab. Karys’ casual touch would become more comforting at that realization. He’d pull Azar into him, allowing his lover to lean into him if he chose. After speaking with the cab driver, Karys’ attention would turn to Azar.

<I’m right here. You’re safe by my side.> He whispered. <I’ll never allow anything to happen to you.> He promised in a hushed and protective tone.

It was Azar’s chuckle that relaxed Karys’ protective instincts enough to not become overbearing. He settled into the ride, his arm was still wrapped around Azar, his fingers still traced his collarbone affectionately. When the cab came to a stop before the garden’s rear entrance, Karys leaned over and opened the cab door on Azar’s side. He knew Azar wouldn’t need further prompting to get out of the vehicle.

Karys tossed the cab driver more than enough to cover their fare and climbed out behind Azar. He walked a few paces behind Azar, one of his hands rested casually in his pocket as he watched his lover soak in their surroundings. Karys felt what many of his kind might consider forbidden emotions in that moment. He felt peace and tranquility as he watched Azar. In that moment, Karys knew that he’d burn systems for this man.

As Azar began to wander down one of the many paths that led from the courtyard, Karys extended his strides to catch up with him. Their fingers intertwined and Karys allowed Azar’s wonder to guide them whichever way it fancied. Every once in a while Azar would pause to pluck a flower from its stem or a plant from the ground. Karys gave him an amused expression and cocked an eyebrow ridge but he didn’t say anything to his lover. This was his gift to Azar, if he wished to collect new samples for his garden, far be it from Karys to try and stop him.

Eventually, their steady pace led to a bridge that crossed over a brook. The sounds of trickling water mixed perfectly with the sounds of life in the gardens around them. Karys placed both hands on the railing of the bridge, on either side of Azar and simply gazed out. He drank in their surroundings and the calming influence it had on him, a smile settled on Karys’ face. Azar’s weight leaning into him drew his attention from their surroundings and back to his beloved. Karys’ golden gaze softened as Azar wrapped himself in his arms. It was his question that caused Karys to pause.

He’d never thought of that before.

<Once, I would have told you a keep with high walls, a shield generator, and enough guns to ward off a battle fleet.> He replied with a chuckle. <But I think my needs and wants have changed since then.> He continued softly. <I see a house, two stories tall, a garden in the front. Wooden floors. An extended kitchen…> Karys’ softened voice trailed off momentarily. <An area upstairs for you to mix your potions and teach from home.> He continued with a soft smile. <Idyllic. Peaceful.> Karys explained. <I’d still like to keep enough guns to ward off that battle fleet though.> He added in a teasing tone.

<What about you my love? What do you see?> He asked, returning the question to Azar.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Hearing Karys speak about protecting Azar made him smile and invoked warm and fuzzies that weren’t usually associated with him. He was more powerful than Karys, and yet even that sentiment and the knowledge that Karys would follow through was enough to make him internally melt.

The bridge allowed him the best of both worlds - gazing out at a stunning beauty while embraced by his love. Azar was perfectly content in Karys’ arms and he was already thinking ahead about a nice, warm nap all snuggled up against the larger man. Azar closed his eyes and began to visualize the home Karys described, but he paused for a moment. He turned around to face Karys then, his back now against the railing as he gazed up at the Massassi hybrid with a smirk, “Oh? Your dream home has places for me?” He asked as he wrapped his arms around Karys’ neck. The sentiment was almost dangerous, but Azar noted how easily and matter of factly Karys stated it. As if it was so obvious that Azar would have a place in any home he envisioned.

When the question was turned around on him, Azar smiled, “I do miss the royal halls of Korriban. I’d want the tall ceilings, a large bath and…an oversized kitchen with multiple ovens, especially tall ceilings, broad doorways and plenty of counter space,” He added the last sentence with a wink. Azar’s smile faded slightly as he gazed up at Karys, his hand coming down to allow his graceful fingers to graze along the facial ridges just as he had done back on Zygerria.

“I’ve fucked up a lot of things in my life and around me to get where I am today, Karys,” He said as he gazed at Karys, “But I think I would do it all over again because they led me to you,” Azar said quietly, his tone sincere and laced with conviction.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

As Karys described his dream home he’d feel Azar snuggling deeper into his embrace. His golden eyes were cast gently down at his beloved as he spoke. His embrace would tighten for a brief moment as Azar’s eyes closed. Karys felt nothing but the bliss of the moment with the man he loved. However, when he described Azar’s rooms in this home, his lover popped his eyes open and turned to face him. For a moment, Karys was worried that he’d crossed a line without being aware of it.

Azar’s words evaporated that anxiety.

His question caused a momentary look of confusion to ripple across Karys’ face, one that evolved into amusement. Karys half chuckled as he spoke. <Azar, I’ve already told you, you are my home.> Karys reminded him as his lover’s hands wrapped around his neck. <You don’t just have a place in my home, we live there. Together it becomes our home.> He explained gently.

Then it was Azar’s turn to describe his dream home. It was wholly unlike Karys’. Azar’s was real, it existed, it sat in the seat of power on Korriban. It took a moment for Karys to realize what Azar was telling him. His brow furrowed as Azar spoke and then tears welled up in the bottom of his eyes. Karys blinked them away.

Was Azar already planning a place for them?

When Azar’s fingers danced over his facial ridges, one of Karys’ hands reached up to cup his lover’s own. He leaned his head into the affectionate touch, pinning Azar’s hand to his cheek before sliding it towards his lips. He gently kissed his beloved’s hand, savoring the intimacy between them.

Karys’ eyes opened to focus on Azar as he spoke again. His heart melted at Azar’s words, the love and affection found in them only acted as an accelerant to his burning love and passion. Karys’ hand left’s Azar’s and slid down to his waist. Karys pulled his lover into his, he pulled him into a kiss so deep that their minds faintly drifted together through their bond.

Without words, Azar would understand that Karys felt the exact same way. He would forgo land, title, his family, even survive countless more weeks on Zygerria just to be with him in this moment. None of the suffering or pain he’d gone through held a candle to the depth of his love towards Azar.

And where words would fail to describe it, their Bond through the Force would not.

<I love you Azar.> Karys whispered as their kiss broke.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar was still reeling from the surprise at his own words, but he knew he meant them. He felt for Karys something that burned hotter than the fabled royal forges of Korriban. He couldn’t walk away from this if he tried with how deep he was in it now. Azar’s heart was pounding against his chest, a sliver of anxiety and fear always looming at the back of his mind. At times he was afraid of how firmly Karys held his heart and how easily he could break it if he wished.

He never broke his gaze as Karys kissed his hand and tugged him closer, the tenderness between them sending heat throughout his entire body. When their lips met, Azar melted against Karys, feeling that tidal wave of emotions wash over him. His man was becoming more adept with the Force and Azar knew Karys didn’t hold back in letting his passions pour over Azar. Theirs was a way that did not need words and they spoke a language just between them.

One of his hands curled into Karys’ hair, the other sliding up to rest against his defined chest over his heart. Azar kissed him back with the same intensity that came from Karys, forgetting all about their Master and Apprentice duties, forgetting about the promise he made to himself to retake Korriban. All of that had a time and place, but none of it mattered right now. Now it was just about them on this bridge and the taste of Karys’ mouth. Azar couldn’t get enough and he pressed closer against the larger man, moaning softly against his lips as desire began to burn hot.

When they parted just for a moment and Karys said those words, Azar immediately smiled. Emotions whirled within him to where he was afraid tears would form. He sniffled a bit, his face burning hot as he smiled sheepishly at Karys, “I love you too, baby,” Azar said barely above a whisper, standing up on his tiptoes to kiss him all over his face, “I love you so much, you…over emotional…irrational…infuriating...oversized...perfect…piece of shit,” Azar laughed as he closed his eyes and pressed his face against Karys’ neck. He was still too terrified to let anyone see him cry, but Karys would feel the hot tears against his skin nonetheless.

Azar exhaled softly and finally drew back after a long moment, discreetly wiping his face off. He gave Karys a warning look daring him to ever bring up that he witnessed Azar being so emotional. He cleared his throat and grasped Karys’ hand, dragging him along.

“Come on, I saw a sign for a butterfly conservatory,” He said eagerly. They weren’t exactly common on Korriban and Azar found it fascinating. The site was a massive greenhouse that held multiple different species of butterflies and unique flowers. His mind was still reeling from that moment on the bridge, but he didn't want the night to end just yet.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

THEME​

Karys felt himself slipping beneath the tides of their mutual love. For the first time it didn’t alarm him, he wasn’t afraid of how he felt. Instead, as he and Azar kissed, he allowed himself to sink beneath those waves. He willingly explored the depths of emotion, of passion, but most importantly of their love. Karys wished he could have stayed in that moment forever, he wanted to allow himself to drown in those waters, in the depths of what they shared.

But eventually he came up for air.

Karys breathed his truth into Azar’s lips, his deep baritone voice etched with every emotion that coursed through his veins. His golden eyes searched Azar’s mirrored pools. A smile graced Azar’s lips, he sniffled from the emotions that were overwhelming the both of them. And then Azar whispered back love to Karys. A soft smile spread on Karys’ face as Azar gently kissed his face and continued his confession.

Azar would feel Karys’ hands snake around his waist, as he lifted his lover up and sat him on the railing to the bridge. When Azar buried his face into Karys’ neck to cry, Karys would simply hold him. He wouldn’t judge his lover, he wouldn’t whisper or shush him, but Azar would feel Karys’ finger running gently through his hair. His chin resting on his head as he protectively held his lover. Karys created the space for Azar to feel everything and stood guard while he did. Just like with his first gift, Karys hid Azar’s weakness, he protected him from anyone who might try to witness this moment.

He always would.

Eventually, Azar would pull away and wipe at his face. When he went to shoot Karys a warning glare, he’d find only Karys’ soft smile and gentle gaze. There was no judgement there, there was no ambition to utilize this against him. There was only the purest of love that rested in Karys’ black soul for Azar.

When Azar mentioned the butterfly conservatory, Karys smirked and chuckled. He’s hell his lover down from the railing and allow him to pull him towards the conservatory. Within they would find countless butterflies from a dozen worlds and a myriad of colorful flowers for them to feed upon. Karys’ eyes darted around in wonder at what he saw, a faint smile still burned onto his lips. Ziost had nothing like this, he was entranced.

<They are so beautiful Azar…> He whispered as he reached a hand out towards one of the butterflies.

It lighted on his fingertip. A genuine smile spread on his face as he gazed at the tiny creature. It gently flapped its wings and Karys’ gazed at it, completely wrapped in fascination.

<Does Korriban have butterflies?> He asked, his golden gaze pulling from the bug and to his lover. <Ziost has nothing like this…> He whispered. <…they’d never survive there.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar felt as if he could take on the galaxy just from that tender moment on the bridge. Everything across the galaxy was aligned perfectly and he felt on top of it all. He was in a fantastic mood to where he was actually softly humming to himself as they walked through the conservatory. The sight of Karys staring at a butterfly in wonder as it landed on his finger drew out a giggle from Azar, “Keep it there!” He whispered, fishing out his EZPhone. Karys had spent a lot of time teaching him to use it.

“Why is it my face?” Azar asked as he accidentally clicked the option to have the camera face him. After a bit of cursing in ur-kittat and Basic, he finally managed to get it facing towards Karys. The first picture had his finger blocking it. By then the butterfly flew off, “Come on, try to get another one to land!” Azar said excitedly, putting Karys through an exercise in patience so he could get another butterfly to land. At long last, Azar managed to take a few solid pictures, “Make the face again! You know, the totally fascinated face you just had before, it was so cute,” He insisted, making his boyfriend cycle through a series of expressions before he had the perfect shot.

After that ordeal was done, he quickly moved up in front of Karys with his back against Karys' chest, pressing the button to make the camera face them. He handed the EZPhone to Karys, “Your arms are longer, let’s take a..a..selly? What the hell do you call it..” Azar muttered, smiling pretty at the EZPhone while Karys took their picture. This also went through a few renditions, including one where Azar kissed Karys on the cheek.

“I’m not sending you these until you’re promoted,” Azar said with a snicker as he took his EZPhone back.

“Korriban has a few species of butterflies,” Azar said as they kept walking, finally answering the question from earlier, “My sister used to love chasing them,” He said with a sad smile, “She said when she became one with the Force, she would come back as a butterfly,” Azar glanced at them fluttering around, “I always called her silly, but I hope she was right,” He mused aloud.

Azar turned to look at Karys for a moment, “I want to take you to Korriban, babe,” He said quietly, “..So start adding the sauna to your gym routines,” He added with a giggle. He could already picture Karys barely getting off the ship before becoming a puddle on the ground on Korriban.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys giggled as Azar told him to home still. The butterfly lazily flapped its wings and slowly crawled on the top of Karys’ hand. It tickled a little and Karys’ grin only widened as he watched it. From his peripheral, Karys caught Azar pulling his phone from his pocket to take a picture, the yellow butterfly continued to wander around as Azar went to take a picture.

Except he snapped one of himself by accident.

Karys giggled again at Azar, he loved that his man didn’t understand things and often needed his help. <Babe tap the button in the lower left hand side to turn it around. Hurry up before it flies away!> He instructed with a laugh.

However, when Azar finally got the phone sorted, the butterfly flitted off and back into the sky. Karys almost used the Force to jerk the bug back to his hand but opted against it. The little creature was tiny and fragile, plus he wasn’t so good at gentle applications of the Dark Side. Instead, Karys giggled as he wandered around the conservatory with his hand outstretched, trying to lure another butterfly onto his hand. It was certainly an exercise in patience but eventually another butterfly lighted on Karys.

The tiny creature had deep red wings with tiny yellow spots across them.

Karys stifled a laugh as the critter had landed on his nose. It spun around a few times, crawled to the top of his nose and fanned its wings to show the dazzling display.

<Did you take the picture yet babe?> Karys asked in genuine glee.

After another minute or so, the butterfly flew off of Karys’ face and lighted on Azar’s hair. Karys quickly took Azar’s phone and took a cheese-y selfie with the butterfly in his hair. He giggled and laughed the entire time. Every photo was filled with a genuine grin or smile from the massive Massassi hybrid. He was having the time of his life, all because of Azar and butterflies.

Finally, the red and yellow butterfly fluttered off as well and Azar answered Karys’ question. Karys paused at the explanation, his eyes wandered back to where the butterfly was but it had vanished.

<Do you thi-> The words died in his throat before he could finish them. Now wasn’t the time or place to be superstitious.

Karys smiled when Azar told him that he wanted to take him to Korriban. Actually, he beamed at the thought. Normally, he’d hate the idea of an endless desert but this was Azar’s home, it was important to him. Karys cleared his throat to keep himself from crying.

<Baby, I want nothing more in the Galaxy to see your home.> He told him gently. <Take me to Korriban. I only want to go there with you.>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

All the giggling and smiling was something he never thought he would experience again. Karys going right along with everything only made him happier. Azar dragged Karys along everywhere, pointing out various flowers and plants and trying to get more butterflies to land. For once, he forgot all about potions or using the plants for anything. He simply laughed and enjoyed the moment with Karys as they toured the conservatory. He had his arm looped around Karys', his head leaning against the other man as they walked.

“Where are we staying, baby?” Azar asked as they exited the conservatory and began the last portion of the gardens, “We’ve been in the ship forever so let’s stay somewhere else,” He said, having no clue whether Karys had planned all that out as well. He may have had a royal life as a child, but having Karys organize and plan things for them was on a whole new level. It made him feel cherished and loved from all the things Karys had done already, so he was eager to learn more.

“I wish I weren’t so afraid of the ocean..” He mused aloud out of the blue. Most vacation resorts were on a beach and people always seemed to enjoy their time. However, the sight of large, open water gave him anxiety, “Does it bother you?” Azar asked curiously. Ziost sounded cold and frigid, but surely it had oceans, “Korriban seems so small when I’m out in such a big galaxy,” He said as they walked, “But I’m glad I can navigate it with you,” Azar said with a smile.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys loved every second of the conservatory with Azar, even if it was a little warm for his tastes. Being able to watch Azar as he laughed and smiled made Karys feel a wave of joy wash over him. Karys posed for pictures, tried his best to lure more butterflies in, and took countless selfies with him. When Azar leaned into Karys, his arm wrapped around him, he'd kiss the top of Azar's head.

Karys never wanted this date to end.

As they exited the conservatory, Azar brought up their lodgings. Karys grinned at his lover. <I already have a hotel picked out and a room reserved.> He admitted. <It's overlooking a river, a clear view for the fireworks later on tonight.> He explained. <It's a planetary holiday today, their Founding Day, I believe.> Karys's grin turned into a smile as he spoke. <Our room is on the fourth floor and has a balcony, I wanted a clear view of the night sky for us.>

As they walked through the final stretch of the garden, Azar would admit his fear of oceans to Karys. In response, Karys would drop his head a little, he'd shake his head. <I'm not afraid of oceans.> He replied. <But I don't like the humidity and heat on most tropical worlds.> He confessed. <Please, don't plan a vacation to one.> He said with a smirk.

Azar continued talking about Korriban and how compared to the Galaxy his homeworld felt small. Karys understood that sentiment, when he was first sent to the Sith he'd thought Ziost was massive. He quickly realized that Ziost wasn't anything special, it wasn't bigger than any other world in the Galaxy. It was a daunting realization.

<When I first left Ziost, I was overwhelmed.> Karys admitted with a chuckle. <I was happy to be away from home but I never expected the Galaxy to be so...big> He continued. <It made me realize just how small we are and how wrong some of my father's beliefs were.> He explained. <I think you were right on Malachor, our people can't conquer the stars with the old ways. But through the Sith we might be able to have vengeance and I think that's enough.> He stated with a soft smile. <What about you my love? What do you hope the Sith will bring to our people?>

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“How big of a river?” He asked, suddenly alarmed. Then he remembered that Karys knew about all his fears and wouldn’t place him in a position that made him uncomfortable. He wanted to take baby steps towards facing the ocean and a river sounded like the perfect first step. The fact that he would be facing it with Karys reassured him even more.

“Yes, baby, I know about your war against the sun,” He rolled his eyes, “You know, Korriban is only dry heat. There is little to no humidity, so you ought to be fine,” He theorized, not entirely grasping just how completely wrong he was. His thoughts were interrupted when Karys spoke about the Sith and their people. It wasn’t exactly a topic of conversation he expected on their date, but their fates were ultimately always tethered back to it.

“I think some form of structure and hierarchy will do us good,” He said as they left the gardens and got into the speeder to head to the hotel, “Our people are so consumed by past rivalries and names that our monarch is never safe from plots,” He pondered for a moment, “I have been studying different civilizations and came across the Mandalorians. Their culture has overlaps with ours where clans are often fractured and there is a lot of infighting. However, once a leader is in place, all clans obey unconditionally,” Azar explained, “That unquestioning obedience is what we must implement among our people if we are to thrive. All the names have to recognize the ruler and set aside their differences.”

A part of that were artifacts that validated the authority of a Mandalore. Whether it was dark saber or the mask of mandalore. What single, unifying artifact did the Sith have to bring unwavering, unbroken loyalty?

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

At Azar's alarmed question, he'd feel Karys pull him in closer as they walked. Karys would never put Azar in a situation where his fears and weaknesses bled through. Karys' golden eyes softly gazed upon Azar's handsome features before he spoke.

<It is a small river.> He assured Azar. <And it is in the distance, you can see it snaking off to the valley we will be going to tomorrow.> Karys explained as he mimicked the curves of the river with his hand. <There is a vineyard there, I have heard they have grapes the size of an infants fist.> He continued with a smirk. <I figured we could get wine drunk and nap along the bank of the river.> He told Azar with a playful laugh.

Karys' expression would lighten further as Azar spoke of his distaste for heat and humidity. Azar spoke of how Korriban was mainly dry heat, Karys had no idea what that meant. To him, heat was heat and it always sucked. But he didn't comment on that fact, Karys knew that Korriban was special to Azar and so it was special to him as well. He would go with Azar to Korriban and see his lover's home world not because he wanted to per say, but because of the joy it would bring to the man he loved.

When Azar explained his beliefs on how the Sith order would benefit their people, Karys listened. He guided the pair of them to the speeder and held the door of the craft open for Azar as he continued to speak. There was a soft smile on his lips, Karys' mind wandered back to something he'd been told before, happy people don't rebel. If only that person had met his people, then they'd understand that sometimes, that simply isn't true. Fear could make an excellent substitute for happiness in the right situations.

Karys found himself interested when Azar spoke of the Mandalorians. Everyone in the Galaxy could recognize the warriors of that culture by their distinctive helmets and prowess in combat. Despite this, few people actually looked into their culture beyond the surface level understandings. The fact that Azar had clearly delved beyond that spoke to the depths of his scholarly interests. As Azar spoke, Karys was entranced, he loved hearing Azar teach, he loved the passion he brought to his lessons, even in small snippets like this.

<I agree.> Karys replied, his baritone voice taking on an almost dreamy tone. <Our people hold onto feuds a millennia old, often times they'd forgotten why they even continue to fight at all.> He continued. <The Dark Lord of the Sith, regardless of who holds the title should be the being we rally to and around.> He commented. <Where our monarchs would fall to plots and schemes, the Dark Lord should inspire fear, obedience, and loyalty.> He explained. <And if they fail to do that? Well...> The implication of the comment was clear.

Almost as if the universe wanted to accent what Karys stated, their speeder stopped at the hotel they'd be staying at, The Tarriot. Karys would once again ensure the driver was well paid and tipped for his time before leaving to take Azar's hand and walk towards the entrance with him. The hotel was decent, the suite that he had rented for them was no royal palace room as they had been privy to on Zygerria but it was a large honeymoon suite. Karys would inform the front desk of which bay his ship was docked in at the spaceport, they would retrieve both his and Azar's luggage and bring it to their room. Once their key cards had been given to them, Karys would guide the pair of them to the elevator to head up.

The room lived up to Karys' expectations.

It had a large king sized bed. A hot-tub out on the balcony for the pair of them to sit in as they watched the display. A box of chocolates and bottle of champange sat on the counter top of a full sized kitchen. Beside it was a small note from the hotel staff, Karys would open it and read it aloud for Azar, knowing that he sometimes struggled with Basic.

<Dear Sadows, we at the Tarriot are honored that you have chosen to celebrate this momentous occasion in your lives together with us. We, the staff, wish you many long and happy years together. Enjoy your belated honeymoon, here on New Alderaan.> A small knowing smirk would appear on Karys' lips as he read.

Within the envelope would be several offered discounts to newly wed couples that stayed with the hotel. Karys would chuckle as he looked through them and pocketed a select few. No one here would know that they weren't actually married, and Karys highly doubted that Azar had forgotten his ploy on Panatha.

<We have to finish our honeymoon after all.> He teased, a grin forming on his lips.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar gasped as he looked at Karys, “You accounted for naps?” He asked eagerly, “I love naps,” He said happily, actually super giddy about that plan. He imagined napping next to a river, but only if Karys was between him and the river. The other man slept like a log and would serve as a perfect barrier. If he didn’t manage to roll into a river himself… Azar thought of all the couch incidents.

He followed Karys as he led the way into their room, surprised at how high quality all of this was. Azar took a moment to simply stare in wonder, noting all the over the top details aimed at a couple that was newly… and then Karys began to read the note.

Azar’s face grew hot and there were slight hints of purple on his skin from intense blushing. As Karys kept reading, he started giggling, trying to hide his face. He could vividly recall his own blurting of the Sadow name and Karys’ clever follow up. It wasn’t funny at the time, but seeing it carried all the way here reminded him of their long and difficult journey. And how it was all worth it in the end. Azar gazed at Karys with fondness, plucking the note. He glanced down at it and cleared his throat.

“Dear Kings Azar and Karys Kressh, we at the Tarriot are humbled by you gracing us with your presence. We, the staff, wish you many years of love, strength, and stability,” Azar finished his dramatic reading with a smirk, pocketing that note for himself. He made a conscious effort not to think about what he just said because it would make his mind explode.

“Baby help me with this,” Azar said abruptly as he turned around, “I want to try the soup tub,” He said happily. After all, the hot tub looked like a cauldron of bubbling water and it looked shallow enough for Azar to avoid drowning. Karys would be put through a long test in patience undoing the laces of the corset vest. Azar had planned on doing some kind of strip tease, but that would have to wait for a day when he wasn’t in impossibly tight and difficult clothing.

After a while and with the two bickering several times over Karys’ insistence on tearing the outfit, the vest was finally off. As for the pants, Azar had to take time shimmying out of them and had to plop back on the bed and have Karys slide the rest off without tumbling across the room. He gave Karys a sheepish smile as his black underwear was revealed to be something rather racy and of the lingerie variety.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys smiled at Azar’s rhetorical question, of course he’d planned for naps. Karys knew his lover extremely well, he knew Azar would sneak in a few small naps a day if he could. So Karys ensured that there was time for naps on this short escape they were on.

<Of course baby.> He replied, his tone reflecting the happiness he felt. <Do you think I’d pass up an opportunity to nap alongside you?> He gently teased.

Once in the room, Karys would watch Azar’s face as he read the letter to him. A smile slowly formed on his lips as Azar blushed and hid his face. By the Force, he loved this man. One thing he wasn’t expecting was Azar to snap up the letter from his hand after he’d finished reading.

Azar cleared his throat and began to read. Karys’ eyes widened and he froze. This was what Azar had been thinking about. The two of them as Kings? Karys thought back to what Azar had said about the Royal Halls on Korriban, his knees suddenly felt weak.

Karys’ leaned heavily on the counter that was before him. His mouth hung slightly open as he tried to process the waves of emotion that rolled over him. He didn’t even feel the hot tears that rolled down his cheeks as he searched Azar’s face and eyes. Of all the things he’d come to expect from Azar, this one he’d never seen coming.

<Wha-wh-ho-> Karys’ words came out a jumbled mess as he tried to process what Azar had just said.

He wouldn’t be given the time to ask questions or process things further, because Azar changed the topic. He wanted Karys’ help getting out of his clothes to get in the “soup tub”. It took Karys several seconds to process the request. He swallowed hard, pawed at his cheeks, and nodded still stunned by what he’d just heard.

The process took several minutes of struggling to accomplish. The top reminded Karys of that damnable robe Azar had worn on their first night together. He never understood why some being chose to wear something with so many buttons and odd straps. It looked good on Azar, but it was a pain to get off of him, crumpled, and on the floor. Just like their first night together, Karys offered to cut the top off, that didn’t go well. For a brief moment, Karys thought Azar would blast him with Lightning again for the mere suggestion.

Eventually, he managed to get the top off of Azar. He gazed at the constriction marks on Azar’s skin. He quietly wondered why anyone would want that level of suffering. He didn’t get it. Then Azar flopped on the bed once he’d shimmied his skin tight pants as low as they’d go. Karys understood the silent request and rubbed at the bridge of his nose before beginning to gently tug at his lover’s pants to pull them off of him.

Then he saw Azar’s lingerie.

The hot tub and the fireworks suddenly mattered a lot less to Karys. He had a different display in mind. Karys actively fought the urge to remove the black lace with his teeth. He cleared his throat to push down the desire that was burning within him. Even his cheeks flushed as he tossed Azar’s pants over on the couch.

<I’ll be right with you in the tub baby.> Karys assured before giving Azar a light kiss. He moved to the refresher to undress and cool off.

He let out an uneasy sigh as he began to loosen his tie and kick off his shoes. He steadily undressed himself, the door to the bathroom still wide open. He’d peel his suit jacket and pants from his form and lay them on the counter. Piece by piece he’d steadily undress until there was nothing left. Then he’d make his way to the tub, being sure to grab a pair of champagne glasses and the bottle as he passed them by.

Karys popped the cork and poured each of them a glass.

<To us,> He would toast as he handed Azar his glass.

At that, the first of the fireworks exploded in the distance. It illuminated the sky and framed the idyllic river perfectly.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar grinned as he saw Karys’ stunned expression upon spotting the lingerie. His heart began to race and he half considered yanking Karys down by the tie. However, there was an element of thrill to this teasing game they played, and he wanted to keep stoking the flames for a bit longer. He was actually impressed when Karys managed to shuffle away instead of taking Azar right then. He battled with his own intense urges, but he suppressed them for now as he slid off the bed to go investigate the soup tub.

While Karys was in the refresher and fiddling with his own attire, he would feel a soft thump against the back of his head. If he looked down, he would see the balled up lingerie Azar was wearing accompanied with a playful giggle out of sight as the pureblood left for the balcony.

With Karys thoroughly occupied for a moment, Azar grappled with his own ridiculous paranoia. He first inspected the water to ensure there were no sharks or other beasts swimming in it. The hot tub looked exactly like his potion cauldron and he began to wonder if such a device could be used to make mass quantities of his concoctions.

After convincing himself there were no harmful creatures, he next dipped his toe into the water and was thrilled at how hot it was. That was when his face scrunched up in confusion. What was Karys doing suggesting a hot tub? His man was hardly going to get beyond a toe with this thing. Rolling his eyes, Azar stepped in deeper, clinging to the edge for his life to make sure the hot tub didn’t have ocean depths. Once he overcame all his fears, he finally relaxed and enjoyed it. Before Karys walked out, Azar reached over and turned the temperature down from his preferred levels to something the other man would at least find tolerable.

The view from the balcony was stunning, and the sky stretched out far beyond what he could see. Azar’s thoughts began to drift back to what he had admitted earlier. He hadn’t intended to let such things slip, but he didn’t regret it. He knew how much he loved Karys and what he meant to Azar. If Azar would take the throne, any throne, Karys would have his place.

He looked over when Karys stepped out, his breath catching. Karys had grown far taller and larger since Malachor, and Azar had been too busy to properly admire him. Now, as Karys stood there in all his muscled glory, Azar could only stare in stunned silence. Karys would see the normally composed potionmaster practically swooning at the sight of him, his face flushing again, “You were sculpted by the immortal gods themselves,” He blurted out before he could stop himself, immediately blushing at his own words. He quickly cleared his throat.

He was alarmed by the sound of the fireworks, but he didn’t jump a foot and panic like he had the first time he saw them a few years ago. It was an odd ritual the galaxy did once a year or for special occasions. Azar took the champagne flute, raising it as he smiled, “To us,” He whispered as he took a sip. Karys would notice that Azar didn’t even bother to check the drink first before sipping from it, a level of trust Azar didn’t share with anyone else.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys stood in the refresher, half undressed and trying to calm himself down when he felt something plop against the side of his head. He glanced at the ground and saw the black lingerie on the ground, he blinked in disbelief for a few seconds before hearing a giggle and movement in the room. Karys would look up in time to see Azar disappear into the balcony, he smiled and shook his head in disbelief.

How did he get this lucky?

Karys felt his cheeks flush at Azar's compliment, he had grown accustomed to Loth-kitten, or other terms of endearment but not this level of genuine affection and adoration. It thrilled him to feel so appreciated, wanted, and loved but it still caught him off-guard. Karys gave a small coy smile at his lover as he slipped into the hot tub after their toast. Karys' eyes left Azar as he sipped from his champagne flute, for a moment to watch the firework show. Then he did a double take, Azar didn't test for poisons, he always tested for poisons.

The realization of how much Azar not only loved him but trusted him caused Karys to literally melt as he sank into the comfortable water. Another realization and another wave of emotion. Azar was taking care of him. The levels of love Karys felt with those three realizations alone couldn't be put into words. His heart fluttered as he watched Azar finish sipping from his glass.

<Come here baby.> Karys told Azar as he extended his free hand to pull him into his lap. <You'll have a better view of the show from here.>

For once, Karys didn't have a ulterior motive with getting Azar to sit on his lap. While he still desired his man, he didn't want sex in that moment, he just craved closeness. A quiet intimate moment, just the pair of them watching fireworks as they lit up the night's sky. As they sat there, Karys would place his flute on the edge of the hot tub and wrap both of his arms around Azar. As they watched the fireworks explode in the air, Azar would feel Karys' chin and lips against his shoulder. Occasionally, Karys would place a gentle kiss or nuzzle onto Azar's shoulder, back, or neck while they watched the display. Displays of affection that weren't meant to arouse but simply express the depth of his love.

<Thank you Azar> He whispered after one of those tiny kisses on Azar's shoulder. <Thank you for choosing me back.> His voice faltered for a moment as he spoke those intimate words.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

There was a moment where both stared at one another, completely enthralled by the other. It was both sweet and almost a little amusing at once. Azar caught the look of love and adoration in Karys’ eyes and he couldn’t help but giggle, watching as he slipped into the hot tub. He moved closer as Karys extended his hand, tugging the smaller man right into his lap. Azar fit snugly against Karys, right into his favorite place to be in those powerful arms.

As much as he desired Karys, he knew there was time for everything. For now, he leaned back into his man, watching the brilliant fireworks. Azar smiled and leaned his head towards Karys’ when he nuzzled against his neck. He hummed whenever he was content and happy, and he did so now. There was nowhere else in the galaxy he would have chosen over this moment, one which he wanted to last forever. Azar closed his eyes as he felt those tender kisses against his damp skin, forcing his mind to briefly release thoughts of kingdoms, wars, battles and other chaos that littered their path forward.

He gently grazed his fingers along Karys’ arm that was wrapped around him, caressing up along a bicep and down towards the elbow. He was gazing at the fireworks again when Karys spoke, “And thank you…” He whispered back, “For being unwavering,” Azar said as he turned his head to softly kiss him. He always craved those lips, even if it was gentle and tender now.

Azar gazed forward again, the dazed smile fading for a more serious look again, “Karys,” He began softly, “I will take the mantle of Sith’ari,” He declared flatly. It was almost amusing coming from Azar while he was so small and snuggled against Karys’ far larger frame. However, his tone and his body language spoke volumes to his assertive presence, “In every aspect of what it means to be Sith’ari. In the aspect of breaking our people to rebuild,” Azar exhaled slowly, “It will be a long and bloody path. One which may kill me. But it is a path I will pursue.”

It was dangerous for a Pureblood to ever admit such ambitions to another. It was even more so when vulnerable like this. Azar’s body tensed slightly against Karys’, but he didn’t move. He had danced around this topic for a while, and he needed to communicate it with Karys, “I will conquer worlds. I will topple empires. I will wear the crown of not just Korriban, but of several worlds under my regime,” He stated boldly, conviction laced in his words, “But at the end of the day I wish to return right here. In your arms,” Azar stared ahead, his golden eyes gleaming, as he entwined their fingers together.

@Apollyon