Ask The Sorcerer, The Lord, and The Monarch

[Iymril]

Umbara l Death Enabled​

Iymril’s deliberate pace through the hallways of the Umbaran Academy betrayed less than their demeanor. The Sephi’s face was glass, not peaceful but expressionless. In fact, if it weren’t for their chosen garb, it wouldn’t be obvious wherever they were going was important.

But it was.

Iymril had been petitioning the Headmaster for this audience for sometime now. They’d served the Umbaran Academy as a researcher but desired a far more…permanent fixture within the Sith. At one point they would have reached out to Darth Tempest for these concerns…but those days were long past. She was absent from her own Order and Darth Arcanos had become the center of Sith politics, eclipsing her.

As Iymril came closer to the Headmaster’s Quarters, they’d pause to smooth their robes and pristine hair. They took the time to ensure both their purple nail polish hadn’t chipped and matching lip stick hadn’t smudged. Appearances were important to them, a habit carried over from their home-world. Before continuing onwards towards the they reviewed the information they’d written down within one of their many tomes. With any luck, what Iymril had uncovered would be of interest to Darth Arcanos. Acting as both an inroad to their goal of finding residency and tenure but also in the pursuit of sating their hunger for knowledge.

As Iymril continued they were unsurprised to see the increase in security near Arcanos’ quarters. The Headmaster and Monarch was an important fixture and someone had tried to kill him. It took some time to be cleared to meet with the Sith Lord, his arcane tome being something that aroused suspicion from the guards. But after some convincing and an air of caution, Iymril was allowed to pass by and into the waiting quarters for their meeting.

They’d await their summons in to meet with the illustrious Darth Arcanos. Their eyes sliding to the secretary and her hideous plain black set of robes. Their ears pinned back slightly, the only betrayal of their distaste. They’d silently continue to appraise their surroundings and anyone else who came and went until they were called to meet with Arcanos himself.

The time for their ascension was at hand.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar gestured for his visitor to approach him. The Sephi would have to hunch quite a bit to get through the door. Azar was looking over a cauldron in his ‘office’, smoke pluming from the container. It smelled, curiously, like baked goods. However, anyone that knew Arcanos or of him knew never to trust anything the Sith Lord was cooking or brewing regardless of how it smelled.

The Pureblood was dressed in form-fitting robes that were tailored to his build. Azar didn’t acknowledge the champion when they first arrived, “Potions can be very temperamental,” He said calmly as he used the Force to float over a small vial. He uncorked it and emptied it into the cauldron, the contents bubbling and hissing as they turned a rich shade of purple, “Not many appreciate the art of this branch of alchemy but it has its roots in sorcery.”

He finally turned to regard the Sephi, putting the vial down. The Pureblood clearly had a penchant for appearances as well with the way his hair was neatly done, the black kohl eyeliner that accented his eyes and the polished, elongated nails.

“You are a student of sorcery,” He stated, “And so you gain your audience. I trust you have not come to waste my time.”

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

Iymril had initially stooped not to enter to room but to bow. However, it quickly became apparent that this room hadn’t been designed with a being of his stature in mind. Rude. With this in mind, Iymril maintained their stooped posture as they came alongside Darth Arcanos. Eventually, they rested on one knee, which allowed them to straighten their back into something more comfortable.

Iymril notes the scents of cinnamon, with a touch of something akin to bread in an oven beneath it. If it had been any other being but the Sith Lord, they would have assumed it was baking going on. But Arcanos had earned a reputation as a master potions and poisons maker. Iymril silently watched as the Darth worked at his craft, it was an honor to see it, they knew that. When Arcanos spoke, Iymril listened. Their ruby red eyes tugging from their cauldron to look directly into the Sith Lord’s golden eyes. They paused briefly to gaze at his nails, noting their how finely shaped and painted they were.

It would only be once Arcanos stopped speaking in full that Iymril finally replied. Their voice wasn’t baritone or base, it was even but carried undeniable masculinity without losing a strange softness. In some ways, it defied the way the Sephi presented themself and yet, it suited them all the same.

“I wouldn’t dare to waste your time, my Lord.” They replied in a measured response. “I am always a student when it comes to matters of the Force.” They continued. “There is always something new to explore.” Their ears were perked slightly, as they watched the cauldron bubble.

“I wasn’t fortunate enough to have a Master who taught alchemy.” Iymril admitted. “It wasn’t until I read your research and treatises that I became familiar. I particularly fancied your thesis on the benefits of potion making and exploration of it as an alchemical practice.” They complimented, it wasn’t just base flattery, it was honest even if their voice and expression didn’t reveal it. “It was enlightening and showed the depths of your passion as an alchemist, sorcerer, researcher, and professor.” They continued. “I like your nails and your robe.” They added, the transition from professional to personal compliments was smooth stated but likely jarring to suddenly hear.

It was only then that Iymril tugged opened one of their two tomes. They would offer it to Arcanos to read if he desired. The handwriting within was an elegant, if not a little sprawling of a script. Iymril would report on what was within regardless of if Arcanos took it or not.

“I am researcher here at the Umbaran Academy. I occasionally teach classes to young acolytes on introductory elements of Sorcery.” They explained. “However, part of my duties are to uncover our Order’s forgotten past and report the findings to Tempest’s throne.” They continued. “I opted to not do that with this information…” Their voice trailed off like a wisp of smoke. “…my research has uncovered something of interest. Darth Nyrissa, a long dead Sith Councillor, one whose name had been stricken from all records, save one.” They explained. “The record I found listed a few details. Namely, that she was among the most powerful of Sith in her era and survived over twenty years on the Dark Council.” Iymril’s gaze returned to Arcanos’ at that, knowing the importance of a feat like that.

“She conquered a world named Drezzi, that is our only record of her.” They explained. “It is a world that is ruled by potent Sorcerer monarchs, a Sith world.” They emphasized those last three words. “Their knowledge and the potential of learning what Darth Nyrissa knew, is worthy of a visit, yes?” They asked.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

It was a good thing the Champion had a pleasant voice because they certainly liked to talk. The Pureblood remained silent, turning away to sprinkle more things into his cauldron to keep cooking his potion. Azar floated the tome over to scan over it, only half paying attention. However, at the compliment on his nails and attire, Azar’s gaze flicked back towards the Sephi, a smile almost tugging at his lips. Azar could never get enough compliments on his appearance.

“Twenty years on a Dark Council in this part of the galaxy means lying low while everyone kills each other off,” Azar said dryly, having a good idea of how the ‘Sith Order’ operated. Iymril was speaking to a Pureblood - a man that was born Sith and followed the doctrines of being such without silly notions like councils. Still, the prospect of a Sith world with sorcerers sounded intriguing. After all, that was exactly what lured him to Tund.

“And what do you wish to gain from such a visit?” Azar said as he added the finishing touches to the potion. It now began to smell like roses. The Pureblood finally turned to look at the Champion again, his stature hilariously small across the Sephi and yet carrying the bearing of someone far bigger.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

Iymril didn’t argue with Arcanos on survival methods within the Dark Council. He was likely right. That was how their own Master survived on Thustra for so long after all. She hid. There was no shame in that either, survival was often more important than glory.

When Arcanos asked what they wanted from a visit Iymril’s eyebrow only slightly arched for a moment.

“Knowledge. Favor. And Tenure.” They replied. “I’m no altruist after all.”

Iymril would pause to sniff the air once, taking in the sudden shift in the potion’s scent. Their eyes fell to it before returning to Arcanos. There was a hint of curiosity behind the calmness in their eyes.

“What does it do?” They asked finally.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Straight to the point, just as Azar liked. The Sephi was more perceptive than they let on and picked up quickly on how to best address the Sith Lord. The Pureblood appreciated the blunt honesty. The Champion wanted to curry favor enough to validate the ascension to a permanent teaching post. Azar could appreciate ambition - it was a trait most Sith lacked. It was something to be cultivated. Iymril had his attention now.

“This?” He glanced back at the potion and smirked, “This is fragrant oil,” He said casually, ladling some of it into a vial and corking it, “For massages. Contains muscle relaxants and herbs to mellow the mind,” He explained, “Can double as a perfume and have other uses should you entertain a man,” Azar said breezily as he handed a vial to the Sephi and pocketed a second for himself. There was no deceit there - he really did just concoct essential oils for personal use.

“I will join you on this excursion,” Azar said as he strode out past the tall Sephi and from his chambers, “Lock up behind you, would you?” He called out without looking back as he disappeared from sight.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

The mood of the Sith Lord almost visibly brightened at Iymril’s direct and blunt reply. The Sephi made a mental note of that and cataloged the information away. However, Arcanos revealed that the cauldron was filled with perfumed oils that could double as lube.

The Sephi stared blankly at that revelation.

They had expected a thousand other answers. A potion that temporarily increased Force potency? Potentially. A poison that caused someone’s brain to melt out their ears? Probably. But essential oils? By the cauldron-full? That wasn’t on their Sith Lord bingo card.

They were so lost in shock that Iymril barely reacted in time to catch the vial of oil Arcanos casually tossed their way. They nearly fumbled their catch several times. The vial bounced off their fingertips three or four times before they finally got ahold of it. They stared at it for several second before putting it in the fold of their robes.

Iymril realized what Arcanos had asked of them and also left them no key. So the Sorcerer did what made sense, they used to Force to click the tumbler into place and lock the office behind them. As they stood up from the stooped position, Iymril’s back audibly popped. It felt amazing.

They took a moment to stretch before extending their gait slightly to catch up with the diminutive Sith Lord. Once they had, Iymril would come alongside him and glance down.

“Your ship or mine?” They asked.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“You will meet me there, Champion,” Azar responded, scoffing at the idea of sharing a ship with a Champion. How presumptuous of the Sephi.

---
​

With his super fancy ship, of course he arrived on the planet hours earlier. It was one of the rare moments where he didn’t show up fashionably late. After taking a well-earned nap, he dressed into something stylish yet comfortable and waited for the Sephi to arrive in their designated area. It was an outdoor spaceport and there was no one else around because Azar had opted for a private landing zone. Iymril would have been given the clearance codes.

Once they arrived, Iymril’s sensitive ears would first pick up music being strummed. A few steps towards the source would reveal Azar seated on the exit ramp of his ship with a hallikset strumming a song. It was a custom made instrument to adapt to his three digit hands. Because of his recent anger issues and downward spirals, Azar decided to pick up an instrument. After breaking the first few, he finally grew to enjoy the hallikset and realized playing came naturally to him.

“Good afternoon, Champion,” Azar called out without looking up, his elegant fingers gliding across the strings.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

Iymril wasn’t offended by Arcanos’ reply. It was the one they expected. The attempt had been a long shot but what better way to pick a Sith Lord’s mind than over several days worth of travel? Regardless, Iymril would give the Pureblood a nod of acknowledgment before parting from his company.

————————

Iymril was a being of punctuality. They arrived on time to any occasion, not a moment earlier and not a second late. The Sephi was able to bypass security with the codes that had been transmitted to them. They approached Arcanos’ massive ship in a simple yet somehow still elegant outfit. The materials they had used were light weight, breathable, while avoiding being drab or bland. In their hands were a pair of bags, one contained a further two outfits and the other housed all of their evening necessities.

Iymril wouldn’t speak while Arcanos played his hallikset. Instead, they would remain perfectly silent and simply listen to the song he played in full. They noted the tones, the emotion conveyed through each pluck of the strings, they would say nothing of it though. Their face remained perfectly even and still the song came to a close.

“Haunting and beautiful.” They offered as a compliment before continuing their approach. “Good afternoon, Darth Arcanos.” Iymril replied with a dip of their head. “I took the liberty of establishing an appointment with this city’s king.” They reported after they placed their bags on the soft grass at their sides. “It would seem the world is ruled by a system of independent city states. This house, claims Darth Nyrissa as their ancestor.”

The reasoning for selecting this domain as their entry point was fairly obvious. A culture that tied itself back to a Sith Order likely would be more welcoming of Sith within their halls. It would make bringing them into the fold or subjugating them far easier.

“A speeder should be arriving shortly to fetch us, my Lord.”

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar kept playing even after the Champion arrived, opting to finish the whole song. He didn’t mind putting on a little performance, feeling a bit more confident about his playing. After he set the hallikset aside, he glanced up at Iymril when they spoke. Unlike the Sephi, Azar’s takeaway was far more suspicious. Sith generally saw one another as rivals and there was nothing to suggest that this King wouldn’t seek to destroy potential rivals. Everyone knew the Sith Order was in the shadows and could be fragile.

The Pureblood kept his thoughts to himself for now, putting the hallikset away. He used the Force to tug some of his bags over, “Carry them,” He ordered the Champion. It didn’t matter that this was a sorcery student, they would do the Sith Lord’s bidding.

“You show initiative,” Azar said as he rose to stand and fell into step beside the towering Sephi, “It will set you apart from your peers,” He complimented as he watched the speeder pull up. The woman stepped out and looked at Azar, though a masculine voice spoke telepathically, addressing him in his native tongue.

Azar did not respond, his gaze piercing into the woman as he realized she was nothing more than a puppet. This King was rather keen on flexing his reach. The Pureblood would play along for now, sliding into the speeder. The Sephi would have to comically scrunch themself up to fit in a speeder simply not built for their size. Azar glanced around and pressed the button, causing the roof to recede and turn it into a convertible to allow Iymril some room.

“I’m surprised you chose to meet with the King before we took the time to learn more about the city itself,” Azar mused aloud before his gaze slowly panned to face Iymril, “I am confident you have done your research in advance.”

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

Iymril watched in silence as Darth Arcanos tugged several of his bags over with the Force and then ordered them to carry the bags. Iymril didn’t fuss over the order but if Arcanos had expected them to physically carry his bags, he was wrong. The Sephi did a pair of motions with their arms and a set of three complex signs with their fingers before lifting both arms with their palms up. All of the bags lifted in response.

The majesty of Sign Casting. Iymril then turned on their heel to follow Darth Arcanos, all of their bags floating behind them. As they grew closer to where the speeder was meant to collect them, Iymril would float the bags down to rest in front of their feet. There was no sense in revealing what they were capable of to anyone not from their Order.

Iymril’s ruby eyes fell to Arcanos as he complimented them. “Thank you, my Lord.” They replied. “Preparation is half of the key to success and use of knowledge the other.”

While the driver addressed Arcanos, Iymril was busy manually putting both of their bags in the trunk. What did Arcanos carry with him? Why in the hells was this so heavy? While their face wouldn’t betray the strain lifting the bags out on their body, Iymril couldn’t help the occasional grunt as they heaved the bags.

Because of this strenuous activity, Iymril didn’t notice the second voice from the driver. Instead, they lightly dabbed at their forehead with a small silk cloth. Once they had regathered themself, they would join Arcanos at the rear of the cab. Cramped was an understatement in Iymril’s opinion. As with most things, the speeder hadn’t been designed with someone of their stature in mind. And so a sense of relief washed over them when Arcanos pressed a button and the roof of the cab fell back. Iymril sat straight and for a brief moment, if Arcanos was looking their way, he’d see them almost nestle into their seat.

When Arcanos asked if Iymril had done their research, their calm gaze turned to the Sith Lord. “Of course.” They replied. “Would you prefer me to enlighten you with the details? Or should I inform the king that our appointment time should be adjusted so we can explore firsthand?” There was no sass in their voice, the question was genuine. If Arcanos desired to experience the city for himself, Iymril would make it so.

After all, what was a provincial monarch when compared to the King of Korriban?

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Watching Iymril struggling with the luggage provided a brief reprieve of entertainment. Before long they were on their way and Iymril asked their question. If there was one thing Azar despised it was rhetorical questions. The Pureblood decided he wouldn’t dignify such an obvious question with a response - if Iymril had details to provide, they should have been provided already.

“We will not reschedule with a King,” He stated flatly in response, keeping silent the rest of the ride. Iymril was straddling a fine line between impressing and irritating Azar and could lean very easily into either direction. For now, the Pureblood shifted focus back to the matter at hand.

They were led past gates down a long, winding road that took them to a palace. There were countless gardeners and other staff milling about, their speeder pulling up as an attendant opened the door for Azar.

“King Arcanos, you honor us with your presence,” The attendant said, Azar stepping out of the speeder. There were people to carry his bags so Iymril would be spared the task.

As they stepped into the foyer and walked down a corridor, there were massive paintings that lined the walls to depict the dynasty of this King - each one appearing less and less opulent as the dynasty continued. There was a lot of pomp and show, but Azar’s keen perception told him that it was almost deceitful. He could spot cobwebs and other signs of abandonment as he peeked into rooms he passed. As a royal himself, he could tell immediately when a palace wasn’t actually used as residence. The workers either looked worn out or as if they were lost or confused - meaning they were hired just to give appearances.

Curious.

A set of double doors opened to a grand chamber where a very eccentric appearing king in eye-watering bright clothes sat waiting for them.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

Iymril’s ruby eyes never left Darth Arcanos, the man’s growing irritation was easily read in his answer. If that bothered or alarmed Iym, it didn’t show on their face. Instead, their ears dipped slightly and they cleared their throat before they began to share pertinent information regarding the city. Success was all that mattered to Iymril…that and survival. Achieving both of those meant sharing anything and keeping Arcanos informed. They had to perform.

The information shared was a brief overview of the last two hundred galactic years of the world and key events. These included the rise of the sorcerous family that current rules Drezzi’s capital city. The discovery of Doonium, a metal used in starship construction, being found within the region controlled by the capital city. The prosperity brought by the discovery leading to political dominance over rival city states as the region emerged as super power.

As the highlight reel ended, the speeder would arrive at the palace. It was only as the massive double gates swung open, that Iym would turn their attention from Arcanos and to their surroundings. Iymril had also grown up within a noble household, given it was a different culture than Arcanos’ but there are some aspects that were universal. Exhausted housekeepers and gardeners, led to mistakes that only a sensitive eye would notice. Eyes like Arcanos and Iymril.

Iymril’s eyes impassively drank in details that were significant but minute. Bits of uncleaned dust on the filigree of the portrait frames. Tiny microfrays at the edges of the carpet. Their Sephi ears picked up on the scampering of tiny feet and scraping of small claws within a wall.

Iym’s ears twitched slightly at that, their eyes slowly shifted towards Arcanos. They were uneasy and alert, their ears steadily pinning back and disappearing beneath their loose hair. Something felt wrong.

The double doors opened and revealed a king sitting on his throne within an empty audience chamber. There were no courtiers, no servants just ornate decorations and opulent displays. The king rose from his throne, his clothes a myriad of purples and yellows.

Colors that departed from what his forefathers had worn in their portraits.

“Ah!” Came the thunderous voice of the king. “You must be King Arcanos! Ruler of all Korriban!” He continued. “I am King Kazu Saktait.” The Pureblood king said as he walked down the steps of his throne. “Welcome to Drezzi, welcome to my home.”

Iymril would remain silent as the kings spoke. They knew their place and it wasn’t as an equal. They had no place in their discussion or at their royal table, something that could serve them nicely. Being beneath someone’s notice is as good as being invisible to them. And that always had it’s benefits.

“Have you been able to tour my city yet?” King Kazu asked Arcanos, completely ignoring Iymril.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar was not used to such subpar halls when it came to meeting another royal. He could already imagine how his mother or Nana would have reacted to walking into a King’s chamber without servants rushing to offer refreshments. The Pureblood kept a polite smile, silently surveying the king that was clearly trying to put up a front. Whatever was going on here, it was evident the Sith had leverage.

“An honor to meet you, your majesty,” He said as he took a seat, “I have not had the pleasure of touring your planet just yet, no,” Azar said, subtly slipping in planet instead of city. After all, surely this king reigned over the whole planet, right?

“Our histories are interwoven from what I can tell, and so we thought it prudent to visit and discuss where our interests could align.”

“Ah! Yes yes of course..” The King muttered, “Things have been difficult since the rebellion..”

Azar eyed him curiously before his gaze flicked to Iymril. Did the Sephi miss some critical details? Kazu caught this and was quick to jump on it.

“I’m not surprised you hadn’t heard,” He said, “A lot of propaganda and comms being tampered with…there was a rebellion that managed to take over the Doonium business. It has completely disrupted our way of life. They claim to be giving back to the people and moving away from intergalactic trade. But the commoners can’t understand that we need intergalactic trade and economy! It is what has allowed us to prosper as a nation!”

Greed and capitalism. Exactly the kind of thing Azar liked to play with. He began to understand why the King was so eager to meet. He was in trouble. He needed the Sith. It remained to be seen if the Sith needed him.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

Iym’s gaze was unwavering and conveyed none of what they were feeling. Their ears pressed flat to their head beneath their hair. Kazu was clearly an incompetent and unworthy heir to the throne. But he was also greedy, power hungry, and desperate. All useful to the Order.

While they couldn’t leave him in place long term, especially if he was unable to control his people and prevent open rebellion. Kazu could be used as a figurehead until a more suitable regent could be found. So, Iymril cleared their throat.

“Of course, commoners cannot be expected to understand matters of state.” They interjected finally. “Once these rebels have been dealt with, the civilian population will fall back into line.” Iymril continued, their mouth opened to make a suggestion when Kazu interrupted.

“And who are you?” He demanded.

“Forgive me, I am Iymril Auvryt'tar, heir to my house and last of my name.” They offered smoothly in reply.

“I don’t recognize your family name…” The King muttered.

Iym internally smirked at that reply. Of course he wouldn’t. Drezzi was a long way away from Thustra.

“I’d imagine not, Anfynn is a long way from Drezzi.” Iymril lied, no need in revealing too much after all.

While the thought even posing as a member of that degenerate subspecies disgust them, it was necessary. Iymril didn’t want this fool of a King to be the one who exposed their existence back to their home world. They didn’t need a Thustran militia, formed by the remnants of their House trying to save them.

The King paused to consider that before returning his attention to Arcanos.

“This outsider speaks true, if you could crush this rebellion, it would put the commoners back into their place.” He pointed out. “And my dynasty would be forever indebted to you.” Kazu continued.

Iym glanced to Arcanos. Their thoughts really didn’t matter here, whatever the Darth decided is what they would do. Arcanos outranked them, was more powerful, and controlled the vast forces of a whole world. They’d simply offer suggestions and fall into line at the end of the day.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar was losing his patience. Not only was there no wine in his hand, but this King had the nerve to lord over them. The pureblood remained silent as Iymril spoke up, internally surprised and impressed that they weren’t afraid to pose as Annfyn. Azar knew about the dispute and hatred between the two races. With a pang, he remembered when he accidentally blurted out that he was Sadow on Panatha. The Sith Lord quickly suppressed the memory, deciding he couldn’t fall into his grief right now.

After the exchange was over, he nodded respectfully to the King, “Of course, your majesty,” He said before he continued, “But you will treat my colleague with respect,” Azar added, frost in his tone as his piercing yellow gaze met the King’s, “Or we may just have to remind you that we are Sith,” He said. Without warning, the King was suddenly forced to sit back on his throne with an unseen force, unceremoniously and effectively made to sit down and shut up by Azar. His stern gaze silently dared the King to speak. The man knew better.

The Pureblood said nothing more, turning on his heel to leave the chamber.

Once they were out of the palace, Azar took a moment to ponder, “I’m almost tempted to help the rebellion side of this,” He said, “These ‘help the people’ types will do anything to overthrow power…perhaps we can create the illusion of newfound authority that ultimately benefits us,” He looked back up at the Sephi, “What do you perceive, Champion?” Azar asked calmly, his face largely neutral. He was testing them, of course, the sorcerer had impressed him thus far. The fact that the Sephi didn't let foolish pride blind them during a mission was something of note.

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

Iymril remained silent as Arcanos addressed the King. There was no reason for them to interject, it would serve no purpose. Aside from this, it risked undermining the foundation of the plan they were steadily piecing together.

However, they hadn’t expected Arcanos to demand respect be given to them. Why had he done that? They were both Sith, yes but Iymril wasn’t of anyone worth of notice much less respect given by a royal. Especially, unearned respect and fear. Despite this, Iymril made note of Arcanos’ actions and the one that came next.

The Sith Lord forced the King back into his throne. He force him to remain silent. He forced him to obey. But beyond that, Iymril watched how the King reacted. He didn’t resist. His haughty attitude was consumed by fear now.

This King was weak.

Iymril gave the King a small, mocking nod of their head. It adhered to decorum when meeting with a royal but it also ensured he knew who possessed the true power here now. It wasn’t him.

As they walked, Arcanos offered a suggestion, a goal to work towards. Siding with the rebels. Iymril’s ears dipped slightly, they saw many issues with this.

“With respect Darth Arcanos I disagree.” They began. “The Rebels control an important resource, that is true. But they also have little idea of how to rule. Whatever government they construct will be weak at first and there will be unrest from the population.” They continued. “Plus, it could impact extra-planetary trade, especially if Drezzi’s trade partner is an ally tied to the Royal bloodline.” Iymril pointed out. “Aside from this, rebels never forget how they earned freedom and they always look for more tyrants to overthrow. By siding them we run the risk of making a few too many decisions they dislike…then you have open rebellion and a war that isn’t needed.”

Iymril would pause and allow their points to settle.

“This king on the other hand, he fears you.” Iymril pointed out. “Fear is a powerful tool to keep subjects in line.” They continued. “Something we can reinforce by turning the people against the rebels and then turning the rebels into an example.” A cruel glint in Iymril’s eye shone through. “Then you have puppet on a throne that will never step out of line due to fear of reprisal.” They explained. “Plus, there is no need to aid in the construction of a power structure, one already exists for you to manipulate.”

“If that pleases you, my Lord.” They added with a dip of their head. Unlike with the King, it was a genuine show of respect.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

Azar let Iymril outline their thought process, calmly listening the entire time. He may have been a Sith Lord, but he valued intellect and would welcome perspectives and approaches that may not align with his own. He was more like the first Empress Andraste than perhaps he himself realized. His yellow gaze met Iymril’s for a moment before he finally spoke, “My dear Iymril,” He began with his usual drawling tone and velvety smooth voice, “I would count on the rebels failing at leading,” Azar said with a smirk, “It is not their influence over doonium that’s critical, it is their influence over the people that’s invaluable,” He explained, “Even if there is unrest, these rebel leaders would have ascended from the common people. When they start to fail, the Sith are in position to then infiltrate under the guise of an advisory council. We would then control the entire planet because of the influence over the people.”

He looked away and gazed towards the horizon, “Rebellions are never just individuals. Rebellions are ideas. And you can never kill an idea. Which is why you need to twist the narrative so the idea is yours,” Azar said with a smile. After all, he had collapsed and taken over multiple nations before, “This King has lost all influence and command. He has nothing but empty words. He has no financial might or a power structure. It would have to be rebuilt. Did you look at the state of his palace? He is hanging on by a thread.”

Azar could see merits in Iymril’s approach, but it would require the same amount of effort as if the rebels were doing a takeover. And it would have the additional downside of a general population that despised the ruler, “Governing through fear never lasts,” He explained, speaking from his personal experiences.

“If you disagree with my assessment still, Champion, we will do this your way,” Azar said flatly, “Should the approach fail, the accountability lies on you.”

@Apollyon

 

[Iymril]

Iymril was silent as Arcanos laid out a counter proposal. They could plainly see the merits of his plan. They steadily brought their hand to their chin and ran their hand along their own jawline as they thought.

“Grant the people the illusion of freedom, that way they never question their own shackles.” They mused aloud.

It was a cunning plan, one that was contrary to how Iymril was taught by their former Master. She had taught lessons of control through the shadows, how to keep subjects in line for short term returns. It was clear to them that Arcanos hunted for long term stability and results.

So when Arcanos offered to try their plan, they didn’t even hear the second part of what they offered. Instead the waved their hand as if shooing off the idea without realizing how it could be taken.

“No, my lord.” They told them. “I see the value in your plan and I consider myself an eternal student so I will eagerly learn your ways.” They continued. “We shall turn our attentions to dismantling what scraps power this king has clung onto.” Iymril stated with a small nod. “Which shouldn’t be difficult, the man is ruled by fear. I could sense it coursing through his veins when he spoke of the rebellion.” Iymril pointed out. “If I had a sample of his genetic markers, I could intensify that into full blown paranoia.” They offered.

“Unless you have another plan?” They asked as they opened the speeder door for Arcanos.

@Sreeya

 

[Darth Arcanos]

“How you procure the King’s genetic marker is none of my concern, Champion,” Azar said briskly, “You have autonomy in avenues where you specialize. You have proven yourself capable enough to not need me to micromanage your affairs,” He said with a faint smile. He always did like when Champions knew their manners, and he slid into the speeder after Iymril opened the door for them.

“It was impressive that you weren’t too prideful to state yourself to be an Annfyn,” Azar said once they were on their way towards the deeper parts of the city. It was closer to where the doonium factories were and where they could run into some of the rebels.

“Once we arrive there, we can’t give the picture of being royalty,” Azar explained, “We have to pose as those that rose from the common folk. We need to be a beacon of what success can look like for them,” He explained, glancing over to Iymril who perhaps even outdid Azar in their display of regal authority, “You may need to tone down the..” He said nothing, simply gesturing lazily with his hand across all of Imyril’s person. Amusement glinted in Azar’s eye before he looked away.

He may have been a king now, but he could still remember when he first left Sith space. When he posed as a Massassi, when he barely had clothes on his back, when he traversed and survived in the woods, when he ate out of the trash before he finally found his way to the Sith Order. No one needed to know about those days, but it taught Azar many lessons about what it meant to play different roles. What it meant to survive.

@Apollyon