Ask Welcome to the Garden Spot

[Karys]

The Garden Spot, it was Param’s shop, the one she had told him about when they had eaten dinner together. Karys had reached out to Lady Cyutadakyr, he’d invited her to lunch but this time with no business proposal. Instead, he simply wanted to enjoy her company once more. And to tease the scorpion or course.

Karys had come well dressed, opting to put his best foot forward. He wore a pair of tan leather dress shoes, tailored blue dress slacks, and a white button down shirt. He had rolled the sleeves of his shirt up, while he no longer overheated on temperate worlds, they were still hot.

Unlike before, when they first met, Karys didn’t seem tense. Instead, he was calm and almost relaxed. He wasn’t sure what tea Lady Cyutadakyr enjoyed, so he ordered a pair of sample cups for each different tea offered on the menu.

Sitting in the booth seat next to him was a present for Last Cyutadakyr. One that would echo back to the first joke he’d made to her, a bottle of Korribanni Bloodwine. Attached to it was a short note from her “deceased husband”, Lord Syrak of House Kalleg.

When Cyu arrived, he’d stand to greet her with a gentle smile on his face.

<Lady Cyutadakyr, of House Kalleg an honor to see you as always.> He’d tease, bowing his head in genuine respect.

<I brought you a gift this time.> He began, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

Then he’d produce the wine and note for her to read. His smile slowly slipping into a smirk of amusement.

@Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

Standing just outside the store to properly take in everything, Cyutadakyr smiled proudly. The Garden Spot was the perfect name for the culmination of a certain Echani's achievements, and the pureblood was excited to check it out finally.

Dressed somewhat more casually, Cyu showed up, having little trouble spotting the crimson man among the other patrons. The bottle combined with his fit elicited a chuckle out of her as they'd both take their seats. "Hoping to have something in common with the late Lord Syrak, are we?" She asked with a smirk.

The gifts were taken in hand, and she took a glimpse of the note with a dash of fun apprehension. When they had first met, he'd been such a rookie, with his daddy issues galore. But this new face was vibrant and full of love and life, the thought crossing her mind with a mischievous grin, she assumed something most of changed. "How's the family?"

Shortly after, the tea cups arrived at a short tray, pulling a small red Hibiscus tea toward herself and taking a small sip.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys' smirk turned into a mirthful chuckle as Cyu took the wine and made a comment about her "late husband". "I could think of worse ways to die." He teased in response. He was genuinely happy to see Cyu again, the last time they'd met he was his father's slave and now things were different. He had begun the process of liberating himself and that was intoxicating.

When Cyu inquired about his family, he'd smirk, shake, and then drop his head. He knew she had no idea about who his father was and what had occurred but it was amusing nonetheless. Eventually, Karys would pull a cup of tea that he recognized immediately from the tray. It was the same spiced tea that Param had initially given to him when they first met, it had become his favorite quite quickly.

"My family, who knows." Karys replied with a shrug. "Since Zygerria I haven't really kept contact." He explained. "Things have changed since we last met." A happy smirk settled across his crimson features.

"What of you Lady Cyutadakyr, Matriarch of House Kalleg?" He asked, expanding upon her title. "How have you been since Skye?"

@Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

The explanation he gave about his family was not entirely surprising given the frosty relations she assumed they had. Even visually, Karys had changed, and she was quite interested to inquire further as the conversation developed.

Cyutadakyr glanced over the pastry menu before placing it back down. She wasn't yet hungry, but did indeed make a mental note to at least try some before they left, if nothing else but to support her friend.

"I would say that things have changed indeed." She said, looking up to meet his eyes. "You know, I still don't know how I feel about you calling me that." Although most wouldn't know the house at all, let alone its deceased status. It did present her an opportunity to raise the name and title for herself. But that also meant living with the knowledge that he'd always have a smug-ass look any time her name was mentioned.

Pointing to a nearby sign that expressly forbid fighting within the garden, Cyu chuckled. "I know for a fact that this rule is strictly enforced, and I would totally wouldn't be surprised to see the proprietor to drop from the ceiling onto anyone breaking it." @TheDudeMike

Taking a nice long draw from her tea, the pureblood exhaled with delight as she enjoyed its flavour and smell. "What's on your mind, Karys?" She stopped to ask, curious about what was happening in that little head of his.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys smiled at Cyu's response to his expanded title for her. He gently blew on his cup of tea and closed his eyes before sipping from it. "Why not?" He asked. "Trust me, you could be royalty, Lady Cyutadakyr." He replied, his gaze flicking up to meet her eyes. "In fact, I believe you'd make an excellent noblewoman..." Karys complemented. "...and Tuus seemed to agree as well." He teased.

When Cyu pointed out the sign that was posted expressly forbidding fighting in Param's garden, he gave an amused chuckle. But when she brought up that she knew the woman, Karys cocked an eyebrow. Param had mentioned meeting a pureblood before him and it seemed the mystery had been solved. A mischievous grin appeared on his face as he brought it up.

"I too know Param." He replied. "She mentioned having met another Pureblood before we had dinner together." He continued. "I believe she said that her friend was from Korriban and visited quite often." His eyes told that he knew now, Cyu was that woman. "That sounds like someone we both might know, no?" Karys would lean forward then, prop his arm up, and rest his head on the palm of his hand. "She believed all our kind came from Korriban, including me." He chuckled. "I would have expected you to teach her some things about our people." He teased.

When Cyu finally asked what was on his mind, Karys' gaze and smile softened. Azar. But he didn't say that, he couldn't. Instead he just gazed at Lady Cyutadakyr and told her:

"I am just enjoying my time with a noblewoman. Nothing more, nothing less."

@Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

Oh, how she enjoyed their little time with Tuus, even if she never thought of him again until now. Though, what caught her attention was the fact that he too knew Param. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips, toying with the idea of how to respond to that. "Did she now?" She said, amused.

Raising a brow, Cyu continued. "That's funny, she never mentioned you." Her eyes surveyed his response, maintaining the almost neutral composure that he had seen so much of. "But if she needs recommendations for frozen fix-me ups, I'll send her your way." A little humour sprinkled in for good measure. She also hadn't forgotten that their mutual agreement was still not entirely sorted yet.

"I suppose it's something I should expect from a Sadow." She glanced at him with a smirk, enjoying throwing a little jab. "The ruse of House Kalleg will fly over most people's head, but any half decent house will know the truth." Her words were neither concerned nor pleased. "Let them." She stewed, continually toying with the idea of turning Karys' little fun plaything into reality.

Her mind wandered to the fields of Korriban, watching its dunes from afar. Each grain caught in the wind, traversing from end to end over the course of millennia. How many such grains existed from their past? What tales could they tell, if the grains could speak. Their home world and their people ancient, their traditions tried and tested.

And yet here they were, sitting in a cute café in some relatively safe world. Far from home, far from everything.

"Tell me a story, something of our people." She calmly said, interested to see if she would know of it.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys chuckled at Cyu’s response to him knowing Param. Her continued teasing about the debt she owed also amused Karys. He was genuinely unbothered if Param mentioned him or not. It just gave Karys the opportunity to prod even more.

<I’m sure the dinner and evening simply left her speechless is all.> He teased with a smirk. <And by all means, do let her know. I’m giving lakeside manors away didn’t you know?> He continued.

<I haven’t forgotten the debt Lady Cyutadakyr. I haven’t forgotten what you did for me.> He told her after a brief pause.

At mention of his former house name, Karys shook his head with amusement. <It’s just Karys now I’m afraid. The Sadow link has been severed.> He explained.

When Lady Cyutadakyr began to muse about his teasing nicknames and titles. His smile softened. She toyed with the idea of using the House name for real. Karys could help but agree with her idea.

<Not all dead things must remain that way.> He began. <If someone doubts your status, kill them.> he continued with a shrug. <Everything else would be our little secret.>

Then Cyu’s gaze became distant, Karys could tell she was thinking or remembering something. He leaned forward slightly, curiously watching her eyes as she drifted through memories. Then she would ask him a question in a serene voice. The request elicited a small smile and chuckle from Karys.

<But of course Lady Cyutadakyr.> Karys replied, extended one of his hands to the middle of the table. He’d open up his palm, an offer for her to take it while he spoke.

Karys mind wondered through the stories and legends of their people that he knew. Many were universal and she would likely know. But then a memory jumped to the forefront of his mind. The Tale of the Cunning Huntress. It was a fable told by Sith mother’s to their children on Ziost.

<There was once mighty Sith Lord who had five children.> He began, his voice cool, calm, and invested in his tale <He raised them all to serve purposes. His eldest son was raised to be the Might of his kingdom. His second eldest was taught the secrets of the arcane. The third son was a mighty assassin of the Sith. The fourth son was given the rights to his father’s lands and hungered for more. And then there was his only daughter, she was raised to be the most cunning of hunters.> Karys explained. <One day, the Sith Lord perished, as all things must do.> He continued. <To inherit his title and lands, he presented his children with a challenge, to recover his ancestor’s sword from their tomb.> He explained. <All of the children went together to their ancestor’s tomb to compete for the right to rule.>

<That’s a simple task! Said the eldest son, believing his strength and bravery could take him beyond howling ghosts and to the sword.> Karys continued, deepening his voice to imitate the eldest son. <But he was wrong. The spirits of the tomb claimed his mind and broke his will.> Karys cautioned. <Brother, this task is simple for you! Bade the huntress to her brother.> Karys said, his voice taking a feminine quality. <And his knowledge of the arcane made it so, binding the spirits back to their tombs. And so the children pushed onwards.> Karys continued.

<Deeper within the tomb, the children of the Sith Lord found themselves in the lair of a Terentatek. Many of the children hid but the Second Brother believed in his own arcane power.> Karys told. <Try as he might, none of his power could pierce the hide of the monster and so he was consumed.> He continued. <As the monster laid down to sleep, the Cunning Huntress turned to her Third Brother and pointed out his mastery over the Shadows. With his knowledge they were all able to sneak past the slumbering titan.> Karys explained.

<In the final room stood an ancient puzzle. Before the Cunning Sister or the Fourth Brother could protest the Third Brother dashed off. Believing his understanding of the Shadows would allow him to bypass the puzzle.> Karys continued before taking a sip of his tea. <Currents of Lightning surged through him and killed him for his foolishness.> Karys continued. <The last two siblings worked together to solve this puzzle. With the Fourth Brother’s understanding of worldly matters allowed them to get through this puzzle unscathed.> Karys retold.

<In the final room, laid their ancestor’s sword. The Cunning Huntress, having seen the dangers of the tomb no longer trusted this task.> Karys explained. <But greed overwhelmed her brother and so he took up the hungering blade. It supped on his vitality and left him not but a husk.> Karys continued. <With the blade sated, her ancestor’s spirit appeared before the Cunning Huntress, blessing her line to rule their house forever more.> Karys concluded.

<The moral of the story is patience, caution, and knowing of your rivals often begets greater rewards than reckless confidence.> Karys said, ending his fable.

@Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

Karys continued to find ways to surprise, both with the family revelations and his way with words in the storytellers prose. Such was a dangerous combination, she supposed. As he spoke, she listened intently with her eyes closed, although only after jokingly placing a fork upon his open palm.

At the conclusion, her white opals remerged accompanied with a smile. "I have yet heard that one." She said with brisk delight and a stalwart compliment. "I thought you had changed since Skye." She looked over him. "It seems that I was right."

Whether he'd realized or not, he'd inadvertently signed himself up to be a loresinger in her eyes. But in words he would speak and in deeds he would act. Proven himself a man in his own right, Cyu wondered.

Would they one day sing of their deeds in the same way? Or would they become grains of sand upon the floor of Korriban, lost to time and space.

Referencing to the moral of his story, she mused. "Which sibling would you be, Karys?" Internally interested in his thought process.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys quietly sipped his tea after his story. He allowed the warm spiced tea to wet his dry throat. A sense of contentment settled between the two of them. Karys drank in her smile as she opened her eyes, she had enjoyed his fable. Good.

<You don't have a fable similar to it on Korriban?> Karys questioned in reply to her initial statement. <Mothers on Ziost tell that fable and ones similar to their children at night. Each of them are important lessons that can help guide them into adulthood.> Karys explained, a small smile formed on his lips. <My mother used to tell me that one when I was boy, it was among my favorites.> His smile faltered for a moment at that admission.

Karys would clear his throat at Cyu's compliment. He wasn't sure how to handle such kind words from her initially. It reignited his smile and he dropped his head, giving a quiet chuckle. <That is high praise coming from you Cyu.> He gently teased. <Thank you.> He said sincerely as he returned his gaze to her own.

What he hadn't expected was her question. It gave him pause and he had to think about how to respond for some time. He eventually gave his response. <None.> He would pause for a moment. <I am no mighty warrior. Nor am I the haughty arcanist. I couldn't be the stealthy assassin. I'm growing to realize that worldly things matter...less than they once did. And I am not the cunning manipulator.> He explained. <Instead, the Sith I am becoming is a patchwork collection from all of them.> He smiled at that. <What about you Lady Cyu? Who are you really?>

The questions rolled off his tongue before he had time to think them through. His interest had been piqued.

@Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

Perhaps there were such tales and fables spread throughout the tribes of Korriban, but they were not traded at bedtime like nurturing moments Karys spoke of. At least, not for Cyutadakyr and her face contorted slightly at the thought, if only briefly.

Sitting quietly as he explained each choice of sibling and how they didn't apply to him did seem to bring back a glimpse of a smile from her. "A Sith of all trades, is a master of none." She teasingly warned, adding a fable of small measure to the conversation. The conversation sharply returned to her, and her problems.

The question caught her off-guard and unprepared. Her eyes rolled down to the floor as silence gripped her tongue, with neither words nor sound arriving. A profoundly deep question, its answer a riddle unto itself. The age-old question lay dormant - could you be summed up as a product of your environment and upbringing? Or were you a series of choices and decisions consciously made and arrived upon?

Cyutadakyr had always felt more toward the latter, but even she would struggle to entirely dismiss the reality of the former. The very bones within her body told testament to this vile fact, the sinews of flesh bruised and torn, skin scarred and for what? A mothers' mercy? A fathers love?

The look on her face told a story her words never could, frozen in place and silent. Karys spoke of a tender moment, one of his mother speaking a fable before bed. A vibrant, happy memory, would not be found in hers. What lesson would he draw if she tried? While he lay there comforted in bed on Ziost, she silently fumed behind the bars of a cage on Korriban.

Her tale spoke of no happiness, sung no rhyme, nor welcomed comfort. Only in pain, in her experience, did freedom ring.

"I am." She paused, collecting her breath she hadn't realised she was holding.

"Who I want to be."

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys watched as Cyu's face scrunched and contorted for a moment at his question. He cocked his head slightly in response, had he done something to offend her? She didn't comment if he had. Instead, Cyu did as she had after their job on Skye together, she playfully warned him of his own pitfalls. But this time he was aware and nodded at her response as he finished his first cup of tea.

"I know, but there is utility in being unpredictable." He replied, his eyes flickered from cup to cup. "That was something I learned from you." He told her, his eyes flickering from the tea and to her.

Karys would choose the mirror to what Cyu had chosen. She seemed to enjoy the red tea and so, he went with it as well. He asked his question as he took his first sip. Thankfully, Cyu's eyes had rolled to the floor so she didn't see his face scrunch in disgust. The tea had no spice, it had no heat to it. He silently spit the mouthful back into the tea cup and replaced it before grabbing a different cup. When his eyes fell back to Cyu, he would see her face. He could read the sadness and despair on it. It was the same pain he had seen on Azar's face, one of suffering.

He regretted asking.

Karys opened his mouth to apologize. He never got the chance. Cyu's answer overrode his voice. Her breath hitched slightly as she spoke, as she caught her breath from holding it for so long.

She was, who she chose to be.

"That's all any of us can be." Came Karys' calm reply.

Karys didn't understand her experiences, nor would he push her to tell them. Everyone had their demons, everyone had their fears and what caused them anguish. Sometimes, it was just better to leave them hidden than to acknowledge them. Karys could clear his throat, attempting to change the topic and soothe his guilt in Cyu's darkening mood.

"Would you like to hear another story perhaps, Cyu?" He asked. "Perhaps you'd like to know of the manor we are going to get for you?" He offered.

@Xorism

 

[Param Vour]

The occupants of The Garden Spot would find a strange change in music that would fit the conversation. Little did the two Sith know, Param always knew what was happening in the garden.

@Xorism @Apollyon

 

[Nevizkas]

Broken from the spell of her own making, Cyu caught a glimpse of Karys and nodded to his calm reply. The tranquillity of the garden, the scalding warmth of the tea and change in music brought a peace to her wandering mind.

It wasn't something she wanted to speak about, as if speaking the words somehow made it worse or gave the memories life. Instead of indulging in another one of his fables or discussing the scorpion manor, she instead offered the palm of her hand for him to take.

Without warning or preparation of any kind, if he took her hand, his mind would be transported and their surroundings would fade to black all of a sudden. Alone and trapped within her mind, separated from everything and existing in a void without the mercy of senses, he would wait.

Then, like a film, a flicker of a memory appeared to pull them in as if they had always been there. An explosion of sound, a mixture of screams, crying and mocking laughter flooded his mind. Next came the stale smell of poverty, and finally the sweltering heat, just adding to the worst conditions.

Looking to his right, he would see the iron bars separating himself from the three-year-old pureblood girl as the lights flickered, watching as the same girl, now five then nine-year-old remained staring silently back toward him. The household sounds of violence, common enough as to not disturb the family pet, sat idly by awaiting the children's daily release. Her parents never once speaking directly towards them, only about them.

Only what she could be married off for.

Likewise, without warning, Karys suddenly found himself returned to Param's garden staring into the very same eyes, silence crowding their conversation for several seconds as she waited for him to recover.

Pulling back into her chair, Cyu gripped the mug and sipped at the beverage whilst staring down at the table. It was clear that it was only a fraction of what lay behind the trauma dam, but what he had seen would perhaps answer his question. Or perhaps it would lead to more.

"Are you hungry?" She asked suddenly, searching once more for the menu. "A pastry sounds good right now, I think." Her eyes flicked up toward his, a void behind them, he might just now start to understand better.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys watched as Cyu blinked herself from where-ever her mind had gone. She nodded slowly to what he said. She was still unsettled, he could tell that much. Something inside of her was struggling to be unveiled. Then she reached her hand out and offer it for him to hold. Karys’ crimson gaze fell upon it, there was a moment of apprehension before he took it.

His world was jolted into oppressive darkness, void of all sensation. His mind screamed at the wrongness of it all. He blindly hunted for light, his ears sought the solace of sound, his mind needed normalcy. Then it happened.

He was standing in the midst of a small hovel. He could feel the heat of the desert, he could hear the distant locust as their wings beat in the air. A small creature slept on the floor, unbothered by the sounds of screaming and violence somewhere deeper in the house. Karys looked around, taking in everything he saw. What was this? As he stepped forward, the sound of his footfalls created a spectral echo.

He understood then, this was a snippet of Cyu’s memories. She was allowing him to see and understand.

Karys felt eyes on him, his gaze turned to the right and he saw a cage. Within it sat a small girl, as the lights flickered, the girl would age. His brow furrowed in concern has he approached the cage. It only took a moment to recognize the girl, the facial ridges, the jawline, her eyes. This was Cyu when she was still young. Concern creased his face as he gazed at her. Then voices began to discuss her worth to them, her value as a bride.

Karys felt his heart break. He knew this pain. He might not understand poverty or the heat of Korriban’s deserts. But he understand being trapped and he understood being someone else’s pawn.

Before he could react or do anything with his knowledge he would be suddenly cast out of his mind. The noise, light, and scents of the cafe exploded into existence around him. It was overwhelming. Karys’ sucked in air deeply, gasping as he returned to his senses. His crimson eyes were wide with momentary panic. Slowly he would settle down, his breathing regulating itself, his thundering heart slowing, and the wildness in his eyes fading.

Karys wouldn’t pry, he knew how private that pain was. He understood what she had revealed to him and the importance behind it to her. When she suggested food, Karys wouldn’t respond yet. When she gazed at him, he’d see the void pain created behind her eyes.

All she would see was empathy and understanding written in his.

“Pastries sound wonderful Cyu.” He whispered in reply.

@Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

She would say no more on the matter, but that didn't mean she wouldn't appreciate the warmth of his non-verbal communication.

They were soon flanked by the overly attentive Devaronian, a Bob, by the look of the crayon name tag who had wandered over the moment the pair had started looking at the menu again.

Cyu glanced up, not immediately recognising the same man from an earlier encounter, to place an order. "I'll have the Canelé thanks." The small vanilla and rum pastry, seemed like an interesting place to start. While Karys made his order, she sat there looking in his direction, but not entirely looking directly at the man.

"I keep being asked about taking an apprentice." She blurted out, choosing to change the subject.

"I don't see why I should waste my time for what's on offer." She said with a light chuckle before looking back at him with a knowing smile. "I hope you won't be offended if I don't ask you."

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys watched as the massive Devaronian approached their table. It took him a moment to recognize him from over two months ago. But eventually, it clicked and a small amused smile crossed his face. Karys would order a simple berry tart, he wasn’t interested in dainty snacks but he’d try one to amuse Cyu.

<Was that?> He asked her once Bob had left their table. His eyes still focused on the man and not Cyu.

He would then be drawn back into their conversation. Cyu brought up that she had been asked to take an apprentice. His gut dropped for a moment as he assumed there was a point beyond simple musing for this. His mind immediately delved into ways of begrudgingly killing her to regain his independence.

Then she took the conversation to an unexpected turn. She didn’t want one.

A wave of relief washed over Karys.

<I’m not offended at all.> He replied with a smile. <If I was your apprentice, I’d have to find a way to kill you at some point.> He began his voice lined with faux seriousness and ice. <And that would be a shame. Because I’m growing quite fond of the Scorpion.> He teased gently as he dropped the partial facade.

<I agree though, you’re not flush for choices.> Karys finally stated. <Are you being ordered to take on or just gently prodded in the direction?> He asked.

@Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

She cracked a small smile of relief when he said he wouldn't. Perhaps he was one of the few that would have extracted such a confession, not that she would say it out loud.

"I know you'd try." She remarked, properly smiling this time. Cyu enjoyed not having to worry about others, or be concerned that she wasn't doing enough to properly train them. Then there was the strange phenomenon that no matter how much work the Sith Masters put in, they always seemed to disappear or burn out from the effort. Why, then, would she want this for herself?

Why would she want to share her hard-earned knowledge and techniques with an unproven, disrespectful Acolyte that was just as likely to hit their head on a wall as they were to listen properly.

"So far, just the latter, but I suppose it's only a matter of time." She mused, knowing how such things could absolutely ruin the plans of another, sometimes for the better and others for the worst. "Why, do you have any suggestions?" She asked, a bit of tongue in cheek.

"Soon enough you'll be a champion in your own right, and you'll have to deal with this problem yourself, Karys. My advice would be to enjoy the journey, while you can." Her words were genuinely backed, although a passionate and driven man like himself couldn't be blamed for pursuing power and advancing at lightning speed.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys watched as a faint smile graced Cyu’s lips, it only spread at his comment. It was an expression he echoed. He listened as she explained that the questions hadn’t become directives, yet.

<Well, I’m glad you haven’t received an order or been assigned an Apprentice yet then.> Karys replied. <Unfortunately, I don’t spend that much time around other Sith. They tend to be unpredictable and a liability.> He teased, but his words still rang with some truth.

Typically speaking, Karys didn’t associate himself with other Sith. He’d join them on assigned missions, and when he did work for his father’s house but I’d he had a choice, he hired outside help. The sad truth was, mercenaries were often less psychotic and more reliable than his fellow Sith. Well, for the most part. Lady Cyutadakyr was quickly finding herself on a short list of Sith who were more reliable.

When Cyu began to talk his promotion, Karys’ jaw tensed slightly. He was no fool, he knew word was beginning to circulate of his endeavors on both Zygerria and Cotellier. It was attention that wasn’t wanted but forced upon him due to his successes. She was right, soon enough he’d had to take his own troublesome apprentice and deal with all of their annoying habits and naive beliefs.

The thought caused a faint ache to build in his temples.

<Hopefully, I have a little while left before that time then.> He replied cooly.

Karys would pluck up a spoon and drop a cube of sugar into his tea. He’d gently stir the steadily cooling drink, his gaze focused on the liquid. His mind wandered back to Zygerria and how the events of that world had shaped him. He was different than when they last met. Eventually he rested his chin in the palm of his free hand while he stirred. His gaze eventually returned to Cyu as he remembered something important.

<Cyu, I believe it’s time to make you a true Lady. I still owe you a lakeside manor.> He began, shifting the topic from himself once more. <What if I took you to Ziost to secure it?> He asked.

The offer was blunt, honest, and true. He could ferry them both back to Ziost in his ship. It would only take an evening in hyperspace to arrive there. Then they could clear the manor and ensure her compensation for Skye was awarded.

@Xorism

 

[Nevizkas]

In some ways Cyutadakyr was jealous of the freedom Karys still possessed. With power, came responsibilities and commitments that she didn't have to face in her youth. But that was also part of growing up, of accepting who you were and everything that came with it, for better or worse.

The pastries were delivered and tasted as divine as they appeared. A tragedy only in that the portion size was so small, but then again they were not dining out for dinner after all.

When he mentioned Ziost, an involuntary shiver went up her spine as images of the frosty planet caressed her mind. "I didn't pack any warm clothes." She said bluntly, but without dismissing the idea. Without knowing the climate of the planet nor having much experience in the cold, the trip would likely be uncomfortable and an exercise in frustration. All good traits in her opinion, especially considering that it hadn't sounded like there would be a welcoming party laid out for their arrival.

"Give me a moment to check in on Param, then I'll meet you outside the café?" (@TheDudeMike) She motioned for the check, content to cover it this time as he had previously. It would be her first time visiting Ziost and with any luck they would succeed, and it wouldn't be the last.

@Apollyon

 

[Karys]

Karys quietly ate his pastry, it was light and enjoyable. After he was finished, he lightly dabbed at his lips with a napkin. Cyu then would speak up and inform him that she hadn't brought warm clothes. His brow furrowed, he quickly glanced her up and down without realizing how it could be taken. She was about the same height as Azar but he couldn't allow her to wear any of Azar's clothes that were on his ship. <Then we will just have to go shopping and buy you some more before leaving.> He replied coolly.

With that Cyu would cover their bill, he'd allow her to without fussing. The next time they went out, the tab would be on him. He was comfortable with that arrangement. Once the check was settled, Cyu would let him know she intended to check on Param and then meet him out front of the café. Karys gave her a soft smile and nod.

<Thank you for the tea Lady Cyutadakyr.> He told her with a smirk as they both got up. <Send Param my best.>

Soon the pair would head into the city, shop for Cyu, and then board his ship for the eight hour hyperspace trip to Ziost. Karys mind immediately began thinking of the ingredients he had to work with and what he would prepare for his guest. Soon, his debt to Cyu would be settled and she would be a proper noble, a landowner, and a Daughter of Ziost.

@Xorism
/endthread