Open Social Jewel Of The Desert

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion smiled when he saw the excitement in Azar’s eyes. ”I know how you like it. When I saw it in the bookstore, I immediately knew that it would be a good gift.” it was satisfying to know that the Pureblood had appreciated it. Besides, the book would help him learn how to speak the Annfyn language. He knew that it would took a good amount of time, but he couldn’t wait to hear Arcanos speaking the native language of Annwfyn.

Now that he was talking with Azar, Caerllion was feeling more at ease. His emotions were under control and he didn’t even remember wanting to leave the party. The Annfyn even grabbed a glass of wine from a servant that passed by them. He sipped some of the drink, while watching the Pureblood look at Ayomi, still pathetically lying on the floor.

Only now he remembered that the Tiefling existed.

“Sorry for that, I couldn’t let them go without a punishment after they had offended me.” he thought that by now Ayomi would have got up from the floor. He didn’t hurt them that much with his psychic attack and breaking their heart would have made Tiefling want to run away rather than staying where everyone could see their suffering.

It was a bit pathetical.

While Azar told him about the next dramatic spectacle that was going to unfold, Caerllion followed with his eyes the one that would start it. Trodai must have trash in the place of his brain. He had provoked Ayomi, who already hated him, and turned his back at them. “Sometimes I wonder how he survived until now. He can really make some terrible decisions.” he said, touching his glass with Azar’s goblet.

He watched Ayomi attack a distracted Trodai with lightning while Vossari, one of Azar’s partners, used water to increase the damage of the electric bolt. Two against one didn’t seem fair to most people, but they were Sith. However, Caerllion didn’t care for what would happen with the large man. His ex-apprentice deserved what was happening with him due to his stupidity and hubris.

Seeing Azar lick the chocolate out of the strawberry and the wink made Caerllion stop his glass halfway toward his mouth, his cheeks a bit pink. Then he turned to look at the ongoing fight, catching a glimpse of Ayomi. “I would never.” he said, before sipping his wine. “They aren’t you.” he whispered at the Pureblood, but his attention turned back at the fight.

Ah, this was really a typical Sith social party.

He missed it.

@Sreeya

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As Trodai was waiting for an answer, he felt the Force surge and his senses ignite. He knew something was coming but just didn't know the how. And then it came, pain struck. A familiar pain. As flesh burnt and sizzled when wet flesh met lightning and clothes burnt in several places. Trodai was enraged as he fought through the pain, as he used it. And that pain was turned into power fueled by his wrath towards his opponent. Towards Ayomi who had struck while his back was turned.

Like a coward and now ruined his evening. He refused to acknowledge what was even said by his adversary.

He would show the tiefling who was really nothing. And it would not be him.

He had no choice but to fight now, as much as he had tried to behave. He cursed himself as his own need to mock his rival placed him in danger. And now he needed to show he was not weak, he was strong. A survivor. And so he would. Even as he overheard Azar speak up, to keep the fighting to the area he currently was. He would oblige his king. Just as he would oblige this weak welp in front of him and show him how far beneath he truly was. He attempted to resist and turned through the torrent, as his lightsaber quickly came to hand from beneath his sleeve from where he had kept it safely hidden and igniting it as he moved as fast as he could away from Serene.

He brought it up to deflect as much back as he could, as rage and wrath continued to build. As his pain and rage grew. He directed first his attention to the lightsaber as it lay on the ground and attempted to use the Force to push it away from reach before Ayomi could grab it, to move it across the other side of the area. To attempt to leave the tiefling open and defenceless, to make it difficult for the tiefling to strike effectively. He had a feeling it might be needed and was not willing to make the same mistake of coming to a Sith event unarmed like before. Just in case. And this was the case.

From there he would attempt to continue the assault, as his own rage and wrath grew and festered until it could no longer be contained. As a hole burnt into his hand when lightning became manifest for the first time. As the Dark Side provided an answer to his pain and rage. To his wrath.

He directed it at Ayomi. Allowing the torrent to consume them as he attempted to burn the tiefling with an equal malice, as he aimed for the legs and arms to weaken them. And allow him to move in closer for a reckoning, as he sought to capitalise and would employ Juyo utilizing it's unpredictability and erratic nature, relying upon it to overwhelm and stay one step ahead of his opponent as he would attempt to remove Ayomi weapon arm with the use of a 'Assured Strike' a technique employed within the form of Juyo that would trade sheer power for a near-certainty of landing a hit. He held the lightsaber one-handed in a high guard with the blade held horizontally above the head and pointed to the side. His body was half-twisted, with the off-hand swept across and down. The opening guard to the form. And from there would strike.

He would show Ayomi who truly was the strongest between them. Show them why they belong beneath them. And make them pay for the transgression committed against them on a night where he had not wanted this.

Spoiler: Actions

1.Trodai attempts to resist the torrent, turning to Ayomi and summoned his lightsaber to hand from beneath his sleeve, ignited it to attempt to redirect and deflect lightning back.

2.With his other hand he attempts to use the Force to push the lightsaber on the ground away from reach before Ayomi can grab it, seeking to move it across the area.

3.Manifested lightning and attempted to electrify Ayomi arms and legs to help immobilize them in an attempt to allow him to utilise the Juyo form and deliver a 'Assured Strike' technique in a attempt to remove Ayomi weapon arm and defend against an attack should Ayomi manage to grab the lightsaber.

@Sreeya @René @LouJoVi @Apollyon @Darasuum @Volene @Phoenix @Javier esschoolbus @Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

With Trodai covered in water and shocked by lightning, it was only natural he would try to respond with an attack of his own.

Unfortunately for him, Vossari would interrupt this with a single move. A word whispered, a hand moved, and Vossari's eyes turned green as they channeled the fearsome power of his enchanted jewelry. "Acridia." His eyes sharpened like a viper, and the water that covered Trodai would change. It turned green, stinking, as it began to burn through his clothes and skin. The pain would be excruciating. More importantly, it would likely completely debilitate him, preventing Trodai from making any counter attacks or resisting the lightning. The smell of lightning and acid charred flesh wouldn't be great, but otherwise, the party was uninterrupted.

Vossari's attention was primarily on the duel, but he regarded Iymril as they approached with a smile. "Would both be too much? Professor, Ambassador, Adventurer Extraordinaire, Vossari Khaldun." A smirk rose to his face as he looked on. "Glad to formally make your acquaintance, professor. My students have been quite excited about your coursework. Excuse me for a moment."

With his point made, Vossari whisked the liquid off of Trodai with a brush of his fingers as he stepped towards the pair. The acid returned to a long tendril of liquid, still ready to snap. The burning would stop. Vossari's hands went to his lightsaber as he approached, never willing to be unready. "This fight is over. Both of you, go enjoy the party that your King has so graciously prepared."
@Akheron @René @Apollyon

 

[Serene]

The bloodlust was palpable emanating from Ayomi. Serene's eyes dilated in anticipation as Trodai left her behind. Serene barely registered his words to her before the champion responded in her own self interest. The woman's chilled glass lost its effervescent liquid leaving only the garnish and ice cubes in the cup as Vossari manipulated it to his will against Trodai.

Sith lightening was a technique that Serene was intimately familiar with second only perhaps to shadow sorcery. Additionally she knew Vossari's skill at hydrokinesis after Salucami. The lethality of the tiefling's intent was clear and the near-human would not get caught in the cross fire. The Champion stepped out of the way and to the side. The air around her chilled as she debated freezing Trodai over with cryokinesis which would be effective considering he was promptly drenched but she would be glad she refrained.

In the next moment Vossari's transmutation of the water soaking the pureblood would begin to eat away. Serene could neutralize its acidic effects if she wished, albeit temporarily and it might give him some respite. The champion held off from that as well choosing the path of inaction. Serene loved when things seemed to work themselves out around her. "....oh...Trodai." The woman's words had a tone of pity was followed with a sigh as she gazed at the melting man. The immediate vicinity around her returned to a normal room temperature.

"Which part?" She answered the stranger's question with a hint of entertainment as her eyes gave him a glance. He may have been an acolyte or champion Serene had previously seen at one of these events but never spoken to. She had not heard all the details of the drama but could extrapolate fairly well. "The bottom line is a lot of people love the King and some people are jealous of him or his lovers." The champion shrugged her shoulders like it was a regularly scheduled soap opera. "I'm Serene by the way. What's your name?" Now was as good a time as any to network. The stranger had an air of common sense to them that was sorely lacking in many other Sith.

@Akheron @Fine Dining Set @René @Phoenix

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

The air smelt of ozone and burnt flesh as Ayomi's violet bolts ripped into Trodai, the attack surprisingly joined by a dousing from a familiar face; the Wrean they'd met as an acolyte, Vossari. A satisfied smirk formed on the Tiefling's face as Trodai managed to block some of their lightning, but not before taking a serious hit. The scene only grew sweeter as they watched the water on the Pureblood's skin transform into acid, further burning his newly-restored skin and completing a combo of attacks that left him stunned and smoking.

Ayomi finally let go of their stream of lightning as Trodai dropped, their own left arm sizzling as jagged burns marked their forearm like the electricity they'd just manifested. The Tiefling gave Vossari a curt nod, a cold look on their face as they accepted his assertion that the fight was over. But their revenge wasn't.

Ayomi approached Trodai and ignited their lightsaber, the crimson blades snapping to life in an appearance meant to resemble a sword fit for a king. For Caer. The Pureblood may have stolen away the Annfyn's heart, but Ayomi would hurt them back both the same. While Trodai lay recovering from the attack, the Tiefling would drag the tip of the lightsaber across his face, slowly, intending to burn out his eyes and render him blind.

If they were successful, Ayomi would hiss, "Now you'll never see your love again. Enjoy your prize."

With the deed done, they would deactivate the lightsaber and slowly back away, leaving Trodai to endure the judgemental gaze of the party they'd endured just moments before. Ayomi took a seat at the bar, still watching Trodai, before ordering 12 shots of the strongest alcohol they had. Their livers would be in for a workout.

@Akheron @Fine Dining Set

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

Although his words were acknowledged, the damage was done. Ayomi continued to raise their lightsaber in an attack - slowly poking the blade towards Trodai's face. Vossari couldn't hide his curiosity, nor his satisfaction at Trodai being further humiliated, but he had to intervene. After the blade traced across one of Trodai's eyes, Vossari's own lightsaber snapped to life in his right hand, as he brought it down to sever Ayomi's blade-holding wrist.

It would be a clean cut (unless defended), and his left hand still whirled the tendril of acid in the air protectively. He would fight Ayomi, Trodai, anyone, to drive this point home. Blade still ignited, he called out to the Massassi guards of the palace. "Guards! Separate these two!" His eyes glanced at Trodai's new scar - another for the collection, but losing an eye had a certain permanence to it that Vossari could appreciate. He stifled a chuckle.

"Stand down, Ayomi." His voice didn't waver. "Go numb the pain with a few drinks." Voss hadn't experienced the pain of losing a whole hand, but he did lose a thumb, and it wasn't that painful. Hell, the lightsaber blade cauterized the wound! Voss was almost doing them a favor - they learned that hatred was the strongest weapon in a Sith's arsenal, but that hate had to be deployed strategically.

Now the two of them would both have scars - a good sign in mutual combat. And Vossari would have his desire for retribution sated, albeit it temporarily.

 

[Darth Arcanos]

As Caerllion remarked on Trodai, Azar almost opened his mouth to argue. But was Caerllion wrong? After all, Trodai was dancing with him moments prior. Did he really have anything to gain by waltzing over to provoke Ayomi and then turn his back on them? Azar was reminded briefly about the debacle at the galactic senate party where he humiliated Vossari by making him slip in the middle of the dance floor.

Was Azar misguided in placing his faith in Trodai?

The Pureblood pointedly avoided meeting Trael’s gaze during his line of thought, knowing his human partner -as the voice of reason-had plenty of opinions on the topic. Azar quietly sipped his wine, glancing over at Caerllion when he spoke again. A smirk graced his lips, “You can be quite smooth when you want,” He complimented, “I can see why they hopelessly fell for you,” Azar said breezily as he turned his attention back to the fight.

Azar grew slightly tense at the prospect of Trodai actually dying. Despite the man’s stupidity, he was the regent of Ur. He played a role in Azar’s kingdom and could such a role be murdered like this? With Vossari joining in, Trodai effectively had no chance. To his pleasant surprise, Vossari was the one to put the fight to an end and tell them to break it up. The Pureblood smiled with pride, pleased to see the Wrean having grown so much. He was no longer the impulsive, petulant boy that started within the Order. He had grown into a dignified and mature Sith that knew when to strike and when to hold back.

“Perhaps, we can have that danc-” He began to Caerllion, only to catch Ayomi moving towards Trodai again.

After Vossari clearly told them to stop fighting.

Azar calmly set his glass of wine aside, slowly stepping towards the action himself now. He didn’t care that Vossari cut towards Ayomi’s hand. There would be no guards needed.

Everyone in the room would feel the pulse of the Force. It was a quiet rumble, the ripples in the Dark Side churning and tangible. They would all know it pulsed from the King, the Sith Lord. Without warning, Ayomi would be abruptly hoisted up into the air with the tail as the focal point.

“You. Will. Listen. To. My. Partner. Under. My. Roof,” Azar called out as he slammed Ayomi down harshly and violently against the floor with each word, yanking them up to the ceiling with every gap. The cracking and snapping of bones could be heard. Bruised, broken and battered, Azar would finish things off by using the Force to violently tear the tail right from Ayomi while sending them hurtling through the air into the large pool outside of the chamber.

If someone felt kind enough to pull them out, they would live, but otherwise likely sink to the bottom.

Azar didn’t care. He floated the tiefling tail over into his hand, surveying it calmly. There was very little that was more horrifying than a tiefling losing a tail - a way to express, a way to balance, a way to live.

“Let this be a lesson,” He said calmly, his voice projecting for all to hear, “Vossari and Trael are my partners. If you disrespect or undermine them in my presence, you will contend with me,” Despite what just happened, there was no visible rage or anger in Azar. It was cold, calculating and methodical. The entire episode ended as quickly as it began. Just in case people thought Arcanos was kind or soft, this was a gentle reminder.

Azar cracked the tail in his hand like a whip, “Back to the party, everyone,” He said with an almost sadistic smile. An Arcanos smile.

@René @Fine Dining Set @Javier esschoolbus @LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

A large smile appeared on his lips when he heard Azar’s compliment. “I’m happy that you like it.” he said, while his cheeks had a faint pink shade. It was curious how moments ago he was coldly plotting to manipulate Ayomi and subsequently attacking them psychically. However, it was only necessary for the Pureblood to be around him that this side of the Annfyn went to sleep, being replaced by a more relaxed one. One that was even goofy sometimes.

Had been this side of him that decided to use a book to hide his reactions to their kiss in Batuu.

He really didn’t feel proud of it, but it was the best that he could do at the moment.

Caerllion watched Trodai being attacked from all sides, while calmly sipping his wine. The combination of lightning and water already left the large Pureblood in a bad situation, but the acid that came after probably was enough to put his ex-apprentice down. He probably would need to heal his skin again. Perhaps being regent of Ur, he has health insurance that covers having his body affected by Dark Side attacks.

Although, after this shameful moment, Caerllion wondered if Azar would maintain Trodai in this position much longer. A signal for that was when he didn’t argue with the Annfyn when he said his comment about his ex-apprentice. Honestly, if they were still Master and Apprentice, the princeling would have walked there and announced that was ditching him.

He couldn’t stand people that ignore common sense and Trodai seemed to be losing his while he grew in the ranks of the Order. Caerllion shivered thinking about what stupidity the Pureblood would do if he survived long enough to become a Master.

Attacking Raxus Secundus alone seemed a possibility.

In the end, Vossari said that it was enough, bringing an end to Trodai’s torture. Unfortunately, the stench of burned meat would still remain around for some time. How unpleasant.

Caerllion turned away from the scene, looking back to Azar when he heard him talking. A smile was slowly growing on his lips when the Pureblood was nearly saying that they could dance. Nearly, because of course something would happen.

Ayomi decided to ignore the Vossari’s warning and went to blind his ex-apprentice, saying some nonsense about Trodai never seeing his love again. Why were they trying to make him never see Azar again? Were they mad? Nothing made sense. Caerllion felt relieved for having broken any connection with the Tiefling. It was obvious that they were suffering from some type of dementia.

He escaped from a lot of trouble.

When Azar left his glass of wine behind, Caerllion knew that something was going to happen. Vossari had already cut off Ayomi’s hand, but the worst part was yet to come. Or the best, because a part of the Annfyn felt that the Dark Side that came from the Pureblood was so amazing. It made Arcanos look like a deity.

He watched, sipping his wine, while Ayomi was punished to the point of their tail being cut off. It was sad, this was the only part that made them look special. What remained was more pathetic than the thing that Caerllion left behind after his psychic attack. The Annfyn followed when the remains were flung into the pool. His face remained impassive, but he was sure that if they survived, the Tiefling would be furious. From now on, he should be careful with them.

The Annfyn listened to Azar’s warning, being amazed with the fact that the Pureblood cared so much for his partners. If he at least could receive the same tenderness from the red-skinned man. Looking at Vossari and Trael, Caerllion felt no interest in antagonizing them. They make Arcanos happy and it was enough for him to respect them.

Caerllion retrieved Azar’s glass and approached the Pureblood after things calmed down. He glanced at Ayomi’s tail, a warning to be careful around the man. His sadistic smile was also a warning, but the Annfyn could only think that it gave him a dark beauty that he only saw in that moment. However, he said that would walk in hell for Arcanos, didn’t he?

“You left it behind, my lord.” Caerllion said, offering the glass back to Azar. If the other picked it, the Annfyn would bow respectfully. He didn't mention their dance, because Azar would probably want to talk with Vossari about what happened. He would know his cue, leaving Arcanos alone if necessary. He would go poke his ex-apprentice with his feet, staring at Trodai’s terrible shape, sighing internally. He was really a Shrimp, with a tiny brain included.

@Sreeya @René @Akheron

 

[Vossari Khaldun]

This was the best party Vossari had ever been to. These people he despised lay concussed, humiliated, while Azar proclaimed the finality of his word. Because there was an unbreakable bond between him and his sometimes terrifying princess - he knew that this love, too, was political power for him and Azar to share.

He almost wanted to laugh, cry out with joy, but such gestures would be too gauche. Instead, he flung the acid out of the party, finally, and used some hydromancy to fish Ayomi out of the pool. They showed some kind of spirit tonight, and their defiance had surely been humbled forever. Vossari saw a broken bird, and remembered himself being a broken bird. He’d give them an opportunity to grow into the Sith they displayed - fearsome and venomous.

@René @Sreeya

 

[Trael Osso-Drast]

Trael was sadly forced to endure the horrid display that was Trodai belly dancing. He look like a worm wiggling in a fishing hook, or a cat trying to free its body when your holding it. It was atrocious, a crime against such an obviously normally beautiful dance as Azar had showcased. He wouldn’t intervene though, Trael had grown much since the days of Nar Shaddaa, he could understand that Trodai had deserved some respect. So he allowed him his dance.

Trael’s gaze turned to Vossari (@Fine Dining Set) as he could feel the Wrean staring into his soul. His words were filled with hatred and contempt, while Trael couldn’t say he hated Trodai he did hold a strong dislike of the Pureblood. “A coward can only run so far.” Trael said as his gaze returned to the dance floor, “We will be there when he stumbles and cement his fall.” He said as he took a sip of his drink.

He then noticed the attack on Ayomi. As Caer walked away making a rookie mistake in his book, turning his back to another Sith he had irritated. Though luckily Ayomi went the route of, lying on the ground? He expected them to lash out, the Masters back was turned there was little he could do in defense, but no they just laid down. He watched as Trodai ever the worm slid his way over to Ayomi. He said something to the Tiefling before walking away, also turning his back. Trael was in disbelief, were the Sith forgetting who they were? Why was there constant turning of backs to potential threats? Or was this just another one of the numerous reasons why Trodai wasn’t fit to be a lover of Azar’s.

His gaze scanned the party for Azar, when he found him he was next to Caer. Trael couldn’t miss the eyes that Caer was making at Azar, he sighed heavily. Not another one. His gaze eventually settled on Azar he could tell that his man was looking everywhere but at him. He knew what Trael was thinking.

What happened next was something he fully expected. Ayomi finally lashed out, sending a torrent of energy at Trodai. Suddenly his drink was emptied and added to a whip by Voss, “Did you have to use my drink as well?” He questioned, watching the liquid aiding the lightning in its potency. Trodai was somehow able to defend and attempt to make an attack. That’s when he heard the whisper and gentle hand movements as the water turned to acid. That likely ended the fight.

He turned to regard the approaching Sith (@Apollyon). Vossari was the first to respond to them, Trael listened and used the way Voss responded to help fill in the gaps in his knowledge of this new Sith. “You must be the professor who’s been teaching sign casting.” Trael said to them as they turned their attention back to him. His gaze shifted from the Sephi to Voss as he walked toward the commotion. “A dance sounds nice about now.” He said as he turned back to look at Iymril. He offered out a hand for them to take, once they did he’d lead them out to the floor.

Trael took up the lead position once on the floor. He simply moved around the floor, allowing himself to get accommodated to Iymril’s footing and the size difference. Once he got comfortable he spun them. His steps were practiced, he had been doing so since he’d got back from prison. Wanting to make sure he was prepared to dance with Azar. Something that had been interrupted twice by Trodai and once by the numerous others at the party. He had lowered Iymril into a slight dip when his focus was completely shifted by the sound of an ignited saber near them. He saw Voss cut the arm from Ayomi as they moved to permanently remove Trodai’s vision. Trael almost dropped Iymril, catching them with the Force once he had refocused.

“My apologies, I was distracted.” He offered in apology. He didn’t get a chance to continue the dance as Azar called out. He felt the Force coil around Ayomi as they were repeatedly slammed down. Their tail was removed and they were tossed into a nearby pool like discarded fish guts. He turned to Azar -no Arcanos had surfaced- he saw the sadistic smile, the only indication of the switch in personality, the only he needed. Though externally he kept the faux sense of happiness, internally a pang of sadness echoed, “I must excuse myself.” He said with a deadpan tone. He began to walk towards where Azar stood.

As he walked towards Azar he noted Caer leaving him. His gaze locked onto the Annfyn, he had an odd intuition that this one was going to be like Trodai. One who revered Azar for his power not for the man himself, it made him cautious of the man. He stopped before Azar (@Sreeya) a smile on his face, “This reminds me of another Sith party from some years before.” He commented as he gazed at his man, “Though this one doesn’t smell as bad.” He remarked, he turned to pull a drink to him before stepping to be beside Azar looking out at the party. “Master and former Apprentice. Both chasing after the same man. Interesting.” He said as he took a sip from his glass watching Caer looking down on an incapacitated Trodai.

 

[Ayomi Jakarta]

Ayomi was only halfway through permanently branding Trodai (@Akheron) for his insults, for ruining what they'd build with Caerllion, when the lightsaber suddenly fell from their hand. How...? They looked down, realizing they no longer had a right hand; it had fallen to the floor still gripping the saber, severed by Vossari's (@Fine Dining Set) crimson blade. The totality of the situation began to dawn on the Tiefling as the tunnel vision blocking out everything else around them faded away, the searing pain from the lost limb beginning to register with their brain.

Their gaze flicked between the smoking Trodai and the Wrean as Ayomi took a stumbling step back, charred flesh grasping onto the same as their burned hand clutched the sizzling stump where the other used to be. The Pureblood had been beaten, humiliated, scarred; but in their blind rage, they'd forgotten where they were. The waves of Dark Side energy pulsing from the man crossing the room (@Sreeya) was reminder enough, albeit far too late.

Ayomi felt themselves flung up to the ceiling by their tail, before their body rushed to meet the floor in a sickening crunch. Then again, again, AGAIN, each time more painful than the last as another bone snapped or fractured, another blood vessel ruptured, another joint bent in the wrong direction. The Tiefling's face was covered in blood, their body as battered and broken as the remains of their heart after the evening's events.

But the torture was far from over.

Ayomi let out a hoarse, choking cry pain as they felt their tail torn from their body, a pain worse than losing any of their other limbs. A lasting emotional pain that would linger far after the terrible party, should they even survive. The prospect of life seemed to mimic their own distance from the party as the Tiefling's body was tossed unceremoniously outside, and they fell. Every inch of their body screamed in pain, and likewise all refused to move. Ayomi barely retained a loose grip on consciousness as their body hit the water, the cold enveloping them as their wounds stained the water red and they began to sink. Water rushed through an open mouth to fill their lungs, darkness clouded their vision, and the void seemed to beckon.

This was it. An unceremonious end to an unworthy life.

Yet just as it threatened to fully take over, the darkness began to retreat. Ayomi felt themself slowly lifted and pushed towards the dry land, their eyes fluttering open as they coughed out a mixture of water and blood, slowly crawling from the edge of the pool. Who had thought to save them, the Tiefling could not say; but if they hoped to save Ayomi Jakarta, they would be gravely disappointed.

What was left of Ayomi Jakarta had drowned in that pool. What crawled out was something entirely new, birthed from the shattered remains of hopes and passions. Somthing dark, something dangerous. As it's eyes fluttered once again and consciousness faded, it dreamt of fire and death.

/Exitthread?

 

[Darth Arcanos]

The Sith Lord paid little heed to what happened to Ayomi after they were tossed in the water. As Caerllion (@LouJoVi )came up near him to hand him his drink, the Pureblood hardly registered his presence. There was something else going on, something deeper, something sinister. It was the evidence of black veins that surfaced near the King’s eyes, the same as that day on Batuu right after Azar consumed from one of Raze’s exalted. Something festered in the Sith Lord since then that he never ventured to explore and he didn’t dare try to understand or share with anyone. As he felt the Dark Side coursing through him and saw those present across from him such as Trodai’s fallen form or the near corpse of Ayomi, he could almost hear a faint whisper in the back of his mind.

Kill.

Make them all obey.

There was a glint in the golden eyes, the Force channeling like a tempest within Azar. He was riled as if a shark that smelled blood in the water. There was a hunger and this wild desire to cause more death and more devastation. He could hear every snap of Ayomi’s bones, every crack and every cry of pain that sounded so exquisite. The sight of the mutilated arm and the stench of Trodai’s charred form was almost irresistible. He didn’t understand this odd hunger, but the desire was churning beneath the surface.

He heard his beloved’s (@Javier esschoolbus ) voice and the black veins disappeared by the time he looked at Trael. Azar’s eyes had the gaze of a wild predator for a moment before they flicked back to the eyes Trael knew and recognized. The Pureblood smiled at him, throwing back his wine. He recognized the look on his man’s face and knew right away he wasn’t pleased with the exchange with Caerllion, “Oh come on, can’t a King have some fun?” He asked with a mock pout as he set his glass aside, “He has cute ears and reads me poetry,” Azar said with a faint smile as he wrapped his arms around Trael’s neck, gazing up at his handsome partner.

“I don’t trust him beyond where I can throw him,” He admitted to Trael quietly, before scrunching up his face, “...Without the Force,” He added. The Nabooian was well aware of times where Azar threw things in frustration only for them to land less than a foot away. In no universe was he going to move Caerllion an inch without the Force.

As the music turned to something more lowkey, but still beautiful, Azar took Trael’s hand and finally took him out to the dance floor. The Pureblood moved with grace, his hips swaying as he twirled and moved with his man. He teasingly grasped a hold of the sash that came with Trael’s outfit, tugging him closer before sliding it off entirely to wrap around his own shoulders. Azar gave the man a smile as he kept dancing sensually and easily gliding in and out of his arms to the rhythm.

 

[Iymril]

​

Iymril’s ears twitched and flicked with amusement at Vossari’s response. If they weren’t Sephi they probably would have smiled and lightly laughed, but they were Sephi. So aside from the slight, pleasant upturn of their lips, the ear twitches were the most they’d give. The rest of their emotions was unreadable behind the Stoney expression.

However before they could continue any sort of engagement, duty called, apparently. It was fine, Iymril was a nobody in the grand scheme of things. The fact their name had reached these heights was more than an honor. Plus, maybe they could convince Ambassador Professor Khaldun to join them on an outing at some point.

Their attention shifted solely to Master Osso. The Sith Master offered them their hand and Iymril graciously took it in their own. They were led onto the dance floor and naturally took the lady’s role in their dance. Master Osso was a natural on the floor, his movements and ways he held them made Iymril feel like a true lady. Their ears pinkened slightly as he led them into a dip after twirling them on the dance floor. A small gasp of shock escaped their lips, the sound of a lightsaber igniting barely registered.

Iymril felt themself fall for a moment, they braced themself for impact but Master Osso caught them with the Force. The flush spread from their ears to their cheeks and Iymril cleared their throat. They slowly shook their head when Master Osso apologized and ensure they returned to their feet.

“No need, to apologize.” They reassured. “It was a lovely dance Master Osso, thank you.”

Iymril understood why Arcanos loved the man perfectly. He was everything anyone could ask for and more. When Master Osso walked away, Iymril allowed their gaze to linger on him a moment longer.

Then the Dark Side pulsed to life, Arcanos called upon it. Fear gripped them for a moment. Had they gone a step too far? Had their dance evoked the ire of Darth Arcanos?

Questions answered by the sight that unfurled before them. The Tiefling was battered and broken for their disrespect, a display that ended with their tail being shorn off. While some watched in horror, Iymril’s eyes beheld the sight with fascination and desires unspoken. They craved the power to do what Arcanos had done.

As they walked from the dance floor it was with cheeks flushed with desire and a new hunger. Between Arcanos and his two partners, this was becoming an alluring evening. For now, they would drink honeyed wine, enjoy the scent of burning flesh and fresh blood, and watch as Arcanos and Master Osso twirled on the dance floor.

@Sreeya @Javier esschoolbus @Fine Dining Set @René

 

[Nefid]

Even Nefid herself couldn’t have predicted the full extent her little nudge would take, but she feasted on every second of it. Just like that, an ordinary party became a swirl of agony, awe, anger and wonder as Arcanos himself intervened. Just like that, Nefid witnessed the greatest pain she’d known since meandering through the ruins of Korda Six.

She lived for this.

But it wasn’t enough. As much as fear commanded the room after Azar’s display, one man in particular was felt far too little of it for Nefid’s taste. So haughty for such a fragile position.

Surveying the misshapen meatloaf now named Ayomi, Caerllion was entirely too unscathed for the role he’d played in this. Was he blind, stupid or just that full of himself? The latter, if Nefid’s surface assessment was correct. Regardless. It called for a reminder.

The insinuation took form, subtle, insidious. It wasn’t hard. Surely the thought had already crossed his mind. Himself in the Tiefling’s place, broken in his Lord’s grasp, entirely at his mercy.

One misstep, and that’ll be you, it said. What will he rip off, seeing you don’t have a tail?

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion stopped when he saw Azar’s face, with that same black veins from Batuu. The Annfyn still remembers how impressive it was to feel that power coming from him, the desire to kneel in front of him and praise the Pureblood like he was a god. However, now he wasn’t so sure if it suited him anymore.

It didn’t suit the red-skinned man who drank with him in the cantina, the one that walked with him in the festival of that village or that read poetry on the sofa. Not even the one that tortured him because he wasn’t economical with his words. Even in the last, he could see some humanity. Now there was only the monstrosity that came from Raze.

Trael's voice made the Annfyn walk away toward Trodai. He couldn’t do much to help Azar in this moment, but he was sure that the human would be able to do it. Their deep connection would make the Pureblood get in control. He was sure of it. Now, Caerllion had to deal with his ex-apprentice.

Perhaps, as if the Force wanted to properly punish him because of what happened with Ayomi, Caerllion heard the two partners talking about him behind his back. Azar mentioned what they did in Batuu so dismissively that the Annfyn felt his heart hurt a bit. He was very aware that the Pureblood wasn’t going to trust him so soon, but the Sith Master was prepared to show him instead.

Didn’t the Annfyn show that he didn’t love Ayomi anymore? He had vowed that no one would be in his heart besides Azar. Caerllion would continue working to show the Pureblood that he could be trusted. Even if he was tortured and mutilated in the process, the princeling would work to prove that he really loved Arcanos. In the meantime, He would happily accept the few crumbs that the King threw for him.

Like their kiss, the memory that he cherished above all things.

He felt that he would end being like Azar's court jester, simply used for fun and nothing else. If it was the case, he would accept this position dutifully if the Pureblood would be happy.

If he could see his smile.

Trael and Vossari as his consorts, while Caerllion was the court jester called to be pointed and laughed at by them. Didn’t seem so bad if he could stay close enough to Azar, to read some poems for him.

Then he felt it. A mind brushing against his, trying to talk to him. Caerllion closed his mental shields immediately. He was well versed in telepathy, someone would need to do more to try to enter his mind. However, part of the message went through. It was enough to allow him to use his own telepathic powers to track the invader.

He stared at the white skinned Twi'lek, eyes burning red. He would invade her mind, the same way that she did. Master against Champion. Now was his time to send friendly advice. 'My head, probably. But do you want to know what you will lose by trying that again?' he would show them glimpses of her being mutilated by the Sith abominations that he was producing. Every one of them is more morbid than the other. On them, she would be losing members, head and lekkus. 'Never try to do it again.' he said, before severing their conection.

The Annfyn took a deep breath. Suddenly this party became more exhaustive. He looked at Trodai, seeing the extension of his wounds. While he did it, Caerllion noticed Ayomi’s severed hand, holding a beautiful lightsaber. One of the House of Cyfnos colors.

He wasn’t sure why he did it, perhaps because it had the colors of his royal house and he didn’t want to have it lying around, but Caerllion removed it from the severed hand and hide it in his coat.

“Come, you need to be snitched.” he would say to Trodai, when he finally woke up.

@Sreeya @Akheron @Volene @René

 

[Kyssiara Serket]

Kyssiara was late to the big promotion party, sure, but what could possibly have transpired in half an hour? She was sure Trodai would have something to say about tardiness and attending royal events — ok, probably a lot to say — but it had been his idea that she wear something more traditionally Korribani, and she wasn't used to the delicate silks and tight fits of the style. Eventually she'd settled upon a black and gold lehenga in celebration of Trodai's former master, who was one of the two who'd been promoted to Sith Masters. It had taken too long to pick something, but at least this particular traditional dress suited the Pureblood's form perfectly.

Kyssiara arrived to laid back dance music and what she assumed was the usual hustle and bustle of these kinds of events; though, she'd passed the mutilated body of a Tiefling a few floors down and wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Up here, though, things seemed to be going great! For all her misgivings about the Pureblood nobility, Darth Arcanos had more than earned his position and damn did he now how to throw a party! Noticing a grouping of people closer to the bar, Kyssiara moved that direction in anticipation of finding and apologizing to her master for being slightly late.

What she found instead was a tall Annfyn, presumably one of the honored guests, standing over the charred body of Trodai. The girl stood there awkwardly for a moment, unsure of exactly what to do. She checked the time on her EZPhone to make sure she hadn't gotten the time wrong. Yep, only 30 minutes late. Kyssiara knew Sith parties were prone to violence, but whatever had happened had gone down fast.

"So uh... hi, Master Carrion, I assume?" the girl asked the Annfyn (@LouJoVi) standing near Trodai's body. "We've never met, I'm Kyssiara by the way, oh also congratulations on your promotion! Um... why's my master look like he just finished cookin' on a grill?"

 

[Serene]

Serene turned to Rupert. The tiny feline protocol droid looked up at their master expectantly. “Rupert, darling, collect the hand and fetch the girls...” The sorceress saw some of her coven had moved around the party and bad watched just as she had. But she had plans for the Tiefling if there was still something to be salvaged. Ayomi was broken, but they could be molded into something new and most importantly stronger. “…they can tend to the Azure Devil and take it from there.”

The lightsaber was collected by another but Ayomi’s hand was left behind. As long as it was not stopped, the cat-like droid would bit and pick up the hand though it would end up dragging it at times with its limited strength. It was cute while also macabre. The hand could be used for Serene’s later experiments since Ayomi no longer had use for it. But just to be sure she would wait to ask the Tiefling when they woke up. For now though the witch’s priority was to enjoy the present party. Tests and experimentation could come later.

@René

 

[Trodai Narat-iv-Adas]

As Trodai attempted his attack he found himself overwhelmed at the combined Ayomi lightning and the acid from Vossari to follow. As his skin burnt and fizzled, marking his flesh again and scarred him. As he paid a price for his hubris and own stupidity. His contempt for Ayomi. And more as Ayomi sought to add further, and indeed did. Removing his right eye, and rendering him blind in that eye before the attack was halted by none other than Vossari and Ayomi could finish what they started. The pain was incredible, and intense as it was horrifying to witness. And then did Trodai know he had been a fool to provoke his rival. To let his contempt and rage for them override his thinking. He would not allow it again.

He would not be consumed by his need for vengeance. Not again.

He could feel also the burns of acid, he knew all too well what that meant. Vossari had played a part in this, and yet he could do nothing too him, he was protected by Azar. And he would not disrespect his king like that or harm those who were his partner. No matter his personal feelings about them. Despite what had happened and his foolishness he would respect Azar. The man he loved, even as he felt the pain and suffering inflicted upon him. They were surface level burns, but it didn't change anything or make it better. His clothes were ruined as well, a fact that was further infuriating. While Ayomi was unceremoniously thrown around for disrespecting Vossari and not heeding his warning to stand down, becoming the subject of Darth Arcanos wrath, Trodai was briefly unconscious.

He awoke to the aftermath as the Grotthu came to take him to be attended to, and fix him up as best currently could be done. The pain returned as he used the Dark Side to attempt to help keep himself stable. And heard a familiar voice. Dandelion. The newly minted Sith Master, Caerllion. His former master. And his apprentice. This was awkward, but he would explain later to her. He knew he was likely disappointed in him. And more. And this caused him to be more ashamed and regretful than perhaps the act of what he did, at least more than he would dare to admit or thought it would. Just as he felt regretful about disappointing Azar, and how it probably it might have made him feel about him. Start to doubt. To see what had happened and the fool he had become at this particular moment. He looked at him briefly with the remaining eye, before turning to face the direction he needed to go.

As he moved and was assisted, briefly out of his remaining eye he was able to just make out the form of Ayomi in the water also apparently in pain. Paying a price of they're own. He at least saw a small comfort despite everything in that. In seeing they too had suffered. He was soon gone from sight however and away from the area.


----------------------------------------------------------------- Palace Medical Facility -----------------------------------

Within the medical facility, as his wounds were tended to he contemplated had happened. His idiotic decision and the potential ramifications of it. He would now need to work twice as hard if he was to remain in the position he had recently reclaimed. And he would. To prove this incident and others were not his defining qualities. That he still was useful and not a liability. That he held value to his king. And show despite the foolish decision he had made this day, he would not be ruled by it or defined by it. He would show he was more than the sum of his parts. He knew then he still had some growing to do.

And he would. This was another lesson he learnt and would hold. It would make him stronger. And he would be reminded of it always. It was time to wake up and stop the cycle he kept falling into. And he was determined to do so. He had too. He needed to prove he was worthy, of both title and the power he had accumulated. To prove he was Sith. Not some pariah. And that he would do, he had worked too hard to throw it away now and loved Azar too much time let him down. Just as he was letting himself down. He would step carefully from now and redouble his efforts for Azar, the Order and himself. He would purge his flaws.

The clothes were peeled away and pain shot through, yet he didn't yell. He felt numb to it, used it to fuel himself. He knew this would not be the final stop though. He would probably need further treatment, and so he placed a call on his EZphone to the same technicians that had helped last time. Caerllion he could see nearby as they did they're work.

He contemplated if he even should return to the party. Especially after that debacle. Although the decision was made for him, the damage prevented him currently from moving too much. He knew Azar would likely be very disappointed in him, that he expected better of him. And so he would be better. He would show his faith was not misplaced.

He would attempt to apologise for his stupidity another day if given the opportunity. He would make amends on Ziost. So much for a uneventful night and not making trouble he thought. Cursing himself for doing exactly what he had hoped to avoid.

Trodai wasn't sure what to say to Caerllion, unable to currently speak with his mouth he instead offered a telepathic conversation.

"I know what you are thinking. You are disappointed in me. What I did. That I am wasting my potential and what I have achieved so far. I am ashamed of myself for allowing it, for being a fool and so stupid. And disappointing my king and you. For allowing my rage and contempt for Champion Ayomi to overshadow my logic momentarily. It will not happen again. Champion Ayomi is just so....they vex me so. More than words can say."

@Sreeya @René @Javier esschoolbus @LouJoVi @Volene @Apollyon @Fine Dining Set @Darasuum

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

The Annfyn stared at the Acolyte that had approached them. He recognized her as Trodai’s apprentice, with the Pureblood having mentioned her some time ago. He took a deep breath when she said his name wrong, already thinking that this one also had suicidal thoughts. Another Sith would punish her for that.

“My name is Caerllion, girl. Remember this.” he turned to look at Trodai, who was slowly moving on the ground. The Annfyn didn’t feel in the mood to assist the other get up, fearing that the stink from the burned skin would enter his clothes. “Help your Master, we are going to the medical facility.” he told Kyssiara. The black-haired man would follow them, only giving support with a hand at his ex-apprentice back.

While they went there, Caerllion would explain that Trodai had miscalculated his actions during a fight and paid a severe price. He wasn’t going to tell the details about the circumstances, she would know very soon with how fast gossip traveled among Acolytes. He also didn’t say that her Master’s actions today could have severe consequences for both of them. He doubted that good things would come for the Regent of Ur after his stupid actions.

Even more so with how Azar’s partners hated him.

They would need to deal with that together or, if Kyssiara was smart enough, she would ditch Trodai when shit hit the fan.

He doubted that anyone would judge her.

Caerllion wondered what was happening for the Pureblood to do these stupid things. He wasn’t like that when they were Master and Apprentice. Well, he was a bit stupid at the time, but not that self-destructive. Rather than evolving, Trodai seemed to be devolving. He was an enemy of Azar’s partners, while trying to woo the man. His position was dependent on the king’s good will, but he only get in trouble.

If things continued to progress this way, Caerllion would stop interacting with Trodai. It would be a social suicide from his part. Even more if Azar’s partners turned their eyes against the Annfyn. He was happy with them simply laughing at his interactions with Arcanos, it was better than being attacked by them.

Because he would fight back and Azar would hate him if he ever hurt any of them.

This is why Caerllion simply stared at Trodai, while he babbled a ton of excuses about his actions. When the Pureblood finished their litany, the Annfyn still remained deadly silent. “Did you finish wining? I’m not the one that you need to convince of it. It’s Lord Arcanos.” he said coldly. “It isn’t the first or second time that you do something stupid. The glass is getting too full, it’s only a matter of time to spill.” he leaned against the wall, looking at the medical droids that were walking around. "Do you know how many times I was vexed in my life? By the soldiers in the Empire, by classmates, by the Sephi, by members of the royal court and even now I'm being vexed out there." the Ayomi situation would be food for gossip for months, and Azar's partners are probably laughing of him. "I was in the Sith Walk of Shame, Trodai. Do you know what was it? I lost my first lightsaber and my dignity there, while the entire Galaxy watched, laughing like it was some type of show and I was one of the clowns. Don't complain to me how you lost your mind because of vexing." his voice dripped venom, while his eyes were red, showing how furious the Annfyn was.

He was staring directly at Trodai.

"Do you know how I survived? How I didn't kill myself in some stupid gamble? I endured the shame. Swallowed it. Digested it, until it became rage. Then I sealled it into myself, only bringing it up when I need the power that it can give me." now Caerllion was standing upright. "So, Trodai, don't stay here wining about vexing. Control your rage about it and redirect that to something that will help you. Or you'll be dead soon."

@Akheron @René

 

[Corwin Carmine]

Corwin's gift had been accepted and they'd been told to enjoy themselves after getting to meet Arcanos up close. No one had to tell her twice! He found his way to a pile of drinks somewhere, all the while wondering if asking for autograph was too much.

In the midst of convincing a servant that filling a large wine glass with straight brandy wouldn't kill them, another tiefling shuffled up nearby looking downright despondent. If that tail was any lower it'd be subterranean! Zira would quickly notice a wafting scent like light, floral fruit wine, mixed with something subtle beneath that might feel vaguely nostalgic for little discernible reason.

"It's nice marbling, isn't it?" Corwin asked her, the smile on the lavender-skinned Tiefling's face appearing to be permanently fixed. They were, of course, referring to the floor Zira was busy staring holes into. "Wanna bet it's magic somehow?" Zira wasn't someone Corwin recognized, like, at all. Nor were most other people, to be fair, except the most famous- or infamous.

Speaking of which- several Sith were making an active effort to increase their infamy and did so with results that, ironically, shocked only the ones involved. Between the lightning-fried special, water- wait, no, acid?- and another Tiefling getting the floor-rag experience and a tail-trimming, the room was thoroughly enthralled by the abrupt burst of violence. Corwin's tail twitched in what might be sympathy regarding the smashed Tiefling's lost appendage and no small amount of fear- and, yet again, excitement.

"Well, wasn't that a show?" they practically purred. It reminded Corwin of the arenas. Ah, home. Stark red eyes turned back to Zira after it all quieted again. "So! Are those hand-stitched?" Corwin suddenly asked her, tail pointing toward a section of Zira's dress. "It's gorgeously done. I'm Corwin, by the by," they introduced, fluidly flouncing from one subject to the next with smile a-shining.

@Sreeya