A New Grand Title

[EmilyHuene]

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Temple of the Outsider
~Zakuul~
@EmilyHuene ; @Baobhan​

​

What a wonderful day it was! Evelyn Tenebris had been given a job opportunity like no other. She had no idea how it happened, but here she was. One minute she's out in the void in some crappy canteena and the next she's apart of some pirate, bandit, religious cult thing. She didn't really understand the details. But now, in top of all of that, some sect within the group wished to meet with her and offer her a rather important title. This woman, Eris something or another, needed a warrior to be her people's Grand Master. Forget whatever the job requirements were it had Grand in the title. Clearly she was going places.

After a long trek over to Zakuul the black haired woman landed her personal shuttle on one of the landing pads nearest the temple. She sauntered out of her ship wearing her normal attire which consisted of black leather and tight fiberweaving. Basically the outfit protected her chest, back, and shins from any minor injuries but wouldn't do much in the way of blaster fire. She had the Force to help with that.

Evelyn Tenebris was the daughter of the vicious Bellatrix Ra'Kul, though almost everyone knew her as the Vampiric Princess. Her legacy as a Sith was infamously horrific so the same fear would likely be spread onto her daughter's future. She knew what her mother had been capable of and Evelyn was quick to follow in her mother's footsteps. She had a knack for playing with people's emotions getting them to do as she pleased, but also had a quick temper when she did not get her way.
She was also a bit of a sadist, but the Dark side was to blame for that.

As she walked into the temple she looked around for this woman to appear. She had no idea what she looked like or how old she was or even what species she was. Might have been a good idea to ask these questions before hand but too late now.

"Hello?" The girl called out in echo. "Madaam church lady?"

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Spoiler: Why didnt pix work?

http://imgur.com/rfFI7O7

 

[Baobhan]

'Once, man had thought that they could slay god, and still hold a respect for human life...
They were wrong, and they killed billions.'​

... Eris sat at the chapel of the church that they had claimed as their own, the old churches of the Order that had existed before the Zakuulian empire were little more than rubble crumbling under the weight of times thumb. Before her stood the picturesque idol of a false deity, an emperor who had grown far too proud for his station, considering the man was step by solitary step loosing a grip on his world. While the forces of the Void Serpents struck from the shadows, having kidnapped one of the few direct successors to the throne, it was almost time for the coup-de-graces. So, Eris sat within the near silent chapel, as members of the hulking chaplain order moved around her, sorting through texts more as they went about their daily business wearing their heavy armour as static weight training. Eris herself prayed, hoping that soon she and those with her would be able to travel the stars in search of the gnosis that she had been looking for...

Signs of divinity in a long forgotten path.​

... It was here, as she knelt in silence, her swords tip pressed against the ground as she could hear the effeminate voice of a person call out from behind her. Eris, having been little more than a steel statue as part of the Decor, opened her eyes within the confines of her helm, her concentration snapping like the most brittle of twigs before her focus would shift to the girl who had interrupted her. In a single fluid motion, the Palatine would turn to face the entrance, standing to her full height of about six feet while within her armoured apparel. The silver, white and red armour upon her looked like a modernized equivalent of a Lorded Teutonic knight. The armour, though worn and tempered through conflicts a many, seemed to have once been ceremonial. A hooded mantle fell down around her shoulders, covering in slight, the top most part of the very solid looking kite shield strapped to her back as she turned to address the entrant, as an air of familiarity seemed to woft upon the wind.

“Yes..? Welcome once again... It's not often a newcomer is even so much as considered for a position such as this, but you have m. In coming here today, you'd have painted a target on your back, one that you would have to earn the removal of, but, that should not take long.”
​

... While her tone remained pleasant, she was most certainly inspecting the woman from head to toe yet again, but this time in far more detail, the woman before her seemed strong, if not of the body it was strength of the mind that seemed to radiate from her, then there was the Kyber around her neck. Eris had heard tale of these crystals in the past, but not from the Jedi or the Sith, but merely from lore that said that they held within them great power, that they fell to earth in meteorites and could be used for a great many things, both fantastic, and catastrophic. The sight of the dull radiating crystal as well as its presence in the force could be felt on some level, even by Eris, putting her on edge. Raising her hands to either side of her helmet she would lift it off, revealing the platinum-white hair falling down just past her jaw on either side of her head. Eris' complexion was uneven, due to many burns and light wounds as well as wearing armour most days, long healed scars could be seen dotted around her face and neck, but it was the intensity of her vision that would put most on edge. Eris' eyes were like pits of flame threatening to envelop one, should they not be careful.

“Come in, make your self welcome, but... Know that you coming here means that you are to be tested... thoroughly... it is the position of grandmaster you are applying for. But first, any questions, before we begin? ”
​

... Eris was not the kind to want to seem rude, though she was a forward woman, and by the simple muscle development of the woman standing before her, as well as her stature would give her away as athletic on some level. To Eris, that alone meant that she was a fighter of some kind... Combined with the Kyber strung around her neck like a status symbol, Eris knew from the moment she laid eyes on Evelyn some days ago that she wanted her within her Order.

One way, or another.​

 

[EmilyHuene]

“Yes..? Welcome once again... It's not often a newcomer is even so much as considered for a position such as this, but you have m. In coming here today, you'd have painted a target on your back, one that you would have to earn the removal of, but, that should not take long.”

Turning to the person in the armor, she would at first look up and nod like she was impressed. Why did everyone have to be taller than her? She hated being short. But it had its advantages. She was sneaky, and her quick speed only sharpened that attribute. It gave her a rather keen edge in battle or in stealth and helped her become a powerfully dangerous assassin.

"Oh don't worry about me. I'm used to people trying to kill me. It's actually how my clan stays strong. We offer our young the chance to end out lives and keep us on our toys. At a certain point you just get used to sleeping with a knife."

“Come in, make your self welcome, but... Know that you coming here means that you are to be tested... thoroughly... it is the position of grandmaster you are applying for. But first, any questions, before we begin? ”

"Well," she would say as she hoped up onto one of the ledges and swung her legs out. "I suppose I've got a few. This job...it pays well yes? I expect someone with the title of Grand Master would be well rewarded and protected. I'm kind of a needy girl. And I don't do anything for free. It's just not my style. And body guards. I'd like to not have to always be watching over my back. Gonna take some muscle to follow me around like I was some helpless princess. I'm not....obviously. But I can't always be expected to handle the ruffle that thinks they have a shot at taking you down."​

 

[Baobhan]

'I stand upon a cold star, my arm outstretched as is my will.
Come to me...'​

... Eris could see the ambitious aspiration in the woman's eyes conflicting with what seemed to be a sort of casuality that she could not entirely ignore. The position of Grand-Master was not some erroneous title to the order, it was one of prestige and immense respect, to which the offer itself was one of the grandest honors that the Palatine had the power to bestow. But Eris was not blind, perhaps it was her overthinking the status of the outsider that gave Evelyn the edge in negotiations here, and far more leeway than would be given to her other people. Eris understood that Evelyn did not understand the ways of her and her people, nor the concepts which surrounded them, this was something that would have to be learned in time and immersion. But none-the less, it would occur. The mention of a clan however was something interesting, if she were the heir to some powerful clan, that could be a great boon laying in wait for the order should they be able to reason its assimilation in one way or another. Even should Evelyn not be in command of her clan now, that was something that could be attained at a later date.

Unity through strength, and strength through unity after all.​

... Thinking to herself for a moment, Eris would continue before listening to Evelyn's second response, she seemed to prize the idea of material wealth and security, both things that were relatively certain for one who was to take the mantle of Grand-Master. Eris nodded to herself, her hand placed under her chin as if she were contemplating while absorbing the words of the woman before her. She didn't notice the size difference between them, whether she was blind to such things or numb due to associating with Apophe, the seven foot tall giantess who was the appointed leader of the Void Serpents. The feeling of being dwarfed by another women made Eris think how large some of the men were in their nation, but the comparison had numbed her to the dimorphism. As Evelyn finished her questions, Eris compiled her answers, taking a precious few seconds to arrange them in the correct order before making a hand movement, asking Evelyn without words to walk with her, as they would move to exit out of them temple and into the training grounds of the Legatines of the Order under the watchful eye of the Elite Praeteans.

The sight, was in equal ways magnificent and modest.​

“I'd like to tackle your second question first, if you don't mind. It is the duty of the Grand-Master to directly recruit and govern the major body of the fighting class. The Legatine, the soldier class, ranging from new to seasoned, and the Praetean, those elites who shine above the others, equal in many ways to my own Honor-Guard or the Chaplain order as they often recruit from their ranks. You ask for Security, you have over 300 men at your command, and soon to be thousands after we capture Zakuul, and the people begin to return to the old ways. So your protection and its efficiency is entirely up to you, how well you train them, and how much they respect you as a leader. ” Eris spoke with gravity, it was true that Zakuul was so close to being under the thumb of the serpents, and as soon as they came under their thumb, the Order of the outsider, being one of the only forces among their greater force that would be willing to escalate men to levels on par with the Yahm, would become more than appealing to the masses.

“As for the money...”​

... Eris would begin, turning to face the entrant. “It's not something that we've had to deal with in our more secluded socialistic group. But as we expand out to the galaxy, finance and economics are going to be important. Your claim will be of course, anything that you can take from those who oppose us, if you wish something, you would have to earn it. But otherwise, you'll largely be in charge of the budget of the military order, if you were to requisition some of that budget to yourself and your needs, so long as it is reasonable and does not negatively afflict the order. I'll not be against it. As Grand-master, you'd only answer to me, but in military matters you and i would be considered equals...”

And so, the board was set.​

 

[EmilyHuene]

“I'd like to tackle your second question first, if you don't mind. It is the duty of the Grand-Master to directly recruit and govern the major body of the fighting class. The Legatine, the soldier class, ranging from new to seasoned, and the Praetean, those elites who shine above the others, equal in many ways to my own Honor-Guard or the Chaplain order as they often recruit from their ranks. You ask for Security, you have over 300 men at your command, and soon to be thousands after we capture Zakuul, and the people begin to return to the old ways. So your protection and its efficiency is entirely up to you, how well you train them, and how much they respect you as a leader. ”

"Oh so it would be just like controlling over my clan. Except they're not all trying to kill me. If you want warriors trained, I'll make them the best killing machines you can find"

“As for the money...It's not something that we've had to deal with in our more secluded socialistic group. But as we expand out to the galaxy, finance and economics are going to be important. Your claim will be of course, anything that you can take from those who oppose us, if you wish something, you would have to earn it. But otherwise, you'll largely be in charge of the budget of the military order, if you were to requisition some of that budget to yourself and your needs, so long as it is reasonable and does not negatively afflict the order. I'll not be against it. As Grand-master, you'd only answer to me, but in military matters you and i would be considered equals...”


“Speech”

“Speech”

Evelyn was in awe. She looked past the balcony and saw a large gathering of what would be her army if she agreed. She couldn't lie, the offer was tempting. Power and wealth swam in her head as the Dark side grew with her temptation. Yes. This was the path that the Force chose for her....god or demon or angels alike. Whatever super being controlled them if that's what they believed. She would be their Grand Master.

"My people! You wish for a greater life, a grander adventure. You seek new lands and wealth to follow. I will be your vessel. Follow me. Join me. Serve me. We will take this world and soon others too. Will you accept me?!"

 

[Baobhan]

'Battles won in the mind, are seldom already won on the battlefield~'​

... While the ambition of this entrant was to be commended, the men looked and cheered at the small declaration that the girl had given. It seemed that she had thought that the position was already hers to be taken. From behind Eris would place a hand on her shoulder stepping to her side looking over the men. Eris had not wanted this trial to be public, but perhaps it was in the best interests of the men that they saw the efforts of their potential new Grand-master. If they saw the skill and finesse of the woman, they would be more likely to follow and trust her decision making. Eris could not help but think if this was a ploy of hers to begin with. Grandmasters had always historically been masters of the mind as well as the sword. Eris would need a grand trial to prove that she was in possession of both... And the best way to do that, was within the grounds of the sacred Arena.

She would have to tell a story.​

... Calling out to her men, Eris would begin a proclamation, beseeching them to follow. “Men of mine! This brave foreigner has honorably stepped forward to fill a roll we desperately seek! Many of you may be apprehensive about allowing an outsider take such a prestigious roll amongst us, and I agree with the sentiment, but we shall give her the ability to prove her worth to our standards! Should she pass this trial, it will show that the ancestors accept her place among us. And hopefully, her great wisdom of the greater galaxy, will see us victorious against enemies from beyond Zakuul~ ”

... The men would cheer, why wouldn't they? They were about to watch a foreigner take on one of the greatest challenges in the arena. One that was usually reserved for an established grandmaster. As the Legatine force dispersed Eris would look to Evelyn, smirking lightly and moving towards the arena. Explaining what the trial was going to be as well as its context.

... In essence, it was a fight to the death against what would normally be considered insurmountable odds with weapons far more primitive than what she would have been used to. Many years ago, one of the ancient Grandmasters that came in shortly after the time of their god, had taken several men to the moon fortress that had been carved out by the Outsider, much of it had not been explored at the time, and many of its caves were home to some of the most dangerous monsters one could imagine. The final cave of these was taken by the grandmaster himself after many squads had been sent to eliminate the threat and failed. The trial, in essence, would be a reenactment of sorts. As the task historically could only be accomplished by the grandmaster at the time, there was some logic into stating those who could pass this trial, have the merits needed to take the mantle of Grandmaster.

But the monsters he faced that day, would remain hidden as they moved towards the grand arena...​

“Any Questions?”​

 

[EmilyHuene]

Evelyn listened to the extent of the trial. A team of explorers had gone out to discover what lie in hiding in one of their moon caverns. They faced several monsters far stronger than anything they could have expected. Their weapons, less sophisticated and far more primitive. Eris was mute on the description of these monsters, which meant they could be anything as far as Eve could imagine. Still, it was unlike the daughter of the Tenebris clan to be afraid. A challenge of any kind was taken seriously by all members of her tribe. Weapons, primitive or not, would not matter. Evelyn had been trained to use all sorts of hand held weapons. So long as she was given a blade she would overcome this trial. Hell, even without a weapon she would find a way. Or die trying.

"Let us begin," she said confidently. "Where do I start?"

@Baobhan

 

[Baobhan]

'The sun would set on the old world, and fires would light the sky.'​

... As Evelyn would acknowledge the comment, it would not be long until they had moved from their area, to an open aired basin built into the ground, surrounded by seating arrangements much like a massive amphitheater. The Grand Colosseum was where many of the rituals of the order took place, whether it was the punishment of a criminal, allowed to defend himself in combat, or whether it was a ritual to call upon the power of their ancestors, and even in this case, judge the worth of a person based on the actions of those in their role before them. Eris would lead Evelyn to the entrance, entering the sandy Colosseum and indicating for Evelyn to do as she did. Upon entry, Eris would reach down, grab a hand-full of the sand at the gateway and tossing it over her shoulder as she entered the Arena, a symbol of passing through into sacred ground. As she did so, a man standing in an out-jutting platform from the grandstands, clad in black and white would look upon her and nod, accepting her entrance as he would then move his gaze to Evelyn to ensure that she had done the same.

There could be dire consequences to those who did not respect the arena.​

... The arena itself was lit by many fire-lit lanterns... for now. As they entered, Eris would move to the side of the Arena, the weapons that would be available would be that of a blaster pistol and an array of different shaped blades and even bladed pole-arms. “Pick your choice between any of these, but I would advise you to not encumber yourself. Lastly, I want you to know... people die in this arena, there is no means to rescue you after you enter. This trial, is seldomly failed by those chosen to undertake it, but it 'has' been failed. I'll not tell you how to fight, that choice it up to you, but, remember that one must 'see' the finish-line, in order to reach it.” Eris spoke with utmost caution, she knew it was all well and good to be confident, but this was a serious competition, even as palatine, as a seasoned fighter within the Arena, she came out wounded after many of her fights in one way or another, although she had gotten some renown for her one on one conflicts. “Remember, it's not only about winning, but the story you tell doing so. May your ancestors carry you higher. ” She finished, as she moved to leave the arena.

Evelyn was alone now.​

... After the Palatine had left the arena, crowds would begin to gather, the chattering would begin to rise as, no doubt, one of the many things that was placed on the table with the weapons, was a torch ready to be lit, the torch stood apart from many of the weapons within the center of them all, like a beacon, giving some idea to the nature of the challenge that was ahead... After her items and weapons were chosen, between large and small, sharp and dull, solid and plasmic, in the end of it all... the crowd would hush as the Chaplain would begin to speak to the audience, greeting them in an address in which he would explain the nature of the challenge and set the theme of the story that was being told before bearing his vision down onto the challenger.

"Noble fighter, are you ready for the path that lays ahead?"​

... Everyone in attendence would hush, awaiting the answer of the woman in the arena... as soon as she gave her answer, assuming it was affirmative, chaplains would appear from the four corners of the arena, and smother the lights of the massive braziers that lit the area... plunging the pit into the dark, within moments, there would be a sound of mechanical churning as something was allowed to open. What came forth, perhaps could be prepared for, but, Eris could remember the smell that would hit a person in the arena against this opponent. Four red eyes piercing through the night with any amount of light to reflect them. Nexu were a native Animal of Zakuul, though it was a sub-breed, the females were larger, and exceptionally viscous when they protected their young. And that's exactly what the mother here was protecting from the hostile invader. Five Nexu in total, four of them, no larger than a cheetah, but the mother was gargantuan, more like a bear than a feline, low growls emanating as its young, with their infrared vision scanning the arena and finding the threat they sought...

The challenge had begun.​

 

[EmilyHuene]

“Pick your choice between any of these, but I would advise you to not encumber yourself. Lastly, I want you to know... people die in this arena, there is no means to rescue you after you enter. This trial, is seldomly failed by those chosen to undertake it, but it 'has' been failed. I'll not tell you how to fight, that choice it up to you, but, remember that one must 'see' the finish-line, in order to reach it.”

While Eris tried to warn Evelyn of the dangers, she would look upon the weapons. She had no interest in the guns so she skipped right over those. Her eyes focused on the small daggers and she'd take two each, placing them on her hips. She then took one of the pole arms and swung it around to get a good feel for it. Yes, this would do. She had a long reach and a short reach now for whatever this enemy was. Eris bid her goodbye and Evelyn moved to the center of the ring. She continued to get a feel for the staff as she swung it around. Calling upon the Force she asked for its guidance and power, like her mother had taught her. Her mother gave her the gift of the living Force, while her father gave her superhuman traits to survive. Sharper nails, heightened senses, further eyesight. The perfect traits for a killer.

Darkness overtook the arena and Evelyn was alone with nothing but her fear. Gates of some sort began to open and her enemy carefully walked into the pit. Evelyn sniffed at the air and she could sense it. A beast. Furious and afraid for its young. What a shame Evelyn had to provoke such a creature when it was the one being taken from its home and forced to fight. But this trial was bigger than both of them and she would overcome it. Crouching down to the ground she began to dig her nails into the sand and rub it across her body. She needed to rid herself of her own scent. Their eyes might be better than hers, but her nose was better. Her instincts stronger. She would show these beasts that they were no longer the hunters.

She could see the shapes in the dark circling her now. She kicked off her boots and let her toes feel the earth. She took several deep breathes and let the Force calm her nerves. They were just beasts. Life forms in a grander scale of things. And Evelyn was the user who could manipulate that. Pushing out with the Force she then growled deep and low and let her frightening aura overwhelm the animals. There would be no point in calming their rage; it would also be more exhausting to try. Fear was a much stronger emotion and easier to use. She then took off in a full sprint at one of the younger of the beasts. She made sure to target one that was furthest from the mother. The young thing arched its back as it felt the terror in the dark coming at it. The Nexu swiped its claw at Evelyn who dodged it by vaulting over top of it. She'd thrust her staff into the sand and launched herself forward. As she jumped she then flipped and ran the sharp edge across the spine of the Nexu. It howled in pain as Evelyn cut a massive gash into the beast which would cause it to fall and limp as it tried to right itself. Evelyn quickly turned around and kicked it down.

With a quick turn she spun her staff around to hit any of the mutts that tried to come after her now so they'd have to back up. With her other hand she patted at the bleeding beast's back and began to rub herself in the blood as she'd done with the sand. She was an animal to be feared as she would wear their blood to hide amoungst them. The darkness was her ally. She'd confuse them, hide beside them, then strike like a viper.

 

[Baobhan]

'"Fear, is a great motivator,"- Sun Tsu (Art of War)'​

... The second she began to give off her aura of fear, it worked a charm on the younger Nexu, each of them becoming a little more careful and hesitant of their attacker as she would charge at one of them. The Nexu in turn would have the natural reaction, the sudden pause before a living being had to make that decision of fight, or run. The Nexu, cautiously attempted a swing at the woman, though its caution was what had caused it to fail to see what came next. The jump and the cut hewed through the flesh and bone of the Nexu, though cutting through the strong and flexable bone of the felines with a primitive weapon was not easy. The blades were not the osculating edges of vibroblades, nor honed or edged with machines to give them a cutting side sharper than modern surgical tools. No, they were hammer forged blades, albeit with some skill, but hammer forged none the less. Evelyn would feel the physical force of the blow reverberate up the spear and hit her hand, something that, unless trained to deal with, would feel odd or encumbering for a fighter. However, the sensation would be all too easy to deal with should she be used to the weight of more archaic weapons.

But, all was not so simple.​

... While the aura she had erected had made the little ones hesitant for a moment, it had more than enraged the Mother, fear had provoked her into her far more dangerous and lethal state of mind, and charging towards one of her children, turning her back on the apex predator, was something that few but a fool would do. With infra red vision, seeing perfectly in the dark, the mother would, with her powerful spring like legs make a bound for the female hunter who dared to strike down on one of her cubs. Fear sharpened her senses, adrenaline pouring through her body but not dulling the sophisticated mind of the hunter who was on the highest possible alert of the threat that was upon her. Should the mother have been provoked, she may have been blinded by her anger, but in fear, she knew that a single misstep would lead to the death of her children, pushing her into her prime both mentally and physically.

But who was the most dangerous?​

... As soon as the mother would be upon Evelyn, she would not lash out with her claws to be within range of the pole-arm, she was smarter than that, she had seen this weapon act, blood warmed the tip so that it lit up in the dark. stopping just out of reach of the weapon she dug her claws into the sand, putting her weight on her front legs and spinning with her barbed tails, rich with paralytic toxins coating them in an attempt to graze the legs of their enemy just as she would coat herself with the blood and not a moment after. There was no pause or time for extravagant action here.

In so doing, the mother's actions emboldened the young, who would begin to circle in on the one who had killed their sibling. undeterred, they would close in to about a 6 meter diameter ring, continuing to circle their prey, prowling and waiting for what advantage they could give.

The battle had begun.​

 

[EmilyHuene]

Evelyn would grumble angrily as the blade didn't quite cut as deep as she would have liked. She was used to a more flexible blade, one that had a sharper cut. But that didn't stop her from picking this weapon nor was she surprised by the reverberations in the handle from the impact. She'd trained with all sorts of weapons in her lifetime at some point, and that meant the more simple-crafted ones. Her family hadn't been as fortunate to always have virbo-swords or things of that nature anyways. She then felt the mother leap at her and she readied herself for its attack. But it did not strike with its claws and would instead spin to lash out with the tails. Evelyn would turn into it with her spear and block the quick snap of the tails, but they would still drag across her body as the spin continued. What she didn't realize was that they were rich in poison and she cursed as the liquids splashed over her right leg.

She could feel the poisons already taking effect. She was beginning to lose feeling in her leg and she had trouble standing. Sluggishly she stumbled back and fell onto that leg. She used the pole to steady herself. Now she was in trouble. She was showing weakness. They would be all over her now. Had she expected the poison maybe she could have won this fight. But now she was at a dangerous handicap. That's what she got for being cocky. Evelyn took a deep breath trying to steady herself as the smaller young started to circle her. Evelyn began to draw in the Force, letting its dark control give her the power she needed. With an angry cry she would push outwards sending a surge of energy out of her. The ground began to shake and rocks and sand would begin floating around her. They spun slowly at first and then got faster as her concentration clicked into place.

Letting herself become one with the Force she would reach out with her mind and began to grab the remaining beasts. Each of them too would begin to rise as the invisible hand lifted them from the ground. Evelyn would stand, supporting most of her weight on her left leg, and raise hr hands above her. She hadn't used such a feat of her energy like this in some time, but her mastery of the Force was not something to be taken lightly. Evelyn was a product of two powerful warriors. Her father of sword and dagger, her mother of spirit and mind. While she'd trained herself to fight with weapons she'd never be as powerful as the Force connection inside her. These people wanted a grand master, one who could commune with their deity. She would show them this.

The Dark side was powerful. Belief and strength, determination and devotion. These traits were what Evelyn brought to the coliseum today. She poured herself into the Dark and let the energy fill her soul. More of the rocks and debris around her would begin to spin as Evelyn held control of the beasts who struggled against something they couldn't touch. Higher and higher she would raise them. As far up as she could she would bring them to the peak of her reach and then with all her might slam them down into the ground. Faster they would fall, pulled by gravity and pushed by the Force. Cats were said to always land on their feet, let them try. She'd break every bone in their legs.

Evelyn wasn't sure what happened next as dust covered the floors. She fell forward, catching herself by her hands. She'd dropped the spear during the tornado and by now was losing feeling in the lower half of her torso. Damn that stuff spread fast. She felt so weak, but that was mostly because she'd just used up a massive amount of energy all at once. If those feline monstrosities weren't dead...she would be in for a world of hurt. Evelyn had nothing left to give after that stunt.

 

[Baobhan]

'none could have predicted the climactic end...'​

... The audience would watch as Evelyn with grace would take the blow, her poise tanking the poisoned barbs to her leg as the Nexu would register the hit, knowing that, in any normal circumstance, this would mean that the battle was over... their fears would have subsided, but the mother wanted the being dead. Digging her claws into the ground as she finished her spinning lariat with her tail, would coil her hind legs like a spring and pounce for the girl with terrifying might and swiftness, only to find herself caught within the invisible grip of the force that had begun to swirl around her. Fear and lack of understanding flashed through the Nexu's eyes as the cubs one by one would also be picked up by the swirling phantasmal force that whipped around their supposedly helpless victim. Higher and higher the Nexu rose, each of them clawing at the air as they attempted to escape, none of them strong enough in mind or having the ability to interract a change strong enough to prevent what would happen next. Their height would pique at about 20 feet in the air, before they were all, not dropped, but slammed into the earth in such a manner they could not correct themselves...

The bone shattering impact flung the dust of the Arena high into the air.​

... Once the dust cleared after but a few moments, all of the beasts lay upon their sides, their legs which had attempted to brace their awkward impact broken, their ribs caved in. A random series of fractures dislocations and other wounds had left the children dead, and the mother dying with fatal internal injuries as she would soon fade from the world of the living, making the last choice to close her eyes, so that the last act she had upon the world, was to shy from the sight of the being that had caused the devastation. Ultimately, her breathing stopped, and there was a hush among the crowd who had been watching the battle eagerly. None of them had expected this outcome, but, where there should have been a long pause followed by a cheering crowd... instead, there was something else. Soft, sly chatter began to fill the air, paranoid whispers and conspiracies began to circulate around them as the entire arena was awash with concerned faces as people erupted into private debate, their eyes looking between Evelyn, Eris and the Chaplain who had presided over the fight who stood like a stature, his arms folded as he appeared deep in contemplation.

It would seem immediate, that this was not a common occurrence.​

“E”ris on the other hand, beamed, the smile that was drawn across her face would be impossible to miss as she moved to the edge of the arena, placing a hand on the rail and vaulting the some fifteen foot drop onto the sand as she would begin to approach the woman waving over medical attention who would arrive quickly with an anti-toxin for the Nexu-toxin. Eris knew why the crowd had been thrown into doubt and turmoil, the battle was not won with the skill of the blade, like it had been every other time. Battles in the sacred arena had a great many purposes, every action was symbolic within its hallowed walls... Evelyn, had just taken one of the Order's most prestigious trials, and crushed her opponents with a single grand display of mystic might. There was a great many things to read into in that single event, whether there was prophecy in the action, whether there was something to be gained or a new story to be told perhaps, but the reason Eris smiled, was because she knew something many didn't. Eris knew that the Order was in a time of change, it was finally evolving, and she believed this sign, to be one of the truest evidences of this change.

Great things were happening​

... Eris would give Evelyn a reassuring nod as she would move to stand by her side and look up to the Chaplain, who, as soon as he was placed under some pressure for a verdict, the crowd went silent, anxiety falling over the strained audial void before the Chaplain spoke loudly, words that would only plunge the crowd into deeper deliberation. “I must convene with my kin, come...” As soon as the words were spoken, the Chaplain turned, the other four that had been there would walk back in a tight circle as they would begin to talk and debate. Sitting just before them, a figure that had not been seen often in the Arena, but no doubt, great challenges bought forth by the Palatine herself would have sparked the interest of this one particular man... The Arch-Chaplain, head of the Chaplain order and equal in prestige to that of the Grand-Master. Eris had many dealings with this man, and although she and he had their respectful differences, he was one of the greatest of the Order. Eris explained the significance of the wait and Evelyns' actions in full in a hushed tone so that she would understand, assuring her that this effect was largely positive.

And so, they awaited an answer.​

 

[Varcolas]

Though the chaplains discussion barley rose about a susurrus in pitch the dialogue could only be described as heated.

"Sith witchcraft - if I remember correctly we should refer to the catechism of Zalman"

"Bah , telekinesis is clearly mere psychic phenomena. I witnessed no invocations or ritual implements suggesting sorcery."

"Both of you are showing an excessive interest in the trials climax! Remember we need to analyse the event holistically."

Behind the synod of chaplains a figure in crimson amour raised a single gauntlet signaling silence.

"Thank you brothers. I have taken your points into consideration and will deliver the prognosis of this augury to our Palatine and Grand Master apparent."

Coming to his feet with almost supernatural ease Varcolas bypassed his congregated fellows stepping from the podium to land on the arena floor. Though the impact of the heavy full plate caused vibrations through the ground Varcolas stabilized himself with feline grace that outshone the literal cats who had just met their end. Observing the girl Evelyn could not quite suppress the reflexive lengthening of his fangs as they slid from then retracted back into his gums. A comely youth covered in the vital ichor of life was difficult for one of his ilk to resist. Such thoughts were swiftly banished though and the helm of his amour would hide the lapse from view. Varcolas was here to fulfill his sacred duty - mere frivolities such as hunger were unwelcome here.

"Palatine, Heritor in accordance with my official mandate I have come to interpret these portents. "

Varcolas motioned to the first of the dead nexu kittens it's spine severed from Evelyn's strike.

"The infant is first to die. Brought low by a decisive strike to the spinal chord. This indicates that a terrible choice must be made. Such a decision must be carried out without hesitation. Anything less would be to invite disaster."

Next an armoured digit indicated Evelyn's blighted limb.

"Even as the toxin runs through our Heritor's system shall the decision cause great suffering. Sacrifice must be made and the burden borne stoically."

Finally both arms were spread to encompass the entirety of the arena with it's force induced carnage.

"The primordial's soul is channeled into it's left hand manifestation to wreak bloody ruin. One of the hidden powers of the world shall find the veil torn asunder from it. What would only reside in the aether shall be made flesh and brought low. An opportunity to engage with such a master is rare in the extreme and will bare consequences resound through the ages."

Finally removing his helm Varcolas took the twin women in with abyssal black eyes.

"Do not underestimate what lies before you."

 

[EmilyHuene]

The medical team was a welcomed sight. She could barely move anything and finally with the touch of a needle she was beginning to feel just a little better. "Any chance you guys could have done that a little sooner?" she would ask trying to make a joke. Her head wasn't quite there though due to exhaustion and it wouldn't come out nearly as funny as she thought it was. Eris then invited her to join the group of...chaplains or whatever she'd called them. She hazily got to her feet and tried not to fall over as she stood before them. They argued back and forth about whether or not Evelyn was actually allowed to use the Force in such a manor to save herself in the arena. She would lean into Eris and whisper, "What are they saying?"

Just then, a larger chaplain, one clad in red, would jump down and begin walking around the arena as he spoke in a preaching tone. He explained what each of her kills were, and then the injury on her leg. She looked at the wound in confusion and then back to the strange man. He spoke of her being a heretic...that was rude! What was a heretic again? Finally he would ask them to not take these signs lightly and everything was quiet. She again leaned into Eris asking quietly, "Am I supposed to say something?"

 

[Baobhan]

'The events as they transpired were fascinating.'​

... Never had the Palatine quite had an experience like this, first, not only did an outsider, the first in her own personal history so quickly raised to rival the challenge set forth by their people to take the role of Grand-Master. But to finish the trial with an ending that had not been seen by the Chaplain to the point that he had to call for council, Eris knew that things were changing, but on this scale so quickly, was an exciting time for her. Unable to shake the smile that was drawn across her face as the Chaplains called themselves together, finding herself by her champions' side she would place a supportive hand on her shoulder as she recieved the treatment she needed. Looking to Eris, she questioned what the Chaplains were talking about, to answer, Eris didn't entirely know herself, but she was able to make somewhat of an educated guess. Her mind was racing, so, she took a moment to better gather her thoughts, parting her lips and hesitating before speaking.

“Remember myself telling you that the Arena was a sacred place? Actions within the arena can be considered... prophetic. When a person looses themselves in combat to instinct, many of us believe that it's a type of meditative trance, that the universe can speak through these events much like how mystics can see visions through deep meditation. Battles in the sacred arena can be deeply metaphorical. It seems that your actions in the Arena caused a bit of a stir... an ending that they had not seen before, so they are convening to whether or not there is a prophecy to be told in all of this. Considering you won, I imagine it to be potentially grand.” She finished, hoping that Evelyn did not see them in a worse light because of their superstition, though the Palatine could not possibly know that to orders of mystics billions of light-years away. Visions of the future and far off places were common-place, that the ancient ways of tribal faiths had powers that could not be fathomed by sects like the Jedi... So to, as the Arch Chaplain came to deliberate meaning, he spoke of a great many things.

The chattering fell silent.​

... The Vampire Varcolas vacantly voiced his vivid vision of future violence and victory. As he spoke, he took a slightly more archaic tone, to which Eris would somewhat translate ''Herator means to inherit'' and other such minor definitions as they came across in the Arch Chaplains' speech. He spoke of a tough decision, which meant there would be a conflict of some kind, perhaps against some servitor of a greater force. But the one to deal the blow would face great suffering, Eris thought about that for a moment, confronting herself and acknowledging that should she be faced with the choice, she would gladly shoulder the burden. But the news that there could be, or would be an incarnation of a divine force, broke the silence of the chatter... many in disbelief, but Eris knew deeply that this was an omen. Whether it be good or bad, she could not say, but it would redouble her resolve to see the serpents rise as an empire united.

The crowd was nervous, anxious even.​

... Evelyn whispered to Eris, asking if there was anything she should say to the people, in response Eris replied, saying that the soldiers here were hers to command, that; “they are restless, they see an enemy on the horizon that they doubt they can overcome, with a new, unknown leader to guide them compounding that feeling. They want a leader to guide and rally them, but are unsure... why not put their minds and hearts at ease, and show them how you can raise their spirits...? After all... you are their Grand-Master. ”

The Palatine would step back, and watch to see how the Grand-Master handled her men.​

Fin~​

 

[EmilyHuene]

"Oh....you want another show." She would smirk and look around. Everyone was eyeing her, judging her. Some even feared her. And they had every right to. So...what to do.

Evelyn would walk away from Eris and toward the men before her. She pushed past them giving them a smirk as she did. With the flick of her hair she kept on walking until she was in the center of the area. Evelyn would need every bit of strength she had left. She called the Force to her in just a simple way to amplify her voice. "People of Zakuul! Soldiers of a greater cause. What you have seen today is only a glimpse of my power. I have faced your test and came out on top. How many of you can say the same? You have elected me....me, to show you the way. I will lead you to a better land, and I will give us the wealth you seek. Together our enemies will know to fear Zakuul and we will show our devotion to anyone who comes to cross us!!!!"

As the crowds cheered in response, Evelyn would lower her arms and turn to face the chaplans. "This is my army," she thought to herself; a look that would transpire through thought so every one of them could assume what she was thinking. "I will not let them down."

~END THREAD~​