Open Social Serenno A Hal'lowed Masquerade

[Darth Caelestis]

He felt more than saw the Sith Councillor approach the pair, his amber eyes never moving from the man before him, the burning embers boring into the soul of Darth Raze. "Another approaches to block our path." Even though it was deep in control, the voice tormented his already beaten consciousness, for unlike before, unlike Felucia when it had gained control for that one moment. It did not wish to give that control back, it wanted him forever and always.

The constriction appeared almost instantly around his body and neck holding him still, but in that moment he or more rightly the Wretchedness Inside was still calm. As it used that moment of pain and agony of being restricted, stopped from it's no his purpose only fuelled the inferno inside of him. Caelestis eyes never left the man in front of him, even as he looked away to give Stolas the signal to step away, he only smiled in response it seemed as if the Sith Lord wished to deal with this just the two of them. Well then he would kindly oblige.

As the constriction from Stolas subsided, Raze seemed to act, a ball of energy forming before the man. Caelestis gritted his teeth as a new wave of anger shot through the man, Raze was toying with him now, conjuring a ball just like Andruil's. Did he know, was he guessing, or was it the only thing his pig headed mind could think of. No elegance or grace with a blade, just a pompous attitude to roll up his sleeves flex for his boyfriend before launching a blunt force strike towards his chest.

Caelestis could sense the power within the Sith before him, unmatched save for perhaps two within this room. He was strong but at this moment with the Darkness fully in control, all limits to Caelestis' body was removed, all barriers within his mind torn down. The full power of the Dark Side was pouring through every pour, fibre and molecule of his body. It took only a simple shift of his body within this state to move from the line of fire, pivoting his left shoulder back as he moved to the side.

From their the orb of power took on a mind of its own, cannoning through the mass of Sith behind him, one pour soul lost his life in that moment. His head removed from his shoulders leaving only a burning stump where is neck had once been, the sizzle of burning flesh floated into the air to be mixed with the scent of mulled wine and pumpkin spice.

A small laugh erupted from his mouth as he felt the Sith begin to chill the blade within his grip. "We are the Fire." He said in a low voice before The Force congealed itself within his hand. Out of the thicket of energy burst forth a flame, for a moment it glowed red, before the temperature rose, the flames turning to a bright iridescent blue covering his forearm. Immediately the frost from the blade dissipated as the right sleeve of the Sith Lord turned to ash, the black particles floating high into the vaulted roof.

Immune to the flames Caelestis raised up the now flaming arm and blade and glanced over it, as if he had never witnessed this before. The blank expression quickly turned to malice as he flipped the blade in his hand and swung his fist towards the head of Darth Raze, looking to slice the blade clean through the eyes of the Sith Lord blinding him from the world. As the blade passed by a charge of energy flowed into the flames, shooting them outwards towards the Sith Lord looking to burn him from head to chest.

@Sreeya @Mr. Teatime

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus didn’t say anything verbally when he helped Ashla up, instead simply giving her a firm nod when the Acolyte was steady on her feet. He offered her a kind smile when she spoke, glancing back over his shoulder to see her take position behind and to his right. The situation all around them was tense, and she had every reason to terrified by the presence that entered the room. Even still, Jaikus was there to ensure that the Acolyte faced it unbent and on her feet.

With that, he turned back to the tense scene between Emryc and Artorigas. He tilted his head to the side, watching as Emryc began to unbutton his coat, rolling up his sleeves. For a few moments, his eyes seemed to linger upon the half-Sephi’s state of attire instead of paying attention to the scene unfolding all around them, mimicking the frozen expression that Emryc had worn earlier in the night in response to the corset vest.

After a moment or two, he abruptly blinked a few times, realizing that he was staring at perhaps the worst possible time conceivable. He cleared his throat, bringing up a hand to adjust his collar before tucking it back behind against his spine.

Jaikus watched as the viridian orb erupted from Emryc’s fingertips, sizzling as it was narrowly dodged by Artorigas and went hurtling through the crowd. He had only seen the half-Sephi utilize Dathomirian Magick once or twice before, and the sight of it always fascinated him to no end. He watched as the flames erupted from Artorigas’ forearm, a sight that immediately caused the Axxilan to tense.

He stood there, staring at the Serennian with a predatory gaze. At that moment, the air around the Axxilan began to grow a tad bit colder, citrine eyes seeming to luminesce against the flicking candlelight of the castle. His hands remained casually tucked where they were, even as sparks of blue electricity began to jump between his fingers, buzzing and hissing against his lower back.

Despite every instinct – despite every fiber of his being screaming for him to leap into action and aid Emryc has he had done in the past – Jaikus remained still as a statue. Unlike Morgan, he knew better to intervene when Raze was presence, even if he had succeeded in bringing Emryc back to the surface. Instead, he remained poised as a statue, prepared to protect Ashla if any blades or stray blasts of energy came hurtling their way.

@Sreeya @Braden Drake @Mr. Teatime @Wit

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin was watching the Sith Lords starting their fight, his right hand still clutching his hair. His face burned with shame and hate, he hoped that Raze and Stolas would destroy Artorigas. He wanted him dead! He wanted him to suffer! The Sith damaged him, and damaged things don’t last. Darth Caelestis should pay.

His thoughts full of hate were interrupted when he noticed that the orb of power coming toward him. The Acolyte didn’t have much time to react, he grabbed Malou’s arm with his left hand, still with the blood from the cut in head, and jumped out of the way. Senin would turn to see the damage that it caused, grimacing when he saw a headless body fall to the floor.

The Acolyte would turn to see if Malou was fine, when a thought would cross his mind. She is Artorigas’ apprentice, would he suffer if Senin kills her? Would be so easy, he could hug the Miralukan then stab her in the back. Yes, kill her. Make him suffer. He widened his eyes, scared of having such thoughts.

“Mina, are you fine?” he said, his voice still shaken from the entire situation. Noticing that his grip on Malou's arm had strengthened, Senin would let go. The place where he was holding her was dirty with some of his blood “I’m sorry.” the Acolyte would say, she would think that it due to her arm, but it also was because of his murderous thoughts. Then he would turn to the fight, still trying to forget about killing the Miralukan. Even if her Master was Artorigas, she was still his friend.

@lizziie

 

[Darth Stolas]

A lot got across in that short little look between Morgan and Emryc. Years of close attachment and familiarity allowed deep degrees of understanding between two men who spoke so often through nonverbal means. Bright yellow met slit orange, the half-Sephi's head shaking. The Firrerreo's lips curled toward a snarl and back to chilly neutral. His influence on Artorigas faded away and he stepped back, head inclining and turning ever so slightly.

He did not entirely regret his interjection, beyond the capacity for such thoughts honest as that long-standing instinct had been. Instincts to protect were as prevalent as hunting. Surely he knew better when he was thinking, but he wasn't. He knew Emryc certainly didn't need his help. When silently asked, he backed off without a word.

Those wild eyes glanced over Emryc's form and figure in spite of the situation. Not how well he dressed, exactly, or how he stood ready to fight. Not the fine vest or expensive chrono. Just the half-Sephi himself. How he dressed still didn't do Morgan any favours in maintaining his focus, bare arms drawing shameless attention, the Firrerreo staring for a few moments while lowering his cane.

Stolas stepped left further in front of Jaikus and Ashla, closer to the Eternal and Andruil, as the first attack was launched by Raze and Caelestis avoided it while gathering cobalt flames along his arm. Eyes stares flicked to track the expulsion of energy, a power he'd never seen Raze wield in person. Unfortunately, now was far from the time to think about that, as interested as he as he'd become in such magic. The Firrerreo fiercely fought down desires to directly involve himself and focused those feelings elsewhere.

Morgan stood sentinel, still and stolid. Armed and ready, fury silvering his skin and burning behind his eyes. The black storm clouds that were his presence in the Force rocked and roiled, streaks of scorching sunlight shining through.

Andruil and the Eternal still stared at one another. Stolas didn't know how either would react to everything happening. His cane lay on the ground, both hands atop its head, as sharp eyes flicked between the Sith before him.

@Altaris @Sreeya @Wit @Phoenix @Braden Drake @GABA

 

[Darth Draugr]

As Xeno would stalk Artorigas from behind the group of Sith watching this altercation, he would watch as the focus of the Noble would stay fixated on the Sith Lord Darth Raze. The sweet symphony this fight played in the mind of Xeno was muse enough to bring him ready to strike. Artorigas had produced flames from his arm to the blade he wielded. Impressive, but Xeno would not fear, as he knew in this moment he would have his advantage at last.

The Zabrak has thought about this day for a long time. Every last day he was in prison, chained and sedated. He thought about how he would kill Artorigas and Darth Raze. How much he wanted to see them perish. And now in this moment he would have that advantage that would allow him to kill at least one of them. He knew he needed to get his revenge for the night he was thrown, for the disrespect he received, for Senin's pain.. It all built up to now. And so now, he would strike..

Discreetly moving past the other Sith watching on he would make his way behind Artorigas as the Sith Lord would look to punch Darth Raze. The Lord's focus was on the bigger Sith. Very good, very good indeed. This would allow Xeno to move in without being noticed by Artorigas, especially with Xeno concealing his force presence long enough to make it behind the Sith Noble.

Sliding his lightsaber out of his sleeve and into his hand swiftly, would not be loud enough to be heard over the music, and the Sith chatter, and the sounds of battle. Xeno would quickly thrust the lightsaber forward to the center of his back whilst igniting it to secure his attack on the Sith Noble. He could feel this working. He could feel the glory of finally killing Artorigas. His blade had been set to ignite swiftly as opposed to the slow ignition some sabers have. Thus the reaction time would need to be immaculate to defend, especially since the Lord was so focused on Raze.

This would be the day Xeno finally won...

@Braden Drake @Sreeya

 

[Ashla Ti]

Ashla, having overcome the crippling fear that had brought her to her knees, was starting to enjoy herself. In that odd and crazy "I might die but at least it'll be a fun death" sort of way. She was watching the confrontation when she felt a tug on her jacket, and looking around noticed Malou's eyes on her.

She replied in the only way she could, gesturing with her hands. She pointed to herself, then to the ground at her feet, followed by a finger pointed at Jaikus and a thumbs up. As an after thought she tried to gesture at Jaikus and remind Malou about the tight vest, to distract her from the chaos, and made a wrapping motion with her hand. She hoped the message that it would convey to Malou would be that I'm safe here with the man with the tight vest, but it could just as well be interpreted as I'm safe here with this guy I want to hug. Hopefully Malou would get what she meant.

That was when everything went balls to the walls crazy, and Darth Raze attacked. As the fight broke out, and she noticed Darth Stolas take a step to place himself between the fight and her and Jaikus, she took a step to the side so that she was behind the Champion, letting common-sense drive her for once. She peeked out from behind him, clutching his arm with both her hands as her head peaked out from behind him to watch with equal parts excitement and equal parts fear.


@Altaris @lizziie

 

[Darth Tiamat]

There was a grin that crept underneath the mask as the Eternal seemed to draw on the attention of the Empress herself. A sickening delight rippled through the Force as she approached, pointed in her mission to inform the Eternal who was in charge. There was almost a child-like curiosity from the being, borrowing the trait from its host as it heard another's voice echo within its mind. The masked being did not move, its gaze falling onto Emryc (@Sreeya), but no mental assault came as it felt the soul of its apprentice follow order without question. Through the Force it touched their bond, but instead of the mental assault that Raze or Emryc was prepared to deflect, it turned that pain back onto its host. He would feel her agony, but more the agony he was unable to stop it.

Though the words of the Empress brought raised eyebrows from the Eternal.

Kneel before her.

Internally the Eternal laughed at her command. The girl was right though, this did cause much drama and the Eternal delighted in it, it seemed as though the Empress really had no control at all as the rest of the room seemed to lose their minds over their presence. This may have been worth the wait in centuries.

"Empress Andruil, it is a pleasure." she bowed, the grin could still be heard from behind the mask, "I wanted to thank you in person." she took a step closer, her arms held open, gesturing to the body that it found delectable. It paused noting the chaos that was unraveling the best of the Empress's lords behind her, "Empress.... Em-pre-ess..." the Eternal repeated as though it were trying it on.

Don't stop there... There was a whisper in the Force, Take the mask... it continued to brush by Renfy's ear.

Take it, be a god...

Take it...

take it...

@Phoenix

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

Before Malou could fully interpret Ashla's gestures, a hand gripped her forearm and jerked her out of the way of that same orb she'd seen earlier. Her master had managed to dodge it somehow, and it had beheaded a man standing close to her and Senin. Surprised, she only gave Senin a nod, her hand moving to replace his on her forearm where he had gripped her tightly. 'That'll leave a bruise,' she thought to herself. Senin, who's expression seemed to have darkened, murmured an apology. What he was apologizing for, she was not sure.

"You're fine. Thank you." As Malou responded to Senin, her attention jumped back to Artorgias and Raze. Though he was concealing his Force presence, he could not hide himself from the acolyte's miralukan Force sight. His stance, his positioning, and his advancement quickly drew suspicion in the girl. It did not take her but a few moments to decipher his intentions as he approached Artorgias' back. 'That bastard.'

Adrenaline pumped through her veins as Malou quickly left Senin's side, moving in a sudden burst of speed. She advanced only a few meters forward before she outstretched her arm, harnessing the Force to her will. Artorgias might feel her familiar presence in the Force as she struck at Xeno's legs, gripping them like a socket wrench as her fist closed tightly. She recalled in that moment what Stolas had taught her on Alpheridies when she had attempted to and initially failed to open the tomb door. Xeno was yanked back by his ankles just as he ignited his saber, just as the door in the wintery mountains had been pulled open by its base.

Unlike Xeno's intention with her master, Malou's goal was not to kill him. As soon as the zabrak fell back he would feel the Force wrap around him again, though this time Malou concentrated it around his torso. She was immeasurably angry, and that anger translated into power as Xeno was thrown away from the situation and towards one of the walls of the room. As he was thrown again, he would hear one word in his head.

"Coward."

tags: @LouJoVi @Scoobert @Braden Drake

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc watched as Caelestis did his tricks with the pyro, rapidly heating up the weapon in his hand to counteract the frost. The half Sephi didn’t relent so easily, the instant heating and cooling working to make the material brittle. Emryc lifted a palm vertically in front of his face, curling his fingers into a fist. Once the fist closed, the brittle weapon was crushed to dust in Caelestis’ hand, slipping down to the ground and between his fingers as the fire blazed his arm and through his sleeve.

As the strike came towards him, Emryc took a step and pivoted to the side aided by the Force to avoid the hit. However, unlike what Caelestis displayed, there was a clear consideration for any friendly fire. The half Sephi rapidly called upon aerokinesis to manipulate the very air around Caelestis and drive the flame back up his arm and ignite his entire torso. While he may have been immune to it, his clothes and attire were not. This also ensured that the fire never reached Renfry, Morgan, Jaikus or anyone else in the vicinity. The difference between how the two Sith Lords fought was abundantly clear.

Emryc calmly circled around Caelestis as the fire attempted to engulf him. As he passed towards the back of him, he noticed the Champion he had flung off a balcony moving in with a saber. Before he could act, however, another force of power abruptly yanked him back. Before he was pulled back, Xeno would see something rare on Emryc’s face. It was a smile. There was silent admiration for the bold move he attempted just then even if it failed.

The half Sephi focused back on Caelestis, continuing his effects with aerokinesis to draw the very oxygen out from the fire to starve it out entirely. He didn’t make any offensive attacks on the other man, knowing he was doing so in different ways. He was doing it by the way he calmly strode around him. He was doing it with the smug half grin he had on his face. He was doing it with the way he reached up to adjust his tie just a bit. As a quiet reminder that he very much was pompous. And that Renfry still preferred him. He didn’t need weapons to attack the man.

@Braden Drake @Scoobert

 

[Renfry]

Theme​

Darth Andruil's gaze never broke from the Eternal's Mask, feeling the defiance through it. Her head turned ever so slightly to the side, hearing and sensing the turmoil behind her. What had happened and why wasn't clear, but the fight had broken out.

Artorigas and Raze. Others were joining in. Chaos was descending, and it was all because of this Mask. She felt the voices in her mind, whispering at her ears as it spoke. Tempting and tantalizing like a lover's whisper and offering power beyond comprehension.

Her face shifted and changed, the pale of her skin became almost a deathly glow. She threw the glass of wine down to the side, shattering against the floor with a clash that was washed out by the sound of fighting. Her eyes glowed green with the magick of her world, wisps of green enveloping her arms up to the shoulders. She wielded a power matched by very few and equal to that of the most powerful of Sith Lords. Equal to the imposter Eternal when it had called down lightning on Sullust to keep an entire Jedi strike team at bay or Sidious when he brought ships down from the skies over Exegol.

Never before had she truly unleashed her power on such a level, tapping into a rage and fury that few had witnessed within her before. She was a force of nature and pure fury, ready to destroy any who stood in her way. The room ran cold, biting at the skin of everyone who stood within the ballroom. The very foundations of the castle began to quake and rumble and over it all, a single word rang out, echoing in the Force, amplified and seeming to come from all directions at once, overwhelming even the sounds of the fighting in the room.

Enough!​

She took a single pivoting step back so that those fighting behind her and the Eternal both were in her view. Her face was etched with stone rage and her eyes - still glowing with green fire - swept over each of those assembled like the very gaze of judgment, ready to pour wrath on any who would resist.

It was only once the room had ceased its warring that she fixed her gaze fully on the Eternal once again.

There was no second warning. Her hand clenched at her side, and the green of Dathomiri magick latched at the Eternal's throat, squeezing tighter and tighter with each moment, dragging her down toward the ground. Toward her knees. She would yield or she would be destroyed. That Mask would not threaten her kingdom, no matter the cost.

@Braden Drake @Sreeya @lizziie @GABA @Altaris @Wit @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime @LouJoVi @vamp

 

[Darth Draugr]

He could taste the victory of killing Artorigas, it was sweet and savory. It was everything he had ever desired, right here in this moment. Xeno could actually feel the satisfaction within himself. It was finally there, the way he imagined did not compare to how it felt right here in this moment. For the first time in what felt like years.. Xeno finally felt what victory was like.. what happiness was like.

Hell, even when he had been getting ready to attack the lips of Raze had shown to be that of a smile towards Xeno. It was moment of glory, praise, someone finally thought to acknowledge the acts of the Zabrak. It finally happened. A Lord showed respect to Xeno. This is what being truly happy feels like. Respect for Raze had been brought into light once more as they shared a common enemy.

Until Malou...

His legs gripped together, and he was dragged away from his kill. Then he could feel the force grasp his torso and rip him to the wall. He was aware of this feeling, and could tell he would be thrown in this moment, and would brace himself for the impact as much as he could. The pain of being slammed against the hard surface coursed through his body. The air left his lungs for a moment. The Zabrak landed back onto the ground, where would start to recover from the slam to the wall. After a few deep breaths he finally started to breathe again, then he heard it.. that one blasphemous word..

"Coward."

First the little shit took his revenge. The one thing he sought out this entire time he had been with the Sith. Ever since meeting Artorigas.. Ever since he had been left to die with the Jedi.. He dreamt of this day, thought about it so many times, counted the days until now. He had been ready for this, preparing every moment for the moment he could finally end the life of the man named Artorigas. His rage had fumed to point of no return. Everything he worked so hard to gain was ripped away from him by this little noble shit. His eyes would immediately fix onto Malou.

You little shit.. you will die for that!

He stood and faced the Acolyte. Her single word harnessed an anger in him that had sent him rage meter sky rocketing. He could feel not only anger, but the darkness consuming his body. He no longer had control of his actions. He could see it, feel it, but it wasn't him. It was the darkness within himself. Like someone controlled him. But everything he was doing was what he wanted more than anything else in that moment... He wanted to kill Malou.

"You will die for that.."

While he spoke his words he would reach out and grip the Acolyte's throat through the force with an increasing strength, applying more and more pressure on the trachea, and esophagus. The airway would be cut off from the Acolyte and the blood pressure to her head would begin to increase as well. He knew nothing but anger in this moment, he knew she would need to pay for the insolence. Electricity began to spark on his hand holding her throat through the force. He sent a wave of electricity to the Acolyte that would aim for her head.

The electricity would stop almost immediately after when he heard the word enough come from the Empress herself. How dare she intrude on his revenge. Should she need to enact revenge on another Sith it would be just fine. As well when Raze had thrown him through a window. She didn't bat an eye. Why must he stop? Why should he stop? Malou deserves this. She deserves to die. Why would she defend her? Xeno kept his grip on the Acolyte's throat as he would throw her body to the nearest window. Perhaps she would learn to behave as he did from this lesson, and perhaps it was a way of showing Raze the respect he had for giving the lesson to himself. If not, he will be sure to teach her to stay in her lane when the grown ups are doing business.

@lizziie

 

[Senin Ravelo]

While watching the fight between the Sith Lords, Senin noticed his master walking toward Artorigas. A smile appeared on his face when he understood what the Zabrak wanted to do. He was going to avenge him! He was going to kill the man that damaged him. The Acolyte couldn’t wait to see Caelestis’ surprised look while Xeno’s lightsaber pierced him. It would be wonderful.

However, he wasn’t the only one that noticed it. Malou, Mina, also noticed his Master’s plan. Before he could react, the Miralukan was already using the Force on Xeno. When his saber was close to hit Artorigas, the Zabrak was pulled away. The vision of the man that damaged him still being alive made Senin’s face become contorted in hate. You should have let her die! Kill her!

Then he heard Malou call his Master a coward. It made him even more furious, Xeno wasn’t a coward. He was going to avenge him, by killing the man that damaged his apprentice. No one has done something so nice for him since his biological mother died. His growing hate made him forget about his friendship with the Miralukan. He could only think of revenge and how it was stopped.

Furious, he started to walk toward the place where Malou was with Xeno. Senin pulled his lightsaber from his sleeve, where his Master had convinced him to hide it. The look on his face was of hatred and the dried blood from his head made his beautiful face become grotesque. While he walked toward them, the Acolyte had only one thing on his mind. Kill.

However, the voice and power of the Empress made him stop. Senin looked toward his Master and Malou, then to Artorigas. The Acolyte sighed, hiding his lightsaber back in his sleeve. The young man started to calm down, but he still wanted the death of Caelestis. He looked at the Miralukan again, an idea started to form in his mind. With a devilish smile on his lips, the G'weneen concluded that perhaps she could be more useful alive.

@Scoobert @lizziie

 

[Darth Tiamat]

It was the worst feeling she could experience as she watched her body be used to entertain and revel in the chaos it was creating with it. It hunger for what it was doing, the energies of the mask pulling from her physical being, shutting out her mental defenses, and snaring her in the tendrils of something far darker than the galaxy had experienced in last several centuries. She felt as though she were miles away as she looked onto Renfy's face, the anger and rage, and the audacity for the mask to show up here. The power that radiated from her incited a hunger, shifting the Eternal to a new purpose onto the Empress and focusing long enough for Tia to grasp reality and refuse to let go.

Do as she commands!

The Eternal's spirits screamed and bit at her flesh, fangs like serpents, it was painful and filled her with dread as they tried to stop her from regaining control. Her own anger and pain was building, strengthening a twisted grip of the power she wielded as she would push to bring the creature back under her control. Do as I command! Tiamat shouted to the spirits as the Eternal prepared for another quip about the Empress' rage at the party, refusing to concede. Tiamat grasped the shadow and pressed through the turbulent wall keeping her from what she wanted.

Though something felt wrong as the pain that coursed through her psyche now seemed tangible, and breathing suddenly became too terrible of an effort. Tiamat felt her body sinking quickly, as though she were falling hundreds of feet as the Eternal had to confront two assaults; the grin under the mask slowly faded and Tiamat could suddenly feel her arms. They burned terribly under the black as though someone dipped them in an ice pool before plunging them into hot water afterwards. She quickly fell to her knees as she pushed the Eternal back, regaining a moment of control, "My Empress..." Tia whispered with difficulty, just loud enough for Renfry to hear. She shut her eyes tightly behind the mask, feeling the rage burn from the Eternal knowing this was just the start of the inner battles she would face. It despised her back in control, and that she followed the command of the Empress.

For a small moment, the castle would feel the heaviness of the dark side ease.

@Phoenix

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

In between the time in which Xeno hit the wall and stood up, Malou began to pull the Force in and around her. She picked a fight with her master’s enemy; she expected retaliation. The miralukan watched as he stood and turned his eyes to her, his face contorted in rage.and hatred. Though she watched, and though he stared, the acolyte’s body was facing the group by the door. Xeno was far off to the left by the outer walls and windows of the room, and Senin was a few meters behind her.

When Xeno finished standing up, Malou rotated her body to actually face him, putting Senin at her left and the group to her right. The air around her felt heavy from the Force gathered around her, and that feeling grew only heavier when Xeno reached out through the Force and tightened the space around her throat. At first the pressure bore down on her throat, cutting off her air and causing the acolyte’s heartbeat to spike as her body’s stores of adrenaline shot through her veins once again. But the zabrak was not the only one who could utilize anger as power, and as Malou recalled a very specific memory, it burned even stronger within her.

When the Entity on that unknown, creepy planet bore down on her, taunting her and forcing her to her knees, it was nothing but sheer will, burning anger and spite which kept her from totally collapsing under its weight. It was all she could do back then to remain above the rocky cave floor. She was helpless against its power, but Xeno was nothing compared to that. A strong opponent, but not impossible odds, and not a force so powerful she would be brought to her knees.

Only a second or two after his vice grip around her throat began, Xeno’s hold on her was suddenly contested by Malou’s telekinetic defiance. She took in a quick breath--then another immediately after--once her throat was free. Malou pulled the gathered Force inside her, then released it suddenly around her. Anyone or anything within a few meters--the tables, bystanders, Senin--would feel the weight of the Force crash against them as Malou expelled it from her. Some of the party goers were able to maintain their balance and remain on their feet, but at least one table was pushed away from her, a servant lost the drinks on his silver plate to the floor, and many of those standing close by were caught off balance and sent stumbling into others. It would not, however, travel far enough to reach Xeno or the group.

That same release of the Force met with the lightning which extended from Xeno’s fingertips, and the manifestation of hate in the dark side collided with the anger present in the wall of Force which imploded from the masked acolyte. Should Andruil’s voice not have crashed down upon them all and commanded the zabrak (and others) to cease fighting, it might’ve been a huge problem for the acolyte. But it had to fight through Malou’s defense, and it was only being maintained for a few moments, so it only grazed her skin. That grazing was enough for the acolyte’s muscles to contract suddenly and for the shock to be felt, but not to the degree intended. A small and pained “Shit” was exhaled from her mouth as the moment ended. Her foot had been pulled back, leaving her to appear as if she had been bracing against the weight of something heavy. As Xeno’s grip on her had been fought off, Malou would not be thrown.

There was one thing which caught her attention, even through all this. She had noticed before that Senin had approached her, perhaps following her out. Her eyes through the Force flipped to the G'weneen, concerned for a moment that he had been knocked over by the wave of the Force which had been expelled from her. What she saw instead was the saber in his hand being slipped back inside his sleeve, and she had a visceral reaction to it.

Her whole body turned to face her friend, or who she had thought was her friend. Her expression, neutral as ever, bore down on him as her head came to face directly towards his. Malou could say nothing as a shock worse than the one Xeno had lashed towards her filled her chest, and as devastation filled her throat. She said nothing, as there was nothing to be said. For what other reason would he draw his saber? Malou knew.

Reaching into the pocket of her dress (Yes, it has pockets.) Malou would pull a small box into her hand, still facing the boy she had called friend. The miralukan would begin to walk towards the G’wenee native, and as she did so, she would pull the contents of the small box into her dominant hand. It was a watch made of gold and leather, something she had intended to gift to him later that night. As Malou reached Senin, she felt numb, but a quiet anger burned at her fingertips. She outreached her hand and presented the watch to the boy.

“Here,” she began, her voice a strained whisper barely audible to even him, as her thumb positioned itself over the glass top of the watch. “This was supposed to be a gift for a friend, but I have no use for it, so I suppose you can have it.” Her thumbnail would press down on the glass top, pinpointing pressure onto it until the glass cracked under her nail. Her skin felt hot and her chest burned, but she still felt...nothing. Malou continued to push her nail into the glass until it broke completely, allowing the quiet tick, tick, tick of the second hand to be heard as the glass cut into her thumb. If he did not take it, she would relax her hand, allow it to drop to the floor, and it would clink against the tile as she turned away.

'Father was right,' was her only thought as she moved away from him and towards the inner wall. 'What use do I have for friends?'

tags: @LouJoVi @Scoobert @Braden Drake

 

[Darth Caelestis]

As the blade arched through the air towards the Sith Lord's face the old weapon collapsed within his hands, the metal becoming brittle, crumbling between his fingers stray shards cut into his palm as he continued with the attack. The flaming arm passed by Raze has he moved to one side, before Caelestis could turn to strike again the air around him became thick with oxygen the fires burning brighter and hotter than before. Where the fires had collected only upon his right arm they spread up across his collar bone and chest, pouring down his left arm and abdomen.

From outside it would look like a terrible inferno but within it was nothing, for his fire did not burn him. This bright azure light was his to command and although others could manipulate its form or location it only had one master. The blade shot upwards forcing the cinders of his burning clothing to fly high into the sky joining those which came before. Slowly the fires began to die down as the oxygen was pulled from them by the Sith Lord, the blue turning slowly yellow, then orange and finally to a pitiful red flame as it died out.

Through it all Caelestis watched the Sith as he paraded his body around him, for Caelestis did not move, understanding that the oxygen was thin he was silently holding his breath conserving the oxygen within his system until the fire burned away, Raze lifted his spell and gave him an opening to react. "He is taunting you, testing your will, but you are smarter, you know his game." The voice continued to belittle its symbiote as it slowly dissected his world bit by bit. For this voice had no regard for titles and privilege, rank or station only pure absolute power, it would burn down this Castle for the chance to slay those inside and laugh all the time as it burned.

As Raze released his aeronautical hold and Caelestis turned towards him and was about to strike when the world began to shake. The weapons upon the walls rattled, the endless cups and silverware jingled and those untrained within The Force cowered as the Empress of the Sith unleashed her wrath through a single word. The power of her voice pierced clean through the inner walls of the Wretchedness which controlled Caelestis reaching Artorigas deep down inside. For a moment even the darkness felt fear as the power of the women washed over him.

But even as those around him ceased to squabble knowing that their place was firmly beneath that women, the Darkness did not. "For you could be King, defy her, destroy her, control all that walk in this room. Make The Eternal bow to you, not that pale faced trollop." The voice cackled as The Force began to well up inside Caelestis again. But something happened that no one in that room would have expected.

________________________​

"Move aside." A she shouted, pushing through the crowd, her red deep red dress caught under someone's foot, tearing away part of the trainy but she did not falter. Pushing through into the clearing around Artorigas and Darth Raze. Her brilliant blonde hair shone in the dim light of the Great Hall, her home. Someone tried to grab Cornelia's arm to hold her back but was only met with a shock of lightning through his body sending him falling back to the ground.

Cornelia gave both Raze and Stolas a look as to not trifle with her as she reached her uncontrollable brother. His top half was bare the clothes incinerated by the flames, his mask was half gone somehow just hanging on just the left hand side of his face. Stopping before him she reached up with both hands gripping the side of his face and pulling it down to look at her. "Look at me Artorigas. No! Look at me, not him, me. Your sister." She stared up into his bloodshot amber eyes and tried to look beyond into the depths of her brothers mind and soul. "Cease this, let all you have worked for burn to the ground."

________________________​

A women burst forth from the crowd, her image so familiar yet hidden within a veil of darkness. She had no fear of the Sith Lord even as The Force began to well up inside of him threatening to kill all who stood ahead of him. But even as his rage and darkness, the Wretchedness Inside seeking to destroy everything controlled his mind and body, that voice and face broke through to his soul. Where as Andruil's voice had snuck through a crack Cornelia had opened a door for Artorigas to walk through.

The voice called out trying to wrestle back control, calling his sister all manner of things that only pushed him further and further away from the Sith Lord, to be securely locked away deep within his mind and soul. His eyes turned away from the amber and back to their natural sky blue, his features softened and a genuine smile reached his lips as he looked down at his sister. "Thank you Cornelia."

She smiled back for a moment before a grim expression passed across her face, she stood up on her tiptoes to whisper into his ear and his face to turned to a grimace. "Thank you, stay behind me." He said placing a kiss upon the top of her head. Turning he spotted the target of his ire, the Zabrak Sith Champion Xeno. His little tussle with Malou had ended and Artorigas gave his young apprentice a quick once over before stepping forward past Raze and towards the would-be assassin, stopping a few feet short and well out of striking range with his blade.

Pulling The Force within his throat his voice boomed out for all to hear, in the silent room. "Xeno Brogroo, you come to my home with a weapon, drink from my cups, eat from my plates and then look to stab me in the back." He paused for a moment chewing on his words. "You have spat upon my hospitality and attempted to not only harm me but my apprentice as well. But. Unlike your pitiful self I have honour in guest rights so will not seek revenge upon this night." Artorigas looked up at Senin before he said his final words. "Both yourself and your apprentice are to remove yourself from this Castle and this Planet and never to set foot here or within Avillion space again. If I see you I will kill you and place your head upon the gate of his very Castle. Do I make myself clear?"

@Sreeya @Phoenix @lizziie @Scoobert @LouJoVi

 

[Darth Draugr]

Xeno noticed Malou had still been where he left her before his attempt to pull her. She was clever with the force, but it would not be enough to keep him from killing her. She will suffer the fate she sealed when she attacked the Zabrak, and he now had time to plan it out. She made the worst mistake of her life. Then his attention would turn to Artorigas who had began to speak. His force booming loudly as if that was supposed to scare Xeno. The Zabrak has stood in front of Darth Raze without hesitation, what made Artorigas think he was scary?

The "Lord" stood before him and dare banish him from parts of the Galaxy under Sith control. Then proceed to add Senin to that banishment? For what? For defending the lives of multiple Sith in the room? Artorigas lost control, and now it was time for Xeno to retaliate by use of words,

"Artorigas.. do not be a fool.. YOU lost control. You looked as if you were to kill our Empress when she moved her focus away from the rest of the group here tonight. You walked menacingly her way, and when Lord Raze happened to be in the way, you escalate to violence like an upset toddler. Slinging a blade off the wall. In the process, you dare assault MY apprentice with your sword.. look at the wound you left you maniac.."

"To add onto that.. you attacked Lord Raze for standing.. If there is anyone who should be banished.. it is YOU. My attempt on your life for the safety of my apprentice, for Lord Raze, for the Empress of our Sith Empire. You showed where your allegiance lies.. and it is not with the Sith. Nor is your apprentice's."

Xeno would look around the room at the Sith who all had their eyes on him. He knew this would lead to one thing the Sith were often eager to use for the sake of gaining materialistic property.. but Xeno knew this was for more important matters.

"You are unfit to lead anything in our Sith Empire... So now before the Sith Empress and the Lords of our Sith Council. As well as my peers. I hereby challenge you to an Aurekesh. Shall you decline.. you will lose everything by forfeit, or you can do one thing right tonight and accept my challenge. I shall have you removed from our Sith Empire, for I would only be ridding the Empire of filth and embarrassment."

@Braden Drake @Sreeya @Phoenix @GABA @Mr. Teatime

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin was hiding his lightsaber back in his sleeve when he noticed that Malou had seen it through her Force sighting. He froze, his hatred had abated a little and now he could see things more clearly. He was going to try to kill her, kill Mina! She was his friend, they had so much fun together. But her Master was Artorigas Wessex. Kill her and make him suffer.

The G’weneen was still trying to control these thoughts when the Miralukan approached him. She showed to Senin the watch that she was going to give to him and then destroyed its glass. He was in shock with the whole situation, only coming out of this stupor when she dropped the clock on the floor and walked away. If it happened in other circumstances, he would have run after Malou. But it happened because he was trying to kill her. Kill his friend! Kill Artorigas’ apprentice. Remembering this fact made the Acolyte’s face contort in hatred. Then he looked at the object on the floor and stepped on it with all his strenght, he didn't need anything that came from someone associated with the man who damaged him. The man that he was going to kill one day.

Then he remembered something. Senin pulled from his pocket a necklace made of colored beads of several sizes. His rage diminished and he started to feel sadness. It was a traditional necklace used in the S’airé Festival, he was planning to give it to Malou after their dance, so she could wear it when she decided to visit G’wenee during this festival. He thought that she could like it because the beads had different sizes and textures.

Even if she couldn’t see the colors, according to ancient Arandu traditions they represented the friendship between two people. You don’t want to be the friend of Wessex’s apprentice. He damaged you. This thought made all sadness in him disappear. Using the Force and his two hands, the Acolyte broke the necklace line and let it fall on the floor. Several colored beads rolled through it. The necklace was destroyed and with it, their friendship.

He walked toward his Master, at the same time that Artorigas was approaching him with a woman, who Senin deduced to be his sister. Kill her too to make him suffer even more. He stayed besides his Master while the man went on a rant about honor and how they were banished. Who was he to talk about honor when he mutilated several bystanders while trying to fight the other Sith Lords. Xeno did have honor, he was trying to avenge his apprentice.

“Vamos embora desse lugar, Mestre.” in his rage he started to talk using the language of his homeworld. “Foi um erro vir aqui.” Senin looked at Artorigas, he wasn’t going to kill him, no. He was going to make him suffer in every way possible. He was going to destroy everything that he cared for. Only then, when he was writhing in despair, would Senin kill him.

The Acolyte knew that he needed to be more powerful, but thinking about Wessex's screams of agony was all the motivation the boy needed to push himself in his training. There was a saying in his planet: a vingança é um prato que se come frio. Senin would be patient to have his revenge.

However, his Master had another plans. He challenged Artorigas. Senin knew that was a good warrior Xeno, but a part of him was afraid that Wessex would take the Zabrak from him too.

@Scoobert @Braden Drake @lizziie

 

[Renfry]

Andruil couldn't gain the full depth of the battle going on within Tiamat, but she could sense parts of it. She heard the words squeezed out of Tiamat's throat, the voice sounding different now. Less deep and raspy and more like the voice she recognized.

Like Andraste before me, you serve the Empress and the Empire, she said, though the grip on her throat relaxed enough to speak, the tension was still there, a threat of swift death should she not comply.

Say it, she said. When she heard the words, the green mists of Dathomir would finally subside, leaving the other Sith Lord free to go about her business at the party. If she chose not to, there would be no final opportunity.

Andruil would withdraw, eyes once more golden and sweeping over the crowd. What had occurred between Emryc and Artorigas wasn't clear, but if she had to make a wager, Artorigas had moved in to support her or confront the Eternal and was stopped by Emryc who recognized the importance that she handle the moment herself.

Either that or one of them was hoping to kill her. A far less pleasant thought. She didn't sense Raze's presence truly but something dark seemed to linger in Artorigas. This was the Sith.

She turned off and said a few words to a servant who ran off in the direction of the kitchen and she turned back to survey the rest of those gathered again. She heard what had happened with the Zabrak, and some of the fighting suddenly made more sense.

And then came another thing for the evening that she did not expect. A challenge for Rite of Ascension against Artorigas. She was unhappy about it, but she wouldn't step in. It was tradition, and to say something in opposition would be as much an affront to the entire Order as it was to Artorigas.

@GABA

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas smiled at the Zabrak as he began his rant about what he saw had happened, little did the insolent man-child know what really went on. The creature had let the darkness take hold of his senses so long ago he probably could not understand using his brain for anymore than wanton destruction. Artorigas had seen it long ago back on Edusa when the alien had jumped down his neck trying to defend his one sided girlfriend. A full chuckle escaped his lips as he challenged him to a formal contest an Aurekesh, Artorigas thought the tradition barbaric and stupid something he had even voiced to Andruil long ago. But still, the Sith had their traditions and if he was to lead he must follow at least some of them.

"You are a fool Xeno." He turned and looked at all those present, eyes resting on Renfry. "Mi'Empress have I been anything but a loving a loyal subject? Why would I attack you?" Looking back around to the others that reacted when The Eternal made her entrance. "Like everyone hear I felt the Darkness pour from The Eternal and the threat it posed to us all. This is my Castle, my home. By my right I shall defend it. Or does that right not exist within Sith Space?" He said raising his hands as he turned to look each of them in the eye. "So I approached this hostile force. Lord Raze stood in the way of me defending my home, I asked him to move and all eyes here can tell you that he struck first." Artorigas pointed towards the headless body now being removed by his servants, he then looked properly over at Senin seeing the blood upon his face. He was unsure if he had caused that and at this moment he did not care.

Turning back to face the Champion his smile faded away. "Do not fool anyone here Xeno, your cowardly attack from behind was not to save anyone. No that attack was for your own gain, you came to my home armed, why would you do so if you did not expect to be spilling blood this night? Or perhaps what you are saying is that Lord Raze is to weak to deal with me without the help of a pitiful Champion like yourself?" He paused for a moment letting his words sink in to all around before continuing, pointing at the alien. "I came to you with friendship upon Dromund Kaas, I offered you the contents of that tomb. You took them, then when we next meet you snap like a puppy trying to defend your Girlfriend for an unknown slight. Then here within these very halls, you look to take that which is not yours, then pout and sulk as the party passes you by, before you seemingly insult Lord Raze enough to be removed from the premises. Will you strike at his back the next time it is turned too? Considering the low bar that is needed to feel your blade between the ribs."

"Yet I still held you no ill will, even upon the battlefields of Felucia, when you were alone on the front line. Who leapt to your aid first?" He paused for a moment for an answer he knew would not come from the man. "It was me, I came to your aid, suffering scars hoping to defend you from death." As he spoke of the scars he pointed to his right shoulder were the scar tissue from the lightsaber was visible for all to see. "I have done nothing to warrant such an attack from you, yet in your desire for power and revenge you veil your cowardice in lies." He paused for the final time. "Xeno Brogroo, I have done more for this Empire than you or anyone in this room baring the Empress knows, I have built the fleets and the armies that everyone here commands, taken worlds that place the food upon your plates tonight, the alcohol within your cups. So the fact you believe me being removed from the Empire is a benefit is pure folly. But do not worry, I accept your challenge of Aurekesh. I will see you back on Dromund Kaas where this all begun at weeks end. Now leave my home and do not return."

He turned away from the man and walked back down towards the Empress a kindly smile upon his lips. "Mi'Empress it seems I am not suitably dressed to be in your presence, I will retire to change and be back shortly. Perhaps a dance on my return?" Finishing he turned to the larger crowd, with Xeno dealt with and hopefully leaving it was time to get back to what they were here for. "Now everyone please drink, eat, the food is getting cold. Get the music playing. Tonight is a night for celebration and enjoyment let us toast to the Empress and the Empire." He called out a jolly fashion, taking a glass from a nearby patron raising it towards the women before necking its content. With that Artorigas made a quick exit to change into a new set of clothes and mask.

@Scoobert @Phoenix

 

[Darth Draugr]

He dare say he has done more for the Sith than anyone? A bold statement for someone who had just shown the rest of the Sith disrespect. The statement itself was disrespect enough to the Lords before him. How could he make such a statement and actually believe them to be true? Xeno could see through his facade. Acting as if he were completely in the right, he dared attack multiple Sith tonight with ill intent and dare say he was in self defense. Senin posed no threat, Nor did the Empress. His mind was truly gone. Xeno would scoff before continuing.

"Might I remind you, Wessex. I was there when we had the production of Sith ships put into motion, I was there when you shown a Sith, who at the time outranked you, disrespect and had shown insubordination in your tantrum when you didn't get your way. I was there.. when you had your mind conquered by that of an ancient Sith Lord.. Who is to say you have rid him of your mind and are truly in complete control?"

Looking around to his fellow Sith watching on,

"Have I not done anything for the Sith? I defended Felucia until I could no longer stand. I fought on Taris and helped in our victory over the Jedi, defeating a higher ranking Jedi in the process. I brought Edusa to our Empire alongside my former Master. I brought a droid production factory back into Sith control. Now I am showing the Sith who they can't rely on for guidance any longer. Your greed for power is obvious. Your acts shown you will do whatever it takes to kill our Empress. The Same Empress who has shown our Sith nothing but the best effort we have ever received from a leader."

Xeno looked to Darth Raze,

"My Lord I show you no disrespect tonight. As I have learned my lesson in that criteria. As for Lord Nudaman here, I cannot tell you the same. First he dared to harm you, then he says he has done more for this Empire than you could ever have. The disrespect there is beyond any other I would say. And the same to you Lord Stolas."

"He believes whole heartedly he is superior to even you. Have none of my fellow Sith seen the blasphemy come from Artorigas this night?"

Xeno would look around frustrated. His eyes yellow, and his jaw clenched.

"Perhaps he has blinded you all, but when I defeat him on Dromund Kaas I will rid him of our Empire. For he is too mentally inadequate to lead. Who is to say he doesn't lose control again? Perhaps when one of you look for aid. Or perhaps when we are at another gathering. One of you could die by his hands for no reason other than he wanted to kill. His hostility to our own has shown us he does not side with us. If he was one of us, he would have been able to control himself. He should be stripped of his power until he can learn self control."

Xeno would turn to face Senin,

"My apprentice, we shall leave this disease ridden castle. I do not wish for Artorigas to give you an infection. Who knows what items in this room have been near his armor sets."

Xeno would walk towards the doors to leave but would stop by Malou and keep looking straight ahead.

"If I ever catch you near myself or my apprentice again.. I will kill you. Slowly.. and I will enjoy every second of it. Your remains will be fed to the spiders of Dathomir. Do I make myself clear.. Acolyte D'Amaris?"

Xeno would then turn his slightly to give a side eye to the Miralukan child.

@Braden Drake @Sreeya @Mr. Teatime @lizziie @LouJoVi