Open Social Serenno A Hal'lowed Masquerade

[Ashla Ti]

Ashla had heard the story, the brash Marauder, an ill-thought comment, and the marauder learning how to fly and crash land in rapid succession. She let out a chuckle, and glanced around wondering if the man in question was present at the gathering. "Goes with the territory I guess, with great power comes the ability to inspire great fear of getting tossed."

She waited and listened as he sipped from his drink and continued speaking. He said things that made sense, words that she could not deny, and questions that she couldn't answer.

"I know what I was." She said as she turned her right hand to let the back of her wrist show, revealing the tattoo she bore there. She didn't know of any connection between Raze and the Cadre, but considering who they were she was sure both the Sith Lord and the Empress would get her connection to the Cadre because of the mark she bore. "I know what I don't want to be, but I still don't know who I am. That is a question for the future. For now I am myself, torn jeans, no mask and all." She raised her hands to her side as if she was on display, which in a way she was, and flashed a small smile before continuing.

"You found yourself, how?" The words were simple, even if she knew the answer wasn't. There was a desperation behind them, a desperation born of her own need to know, to find herself. "What's the secret?"

@Phoenix @Sreeya

 

[Renfry]

She shook her head and smiled at both of his Raze's comments about Dark Lord and Jaikus. She couldn't say she was shocked about either, but she couldn't help nudging things anyway.

She glanced down at the young woman's pants and quirked an eyebrow, likely partially hidden behind the mask. Honestly, probably something I could've seen myself wearing, she said, though perhaps not at an event like this. She'd actually managed to wear dresses every time, though she had come barefoot to one, so there was that.

I see a balcony window has found its way open again, she said, remembering how interesting things had been at the last party. And more dancing at the last party.

She thought for a moment about the questions both of them posed, and thought about what had led her through the fires and to where she was today. The simple answer was that each evolution in her life had been accompanied by a great deal of pain, but pain alone wasn't enough.

There's no easy answer to that question, she said after a moment. When everything else is stripped away from you, what's left? she asked, not expecting an answer. The answer to that question was the key to everything, and it wasn't something anyone else could choose for her.

But this might be a bit of a heavy conversation for a party, she said. These parties are for drinking and dancing, and I have yet to have anyone ask me to dance, much to my chagrin, she said.

@Wit @Sreeya

 

[Darth Tiamat]

It had been ages since she had shown face, centuries in fact before her and the others had flesh to occupy, to feel, to touch, smell, and taste. And they were almost going to miss this! That blasted wallflower wasn't going to entertain her let alone the rest of them, in fact she thought it would be unwise to show face. Something about the drama it would cause, a recent death of a fake Eternal (the knowledge of that just riled the spirits) by the hands of the current Empress and she was going to be present. At the very least they all felt they needed to meet the sorceress who rid the galaxy of such an abomination to their namesake.

All Hal'low's Eve seemed a to be a perfect evening, no less everyone together at the quaint castle of Lord Wessex. Up the stairs they ascended, the dark side seeping into minds of the unprepared attendants as they quickly backed away from the woman when she entered the castle. Her presence as Tiamat would be unrecognizable, it was clear that something darker had entered the castle and the mask that looked upon the Sith in the hall would be one that struck fear in the unprepared, others would feel as though nails were slowly scratching along their minds as the presence looked for someplace to rest inside.

The red hair of Tia's was now void of any color, black curls flowed over her pale shoulders, small blood red dahlias pinned the locks away from her face on both sides of her head. She stepped carefully in her gown that seemed to move against the natural law of motion as she looked upon those who were present. Her skin contrasted against the black of the gown, pale as porcelain, delicate, and her hands looked as though they were dipped in ink, necrotizing from the darkside itself. However, she was certain no one would be paying attention to the details, as certainly the mask would be their focus.

The Eternal had arrived...​

 

[Renfry]

Renfry's thoughts of dancing were quickly stolen away as she sensed a darkness approaching that was both familiar and unknown to her. Her gaze swept over to its source as the door opened, and her gut dropped slightly. A pulse of rage swept through her as she was quickly brought back to Dathomir where those she cared for were killed. Where her world had burned.

Where the Eternal had lain dead at her feet.

They said the mask never truly died, but it no longer conveyed the right to rule. It was not the Dark Lord and it was not the head of the Empire. She would not risk herself being undermined by someone who thought to challenge her rule.

Had anyone but Tia (@GABA) been behind the mask, Andruil likely would have killed them outright. To wear that mask without warning was an affront to her rule, and not something she would or could look past without response. Her eyes seemed to glow more vibrantly than their natural gold, and her fist curled up ever so slightly at her side into a telling claw. She didn't carry her lightsaber tonight, but she'd been a killer long before she'd ever wielded a saber.

Without setting her wine glass down or saying a word to Raze or Ashla, she walked directly toward Tiamat. Lyra. The Eternal. She cut off the Eternal's entry and impeded her progress forward.

For a moment, the Empress's eyes locked with the red eyes of that mask, and having looked into it before, this time she didn't flinch. Whatever professional curiosity she might normally have had about it was gone entirely. There was no curious question, friendly quip, or knowing comment.

Whatever flickers of comments had floated through her mind were utterly eclipsed by a single phrase. Andruil knew the room had almost fallen to silence by this point, tension mounting for anyone smart enough to see what was going on.

Kneel before your Empress.​

 

[Darth Stolas]

Morgan was obviously more at ease with Emryc than he'd been previously. His heart was steady while feelings things out, not bothering to dissect every movement and word the half-Sephi spoke. What passed for open curiosity- little eye movements, mostly- brought an easy smirk to his lips just before he'd turned around. Morgan's nature was to change, and besides, it was a festival! Robes simply didn't fit the occasion.

That and, most importantly, he's just felt like something more modern tonight. Renfry got a friendly wave and nod as he departed. He'd be back to them later, but he always greeted others before settling wherever he felt like actually being. Ashla's return commentary on her clothes got raised eyebrows and a thoughtful look, lips raising toward a grin. Just as brazen as the young woman showing up to ask for lessons. He even chuckled, vaguely waving a hand. "So it is."

Senin got no return comment for his simple greeting, the unfamiliar Sith mostly ignored. With Stolas' information network anyone of note was noted, and this wasn't one of them. "Industry builds, as always," the Firrerreon Sith answered Artorigas. "Always more work to be done, no? War is bustling business." As the Serennian knew well, naturally.

Morgan grinned, flashing flangs and a cheeky wink toward Jaikus as he artfully spun the cane. "The same tailor as a matter of fact. They do more vests." His cane thumped against the carpet, head tilting slightly. "Can't wear the same style every event, now can I?" Clearly, he was already having fun and Jaikus' characteristic laid-back attitude near-instantly resulted in Morgan relaxing. The starkest difference between this meeting and their last was that much of his playful confidence had risen back to the surface.

Veles got a basic greeting in return, a slight old-fashioned bow of the head. Meanwhile, as Ashla departed, Morgan's cane languidly rose up between her and the mask-offering servant. "Do be a dear. Don't mind, do you?" The Togruta owned what she wore and, on a whim, Morgan decided to lend a little weight to her request.

But of course, he was distracted upon the arrival of a certain presence. His head tilted slightly toward the entrance, preceding a pair of golden eyes hunting toward the door. There, walking bold as brass, was the Eternal. They were supposed to be very, very dead. Eyes widened, then narrowed. Morgan recognized the mask. This wasn't the same mask or wearer as before. It felt entirely different, like rusted knives scraping across blackboards just within range of hearing.

The presence's vague probing was as exceptionally unwelcome as the mask's sudden appearance. Golden eyes darkened a shade toward burning orange as they locked to the dark figure, pupils subtly narrowed, skin behind the gilded mask slipped slightly toward silvered. A Firrerreon's fight or flight instinct leaned toward the former. He stepped toward the dais stairs, his expression razor-sharp but otherwise curiously blank.

Stolas didn't recognize this person's appearance or manner of movement. Who were they? Would they challenge Andruil's authority? What sort of dance might happen in the next few, crucial seconds?

Morgan watched and waited, poised and patient as a hunting cat.

@Wit @Braden Drake @Altaris @GABA @vamp

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc grinned at the acolyte, “I’m still looking, actually,” He replied flatly, “The biggest step is to start,” He left it at that. However, he didn’t miss her raising her arm at the tattoo that was on the back of it. A flash of recognition came across his face and Ashla would clearly notice it. His gaze remained on the tattoo for several seconds, her other words almost fading for him. His eyes narrowed slightly, “Did others in your cohort survive or were you the only one?” He asked icily, his gaze still on the tattoo.

However, he was pulled out of his thoughts by Renfry. Emryc turned to her, quirking a brow. He threw back the rest of his wine, “Your wish is my command, my lady,” He said with a smile. Before he could take her hand, the doors to the hall opened and a presence entered. There was a sudden chill in the room and Emryc could faintly see wisps of his breath as he turned to regard the newcomer.

The sight of the mask made him feel sick and right away he felt a slight throb in his head. He gazed upon the ancient mask and he knew right away it was real. It was alive with the spirits of every single Sith Lord he had studied and pored over. It was the spirit of everything he had once worshipped as his religion. It was darkness in its most twisted form, a taint and rift in the Force itself. It was a siren’s call and he had a visceral reaction to it, rolling his shoulders and shifting his face as he blinked a few times. Each time opened his eyes the yellows began to spread a bit further from the light flecks that were there before. Raze had smelled blood in the water and it was exquisite.

Emryc took a few steps back, fighting hard to maintain his portion of the control. Through it all, through his Force bond, he could identify it was Tiamat behind the mask. A sinking feeling hit him at once and he had to bite back the urge to vomit. Why her? Why did it have to be her? It all began to make sense. The pain she felt, her aversion to him. He knew exactly how the mask worked, and he knew Tiamat had been in love with him. It was an open wound that the mask could twist and use as leverage to let her do its bidding.

For a moment the half Sephi was detached from the physical realm. He was in the plane of the Force, reaching out and catching the thread that was the bond between him and Tiamat. He held firm and made his way over, pushing past the obstacle that was himself. He saw Raze gritting his teeth, wanting this disaster to happen, wanting to see the Eternal consume and eat as it pleased. Emryc forcefully pushed Raze out of the way while he still could, clinging to that thread to pierce into the Eternal’s mind. There was a sea of thoughts and anger he had to wade through. He could do it only because of the power he commanded, and he only needed a moment. He shouted through the Force, his voice channeling directly into the very back of the Eternal’s psyche. That corner where he knew a certain red headed girl was. The girl that would get torn to shreds if she was present as the voices deliberated. He called out several places where he knew she had memories that were only her own to cherish, where she could run in the short lapse offered by the spirits being commanded by Renfry and also his own intrusion. Not a single memory had to do with him but were entirely her own efforts.

“Hide Tia! Hide to making your first saber! Hide to the first time you got a hypergate to work! Hide to the first time you called yourself Tiamat!"

He could only linger to send that message loud and clear before he was kicked out and sent back into his own mind. He knew there would be a counter assault, and he would be prepared for it. Externally his face was frigid, his expression set into a firm stoic. However, his eyes were almost entirely yellow now, pupils dilated. He stood still as a statue, and it was difficult to tell if Emryc was even present.

@GABA @Phoenix @Wit

 

[Ashla Ti]

The Empresses's remark about her pants left Ashla with a wide grin on her face, and the comments that came in response to her question left her even more appreciative. She had not expected to be speaking in such a manner with these two, and the words she got in response had give her something she had been looking for. First with her encounter with Darth Stolas, then with Vizim, and now with these two, more and more she was learning there was much, much more to the Sith than the man who had once called himself her master.

But while their words were encouraging, she knew there was more to things than simple words, and in that regard she hadn't missed how Darth Raze's gaze had lingered on her tattoo. She had simply shook her head in response to his question of whether any of her cohort had survived. It was still a sore subject for her, probably would always be. The loss of the first family she had ever known was not something she ever hooped to forget.

Thankfully the Empress changed the subject and the two Sith Lords talking about dancing gave the acolyte the moment she needed to compose herself, that was till what little emotional control she had regained shattered as a chill spread through the gathering. From behind the two Sith Lords Ashla noticed, while doing her best to keep weak knees from collapsing under her, a figure. A masked figure, one who she had heard was dead. Instinctively she moved, taking a step to the side so that a tall and broad Sith Lord stood in between her and the new arrival. Between her and the Eternal. Which turned out to be a foolish decision, as those few steps seemed almost too much for her, and she barely managed to avoid tripping on her own feet.

By then the Empress had moved to intercept the Eternal, and peeking a head out from a little behind Darth Raze, Ashla watched with wide eyed wonder. That was till the Empress's words hit her. The power behind them, be it through the Force, through some dark magick, or simply through force of will, was finally what broke the camel's back. Or in this case the Togruta's knees, as the acolyte fell to her knees in terrified awe of the spectacle unfurling before her.

@Phoenix @Sreeya @GABA

 

[Darth Caelestis]

"It seems war never sleeps, for every hour of the day someone seems to remind me of something we have forgotten or something we must do at that very moment less the Empire collapse. It is if anything draining, hopefully tonight can cure some of that tiredness from all of us." Artorigas replied to the Councillor, the man quickly began to discuss fashion with Jaikus pulling himself away from the Noble's orbit giving him free range to move as he saw fit through the party.

He spotted from the corner of his eye the Torguta turning away the request to wear the mask as he demanded. A shot of frustration ran through his mind as he mumbled to himself about the insolence and lack of decorum. "Kill her." A voice sounded within his deep thought, Artorigas paused mid-step towards the Acolyte. His mind trying to decipher the cause of such a command, although his mind had trouble his soul did not. For Artorigas had hear this cold heartless voice many times before as it tried to claim his soul for its nefarious purpose. Why now, why here, yes he was surrounded by the highest of the Sith, more living Dark Side energy was pulled within this room than perhaps anywhere in the Galaxy, but that was not it.

The Sith Lord could feel the fear and desperation of his staff outside the hall, the close connection he had to those people, gave him a warning he could not act upon for the voice inside continued to speak. "Strike her down for her insolence, Kill all those that did not bow before you." Artorigas gritted his teeth as he tried to remove the voice from the back of his mind as the great doors opened once again. It was if the hammer that was his deep thought struck an anvil, a wave of darkness overflowing into the Room as the creature appeared.

He spotted the mask, one that he had seen broken within the hands of Andruil when she had gathered the Sith Lords to proclaim her ascension to leader. This was The Eternal, for the flowing maelstrom of darkness flowing from small form could not be mistaken for anything else. His mind and subconscious was torn a thousand directions, to fight, to flee, to kneel, to kill all sounded appealing to the Sith Lord, but he only acted upon one.

Artorigas stepped forward off the Dais towards the imposing figure, brushing past the Darth Stolas. For this was his Castle, his Home, even if intelligence deemed he should run from this creature, his honour and pride told him to stand firm in defiance. Darth Caelestis stopped three steps behind Darth Andruil, as she spoke to The Eternal. "Strike her down, Kill the Empress, take her place." Artorigas chose once again to ignore the voice, his eyes locked on the infernal mask. "We both know you want it. The power, the prestige, the legacy. Take her out and the Eternal too. Then you will become legend. No one will forget your name."

His eyes tightened as did his jaw, his body and mind in a battle between the presence before him, the Noble inside and the monster deep down below.

@Mr. Teatime @GABA @Phoenix

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Jaikus maintained a polite expression when Senin asked his questions, taking a small sip from his glass. “I am. Born and raised on Axxila.” He nodded, tilting his head to the side slightly when the Acolyte mentioned his own homeworld. “I hear they have quite the festivals on G’wenee - I’m sad to say I’ve never had the opportunity to visit.”

The topic shifted back to his clothes, and Jaikus took another small drink. Internally, the Axxilan couldn’t help but be a bit amused by the repeated interest in the vest that he wore. “No, not exclusive.” He answered smoothly, shaking his head a bit. “I can send you over her contact information at the end of the night.” It was, once again, much the same answer he had given to Stolas when questioned about the vests.

With that, Jaikus flicked his attention back to Morgan. The Firrerreo in a noticeably good mood, and it only served to draw out a wide smile from the Axxilan. “Variety is always nice,” He replied smoothly, briefly taking another moment to inspect the ensemble. “But sometimes it doesn’t hurt to stick with the classics.” He gestured to his own attire, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. He opened his mouth to continue speaking, prepared to have a full conversation with the Firrerreo.

Before he could, Jaikus was interrupted as an overwhelming darkness approached. The presence was overwhelming to behold, the weight of it pressing down on the Axxilan’s mind. And then he saw it. Citrine eyes widened as they fell upon the feminine figure that passed through the door, fixating upon the sickeningly familiar mask that it wore. They had all known the Eternal to be dead for months, and yet there it was - standing at their front door.

Jaikus could feel as exceptionally unwelcome, sinister nails scratched at his mind. He could feel the profound sense of dread that settled over his entire being and sent a wave of nausea crashing against him. Through it all, though, Jaikus remained steady on his feet - refusing to buckle beneath the darkness that had just arrived.

The Axxilan watched as the room began to react. He saw as Stolas moved to the edge of the Dias, poised like a cat waiting to pounce upon prey. He saw as Andruil crossed the room and intercepted the Eternal head-on, her commanding voice echoing through the halls. The words lingered for a moment in Jaikus’ mind, and every instinct in Jaikus’ body told him to slip into the background - to carefully avoid what was sure to be a conflict ahead of them. And yet his eyes continued to wander, searching until they found who he was looking for.

Emryc.

Without a word to any of the others, Jaikus placed his glass down onto the ground and spun on a heel - climbing down the dias and beginning to cross the room - carving a clear path towards the half-Sephi. Jaikus could not hope to predict what was about to unfold, and yet he knew exactly where he wished to be when it happened.

He made it half-way across the floor when he paused for the briefest moment, staring at the man ahead of him. Instead of the molted silvers, Jaikus saw the animalistic yellows that burned in their place - an indicator that Raze had come to the surface. Not long ago, the sight of those yellows would’ve frozen him in place. He knew the fear that would wash over him as it had since that fateful encounter on Telos, and how it would cripple him from taking another step.

And yet, much had changed since that moment. Where once there had been a crippling sense of fear, there were new memories - formed on Keldooine, Tattooine and a nameless planet most recent. They were memories that broke the pause and whatever fear that might’ve threatened to wash over him as the the Axxilan made his way across the hall. Measured and purposefully steps carried him towards Emryc. Towards his partner.

Axxilan walked until he came to stand right beside the half-Sephi. The man was poised as a statue, and for a moment Jaikus wondered how much of Emryc was truly presence in this moment. He wondered if his presence would even be noticed.

Without a word, Jaikus brought a hand up from his side, his fingers reaching out to subtly grip onto the half-Sephi’s wrist - unconcerned with the fact that the Acolyte was on her knees just behind. He gripped onto the half-Sephi, and met his gaze with unwavering intensity that burned behind his citrine’s, streaks of emerald existing just below the surface. He was prepared for whatever storm would come, he would face it unflinchingly. Unlike in the past when Raze was present, Jaikus refused to look anywhere other than those animalistic yellow eyes.

“Look at me,” He whispered. His voice was barely audible, but he knew the half-Sephi would hear him clearly enough.

@LouJoVi @Sreeya @Mr. Teatime
@Wit

 

[Darth Draugr]

Xeno had received an unexpected invitation back to Castle Wessex. It was not the first thing Xeno had sought out to do but, it would good to show he lives at least. The invite had said specifically to wear a mask, so of course knowing Xeno he would ignore that part and decide to not wear the mask. The Zabrak Champion was on his way to Lordship himself, and he will not bow to the likes of "Caelestis." The Lord will only be know as Artorigas to Xeno. Nothing more, nothing less. Artorigas was on the list of death, and Xeno still planned to take him out, though doing so in a public setting such as this would only encourage the other Sith to kill Xeno even more. Better to play it safe and metaphorically bite his tongue. Xeno would then continue to read the invite.

"Wear tasteful attire.... Senin, my apprentice! Come, it is finally time for you to take me to the.. (gag).. mall.."

---------------

After a long day at the dreaded mall, the Zabrak Sith Champion had finally been dressed up in his "tasteful attire" complete with black dress shoes for the sake of not being tossed once more. As much as Xeno hated what he wore, he knew it would be to save his own life. It was finally time to make his entry to the party. Walking through the halls, Xeno made sure to stay away from the disease ridden doors and rooms in the Castle. Last time was a nightmare. The itching, and burning. It was best to avoid a repeat.

"Filthy castle.."

After a long walk, he made it back to the large room that would hold the Sith once more. His entry would undoubtedly go unnoticed as he would make his way straight to the drinks. He needed to take off some of the edge. After a few swigs from the glass, he would set it back down and look around to find anyone worth speaking to... then it happened. The Zabrak had seen the window.. the one he had been thrown out of so easily.. in his mind he can see it happen over and over. So fast, and so much force. The blurs of the people he was passing, he could feel the glass shattering across his body. The feeling of the warmth on the inside to the immediate cold weather outside.

His mind racing and heart pounding, he couldn't hear the party anymore, everything felt like slow motion. His face seemingly not changing, though his eyes had widened. To the outside person they would say he saw a ghost, when in all actuality, Xeno had saw death itself. He could still feel the branches of the trees.. then finally the coldness of the snow below. The last person he had seen.. was Darth Raze. The Sith Lord who almost took his life.

Finally shaking off the PTSD, Xeno would mutter..

"One day.. I will have my revenge.. sweet, sweet revenge."

Walking away from the bar area, he would find Artorigas. Currently known as Caelestis. Then Malou beside him. Wheen he would walk up he ignored the Lord who was seemingly ignoring everyone. His attention was on the Acolyte. She has never actually caused any problems for Xeno. Thus, Xeno can bear speaking with her.

"Hello Malou, seems you have become quite acquainted with my apprentice."

@Braden Drake @lizziie

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc looked in Tiamat’s direction, eyes entirely yellow by this point. His very aura shifted to be the trademark frigid whenever he wore the full Raze armor. Raze was in control, the mask a nexus of the Dark Side that drew out monsters people attempted to put in cages within their psyche. Emryc had every mental defense he learned from Kravos up. He knew there would be a tidal wave coming at him, but he also knew he would defend successfully.

The half Sephi remained where he was, hardly noticing anyone approached him until he felt someone grasp his wrist. Raze’s head whipped around to look towards the individual that dared touch him. His body language spoke murder as he turned to look, his arm prepared to yank out of that grasp. However, he paused immediately when he realized who, animalistic yellows gazing into citrines.

It was Raze looking at Jaikus, the monster that had pushed to the surface. The beast eyed the Axxilan almost with curiosity, face tilting slightly as if a wolf stalking a lamb and drawing in its scent. His presence was oppressive, the dark side of the Force manifesting almost tangibly to betray exactly how deadly the half Sephi could be.

“Look at me.”

Those words filled the air, but they pierced past everything. Pierced past the barriers, slipped right past Raze blocking the way and far beyond. It went all the way to the back of his psyche. Externally, the yellows looked almost vacant for a moment, the intensity softening just a bit. Memories of Keldooine, Tatooine, Telos, hospitals, a bounty hunter hideout and ancient ruins all came flooding. It all washed over Raze with overwhelming force, bringing with it Emryc who had been pushed to the back. Externally the half Sephi shifted slightly where he stood, shoulders rolling a bit and jaw tilting.

Though the half Sephi stood in silence, his hand moved at last, gently easing itself out of Jaikus’ grip to grasp the other man’s hand. The Axxilan was perhaps the only one here that could have pulled this off. The eyes of Raze remained even as the half Sephi brought up Jaikus’ hand to place it gently against his own cheek. He sought that touch and that anchor back to the physical plane.

“I’m here,” He said after what seemed like a century. It would be hard to believe since the eyes gazing back were still fully yellow. Emryc felt another disturbance in the Force and his gaze flicked up for a moment. However, he was actively enough in control to where he wasn’t lost to Raze anymore. Thanks to Jaikus. The half Sephi tilted his head slightly and kissed against Jaikus’ palm, glancing down at the other man, “Duty calls, babe,” His tone was the same light-hearted and affectionate one Jaikus was used to, and he would know Emryc was back at least somewhat despite the appearance and overwhelming aura.

“Guard the acolyte,” He said as he stepped past Jaikus and Ashla still on the ground and made his way towards where he could sense another monster in the making.

The half Sephi’s gaze fixed on the party host, but he had been down this psychological road enough to know it wasn’t entirely him. He harbored no ill will towards the man, but it was the first time Emryc could sense Caelestis had a side to him that was being drawn out by the mask. He knew exactly how that mask worked and what it could do to people. He saw the way the man made a beeline for the Empress from behind. Saw the purposeful, methodical steps. They were all patterns he recognized.

The half Sephi strode forth and came to a stop a few steps behind Renfry facing towards Caelestis and effectively cutting off his path. Emryc took no steps towards the other man and made no assault. His presence in the Force made it abundantly clear his strength transcended any titles he wore. He stood with a frigid calm and a silent promise.

That Caelestis would have Raze to contend with if he took a single further step towards their Empress.

@Altaris @Braden Drake @Phoenix

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin was still trying to convince Veles to help him by offering to be his guide in a visit at an archaeological site to see some Arandu ceremonial artifacts, when he stopped abruptly. He felt a shiver run through his body and the room was suddenly filled with an oppressive presence. The Acolyte never felt it before, not even when Lord Raze used the Force in the Museum. For the first time since he became a Sith, the young man started to feel fear.

He looked to where these sensations seemed to be coming. The Acolyte saw a woman in a black and his eyes widened when he saw the mask that she was wearing. The Eternal’s mask! How could it be possible? The Empress had killed them. Even with him fearing the entire situation, his curiosity started to appear. Was the mask the real one? Whoever was using it was probably very powerful.

His musings were interrupted by a woman, who he identified as the Empress herself, moving to block the Eternal’s arrival. When he heard Andruil order the other to kneel, the Acolyte thought that at the same time that the situation was becoming more tense, it was also interesting. Senin never expected that such a thing could happen during the party. Instead of listening to his fear and walking away to a safe place, the young man decided to stay and watch what was going to happen.

He only turned away from the scene when he saw that his Master had arrived and was near Malou. Deciding that it was a safe distance, Senin walked to them and stopped near Xeno. There, the Acolyte could still watch the scene happening before them. "The things will become interesting." he whispered to the Zabrak.

There is a saying in G’wenee, ver o circo pegar fogo. This was something that Senin loved to do. In his opinion, there are great chances of the entire party starting to burn soon. He only hoped to have an escape route.

@Scoobert @lizziie

 

[Jaikus Thorne]

Those three, simple words passed from Jaikus’ lips, and the Axxilan remained firmly fixed in place – eyes trained up to meet the half-Sephi unwaveringly. The half-Sephi’s body language spoke of murder, and Jaikus could feel the oppressive aura of the Dark Side pressing down against him, sending an involuntary chill down the Axxilan’s spine.

He saw those familiar yellow eyes regarding him with almost predatory intent. It was the same animalistic eyes that he had seen on Telos all those months ago and brought him close to death, eyes that always seemed to fill him with a profound sense of terror. He saw, and yet, Jaikus did not flinch away this time. Recent, precious memories surfaced and seemed to overpower whatever caution he felt, bringing him to embrace his partner without fear of Raze.

A few moments passed, and he felt his hand brought up to rest against the half-Sephi’s cheek, a gesture that elicited a warm smile from Jaikus. He brushed his thumb tenderly across the half-Sephi’s cheek in response, resisting the urge to pull him closer.

The Axxilan heard the half-Sephi speak after what felt like a century. To see those yellow eyes and hear the tenderness in the man's voice was an almost jarring experience, and yet he knew the words to be true. He felt the kiss against his palm, and he heard that simple term of endearment, light-hearted and affectionate. In that moment, distinct streaks of emerald pulsed across his iris’, briefly threatening to overwhelm the citrine hue.

It didn’t seem to matter what color the half-Sephi’s eyes were at the moment, because Jaikus knew that Emryc had resurfaced and was more in control, and that fact alone seemed to put him at ease.

“I will be here, babe. Always.” He muttered loud enough for the man to hear, brushing his cheek once more.

He didn’t attempt to block the Sith Lord as he stepped past, his hand withdrawing back down to his side. Instead, his gaze followed Emryc as he moved across the room, eventually picking up Caelestis as well. There was a measured, almost predatory purpose behind every step that the man took. Emryc moved to intercept Artorigas, and citrine eyes seemed luminesced a bit brighter in that moment, narrowing like yellowed daggers upon the Serennian Sith Lord while his fingers curled a bit closer to a fist.

His eyes lingered upon the tense exchange for a moment before he finally considered the last thing that Emryc had told him. Jaikus finally turned to look down at Ashla for the first time. He had barely even noticed the Acolyte during the entire exchange with Raze, only now taking in the sight of the Togruta who’d fallen to her knees.

Without a word, Jaikus tucked one hand neatly behind his back and extended an open palm out towards Ashla, offering to help the woman back to her feet. If he could help it, the Axxilan wasn’t about to leave her on the ground – instead giving her the assistance to stand tall in the face of whatever was about to occur. He lingered for a long moment, giving her a firm nod if and when she came back to a stand.

With that, the Axxilan finally turned back to face the scene at hand – keeping his eyes pointedly focused upon Artorigas. He kept both hands neatly against the small of his back, his posture straight and rigid. Jaikus kept himself purposefully positioned in front of Ashla, a clearly protective aura to his stance. There were no words spoken, but his demeanor alone spoke volumes to his intentions.

Whatever might come, it would have to pass through the Jaikus before it reached Ashla.

@Sreeya @Braden Drake @Wit

 

[Darth Caelestis]

Artorigas stood still upon the edge of the Dais, his body unmoved his mind in a struggle tot determine who would rule the body that night. For with The Mask before him, it was all the Sith Noble could do to keep the Darkness inside spewing over to remove all sense of control from his consciousness. "You could be Emperor of the Sith. She does not know how to rule, you were born for this." Artorigas tilted his head to the side as if he could shake the voice free and away. "The Galaxy would be at your feet, all those around you would kneel." The voice grew louder the harder Artorigas tried to shut it out.

Movement came from his left, though he did not look in its direction instead he closed his eyes for a moment trying to win control of his body. Artorigas had walked down from the dais to defend against The Eternal, not strike at The Empress. The growing frustration inside him only helped feed the darkness, even as he realised his failings Artorigas only fed the darkness more. Without a word or sound Artorigas felt a presence begin to loom over him, the Sith Lord did not need to open his eyes to know who stood before him, for only one man would forcefully position himself between Artorigas and the Empress. His mind travelled back to Tattooine and all that happened upon that hell hole of a planet, the dark thoughts of that inhospitable place only furthered his edge towards the darkness.

Slowly he opened his eyes looking up to stare into the yellow eyes of Darth Raze. Artorigas' own eyes had become a Heterochromia, his left the natural sky blue of his birth, the right yellow bolts of red shooting through the sclera, a visual que of his split mind and soul. What was he doing blocking him from approaching The Eternal? "Another one who stands in your way of becoming more." The voice continued, trying to goad the Noble into an action he could perhaps never recover from. But he stood firm, a battle fought inside his mind and soul to control the rage and anger building up.

Unknowing to his consciousness the voice switched tactic, knowing he could not beat away his moral sense of worth and pride. Greed, rage and anger would not be the key to unlocking Artorigas, no it needed to feed upon his fear. "What if he is stopping you from defending Renfry? Maybe he wants her dead then he can become Emperor?" Artorigas paused for a moment considering the thought a small sliver of fear entering his mind, that was all the darkness needed to get its claws into him and wrench control from the Noble. The left eye slowly faded from blue to yellow as Artorigas stood a little taller his jaw unlocked a smooth calm flowing across his features.

From the corner of the room above the head of Senin Ravelo a rattle began. If the Acolyte looked up he would see one of the blades from the large collection of weapons around the room shake within its fastenings. After a moment a single blade shot free from the scabbard, the sword danced around the Acolyte the tip slicing through the G'weneeian's fringe, a thick locket of red hair falling down onto the ground. The sword snaked its way across the room drawing blood from half a dozen patrons before coming to a quick stop in the hand of the Sith Lord, a few droplets of blood dripping from its tip.

Slowly closing his fist around the blade, voice calm and controlled Darth Caelestis smiled at the man in front of him. "I believe you are in the way." As he took a single step towards the women behind.

@Sreeya
@LouJoVi

 

[Darth Draugr]

While he would listen to the answer from the Acolyte Malou, he felt the presence of the Mask. The Eternal itself. He had felt himself become far more angry. His eyes from the casual 'I hate this' to 'I hate you' with an aggressive look behind them. It was obvious that someone had possessed something of great importance to the Sith. Looking over his shoulder he would notice that the Empress had commanded another Sith to kneel. Not uncommon, but the glare of Art. It was fixed on the Empress. He was unlike himself... then it dawned..

Lord Andros..

That day as Acolytes, in the tomb. Art had been possessed by the ghost. Xeno had thought he had fixed the issue.. Now it was evident he had only hid it. The Zabrak turned his attention to Artorigas, but it seemed another Sith was ready to stop him as well. Darth Raze.. Of course. The two Sith he hated most were about to fight. At least now he could sit back and relax while they butt heads.

That was until a sword flung from the wall and scalped his apprentice. First he would look to his apprentice to make sure he wasn't going to die. When the blood became clear from the blade, Xeno's aggression grew. He became furious. How dare he think he can harm who he wants. Xeno looked to his apprentice and would let out one word.

"Stay."

Xeno turned back to Artorigas, who was undoubtedly dealing with Andros still, and would begin stalking like a predator to the prey. The words spoke from Artorigas made clear he would attempt to fight Raze. Not smart.. Xeno would know. Though it would be best for him to just wait until the right time to attack was. He would not let Artorigas go unchecked. The Zabrak would prepare his lightsaber for use by feeling it in his sleeve. Once his time to attack would come he will strike.

@LouJoVi @Braden Drake @Sreeya

 

[Ashla Ti]

Ashla was a little too preoccupied with her own thoughts to pay much attention to the man who came and stood besides Darth Raze, and the interaction that passed between them almost passed in a haze for the terrified acolyte. She heard them speaking, saw Raze walk away, but didn't register what was being said. She was simply unable to tear her eyes away from the Eternal.

That was till Jaikus offered a hand to her, which blotted her line of sight and finally broke whatever spell she had been, that she was able to blink, and breath. She was still terrified, but she stared at the hand and still a little numb she followed the hand up to see who it belonged to. She noticed the clothes first, the vest, the pants, and memories from minutes ago, though it seemed like ages ago, came back to her. Wouldn't those be really uncomfortable? And that finally did it, she awoke as if from a dream, and swallowed to appease her parched throat.

She took the offered hand and got to her feet, matching the face with the man who had commented on her clothes earlier. Jaikus. She nodded her thanks in response to the nod he gave her, muttering a small yet firm "Thank you." She balled her fists as she took a step to the side so that she was standing behind and besides him, ready to support him in any way she could. She might have been a little out of it, but she wasn't blind. She owed him one, and that was not something she took lightly.

So she watched what seemed like the very future of the Empire balanced on a sword's edge, only for a random thought to rise through the panic. She picked a really bad time to start wearing heels.

@Sreeya @Altaris

 

[Darth Stolas]

Unlike their last interaction, Jaikus' broad smile didn't reflect a similar change in Morgan's expression. There was something other behind his cheery attitude. The Firrerreo wasn't the best at hiding how he felt about things even when he tried very hard. He didn't want things with Jaikus to be awkward, and he was genuinely in a much better mood than he'd been lately. Even so, this entire situation was vastly unfamiliar territory for Morgan and steadily brought up feelings he'd been properly distancing himself from.

How he felt over Emryc himself wasn't fully clear to him yet either, aside from being far more comfortable than at the hospital. It wasn't something he had much opportunity to ponder over lately. Mention of 'classics' brought an unidentifiable tenseness to his expression.

From the dais, he'd deigned to watch, at least until others started rushing past. Golden eyes, sharp as gilded daggers, observed all before them. Artorigas brushed tensely past and those eyes found him, watching the way he moved. Jaikus practically rushed down the stairs and those eyes next found Emryc, pulled by the faintest thread. Morgan stiffened further, iron fingers grasping tight then setting down his glass of wine.

Pain. Morgan intimately knew every movement the half-Sephi made. His feet carried him down the stairs behind the other two directly toward exactly what he'd been trying to avoid by watching and waiting. Further toward that darkness that echoed of the Entity's pitch-black cave, that scratched and searched for open wounds to sink into.

It was torture just to walk forward. The hurricane within twisted wildly as Morgan madly clawed for the safety of self-control. Instinct burned closer and closer to the surface. The Firrerreo was a predator, a thing that hunted and killed. A selfish tiger whose leash had been released from what kept it human.

It watched the two men. Soft touches, gentle words, yellow eyes, anchoring Emryc back from Raze. It couldn't really hear it all, but it could read lips just find. One word, repeated back and forth, hurt. Babe. Here and now, as he approached that mask, there were no more thoughts to sink into.

Blazing eyes held a contrasting icy chill while they passed between Emryc, Jaikus, Ashla, Artorigas, Renfry, and the Eternal. The Firrerreo's expression was completely blank as he took in every action, processing it all through a mind unburdened by what 'belonged' or 'should be'. At this moment, instinct and desire ruled everything the monster was and would become. Those eyes left Jaikus and didn't look at him again, focused straight ahead on a point between the Axxilan and the Eternal.

A blade swung from the wall to Caelestis' hand and he stepped toward Andruil heedless of Raze's silent warning. Morgan adjusted how he held his cane, gripping it like a sword with the metal head as its pommel. Bite marks that may never truly fade ached anew across hidden silver shoulders as he stepped forward. Every brand burned like fire. Instinct wasn't only a thing of killing and lashing out. Drastian selfishness wasn't merely about taking. The greatest monsters were human too, after all. As much as it pained him-

Morgan found himself partly positioned to the side, somewhere between Artorigas and Jaikus guarding Ashla, off to the Serrenian's left. The wooden cane in his left hand rose, iron fingers of his right curling into claws.

"Step back," Stolas commanded in a baritone growl, the Force gathering mightily under power of will. It condensed around Caelestis, durasteel bands forming a collar around his neck to squeeze and keep him from moving forward.

That demon teacher of his had far more an influence on him than he'd ever realized.

@Altaris @Sreeya @Wit @Phoenix @Braden Drake

 

[Emryc Thorne]

Emryc could see the shift in Caelestis, namely in the eyes. He knew right away that he would have a fight on his hands. Even before the weapon was yanked off the wall, the half Sephi began to unbutton the coat of his attire, not wanting to have it ruined. He slid it off, neatly folded it and floated it over to rest on a nearby table. Underneath, he wore a vest over a button up. He reached down to roll up his sleeves and cuff them, revealing a chrono on his left wrist. He was clearly not dressed for fighting, but he would do it nonetheless.

By now Calestis had yellow in both eyes, a weapon clasped in his hand. Emryc studied him quietly, vaguely aware of Morgan arriving on the scene and attempting to interject. The half Sephi’s head tilted back slightly, yellow gaze piercing into the Firrerreo. There were no words, just a simple shake of the head to speak volumes before he turned to gaze at Caelestis again. He would act as soon as Morgan called off his attack.

The party host had made his choice and Emryc would oblige. Unlike both he and Morgan, the half Sephi didn’t pull any weapons from the wall. Instead, a viridian hue erupted in his left hand. It was the magick that Renfry was known to use, and Emryc purposely called upon it when facing the man before him. Raze was known for getting his sick satisfaction from hurting where it hit hardest.

Emryc offered no words to Caelestis, unleashing the orb without warning. It was aimed square for the torso and would hit with all the fury of a Sith Lord with strength far beyond even a Councilor. The half Sephi didn’t stop there, drawing from the icy chill already in the room from the Eternal’s presence. His right hand moved accordingly to line the weapon Caelestis held with a biting frost that would cut into his hands the longer he held the weapon. It was the direct opposite of the element Caelestis operated with. Depending on how he reacted, the weapon would rapidly freeze and become brittle.

Through it all, the Sith Lord didn't step forward, prepared to abandon the ice attack and adapt depending on the man’s actions.

@Mr. Teatime @Braden Drake

 

[Senin Ravelo]

Senin was still watching the scene. Now Lord Caelestis was walking toward the Empress, but he was intercepted by Darth Raze. Now that he could see some part of the huge man's face, the young man was astonished. The guy wasn't a Palpatine 2.0 at all. From what he could see, Raze seemed to be very attractive.

He was distracted watching the two men staring at each other and didn’t notice a sword behind the wall start to shake. Only when the sound became louder that the Acolyte turned to see it. Was at this moment that the weapon flew toward Artorigas, cutting part of Senin's fringe. It was so fast that he only noticed what happened when he started to feel the pain from the cut.

While some blood flowed from the cut, he looked to the locket of hair on the floor. Senin bent down to pick it up and started to stare at it in his right hand. It made him remember when he was a child and that deranged man would pull and cut off some of his hair, because he liked to feel it. The memories of these times would flow in his mind, making his face contort in a mix of sadness and hatred. Like all the times that he remembered these moments, a single tear would run down his cheek.

Then he brought his left hand to the place where the locket originally was. Of course, it was empty. His beauty was damaged. The only good thing about him was damaged. He remembered what some of the older street kids would say. Damaged things don't last.

He was still in shock when his Master told him to stay. Senin barely heard what he said and only nodded, his eyes moving from the locket of hair in his right hand and the blood in the left. He also forgot completely that Malou was next to him. He looked around the room full of people, everyone would see how damaged he was. He turned to where the Sith Lords were starting to fight each other. The Acolyte, full of shame and hatred, could only think in how he wanted that Raze or Stolas could kill Artorigas Wessex. Because if they didn’t, Senin would. Not even if he had to train his whole life to be able to do it.

@Scoobert @lizziie

 

[Malou D'Amaris]

When Senin noticed her, Malou braced herself for a tight hug and an exclamation from her friend, but he simply gave her a smile and a compliment. The acolyte was relieved for two reasons: one, a tight hug with this chest piece on would not be comfortable for either of them, and two, she had a feeling such a thing would get her teased by Artorgias.

“Of course,” Malou finally said in response to his request for a dance. She wasn’t the best dancer, but she enjoyed it to a degree. She had gotten to dance the last Serenno party, and while it had been fun, it had been caught short by...certain events. Malou moved her attention to where Raze currently stood, but she was distracted by a familiar voice.

“Sure.” Malou accepted the drink from Ashla as the togruta took a stand next to her. The joke which came next was entirely unexpected, but after a brief moment of surprise, Malou’s lips thinned into a grin. She prepared to respond in jest, but Stolas’s approach prompted her to save the comment for later. “Thank you,” would be her response to the councilor. The acolyte didn’t consider herself particularly fashionable, but between the mask and the rib piece, she felt “festive.” The teenager had appreciated some texture in the clothing she wore. It was more interesting than the colors she wore, for more or less obvious reasons.

Malou had not noticed Ashla’s lack of mask until a servant interrupted them to present one to her. The togruta denied it, asking for one in black, which brought an amused smile to Malou’s lips. Malou, again, was about to comment when Ashla suddenly wandered off and Senin began speaking to her once again. Before she could respond to him though, he too, wandered off. Malou was left standing with Artorgias, Stolas, Jaikus, and now Xeno.

“Thank you,” she repeated to Jaikus’ compliment, and afterwards, gave a slight nod to Xeno. Apparently, the mask had been the right choice. Compared to the more simple ones most of the partygoers had dawned, it seemed she stood out a bit. Compared to the mask of the party’s new arrival though, it was hardly a conversation starter.

Malou noticed them as soon as they entered the room. Though her back was turned to the door, her sight through the Force was not limited to just the space in front of her. Even if it would have been, the presence they had in the Force was unmistakable, and the near universal turning of heads didn’t go unnoticed. Within moments, the room filled with tension. Nearly everyone was poised in some way, whether it be to run, to fight, or just in tension. Malou wasn’t exactly sure how to react. Everyone around her--Stolas, Artorgias, and Jaikus--all acted immediately and made their way towards the commotion. Xeno left soon after, leaving Malou alone with Senin, still facing the opposite of everyone else, sipping her drink. ‘This...this is probably a situation.’

“Do you think they’re gonna fight?” she asked the G’wenee native nonchalantly. She was still completely unsure of what to make of the situation, so her tone defaulted to disinterest. However, the acolyte was far from disinterested. Though her attention encircled the area, her gaze remained trained on her master. There was tension between him and Raze, and part of it made her nervous. Her nerves were only amplified when Malou felt the Force in the air around her thicken, and she ducked just in time as a sword came flying from the wall. Unfortunately for Senin, he did not have the time to react to the action. It flew right over his head, slicing off a lock of his hair, and into Artorgias’ hand. The tension between him and Raze at that moment was so apparent that Malou bet she could see it with her own two eyes if she tried. She couldn’t hear what was going on, but she could infer.

‘What the fuck is happening?’ The masked person had entered and all of hell was prepared to break loose. Something was wrong, and Malou had a feeling that person had something to do with it. Before she could ponder any further, a concentration of the Force appeared in Raze’s palm and shot straight out at her master’s chest. It seemed her question to Senin had been answered. Instinctively, Malou pulled the Force around her as if she was going to defend him. Her furrowed brows and quickened heart rate fell after only a moment, and Senin nearby would feel the weight of the Force in the air just around them die out as Malou realized she had no business interfering in such a fight. She was only an acolyte; she was nothing compared to the strength of anyone on that side of the room.

‘Ashla.’ Except for a certain togruta she knew. ‘What are you doing over there?’ The girl would feel a slight tug of the Force on her suit jacket from the miralukan teen, who had finally turned to actually face the commotion like everyone else had. Hopefully the other acolyte would join her and Senin.

tags: @LouJoVi @Altaris @Braden Drake @Wit @Scoobert @Mr. Teatime