Ask Korriban An Invitation

[Darth Malicia]

Construction clamoured in Korriban's largest city. New statues were being constructed. One on each side of the palace, closer to the entrance. The one on the left was of Darth Raze. The one on the right was of her, Darth Malicia.

Not too long after she returned from Denon she'd been approached about their construction. She assumed it was a tradition and, truthfully, hoped that Raze might enjoy having one. She decided to place them outside the palace since she felt they did not belong inside with the lords that came first. Everything she did was coloured by her desire to continue feeding so, for the most part, she was disinterested in a lot of others things, but she still had some respect for past lords.

Inside the palace plates and bowls of food covered the entire top of a large, stone, long table. A mixture of servants and cultists were still moving plates to make room for decorations, although they were having little luck. There were only two chairs at the table however and Malicia did not plan to eat much. She was not one for parties or dinners and how cluttered the table was bothered her greatly, but she had it prepared for her guest who'd she'd invited. There was nothing else she could think of to give the woman so she hoped this would do.

Malicia was not sitting in her chair however, she was standing outside on a nearby deck staring off in the distance. There were a lot of questions she needed to ask her friend and confidant. Malicia worried that her hunger could effect her pregnancy but she had no idea how and so she needed Renfry's thoughts, even though she knew it was weak to rely on another.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry didn't really know why she'd been asked to come to Korriban, but she'd built a good relationship with the Sith Councilor, which seemed like a good thing for everyone involved.

The Nightsister had been to Korriban before, and she decided it wasn't her favorite place for the same reason as Moraband: too hot, dry, and barren. Not enough life. Still, there was a great deal of history and power here on this world.

As she made her way up the steps of the palace, she stopped to examine the statues being erected. She recognized both figures in it, and the fact that Raze was one of them gave her a moment's pause. But then, she supposed that made sense, didn't it? He had a tendency to manage getting pieces of whatever he helped put together. And she didn't really expect any less.

She shrugged and continued onward, not yet putting together all the pieces that were involved in this puzzle. Inside, she found the table laid out, her eyebrows rising slightly as she saw the spread that was being laid out, and beyond that the balcony.

She recognized Malicia immediately even from a distance and made her way over and out onto the balcony.

Good to see you, she said, walking up next to her and giving a smile if the other Sith looked her way. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia turned her head to Renfry, allowing herself to smile back slightly. "Yes, it is good to see you too," she replied. It felt like it'd been years since she'd last seen the Nightsister, even though she knew it hadn't been. It couldn't have been more than a month since she last saw the woman, but a lot of things had happened.

The small councillor turned and gestured her hand towards the table. "I had a dinner prepared for you," she said. "I hope it is adequate." There were all sorts of meals, and they weren't simply for the sake of having a large selection. Malicia hoped that one or two of the items on the table would turn out to be a favourite of Renfry's, or, at least, something she enjoyed.

The last cultist moved away from the table, standing beside another that had a tray of several different types of drinks. Malicia turned to face the door, her steps taking her back inside the dining room.

She paused for a few moments to let Renfry look at the selection. After allowing a few moments to pass she decided to explain why she asked the Nightsister here, "I know a dinner is not what you came for, but I also hope you will help me with something while you enjoy it. I'm pregnant and I need to know if you think my hunger will effect the child's growth." Of course, she didn't expect the Nightsister to know for sure, or to even have a guess without asking questions. Still, it was a way to open the conversation.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry looked back at the spread across the table and was somehow surprised that it was all for her. It was a lot of food and Renfry wasn't sure she warranted all of this. Even if she'd moved up in the galaxy she still felt like the same old person she'd always been.

Renfry smiled broadly as Malicia mentioned that she hoped it was adequate. I think it could feed me for the next six months, she said. Thank you, she added. People doing things for her still felt somewhat weird.

Renfry's eyes swept over the table, looking at all the different options. Dathomirians were natural carnivores and much of the diet of her people consisted of meats, and so she shamelessly picked a large cut of nerf that smelled delicious and looked incredibly juicy. Renfry's golden eyes were practically lighting up as she took a seat.

This looks fantastic, she said, taking a bite and moaning slightly. And it tastes delicious, too, she said. Oh right, she probably was supposed to be acting more "civil" wasn't she? Oh well.

And then Malicia dropped the proverbial bomb. That was not what she'd been expecting and she stopped chewing for a moment, eyes wide.

You're pregnant? Who's the father? she asked with surprise after a moment. And she wanted to know how her... condition would affect the baby? She reached up and scratched the back of her head in thought. This was a bit outside of what she'd worked with before, but wasn't it all? Nothing she did was by the book.

What were the worst outcomes? Still birth was most likely of the bad outcomes. Some form of infantile possession was probably the worst outcome, but also seemed less likely. No effect? Possible, but difficult. The puzzle was already coming together. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

The councillor watched Renfry eat happily, and... couldn't help but smile herself. Maybe experiencing a connection with Raze helped her accept that she cared for a select few people. Although, thinking back on it, she'd also gone mad trying to protect a tomb filled with a handful of her dead siblings.

So much weakness, but she had accepted that she could do nothing about it, aside from letting her hunger take full control of her.

She stepped forward until she reached her chair. Sitting, the small Darth placed a hand on her stomach and looked down. A faint smile formed on her face while some memories came back to her. "Darth Raze's," she said after a moment, in case the woman needed information on the father to come to a conclusion.

Looking back up, Malicia's faint smile faded into a frown. "I want to find a way to protect the child if it is at risk," she said. "Even if it requires more rituals," she said, confidently. She'd do whatever was required to produce an heir for her plans, even though she hated every ritual before.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry was happily chewing on another bite of her steak when the name of the father was spoken. Her gut dropped and she took an involuntary breath inward, her appetite evaporating in an instant. She didn't really hear whatever Malicia said next... something something rituals and protection, something something.

Her mind went shooting through... oh nothing good. The irony was that Renfry had considered - as Queen - her own need for an heir someday, and had actually thought of asking for it to come from Emryc, whether he wanted anything to do with the child or not.

She thought back to the marks she'd seen on him when they'd been on Dathomir, now wondering if Malicia had been the one to give them to him and picturing it in her mind for a moment. Her gut churned and she felt sick.

Excuse me. I need some air, she said, a half-hearted effort as she pushed herself away from the table and walked out to the balcony. Where the air was absolutely stifling. Suffocatingly hot and offering no relief. The planet suddenly felt so dreadfully dead. The lack of vibrant energy, animals, plants, and life made her long for Dathomir. For the comfort of home.

She didn't have it.

Instead, rage flooded her, but it was shapeless. It wasn't directed at anyone and yet it was directed at everyone. She was enraged at Emryc. She was furious that he hadn't simply told her. That he hadn't made it clear that... this was happening. She deserved at least that much. She felt used and dirty. She knew he didn't love her, but... well she'd always known she was a fool for loving him. Perhaps it was time she actually, finally ended that. Squashed those feelings for her own protection. She knew he had other lovers, she even knew that Tiamat was in love with him, but having a lover and having a child weren't quite the same thing.

She was mad at Malicia, even though she knew she shouldn't have been. She knew it was petty since Malicia knew... well, actually she didn't know what Malicia knew. Perhaps Emryc had told her everything, though a part of her doubted that. If that were the case, surely Malicia would not have so readily shared the information with the Nightsister. Still, Malicia was going to have a child with him. Thoughts of wicked things flashed through her mind. Betrayal through her magick, but she cut them short with a forced exhalation. Were these her thoughts? Was it this place? This planet? Or was it simply the will of Andruil? The Queen who had viciously hacked the head off of one of her own kin during her conquest.

And she was irate with herself. That she let this happen again. The fact that her emotions played any role within her anymore was unacceptable. She had real power now, and she was letting herself be tossed around by this... whatever this was. Her hand gripped the stone railing of the balcony until her knuckles turned whiter than her already pale Dathomirian skin.

A switch was thrown in her mind, and her eyes became hard. She gazed out over the sands and simply stood in silence, letting it all coalesce and take what form it would. Perhaps it was time to steel herself. To everyone.

 

[Darth Malicia]

When Renfry said she needed air and got up suddenly, Malicia was taken by surprise. The Darth just stared blankly for a handful of seconds while the Nightsister went to the deck. Confusion set in once strong emotions stirred in the air, all coming from Renfry.

Malicia waited some time at the table to see if the woman would calm down and come back. But she didn't. Renfry stayed on the deck and the Nightsisters emotions only got stronger and more turbulent. It took a few more heartbeats before Malicia started to get worried.

The small councillor pushed up from her chair, slowly walking towards the deck. She did not want to disturb the woman but she was too worried not to. "Are you okay?" Malicia asked softly, stopping after taking a few steps on the deck. "...Renfy?" The look on Malicia's face, her posture and the tone of her voice all clearly displayed concern and confusion about what was happening.

Malicia looked briefly back at the table, then back at Renfry again. "Was something wrong with the food?" Malicia asked. "I'll have it replaced right away. Maybe you want a drink to wash the taste away?" the councillor continued, waving at the cultist with the drink tray so he'd come to her. Malicia was trying to think of other reasons the woman might be upset, "Is it about Raze? You don't need to worry about him. The pregnancy was a mutual decision between us. He is my husband."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry remained on the balcony for several moments. She intended to go back inside, but the seconds ticked by into minutes before Malicia appeared behind her and her voice broke the flow of the Nightsister's thoughts. She couldn't decide if that was a good or bad thing.

Bad. Definitely bad. The moment where it might have been good was completely shattered by the H word. So that was it then. Husband was definitive. That was it, and whatever fantasies she had had about Emryc were clearly just that: fantasies.

At least you have your answer, she told herself, but it was hollow consolation. The sooner she moved on, the better. She was tired of taking these hits. On Korriban the first time after hunting Kravos's holocron. On Thyferra. On Dathomir. Now here. How many times could she be stupid? How many times could she string herself along? Apparently a lot, and she was tired of it. She was tired of being stupid.

Renfry's fist slammed down on the railing, supernatural force shattering the stone under the impact, and immediately she felt a sense of relief. Sometimes it simply felt good to vent.

There was a temptation to leap at the offer of a drink, but she recalled with humiliation the fool she'd made of herself on Thyferra when she'd done that. No, that wasn't going to be happening. She wasn't that person anymore, and she couldn't allow herself to be.

She cleared her throat and withdrew her hand from the railing.

I'm sorry, I'm not being a very good guest. The food is excellent, Andruil said, her voice a bit more distant.

Congratulations on your wedding, she said before turning to walk back inside as if nothing had happened. Recent? she asked, voice still lacking most of its usual warmth. Of course it must have been, it hadn't been that long since the women had last seen one another.

Have you been having issues with the... urges since you've been pregnant? she asked, the word feeling almost like sandpaper on her tongue as she spoke. She forced the thought down and away. Times changed and so did people. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia raised her eyebrows when Renfry shattered part of the decks stone railing. It could be restored easily enough so her worry was still focused on the woman in front of her. And the worry did not go away either when the Nightsister switched back to "normal". Malicia had a temper herself... what Sith didn't? Hers surfaced often. However it usually took more than a split second to ease back from a fit. To say the least, it was easier to slip into rage than out of it.

She heard Renfry ask her first question, frowning slightly but answering, "Yes, recent. It is a political marriage, but I truly enjoy Raze's company." She was also worried about his current state, but she knew he did as he pleased, and if he was withdrawn it was what he wanted. That was comfort to her.

When the Nightsisters next question came, even though it was what she brought the woman here for, Malicia didn't answer the question right away. Instead, she thought for a moment and decided on something, "There is something wrong. I do not know what it is but I do not wish to pretend there is not," she said... probably clumsily. A woman not of words. Maybe the Nightsister sensed someones death? That could cause a sudden switch in mood.

Malicia looked around for something that might help Renfry's mood, spotting an item sparkling in Korriban's sunlight. The small councillor allowed herself to be drawn to it, picking it up and walking to Renfry. She proffered the item. It was the necklace from the tomb they'd raided together. "I regret taking this. You would do it much more justice. Sometimes... when it glimmers I can see amber it in it and it reminds me of your eyes," Malicia said. Her words didn't carry a lot of emotion in the tone, but it was there and the Nightsister would be able to sense Malicia was telling the truth and truly offering the item to her.

After a moment however, she added, "But, to answer your other question, yes I still desire to feed. Not on the baby however. Maybe it's not developed enough, or because it is part of me, I'm unsure."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil still didn't really have much of an appetite as she sat back down, but she wanted to forget about... all of this. She wanted to put it behind her, and yet she knew that if she were in Malicia's position she wouldn't have just ignored it either.

Andruil sighed lightly as Malicia asked what was wrong, not because she was annoyed or because she could fault the other woman at all, but simply because she didn't know what to say. She didn't want to explain everything or air her own stupidity, but she owed something by way of an explanation.

She was thankful that something else caught Malicia's attention, but she... wasn't expecting it to be this. She recognized the necklace from the tomb, knowing that it was the prize the Councilor had taken from the tomb the two had raided together.

She took the necklace and held it in her hand for a moment, looking at it. The gesture was... she didn't know what to say about it. It was kind. It was motivated by something that Renfry wasn't sure how to answer.

You should keep this, Malicia, she said quietly after a moment. Her heart pounded slightly. Whether Renfry was angry or not, she still considered Malicia her friend. And that was part of the problem.

You're... too kind to me, she said, slowly letting her hands fall back to the table and laying the necklace delicately atop it.

I'll help you with your child and I can help you with your hunger, but... I can't repay you beyond that, she said. Malicia was her friend, and not someone she wanted to hurt, but she didn't want to let her believe or expect something she would never find. And yet she hoped she said it with enough obscurity to spare the other woman from embarrassment. It was not her goal.

And as soon as she said it, as soon as the words crossed her lips, she understood. For the first time since she had met Emryc she understood something about him. She understood what he had told her here on this same world, she understood why he had put his arm around her on Dathomir, and she understood why he would never love her. It felt like being punched in the gut.

It was a tangled web they weaved. Malicia had what Renfry wanted, Renfry had what Malicia wanted, and Emryc... well, he had everything. She hated him for just a moment, but then realized she couldn't blame him. Not now.

I will do everything in my power to keep your child safe, she said, a genuineness in her voice as she said it. Perhaps it was some misplaced sense of vicariousness, but it was no less true. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

When the Nightsister said she couldn't repay her beyond that, Malicia kept a straight face even though she understood what she meant. "I know," the small Darth answered as stoically as she could muster. Deep down she felt an odd twist of pain. It hurt to be reminded that the Nightsister didn't share the same feelings, but she understood why Renfry said it.

Quietness settled between them, which was disturbed by a soft breeze from clouds gathering in the sky. Malicia watched Renfry for a moment and was surprised and happy to hear the Nightsister say she'd protect her child. "I'm glad," she said. It was a plain answer but she smiled, genuinely. She had a real friend, and maybe she cared about the child more than she thought she would.

Almost right away, Malicia put both her hands on her stomach and began explaining an idea she'd had for awhile, "I haven't tried focusing on the child yet. I want to see if that will stir my hunger," Malicia said. "I don't know why it hasn't been stirred yet." That was partly a lie. She didn't know why but she wondered if the hunger was effecting the child in some way. Maybe that's why it wasn't stirred by the child, but she wasn't an expert on the subject so she didn't want to make a guess.

The small councillor closed her eyes, focusing to see if she could sense the faint life force of the developing child inside her. All the emotion in the air clouded her mind at first. Then she sensed it. Small and faint. Her eyes opened. They had a hint of surprise in them and Malicia remained quiet for a few more moments before speaking again, "I can sense two lives."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

There was a moment's discomfort, and Renfry's heart felt heavy. This was not what she expected when she landed here today on any front. It was just... well, it was. She was thankful for the change of subject. The requirement that another part of her mind be active. The part that was analytical and driven by her knowledge of magick.

The lack of hunger directed at the child was unusual, but perhaps it was motivated and driven simply by self preservation. Sucking the life from something that was quite literally connected to her was likely not without risk. That and the possibility that it was something more nefarious. She'd heard rumors once of powerful spirits being able to possess children when they were still in their earliest stages of development. In fact, there were some in the ancient days who specifically impregnated themselves for the purpose of a transfer ritual, but it had gone out of practice among the Nightsisters long ago.

Her mind was still churning through possibilities when Malicia looked up to say that there were two lives inside of her. To any normal person this would have been assumed to be twins, but Renfry wasn't normal nor was her experience a part of the ordinary. Her first thought was still twins, but her second was possession. One body, dual essence.

That is... what was it? Good? Bad? Worthy of congratulations? How did you tell someone that you were worried their baby was possessed? Particularly when it was the less likely course.

You're certain it is only the child you sense? she asked a bit too bluntly. She didn't know how else to say it but wasn't willing to pass by the possibility. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Once Renfry asked her question, Malicia felt herself straighten up and something shift in her. She became more alert and more worried but she tried to squash the latter as much as she could. If she didn't, she knew her mood would start to dip, and quickly.

After the minor shock of Renfry's answer passed, Malicia replied, "I don't know how to tell." She paused to try to think. "But my hunger never stirred even when I focused on the lives, and the lives I sensed were equal strength." Another thought crossed her mind a second or so after, "What do you sense from me? Do you sense it in the... my child?" Children? she thought. She needed Renfry for this because she hadn't really.. sensed her own signature? How did one do that?

She was unsure how everything worked exactly but it was a simple enough thought. Maybe Renfry wouldn't be able to tell, but if both Malicia and the child or children sensed the same, then perhaps there was a problem. The thought suddenly hit her like a truck. Harder than before because of Renfry's reaction.

"Renfry," Malicia spoke up again, but her voice wavered somewhat. It was Malicia trying to keep herself in check. Reel herself back because the edges of her eyes were beginning to sting. Was she actually going to cry? What was wrong with her? Was it maternal instinct and against her will?

The small councillor looked away from her friend, lowering her head slightly in an attempt to shift her hair over some of her face. She had to hide her face. "Please... help them. Now? Can you do something now?"

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry's excellent bedside manner and social skills were at work again. She should write a holobook called "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People." Coruscant Times best seller right there.

It was clear that she had upset Malicia with her implication and understandably so, but it wasn't certain yet. Nothing was certain.

Just... we don't know anything yet, she said by way of poor consolation.

Okay, she said, standing and speaking more to herself than to Malicia at that point. She closed her eyes and reached out to the Shadow. There was a swirl of emotions within Malicia, many of which seemed different than what she normally sensed from the woman. She pushed beyond that to try to sense the child.

It was... new and fresh. It was filled with a purity and innocence, and Renfry let her mind sweep across it. And then she felt it. It was another sensation, similar and yet distinct. It was far too kind and gentle to be a product of the spirits that tore at the Sith Councilor.

Her eyes opened and she looked at Malicia.

I think they're fine, she said. The trick was to keep them that way.

They will be okay, Malicia, she said, looking the other woman earnestly in the eyes.

But we can prepare so that we can ensure they remain that way, she said. She moved over to her seat and drummed her fingers on the table for a moment. She just needed to figure out how to do that.

Have you noticed any changes in your... condition since you've become pregnant? she asked. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Malicia didn't look at Renfry when she tried to console her, it wasn't actually helpful. She only turned back when Renfry stood and began focusing on her. It felt like ages while the Nightsister stood there, though hardly any time actually passed.

The news of her children being fine washed a wave of relief over the Dark Councillor, even though she knew it wasn't the end of the problem.

But then... shame crept throughout her for almost crying. Malicia stood when that hit her next, moving towards the deck but not far enough that the Nightsister wouldn't hear her.

"What about one of your protection runes?" she asked suddenly, though she mulled over the question after, realizing something had changed now that she'd thought on it. "It still claws at my mind around large clusters of life, and back on Denon I barely felt satisfaction when I ate. It was almost like I had been staving for years, but alone the voices have been quieter. It's allowed me to stay here on Korriban in relative peace, longer than usual," she answered. "It is... also odd."

"If I gave you a room in the palace, would you stay for a few days?" she asked, finally reaching up and wiping away the small amount of tears that had gathered at the edges of her eyes earlier. "There are many luxuries here that you can take advantage of to pass the time. You can have my husbands room for the time, if you like, it's the second largest and I do not know when or if he will come back to Korriban so I doubt he'd mind."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry listened to Malicia's explanation of what had been happening. The fact that she hadn't had another reaction to the planet itself was probably a good thing, though it was difficult to say for certain.

You don't feel the desire to feed now? On me for instance? she asked, trying to gauge how the reaction was unfolding. She wouldn't have been bothered if the woman said it was a temptation, in fact she'd be surprised if she didn't feel that way. But if there were others who didn't elicit the desire to feed then that might be a clue.

Possibly. I can look into whether I can modify a ritual for it, she said, though it would probably take several hours for her to work on that.

She was about to accept the offer of a room when the woman clarified that it would be Raze's room.

No, she said, a bit more forcefully than she intended on gut reaction. I wouldn't feel right staying in that room, she continued a moment later without much elaboration. Though the fact that he had his own room seemed odd. She supposed that was the nature of a political union, but there was still a baby. She pulled her thoughts back from that rather than let herself get pulled into that vicious spiral.

I will stay here for a while, she said, pulling out her grimoire from where it was bound to her hip and breaking it open. She felt there may have been some things she could remember on this topic, though it had been some time. And if - when she was finished here - there was no other room for her, then she would sleep on her ship. She was not going to set foot in Raze's room. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

"I do," she clarified, getting a hold of herself to turn around and face the Nightsister. "Stronger when I focus on life. Very strongly when I focus on yours. I... do not think it likes you," she admitted, but that was something she assumed Renfry already knew. The woman constantly worked against her hunger.

Malicia took a few steps forward so they could talk properly, "Before the pregnancy, when I was alone somewhere, it use to pester me to find life, but now it's unusually quiet. Of course it still stirs as life draws near or passes by. Well..." Malicia tipped her head, pausing to think.

"Except for when I focus on my children I guess, and it is very quiet when I'm alone with Raze, even silent at times," she said, tapping a finger on her bottom lip as she thought. "It wasn't always like that. It once asserted control over me and almost attempted to eat the lord, but that changed once we both understood that we were....similar. Kin, in a way."

The small councillor raised an eyebrow unconsciously at the Nightsisters reaction to the offer of the second-largest room. She wasn't exactly sure why she wouldn't want it. Raze could stay in her—Malicia's—room if he suddenly showed, but her mood improved again after Renfry accepted the offer. "There are many other rooms to choose from, I'll show you," she said, gesturing towards a door to lead to a large and long hall. Pictures dotted the halls walls, all of former and now the current rulers of Korriban as well. All pictures of Kings, Queens, princes and princesses.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry wasn't surprised to hear that the hunger didn't like her. It meant she was doing her job right, and it also meant that if Malicia did ever lose control, the Nightsister needed to be very careful. Lovely thoughts.

Renfry looked up from her tome to listen to Malicia's explanation, grumbling internally at the mention of Raze. Again. Even if it was good information for her to work on.

As Malicia offered another room, she nodded and closed the book, replacing it in its binding and following. She looked over the art that decorated the walls. The palace was nice, but Renfry was left with another question.

Why Korriban? All the worlds you've conquered, why this one and not, say, Kaas? she asked. This wasn't exactly the most hospitable planet, but it did have power. She supposed that was probably the answer to her question, but there was also the issue of it feeding into the woman's hunger. She wondered if that was the real answer. @Dread

 

[Darth Malicia]

Why Korriban? It was funny the Nightsister asked because Raze had asked the exact same question. Not just asked either, he had actually helped her discover the answer. "My hunger drew me to this part of the galaxy. To Moraband and Korriban, most specifically," she replied, stopping for a moment in the hall once she saw the picture of Andraste, the largest piece by far and the most attention catching. Each stroke had meaning, there was no aimlessness or struggle to the art. It was pure, intentional...

Perfect.

Malicia stepped closer to stare at it, remembering Raze's confusing comments he made in front of Andraste's statue. Since then she'd become curious about the woman, though she hadn't given herself time to study her yet.

"But, unlike Moraband, Korriban does not drive me crazy. Here I am content... there is almost a sense of... belonging," she said. Her eyes became distant as she became more engrossed in thought, but she smiled at the same time, softly, reaching out almost as if she was going to touch the painting, but she stopped just short. She had no desire to damage it.

The small councillor looked over to Renfry with the same smile and distant look. But, after a moment, she turned again and kept walking down the large hall. She passed a few doors before turning, pushing open the door and walking into a large room. It was less than half the size of her personal room but it was still very large, decorated and cleaned with an immaculateness that was obsessive. Every single item had been cleaned and placed on purpose, the colours coordinated. It was a project Malicia had spent time on after she'd discovered the rooms closet.

"Do you ever enjoy.... trying on clothing?" Malicia asked, maybe slightly out of place while she walked towards the dressing room. "There are so many outfits here. They all fit me, despite my petite frame. They should fit you too, Renfry," she added.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry followed along as they came to the painting of Andraste. Most of Renfry's familiarity with the ancient Empress was through Emryc. He had thoroughly educated her on the history of the Sith before she had even joined the Order. Renfry understood why so many Sith looked up to her.

They continued on several moments later, Renfry's thoughts still lingering on what had made the ancient Empress so great. It was interesting to see all the ways that the Eternal failed to exemplify those qualities.

I see, she said as Malicia explained why she had chosen Korriban and why it was superior to Moraband. She was glad to hear that the planet caused fewer issues. If Renfry were being honest, she didn't like Malicia spending time on Moraband. It was simply too... detrimental.

As they reached the room, Renfry smiled. It was nice and looked luxurious. While Renfry was slowly adding more amenities to the temple on Dathomir, it still fell short of royal luxury that most people had. Of course, for the Nightsister it was wonderful, but to others perhaps not so much.

The question about trying on clothing made Renfry's eyebrow quirk up. Why would people try on clothes? She barely even liked wearing clothes as it was. Most of what she wore was around practicality. It was either very loose or very tight in order to facilitate maximum movement.

I prefer to wear as few clothes as possible, she said, before realizing that wasn't... really what she meant. She didn't just walk around half-naked all the time.

I mean... I usually avoid wearing clothes that restrict movements, she said. That wasn't really what Malicia had asked either was it?

Uh... she reached up and scratched her head. This room looks wonderful, thank you, she said, changing the subject entirely. @Dread