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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2018 6:48:39 GMT -8
A woman who preferred to remain silent, she welcomed Darth Malvus’ explanation. She had hoped that the weight of her words rang true. Even as she spoke those words, her own memories of the chaos, the fear, the pathetic attempts of noble defenses by the Jedi all came flooding back. The corpses she stepped over, the lives that faded from the bodies, the crimson rivers which flowed through the corridors, the collapsing walls of a building she had many times haunted in her younger years. She had always accepted that she could not have accomplished the Base’s elimination alone. And thus that Jedi Base continued on with life, a life her soul begged to snuff from existence. To finally watch them pay for the crimes they committed, Mariah was finally able to let that lingering thought fade, to allow that weight in the back of her mind to finally be released.
The memories set her jaw, locked. Her attention on the three had wavered. The warriors, though, had remained still as stone. The most important one, she deemed -- the centered being -- continued on with his explanation, to which she listened with open ears and an open mind. While it was not an open invitation or welcome, they did not draw their weapons. That, alone, was welcome enough. With that knowledge, her physical figure appeared to relax with the ever so slight movement of her tensed shoulders and the shift of her weight from a balanced, prepared stance to a more relaxed, conversational one. Still, though, she could never be too careful; her training all these years would be for naught if she allowed herself to fall too lax too soon.
His final question was met with silence, a small beat to fill the air as the woman took in a few steady breaths. She was not a woman of many words, but to fully explain all of which she sought, she would have the four of them standing here until the next era. Again, she chose short and sweet precision over a long and confusing explanation.
“I seek powerful allies.”
Her final word hung in the air as something noticeable about her Signature shifted. She was not just a young one in the Force; she was not just another child who sought to learn of the power of the Dark Side. She had walked this path, trained in this path, was alone strong in this path. However, the moment silence swallowed her final word, her Signature shifted back to something small and unimportant. A constant cloak over what could be sensed about her presence.
“There is only so much one can do while wandering aimlessly, staying hidden within the underbellies of cities. I found that it’s time to emerge, and to learn from those who could achieve what I could not.”
While her words may have seemed like general compliments, the stroking of ego, or a pathetic attempt to earn his favor, there was something still so dull and emotionless about her tone. Facts. All she spoke were the facts behind her motivation, which pushed her here to this point, to where she stood before these three.
“If you would have me, I will prove your decision a wise one.”
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Darth Malvus
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Post by Darth Malvus on Sept 26, 2018 19:05:34 GMT -8
Malvus remains silent, pondering on the words of Mariah.
You seek powerful allies... then you have come to the right place.
The Sith Lord felt that the Sith'ari would approve of this new addition to their ranks. So far, Malvus had introduced Lord Savage to the skills of Ifrit, the potential of Luxeria, the genius of Cirdan, and perhaps introduce yet another worthy asset to the Blackguard Reborn. The question was what was Mariah good at. Each individual had their own set of skills that were brought together for the betterment of the agenda and goals of this organization. Luxeria was best suited as an assassin. Ifrit was an alchemist and sorcerer located on Sullust. Cirdan was a mastermind behind the naval reform for the future of the Blackguard navy. Malvus himself was a powerful sorcerer as well.
What are your skills, Mariah? What can you offer to the Blackguard that can prove your worth to us?
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2018 6:27:25 GMT -8
Mariah offered a quiet hum of acknowledgement. She didn't need Malvus to tell her that she came to the right place. She wouldn't have pursued them had there have been even an inkling of doubt in her mind. Another question followed, though, and with it, there was another small beat between it and her answer. Another moment for her to gather her answer before she gave it.
“My training focused around combat.”
She didn’t know the strength of the others within Blackguard. She had only witnessed a piece of their organized destructive power on Felucia. She neither wanted to build herself up nor make herself appear weaker than she might’ve been. Neither would serve her well. The continuation of facts, however, were simply that. Facts. She would let them be the judge of her skill over time. However, his probing questions were welcome enough for now to shut the boarding ramp into her light freighter. Her eyes only left the three of them momentarily as she did so, but Mariah still addressed them and spoke just loud enough to be heard over the whirls of the hydraulics.
“Eventually, I would like to pursue my training in other areas - broaden my horizons, so to speak.”
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Darth Malvus
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Post by Darth Malvus on Sept 30, 2018 18:05:13 GMT -8
A future Dark Wilder or perhaps a Ravager, thought Malvus. The Sith eyed Mariah calmly before reaching up to touch one of his tendrils upon his chin, his eyes betraying that he was in deep contemplation and thought. After a moment later, the Jen'ari would nod slowly, in acknowledgment, towards the visitor.
It is something I taught my apprentice... there is no absolute point of power. Knowledge is a vast ocean of potential, its power is limitless just as one's potential is as well. Even a Sith Master, with many years of experience and wisdom, can still learn something new every day. Making him stronger than he was before.
The Sith nods to one of the Warriors who brashes his lightsaber immediately.
Let us see how your combat stands up then.
His eyes glance at the Sith Warrior in his charge.
Kill her.
The masked warrior doesn't even acknowledge his master's message. All he merely does is twirl his lightsaber and charge at Mariah.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2018 15:14:18 GMT -8
Malvus’ words resonated in Mariah’s mind as simple as a greeting or farewell. From the moment she landed here, she had known that it would come to this eventually. It was like déjà vu, so often the same story whenever the Sith were involved. There was always a test, and one she came prepared for. However, this test was different from those of the past. Behind the shroud of hood, her facial expression still remained stoic; however, she reveled in those words. ‘Kill her.’ A direct challenge, and one with such high stakes. A first.
“About time,” she hummed lowly, revealing no fear or joy in her tone, only intrigue.
Before those simple words could part from her tongue, Mariah brandished her own lightsaber, the violent red radiating off of the black of her cloak. The Sith Warrior charged, and calmly, she took a small step towards ever-eager foe who rapidly closed the gap. She could see immediately that they were hungry for power and bloodshed. If he was so insatiable to blindly charge, however, it was still an affliction of the mind, and one she was prepared to exploit to its fullest.
A moment before the Sith Warrior made contact, Mariah lunged, the Force rushing through her body. Her saber connected with his, and using that momentum, she thrust her body up and over her opponent. She kept the connect of her saber with his strong, using that momentum to fully leap over him. He was a trained warrior, and if he dared swipe his saber away, it would surely lead to his decapitation. Too swift of an end. Twisting and landing behind him, facing him and ready to strike again, Mariah charged with a flurry of attacks of her own. While she was trained and ready, so was this Sith Warrior, their sabers continuing their crimson dance.
Their styles clashed with an ethereal meld of opposites. The Sith Warrior came at her, blocking each of her swings and pressing down with brute strength. He was easily much larger than her, twice her weight. The differences in their physical strength needed no explanation. What Mariah lacked in strength, however, she recovered with agility and speed. With each of his strong and powerful attacks, Mariah met it with a parry or a block, a motion she made appear as effortless as breathing. There were moments, though, where his strength caused her guarded balance to break, and despite the blindness she had witnessed with his charging, the evidence of this Warrior’s training shined as he took advantage of each of those moments.
There were too many close calls, proved by the tattered black cloak that continued to trail in shreds behind the smaller warrior. It was only by her skill in the Force, amplifying her speed to read his movements, that she was able to deftly regain her defenses just before his finishing blows could inflict its purpose. However, she was on the defensive now, a place she had no desire to be. The Sith Warrior continued his barrage of attacks, but at this point, Mariah let her mind be the sharper weapon than her saber. The patterns had similarities, the Warrior’s style becoming clearer with each arc of his blade. She took advantage of it, and with the most evident swings of his attack, Mariah set forth with a smooth parry and guided her blade into a brutal yet elegant riposte, a maneuver she had yet to show in this fight and something that would give her the edge she needed. However the Warrior was able to recover, just enough to keep it from killing him, but her speed lended that edge she sought. She was able to pierce through his side. A minor wound, but she had drawn first blood.
While it very well was a small victory, it was marked a loss. Rather than inflicting her opponent with debilitating pain, that wound only appeared to give him new strength. Again, he charged at her, a new fire sparked in his soul to knock this woman off of her feet and send his saber cleanly through her. Another myriad of maneuvers from twin crimson blades. Using her own tactics against, the Sith Warrior countered one of Mariah’s blows. This fight was wearing on her with each movement of her blade, and even though she could see it coming, her reflexes failed her. She could feel the agonizing burning within her side, only narrowly blocked and guided from being a deeper wound. She exhaled sharply. Her opponent was perhaps one she should have taken more seriously, especially since it had all too long since she was last out to snuff out a life. Despite the mask on his face, she could feel the wicked gaze from behind, ready to end this once and for all.
She could adjust her tactics now and fight him with everything she had, but she didn’t want this battle to prolong. While she was fully prepared to prove her worth, it would be under her own terms, and she refused these.
With a violent cry, Mariah took on a two handed guard, whirling his blade away from her and going in for a lunge towards his thigh, to which he deftly blocked. She wasn’t the only one feeling the fatigue from this battle, though, her saber nearly making contact. It was time she ended this, and to do so, she would need to throw this one off his balance just long enough… Just long enough that his brute strength would lend him nothing against her speed and precision.
It was a cheap tactic, but it was the only one she could use to keep her true talents unknown for the time being.
Their sabers continued their clashing, both warriors wounded and fatigued but unrelenting in every motion they made. Guiding the Force through her every movement, however, Mariah switched her onslaught, her feet rarely staying on the ground as she continued her barrage of attacks and parries, until one of her parries opened up his guard just enough...
Releasing her right hand from her saber, Mariah sent a violent and directed push towards the Warrior’s chest, disrupting his balance and sending him backwards, his back hitting the ground, and the woman followed up immediately with a slash of her saber over his shoulder arcing downward. A diversion, which he took. With three knives held by the Force and at the ready, Mariah waited for his powerful swinging block as she beared down on him. In his desperation, his power was clear, her saber flinging from her hand, but to which she paid no mind. In immediate succession to her attack, she sent the knives flying, and with his blade focused on the crimson glow, one of them connected with his wrist, slicing through the tendons and forcing the warrior to release the hold on his own saber. Another pierced through his offhand wrist, rendering them both useless. The third, severing through his ankle, keeping him down. All three with impeccable precision and timing.
The smaller woman came down overtop her fallen opponent, landing over him and pressing a knee against his chest. She outstretched her hand to retrieve her opponent’s weapon, now that it would be of no use to him. She paused for a moment while she held his blade to his neck. She could leave this one alive, but she knew the rules of this battle. ‘Kill her.’ He was the sacrificial lamb, so with it, she ended this fight with an arc of his saber against him. His head rolled from his body, and with that final blow, she dropped his saber next to him.
At first, she remained poised with her knee against the corpse’s chest. The quiet to settled around her, and she realized that her breathing was quicker than she had anticipated. She growled to herself -- it truly had been too long. It was then that the truth of the wound in her side set in, but she refused to flinch before the Sith Lord who watched this bloodied battle unfold. She beckoned her own saber back to her with an outstretched hand, disengaged it, and affixed it back on her belt. Sure, Malvus had another Warrior he could fling at her on a whim, but still, she believed it to be unlikely now that she had proven this something to him. Then came the retrieval of her athames in this crucifixion and wiping the blood from the blades on her cloak. How she wished she didn't have resorted to that tactic, but she had no desire to play these black and white games of who lives and who dies, all for simply being permitted to enter this Academy. However, the deed was done, and she felt no pain, no remorse, no guilt. The Warrior knew of those two outcomes before he charged. She felt nothing for his loss. Like their exchange was nothing more than that of a simple farewell.
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Darth Malvus
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Post by Darth Malvus on Oct 8, 2018 16:56:42 GMT -8
There was no indication of another fight to come. Malvus's gaze was trained solely upon Mariah who had performed well, despite the obvious wound inflicted by his warrior. She refused to flinch, she refused to show anything that would give him a second thought. Despite the inflicted wound, there was great potential within the female. Potential that could be nurtured by her time with the Blackguard. After all, the Sith may have founded this order, but they welcomed all who practiced the Dark Side. It was the only way to ensure that the Dark Side could thrive once more. The Jen'ari nods slightly, an acknowledgment, even if silent, towards her performance.
He glances behind him and waves where two soldiers were present, at the far end and by the entryway. They came quickly over, blasters in hand. Malvus gestures to the corpse of the Sith Warrior. They simply nod and proceed over, picking up the corpse and hauling it away. The Sith then returned his gaze to Mariah.
Very well. I can see that you are trained, but there is still room for more education. Though you may see plenty of Sith, there are Dark Jedi in our ranks and those who would be best described as Dark Side Adepts. All kinds of philosophies and teachings united under the Rule of Unity, a new standard that unites us as one force to ensure true strength.
Malvus motions for Mariah to follow him, proceeding away from where her ship was.
Is there any particular path you wish to follow? You are at a juncture after all... I can tell. You have potential to go either and achieve greatness and power beyond your wildest imagination. Your talents will be enhanced threefold if not more with us. For we ensure the talented, the strong, and the skilled thrive here. No heretics, no pretenders, nothing but pure followers of the Dark Side.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2018 8:09:55 GMT -8
Room for more education. More training. There was always the possibility of more training, for further growth in her focused set of skills, but that’s not why she was here. Her battle with the warrior was just an ill reminder that she had grown too lax over the years. She could fix that, in her own time. She could bring about a resurgence of her past training and fill the gaps which she displayed here. She paid the price for it, nearly with her life. She wouldn’t let it happen again.
She turned back to Malvus, her cloak now torn and tattered as a testament to their battle. Just as she felt about the fallen warrior, as did he, sending the fallen away with nothing more than a mere gesture. It set the tone for her time here, for her growth. The Sith and their ways: everyone was disposable. She betrayed nothing of this silent reminder and simply fell into line with Malvus’ steps, who guided them both away from her ship. Her first step sent a sharp pain in her side, the woman swallowing her pained snarl before it had time to surface.
She steadied any vocal remnants of her agony before she answered, ensuring her voice was as smooth, calm, and blunt as before. “If necessary information, I do not walk the same path as the Sith, nor do I plan to,” she stated.
Her gaze glanced momentarily up towards the Sith, as if studying him for but that brief moment. She had no need of the descriptive powers and growth she would see here. This simple change from lone nomad to ally of the Blackguard in itself would be a powerful shifting point. Perhaps in his eyes, she would see even further progress by delving into their ways and teachings, but she was far from a young, power-hungry pup. While she was not Sith, she still carried herself with the years of her own discipline, skills, and strength.
“Nonetheless," she continued, "should you have need, I offer the Blackguard my blade. I only ask one thing in return."
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Darth Malvus
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Post by Darth Malvus on Oct 9, 2018 12:28:24 GMT -8
Malvus stops in his stride to turn and look directly at Mariah. Anyone who gazed at his eyes would feel something completely off about the Sith Lord, his presence gave off the air of being a Void, an ever-present maw that devoured energy without any ceasing moment. In truth, this transformed presence was the result of the stone within his chest, crafted from the souls of a million soldiers that once followed him. His eyes, dark doors to the nothingness beyond, gaze at the female for a long time, contemplating her words so far. It was clear that she had some sort of disagreement with the Sith, that he would not dispute.
Remember this lesson, Mariah, do not paint us with the same brush as our predecessors. I was once defeated by my own apprentice, Darth Luxeria, and yet I am still a Jen'ari, I am still valued highly by our leader and kept as his right-hand advisor and second in command.
He turns fully before continuing to speak.
The Blackguard, as I taught my apprentice, teaches that even if one is defeated, there is still value. Apprentices should still seek to defeat their masters, as a proof of skill and evolution, but it is a waste to kill them. Especially if they are still skilled. The defeated could still have a use if they are able to lead troops, administrate a world, and unlock secrets within the Force... all those tasks and more that can benefit the Blackguard and its future.
Malvus gazes upward from there, hearing a large ship enter the atmosphere of Iridonia.
Before Luxeria came to me, she was taught by a heretical sect known as the Order of Ruin. They taught the violent ways of the Sith which would have only weakened them in the end. To kill those who have knowledge and power only weakens us... for even in defeat, one can still be useful in another way. A belief that our leader, Sith'ari Savage, believes in. You did not need to kill my warrior, but yet you did. His error, your benefit. But, if he had been merely defeated, I would have still found a use for him.
There was a difference between the Blackguard and the old Sith orders that Malvus had to make clear to Mariah. The Sith would still be traditionalists in some ways, but in order to evolve and thrive as they did before, new philosophies and stances had to be adopted. Otherwise, the rivalry among their ranks and the death of masters would only thin their ranks and ensure a permanent decline within their order. Something that Lord Savage would not want to see given the plans he had for the galaxy.
,Now what is it that you want in return, Mariah, in exchange for your services?
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2018 14:03:07 GMT -8
As Malvus stopped his stride, as did Mariah. When he looked down upon her, she left nothing but a hooded figure shrouded in black to be seen. While his presence seemed to devour energy, her own was something of the opposite. Giving nothing, taking nothing. Small, minute, hidden -- much like the cloak she wore to shroud herself physically.
As he explained all the leaps and bounds that the Sith have taken, she kept her eyes turned away, leaving her face masked from view. She refused to admit the heights of her surprise. There were ancient songs, stories, and lessons passed down through her people, which highlighted the differences in their paths and the importance of these differences. To see that the Sith had learned from their ways, recognizing these weaknesses, learning, and growing, just as she sought to do now; to see that the Sith had turned from such violent upbringings and to mimic something closer to what she had believed was long forgotten with the swallowing powers of the Dark Side; it was almost impossible to believe. For now, she would give the explanation the weight it was due: words were just… words.
However, she couldn’t deny the truth within his story. Either he was a very good liar, past what even she could sense, or he told the truth about himself and his apprentice. She inhaled a deep breath, and with it, she removed the hood from her face. A truth for a truth. Crimson hair spilled over her shoulders, and she looked up at him with eyes filled with that same intense hue. With a narrowed gaze, she studied this Sith again, but this time she didn’t keep it brief, her eyes now locked upon him. She didn’t hide her attempts at understanding past the mere words that he spoke. As plain as his explanation, she still stared at him as though he spoke a cryptic puzzle in need of an answer. There was a different question that needed answering at this very moment, though.
“I seek to understand the dark arts of alchemy and sorcery,” she explained. “In return for my blade, I wish to study under those within the Blackguard who may help.” She paused briefly. “I have been… unsuccessful with my own attempts at grasping them.”
To admit her own failures felt like poison on her lips, but if there was any truth to this Sith’s words, she would take his lesson to heart sooner rather than later. Still, there was a piece to this puzzle she had yet to discover. Her gaze flickered away from him and towards the direction that the guards had departed with the warrior’s body. The command was issued to kill, and thus his life was taken. Silvery words would not turn her heart to feel any sort of anguish for her assumption to kill or be killed. Still, she felt as though she could have ended it a number of other ways, leaving him alive, had she had known of the Sith’s change in ways. Despite her lack of remorse, she still felt a sense of duty to the one she slayed.
“Do tell me, where are they taking his body?”
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Darth Malvus
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Post by Darth Malvus on Oct 9, 2018 16:06:22 GMT -8
Alchemy and sorcery... there were a few names that came to mind as Malvus contemplated her request. Among those he could think of, only two would offer her what she sought. Himself and Ifrit Bladeweaver; the former being a Sith and the later being a Dark Jedi. Malvus recalled Ifrit from a number of times and knew of his skill as a sorcerer within the ranks of the Blackguard. His vornskr proving to be rather impressive during the Felucian Raid. As Mariah desired to not join the Sith, Ifrit would be her best option.
Before he could reply, however, the Sith noticed her question involving the dead Sith's body.
There are ways to retrieve his soul and ensure he is reborn anew, Mariah. Otherwise, we will find other usages.
Perhaps the corpse could be sent to Lord Znalost over at Ziost. The Sith's elite Cerberus Battalion could always use a fresh undead to join its ranks. Certainly this would please the Despot of Ziost himself. It will all depend on if Malvus could retrieve the life force of the dead warrior and ensure he could be revived.
As for your request, there is one that comes to mind. A Dark Jedi I know of, Ifrit Bladeweaver. He has made his den on the planet of Sullust in the southern reaches of the Outer Rim... it is situated near my home on Eriadu and our headquarters on Mustafar. I plan to depart that way on my warship tomorrow. You are welcomed to join me.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2018 14:26:54 GMT -8
Mariah’s eyes narrowed upon Malvus at the mention of the warrior’s soul. Reviving him wasn’t her plan of action, but what she did have in mind would be useless if the Blackguard had their own plans, and ones of these measures. At that thought, her hand involuntarily glided over the knives on her belt. She would pay it no mind, for now. It would be just as well to leave him in their care. It was out of her hands, and should the Blackguard have their uses with a fallen warrior, then he was theirs to tend to.
“I care little if it is Sith or Dark Jedi who trains me,” she clarified, shifting her attention completely now to this topic. “I look forward to meeting this Ifrit Bladeweaver, though.” While she didn’t offer a firm yes in response to his offer, her fascination hopefully resonated well enough despite it.
Tomorrow. Mariah glanced over towards the Academy. It was ironic; she sought to cease her aimless and pointless wanderings, and in a day, she would find herself back among the stars. There were now three planets, though, among the many; three planets now with a purpose in her journeys, which was more than she had before. Iridonia. Sullust. Mustafar. She didn’t need visions of the future to know that this list would be greater in the coming days. However, for now, the last resonated within the woman with just as much fascination as the mention of Sullust and Ifrit Bladeweaver.
“And from Sullust, perhaps I'll make a journey to Mustafar."
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Nel Bukk
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Post by Nel Bukk on Dec 5, 2018 18:28:39 GMT -8
Stormro returned the Headmaster's respectful nod with a slightly lower nod of his own before the man turned and made his way back into the academy. Once the man had left their presence the Diplomat vanished, allowing Stormro's typically cold, controlled expression to return to his face as he glanced at his apprentice. "Where would you like to investigate first Apprentice? It would seem that we have been given a fair amount of freedom in how we spend our time here..." Personally, Stormro was more interested in the archives than anything else that had been mentioned, although his curiosity had been piqued by the mention of a "Mr. Phoenix". Many years ago, before he had embraced his home in the shadows, the Lord of Deception had known a Falcor Phoenix who had been a courageous leader and honorable warrior. The man had forged a home for those who would not bow to the demands of the Jedi or the Sith, and Stormro had once even called the man brother before differences of belief had driven a wedge between the two Force users. It was unlikely that this "Mr. Phoenix" was in fact the man he had known years ago, but none the less a part of Stormro found it difficult to resist the siren's song of curiosity. Beginning to walk towards the academy proper, Stormro did not bother checking to see if Nel would follow behind him, confident that she would remain at his side as he continued. "It would seem that the Sith'ari themself is aware of our presence on Iridonia and has expressed interest in meeting us. I must admit that I am similarly interested in meeting this lord of the Sith, especially as it would seem that they have resurrected the Blackguard..." He paused in his speech, glancing back at the young Zabrak before speaking again. "Tell me; what do you know of the Blackguard Apprentice?" Stormro did not expect Nel to know of the secretive, reclusive faction, especially since the Jedi had been all but unaware of its existence, but she had surprised him before and either way her answer would prove to be a suitable segue into a deeper discussion of the faction. "I'd like to meet this Sith'ari. I'm honestly curious about those restricted areas we're not allowed in without meeting them first." She took a moment to gather her thoughts, thinking about all her research and reading she'd done over the years, before looking up at him again. "I... will have to admit I don't know much, Master. Just bits and pieces that aren't really useful." |
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Gavin Phoenix
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Dec 9, 2018 23:00:54 GMT -8
The early hours came swiftly over the world of Iridonia. Not even light yet and Gavin was already moving. It was an occasional thing most of the time. So long as he was up early enough to ensure he had eyes on the training area for most of the traffic that passed through. But today came with a different reason. He had taken the night to sleep outdoors as his room had been occupied by another. She’d be leaving sometime in the morning and he wanted to see her off. However, not knowing when she planned to leave, it believed it was best to just wake up and wait by her ship. The landing pads designated for guests were vacant save one, making it easy to pinpoint her ship. And so he moved behind the boarding ramp and out of sight.
He had originally opted to not see her off after all that had transpired the night before. It was felt that it was best to let her go her own way and if they met again, then so be it. But Jade has requested he remain in touch and keep something there, so he knew he needed to see her a final time before she left. For now, though, all that could be done was wait. So he slipped into meditation, reaching out to sense when she finally arrived.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2018 19:20:36 GMT -8
Although sleep had come swiftly, it didn't last. Thankfully so, as the dawn would soon break, and with it, the students and masters would pour into the halls to begin their day. As swiftly as she was able, Mariah had returned the room as she had been given it, down to the clothes folded on the bed. Adorning her tattered attire, weapons, and cloak once more, she had taken extra precautions with not only leaving the chambers but also departing down the hall to exit the Academy. Just as when she arrived, she had no intentions of drawing anymore attention than necessary. At such an hour in the morning, it was easier than when she arrived.
It could be as soon as minutes to hours until the Jen'ari summoned her for their departure. Either way, she had full intention of waiting in her ship for further instructions. The remnants of sleep still blurred her vision and weighed down on her muscles; her healing wound was becoming more of a constant pain. She couldn’t afford anymore occurrences with either the students or the masters.
When her ship was finally in view, so was her battleground. A mix of both relief and wrath swirled under the surface of her usual caution. Attempting to relinquish those first impressions, Mariah focused on the old light freighter. Once she could make it onboard, she could then center herself and prepare for whatever scheme had been planned for her, whatever she might find on Sullust. Her only instructions forced a sigh from her. Keep an open mind.
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Gavin Phoenix
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Dec 12, 2018 6:32:10 GMT -8
In the depths of his meditation, he could feel Mariah's approach. So small and unremarkable, it was unmistakable. It seemed that she wished to avoid any interaction with those within the academy, possibly even him. However, she wouldn't be so lucky in that regard. With a smirk, he called out from behind the boarding ramp. "I should have guessed you'd try to make a quick getaway by leaving before sunrise. Fortunate that I arrived a bit earlier." There was only the faintest of laughs to follow with still no sign of anyone around. Standing from his seated position, he stepped around from behind the ramp, moving forward just enough to rest his hand up against it. "Not even the slightest good-byes, either. I'm kinda hurt by that."
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2018 16:44:36 GMT -8
Before her foot met the boarding ramp, she heard a voice call out to her, snapping her from her thoughts. Instinct took over for the briefest moments, and her hand reached for the saber on her hip. The battle from just yesterday was still fresh in her mind. However, that voice was familiar... and that laugh. Peering round, Mariah sidestepped next to the boarding ramp as she followed the sound until she found the source.
Of course it was him.
"Sneaking around people's ships is how you get yourself killed, Phoenix."
Her words came with a muffled exasperation, if but to cover her earlier, momentary startle. She was usually aware of her surroundings, but in the quiet of the morning, she wasn't expecting anyone to be awake and about, let alone near her ship. With a sigh, she released her hold on the hilt and brought her arms to cross over her chest.
"You're such a terrible liar."
Those words didn’t harbor the same fire that they did the day before, but her tone still carried the same conviction. It was with just another beat, a moment to breathe, before Mariah at least appeared to regain her composure.
"It's a good thing I didn't go looking for you," she retorted. "I didn't take you for the type to go stalking around my ship."
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Dec 13, 2018 7:54:34 GMT -8
Gavin tilted his head as he looked at her, letting go another roll of faint laughs and chuckles. "Do I really look like someone who's concerned about being killed? After all, the many years wandering does one of two things: enhances your fear of death or eliminates it." He then lifted his hands to his chest, his face turning into one of mock surprise and shock. "Now how could you assume such a thing about me? It's like you feel all I say is a lie." He held the facade for a moment more before shaking his head with a smile.
He then moved past Mariah so that she was standing between him and the boarding ramp. Crossing his arms, he looked at her with amused eyes. "You come looking for me? I highly doubt it. And even if you did, I'm sure you'd have found me easy enough. For all we discussed, I'm sure you could have narrowed my position to a few locations. And if that didn't work, you could have felt me out. Weak as it is, it certainly stands out among those here. He then gave her shrug. "Typically I don't stalk around people's ships. But I did want to see you off. Only that it might not have gone well if I returned to my room. Quite a few scenarios that would have ended badly for me. Safer to wait here for you."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2018 19:30:15 GMT -8
The easiness Gavin carried still oozed from his attitude. It was so similar to the day prior, at least while in the courtyard. However, now it was amplified -- something she didn't think possible until this moment. Mariah revealed nothing, her gaze locked upon him with a sense of stoic unamusement, despite all other attempts from her visitor. She couldn't help but wonder if he was going out of his way in teasing her, and if so, for what purpose. 'Keep an open mind' -- if only she could put the two of them in a room together.
Mariah arced an eyebrow at his over dramatic facade. "Are you always in such high spirits this early? It's a wonder you're still alive. I would've thought the Sith would find you more trouble than you're worth by now." The hints of her own taunting may have been easily overshadowed by the bluntness of her words. Even as he moved, her crimson state never faltered from him. She watched him carefully, as if she still carried some skepticism regarding him as a whole. "The courtyard is where you stated you'd be. Perhaps the training grounds... but again, I wouldn't have guessed you'd be stalking around my ship." Her last words had a staccato emphasis with their reiteration, her head cocking just slightly to the side. Then again, he had a point. Better here than there, if he felt the need to see her one last time -- although even that was a confusing, disconcerting thought.
Tearing her gaze away from him, she pursed her lips thoughtfully. "I don't do farewells. They don't serve much of a purpose." It was as if that was it; her tone had a harsh finality. As if to secure what she meant, she made her way round and onto the base of the boarding ramp. However, she paused, glancing back up at Gavin momentarily. "We'll either see each other again, or we won't. Seeing as I want to see Kolk Illuminate in action, it'll be the former... Force willing and should we both still live."
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Gavin Phoenix
The Dark Jedi Order
"See first with your mind, then with your eyes, and finally with your body"
Posts: 1,144
Affiliation: The Dark Jedi Order
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Post by Gavin Phoenix on Dec 14, 2018 6:47:57 GMT -8
He gave only a smirk and a shrug at her comment to start. Indeed, if they knew such things, no doubt he'd have more trouble than he already did. But as with much Mariah had witnessed in the day before, she was still the first and only to see that side of him among those that had walked the halls. Still, there was a single point he couldn't help but address. "Should that day come, they'll find out that only a few in this academy could remotely stand up to me." For that split moment, there was an amused darkness in his tone. He had watched and measured nearly all who resided here, thinking of such an outcome. If anything, he found it a thrilling inkling.
Yet, just as quickly as it came, so to was it gone. He opted to not respond further to the idea of stalking around her ship as it didn't seem to have a proper ending. Once again, he merely shrugged at the comment before moving on. Just then, her gaze shifted away quickly with her next words, causing Gavin to tilt his head curiously. Shortly after, she began making her way up the ramp. He didn't imagine this to be a long farewell, but she certainly wasn't wasting time trying to end the conversation and send him on his way. Most cases, it would be a clear enough hint, leading him to let things end and be on his way. But he had made a promise to Jade to stay connected, even pushing her a bit. And so he'd honor that request from his late wife.
Still, her final comment didn't come without the rise of some humor within him. "Eh, it's less of 'farewell' and more like 'see you later.' But don't you worry your pretty little head. There will be plenty of action waiting for you right here when you return. I guarantee that. So long as you don't go dying on me. Death couldn't even keep me away from this little bout we have planned, so it better not you. Otherwise, I'll have to make a trip to the afterlife just to cash in."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2018 9:29:38 GMT -8
Mariah watched Gavin intently as she weighed his words carefully. She had witnessed only a piece of what he could exude, although she dismissed that circumstance on the lack of her own well-being. She couldn't ignore that lingering eeriness in his tones, though, and the confidence that wrapped around his aura. It was a definitive switch from his playful easiness from earlier. However, she didn't appear shaken or fazed in the slightest. If anything, she seemed all the more intrigued under the sharpened edges of her own expression.
That intrigue was just about ripped away at his following humor. The shift in her demeanor was obvious at the pretty little head comment. With a roll of her eyes, she had no intention of hearing out the rest of his comment, and she started up the boarding ramp. While she couldn't completely tune him out, she tried. If only she could have, because yet again, there was something in his words that halted her. With a deep breath and a huff of an exhale, she growled at herself. Despite her firm commands to continue her venture into her ship, she still found herself turning back around, exiting the boarding ramp and approaching him again. In her perspective, the decision was a mistake, but it felt less like a decision and more like a requirement.
"No matter my fate, I highly advise you keep to your own business until I come find you." Her words were dripping with some sense of a warning, but after a beat to let her words settle in the air, the hints of a malicious smile tugged up at the corners of her lips. "On top of everything else you have going for you, you're foolish and cocky," she jabbed. "I so look forward to knocking you down a few notches. Death couldn’t stop you nor me."
Perhaps he was just trying to get a rise out of her. While he did get her attention enough to turn back around, she still held herself with a controlled and precise composure. Perhaps he just wanted to ensure she'd actually return. It wasn't like he needed additional insurance in that regard, although now he had it. Perhaps this was just who he was under that humor and almost apathetic easiness. At least then, she knew she was starting to see the real person that lied underneath those masks. Whatever the reason may have been, however, it matter little to Mariah, who now looked up at him with a narrowed gaze, and her wicked smile grew just a bit more obvious on her lips.
"Of course, if you're so eager for a trip to hell, just say the word, and I'll be happy to oblige."
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