Ask I Like Shiny Things

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

The Darkness provided. A path was laid out before each servant, a path to power. Many would try to complete that journey, but most would fail…they lacked the conviction to truly serve. They lacked ambition to wield the gifts given. Charlotte shuddered when she recognized that failure within herself. She had fought and clawed to stay alive within the Order. Eight years old when sold into servitude, she had thrown herself at every challenged. Her life became would hill to climb after the next until she attained the relative safety of a Marauder. After years of fighting to live she told herself she could rest for a moment. That rest had turned into complacency. She became the very thing she hated. Andruil had lit the fire anew in Charlotte. She realized now she must seize the power that was her birthright. She served the Darkness and she rested no longer.

The Queen of Dathomir had provided Charlotte with a spectacular outfit. Her heartbeat just a little faster. It was time. Her saber hilt was concealed carefully within the folds of her dress, she seriously doubted she would need to use it…but you could never be too careful. Charlotte waited on the cobblestone path at the edge of the sprawling Le’Anna estate. Her family was poor by Hapan nobility standards which meant they were still rich compared to the general galaxy. She could see the lights of the manor flashing in the short distance and hear the sounds of string instruments just reaching them.

She had left Andruil’s ship a handful of moments before the Sith Lord. Charlotte needed time to compose herself for what was to come. She wasn’t nervous. A return to Hapan society was meant to be ostentatious and dramatic. She simply needed to ready herself to play the part. The Darkness hummed in her heart. She was ready. Tonight, she would take what belong to her.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil didn't much like parties. The last one hadn't left the best taste in her mouth, and this one was about killing as well. She let out a quiet sigh in her room as she readied herself. The Marauder had already stepped outside, and Andruil wouldn't be far behind.

A simple black dress and a masquerade-style wolf's mask that covered her face and most of her tattoos was all she wore. Her lightsaber was a weapon she hadn't begun to carry until only a few years ago, and she still felt perfectly capable of killing without one. What did still find its way into her the base of her long braid was the hairpin which could be used as such a lethal tool.

She took a final breath in, smoothed her hands over her dress, and headed for the ramp. She descended and breathed in the fresh night air, looking out to the lights in the distance. She could sense the nerves from the other woman, but somehow felt confident in her abilities. She had faith that Charlotte would do everything that was necessary.

We should go. The longer we wait, the harder it will get, she said. Fear and doubt would begin to creep in with time. Andruil knew all about second guessing, but she typically managed to avoid doing it until after the deeds were done.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte smirked. Andruil wore the wolf’s mask well, a precursor for what was to come. Subtle. She nodded slowly. “Yes.” There was no point in hiding her shuddering nerves. This was a tremendous undertaking with implications beyond her own life. Charlotte would end lives of family she had once loved. She ended those lives in a quest for personal power and prestige for the Order. She was nervous but Andruil was correct. Waiting would only make it worse. She took that first step and felt a calm descend on her heart. She was ready. It was time.

Her heels clacked on the cobblestones. In short order, the walls surrounding Le’Anna manner grew ever closer. The music became louder and the lights brighter. A large gate stood wide open, guests pouring through on every side. They were dressed in the very best of Hapan society. Riches beyond what many could comprehend surrounded the Sith. Luckily, Andruil had them prepared. Charlotte and the Sith Lord fit right in. She kept silent while they approached the guards. The large human male eyed her.

“Name.” Charlotte smiled, flashing her eye lashes. “Charlotte Fora Le’Anna.” His eyes flicked down to read the datapad. “I don’t see you on the list, miss.” Her mouth became a hard line, her voice sickly sweet. “Should I say my last name again? Le’Anna…Do you know whose ground these are?” The man looked startled for a second finally looking into her eyes. Her resemblance to her mother was undeniable. If he had met the matriarch, he would know her heritage. “Oh…yes…of course…come right in.” She had been tempted to use the Force, but less aggressive choices were better. For now. "Thank you, dear."

They were ushered into the ground, the wall revealing a truly extravagant party. Lights lined the entire courtyard leading up to the aggressively decorated manor. “My mother will have heard of our arrival. The guards are started but not stupid.” Let the games begin.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil was happy to sit back and let the other woman take the lead. It was her home, her family, her show... literally her party. The Darth would supply what was needed, and happily perform the killing blow, but until then, she would simply exist in the background.

She suppressed a smirk as the guard seemed flustered, and she wondered if they would bother noting to the Mother that her daughter had a guest or partner along. It would certainly be easier if not.

As soon as they crossed the threshold and entered the main courtyard, Andruil wished she were... somewhere else. The jungles or in her Vault or on Dathomir... anywhere but a party. She didn't want to socialize with these people, and she also didn't like that they didn't have the guts to fess up to what they did. If you were going to kill, then kill. The subtlety about it was just... killing with extra steps.

Perhaps we should split up? she suggested. If all eyes are on you, then I might pass relatively unnoticed, she said. Plus that meant less socializing for the Darth if she could just sneak around from place to place, right?

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

There was a small shift in the Force. Charlotte kept her face smooth. She understood why the Sith Lord may feel uncomfortable. It was barely a hint in the Force. Hapes covered brutalist in finery. Killers dressed as nobles. It was uncomfortable. “Agreed…” Her voice hitched for a second. “I do not know if my mother will seek me out, but I will find my father.” Charlotte clicked her tongue. “He always made time for his eldest.” Venom dripped on each word. He had claimed to lover her. What a farce. She grabbed a glass from a passing waiter, little bubbles popping away. “To nobility.” She raised the glass, hammered the contents, and went searching for her destiny.

Charlotte perused the party, and it did not take long for Xander Le’Anna to find his daughter. The aging Hapan was dressed smartly in a finely pressed tuxedo. He was flanked by two hired guns. The shock on his face, rang clearly in the Force. “My god…Charlotte…it is you.” She smiled, showing the whites of her teeth. “Hello, father.” Xander could barely force the words out. “We thought you were dead.” He rushed forward and it was her turn to be shocked. The elder Le’Anna wrapped her in a tight genuine hug. He pushed away looking her over. What the fuck.

“When you never found your way back to us, we assumed you gone…what a miracle we have been gifted.” Her smile disappeared. Replaced by a painful grimace. “You sold me to the Sith.” Her act completely dropped. Shock burst into the Force. Her father’s face fell to piece. “What? No…never! Your powers had grown beyond our control, your mother said you need true teachers and that when their work was done you would be returned.” Charlotte’s head was spinning. None of her father’s words felt false. He was not Force Sensitive and his mind was weak. This was his truth. Could he truly not have known?

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil felt both better and worse at being alone. She watched Charlotte disappear into the crowds as the Sith Lord made her way into the house shortly thereafter. She let her mind wander through the peoples, tapping at the others who were here. Greed, jealousy, and fear pervaded the entire event. It was odd. So different and yet so similar to places she had been. To a Sith gathering. Perhaps it was "destiny" that Charlotte had ended up in the Sith.

She made her way past a set of hired security and up some stairs overlooking the party, a glass of champagne in her hand that she didn't drink as she looked down and watched.

After several moments her eyes fell on her partner, and the Shadow nudged at their minds. She could sense surprise from... both of them? That was unexpected. She wondered if something was going wrong and her eyes swept slowly over the crowd. She also realized she didn't know what her target looked like, but at an event like this run by her target, it couldn't be that hard to find her. Andruil had confidence in her own ability to hunt, and that was all this was. Hunting with extra steps. Just like killing with extra steps.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

“Liar” Get ahold of yourself Charlotte. You are not some scared little girl running to daddy after lessons with mother. He did not raise you. He sold you…just like her. He gave you to this life, made you this way. She grasped for mental straws. Her emotions spiraling out of control. Charlotte fought to remain on plan. Kill him. Let Andruil kill her mother. She felt the sheltered mind of the Sith Lord. The Marauder nearly reached for help but knew what a terrible sign of weakness that would be. She shook her head. She was just standing there like an idiot. Find control.

“Charlotte…” Her eyes flicked back to Xander. “I am so sorry…I should have known.” Stupid. Weak man. He had never protected her. Never stood up for any of them. He was cowed by her mother. “Please you must know I would have done anything to find you.” Emotions continued to boil in her chest. Every word he spoke was punctuated with truth in the Force. Her voice was sharp. “It doesn’t matter. You let her do it.” The drew a frown from her father. “I am a man who loves his daughters, but I wield no power here. I am a decoration like the statutes around us.” Small bubbling rage popped in the Force. Was he actually angry? “Let us find your mother. This all needs to end.” Charlotte wanted to protest. Want to tell him no. This was not part of the plan. This was not how it was meant to go.

She did not find the words. “Yes, father.” Her mind instinctively reached for Andruil, trying to convey what was transpiring. She did not know what would come next. Perhaps the Le’Anna matriarch would be dead before they ever found her. Would this turn into a slaughter? Could she really kill her father? One fact was certain. The hatred for her mother burned brighter than ever.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil watched from above, concerned at the spikes of emotion that were quite evident in the Shadow. But she reminded herself of how wildly her own emotions had fluctuated on the day she took over as Queen. It had been a volatile day in every sense of the word.

Their conversation continued as she watched and the two began to walk somewhere else. Despite what they were here to do tonight, Andruil was a patient predator. She wasn't going to jump the opportunity too soon. They would wait for the opportune moment.

As the pair began ascending the stairs to find the matriarch, Andruil was already moving. She made her way deeper into the house, almost failing to notice the beautiful art and statues scattered throughout. It was quite spectacular, but she forced her mind back to hunting her prey.

It was in a large grouping of people with one woman at the center that Andruil assumed she had found her target. Several people were chuckling politely at something she said, and Andruil swung wide to get a better view of everything. Her fingers flexed slightly at her side as they often did when she was suppressing the desire to cast at the exact moment.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Time seemed to crawl to a halt. No…Charlotte, that is not right. Time did not slow. It moved backward. She was a child again being towed around the Estate by her father. The pit in her stomach growing hard and cold. How many times had she walked this walk? Her father plucking her from some safe corner to be brought before her mother. He always promised she would be safe, always promised this time would be different. He was always wrong…but he never let Charlotte suffer alone. Xander Le’Anna always came to pick up the pieces.

Charlotte was dimly aware of Andruil in her senses. She had no reason to trust the Sith Lord. Yet, in this moment she had absolute faith in the Queen of Dathomir. She held Xander’s hand as he led her through the Estate. Leading her up the stairs, into the mansion, and taking her to a familiar room. The large foyer where her mother often held court. Gathered nobles formed a loose ring around the stunningly beautiful Lady Le’Anna, Matriarch of House Le’Anna. Her mother was stunning in an absurdly conventional sense. One look at Charlotte’s face would betray who she belonged too. There was no denying the eldest daughter of Issarain Le’Anna had returned. Heads turned as Xander led them forward…small whispers raising in the crowd. Surprised sparked for a moment in the Force. Briefly, Issarain’s eyes widened in shock. That shocked was quickly replaced with a cool smile.

“By the Queen Mother herself we have been given a gift!” Charlotte wanted to gag. The confusion that threatened to consume her mind was fading. Seeing her mother again invoked only one feeling. Hate. White hot burning hate. Hate that sharpened her mind. She made no effort to conceal her rage in the Force. “My first born has been returned to us!” Charlotte knelt upon approaching, her eyes cast on the ground. “I have come home mother. To serve as you intended.” Her voice was carefully subservient. She had to play the game perfectly right.

She knew Issarian would never allow them to be alone together. “Xander! Take our daughter to be properly dressed in our colors to join the party. I will ensure the rest of our guests know what a joyous occasion this has become.” Xander nodded dotingly. Her stupid father failing to feel the political moves. She stood, ready to be led away by her father. “Yes mother.” Issarain smiled as she headed to go spread the good news. Charlotte knew the truth. Her mother would almost certainly head deeper into the estate, searching for a way to kill her eldest. Xander was a sentimental fool. His wife suffered none of those frailties.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil's senses weren't deceived by Charlotte's subservient tone. She could feel the hatred burning within the eldest daughter, and she could feel the surprise that subtly nagged at her mother. Though the woman appeared unflappable, she was not.

Andruil could also sense the murderous intent within the woman. What she didn't account for was the advocate that her daughter had brought along. Andruil would be more than happy to see the woman dead. She just needed the right opportunity.

While Charlotte was led away, Andruil made her way through the house, stopping at the "fresher" and closing the door. She placed her hands over the counter, whispering a quiet enchantment as she channeled her magick.

A cloud of green appeared before beginning to solidify. Within the course of a few seconds a small vial of poison lay on the counter and she picked it up and placed it in her own bag. Yes, the hunt was afoot.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte’s heels clicked on the marble flooring. Xander walked beside her, two hired guards trailing at a respectful distance. She knew exactly where she was being lead. Her old room. An air of reservation hung between them. Her father broke the silence. “We’ll get this all figured out. Now that you’re home, I can set things right.” Charlotte’s tone remained carefully soft. “Of course, father.” The rest of the walk was held in silence. Was Xander so foolish as to think her mother would ever allow her to live past tonight? Did he think he could stop Issarian? They arrived exactly where she expected. The room where she often prayed to escape the torment of her mother. No more lessons delivered in raining blows. Unlike many of her edgy peers, those beatings had not broken her but made her stronger. She smiled that smiled she had used on her father a thousand times before. “Dad…do we really need the guards?”

Charlotte would never understand how Xander got entangled with her mother. He was a truly kind soul. “I’m just changing.” He wilted as he always wilted. “Of course not…I’m fine boys, head back to Lady Le’Anna.” If the guards had been longtime Le’Anna guardians they may have protested, they may have known better. As it was, they were hired for the night and really could not care less. She pushed the door open and stepped into her childhood. The room was as she left it. Practically untouched. “I would not let her tare it apart.” Her father pointed at the wardrobe. “I did have dresses made, should you ever find your way home.” She felt the love in his heart. The hope in his eyes. It did not change what she had to do but did make her choice all the more difficult.

Charlotte turned to look Xander in the eyes. Tears brimming, her soul a torrent of emotions. The Darkness called to her. It was time. “Oh Dad. How I wish you’d never met mother.” The Darkness filled her. A flick of her wrist sent the wardrobe sliding in front of the door. The Force wrapping around her father’s body. It was time.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil was unaware of the actions taking place in Charlotte's room, and amidst the chaos of emotions that was this party she could no longer recognize the struggle and torment that the other Sith was going through with regards to murdering her father.

Her mind was on her target. The predator's instincts now surrounded her and the Shadow moved darkly all around her. The Lady Le'Anna's time had come.

But it wouldn't be easy. The woman had been the center of attention the entire night, and that meant too many eyes would be on her and by extension Andruil if she got too close. Her hand reached down to brush against her small purse, but she began to wonder if the vial of poison would be viable at all.

Unless, she thought to herself. She made her way to one of the servants, and forced her will upon his mind.

You will serve this drink to Lady Le'Anna, she said, dropping the contents of the vial into the glass.

The man repeated the words and immediately set off to follow them through. He took the glass to the woman, and now came the trickier part. Andruil guessed the woman wasn't weak-willed, but even the strong willed could often be... nudged. After all, who wouldn't want a drink?

As the servants offered her a drink, the woman seemed to pause a moment to consider it and Andruil applied the subtlest of pressure to her mind before she decided to accept. Now it was simply a waiting game.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte was a galaxy apart from Andruil. She had no idea what steps the Sith Lord took towards their ultimate goal. Even if the Marauder could sense the Queen, her mind was elsewhere.

Unbidden tears streamed down her face. Hot and angry, burning tracks down her cheeks. Her heart beat impossibly fast, her eyes locked on Xander. Charlotte’s soul was a raging tangle of anger, hate, love, and loss. She wanted to scream. She wanted him to scream, beg, ask for help…anything! “Say something you coward.” The words burst forth unexpectedly. Her father’s voice was heartbroken. “I knew this was why you’d come. It is why all daughters of Hapes return. I had hoped I was wrong. I’m not.” Charlotte tightened the steel bands around his body. Xander did not cry out. His eyes were eternal pools of agony. A life filled with regret. He did not cry. He did not beg. He simply watched his daughter.

“She doesn’t deserve to live. You did nothing to protect us.” Venom flew from her. The tears dripping onto her dress. Years of emotional turmoil racing up. “She doesn’t and I am a failure of a man who has waited for this day.” Xander locked eyes with Charlotte. “My little Charlie…” He smiled. The damnable man had the nerve to smile.

The Force raced out from her left hand, wrapping around his beating heart. She squeezed. Xander’s eyes widened for a moment. “You can do it. Take care of your sis…” She tightened harder, stopping her father’s heart in his chest. He went limp as she held him in the air, ensuring his heart would never beat again. His face burned into her mind. A flick of the force dropped him on the floor and cleared the doorway. The pain that ripped through her chest was real. The wail she unleashed was real. Charlotte barely maintained control of the Darkness. They could not know her hidden talents. She screamed. “Guards! Guards! Someone help!” Her fists pounded the ground. He had loved her as she had loved him. Until the very end he had been the only person to ever care for her. Two guards burst into the room. “Get a medic! He just collapsed…I can’t see his breathing!” They would get a medic. They would try to revive Lord Le’Anna, but it would not matter. Charlotte pushed herself from the body, shaking and overwhelmed. What had she done? What had she done? What the Darkness Demanded.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil began to put space between herself and her prey. She didn't want to be too near when the poison took its hold. Instead, she followed the servant as he made his way through a hall to the kitchen.

As they made it into seclusion, she grabbed him and pushed him up against the wall. Her eyes flashed green followed by her two fingers that tapped his forehead. His eyes rolled back in his head and he slumped to the floor in a sleeping heap. He wouldn't remember anything when he woke up. Nothing from the party, perhaps not even anything from the day. It wasn't always an exact science, but it beat being dead.

She returned quickly to the party and finally took a glass of champagne for herself to actually drink. She moved to a chair and sat to watch the show.

It was now that she felt the shift. It was unmistakable waves of violence and rage emanating from upstairs. Nefarious energy that could have only been Charlotte. There was fear and anger. Confusion laced with everything else. Almost a feeling of a lost young girl, but beneath it was something far more sinister. Far more powerful, and it had reared its head. That was a Sith.

Andruil simply smiled.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

He was gone. Xander Le’Anna lay lifeless on the floor. Charlotte played her part well…wailing and screaming as the guards tried to revive him. Finally, they covered him with a sheet from her childhood bed. The guards stood awkwardly. Fidgeting about, unsure what to say. She stood slowly, her hair, makeup and dress an absolute mess. “Go tell my mother.” The guards hesitated for a moment. Should they really take orders from her? Charlotte put steel in her voice. “Now.” They jumped. “Yes, my lady.” Her heart was aflame. The Darkness raging through her soul as never before. This was her path to power.

Charlotte began to walk back towards the main foyer, unaware she had sent the guards to find another dead body. She could not have known Andruil had silently completely her task. The servant had performed exactly as desired, delivering the poisoned drink to Issarain. The poison had worked quickly and efficiently, leaving no trace behind. The guards found Lady Le'Anna slumped in a chair in her study. Charlotte felt only a burst of shock in the Force. Shock the slowly grew to fear.

The guard captain found her before she managed to return to the foyer. His face a jittery mask of nerves. “My lady, your mother…she is gone as well.” These may have been hired guns, but they were Hapan. They knew the game. “Then fate has truly wounded me tonight.” She ran her hands over the wrinkles in her dress. “I will ensure your men are paid well for the rest of their duties tonight and for a while longer…assuming you continue serving. I will not forget your compassion for my family.” The bargain was clear. Do their part and be rewarded. Charlotte hoped Andruil would not mind. The Sith Lord was a Queen after all.

“Yes, ma’am.” She put on a perfect mask of grief. It was easy because it was real. She was glad her spiteful mother was gone, but the pain she felt at the loss of her father was true. Charlotte stepped into the foyer, walking slowly to the railing that looked down on the party goers. She raised her voice. “My friends. Our night of celebration has turned to ruin. My mother and father are gone. The only blessing they left this mortal life together. Thier hearts simply not strong enough to endure.” Yes…perfectly displayed grief. Just the performance the Consortium demanded. “Please enjoy the food and drink. Celebrate their memory. I must gather my sisters and prepare to carry on.”

The guard captain was on her right side. She lowered her voice. “Secure the estate.” Charlotte knew she needed to speak with Andruil. This was only the first step. Her heart still bled. Her emotions unhidden. Tonight she would scream, weep, mourn and celebrate.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil watched the woman go into a more private room with others before hearing the yells for help. She reached out with her senses, feeling what was within the room. She knew what she was looking for and she felt it there. The cold pouring out of death. The Shadow opened up to welcome another into its embrace.

Andruil did not linger near the death but went about into the room, moving smoothly and alone through the room, replacing her glass on the tray of one of the waiters as she headed to find the other Sith.

She headed upstairs, following the swells of emotion coming from the rooms. She could tell the emotions were real, and she knew it well. She had experienced the same thing once, and perhaps she would give the other woman time to grieve. Or perhaps she wouldn't. Only time would tell.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Charlotte Le'Anna]

Charlotte could feel Andruil moving throughout the Estate. The Darkness rang with unmistakable finality. The newly minted Head of House Le’Anna did not wish to offend the Sith Lord, but she needed time alone. Her mother and father were dead, her sister’s beings rounded up. She prayed they simply fell in line. Charlotte was uncertain she could face more death tonight. Her hate for her mother ran bone deep but her dad had been a good man. A foolish, naïve, misplaced man…but good. In another life, his love may have saved her from all of this. As it was, this was her life and he failed to even save himself. Her mind reached out to Andruil. She did her best to temper the flames of her emotions.

“My queen, a few hours please…and then I shall be ready for the next steps of our journey.” Of course, she could do whatever the Sith Lord required. The next few steps on this path would be dangerous and deadly. There was no telling what would happen. One thing was certain, tonight had made Charlotte stronger even if she did not yet feel that strength. Her power was growing, and she was one step closer to greatness.

OOC: Exit Thread

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Andruil enjoyed her anonymity here. No one paid the woman in the wolf-mask much attention, and she was out toward the night in short order. She could feel and hear Charlotte's voice in her mind, and she saw no reason to rush. The other Sith would need to be at her best for whatever came next.

Of course, she simply replied. She wouldn't likely remain here, but she would return. For now, the Sith Lord headed out into the night to return to her ship. For Charlotte it was a night of grief, but for the Nightsister it was a night for celebration. A great victory had been achieved, and that meant wine would be durnk.

//Thread

@Valen Pelora