Ask Molten Monarchy

[Sol Kenuk]

Shu-Torun. Years ago, it had been brought of it's knees, nearly destroyed and it's civilization wiped from it's surface. On such an inhospitable world, such a thing wasn't all that difficult to do. It had taken quite some time to repair The Spike, the source of the world's infrastructure, and only once it had been restored had the many settlements on the world returned to life. Sol had read up on the planet, and for good reason. In the midst of the Mid-Rim, there were only a small scattering of Imperial words, and this one happened to share the grid with the ocean planet of Glee Anselm. It was a launching point for the Sith Master and his companion.

Taking neutral worlds in the mid-rim weren't exactly very high on the Kel'dor's list of things he had planned to do, in truth. There wasn't much support, and the planets were far enough away from main Sith space that they would be difficult to defend from a full scale invasion. Nevertheless, Shu-Torun was a bit different. It's volcanic crust hid a great deal of important resources, from valuable metals to an assortment of crystals. The minding operations on the world were valuable not simply for wealth reasons, but in that the resources themselves could be mined for the creation of weaponry, from blasters to star-ships.

In other words, the resources that Shu-Torun produced outweighed any disadvantages to taking a world in the mid-rim. Better still, the monarchy had been staunchly neutral thus far, so the Sith wouldn't have to worry about violating the cease-fire with the other governments that warred throughout the galaxy.

In any case, this wasn't an invasion. It was a diplomatic mission. As the shuttle broke through the atmosphere, the glow of magma reflected off of the viewport. Sol could see grand structures build high above the volcanoes that churned with molten rock below. Thick smoke and plumes of carbon and other poisonous gases worked to illuminated the grand shields of the towering cities, where atmosphere-controlled bubbles kept the air breathable for all who lived within. It had been some time since The Spike's destruction, and now it seemed that the planet was finally recovering.

"Welcome to Hell." Sol mused quietly to his companion that he shared the shuttle with, along with a few droids to help with maintenance and navigation. "It almost looks like Mustafar, but with a glittering civilization build atop the lava. Can't imagine wanting to live here." The Kel'dor snorts. Then again, Dorin was just as inhospitable, and he found the charm of his homeworld to be quite pleasant.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

From all planets that he had visited so far, Shu-Torun was probably the most different. An entire world covered in lava, with cities built over it wasn’t something that was common, even in a large Galaxy like the one where they lived. While the sight was impressive, Caerllion still preferred a forested world, like his homeworld.

“Indeed. I never visited Mustafar, but I think that they could be similar to each other.” the Annfyn said to his partner of the day, Sol Kenuk. Since the last time that they saw each other, the Kel’Dor had been promoted as a Master. Not only that, Caerllion had also received a promotion. He was now a Champion. “I hope that the people down there don’t end up being like demons.” the Annfyn hoped that at least one time his diplomatic missions could end without a fight.

While their ship descended toward a spaceport, Caerllion turned to look at the Kel’Dor. “I didn’t say this before, but congratulations for now being a Master. It seems that all your missions and experiments with alchemy were finally recognized.” the Champion smiled at the Kel’Dor, while thinking about the trouble that any Acolyte would have if they ended up being his apprentice.

Teekl’s meow had announced that the loth cat had woken up. She had slept at the Annfyn’s lap during the entire trip, probably due to boredom from being away from Shergess. However, the Champion had decided to bring the feline on this mission because she could be an useful spy and assassin. After the surprises in Columex, he wanted to be prepared.

When the ship finally landed, Caerllion rose from his seat and walked to put the loth cat inside her cage. He knew that she didn’t like that, but it would be necessary for their trip to the Royal Palace. “Let's have one last run down about what we are going to do.” the Annfyn said, while turning to Sol. The feline’s cage was being held in his right hand.

“We are going to meet Queen Lilandra and the ore-dukes to discuss about her planet joining the Empire. Their mines will be a good asset for all its sectors. From infrastructure to war.” he said, while walking toward the ship’s exit. “The Queen is a bit eccentric, she likes cats and have many of them.” it was another reason why he brought Teekl. She could impress the monarch. “She is also childless and her nephew will be her successor. We should also meet with him later. What do you think?”

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Unlike Caerllion, the Kel'dor had visited Mustafar, had stepped upon it's molten surface with his own two feet. There were still differences between the worlds, of that he could say with certainty. Mustafar was a dark place, bitter and tainted with air like poison in more ways than one. At least Shu-Torun had civilization marking it's surface, despite the glowing magma and rising flames. The shuttle seems to struggle through the updrafts generated by intense heat, and turbulence shakes the vessel even as the shields repel the toxic fumes.

"Demons?" Sol inquires curiously, though his vocals were as dry as ever. "How do you picture demons, I wonder." The Kel'dor muses aloud. Tieflings, perhaps? He wouldn't agree in that case, but there were plenty in the galaxy that would. Perhaps the Sith were more akin to demons than any one species, but then that was a philosophy debate for another day. The congratulations from his companion did not go unheard, but Sol doesn't respond to it vocally, merely dips his head as he pilots the craft through a particularly troublesome updraft. Ahead, the spaceport glowed like a gem against the volcanic tides.

In the meantime, Caerllion seemed all too willing to go on about what the two Sith planned to do. Sol doesn't mind the reminder all that much, especially if it kept the Champion on task. Teekl’s meowing in the background did not go unheard either, but the Kel'dor ignores the creature for now. Perhaps it would win them favors from the Queen, who, according to rumor, had a fascination for feline friends. Sol doubts that one Loth Cat would be enough to insure the monarch's loyalty, though. Diplomacy could be rather drab with it's traditions.

"Shu-Torun has a history of supporting the Empire across it's many forms." The Kel'dor points out simply. The landing pad is ahead, and the two Sith already have clearance to land. "With any luck, it won't take much to convince the Queen to give her loyalty again." And of course, there were always bribes, blackmails, and an assortment of other diplomatic weaponry that the two could pursue if needed. Finally, the shuttle lands, it's landing gear deploying with a hiss as it touches down upon the landing pad. The Kel'dor can hear the whirl of the engines fade as he begins to power down the craft.

"We'll talk to the nephew if we have to. If he proves to be an annoyance, though, then we'll have to be rid of him." Sol doesn't elaborate on that, but he doubts that he needed to.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”I mean, demons in a more figurative way.” Caerllion explained, not being sure why Sol had asked it. The Annfyn had made his search before coming here, he knew very well that the inhabitants of Shu-Torun were normal humans. “I hope that they don’t end up being aggressive with us. For their own good.”

“I hope that too. After what the Rebel Alliance did to them, they don’t love the FWA or the New Republic.” it was thanks to the Rebels that life on the planet was nearly wiped out, forcing many individuals to flee from it. They could only return after the Spike was restored, several decades later. During this time, the nobles and common people lived in exile.

Caerllion nodded in agreement to Sol’s comment about the Queen’s nephew. While he hoped to bring the man to their side through diplomatic ways, the Annfyn wouldn’t going to oppose his assassination if the man endded being too problematic for them to deal with.

“We can always find someone else to replace him as the heir.” he had learned it during his mission with Arla in Columex. They always could place a puppet in the throne, with only being necessary for them to make the effort to pull the strings. It was exactly what he and the Nightsister did with Olathar.

Once their ship landed, the two Sith would be able to leave it. Outside, a speeder was waiting to bring them to the royal palace. While he walked toward it, Caerllion would be carrying Teekl’s cage.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Demons in the more figurative way. Sol lets out a noise akin to a dryly amused grunt, but says little more on the subject. He doesn't really know what to expect from the people of the fiery planet, but he supposed that any outsider might assume that it was infested with demons or devils, or perhaps beasts of pure fire, animated by the molten core of the world's countless volcanos. It was all fun to think about, but reality was often disappointing.

Caerllion seemed to be on the same page about the local people's dislike toward the New Republic. With any luck, that distaste would be extended towards the Free Worlds, as well. Shu-Torun had a history of supporting the Sith Empire, and Sol's counting on utilizing that information as much as he can during the negotiation. The magma covered world was fragile, and easily destabilized. Capitalizing upon those fears by offering some protection might make diplomacy swing rather favorably toward the Sith.

As for replacing the heir, the Kel'dor can see the benefits of such a thing, particularly if the nephew decided to be problematic. Of course, such a thing would have be handled rather delicately. The two Sith wouldn't want the Queen to know that the Empire was responsible for their family member's death, after all. Luckily for Caerllion, if it came to such a thing, Sol had first hand experience.

He rises from his chair, and heads toward the exit. The ramp hisses toward the ground and the first thing that the Kel'dor feels is the heat. It's not bad within the protected shielding of the town itself, but it is nonetheless present and uncomfortable. It seemed that they had an escort waiting on them already, a speeder, alongside a few well dressed individuals that would very likely be the Sith's guides for the day. Sol makes his way towards them, bows his head with a hidden smile.

"You are here as our escorts, I presume?" Sol's vocals are polite as he speaks, and one of the men bows his head, nods an affirmative. "Most excellent. I appreciate your Queen's willingness to meet with us on short notice." He is pleasant and respectful, a far cry from the moody alchemist that Caerllion was likely experienced with. The Kel'dor could be quite the speaker when he needed to, it seemed, though he certainly preferred to have someone else do the sweet talking for him.

The Kel'dor is the first to climb aboard the speeder, pleasantly engaging with the escorts that respond with polite professionalism. There was no hostility among the group, it seemed. Nothing tense within the force, at least not yet.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Caerllion discreetly looked at Sol when the Kel’Dor talked with their escorts. The Master was being so polite and respectful, he never was this way before. Perhaps only with Altair during that ball in Eriadu, which the Annfyn didn’t want to think about. He wondered if someone had killed that taciturn and cold Kel’Dor that he had met in that grove in Dromund Kaas and replaced him for this new version.

“Yes, we are responsible for guiding you two to the palace.” a woman said, while stepping close to the two Sith. “I’m Nireena Armast, Your Majesty’s secretary.” she bowed to them and the Annfyn did the same. “Please, follow me. Queen Dejara is waiting for you two. After you said during your message that you were admirers of felines, she pushed your meeting to top priority.”

The Annfyn smiled after hearing it. After he made his search about the monarch’s eccentricities, Caerllion knew that saying that they liked cats would give them some points with her. He only hoped that Sol would play along with it. The Champion knew that the other was more into rats, but it was going to be a necessary sacrifice for the Empire.

He followed Sol inside the speeder, placing Teekl’s cage in his lap. Soon, the vehicle started to move. Inside it the air conditioning was working and Caerllion felt relieved for getting away from the volcanic atmosphere of the planet. He would never want to live in a place like this one.

While the speeder moved toward the palace, Caerllion turned to the Secretary. “In hope that Your Majesty will not mind that I brought my own loth cat. I couldn’t travel without her.” he smiled, while gently tapping at the cage. “It was a gift from Master Kenuk here. He is also an admirer of the felines.” he said, expecting that Sol would say something to complement his lie.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Sol had never enjoyed politics, or diplomacy, for that matter, but when he had to do it, he seemed to manage well enough. Perhaps it was because the Kel'dor was more akin to a snake, venomous and manipulative, and he could speak lies like honey into the ears of those who were too weak-minded to see past the deceit. Caerllion had little to worry about, it seemed. Sol knew how to play the game when he needed to, and he was quite good at it.

"I have a few cats of my own." The Kel'dor replies pleasantly, and it wasn't a total lie. He kept plenty of Cyber-Cats around his strongholds. They were cute little droids, not so needy as actual animals, but comforting nonetheless. "A litter of brown tabbies, in fact. They never fail to amuse me with their play." Was this really all he was going to be doing this mission? Sweet talking felines like some cat obsessed old lady? Well, if what Sol had heard was true, that was exactly what he should expect from the odd Queen.

The speeder makes it's way through the city streets, and in the distance, the glow of lively volcanoes ignites the crimson skies. Nonetheless, there are residents visible from the windows, walking about on the world that they had chosen as their home. Despite the inhospitable environment, life seemed to flourish here more than it did on Dorin. It seemed that no matter the wasteland, life always found a way.

Their speeder eventually reaches the royal palace, a shining beacon despite the ominous light of Shu-Torun's toxic day. The secretary and the rest of the escort motion for the two Sith to leave the vehicle, and so the Kel'dor is all too happy to do so. He stretches his legs, peers at the palace with fiery eyes. The secretary would lead them inside, no doubt, but for now, there was a brief pause as Nireena peered at the two Imperial diplomats. She seemed friendly enough, a good sign.

"Please be sure to respect the palace grounds. Do not damage anything, or wander off where you're not supposed to." She was polite, and Sol dipped his head with understanding. They were guests on this world, and in this palace, and as such, they would respect the locals laws as much as they could, and for as long as it benefited them. With that, the secretary gestured for the two to follow, and Sol strides quietly after her.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Once again Caerllion was impressed with how Sol was capable of following the diplomatic route. If he didn’t know the Kel’Dor, the Champion would have believed that he had several real cats. He could have also believed that the Master could feel amused with it.

He really doubted that there was anything in the Galaxy that could amuse the Kel’Dor. Perhaps if all the Jedi died with a plague. It could really make Sol smile.

During their trip toward the palace, Caerllion could see some more of Shu-Torun. The cities were made to protect its inhabitants from the harsh environmental conditions resulting from the several volcanoes present in the planet. This allowed the society here to flourish, even if they literally lived over a pool of lava.

Even if Shu-Torun seemed to be a well developed planet, Caerllion would never live on a place like this one. He already went crazy if he spent too much time in an ecumenopolis, it wasn’t going to be different in a place full of magma. Being an Annfyn, he needed contact with nature and the green of forests.

When they reached the palace, the two Sith left the vehicle. The Annfyn couldn’t avoid making a comparison between it and the one of his Grandaunt in Annwfyn. While the one in Shu-Torun was modern and had a nice architecture, Caerllion couldn’t avoid preferring the one in his homeworld. The way that it was carved inside the Elder Tree made it far more impressive.

After Nireena instructed them, the Secretary guided the two toward the throne room. While they walked through the corridors, Caerllion continued comparing the place to the royal palace of Annwfyn. He still wasn’t impressed by what he was seeing.

When they finally arrived at the throne room, the two Sith would be in the presence of Queen Dejara. She was dressed in full royal regalia. Next to her was a young man, probably with Caerllion’s age. He was finally dressed and seated in a chair close to the throne. He probably was Prince Eiron. Besides the two royals, the room was full of several ore-dukes. All of them were waiting to hear what the Sith were going to say.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Led into the palace, Sol strides with confidence through the lavish halls, led by their dutiful escort toward the grand throne room. While Caerllion might be busy comparing everything to his home-world, Sol was simply noting anything that might be useful to the pair, memorizing passageways and doors, and even the furniture of each room they passed through.

Tactical and cold, his expression was akin to stone as they finally stood before the Queen, her prince, and the many dukes that peered upon the two Sith with curious eyes. Sol lowers himself into a dutiful half-bow, a graceful symbol of respect toward the monarch's authority.

"Queen Dejara, it is a delight to meet you at last. I am Sol Kenuk, and this is my companion, Caerllion." The Kel'dor rose from his bow, looked the woman in the eye with a polite expression half hidden behind his mask. His hands hung behind his back, fingers intertwined as he assumed an air of authority, not over the Queen herself, but as a diplomat of the Empire. He inclines his head at the Prince as well, before his focus returns to the elderly Queen.

"Shu-Torun was once a prosperous world within the Empire, before the Rebels destabilized this planet. The damage that they caused took many long years to recover from, but nonetheless, the memory remains." But the Kel'dor had a good reason for bringing it all up again, tragic as it might have been for the locals.

"That is why we are here. We seek a partnership once again, without fear of Rebels destroying all you hold dear. We would protect this world, not just from those who wish to cause it harm, but from the Killiks who now rampage throughout the galaxy." Sol's honeyed words finally rumbled to a stop, and though his gaze remained upon the Queen, his thoughts shifted toward Caerllion.

With telepathic vocals, he speaks to the Champion, why not introduce her to Teekl? Lighten the mood from the politics for a moment to gain the Queen's favor. It was a clever enough plan. Sol had spoken business in words of pleasant baritone, and now the Queen would be granted a brief reprieve from the weight of the decision she was being pressed to make.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Once again Sol took the initiative and started the negotiations. Caerllion was becoming even more impressed with the Master. The Annfyn would have never believed if someone told him that the taciturn Kel’Dor was so good with diplomacy. Perhaps he should have made more diplomatic missions with him.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Besides protection, the Empire also offers to help Shu-Torun to achieve the same prestige that it had before the Rebellion attacked the planet.” while someone could think that the current state of the planet was amazing, Caerllion had learned that it was only a fraction of what Shu-Torun was in the past.

After hearing Sol’s telepathic message, the Champion opened the cage. “When I heard about your appreciation for felines, I thought that perhaps Your Majesty would like to meet my loth cat.” he smiled, while his pet jumped out of the cage and stopped next to him. “This is Teekl. She was a gift from Master Kenuk.” he gestured to the Kel’Dor

The sight of the loth cat made the Queen smile. “Oh, she is adorable! I love these creatures!” she immediately jumped off the throne and ran toward them. Caerllion thought that for an old woman she was pretty fast. When she got close to Teekl, the Annfyn feared that she would try to pick her up. The feline hated being carried by a stranger.

However, the Queen only watched the loth cat. “I have one of this type, too. After this meeting, you two could see my cats. I love them because my first one was a gift from my father, some months before his death.” she petted Teekl’s head and then returned to her throne. During this entire exchange, Prince Eiron seemed bored. The Annfyn was this way too, he wasn’t here to hear sad stories.

“All that you said is good. I believe that in exchange for the Empire’s protection, we would need to give our ore.” Dejara said, now back on her throne. “Before agreeing with it, many of my barons would like to know if our trade will have any benefit. Perhaps some concession over exportation of minerals in Sith planets? You must know that the ones that we produce have the best quality.” she wasn’t wrong, even Palpatine had recognized it in the past.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

With the loth cat free of it's cage, the Queen's mood seems to soar. Her expression betrayed her delight as she rose from her throne to approach the animal, all too eager to stroke it's head. The Kel'dor merely observes the exchange in silence, quietly amused by the fact that the Queen hadn't the slightest idea of just how much danger she was in. A nip from little Teekl could prove fatal. But all is well, and the Queen soon returns to her throne, her tragic story spilling past her lips as her nephew sits bored nearby. Finally, they return to business, though the Kel'dor had not minded the simple intermission. It would benefit the two Sith, of that he had no doubt.

The subject of the ore-dukes is akin to a weight tossed into the heated air. Naturally, Sol could agree to such terms, as the valuable metals of the volcanic world were of superb quality, just as promised. Sol would have responded, if not for the tingling at the back of his neck, a ripple through the force that seemed to scream with danger. Something was wrong, lurking in the shadows, and the Kel'dor's talons hover near to the hilt of his lightsaber, his eyes scanning the chamber for wherever the threat might lay. For now, the Sith sees nothing, but the presence was a persistent one. Undoubtedly, it would make itself known soon enough. His focus returns to the Queen, even as Sol remains vigilant through the force.

"I cannot deny the quality of Shu-Torun's exports, my Queen. Rest assured, your terms are more than agreeable." The Kel'dor speaks with honeyed words, and with any luck, the negotiations would be drawing to a close. Caerllion might have been amazed by just how diplomatic Sol could be, but the truth was simply that the man was a snake, capable of spinning lies and manipulations as if they were the intricate silk of spider webbing. But quite frankly, the diplomacy was beginning to bore the Sith, and he knew that his impatience would make maintaining the negotiation a difficult affair. Luckily for Sol, it was in those moments that the lurking threat finally decided to make itself known.

A rifle shot echoes through the chamber, shattering the grand window near the throne. Uncanny reflex sends the Kel'dor surging forward, his crimson blade hissing to life as he pivots around the throne with a speed that seemed impossible to most. The lightsaber rises to deflect the bolt, and it slams into the nearby wall to scorch it's smooth surface. Panic resonates through the throne room as both the prince and the queen jolt out of their chairs, and the dukes rise with a frightened clamor. This had been an assassination attempt on the Queen, of that Sol had no doubt. But the woman was an asset to the Sith, and the Kel'dor wasn't about to let her die quietly.

Whoever had made the shot, it had come from outside the palace window, where the adjacent wing of the servant's quarters could be seen from across the balcony. Had Sol not been quick enough, the sniper bolt would have undoubtedly killed the Queen with little effort. But why? Was all not well upon Shu-Torun as initially thought? Or had the presence of the Sith stirred anarchists in the crowds? He supposed that was motive enough to assassinate the woman who was about to sell them all to the Empire at little price. The lives of those who lived here likely would not have changed much, but the resentment toward the Sith was harbored by many all the same.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

Like Sol, Caerllion also felt the warning from the Force. Danger was approaching them, but the Annfyn wasn’t sure about what was going to happen. While no one in the throne room had any aggressive feeling toward the two Sith, he would remain alert to any signal of problem.

As soon as Sol finished giving his answer to the Queen, a blaster shot broke the glass of the window near the throne. If it wasn’t for the Kel’dor fast movements, Dejara would have been hit by it. Even if the monarch and her nephew were fine, the entire room entered in panic. The ore-dukes were screaming, while guards were moving to form a circle around the royals.

Caerllion walked toward Sol, who had remained with his lightsaber activated. “Are you fine? This was a close one.” he said to the Kel’dor, before turning to look at the window. “If you didn’t do it, the Queen would have been dead.” he turned to look at Dejara, who was now being escorted out of the room with her nephew. “It seems that our meeting ended earlier than we expected.”

Then, one of the guards approached the Sith. “Your Majesty is going to her room to recover from this incident. She invites the two of you to have dinner with her and the Prince, during which she will continue with the conversation.” after saying that, the guard turned and walked out of the room.

Soon, they ended up being alone in the throne room. “We were so close to having her approve the union. We need to try again during that dinner, but I know that it can be difficult for you.” Caerllion said, knowing very well that Sol had problems eating due to his mask. “Do you want me to go here alone? Although, she'll want to see her saviour. Your presence can make her accept our offer.”

Teekl’s meow made the Annfyn turn to look at the loth cat. She had stayed close to him during the assassination attempt, but now had walked toward the broken window. “It would also be good if we pay attention to the future attacks on the Queen. I have the feeling that it was only the beginning.”

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

His eyes shift toward Caerllion as the crimson blade finally hisses back into it's sheathe. Sol was fine, of course. The Queen and her Dukes were another matter entirely. Panic swept through the room, and the Kel'dor cast his cold eyes upon them all as they were ushered away from the throne room. All the while, the Kel'dor is eerily silent, until one of the guards approaches to pass the information on the dinner off to the two diplomats. Sol nods sharply, watches as the man leaves them in the room alone, though the Master has little doubt that someone else would be arriving to retrieve them shortly.

"Why would I not join you at the dinner?" The man scoffed bluntly. It would be a disadvantage to skip the affair when Sol could capitalize upon his rescue of the Queen instead. "I don't need to eat to negotiate." Sol states simply, waving a claw dismissively as his vision returns to the shattered glass of the window near the throne. His eyes rest upon the servant's quarters across the balcony, shining curiously.

Just then, the doors to the throne room swing open once again, and a familiar face returns to approach the two Sith. It was the secretary, Nireena, and she drew closer with a grim expression, speaking plainly, "That does not normally happen here, I apologize." She explained with a stiff gesture for the two to follow. "Come, you can't stay here the rest of the afternoon. I've got guest rooms for the both of you to rest in before dinner." Nireena stated politely. Sol follows after her, slipping from the grand throne room and into the vibrant hall beyond.

"And what of the assassin?" The Kel'dor inquires boldly. Nireena shifts to peer at him with a raised brow.

"Rest assured, the palace guards are doing a sweep of every wing. They believe that they have found where the shot was fired. It's only a matter of time before the person responsible is captured." The secretary explains, though Sol can't help but wonder if he detects a bit of nervousness within her vocals. For now, he lets it slide, though his eyes still rest upon the woman as they are led upstairs and toward the lavish guest quarters that would be awaiting them.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

When the Kel’dor turned to inspect the window, Caerllion rolled his eyes. This was the Sol that he was used to dealing with. The one that was rude like a wild steele and direct with his answers. He wondered if it was painful for the Sith Master to stay faking being polite and how long he was capable of doing it. The last thing that they wanted at the moment was having the Kel’dor suddenly burst into rudeness because he wasn’t able to hold that anymore.

Before the Annfyn could say anything to him, Nireena arrived at the room. While she spoke, Caerllion picked Teekl and put her back in the cage. “You don’t need to apologize. I’m sure that it was only an unfortunate event.” it was obvious to Caerllion that assassinate attempts against the Monarch weren’t something common, unless the guard was incomepetent to allow it to happen constantly.

“I hope so. Such a criminal must be captured and brought to face justice.” he said, while following Nireena out of the throne room. They would take a path different from the one that they used early. Now the three would be going deep inside the palace, giving the Annfyn the possibility of seeing more of the place.

Of course, he continued comparing it to the one on his homeworld. Most of the corridors were made of marble and durasteel, very different from the wood and stone that was part of the royal palace of Annwfyn. Being made inside the Great Tree, the palace seemed to be alive and natural, while this one gave the impression of being artificial and sterile.

After some time walking through the palace, they finally arrived at their rooms. “These were prepared to receive you. Inside you’ll find a comm link that is connected directly with the servants, you can ask them anything that you two want.” with those instructions, the Secretary left them alone.

Immediately, Caerllion removed Teekl from her cage. “Perhaps we could help with the search. The Queen is an ally that I don’t want to lose.” he said to Sol, before turning to look at the loth cat. “You know what to do, girl. See if there is anything suspicious.” then, the Annfyn released her. The feline ran away through the corridor.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Sol steps into the guest quarters as Nireena finally leaves the two Sith to themselves. The Kel'dor found his eyes roaming the interior, from the colorful beds to the polished windows. It was a comfortable temperature, and the smell that hung in the air was rather homely, like apple and cinnamon. Sol makes his way toward one of the beds as Caerllion remarks on helping with the investigation, before sending his mutated loth cat out into the hall. The beasts were smart, but they weren't fully sentient, which really only meant one thing.

"You have formed a bond with her?" Despite the questioning nature of his words, Sol isn't surprised, nor does he judge. If Caerllion had established a force bond with the creature, then all the better. Perhaps the feline would make itself useful in more ways than one. "I will do my own searching, I think." The Kel'dor advised simply, settling down upon one of the beds before crossing his legs and assuming a meditative position. Closing his eyes, Sol reaches into the surrounding force, tugs at the currents within the air as his conscious expanded well beyond the walls of the guest wing, probing intricately through the various facilities of the palace. Curiously, Sol inspects every lifeform he senses within the palace walls.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”Of course. It had been the first thing that I did after you allowed me to have her.” Caerllion said, while walking toward his bed. While he had loved having Teekl as a pet, the Annfyn saw that she had much potential that he could explore through the use of the Force. So far, she was a perfect spy, but the loth cat could also be an assassin. He only didn’t have the opportunity to do it.

While the Kel’dor started to meditate, Caerllion sat on his bed. He pulled out his datapad and started to search for the most recent news about the Shu-Torun monarchy. Perhaps he could find something that could help give more clues about this assassination attempt. He wasn’t going to leave everything for Teekl to do.

He found an article about some recent disputes between the Ore-duke Lerrion and the Queen about some mining in a certain part of the planet. Dejara refused due to it being too risky, but the nobleman didn’t become happy with it. He wondered if it would be enough for an assassination attempt.

The Annfyn would search some more, finding that this particular ore-duke had been involved in other controversies, including relation with shady individuals of the Outer Rim. Caerllion would wait for Sol to finish his meditation to show him what he had found. It could be worth an investigation.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

As Caerllion searched on his datapad, Sol was still swimming through the currents of the surrounding force, his focus shifting down the various halls and through each room that dotted the palace grounds. He can sense a surge of life in the servant's quarters, and as he peered at the location through the eye of the force, he could tell that it was the source of the assassination attempt. Various guards combed the area for every last shard of evidence, their tense emotions akin to waves within the dark energy that the Kel'dor lurked within.

There, a flash of excitement from one of the officers. They had found something curious, of that Sol has no doubt. He draws himself back towards the guest quarters, allows his eyes to blink open in silence. A few moments more, and the Sith began to stretch, pushing himself off the bed and peering toward the clock nearby to see how much time had passed. No doubt, they would be retrieved shortly for the dinner.

"The guards found evidence in the servant's quarters. It is only a matter of time before they find the one responsible." And whomever it was, Sol thinks that they worked here within the palace. After all, it wasn't exactly easy to get past security, and he doubted any non servants would have access to that particular part of the palace. His thoughts shift back toward Nireena, and the flutter of nervousness that she had felt when Sol had questioned her about the assassination. Perhaps the secretary was not as friendly towards the Sith as she had made herself initially seem, or perhaps she knew who was responsible, and had aided the culprit in some unknown way. Time would tell, Sol supposed.

"They'll be retrieving us for dinner soon." The Kel'dor points out as he turns to face Caerllion. "This assassin poses a danger to our negotiations. If they are not captured soon, we would be wise to look into the matter ourselves." Sol remarks dryly.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”This is good.” Caerllion said to Sol, after the Master finished the meditation. “However, I think that you should give this a look.” he passed his Datapad to the Kel’dor. “Ore-duke Lerrion seems to have some grudges against the Queen. Perhaps we could investigate him.”

“If there is someone behind this assassin, I think that even after their capture that person can try again.” if it was him trying to kill someone, Caerllion would not rest if the assassin that he hired was captured. He would find other means to fulfill his goal. “We need to discover if this is true and catch the mastermind.”

“During dinner, we can ask some questions to the Queen. If she have enemies, what she thinks of Lerrion, her thoughts about the assassination attempt. While doing it, we also try to finish the agreement.” he said, while turning to look at Sol. “We are close to doing it. Deejara seemed very interested in our off.”

“Also, we need to pay attention during the dinner. If the assassin escapes being captured by the guards, they can try again during it.” Caerllion thought that his concern was valid. This would be another moment that the Queen would be distracted.

@Nevermourn

 

[Sol Kenuk]

Talons grip the datapad lightly as the Sith peers over the device, listening quietly as Caerllion went on to explain his findings. A disgruntled Ore-Duke was certainly interesting, and wealthy enough to hire or otherwise bribe someone into working as their assassin against the elderly Queen.

"Good find." Rare praise from the typically grumpy Kel'dor, and he hands the datapad back to the other Sith with a thoughtful expression. "I assume this Ore-Duke was present for initial negotiations, today? We'll bring it up over dinner, but quite frankly, if we're concerned about this Ore-Duke, it might be easier to simply have him eliminated entirely, rather than waste time on an investigation." Quicker, easier, and neither of the Sith had to leave any trace. There were plenty of places on Shu-Torun where a body would never be found.

"It may serve us well to be rid of a potential nuisance regardless of whether or not he was involved in the assassination." His vocals are cold, much like ice, and perhaps it was that distant and wintry voice that explained why the Kel'dor so easily brought up the idea of what others might consider senseless murder.

Sol was nothing if not brutally efficient in all that he did, that was certain.

"Perhaps your little Teekl will finally come in handy. Call her back, it's nearly time." Sol speaks with quiet vocals now, contemplating his next move. Perhaps Caerllion could use the force bond between himself and that cat to finish the troubled Ore-Duke as a measure of security. Sol could handle the bulk of the talking if he needed to, despite how much he might dislike it.

@LouJoVi

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

”He was. Lerrion was one of the first to leave the room.” Caerllion remembered having seen this ore-duke in particular leaving as soon as the blaster shot destroyed the glass of the window. “We can ask the Queen her thoughts about it and if she has any idea about who could have wanted to kill her.”

Caerllion wasn’t sure if he agreed with the Kel’dor’s idea of immediately killing the ore-duke. The noble could be a rival of the Queen, but they still don’t have proof to say that he was the responsible. The Annfyn would like to investigate more about it before they decided to make such a move.

“I’ll send Teekl to spy upon him. If we discover his participation in the assassination attempts, she will kill.” he decided, trying to avoid having a death so soon during their visit. “We should protect Dejara, while also investigating Lerrion. If we find that he is guilty, we dump him in a lava pool as an accident.” dispatching a corpse on a planet full of magma was something easy to do.

After some time, Caerllion heard someone knocking at the door. When he opened it, the Annfyn saw Nireena. “The dinner is ready. I’ll guide you two here. Your Majesty is waiting.” she said, before turning to walk in the corridor. The Champion turned at Sol, waiting for the other so they could leave.

@Nevermourn