Open Korriban Reach Heaven Through Violence

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion noticed that Azar had looked at him a bit longer than necessary and he felt warmth on his chest. The fact that the Pureblood paid attention to him a bit more than necessary was enough to make him happy for the rest of the day. “Indeed, you opened this place and you being there is natural.” he said solemnly.

“But every time that I see you is a pleasant surprise.” Caerllion whispered those and the next words so low that only the Pureblood next to him would hear it. “I cherish every moment that it happens, like a sunflower cherishes every single bit of sunlight that it receives.” the Annfyn never knew when it’ll be the last time that it happens, be it due to Azar getting tired of his presence or because his own life would come to a premature end. He couldn’t think of the third option.

The one where something bad happens with the red-skinned man.

"Thank you. You look marvelous, too. Beyond royalty and close to divine." Caerllion said, admiring how the ornation of Azar's clothes and his braids made him look like a deity. The sight was worth of being immortalized in a statue.

The sound of the arena made him turn to look at what was happening down there. "I Know the Thyrsian. His name is Drane. We worked together one time and he was competent." he watched silently while the fight cotinued. The Nautolan was gathering the Dark Side to herself and preparing to strike on Drane again. She showed potential, but the Sith Master knew that the male CHampion shouldn’t be toyed with. He could have fallen a moment ago, but seemed to have recovered. The Annfyn waited to see if he would be able to deal with the incoming attack.

Then Trael arrived, dressed in a ridiculous pink outfit. Even if it was ridiculous, it seemed to have a story with it, since the words that Azar said had a meaning hidden on them. When the human removed got shirtless, Caerllion had to control himself to not raise an eyebrow. Was he really feeling hot or was it an attempt to seduce the Arcanos and return to his side? The Annfyn couldn’t blame him, for having the red-skinned man’s love all efforts are worth.

The Annfyn wondered if he should walk away and leave the two to deal with their situation, due to the obvious tension being built between them. However, he decided to stay. He had to slip away from Arcanos constantly during that party to give space for his partners. After that day, Trael's presence couldn't pressure him to leave anymore, only Vossari could do that. Unless Azar told him to walk away, Caerllion would remain there at his side.

“Hello, Master Osso.” Caerllion nodded at the human. “I thought that you would be here early.” he said, before his attention turned back to the fight. “You arrived right in the moment that I was thinking about starting a bet. The Nautolan looks very promising.”

@Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai listened to Cheriss even as he continued to observe the battle for the moment. Enthralled, as each hit took place and was exchanged in equal measure. As he learnt from them in his observations. At her words, he nodded as it appeared both had not the success they were looking for just yet but he allowed a small smile at her comment about he droids. s he observed he saw the savagery and focus from both warriors and yet as he did so he noted how the Nautalon so far seemed to be gaining the upper hand.

Her martial prowess was to be admired. Just as Drane's swordplay even if currently it appeared he was at a disadvantage.

At the mention of wagers, Karai interest peaked. And then he heard the scream and felt the Dark Side roil, it sent a shiver up his spine of excitement and drew his attention for the moment. He spoke.

"Thank you, it turned out to be a worthwhile endeavour. As for a wager, if I were a betting man and I am...at the moment I would place my bet upon the Nautalon. Not that Drane is just as good, he is. His swordplay is to be admired. But the way she fights and moves. It just seems to suggest a savagery and brutality that she will do anything to win."

It gave him an idea.

"Hmm...perhaps we can see if we can get some betting going. Seems a good time as any. Let's ask about, perhaps the Masters may want in. Time to act the bookie, if you want you can join me, I am going to see the king now if your still interested." he chuckled.

With that he begun to walk to the stands where Caerllion, Trael and Arcanos currently sat. Once there he gave both Masters a bow and to Arcanos he knelt and bowed as was expected to his Sith,'ari and king. As was expected of all his people, even one from the street knew that much. He wouldn't get up until he told him too as was the practice.

He made his introduction as he knelt. Hoping he wasn't interrupting and got himself into trouble. To someone like Arcanos, Karai showed fairly obvious signs of Adas and Hekk ancestry, yet he knew nothing of it himself. Or the nobility of his blood even as he had the three digits on each hand.

"Greetings my king, Lord Arcanos. I hope I am not interrupting anything. I am Karai Astvarada-iv-Zeti, I don't believe we have had the opportunity to meet yet and thought to use this opportunity presented. I greatly admire you. In fact you inspired me to join the Academy and continue to be an inspiration to me, I hope some day I might also reach such heights and build such a legend myself."

He faced the other two as well just as he heard about the bet, it appeared a wager was on not just his mind either "Greetings Master Cynfos, Master Osso. I was just about to go around asking for wagers, if your interested of course."

@Sicadorito @Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @LouJoVi

 

[Drane T'keen]

Who knew who else was here amid the audience? He didn’t have the seconds to determine it or shift amid presences. Yet Cheriss was watching him. That was cause enough for him to get up, to win, but she was second to the first reason.

For he was Sith, and he was Thyrsian, a son of the red sun, and a warrior of light beyond the darkness of the dark side, or even the light of the Jedi. His was sunlight, burning bright, and as hot as his opponent’s warcry from bottom to top.

The Sith knew how to use pain as a motivating force amid his injury under the Force. The Nautolan roared in her savagery, and in a sense she did so echo those ghosts of their ancestors as other Sith watched and listened; from the quiet benches or from the silent graves, in darkness and in spirit. The Thyrsian was no different.

Peace is a lie, there is only passion.

Drane echoed only in his mind as his opponent advanced, fist raised.

The Force shall free me.

As it had freed the Black Swordsman on his back, driving his thirst for blood right up there with hers. He simply didn't feel the need to scream.

The Nautolan brought the Force down on him like a cudgel to crush him like rubble. As she did, Drane felt what was coming toward him. He didn’t get up straight away but instead summoned an invisible barrier around himself.

Whether it was a singular burst from his opponent or a continuous blast to overwhelm him, Drane maintained his position for the moment.

Free hand lifted, body motionless under the barrier’s reduction of movement, both combatants ought to be equally matched with the ferocity of their power, preventing the success of her attack.

If the Nautolan’s wasn’t a continuous blast then Drane would finally spring, not to his feet but on his knee, balanced in the sand as his free fingers curled in for a whirlwind of sand and wind to sweep his opponent off her feet in an instant.

@Jake (@Qû’jara Jinyeva)
@Sreeya @Hastur @Akheron @Sicadorito @LouJoVi @Javier esschoolbus @Dread)

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss could taste the Nautolan’s bloodlust, feel the dark side fill the room. She inhaled as if breathing it in, welcoming its familiar call. Peering down again, she saw that Drane had picked up the pace again despite being knocked down earlier. That brought a smile to her face before she looked back at Karai as he spoke.

“Hm! I see what you mean… but I’d have to bet the other way.” She might have been biased considering she knew nothing about the other champion except for what she’d seen today, which was certainly impressive to say the least, but she knew for a fact that Drane was a formidable warrior even when he wasn’t fully himself. Now that she thought about it, she didn’t think she’d even seen him at his full potential as a swordsman, so this would surely be an interesting match.

She only hoped he wouldn’t prove her wrong. She gazed down for another moment or so before Karai mentioned seeing the king, and her attention was once again focused on him.

“Certainly.” Cheriss walked alongside Karai toward the king and the two masters. When Karai knelt, Cheriss opted for a slight bow instead. Though Lord Arcanos wasn’t her king, he was respected by the Order and by her. She’d been acquainted with Caerllion before, but Master Osso’s was a new face. His outfit, or a lack thereof, was certainly unconventional, so she assumed that he probably had a casual relationship with the other two.

“Lord Arcanos, Master Cyfnos, Master Osso.” Cheriss greeted each of the men in turn before letting Karai continue with his bookie work. As he did, she noticed another Sith lingering near a statue some distance away from them. She wondered who he was and if he knew the king, but didn’t let her gaze linger too long before she looked back down at the fighters. Notes were clearly not going to happen at this point, but she could keep an eye on Drane.

@Jake @Die Shize @Akheron @Sreeya @LouJoVi @Javier esschoolbus @Dread

 

[Xyrin Davarok]

A calm walk across the floor in her outfit was all she intended to do at that moment, collecting her senses, her thoughts. There was the quiet private meditation on her knees in the darkness, but between the firelight of her hallway she walked through a different kind of escape in her mind.

That was when Xyrin caught the gaze of others turned toward another door on her way out of the corridor so she turned, paused and walked along into the greater chamber.

She also wasn’t an idiot so knew where she entered, but knew absolutely nothing about the contestants or the audience. Until she spotted someone or simply sensed a familiar presence in the distance of her newfound surface made for sitting and observing.

Cheriss?

Apparently Cheriss the Champion was giving the masters their deserved attention which was fitting considering she was attracted to shiny objects and Darth Arcanos was glittering.

“Find another seat.”

Xyrin glared at a younger Acolyte heading for the empty seat beside her. She needed it to rest her tea.

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael couldn’t help the rush when Azar had to do a double take of him. He may not have favored this outfit he couldn’t deny its sentimental value to him. This outfit was there for what ended up being where everything with him and Azar started, and it Trael had kept it as a reminder of that night.

He heard Caer’s voice addressing him. His gaze turned from the arena to the Annfyn Master (@LouJoVi) , his face losing its smile and turning more neutral, “I was busy, having the duties of a Master causes that to some.” He said flatly, “I’m surprised someone of your esteem even had time to grace us with your presence.” He continued weaving a hint of surprise in his voice. His gaze returned to the arena momentarily, “I’d say counting the Thyrsian out this early would be ill advised. So I’d wager on him.” He said casually, Trael had been in numerous fights that started off bad for him. So seeing someone who could potentially turn it around was worth his wager.

He was about to question the amount on the wager when two other Sith approached, Trael turned around and leaned his back against the rail. One, a pureblood who introduced themselves as Karai, gave a long introduction. The other offered a much shorter and simpler introduction, one that was more his speed.

Once the acolyte had finished his introduction scene, he mentioned how he had been thinking of collecting wagers, Traels gaze went to Azar (@Sreeya) subconsciously checking out the pureblood, “Would you like to place a bet Arcanos?” He inquired, leaning in, “I’d wager anything to you.” He whispered to him. His gaze turned to the acolyte (@Akheron), “I’ll wager..this much.” He said plopping a bag full of credits in his hand. Traels appointment of Daimyo plus his slow rebuilding has granted him wealth once again.

 

[Qû’jara Jinyeva]

Qû’jara Jinyeva sensed the spike of bloodlust in the warrior of the red sun and it pleased her, but did he possess enough fire to withstand the sea of her strength?

She didn't think so, but her pleasure redoubled as Drane summoned a shield in the Force to defend himself. Not all champions were sufficiently seasoned in battle to transition calmly from a position of weakness and grip their pain as the bridles of new power.

Satisfied that Drane could channel the fury and agony of his injury into his resistance, Qû also knew that his strength would ebb out inexorably through the cracks in his ribs, the shortness of breath... and if not she would squeeze it from him.

While Drane was pinned immobile in the sand, their strengths momentarily flaring against each other in the Force, neither ceding to the other, Qû had ample time to consider the next step. Some form of sweeping attack to suppress her advantage in positioning after their previous clash was a natural strategy for her opponent to consider, and for her to anticipate.

Furthermore, the Nautolan's speed and senses remained accelerated in the Force and she did not perceive that Drane had extended himself as fully. The combination of her cautious approach, advantageous stance and the Force driving her to the pinnacle of her abilities0​ simplified her following execution:

Qû's attack was not continuous1​, so that after a moment the pressure lifted and Drane sprang to his knees.

Neither did she let go of her cudgel in the dark side, but she did release her electroblade, letting it fall gently to the sand beside her while her body went lax in a more relaxed Soresu or even Teräs Käsi stance, readying itself for what came next as Drane moved.2​

Her hands swept gently from side to side as if flipping her club from above Drane to beside him and swinging it, never relinquishing her death grip on the dark side, moving smoothly as a predator sinking its fangs into the neck of limp prey.3​

Using the advantage of her quickened perception to time herself perfectly to the Thyrsian so that their attacks would coincide, she gave Drane essentially no space to react. They would strike each other simultaneously, but with quite a difference in impact.

Where Drane simply tried to whip her feet out from under her, Qû’jara smashed the dark side she had already gripped into him like a sledgehammer on his wounded right side with all the power she could muster, which was also his sword arm, presumably while his free hand was occupied manipulating the Force, aiming to finish breaking a few ribs and potentially disarm him or even throw the Thyrsian from the sand circle entirely.4​

Her hold on the dark side released as Drane's whirlwind effectively swept her off her feet, but with her hands free and muscles relaxed and ready, she simply let the momentum carry her. Qû’jara caught herself more or less gracefully on her hands and knees about a step back from where she'd stood after a single midair rotation.

Still within reach of her electroblade, she grabbed it as she returned immediately to a standing ready stance, sliding a further step back as she rose to her feet. 5​ Given her speed, all of this happened so quickly that the acolytes watching probably wouldn't even be able to cleanly follow Qû’jara's movements.

@Die Shize (@Drane T'keen)

Spoiler: OOC & tl;dr bulletpoints

The Bruce Lee gif isn't an exact match for her movement or anything, I just imagined a small water-bending/tai chi sweeping gesture here but I couldn't find a good gif of one.

0. Just covering why any of this should work: I state in my previous post I'm approaching cautiously, I'm in a better position and I seem to be using the Force and Drane hasn't yet.
1. Just acknowledging the conditional that Drane will only act if my concussive attack isn't continuous.
2. I drop my sword and go lax.
3. My attack isn't continuous, but I didn't release the dark side either.
Sreeya mentioned to me OOC that I shouldn't describe this as a club but rather just as a concussive blast, which was my intent, so I will use language more to that effect in the future.
4. We attack simultaneously, but I try to hit you with a concussive blast of the Force I'm still holding onto while you whip my feet out from under me. I'm attacking your wounded right side trying to hit you where I did previously.
5. I move with your attack and catch myself, grab my sword and stand up. I state that I do this really quickly because I'm still using the Force.

(I'll start to acknowledge fatigue soon, but I think it's fine so far)

 

[Serene]

Spoiler: Music

Song

The last time Serene had traveled to Korriban it had been her first time visiting the world. It had been eventful to say the least but the dark side sorceress had been busy. This trip was not entirely for pleasure but instead to study and learn as much about the nature of the force nexuses available to her. She had come to revere the importance of the Sith homeworld and potentially gain new acolytes to join her coven depending on the prospects.

The shadows of a statue seemed to stretch and produce the sorceress from a sourceless location. Serene's form appeared as light was allowed to touch her, revealing she wore black robes with green detailing along its edges. Her C4T droid familiar, Rupert, hopped up on the base of the statue she emerged behind, sitting to watch the fight at shoulder height. Serene's vibro-claws addorned the central three fingers of each hand that hung on either side of her body. Her lightsaber hilts, in addition to one she had taken from a Jedi Master rested on her left hip. Its crystal had yet to be bled but the sorceress was waiting for the right occasion to do so.

Word had reached her ears of a duel occurring. The Champion rarely used her lightsabers these days but still found it important to keep her fencing skills sharp. Trael Osso had taught her Form X many moons ago which agreed to her more than the form her original master had taught her. Now Serene found herself using the melee aspect less and less but still did not wish for it to become a weakness for others to exploit.

The space witch felt the excitement in the air and was shared by Serene. The knowledge, the history, and bloodlust. It all spoke to the sorceress of potential and power. Her head was held high in a sense of optimism that was befitting of a woman of aristocracy or nobility. To most though, she was nothing more than a witch that clawed her way from some swamp, an opinion she was fine with others holding.

Aside from the exchange of blows and attacks by the two duelists Serene could not help but be drawn to see the audience members that had gathered. One she instantly recognized as the man who had taught her Form X and was now shirtless. This warranted a momentarily raised eyebrow along with a glance at the rest of the gathered Sith. The Master's outfit was provoking in more ways than one. Perhaps the duel would only be half of the entertainment today.

Wagers were made. Names were spoken. Blows were struck. Serene would be silent and observe for now, not wanting to distract from the fight before them. When it was appropriate she would greet the King of Korriban and the other Sith Masters but Serene did not want to distract from the fight. Things could change at a moment's notice and she did not want to miss anything.

While her eyes were looking towards the duel she kept her senses ever perceptive of her surroundings and the subtle mood changes of the audience. There were prospects even among the viewers. One in particular stood opposite the same statue she stood beside. A wellspring of knowledge and sensible caution ebbed from that one. (@Dread )

"See anything you like?" She asked the hybrid male without turning to look.

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar smiled at Caerllion’s compliments. He would never admit it, but he was a sucker for flowery and poetic compliments. They gave him butterflies and worked like a charm. The Annfyn knew just what to say to appeal to Azar’s flair for drama and theatrics, “Well I appreciate your words as a melophile adores a beautifully crafted melody,” He responded. (@LouJoVi )

Azar followed Caerllion’s gaze to look at the Thyrsian in question. Drane. He wasn’t familiar with the name, but after today he would be. Azar didn’t miss the frosty exchange between Trael and Caerllion, not entirely surprised. It was no secret that Trael had messed up badly back at the party, but Azar was attempting to move on. He was still apprehensive around Trael, but it was nowhere as tense as it was before.

Others joined them soon on the balcony. Azar was a social butterfly, so he was pleased with the company. He first noticed the acolyte that bore similarities in appearance to Trodai, a fact that made a pang of pain shoot through his chest. Even the wordiness of this acolyte reminded him of Trodai.

“Greetings, acolyte,” Azar said curtly, “You have the bearing of nobility,” He said, his brows raising slightly, “Or perhaps you just know how to clean up well,” He added with a smirk. (@Akheron )

The woman made her introduction next. Azar’s gaze fixed on her for a few seconds, studying very closely, “Greetings, Champion,” He began with a drawl, “I trust you will not be overwhelmed by concern to interject should the fight take a turn for the worst for this..Drane?” He asked breezily, making it clear he could practically smell the anxiety on her. Azar didn’t get to where he was without being able to study finer details. (@Sicadorito )

At Trael’s words, Azar scowled at him, his face flushed. The man always had a way of getting under his skin. He gave a light wave of his hand, “I will not be placing any bets, but I will certainly reward the winner,” He didn’t miss the credits Trael had on him, quirking a brow. How did he come into so much money to casually throw around? “I see you’re fully embracing your noble lineage, eh?” Azar teased with a smirk. Why didn’t Trael have his damn shirt on?? (@Javier esschoolbus )

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai observed the tense interaction between the two Masters, it was clear even to him something was going on there but it wasn't his place to say or do anything so he didn't. No he was to observe the fight and take wagers. Or as was the current moment indulge his king. He ignored completely the other Pureblood for now, who it seemed was rudely trying send another younger Acolyte away when they were both equal.

There was always one he thought.

He had seen enough of those types of people on the streets of Ur. He smiled at Arcanos as he was given the compliment and a smirk. Seeing him in person in comparison to the large statue in the City of Ur, there really was no comparison. He was absolutely stunning and knew just the right thing to say. He could see now the man in many ways lived up to the legend he had heard only about. Never had he imagined to ever meet him, let alone speak with him. What he said though made him chuckle as he spoke about cleaning up well, clearly he had a great sense of humour. And yet his other comment gave him pause for thought.

From what he could tell, Arcanos had no reason to lie about it. And that such words came from the king made him consider what was said more than most. It made him think. If that was true, then it left him with more questions than answers. And he would need to speak with those who called themselves his parents. To get to the bottom of it.

He spoke in return, a moment before taking the offered credit bag from Trael.

"Thank you my king, your comments they bring a smile to my face. I am not ashamed to admit I am a big fan." he chuckled a little, considered his next words "It is strange that you mention I look noble though. I was always told I was not of noble birth. I was....raised in the streets you see. I don't know of a life before. If what you say is true, then I have been lied too. I will speak with my parents, or at least those who claim to be, perhaps they can explain it. If you would allow it my king, I would enjoy sitting with you for the remainder of the match once I collect the rest of the wagers."

With that he turned to Trael inquiring as to just who the wager on on, as he had previously neglected to inform him of it.

"A excellent wager Master Osso although...who is the wager upon? Is this bet for Drane or the Nautalon? Just so it's clear. As for myself, I wager the Nautalon." he asked while waiting to see if Caerllion was also placing a bet and anyone else in the stand with them as he held the credit bag.

@Sicadorito @Sreeya @LouJoVi @Javier esschoolbus

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion felt happy with Azar’s reaction to his compliment. He was able to make the Pureblood smile and the Annfyn considered it as a personal victory. Because having the red-skinned man grace him with such a perfect smile was the greatest thing that he could have during that entire day.

If a mere glimpse of Azar was like sunlight, then his smiles were like the refreshing rain that saves the flowers from the drought. Seeing them always made the Annfyn’s day better. ‘This metaphor could be a good poem.’ Caerllion thought, but would think about it later.

He remained calm with Trael's words, while wondering if the human was trying to say that he didn’t work enough. Caerllion should invite him to his laboratory, to see how much he had been doing in the past months. “Time management helped me find some free time in my agenda, but the Order and the Dark Lord always have priority over anything else.”

‘Especially the Dark Lord.’ he added mentally, while looking at Azar for a moment. Even if the Pureblood called him from the edges of the Galaxy, Caerllion would go to him without thinking twice.

“Greetings.” Caerllion said, nodding at the Champion and Acolyte that approached them. He ended up paying more attention to the Pureblood called Karai. He reminded the Annfyn of Trodai, including being so talkative.

The Annfyn watched Trael offer to wager a bet for Azar with a pouch full of credits. Then the rumors of the human getting in the graces of the Hutt Clans were true. The Annfyn wondered how long it would take for the tattooed man to screw things up and end up stranded on a backward planet only with the clothes in his body, like how they met for the first time.

Rather than pleasure, the thought of seeing Trael's disgrace left Caerllion conflicted. He looked at Azar out of the corner of his eyes. The Annfyn was sure that the Pureblood would suffer greatly with another disappointment coming from the human. The suffering of the red-skinned man killed any pleasure that he could have.

“Then you are a noble too.” Caerllion said Trael, really surprised with this revelation. “It's good to know that there is more of us around there.” he smiled, before turning to look at Karai. “Here, I'll bet on Drane. I have worked with him in the past and know that his fighting abilities are impressive.” he offered to the Pureblood a bag equally full of credits. He could have said that the Nautolan was promissing, but his previous interaction with the Thyrsian settled his decision.

@Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @Akheron @Sicadorito

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael listened as Caer (@LouJoVi) explained that he had managed to squeeze time to be here. How the order and the Dark Lord were his priorities. He didn’t miss the way the Master gazed at Azar afterwards, his face betrayed his lack of enthusiasm. “My priority is Arcanos, regardless of the title he holds or his allegiance.” He said bluntly to the Annfyn.

The acolyte continued talking after his initial speech. It made Trael think of Trodai, he pulled out his phone and sent a text to Vossari, I believe HE’S been reincarnated. I’m being punished for my sins. Trael slid his phone back into his small pockets. Everywhere Azar went people practically asked for autographs. He let out a quiet sigh, hoping one day he didn’t have to be on a parade float waving at adoring supporters.

Trael smirked at Azar (@Sreeya) scowling at him, “As you wish, I’ll use my winnings on you anyways.” He said with a shrug. Azars tease made him gaze at Azar with a smile, “Its the only way to pay for your wardrobe. I still have to deliver on that promise.” He said referencing back to many years ago.

Caer (@LouJoVi) once again addressed him. This time regarding his nobility, his comment on there being more nobles around made him shake his head. “I didn’t know you were nobility either, and I don’t see you any differently now that I do.” He said turning to Karai (@Akheron), “Put it all on the Nautalon.” He noted that Caers credit bag was the same size. Was he really trying to have a money comparison? Trael just ignored it, if the Annfyn wanted to feel like his equal he’d allow him.

Trael turned to look back at the fight seeing it progress still relatively evenly. He leaned over the railing trying to be able to see the full fight. Now that he had a wager on it he was somewhat invested.

 

[Cerberus]

Cerberus didn't fail to notice another Sith stop not too far away from him. Though at first he continued to pan his crimson gaze around the area, most especially around the king and his cohorts (@Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @LouJoVi @Akheron), then occasionally to the fight. It wasn't that he didn't see how skilled the fighters were, just that there was a lot new for him to see here.

When the woman near him talked, Cerberus' crimson eyes finally turned to view her. He listened to her but as a young man, only nineteen, he couldn't help but pause and drink in the sight of her perfectly fit body, complemented by her outfit of choice. That thought somewhat passed when he finally decided to answer her question, "This is my first visit to Korriban, so I suppose my opinion is coloured by that, but I have seen so much beauty here and that I like," he admittedly freely, without guilt or any change in his expression.

The King, the shirtless man standing beside the king, the girl fighting, and this one girl beside him, all of them were beautiful in their own ways. It was immediately clear to him that the Sith were not without beauty, nor was Korriban itself or the darkness that pulsated from every area of this planet.

The halfbreed did not remove his crimson gaze, now fixated on the girl near him, when he continued, "And you?" he asked (@Darasuum). Mostly, he was asking if she liked anything here herself, but he would not be against her introducing herself, considering they were strangers.

 

[Serene]

The young man's gaze lingered on the near-human woman. Serene took in a breath of the Korriban air, letting her bosom rise slightly, pressing against her form fitting robes and give the teenager a decent look at her curves. Serene was a fan of being desired. In fact she wanted to be what everyone lusted after, worshiped and admired. Seduction was one of the many tools at her disposal and not without its perks.

Serene had plenty of competition for attraction here and was not the type to chase after men or women who were uninterested in her. There were certainly other beautiful things and people that were arguably more attractive. Her own attention remained mostly ahead at the exchanging fight. She smiled pleasantly at the fellow champion's choice of words.

Hearing the halfbreed's question made the corner of her smile widen ever so slightly. "I seek ugliness and beauty in equal measure." The inverse of attraction had its own merits. Hatred, apathy, fear, disgust, they were powerful feelings that could evoke a great deal if focused properly. But so many overlooked them in favor of 'prettier' feelings. For Serene, power was power and she wanted it all.

Finally, she turned to meet the young man's gaze. Her irises were not the tainted yellow of a corrupted dark sider. They were naturally golden. "I'm planning on touring Korriban. This is my second time visiting so perhaps I can show you a bit of what I know." Her words hinted at a double entendre while Serene's eyes looked him up and down, slowly without disguise that he saw the hint of sexuality behind the act. If anything, she wanted him to notice it. However, the offer for the tour was professional and anything that followed was subject to change. It would give Serene a chance to learn more about the newcomer while multitasking on studying the planet and its points of interest.

@Dread

 

[Cheriss Ktrame]

Cheriss wondered if her concern for this duel was that obvious when Darth Arcanos immediately pointed it out. She half smiled at that— he certainly didn’t get to where he was now by looks alone.

“Not at all, my lord. He's more than capable of taking care of himself,” she responded, meeting the king’s gaze before looking back down at the duel. Even if Drane were to lose at the end, there was no way she would intervene. It was his fight and his alone— she was merely here to observe.

Then, as she half-listened to the others’ barely concealed jabs toward each other and their wagers with Karai, Cheriss caught sight of a familiar face among some of the new arrivals. A female Sith— and one she didn’t particularly like. Xyrin. She saw the girl glaring at another acolyte next to her. Typical. She had a penchant for making enemies, and she had certainly just made another one.

With a tiny disapproving shake of her head, Cheriss chose to ignore what she just saw and look back down at the duel instead. It looked like both of them were putting up a good fight, and anything was more pleasant to look at than Xyrin’s face.

@Sreeya @Die Shize @Jake

 

[Qû’jara Jinyeva]

Spoiler: OOC

I wasn't aware of the 48 hour rule and would have included a provision otherwise, but I've been informed of it and told it applies by default, so I am posting to keep the thread going.

We discussed some of the finer details but after speaking OOC, Die acknowledged that my attack would connect, although I suspect he would have strategically countered me. I am nonetheless working from that perspective. I went with victory via ringout to keep going for max rule of cool factor.

Unobstructed, Qû’jara Jinyeva executed her attack precisely as she envisioned it.

A concussive blast of telekinetic energy struck the Thyrsian as he whipped Qû's feet out from under her, flipping her violently into the air so that she couldn't see her prey, but she heard the wet crunch of cracking ribs. Catching herself on her hands and knees in the sand, she lifted her head to see Drane in a crumpled heap outside the ring, unconscious or otherwise momentarily unwilling to rise.

Ah well, the Nautolan thought with dark humor. Instantly the crazed berserker collapsed into a warrior with perfect composure. Nothing a few days in a bacta tank won't fix. She released her grip on the dark side entirely and felt a wave of fatigue cross over her, breaths quick and deep, as though paused mid-sprint.

Qû’jara, however, knew that war was less a sprint and more a marathon. The electroblade Drane wielded was buried in the sand where he stood moments before, ripped from his hand by the blow.

She projected her voice, heavy with victory, throughout the room with the Force, "Well-fought, Drane T'keen of Thyrsus. When next our blades cross you shall use your true fighting style of Jar'Kai."

To conserve her opponent's honor entirely, she acknowledged a key detail she observed before their duel began: the Thyrsian wore dual lightsaber hilts at his waist, suggestive of a two-handed style. It had not escaped Qû’jara that Drane fought her with a single sword.

Many Sith, noteworthy and otherwise, had gathered to watch the spar. Qû scanned herself quickly after checking which faces she knew in the crowd, heavily evaluating her own state and her potential adversaries before making her next decision.

Despite catching her breath, she was still winded: in truth the duel with Drane lasted only a few minutes, but each second was intense and every movement critical, and she empowered herself with the Force throughout.

The Nautolan was, however, unwounded. More than that, no one in the room could fail to sense it: her insane bloodlust remained totally unsated. If anything she had stolen the Thyrsian's fire and used it to fan the flames of her own battle-fury and stood before them wreathed in the dark side and the full glory of victory.

Her electroblade rose off the ground and into her hand. Its counterpart also rose ominously from the sand where Drane had stood moments before, levitating a few meters off the ground.

"I am Qû’jara Jinyeva, and I wonder," she began, usually not one for pageantry, but today could be an exception. With every second her strength returned to her.

"Who among the Sith shall be the next mighty warrior to face me?"

@Die Shize (@Drane T'keen)
@Sicadorito @Sreeya @Dread @Javier esschoolbus
@Akheron @Hastur @LouJoVi

 

[Drane T'keen]

OOC: Discussed with Jake over Discord. I am not on the server but Jake is able to message me separately. Good fight my dude.

/Exit

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar had to resist the urge to rub his temples as he heard Caerllion (@LouJoVi ) and Trael (@Javier esschoolbus ) throw daggers. He glanced down and was unsurprised to find Serene (@Darasuum ) descending on yet another unassuming prey (@Dread )by puffing her chest out as if prepping for an avian mating dance. Azar had to bite his lip to keep from laughing, using the Force to float over a goblet of wine to himself and take a sip.

The fight ended abruptly with the loss of this Drane, the favored one projected to win. He was going to cost several people a lot of credits. Azar heard the Nautolan speak, finding her words rather dramatic, but he could appreciate a flair for theatrics. He leaned forward against the railing, his attention solely back on the fight now. His back was arched, his form flattered in the pose without him realizing.

“I suppose you’ll be getting me some new shoes,” Azar said casually to Trael without looking at him, taking another sip of wine. He was eager to see whether anyone else would take up the winner on her challenge. She certainly had an ego about her, but that wasn’t necessarily a bad trait among Sith. As long as she knew to bow her head and show her superiors respect, she could act with any level of pompousness elsewhere.

 

[Cerberus]

The last thing Cerberus expected was the woman to puff up her chest. It was unfortunate that he couldn't help but be momentarily distracted by it. They were boobs after all, who was he to fight his instinct? As the woman turned to him and spoke, they locked eye contact for a few seconds until his eyes scanned her and realised what she was implying.

He opened his mouth to answer until he felt something furry rub against his legs, which completely interrupted what he was about to say and his thoughts. This was unexpected. He looked down only to see a loth-cat. The small furry creature let out an extra squeaky meow then stuck its butt high up in the air, expecting pets.

"A... a loth cat?" Cerberus mumbled to himself, so distracted he didn't answer the woman's offer for a tour. Really? One of his peers owned a loth-cat?

Cerberus frowned for a moment until he heard the nautolan (@Jake) woman shout out for another challenger. He looked up once more at the attractive, albeit strange, woman near him before looking back at the nautolan. While Cerberus considered himself deeply religious, he couldn't bring himself to care enough to accept the offer because he wasn't going to be paid for it. Mercenary work may have corrupted him.

@Darasuum

 

[Xyrin Davarok]

Xyrin glanced at Cheriss, looked right, looked left, and left.

/Exit