Open Korriban To the Happy Brides and the Groom!

[Blaze Firestone]

For someone such as Blaze, Korriban was as it was for most spacers; a desert planet with very little for show or to do, a recluse for eighty percent of the Order. But the difference was in the why. For Blaze preferred the road less traveled, a means of avoiding the masses, and to live in what he considered tranquility. Booze, women, and sin. It's what Blaze aspired to. At least, it's what he strove for. There were times he often found himself at odds with, and right now was such one of those times.

Amidst the roaring crowds, a Champion stood against his enemy, the crowd looking on in awe as the accused faced the sentence of facing Blaze in combat for ruining his sports jacket. Such was the open forum that was the Gladiatorial Arena nestled within the City of Gems. But this wasn't the least of fair fights, and Blaze had accused a lowly Acolyte of cursing his honor by not watching where he was going and spilling a minuscule and minute amount of flavorful alcohol upon his blackened blazer. And in the arena, the crowd cheered feverishly as he sidestepped his opponent's attack and laid a hand against skin the began to boil beneath.

As his opponent recoiled in pain against the Tailless Tiefling, Blaze held up a glowing red hand in glory as the red hue engulfed in flame, and with a backhand, struck his foe with the fury of a Sith Champion. Marked by the ire of Blaze and laying him pain of the burns that course his form, his opponent could no longer yield nor pick himself from the crimson soaked soil, signaling the end of the display of superiority as he allowed the medical core to take his form. The crowd may have booed the allowance of life, but Blaze's infamous mark was humility enough. Let his opponent live with it as was per his usual.

And so Blaze tossed the jacket in a bin as he left the arena and departed upon the streets, a cascade of his usual venue preferences after what he considered little more than a scrapple as he made his way. This was where he would reencounter one he had noticed before, and as he would turn into his favorite ramen shop, notice him as their shoulders would bump in the crossing and Blaze's red and blue eyes would fall upon the Pureblood.

Spoiler: Tag

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai was glad when Chasdrym accepted the invitation to see a gladiator game and so in a way get to better know him as a person. To see where he learnt some of his skills and was honed. As he accepted he begun to pay over little notice to the others unless he was addressed. His interest lay soundly upon Chasdrym and the game they were conducting.

He offered a small smile, as he spoke "Then I would be glad to show you. To allow a glimpse into part of the life I had growing up, although I wonder do you have such a place on Thustra? A gladiator arena that is." As they walked, he accidentally bumped into a almost familiar face. One he recalled briefly seeing at a previous social event. Turning to see who it was, he noted the striking appearance of wavy red hair and two different colour eyes of them. He was almost sure he was being observed but put the thought aside for now as he continued to walk with Chasdrym and the rest of the group they had encountered.

Yet he couldn't shake the feeling.

So with auction he walked, offering an arm for Chasdrym to hold as they walked. With a small smile he couldn't wait to show him another aspect of the culture, and get to know the man more. As well as give him the gift he had for him when they found a moment for themselves.

He spoke "Excellent. I think you will find it to your liking, it is quite a spectacle."

@LouJoVi @GABA @StephDLegend @Phoenix @Mythos

 

[Blaze Firestone]

Blaze stood there as he watched the Acolyte begin to walk away wearily with caution, but not without notice. The memories of the social flowed back into his mind and the being came to be remembered. Warrior caste Pureblood, Acolyte, potential and yet, unrefined. He wasn't for delicate pallets. No. The potential, despite its unrefined stature, was raw and powerful. And it had caught his interest previously, and now, came opportunity. He grinned.

"You there, Pureblood." Blaze spoke against the backdrop of the draped tarp of the Ramen Shop that encased the refrigerated air of the establishment as he turned and let go of the cloth as it swayed aside. "You are a Warrior, are you not? A Pureblood of the Massassi Caste and Acolyte of the Sith? I challenge you to face me in the Tournament here before the crowd. Let me witness what separates us."

It was an open challenge, and Blaze had been the one to issue it. With the resurgence of the Pureblood Species, the hidden enclaves of Korriban having opened up to the Sith Order and a thriving Kingdom now ruled by one of their own, Blaze wondered why this species had evolved so naturally through the Darkside. It was as much of a scientific endeavor as it was enjoyment in testing himself against one. Rarely did Blaze wish to engage, and yet, here he stood.

His opposing gaze of crimson and aqua stared attentively for an answer, to see what would be this being's response. It would present the perfect opportunity, essentially killing two birds with one stone should he prove as potential as Blaze had glanced at. If not, killing him would be mercy. But that is, if Blaze was merciful for wasted time and effort. He wasn't.

"Shall I give word to the Arena Master that a special match is going to take place?"

Spoiler: Tag

@Akheron

 

[Theia Durand]

The itch was still there as Arla (@Phoenix) mentioned she was often mistaken to look like the Thorne family. The girl could see that, but she also tensed with the mention of the Thornes, hoping no one would go further into topic on that family. She didn't want to accidently let out that she personally knew them, grew up with them, and how she was related to the family. "Oh...yeah...I can see that now..." she quickly agreed, but the topic changed quickly to the gladiator tournaments as Karai explained its purpose and small history of his own involvement with fighting.

The padawan stuffed the last bites of her cake in her mouth, "That's fascinating, I would fight too if I could have my freedom, beats being locked up." she hummed to herself. She glanced to Arla, holding out her hand, "I'm Theia by the way, that's Karai, Chasdrym, and Kaedan." The redhead introduced herself and the others (@Akheron @LouJoVi @StephDLegend), pointing to each of them, "What's your name?" she asked her, but her attention would be pulled some obnoxious shouting nearby, someone trying to challenge Karai. That was certainly cringe.

"How about you witness how to shut your mouth!" she shouted to the unknown challenger (@Mythos), Theia was not about to let some bully ruin today, this was supposed to be fun and clearly he didn't have enough brain cells to make sense of that.

Theia was ready to square up on this guy, they were just having a fun time and he was trying to ruin that for all of them.

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Just as Karai offered his hand to Chasdrym, he heard a voice call out. One he thought was somewhat familiar, and so he turned. It was the one he had felt caution about, the one he felt had been watching him. And yet he found a dislike already, especially with how he approached him. Not even bothering to address him by name calling him 'Pureblood' in an almost insulting way, at least that's how he appeared to say it and worse. He appeared to be attempting to goad and taunt him into some kind of fight, a fight he had no current interest in.

He was also annoyed at how blatant he had been about how he was in the Order. It was not something he wanted the others to know just yet beyond Chasdrym who already knew him in the Academy. Despite the fact the red haired man was a Champion, he held his ground and spoke up. Knowing with the guards around and the group he was with, there wouldn't be too much he could do he imagined, at least not unless he wanted a few nights in a cell by causing a scene.

At least he hoped it was that way.

"No need to be rude, I have a name, Karai. I am a warrior it is true, but I have no current interest in a fight. No offense but I don't really know what this is all about or why the hostility? You hasn't even given me your own name. Perhaps I will one day show you, but not today. I came to witness a fight not to be part of one or cause a scene...I fight on my own terms. I'm a little confused though what I might have done to you to cause this reaction. Did I offend you in some way? If that's the case sorry. But if you want to talk business we can do it later, I'm busy at the moment. If you calm down perhaps you can join us."

He hoped he understood what he implied, that he would talk later about Sith matters later, as he tried to be diplomatic about the whole situation. To diffuse any tension. Part of him was curious who he was though, and what he really wanted. It obviously wasn't to fight. He wasn't entirely sure though. Perhaps by talking things out he would find out what the real purpose of what happened was and why.

He turned to the Theia, trying to calm her down as well "Don't worry I got this. Don't think anyone wants a scene, and end up in a cell really."

@Phoenix @GABA @LouJoVi @Mythos @StephDLegend

 

[Blaze Firestone]

Blaze stared blankly at Theia(@GABA) after she spoke, Who was she? Did her destiny hold any real substance to him? He didn't know. He didn't care. Her companion, however, was a relative matter. As a learned man, Blaze knew a little bit about his people, their culture, and their ways. It had always been an adaptation of his, a means of overcoming his own weakness. A throwaway, raised on charity and weakness. Never again. He spoke in kind to the young girl before turning his attention back to her comrade.

"That doesn't interest me, and neither do you. But you're Pureblooded Friend here does. A devilish grin envelopes his face as he places his fingers to his forehead, a brief fourth wall nod toward (@Sreeya) with whom his writer had not entertained in awhile, and since it was a social, anything could happen. Turning back to the scene, he would continue speaking now to Karai. "I'm afraid you will have little choice in the matter as I am invoking the rite of Kraujas Nirgi in my challenge to you. Will you carry the shame of turning it down?"

Blaze had goaded enough. The challenge had been made, and it was now placed upon Karai to accept or be shamed. His place in the eyes of all onlookers were no matter to him, nor how he was viewed by them. They could do no more than what he had already lived through, and yet, as his eyes fell upon Karai behind a short and sturdy figure, he saw the same eyes looking back at him. To live the lives that these two had brought a deeper understanding of the Darkside, to have seen the best and worst beings come and go, it connected the Darkside with their souls. The difference was that Blaze had blossomed and Karai had not. And Blaze was about to change that.

There was a fire behind his mascara'd eyes...

Spoiler: Tags

@Akheron @GABA

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai listened and was about to say something when he heard words he did not expect. That despite how rude he was, the strange man held a interest in him and said more. Words that surprised him. How did this outsider know if such a rite? It all intrigued him as did why he was interested. It explained at least his goading and taunting. He recalled only hearing about it from his mother once. A rite of old times, not often seen these days, millennia old it was. A way used to test more often than not. Kraujas Nirgi. The Blood Dance as it was known to be translated in basic.

If he remembered correctly it was a part mock duel of sorts used to test ability and strength. One part taunting and attempting to goad initially into a fight to test their reactions or lack thereof, followed by a challenge that if denied, brings great shame upon the name of the one who refuses it. Such a mock duel he recalled, are fought not to kill the opponent but was used as a means by the challenger to know someone, allowing for action to reveal the true nature of the people involved and to allow both to gain "satisfaction” from the act of aggression, with the challenger using it to feel the others fury and to test potential. To see if the opponent is demonstrating a willingness and is committed to attain victory no matter the opponent. The ritual usually continued he recalled until first blood was drawn.

He spoke, calmly and attempted to stop anything happening, beyond what he was going to do. What he had little choice to do, although he was also curious as to the interest. So if this was what was wanted, perhaps it would also allow him to understand. Although he was also somewhat amused, everyone else likely had no idea what was happening.

He turned first to Theia and the group "It's alright I think I now know what is going on I think. It's kind of a test, a more ancient one I wasn't expecting. Seems his interest is genuine. The goading is all part of it, kind of to test reaction and observe. It appears I have for some reason been chosen for a special programme, and this is to test my aptitude. It's not really a rite I can refuse or my name is shamed."

He said to hide the fact this was in fact it was probably for an apprenticeship. Or he thought that, he could see no other reason the man might be interested in him...unless He was after his skills as a thief. Regardless he doubted any could question if such a programme existed.

He turned to tell red wavy haired human, the challenger. He knew they didn't necessarily have to go to the arena, a challenge could take place anywhere and room would be made. The guards understood this as did any people around and made room.

"I see, I'm curious how you know of it and why your so interested. Fine I'll go with you, get this over with and see what it's all about. I'm a little surprised wasn't expecting it...not many know of that rite. Especially outsiders even though it's designed for them and us. Can I go at least get into something suitable before we start the show." he said, knowing what he was wearing wouldn't allow for what they wanted.

He turned to Chasdrym.

"Looks like I may have a slight delay, but I'll try not be too long."

@Mythos @GABA @LouJoVi @Phoenix @StephDLegend

 

[Arla]

Arla took Theia's offered hand and shook it (@GABA). Arla, she said. She had no real reason not to give her name, after all.

A challenger called the Sith out a moment later, and Arla's eyes turned to look at the man. She had no real dog in the fight of these two, although Theia nearly throwing herself into a confrontation was a different story.

Seems a little weird that we're just calling out random people on the street now... Arla muttered, not bothering to be quiet enough that she couldn't be heard.

Still, she supposed she'd hang around and watch if Theia did. What was she doing here? Granted, she probably didn't need Arla's protection, but this world... was more than the redhead was likely used to dealing with.

 

[Blaze Firestone]

Blaze's facial expression encompassed his face as he grinned excitedly. It was going to be a show no matter where I took place. He cared little for bystanders and the rule of law. He was Sith after all, and as much as he loathed exertion and preferred using as little effort as possible, there were subjects and beings that peaked his interest from time to time that could stir his ire. Such one was now before him, a chance to fight a Massassi Pureblood. He could barely contain himself.

"My interest is my own." Blaze responded in kind, his desire hungering for the smell of the Pureblood's ichor. But not yet. No, not yet. "But to answer your second question; We are Sith, are we not? Does not your lore and ours stem from the same Master's? The Knowledge is there for those who seek it."

But Blaze had had enough idle chatter for the moment and when the Massassi had asked for a moment to gather proper attire, the Sith Champion only offered a approving nod. Not that it matter to him either way, but if the Pureblood needed time to prepare, he would await him in the Arena. With that, Blaze bid himself a momentary ado, and made his way back into the Arena. When @Karai Hekk-iv-Adas would arrive, a resounding chants of cheering would erupt as the Acolyte and Champion both were introduced to it's paying customers.

The Madness was apparent.

Spoiler: Tags:

@Akheron

 

[Karai Hekk-iv-Adas]

Karai simply nodded as the strange red haired man said little again saying he had an interest without specifically saying why and beyond revealing the fact of what he was and who Karai was for the second time. Although he supposed it would of come out eventually one way or another. But it was not to say he was a little annoyed at not being the one to do it if he had decided.

With very little choice, he gave the others a quick goodbye, telling them he would see them at the arena. Even if he was to be a participant most unexpectedly. In some ways though he was grateful it was not to the death, but a martial duel of sorts. First blood only. He was beginning to highly suspect he was being tested. Nodding he departed for now, giving Chasdrym a smile as if to say I'll be ok.

At least he hoped he would be. He didn't know what would happen, but he would do his best to succeed, to prove himself. If that was what this man wanted. He may have been spoiling for a fight but they would soon see if that decision was a foolish one or not.

Karai arrived at the arena and made his way to the below ground fighting pits and preparation area, where he was fitted with traditional gladiator attire for the event. It allow him to move more freely. Blaze would find he was not permitted to start unless he went below and outfitted himself similarly. So they were on equal footing and none were given an advantage over the other beyond natural skill in the Force and ability at combat.

When the others would get there, they would find the stands packed. Matches were popular entertainment with many wagers made. Sellers even sold some roasted Tuk'ata on wooden kebab sticks, some more spicy than others.

As Karai entered above the walking the platform to the centre, he waved at the crowd. It was always better to have them on your side he found. Standing on the right. He awaited his opponent with no weapons, as were the terms of the rite. Of the Blood Dance. The Kraujas Nirgi.

@Mythos @GABA @LouJoVi @Phoenix @StephDLegend