TheWhisperOfTheWind

[Zul Kressh]

Zul was adorned in his typical overcoat, it mixed with his Sith armor as the helmet was clipped to his belt. He carried only his lightsabers and blaster, preferring that over grenades and other gadgets people used. It had been a long time since he had come to Korriban but he was actually happy to be home. The unbearable heat, the never-ending sand dunes, and the entire planet completely drenched in the Dark Side. If Zul had the choice he would have never left the planet, content to learn what secrets the dark planet held. But like others of his kind, he was forced off from the planet and away from its dark embrace.

While Zul hated it, he also appreciated it as it opened his mind to what was happening to his people. To see how the galaxy continued to evolve while the Purebloods withered away in hovels except for some of the lucky ones. He was now in search for one of those hovel tribes, having found some tracks a few miles back and leading him here. It was a massive canyon, some old and cracked Sith statues either standing or fallen on their side. When Zul reached the arch of the dune he took a moment to stop, appraising the destroyed history that had yet to be uncovered.

So much of it had a story behind it, a proud race that could have stood the test of time. It made Zul wonder what was the moment it went downhill for his people. It also made him wonder how his family played in a part of it, his father never having discussed about their bloodline openly to him. Zul shook his head from those thoughts before launching himself with the force from his dune. He landed softly at the base of the small canyon, between two devastated statues before slowly walking over to one. Lightly pressing his hand against the stone, Zul inhaled slowly before dropping his hand turning his gaze down the canyon. He had a goal and he was going to complete it.

 

[Varyn Rask]

Corax had come to Korriban with a plan in mind: find out more about the Valley of the Dark Lords and a potential missing tomb. He'd been following a lead he'd picked up on from one of the Sith he'd run across some time ago... the lead had not panned out. What had initially started as the Sith exploring a deep cave had led to him stumbling upon a very angry group of Red Sith, and they were not happy to see a human coming their way. The mask he was wearing didn't seem to do anything to improve their opinion, and moments later, Corax was on the run.

His saber flashed to life as he cleaved through a Lanvarok disc that was aimed for his torso, and he ran for the exit, bursting back into the sun and seeing... oh great, another Sith outside.

Another disc flew by, missing Corax and slamming into the ground only a meter away from Zul. Varyn darted to the left, sliding behind one of the canyon's free stones. He was preparing to attack the newcomer when he saw another disc fly at Zul... this time it wasn't merely the result of a missed shot at Varyn. So... not an ally of his enemy. Perhaps an ally for himself?

He would have liked to shout out for the man to draw their attention away, but he didn't want to shout "draw them away" across the open space, but hopefully he could gain an opportunity if the other distracted them... or vice versa.

He pulled the Force to himself, waiting for the chance to use it, but keeping his saber at the ready. What were the odds of someone else being here? Perhaps the Force had brought them together, though for what reason, Varyn didn't know. @Orbit

 

[Zul Kressh]

Zul suddenly felt a presence through the force and snapped his head toward the entrance of what appeared a small ruin. It wasn't just one however except multiple and the Sith instantly recognized the differences between the two. Suddenly a masked man dashed out from the exit, his blade cutting one a familiar weapon of the Purebloods. Zul stood exactly where he was, his gaze slowly following the Lanvarok disk that slammed into the ground a few feet away from it. The Sith missed the familiar feel of his weapons. While nothing could replace his lightsabers now, nothing could ever replace the nostalgia of his old Lanvarok. Before Zul could reminisce too long about his past before another bladed disc came soaring towards him.

Zul simply lifted his hand and the disc stopped mid-air in front of him before dropping to the ground with a soft clang. The group of Purebloods stepped out from the exit, adorned in their warrior clothing and weapons. They saw Zul standing out in the open, one of the warriors pointing directly at him with a Lanvarok, "Zudyti tave intruder!" The other Purebloods snapped their attention towards Zul, beginning to circle around him. But before he would let them get to close, the Sith pulled down his hood and revealed what he was. "Hello brethren, nu isar nenx geida kia fight." The warriors stopped in their tracks surprised to see one of their own kind here, only thinking it was another Sith intending to raid their artifacts. The largest one of them all stepped forward, staring at Zul before over to where Varyn was behind the rock, "Tu Aras Su Sis intruder?"

The Sith slowly turned his gaze to where the man was, able to see the mask but unable to recognize where it was from. Zul had no clue who it was but he turned his attention back to the warrior, "Tym Kash Wo iv Nuyak peers, Zo Gauja iv tu'kata split Mus Niant." The warriors glanced to each other before back to the intruder, thinking to themselves for a few moments before snarling mostly to himself, "Mes Valia Nenx Buti forgiving Kitas Amzi." Zul gave a simple nod before giving a slight bow, "Dazek j'us" The leader walked off with the others, leaving Zul and the intruder to themselves. Once they were out of earshot Zul turned to face where the Sith was, his hands clasped behind his back with his hood still down. "Your mask is unfamiliar to me and if you knew Korriban, then you would know the tribe of warriors doesn't take kindly to those who aren't their own. That leads me to believe you are not from here."

If Varyn reached out with the force he wouldn't find any hostility or anger in Zul, more of just curiosity then anything else. "So, who are you and what do you want?" The force was building around the Sith but not offensively, more of preparing if the man tried anything. His lightsabers were only a few inches from Zul's hands as well but he had no intention of using them. He preferred not to at all and currently just wanted his curiosity sated.

 

[Varyn Rask]

Okay... well... this was unexpected, though in hindsight it shouldn't have been. It was always easier to second guess oneself in hindsight, though, wasn't it? He listened, crouching still behind his rock and listening to the conversation. Kriff, I need to brush up on my Sith speech, he told himself. He'd once been almost conversational, but now could barely remember half of what was being said. It didn't help that they were also speaking far more quickly and at a distance than he was accustomed to.

Whatever the "newcomer" had said, it seemed to placate the attacking tribe. They weren't attacking anymore, and the man made his way over toward where Varyn was crouched. He observed the man as he walked, now more interested than anything. He carried himself with confidence, and he seemed unconcerned with Corax's presence here, but at the same time, he didn't seem threatened. Certainly, he didn't bear the same hostility the tribe did. While it was possible that the man merely killed coldly and without passion, it would have been moderately un-Sith-like and even more so illogical. There was little to be gained out of killing him, but that wasn't always a guiding hand with who other Sith killed.

Corax rose from his position, keeping the stone - not by accident - between himself and the tribesman as he cautiously answered. Corax, he said, offering his alias, which was about as good as anyone in the Old Empire had gotten from him yet. Call it professional curiosity that drew me here, he said, measuring his words carefully. I take it you're not with them. Who are you? he asked in response. Give and take, though he imagined that Mr. Sith-man wasn't going to be too much of the oversharing type either. @Orbit

 

[Zul Kressh]

Zul's gaze never left Corax, the Pureblood seeming unconcerned about the tribesmen that attacked the man before. While he waited for the acolyte, he presumed, to step out from the stone and answer his question, his mind raced. It was clear he was Sith at least, the man successfully having cut a Lanvarok disc shot toward him. Even a trained and skilled warrior would have a slight difficulty with that but Corax did it with ease. As Corax spoke, Zul began to walk in a circle around the stone, wondering if the man would continue to keep it between them or not. "Pleasure to meet you Corax, you may call me Zul." The Pureblood gave his real name, having no reason to give him a fake name.

Zul stopped where he was, whether the stone was between them or not, and kept his gaze locked on Corax as it was clear he was thinking to himself. After a few seconds, he repeated what the man said, "Professional curiosity..." Zul then took the steps back he came, slowly putting the rock between them once more before heading to the other side. "You're clearly Republica, the unfamiliar markings and your rather short introductions suggest that. That leaves you either here for sabotage for the Republica or personal gain. From what I gather you only have come here with your lightsaber and..." The Pureblood tilted his head slightly to see the familiar handle of one of his kind's weapons. "One of my people's sword. That leaves any significant sabotage out of the question." The fact the acolyte had one of his people's weapon didn't bother him. It was a depressing sight to see one of the Pureblood's weapons tainted but there was nothing he could do about it. Corax would see Zul's mind continue to tinker as if he thought of explanations before simply crossing them out and moving onto the next that made the most logical sense. "The only thing out here for personal gain if you are not a Pureblood is artifacts or tombs of ancestors."

Zul chuckled softly before gesturing one hand to Corax, "When one of our kind hunts for artifacts, they tend to kill everything in their way to prove their strength. While three warriors are no simple feat, I trust you have the ability to take them out if you wanted. After all, you are Imperial Republica and you've managed to sneak onto Korriban. So that leaves one thing left." Zul slowly cocked his head to the other side, "Who are you searching for Corax?" It was give and take and now it was Zul's turn to ask Corax a question. The Pureblood didn't appear to gloat as if he figured out why he was here, however, more of presenting a thesis and wandering if Corax was going to confirm it for him or not.

 

[Varyn Rask]

Corax recognized the movement of this Sith: Zul. Whether he intended to or not, his rotations around the stone was like a predator stalking its prey, but Corax didn't move or flinch away.

As he began to give his assessment of Corax things became interesting. He laid his cards on the table, and Corax recognized at least the assertion about him being of the Republica was a bluff or perhaps educated guess. Corax cleared himself of markings for these operations because they were illegal and treasonous, so leaving behind something so obvious was dangerous at best and negligent at worst. Still, he had to give credit to the rest of the assessment for being at least close given the information that he had. He didn't bother confirming or denying it. He would let Zul think what he would for now. Varyn never felt any close allegiance to either side. The leadership of both had been lackluster at best and outright negligent at worst.

As for why he was here... well, Zul's assessment was slightly closer. Personal reasons was somewhat true, but not just for himself. He hoped what he learned here would benefit the entire Empire, and which Empire that was, Varyn didn't particularly care. Yes, ultimately it likely fell under a form of personal gain. Corax had to give him credit for his assessment based on what he had. It was more right than wrong.

I don't need to prove my strength, he said in response to Zul's comment about killing everything in his path. The comment was un-Sith of him, and betrayed a combination of self-confidence and ego, but he was unshaken in it. He knew his pride was a weakness, but he was at least mindful of it. "Work in progress" he liked to call it.

It didn't escape Corax's notice that Zul didn't really answer his question. A person was much more than their name, but Corax was willing to give a bit to get a bit. Such was the game as much as he may have hated "the game." The past, he said. It wasn't a "who" but a "what." The Venatori had a vision, and that vision required him to understand where the Sith had come from in a way that stretched beyond what one could learn in a library.

But you didn't answer my question... not really. Who are you? he asked. He could make wild guesses about it. He clearly wasn't tribal, and his garb indicated he'd chosen to come out here from one of the Imperial reaches (on Korriban that was fair to assume the Old Empire). With the only two reasons in his mind being sabotage or personal gain, Corax could assume it was the latter for this man. Either that or a patrol, but if that were the case he was a pretty trash guard. Unlikely.

You're far too interested in me and my purposes, he said, letting the implication that so many of the Sith killed without thought or consideration sit in the air. Zul didn't do that, which made him more interesting to Varyn than your average Old Imperial. @Orbit

 

[Zul Kressh]

Corax's first response wasn't the one Zul expected but usually, the topic of strength was a hot button issue for most Sith. Mention it once and every single one will kill untold amounts just to prove the word had meant to them. It supported his theory that the man was here for personal reasons, a tomb of a lord or ancestor. If he had nothing to prove then he would need nothing to search for to add onto it. Zul shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe you're right, strength is overrated amongst our people." When Corax mentioned the past, Zul couldn't help but let out a deep chuckle before murmuring out, "It seems we are both looking for the same thing." Most likely different, the Pureblood looking for a way to restore his people to their former glory and the Empire as a whole for that matter. Corax probably had no such goals as grand as Zul but maybe there was enough to convince.

Corax went to his question now, asking for who Zul really was as his name clearly wasn't enough. The Pureblood didn't answer at first, it clear that he was thinking about how much he wanted to reveal to the man. But the more Zul thought about it he just gave his blunt answer. The "Old Empire" had a much better position to stop Zul's plans coming to fruition then the Imperial Republica. "Judging from how you've let me speak so far, I'm an Acolyte such as yourself." Zul turned his full attention back to Corax before continuing, "I am interested in you, I believe we can help each other for the time being if not the long haul if our relationship works." Zul revealed too much now to stop and he didn't, "I wish to restore my people to their former glory before more than half of them resided in tiny huts spread throughout this barren desert. I wish to offer something better, an alternative to this Imperial occupation that snatches children away from their mothers to groom their own soldiers. A return to what the Empire truly stood for."

Zul continued where he left off, beginning to walk back around the stone and Corax like before. "You search for something on this planet. Specifically, I do not know but you will not find it on your own. Whatever tombs or temples already found have been looted by fellow Sith or typical looters." Corax would be able to see where this was going to lead, "With their help, maybe they can't lead you directly to what you are trying to find but I can assure you they will put you on the right trail." His voice never became condescending or anything else, it always remained perfectly neutral just like his emotions if Corax tried to prod once more. Zul just spoke matter of factly, like he saw the world as it was without the strings that were attached and influencing them. After a moment, the Pureblood shrugged his shoulders once more, "If you do accept, then we may cease our cooperation until after you found what you've been searching for if we don't see eye to eye. If you don't, then I will leave and let you continue on your way, I will not stop you. Our interests seem purely symbiotic instead of conflictive at the moment but that is for you to decide."

 

[Varyn Rask]

This meeting had definitely taken a turn from what Corax had expected, he could admit that much. The Force had led the two of them together for a reason, but what that reason was, he didn't know. Simply chalking it up to "the Force willed it to happen" didn't mean that throwing caution to the wind was ever preferable. After all, the Force could easily will him to die in the next five minutes, but that didn't mean he wouldn't go down swinging.

Nevertheless, there was no denying that it wasn't an accident that the two had run into one another. The Venatori goals may not be fully compatible, but there did at least sound on the surface as if there was overlap. Corax's suspicion was up at mentions of restoring the Red Sith to their former glory - since that could inherently be quite violent - but mentions of the Empire's former glory was certainly interesting. The Sith King's empire or Andraste's empire? If it was the latter, they may be kindred spirits after all, and Varyn immediately deemed it to be worth further investigation.

And what's your vision of the Empire of old? he asked, his tone warmed up, but still quite cautious. There was still a possibility that this was a trap that would be used to lower Corax's guard, but what would the Red Sith really gain? An Acolyte of no particular power? There was little to be gained from it.

I presume you have a plan? he asked in follow up, expecting some suggestion that would place Varyn in extraordinary amounts of danger for Zul's benefit. Call Varyn a glib cynic, but that was simply who he was. He assumed everyone was out for their own benefit and would use him however they could. @Orbit

 

[Zul Kressh]

Zul felt Corax's emotions flux when he brought up restoring his people to their glory. For some, that meant returning them to the tyrants that couldn't sake their thirst for blood. All it meant to Zul was returning them to a place of respect where they were no longer considered the red monsters that roamed the desert and the attack dogs of the Empire. But when he heard Corax's tone warm to the idea along with his emotions about the Empire of Old, Zul mistook him at first. Maybe their goals were along the same path more then he thought. When asked if he had a plan, the Pureblood knew he had his hook in and now all that was left was reeling Corax in. The Pureblood smiled at his question, "You'll find I always have a plan Corax." Zul wasn't one to boast and there was a weird cold truth that lined with his words.

Zul turned slightly towards a different direction before looking to Corax, "Walk with me and I'll tell you my vision." His hands were still clasped behind his back as he walked away from Corax, the force he had built up from before dropping as he headed to a set of dune formations. If Corax followed him at a distance or directly behind him he didn't speak, only when he was side by side with the Pureblood he would. Zul pretty much knew the man was Republica even if he didn't confirm it to him, so he spoke like it. "The "Empires" we have now is disgusting. To me they are abominations from what they were created from, trying their hardest to impersonate something they have no clue how. The "Old Empire" now, the only thing they recognize is brute strength and nothing more. No matter what experience you have, as long as you can slash a blade at a throat better then you can be anything you want." The disdain in Zul's voice towards both of the Empires was palpable, his gaze still locked forward as he walked with Corax. "The Imperial Republica, a cesspool of liars and cheats. What matters only there is how much money you can swindle between your fingers, your family ties, and how much of a silver tongue you have. Both are just a bunch of children who claim they know what power is because their last name is Drast."

Zul inhaled slowly as if that little outburst was too much for him. He was quiet for a few moments as he turned down another path, walking down the middle of a small canyon of stone. Corax would be able to see Sith warriors line the top, some whispering amongst themselves as others followed along with their weapons in hand. Zul didn't seem bothered in the slightest by it, "No empire is perfect, one can never be. But the true Old Empire, if anything it was efficient. It knew what it wanted, it seized what it wanted, it acted with strength and with unity so nothing could stand in its way." Zul finally looked at Corvax now, his golden gaze piercing and shining brightly, "That's what I want. No more babbling between people who know nothing while our enemies mock at our stupidity. It's time for us to go back to our roots." The conviction in his voice was apparent, something the Pureblood fully believed in. As they walked deeper into the canyon more Sith warriors showed, natural forming caves sprouted from the stone walls of the canyon and both would be able to see pockets of Purebloods waiting in each.

When they reached near the end of the canyon, it was a massive rock wall with what looked like a passage rudely carved out in the center that led deeper inside. The Dark Side was palpable as it oozed out from it and Zul calmly looked to Corax once more, "Are you ready to begin?" The question seemed deeper then what it really stood for but the Red Sith gave no indication of it. If Corax was looking for a sign of betrayal or sudden hostility in Zul he would still find none, his emotions and face now returned to their neutral state as before.

 

[Varyn Rask]

Everything that Varyn heard sounded good, but he had also heard delusions of grandeur before. Maybe it wasn't the case with this man, but Corax was perpetually skeptical of everyone and everything. But if you considered it, wasn't it the same thing that Varyn and the Venatori wanted? Yes, it mostly was. Andraste's empire was something that had faded and what remained was a shadow of a memory that fell far short of what it should have been.

And who rules this new Empire? You? he asked. This was the crux of the question. Varyn as a Venatori cared more about the Empire's prosperity even if that meant he wasn't at the head of the Old Order that might rise up. The problem with most Sith was that they wanted all the control for themselves and a new order rising up was just words thrown out there to cover up what was actually just a blatant power grab for themselves. Of course, he couldn't really trust what the man's answer was, but it was worth the ask.

And now they began, it seemed. Good, Varyn hated procrastinating. He didn't know exactly what he was getting into, but he was ready to dive in feet first. Of course, he responded. What they were going to do would be evident soon enough. The number of Red Sith around wasn't lost on him, and he wondered exactly what this "Zul" saw as their future in the Order. That was one of many questions to come to down the line.

So what artifact are you chasing down? he asked. It was the logical jump to make. He would have seen the tombs many times, and if he were here to recruit tribes of Red Sith, they wouldn't be coming to where they were now. Zul's own assertion about artifacts earlier left one logical leap behind. @Orbit

 

[Zul Kressh]

Zul gave the man a nod before beginning to step into and down the path. There were torches along the walls, providing dim light for both of them to see. They both descended down stone stairs, chipped and cracked and clearly hundreds of years old without any maintenance. Corax would see along the walls little open slits. They weren't big enough to fit through but if he looked down one he would see a pair of golden eyes staring back at him. There were scrape marks and scratches along the other wall and he would be able to figure out it was a death trap. The slits weren't big enough for a person to fit through but a Lanvarok or the discs, they could. Zul was unconcerned however about the spectators in the walls, still calmly stepping down the stairway as it twisted and turned.

"If this Empire comes to fruition it will need a guiding hand at the beginning. But are you asking if this is all a plan for me to become Emperor of the galaxy? Then no. If I'm well suited for the task then maybe I could be convinced but my only true care is for my people." Zul answered truthfully. Being the overseer of the galaxy didn't sound that appealing to him. The only thing he wanted was a safe haven for his people. Not underneath sand and stone but out in the galaxy, where they have the choice of what they want to become instead of forced. If they continued wanting to be tribes of warriors afterward then Zul would accept it but at least he would know he gave them the opportunity for something better.

The two took another turn down the stairs as he couldn't help but laugh softly at his question, "I am not searching for an artifact, though it could be along those lines if I do say so." Corax would soon know and now it was time for his turn to answer a question, "What is your real name?" Whether he answered or not, Zul wouldn't talk the rest of the trip down the stone steps, preferring to sink into his head then speak anymore. It was a few minutes before they eventually reached the end of the stairs, it opened into a massive cavern that extended for a while. Small tents and huts lined along the stone walls and there were numbers of Warriors, each one staring at the two Sith. Zul seemed unfazed again and stepped forward, the Red Sith closing in behind them as they walked with weapons in hand. Some of them approached to Corax closer, knowing despite the mask that he wasn't one of their own as they snarled and growled to him.

A wall of Sith stood in front of them, each armed with a Lanvarok in hand as they stared down at them. Zul stood there patiently with Corax as they could hear a Sith in the background call out in their tongue, alerting the chieftain to come out. While they waited for the chieftain to come from wherever he was, Zul glanced over to Corax before giving him the simple advice, "Do not look down or you're dead."

 

[Varyn Rask]

Corax was fine with that answer. He was suspicious of it, but fine. It sounded too good to be true, but if Varyn had said his opinion of things, he would have been equally as absurd sounding. He couldn't fully discount that the man was telling him the truth when it was all said and done. Let's hope our reach doesn't exceed our grasp, he said. The two of them were talking about extremely lofty goals, and he wasn't sure it would be seen to fruition, but he thought he would die trying.

When he asked Varyn's name, Varyn paused. It was a guess, but a logical one. On an enemy world, Varyn wouldn't have been smart to give his real name, especially to someone he didn't know if he could trust. In time, he responded. He wasn't even sure if that was true. Even many of his fellow Venatori didn't know his true identity, though many did. Perhaps in time - likely in time if Zul was what he claimed - he would trust the man enough to share that information, but for now the assassin was too cautious for such brash moves.

As they marched down the stairs, deeper into what could easily turn into death, Varyn grasped tighter at his saber hilt. Was this a trap to kill Varyn? No, that didn't make sense. They were walking into the lion's den, though, that was without question. The eyes looking at him through the slits only reminded him of how bad their tactical position was.

But none of them attacked.

It was clear they were no friends to Zul either, and that led Varyn to believe that they were only holding back out of tradition. Perhaps a challenge or the like. Corax's heart beat faster, but that was the only sign of his concern. His gaze was forward and steely behind his mask, holding his saber and with each step gauging the best way to engage if this turned to a fight.

Finally, they came to a stop. Zul offered his piece of advice and Corax nodded slightly. His gaze was unflinching, reaching out to the Force and holding it in his hand as if it were a physical entity. It danced reassuringly between his fingers with only the slightest movement of his fingers.

It was only a few moments that they stood there before the chieftain came out. He was a hulking man, rippling with muscles with a massive shield in his left hand and a massive falchion in his right that he was sure most people would weild with two hands, but not this one.

 

[Zul Kressh]

The warriors still stood in front of the two Acolytes like a stone wall while the chieftain made his way to his throne. It was made out of stone but crumbled and cracked, representing the status of his people. Lanvarocks protruded out the sides from it, displaying their proud heritage and one of their most important possessions. While the chieftain was still making his way to his throne, Zul subtly cast his gaze to Corax's hand before snapping it forward once more. Extinguish it, now. The chieftain finally sat down, his shield and weapon placed at the side of his throne. The warriors that stood in front of them finally separated, letting out a growl or a snarl to let them know their disgust for mostly Corax but Zul as well. It was obvious this tribe was not friendly to anybody and that they've only gotten this far because of Zul's blood.

As they stepped forward to the open spot, Zul spoke through the force to Corax again, You are stepping into a court now. Do not disrespect the king. While Zul's voice was calm, there was a certain severity to his words. While he figured Corax wasn't like the typical Sith, part of the reason why he had him tag along, this wasn't the time for pride to kick in. Not only was the chieftain seated in front of them, his entire tribe of warriors surrounded them as well. They both would stop at a respectable distance away from the chief, Zul bowing slightly while keeping his eyes remaining on the Pureblood's. He expected Corax to do the same or the simple mistake could cost them their lives down here. They were in the tunnels, they were not in power down here, this tribe was.

Two warriors flanked the chief's throne, their weapons still in hand as one stared at Zul and the other stared at Corax. The chief then gestured his hand toward the both of them, "Kodel Zinot Tu Tapti' Stai?" Zul took a step forward as the warrior that stared at him did as well. The Sith gave a nod before speaking straight to the point, "Nu geida kia receive tu\'iea atgalumas." The chief and every warrior around them began to either laugh or unmake unhumanly sounds that could count as laughter. Zul's face remained neutral, his continually locked on the chief. After the Sith calmed himself, he returned his gaze to Zul before gesturing his hand to him again, "Tu geida kia darytis tave Rausvas King then?" Zul shrugged his shoulders, "Anas valia buti zo garthaz effect iv kam nu noret kia achieve, xaz." The chief leaned forward now, his hands digging into the arms of his throne, "Nu assume tu zenoti our chwayat?"

Zul could only give the chief a small smirk before spinning on his heel and facing towards Corax. The pureblood lifted his hand and pointed right at the Acolyte before glancing around to all the warriors around them, "NUYAK KOVOTI!" The entire cavern erupted into roars, the chief standing up as he raised his arms in the air, speaking in Sith to his fellow tribesmen while Zul's gaze remained on Corax. Even if he couldn't understand most of the conversation he had with the chief, he would know the last two words, my champion.

"Tegu mus stotis!" The chief shouted to the warriors, making him howl in a craze as Zul began making his way back over to Corax. The warriors that surrounded him before would start to spread out, it clearly visible that they were making a circle. When Zul approached the man and stopped right in front of him before holding his hand out, "You will need to give me your lightsaber. It will be in my safekeeping, you have my word." Before Corax could voice his displeasment, Zul nodded to the warriors, "If you step foot in the circle with it, you will be filled with discs before you can even draw breath." Corax would be able to see through Zul's eyes that he showed no signs of deception, his investment in this just as much as the other Acolyte. He would explain the rules and the purpose for what all of this was but if he used his lightsaber then they both would be killed. The tribe was still collecting their champion, this challenge rather rushed as they could see fires light around the circle while drums started to fill the background.

 

[Varyn Rask]

He didn't care what Zul said, Varyn was going to continue to plan how to get out of this if things went badly. Perhaps - almost certainly - he would die if that happened, but he would take with him whoever he could. His grip on his saber hilt didn't waver, and a finger drew lightly along its familiar cylinder. Zul continued to give him instructions and it quickly became apparent that he didn't think much of Varyn's intelligence. He supposed that was typical Sith arrogance, but said nothing in response. Did he think he was going to merely charge the chieftain here and now?

He was smart enough to follow suit in the customs required. It was his interest in history that had led him to learn bits of Sith - also, you know, pragmatism - and he understood more of the conversation than he let on to Zul. It was something that would serve him well in these interactions especially given that Varyn was trusting Zul less and less with every moment. He was relatively sure he was just being used, but now wasn't the time for that discussion. The two of them would be having words later. That was if Varyn survived this encounter. It was exactly as Varyn had suspected: the Sith was just using him because he didn't want to fight for himself, and it got under Varyn's skin.

The assassin took a deep breath in. His veins seemed to flow with ice water, his skin crawling slightly in chills, and he settled himself in the Force. He didn't often like to use the Dark Side, but today it felt good. It was inviting and a dangerous tool. He slapped the hilt into the other Sith's hand, the steely gaze of the mask looking through him as he paused a moment. You're going to have explaining to do. Don't lose it, he said before releasing the hilt. He hated giving his saber to someone else, and he was detesting this situation all the more by the second.

His left hand gripped the hilt of his short sword and pulled it free of its sheathe. Good thing he trained with regular blades like this as well, though it wasn't much of a match for the weaponry the chief carried. Time to play smart... and quick. Any tips for your "champion?" he growled. @Orbit

 

[Zul Kressh]

Zul could sense Corax's anger towards him, it was palpable and expected. He would have been angry too if he was in the Acolyte's shoes and saw it from his perspective. He could also sense uncertainty in the man, either towards Zul or for himself in this upcoming fight. Either way, Zul believed the man was ready, he had to. The Pureblood's gaze was locked on Corax's through the mask, never leaving it as he felt the familiar weight of a lightsaber in his palm. He gripped it firmly before sliding it onto his belt, "I won't." Zul had already given his word so there wasn't much more to add to that. Zul glanced at Corax's sword before looking behind him, seeing the chief speaking to his fellow warriors.

When Corax asked for tips, Zul glanced back towards him before chuckling, "First, if you are thinking on some clever way of escaping during this bout, you can't. The only way out is the path we came and despite the horde of warriors you'd have to get through, those rats in the wall are always hungry for their next meal." It was clear that whatever was in the walls of the stairs they had come down, it was a more of a punishment to whatever souls were inside. Zul took another glance to the warriors and chief before looking back to his champion, "Second, these people are brutal, in their methods and combat. It is all they know, use that to advantage. It's safe to say the way of grace is not a part of them." The drums grew louder and louder, the chanting of warriors and whatever inhabitants that were in the cave climbing with it. Zul couldn't help but smile as he closed his eyes, seeming to breathe it all in. He missed everything about his people, the culture, the simplicity of it. Even amongst these savages, it struck some part of Zul that he missed.

Zul started to walk past Corax before stopping right as his shoulder, facing the other way as what faced Zul was a wall of warriors while their golden eyes gleamed at him. He put his hand on Corax's shoulder, looking over to him again, "Finally," Zul smiled, "Death by a thousand deep cuts. You'd be surprised at how thick our skin is." He would leave Corax to think on the strategy, ultimately up to him but Zul was one of their kind. The Pureblood slipped his hand off the man's shoulder before walking past him about to take his place before stopping once more, "Oh," Zul spun slightly to face Corax, "He will most likely be left handed. Keep that in mind." He finally took his place amongst the crowd, clasping his arms behind his back once more as he stared at the arena.

With it cleared of extra bodies and illegal weapons removed, the chief stood up from the stone throne, gazing around before locking his eyes on Corax. The cavern was deathly silent for a few moments, the tension easily cuttable with a knife. All of a sudden the chief raised his arms in the air, "Tegu temias grounds spill su kraujas, tegu mus dasixa tave jen\' gods kuris ziureti prie mus!" The crowd erupted and the drums instantly started, finding a tribal beat as the grunts of the warriors matched it. The chief then spread his arms out wide, "Tapti\' forth nuyak champions!"

The two warriors that had flanked the throne from before stepped out from the crowds. Both of them were massive to Corax, at least 6'7 or an inch around there. One carried just a massive sword that required two hands while the other duel wielded. Both of them has a museum of scars each on their bodies and long dreads that went down their back. They stood on their side of the arena, snarling and growling to Corax across from them as they paced. Before the fight took place, it was a clear disadvantage to Corax and Zul looked around to help. He saw a typical Sith sword in the sheath of one of the nearby warriors and Zul gripped it with the force, pulling it out of the sheath and flinging it to Corax. It landed with a thud next to Corax, the blade sinking into the sand next to his feet. Zul gave Corax a subtle nod.

The chief growled out loud, wildly swinging his gaze around before locking on Zul, suspecting it was him but ignoring it as he didn't see it fully. The chief leaned back in his chair as he rested his arm on the rest before flinging his hand up, "Stotis!" The drums creschendoed as the chief's chamipons charged forward, the sound drowning out their roars of rage.

 

[Varyn Rask]

Whatever differences Corax might have with Zul at that point, they didn't matter. What mattered was that he somehow managed to beat the behemoth in front of him. Left handed.... good to know, he thought to himself. He had no intention of turning to run. In a room this full of people who wanted him dead, if he did anything other than keep to the Sith traditions he was a dead man. Even if he kept to them he might die...

He'd fought people bigger than him before, though, hadn't he? He remembered one particular apprentice whose had to have been at least 6'3 and well north of 200 lbs. He was big, but he wasn't nearly as quick. Varyn, on the other hand, was quite the nimble cat. A trained assassin. He hoped it wouldn't be something that fell flat on its face today.

And then things got exponentially worse. A pair of warriors. Both of whom were significantly larger than Varyn. The bigger they are the harder they... oh, that was stupid. This was not going to be easier because of their size. The sword landed next to him in the dirt and he snatched it up at once. Form VI... he knew that. And well...

He picked the one on his left first. It meant that the Sith's dominant hand would be on the far side of his body, swinging a blade from the far side. It also put the other Sith on the far side of his ally. Varyn's right hand blade swung from his own left to right horizontally where it would meet with the large Sith's single, large blade or else cleave through the Sith's body at the waist. @Orbit

 

[Zul Kressh]

The Sith warriors have done this hundred of times, many champions either claiming the tribes for themselves or requesting its blessing. They were experienced and were surprisingly more agile for what their size would make them appear as. Varyn struck at the warrior and like he predicted the Sith raised his blade accordingly to stop the man's strike. But the Sith didn't stop moving, instead of using his momentum to continue sliding slightly and using his strength to turn them in direction. The Sith would be snarling, his spit landing on Varyn as the massive creature snapped its teeth while keeping a watchful and hateful gaze on the man. The creature's rage was palpable and seemed to a cesspool that bubbled non-stop.

Varyn would see the point of why the Sith turned him, now leaving him open to the second who altered his course and was now barreling towards the Sith. The one that was locked with Varyn used his strength to push the man back a few feet, hoping to leave him off balance as his brother came rushing in. The second Sith first slashed with his left blade, from left to right and aimed for Varyn's chest. The brother would then spin, bringing the second blade lower to slash at the man's feet and hopefully dismember him there. If he wasn't obstructed then the brother would immediately jump backward, putting distance between him and Varyn.

It was clear that they were used to fighting together and wouldn't fall for simple tricks of making them running into each other or accidentally slicing a limb off. The one with the massive sword roared loudly, the veins in his neck protruding from his black tattoo along the skin. Tattoo's tightened his grip on the massive weapon before charging once more on Varyn, swinging diagonally from left to right across the man's torso once more. There was enough power in the strike that the blade would simply cleave Varyn in two without a second thought and he would need to move quickly. The dual wielder with more scars kept an outside perimeter with his swords still ready, seeming to wait to see for Varyn to make a break for it out of Tattoo's reach.

Zul watched from his position, hoping that Varyn was prepared for this. He wondered if he overestimated the challenge this would be or the man's abilities. There was no Imperium down here, just tribal law ran by savages and who fought like them. Zul's hand, while still clasped behind his back, slowly moved his closer to his lightsabers, ready to draw them in case things went south real quick.

 

[Varyn Rask]

Varyn had never previously been one for sinking himself deep into the Dark Side. He didn't trust the Dark or what it could do to people. He'd seen it corrupt men who had good intentions, bringing them down to little more than hateful creatures that he'd ultimately hunted and killed. The Venatori had seen its terrible influence many times, and succumbing to it was a fate that nearly all of them recognized was likely to come about in the end. Because of this, Varyn had always kept it at bay.

But today was different.

There was an inexplicable anger welling up inside of him. It was a purer anger than he could remember. It was anger at being used, it was hatred for the Sith in front of him who cheated him, and it was rage at his own life being put on the line for nothing. It grew inside of him even as blades clashed on blades. He fed off the anger of his enemy, leaching from his own strength. Even as spit landed on him, Varyn didn't draw back.

The Sith tried to push him back, and maneuver so that his partner could come in for a strike of his own, but this wasn't Varyn's first time fighting two opponents at once. The brothers may have fought together before many times, but Varyn wasn't going to let him so easily maneuver around his brother. As he pushed Varyn back, his arm was exposed and the acolyte saw his opportunity.

The other blade he held swiped at the exposed arm, cleaving directly through it.

It would buy him at least some time with that Sith, but the other was quick on his heels. With two blades in hand, he slashed at Varyn's torso and feet, and Varyn dropped low. Completely crouched, the strike for the chest sailed above his head while one of Varyn's blades plunged its tip into the ground. It stuck for a moment, and combined with Varyn's own strength, the two were enough to keep the leg swipe from connecting with Varyn's body. With the Sith occupied, it left Varyn's other blade free to cleave through the legs of the Sith.

As soon as the strike would connect, Varyn unleashed a blast through the Force from his own body, knocking back the attackers before any follow up attack could come through. Both Sith should have been severely wounded, but Varyn didn't know if that would be enough to be considered a victory. If necessary, he would finish them off. He doubted the heavy-fighter had a charge left in him, but if they were ready to fight still... well, Varyn could do that too. @Orbit